By Charles Communications Staff
Kimberly Charles
My “must read””: How Art Became Irrelevant by Michael Lewis
Source: Commentary Magazine
"China Through the Looking Glass, Metropolitan Museum of Art NYC 2015" Photo: Kimberly Charles
Why does this stand out to you? I first heard about this article on NPR and it struck a deep chord within me. Having recently returned from NYC where I saw the exhibit China Through the Looking Glass at the Metropolitan Museum, I enjoyed it immensely and left with an appreciation for the curation and deliberation that went into launching an exhibit that accented the influence of China over the centuries in fashion, film and other aspects of our culture. I also encountered crowds akin to a subway train in NY in the early 80s, crushes of people, photographing themselves within the exhibit with selfie sticks all accompanied by a beehive of bustle and energy during the walk through. I agree with Lewis' premise that rather than truly learn about art's significance, people are more and more "experiencing" art. Relevancy for me is huge and knowing our place in time's continuum is key on so many levels. Exhibits that are blockbuster are eclipsing the actual experience of knowing the why and the when of art. This particular story helped give life to something I've been musing on for some time. I'm a fan of technology and a more efficient life but not at art's expense.
Jamie Sutton
Photo: Wine Magazine
My “must read”: 6 Traits of The World’s Healthiest Wines
Source: Wine Folly
Why does this stand out to you? In this wonderful world of wine I often forget that wine is a treat alike chocolate and other indulgences, and it must be considered when trying to watch my figure. This article by Wine Folly guides us on how to drink wine that we love and is realistic to in the constant attempt to be kind to our bodies. I love Wine Folly because they break down the wine world into basics that is not intimidating for the engaged-new comer while still a humbling refresher for the wine aficionado.
Alexandra Fondren
Photo: The New Yorker
My "must read" is from: The New Yorker
Article: The Really Big One
Why is this a must read? This piece, by Kathryn Schulz, went viral almost as soon as it went to print. It describes the Cascadia subduction zone fault line, which lies just north of the San Andreas, underlying the area that spans from roughly Cape Mendocino, CA through Vancouver Island, Canada. It details the 8.7-9.2 earthquake that has a one in ten likelihood of hitting that area of the Pacific Northwest in the next 50 years. Thirteen thousand people are estimated to die in the Cascadia earthquake and tsunami (with one million people displaced), but the part that had the most people talking was when she quoted a FEMA director as stating, "Our operating assumption is that everything west of Interstate 5 will be toast." I don't think anyone was surprised by the hysterical nerve it struck as Schulz, who was moved (or perhaps urged) to write a slightly more mollifying follow-up, recommending emergency preparedness and safety precautions. Perhaps most impressively, 'The Really Big One' reminded me of good, solid journalism: A terrifying, well-researched survey covering a subject (once thought onerous) that no one had heretofore paid much attention to - until now. If you haven't already read it, I highly recommend it.
Ana Roselli
Photo: TrackVia
My “must read”: The Servitude Bubble
Source: Umair Haque
Why does this stand out to you? This essay is a discussion by Umair Haque on the true meaning of a “sharing economy”. We sometimes get ran over by all the new ideas, startups, business models, services and products, that we actually don’t stop to really evaluate the so called “evolution” or “disruption”. How is “sharing economy” a person that comes to your place to deliver alcoholic beverages in the middle of the night? How is “sharing economy” a service that does your laundry for you? This is what Umair means when he entitles it the “servitude bubble”. By breaking down the very concept of technology, which originates from the Greek word “techne”, the author questions the current “tech” industry that is actually right now limiting human skills and therefore potential, instead of enlarging and extending them.
All the Swirl is a collections of thoughts and opinions assembled by the staff and industry friends of Charles Communications Associates, a marketing communications firm with its headquarters in San Francisco, California. We invite you to explore more about our company and clients by visiting www.charlescomm.com.