christian ross

Smarties, a tribute

As I stood there staring over the bin, I knew what my target would be. Though I was a fan of gumballs, Sweettarts and Saltwater Taffy – nothing could come between me and the gratifying tastes of Smarties. Twenty-five single sweet treats that never seem to get eaten individually. I had a plan in place and knew this was the day I fulfilled it.

I was always the good one of the bunch growing up. First to tattle on others and equally fast to cower in shame when I knew I had done wrong. But today was going to be different. At ten years of age, I was out to prove myself.

Our neighborhood grocery store was small, larger than a convenience store but much smaller than the big box variety. I bet I made eight laps around its isles that day. My friends as I saw it, had started a life of crime; and like any good follower, I was going to get into the action.

The bins were located near the produce section at the front of the store. They differed from the candy section, which had its equally enticing sugar treats, but I wasn’t ready for such a bold strike on my first attempt. (more…)

A Fashionable Thursday v5

My original intention for AFT this week was to do an all-shoe rundown. That immediately went out the door when possibly the worlds’ best fitting button down shirt came across my desk.

I’ll keep an all-shoe post on the to do list for another week.

Band of Outsiders : button down – sea island

As with most things I wear, I have rules concerning button down shirts. I’m a big fan of button down collars on shirts without a tie. Not so much with one though. Call me crazy but why would a person take the time to dress up a look with a tie and then cinch it off with a couple of buttons on a shirt? Let it breathe.

No need for a tie here, this shirt kills on its own. Slim fit goodness. $325

(via Opening Ceremony) (more…)

They Might Be Giants – The Elements

You might have done better in chemistry class in school if they had videos like TMBG’s take on the periodic table called The Elements.

The final piece will be included on a DVD called “Here Comes Science” by Feel Good Anyway.

Update: The DVD was actually released yesterday, you can pick it up on Amazon.

Al Franken can draw

I’m not a huge fan of Al Franken. He was decent on SNL, and by the looks of it, his freehand drawing skills are pretty good. I wouldn’t be surprised if the music for the video loops consistently to score his every move in life.

On Getting Things Done

A good, quick read from Manton Reece on forging your project(s) ahead and possibly having to sacrifice some things to see them through. I particularly like this little nugget from Gary Vaynerchuck,

“Someone with less passion and talent and poorer content can totally beat you if they’re willing to work longer and harder than you are.”

Upon launching Note & Point last week, I did get a feeling of accomplishment and pride that I hadn’t felt in a while professionally speaking. The ability to take a project from concept to finish in a matter of a few weeks and get the kind of positive feedback we received, it made the idea of doing it again seem much more plausible.

And I didn’t even have to skip a meal.