Christian Ross

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Iggy Peck, Architect

I mused my love for An Illustrated Guide a few months ago but sadly it’s been a bit neglected since then. Figured I’d steal their thunder and post one I found this week at the library for Cohen who initially didn’t want to check it out but has since requested it back-to-back-to-back on a number of occasions.

Iggy Peck, Architect

Both the illustrations and the story are good in this one. Four thumbs up (Dad and Cohen). Recommended ages 4-8.

Buy on Amazon (affiliate link): http://amzn.to/obJzF4

Iggy Peck, Architect

Iggy Peck, Architect

Freelance Whales – Generator ^ First Floor

A little Friday music for your listening pleasure. A bit hipster but it features a banjo which makes it banjo hipster. Banjo hipster is good. Similar sound to Sufan Stevens which is as hipster as it gets.

This is a great way to start an album. Takes a minute or so to really get going; my only complaint is that I wish it was twice as long.

[audio:http://christianross.net/muxtape/freelancewhales-generator.mp3]
Download

Listen and buy the whole album on Rdio.

Reading Is(n’t) Easy

I’ve chronicled my on-again/off-again relationship with reading books in this space before and 2011 has been another year of the same. When I find a book I enjoy, like others, I have a hard time putting it down. Conversely, I’ve hit on a couple of so-so items this year which cause me to first get bored and then struggle between thinking should I finish it or just decide that the TV is the much easier route to go. Once I get derailed, it takes a bit for me to want to get back into the habit and start the whole process again.

In the last couple of months I have attempted to go a different route than the standard hardcover editions and given a try to reading some stuff on the old digital tablet. I’ve now made it through a couple of books in the Kindle app and am halfway through my second in iBooks. My goal here is not to debate the merits of either platform (I think I prefer the Kindle app at this point) but to quickly point out a new frustration I have with a medium that is still struggling to find its place in this world.

Since I know that having a love for reading is important (and that I’ve got a pretty flimsy relationship with it), one of my favorite things to do is to take my boys every other week or so to the library to get some new books. I let them pick out a few (with the full veto power a dad possesses) and I get to pick out a couple that I think they might like as well. (more…)

A Fashionable Thursday

As I look over the entries for today, I realize I must be in the mood for chopping some wood or building something awesome with my hands. Both of which I do regularly. Could also be my subconscious recognition that I might be ready for fall. I’m definitely ready for the temperature to fall below 100°F (38°C).

Betabrand Harvester Collection – Blueberry & Potato Craftsmen Pants ($95)

Not only are these pants rugged and tough looking, they’re created with 100% organic cotton and a bunch of other eco-friendly terms so you can feel good abut yourself when wearing them. I dig the fact that they’re also released in color according to the California growing season. Reminds me of the Field Notes Brand notebooks.

Betabrand Craftsman Pants - Blueberry and Potato colors

via Betabrand (more…)