Silly Sylvie

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

while we are on the subject of the brain...

Something has been on my mind lately:

Everyone has different tastes, whether it be in food, music, art, books....you name it. How is it that we all like such different things?

For example, let's think about music. Why do I gravitate towards indie/alternative, while others like country, or hip hop, etc?

I know that part of this is environmentally based: how we grow up, what we are exposed to, what our friends like. But how much of preference is based on environment and upbringing? Is there a scientific aspect to it? Is there something about the brain that will make one person like rock and another like rap?

Another thing that got me thinking about this was the fact that I didn't like UP as much as most people I know who saw it (except for Steve). Now anyone who knows me knows I love kids stuff, and Pixar, and silly things. But UP was too silly, too ridiculous for even me. Why did I not like the movie as much as so many other people did?

Interesting things to ponder, and I could go on all night about it, but now it is time to read.

More music for you: M. Ward: Never Had Nobody Like You

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

the brain: hidden motives

I was excited to see that episodes of Scientific American Frontiers with Alan Alda are currently on Hulu.com. In this episode about the hidden motives of the brain, Alan takes an interesting test where he is shown a variety of products, ranging from what many consider "cool" and "not cool." When comparing the brain's response to these images to a survey that Alan later fills out about what he thinks of each product, it is determined that Alan reacts negatively to things he feels are not cool, with not much brain activity happening when he looks at a cool object. Other people tested are the other way around: their brain activity increases when they see something they think is cool, and stays fairly normal when they see something uncool.

I wonder where most designers fit in? Maybe we are a combination of both. If you have a few minutes to spare, I reccommend watching at least the first segment of this video...very interesting and relevant to design.

Friday, May 29, 2009

Retro Illustration Friday

Richard Scarry, I am a bunny 1
Originally uploaded by child at art

I guess there is an exhibit in Baltimore that is about the history of Golden Books...oh how I wish I could see it! This picture is from the book "I am a Bunny" by Richard Scarry. I remember my mom reading me this book as a child. It makes me happy to see it again!

Monday, May 25, 2009

the beauty of boston

Yay Boston!

Kids enjoying the weather at the Christian Science Center

My buddy Jason cools off

I love being in a city that is so full of life. On a nice day in Boston, there are so many people outside enjoying the weather. It is a great feeling just sitting by the Charles or in a public area and observing everyone having a good time in the sunshine. Boston seemed especially happy today since everyone was off of work!

I was a little sad this weekend because I was the only one who didn't have someone in town visiting, but I am super excited for Mom to come in a few weeks (even though that means the end of my stay).

But at work we start summer hours this week, which means out at 1 on Friday! Yipee!

Friday, May 22, 2009

What's Wrong with American Husbands? circa 1956

Redbook, February 1956
Originally uploaded by Touch of Retro

I love that tagline on this magazine cover....I wonder what the article says, since this was written in 1956. "They expect us to have dinner ready when they walk in the door!" Haha, actually, some of the complaints probably wouldn't be that different from today! It would be interesting to read similar articles that were written in the 50's and today to compare.

Happy Friday, and a happy Memorial Day Weekend! Looks like its going to be a nice one here in Boston...might even be a little hot!