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A distinguished architect with a n'er do well son, Sir John Soanes was influential enough to arrange for an *act of parliament* to protect his home as a museum. Why? Because Soanes had traveled what the British considered the "ancient world", collecting antiquities for the purpose of training adult learners how to see and appreciate great art in all its forms. He packed his two interconnected homes - they'd be considered "brownstones" if they were in New York - creating a cabinet of curiosities on a grand scale. He even put yellow glass skylights to try to recreate the effect of "Mediterranean light" for those who might never be able to travel to the countries of origin whence he absconded with his treasures. The museum is a wonder on all levels and there's truly no other place like it.
Sep 18, 2024
Related Recs
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If you’re from brooklyn or new york city or just moved here, i know, this is cliche. But i! Don’t! Care! The truffle popcorn is addicting, even if I'm farting for the rest of the movie, it’s worth it. Plus they have cute little trailers to gab about with your date or friend, but i also go alone because nobody tried to have small talk with you at the movies and you can just disassociate peacefully in blissful high-power air conditioning on a hot nyc summer day. They have guest curators on a monthly basis and do fun screenings of old flicks. Highly recommend it. Nitehawk > Alamo.
Aug 7, 2023
I have another indie theater that I prefer because it’s cozier, has better vibes, is much closer to me, and everybody who works there is genuinely passionate about film. It’s not really anything special visually but it’s a beautiful institution and it’s so fun to be there ❤️
But this one is an old art deco theatre designed by architect John Eberson (he designed Loew’s Paradise in the Bronx and the Paradise Theatre in Chicago)! It’s pretty run down/poorly managed and staffed but it’s a gorgeous building and definitely worth visiting. Not my photos but included for illustrative purposes!!
Nov 14, 2024
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Again, I'm using this category as an umbrella so I can list my favorite movies that I think by watching will make everyone's life better or at least distract you from whatever bullshit is going on in your own life for a moment, and put a smile on your face. Maybe you'll even relate to what the characters in the films are going through and you'll feel a little bit less alone and it will change your life forever. These are my favorite movies that I watch over and over again: An Unmarried Woman, Swingers, Annie Hall, Broken English, Girlfriends. Last Days of Disco, and Hannah and Her Sisters. And one of my favorite theaters to watch movies in in New York City is Metrograph. A sanctuary. A safe haven. The programming is extraordinary. And they have a wonderful restaurant upstairs called The Commissary. Run don't walk.
Mar 31, 2023
Top Recs from @The_Evangelist
As Sigur Ros began to slow down, polymath creative Jón Þór "Jónsi" Birgisson looked to other fragrant pastures. Available online or, if you're in Reykjavík, tucked away in an alley of the oldest part of the city called Fischersund is this range of unusual fragrances. Crafted from Icelandic herbs and materials (including, in one special edition called 4:45am, a barstool reduced to cinders) Fischersund fragrances smell like nothing else you're likely to find. Fresh, funky and original. Just like you, right?
Sep 18, 2024
The son of famed Adirondack designer Barbara Collum, prop master Douglas Collum was constantly pestered by his mother for a candle that looked like a branch which would adorn the homes she designed. Unable to fulfill her request, Collum finally turned to manufacturing a solution. This turned out to be extremely complicated because tree branches are never perfectly straight and there was no simple way to make a mold. Branches had to be soaked in water and straightened out before they could be cast. A decade of trial and error ultimately led to the long-burning Stick Candles which adorn the tables of those who enjoy organic forms. Are they pricey for candles? Sure. Will you see anything like them on someone else's table? Unlikely. (Collum's designs also make fantastic house warming gifts!)
Sep 27, 2024
Guy Beardsley, a British engineer at Rolls-Royce, found himself stymied during the pandemic and set about designing a pepper grinder that is an homage to one belonging to his grandparents. These grinders are gorgeously finished in deep hues, solid cast iron, and will grind like no other grinder you've ever held. These are truly the final solution to your search for the perfect grinder. Be forewarned, however, that at 2+ lbs each, they also double as free weights!
Sep 27, 2024