Update: hat tip Jules Laplace for CSS version that preceded this GIF.
September 2014
don't touch my screen
My "netbook" from four years ago died. Netbooks no longer exist so I searched for an "ultrabook," which is Intel's brand name for a lightweight laptop based on the Macbook Air design.
The challenge was finding one that was new, cheap, didn't use Windows 8.1, and had no touchscreen. Miraculously I found an HP model meeting all these criteria and will be able to use Windows 7 for another four years. It took me about an hour to get all the HP proprietary crap off of it but it's working fine now for email, websurfing, simple graphics, playing music, and other basic functions from the pre-"app" universe.
hat tip foot for hand drawing
Update: The ultrabook above was for illustrative purposes. The model I actually got doesn't have the "mp3 ready" logo that a sharp-eyed viewer was making fun of.
it's a bird, it's a plane, it's Agostino Novello
Daniel Albright, in his highly recommended new book Panaesthetics, discusses this pair of 14th Century altarpiece paintings by Simone Martini, in Siena, Italy. Albright considers how Martini treats time in the paintings. The top image doesn't show a single event, or scene, but works rather like a series of comic book panels. On the left, a vicious dog mauls a little girl. In the center, the Blessed Agostino Novello (who was being promoted as a candidate for sainthood in Siena) swoops down from the ceiling, with his "jet trail" somewhat awkwardly hidden behind a building. On the right, the girl is saved and in the bosom of her thankful family.
A second example employs a similar narrative logic, with Agostino displayed much more prominently as he saves a falling girl -- and even grabs the plank from her balcony lest it strike a passerby (Spider-Man would use his webbing for that latter bit). Renaissance perspective hadn't been invented yet, and the odd jumble of buildings contributes to the cockeyed strangeness, but also charm, of this scenario. These are two of the most beguiling paintings I've seen, in jpeg form or otherwise -- nice to look at, and as fun as a summer blockbuster (more fun because they are quiet).
Molecular Exercises (listening)
Thanks to all who listened to or purchased Molecular Exercises, my latest musical release on Bandcamp. (Above, "Marble" gives it critical scrutiny -- thanks to Ryz for the photo.)
The photo reminded me to mention that the music has bass parts that will vary in audibility depending on the playback device. Molecular Exercises wasn't too bad on my lightweight laptop but a set of those Dr. Dre headphones or the full PA I know you have in your homes is recommended.
Molecular Exercises (new Bandcamp release)
Am pleased, and yet, humbled, to announce a new LP on Bandcamp: Molecular Exercises.
10 tracks, consisting of new material as well as extensive rearrangements of songs posted during my "free download" era. Tracks that had interesting beats (and little else) are mated with ones with mellifluous tunes (and little else) to make complete statements (until these seem incomplete).
This is my eighth release in 2014. Your support in the form of buying the LP or songs would be very encouraging, but all the material can be streamed.