Designed Thoughts of The Week Vol. 2
Pen Spinning, Mental Illness, and Nu-Metal
Throughout the week, I come across videos, design, music, and other exciting things that I feel are worth sharing. Take a peek and let me know what you think in the comments.
What I’ve Watched
This past week I’ve been addicted to the WIRED youtube channel. You’ve probably watched similar videos, but I wanted to highlight a few that I simply couldn’t click away from.
21 Levels of Pen Spinning.
Who would’ve known there’s actual competition for professional pen spinning? I knew I would love this video because of my admiration for drumstick tricks. I find it intriguing and somewhat impossible to have sticks flying around your fingers while hitting correct notes. The tricks start super simple and work up to championship-level movements and combos. I can barely figure out the popular “around the thumb” trick, so If you can do that, you’re a pro in my eyes.How This Guy Makes Hand Puppets That Move Like Real Creatures
Designer Barnaby Dixon isn't your run-of-the-mill puppeteer. His background in stop-motion animation brings these small creatures to life using various fabrication methods. You may even forget they’re actually puppets due to the sophistication and attention to detail Dixion has put into researching movement, shape, size, and color.How This Guy Mastered the Slinky
Remember that plastic toy made of coils and fun colors? Watch Josh Jacobs remind you of the joy this simple toy brings with a level of sophistication never quite seen before. Personally, I would find so much pleasure in booping people on the head with a slinky.
What I’ve Read
Starting a new book this week called Strangers To Ourselves by Rachel Aviv. Published in 2022, the book focuses on stories that surround mental illness, the mind, and their connection to identity. Haven’t gotten far into it so expect an update soon. Click the link above for a quick preview.
What I’ve Listened To
As a lifelong metalhead, this unexpected cover of Kittie’s 2000 Nu-Metal jam Spit by the Internet’s cult leader Poppy brings a smile to my face. Pure adrenaline and heaviness, yet fused with Poppy’s screeching vocals and distorted synths up to 11. This isn’t Poppy’s first dive into metal music, but judging it from her poppier (no pun intended) discography, it’s always preferred.