ENJOYABLES

Comfy small-town storytelling and wit from the mid-twentieth century midwest. It's the opposite of a thriller - it's just good for relaxing and smiling. Lake Wobegon is the ultimate "slice of life". So many novels have tension and conflict baked into the plot. But Lake Wobegon is too mundane and petty and pious for that.

Perhaps I'm already biased because I grew up with the radio show "A Prairie Home Companion", also created by Keillor, which features similarly smart and small stories from the same fictional town.

Twelve chapters on web usability, full of tips and side-by-side examples. Many of its examples from 2000s-era websites are still relevant.

It's similar to "The Design of Everyday Things", but with less complaining and academic fluff and more compelling examples. Reading this helped me focus more on reducing friction for users.

I don't usually enjoy sci-fi, but this short story is particularly well-crafted. It combines the typical themes of humankind, tech, and eternity into a powerful surprise ending.

"This is by far my favorite story of all those I have written." - Asimov himself.

It's a children's picture book of baby animals with their mothers. The little hand-painted animal faces are just so endearing. There's seven iconic mother/child duos, including koalas and penguins. I think it's a nice present for moms or babies.

Presumably, "Mommy Hugs", "Mommy Loves", "Daddy Cuddles", and "Daddy Kisses" will be just as charming... although snuggles seem a little extra special.

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Favorite track: Da Da Da Da

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Favorite track: Picture Me Better

The whole album feels like a warm message from a friend. I really enjoy Dr. Dog's vocals and creativity.

It's wistful, comforting, free, raw, plucky, indie rock. Kinda like Neutral Milk Hotel, but rounded out with more texture and variety.

An added bonus: each song flows into the next, and it's all tied together with a train theme. I like when albums are designed to be heard from beginning to end like that.

Favorite track: My Friend

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Favorite track: Change

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This was the first CD I ever bought! It marked my introduction to indie rock.

Frances Quinlan, the lead singer, does a great job telling stories in her songs.

Favorite track: How Simple

Captivating, interesting, wondrous, mighty, soaring, one-of-a-kind, hypnotic, epic, wordless, poignant, powerful, human.

The videography always impresses me. There's a lot of slow-downs, then a lot of speed-ups; a lot of zoom-outs, and a few unnvering close-ups. I feel like you could choose any scene and pick apart the meaning behind the shot. Who would think to put a camera in all those places? It's a masterpiece in editing. Every moment is captivating.

Koyaanisqatsi is best enjoyed with an open mind. It takes a few minutes to immerse yourself, but you'll be rewarded. If you like any of the following ...

• How To With John Wilson
• The Soarin' ride at Epcot
• Nature documentaries
• Philip Glass' music
• People-watching
• Zoning out

... then give this a watch.

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Hi! These are things I enjoyed reading, hearing, and watching. Hopefully you'll enjoy these recommendations too.

I've included links and a brief review for each item. View them all >>>

This page is inspired by:

• people that read a lot of books and listen to a lot of music and love films,
• a simple bookshelf display,
• and talented artists everywhere.