I spend a lot of time each December 31st thinking about the year behind and the one ahead, taking stock of “where I am”, and attempting to measure progress versus setback. This past year has been as exhilirating as it has been exhausting – much accomplished, and much to celebrate. As 2006’s finish line approaches I feel spent yet triumphant.

Happy New Year, all … care to join me in celebrating with an anthem of stubborn determination?

[audio:thisyear.mp3]

XLR8R – James Rajotte
My good pal James Rajotte’s photo series “High School” is featured on the XLR8R website. See more at www.jamesrajotte.net.
(tags: photography photographers photo)

strange maps
Superb blog featuring scans of odd/old maps of real and imagined places, including Gotham (Batman’s stomping ground) and Tatooine (home to a more famous Luke).
(tags: blog cartography maps)

Thanks to the swift pens of some very deep pocketed check writers, the Thomas Eakins painting The Gross Clinic (left) will be staying put in the city of its origin [via The Philadelphia Inquirer]. Philadelphia’s noblest cultural stewards – led by a $10 million personal donation by the director of the Annenberg Foundation – [...]

Helvetica
Site for an upcoming documentary about the font Helvetica and the way type affects our lives. I am way too excited about this film.
(tags: design fonts typography movies)

Subtraction 7.0
Beautifully designed blog with all sorts of excellent posts on art, design, technology and culture.
(tags: blog design art technology)