Inspired by Murakami

Caroline Hirsch posted over at The New Yorker some works of photographers inspired by Haruki Murakami. Here are a few from that collection that I felt nicely captured the author’s aesthetic.

The Shrine of Apple

The Shrine of Apple: a showcase of every Apple product with “…awesome photos and video.” I found my first computer in college: the monstrous Power Mac G3 All-In-One. It always reminded me of a face with a gigantic screen for a forehead. -_-

Capitalism Works For Me!

Supporters made this Kickstarter project by Steve Lambert happen:

Steve Lambert wanted to build a massive neon sign that asked the very interesting question: “Does capitalism work for you?” He would then take it on a tour of the country, allowing people to vote, and documenting their reactions, thoughts, and interactions with the piece.

The invisible ghostly hand of Adam Smith will ensure that “True” always wins.

[Via]

The World’s Smallest, Toughest Crossword

A seriously gross drawing by Russell Weekes. My answer to the world’s second smallest, toughest crossword is FU.

Liquid Typography

Ruslan Khasanov’s liquid type in motion. Wild.

[Via]

After the Hurricane

Winslow Homer, After the Hurricane, 1899

I love the way he captures the slowly settling sea. I will probably be passed out like the subject in this painting this weekend as well when Hurricane Irene hits New York City, but the cause will most likely be my consumption of my alcohol stashed away for emergencies.

Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs circa 1990. Next indeed. What’s next for Apple with new CEO Tim Cook at the helm?

Steve Jobs

For all the vaunted mystique surrounding Steve Jobs, despite his apparent health issues over the years, there was always something everlasting, if that’s the right word, about him as a leader. I was only 1 percent joking and 99 percent serious when I referred to him as Our Dear Leader. However this photo of him, frail,  resting his head against his wife, Laurene Powell Jobs, after delivering the keynote speech earlier this summer, is a reminder that even the great Steve Jobs is only human. This photo made me think of that old adage that behind every great man is a great woman.

Earlier this year a friend visited me and over a night cap she asked me, “Matt, what are you looking for? I can’t tell. This is why we’re not dating.”

My short answer was “I’m not looking to date you.” My long answer would have been that what I’m looking for is a partner with whom I trust will be there to give me support when I need to rest my head, even if I don’t become a CEO someday. Even if I do become a great man, I want an even greater woman there with me.

Oh yeah, and she should be a super hottie. At least a 9.1.

On a side note: In an uncanny coincidental sense, which a few of my readers that have known me for years and know how far back my history with Apple products go will understand, after an absence of a couple years, I re-embraced Apple by ordering a new Macbook Air this afternoon. Few hours later the wires reported the news of Steve Jobs resignation.

Unintentional Art

Among the photos that The Atlantic posted of damages to The National Cathedral in DC during yesterday’s earthquake, I found this particular photo of a crack in the wall poetic. It almost looks like a contemporary installation.

Earthquake, NYC