Weekend

Happy weekend! Hope it's a good one. We're in for a real scorcher, but we'll be staying cool visiting the nature museum with the folks, checking out the dinosaurs — followed by a bit of lunch (though hopefully not eating like dinosaurs, who weren't noted for their table manners). How about you? What are you doing?


(photo from fantastic frank via chutzpah)

Buffet

This week's links. Enjoy.

British Classics Go Modern
A new iPad app created by the British Library will make available a "treasure trove" of more than 60,000 19th century books. The paid-for app will be launched in full this summer, but until then a thousand titles can be browsed for free. Unlike e-books, the app uses scanned copies of original editions, which its creators say is the ideal way for readers to experience old books the way the original authors intended — including additions like pull-out maps and original illustrations. Download it here. Very cool.

From Brazil With Love: All About Tropicalia
Feeling a bit blue? Then listen to this lovely introduction to tropicalia, which first appeared on Brazil's music scene in the 1960s and is described by NPR as " ... a mix of blues, jazz, folk and psychedelic rock with a distinct local flavor." It'll definitely make a grey day a sunny one.

Why Supermarket Tomatoes Taste So ... Bleah
NPR's Fresh Air host Terry Gross talks to writer Barry Estabrook about his new book Tomatoland — an eye opening look at the tomato industry. Makes me appreciate all the more the delicious real tomatoes from market gardens — and seriously think about growing my own in pots, too.

Pool Into Museum
This is a great example of inspired conversion — a stunning 1930s Art Deco swimming pool in Roubaix, a small town in northern France, was closed in 1985 for safety reasons. Unsure what to do with the iconic building, the city, after consultation with its citizens, decided to convert it into a museum. You have to see the photos — it's just amazing.

Pendulum Sound Machine
Fascinating creation by Japanese designer Kouichi Okamoto, consisting of a record player, two plates, brass rods and iron. When played, it creates a delicate and random ambient sound rather like rainfall, the result of bumps on the record being struck by the brass poles, which in turn tap the plates. Hard to describe — but watch the short video to get the full effect. Via the fox is black.

Wimbledon Fashion Through History
Great Guardian slideshow of what women players at Wimbledon have worn — from the ankle-length dresses of the inaugural women's matches in 1884 to the high tech and high fashion ones worn today.

High Tech Dining
Check out this short video about the future forward Inamo restaurant in London — besides its sustainable interior design, the tables are interactive, allowing diners to choose meals (with an instant preview on your plate), play games while waiting, and even change the table cloth to suit their mood. Amazing. Via Andrew (thanks!)

Summer Vegetarian Feast
Saveur has put together a scrumptious menu based on what you'll find at the summer farmer's market — goat cheese, leek and zucchini galette, chilled green pea soup with fresh basil, tomatoes stuffed with brown rice and feta, spinach salad with oregano vinaigrette and peach cobbler. Yum.


(photo of the home of swedish decorator helene holmstedt by peter phillips for hus & hem. via nice room)

Buffet

This week's links. Enjoy.

Rue Magazine
The May/June issue of Rue is out! Find yourself some quiet time and settle down for another lovely read.

The Old-World Artistry Behind the Modern House of Chanel
About a decade ago, the fashion industry's increasing appetite for fast fashion threatened to close the ateliers — many in operation for more than 150 years — that worked in highly skilled arts like hand beading and embroidery. Chanel then decided to make a daring move and, over the last nine years, bought seven of the most specialized ateliers in Paris, ensuring both the survival of a dying industry and the continuation of the house's own couture techniques. Don't miss the slideshow!

The Secret Ingredient: Quirky Travel Tips
Guardian travel writers reveal how they've made their trips more memorable by getting off the tourist trails — taking house tours, having a project, going on a taxi tour, visiting a sporting event and more. Great ideas for making your next holiday an interesting one.

More Culture = Less Stress
A recent study published in the British Medical Association's Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health finds that people who go to museums and concerts, create art or play an instrument are more satisfied with their lives, regardless of how educated or wealthy they are. Another excellent reason for supporting the arts.

The Tale of the Rose
A review in the Times Literary Supplement of the new book The Rose by Jennifer Potter, which explores how throughout history the rose has not only been valued for its scent and appearance, but as a complex symbol and metaphor, too. Sounds like a lovely read.

Reborn in India
Wallpaper magazine's June edition is devoted to India — check out their website for links by the guest editors for the best of Indian street fashion, destinations, art, boutique hotels and other cool stuff.

Green With Envy
Cute trailer (Amy Adams!) for the new Muppet movie.

Eat With Your Eyes: Five Museums Devoted to Food
These sound like amazing places to visit — definitely a fun and refreshing change from the usual round of art galleries while on holiday (as much as I love visiting those too).


(lovely photo by Pia Ulin)