When I showed you my Ubuntu-based netbook and the CAD software I was running through WINE last summer, you almost seemed hurt when you asked if I had given up on Apple. At the time I quickly dismissed the possibility but looking at the intervening months (even as I compose this on my venerable MacBook Pro) I think the honest truth is a little less shiny.

We got that Apple IIgs in ’87 or ’88. Its capabilities were broad-ranging and we used it in every way possible short of compiling new software. Looking back now, though, its most compelling feature for me was its ability to accept and run BASIC programs, even without disk drives connected. Like the old Sinclair computers in England, there was an understanding that the most basic function of a computer was to run user-created code.
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Tags: Aesthetiophilia, Methodology, Politics, Technophilia, Uncategorized by KahrlZero
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Right. Not exactly anime, I know.

Perhaps I’ve been overly influenced by the fact that a new comics store opened only three blocks away from me recently, but I’ve been on a tear through Transmetropolitan, DMZ, and The Walking Dead these last few weeks. And by tear my inference is that entire days, nay, whole weekends at a time have succumbed to their inky goodness.

Needless to say, my wallet hates me.

Then again, it probably hates you too. But that’s inconsequential. You’re not chained to the thing.

For me at least though, I enjoy the sheer physicality of holding a trade collection, or a book for that matter,  down to the smell of the ink and even paper cuts. Antiquated, I know. But coming across a recent tweet announcing that Joss Whedon’s X-men was going all moving picturish on Hulu put me in mind of this. It’s a remarkable example of the successful convergence of forms. A moving comic. Not animated mind you, simply moving. And frankly, the outcome is really pretty stunning.

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Tags: Aesthetiophilia, Pictoriphilia, Videophilia by Etruscan
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I am not sure exactly when it happened (maybe a year ago?) but one day this magazine appeared on my coffee table that had eccentric and fascinating artwork ingrained on the cover.  It had peaked my interest enough to fan through it quickly and see just what this was all about.  I stopped the pages from flying and paused on a page that made my jaw drop.  I turned another page and another and another and my jaw never closed.  Then I decided to go back to the beginning of the magazine and zip through it page by page, taking my time to examine and read the articles that accompanied the pictures.  Only the “zipping” turned into about an hour or so of reading.  I couldn’t believe some of the amazing work that I was holding in my hand.  I felt like I had found something that the word “cool” or “amazing” could not do full justice to.  I no longer needed to go searching the interwebz, it was right here all in one place, collected for me and my viewing pleasure.

Hi-Fructose Magazine covers:

The latest volume 13 blew my mind so I knew it was time I talked about it and get the word out.  What’s great about this magazine is that I don’t always find everything in it that fits my taste but I can still appreciate it as art.  I know I can’t do it justice so you’re just gonna need to see it for yourself to understand what I mean.  You can order it from the website or grab it a your local bookstore.  Either way, this is a must read to add to your list.

Here are a few covers from their previous issues…

It comes out quarterly and each issue is only $7.  Check out the website for info on artists, art shows, past issues and of course the art world as seen under the counter culture.

Hi-Fructose Magazine link for the non-hipster in you.

Tags: Aesthetiophilia, Pictoriphilia by Nekogirl
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Because it just seems appropriate given our recent stint of impugning of the world around us.  I was awakened by a sweet cup of coffee by my bedside and a loving smile.  When I am happy songs will pop into my mind as if they are the theme for that moment.  I took my cup of sweetness and stared out my window over the streets of the city.  The morning is grey with light bits of rain in between the wind.  The trees still have their orange leaves but only clinging by a small thread to the half-bare trees.  There seem to be more on the ground than on the branches.

I sipped my coffee and this song came into my head and I got that spine-chilling feeling that only happens when you know you’ve heard the truth.  So enjoy the morning air for it is amazingly breathless and full of life but only if you pull it in.

and just for the pure fun of it…this piece of jewel was a rough among the youtubes…

Tags: Aesthetiophilia, Audiophilia, Videophilia by Nekogirl
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Sadly, I’m running a bit short of time the fall evening, so I’ll have to make this one brief. However, I do not come empty-handed. Tonight I’ve managed to round up for you the part 1 and part 2 OVAs for the English subbed release of Battle Angel Alita, apparently released in the US as ‘Gunnm‘ (which was news to me, actually).

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Tags: Aesthetiophilia, Videophilia by Etruscan
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