The Week: March 23, 2012

Though the current weather and the week’s forecast seem to disagree, spring is here. I can’t help but look at the newly budding flowers (they are there, I swear. Underneath the frost. I AM SURE OF IT), and be grateful for the end of winter.

It’s the beginning of a bright new season. Enjoy these links, while I go toss on another sweater (it’s freezing in my office).

—————

Eleanor Clift, who started at Newsweek in the 1960s, and is now a reporter for the magazine, takes a visit to the Mad Men set. And finds it hits rather close to home. (Psst! Some spoilers within if you aren’t all caught up).

—————

And speaking of Mad Men (It comes back THIS MONTH. Can you tell I’m excited?) NPR has a rather awesome interview with George Lois, the influential advertising art director who is said to be the inspiration for Don Draper. His key takeaway? Words come first. I think so, too. (via the always-wordy Philip)

—————

Two people have sent me this already. To them, I say thank you, a million times over. Ahem: Otters that look like Benedict Cumberbatch. (It reminded me of my old, neglected Cats That Look Like Orson Welles Tumblr)

—————

Since we recently torn down the old 99 viaduct here in Seattle, I can’t help but hope this is true: how demolishing freeways is reviving American cities (via the lovely kids of @hopandjaunt)

—————

I am absolutely smitten with Mia Nolting’s collection of lists. From people to whom she owes an apology to the stuff that keeps her up at night, her work is simple, poetic, and utterly inspiring. I may have to make a few of my own. (via my pal Bekka’s design blog, MintedCondition)

—————

Inference is still a huge problem (especially in my house. The look on my hubby’s face when I ask him to pass me the colapasta is delightfully confused), but apparently the benefits of being bilingual are greater than we previously imagined. (via The New York Times)

—————

My amazingly talented friend Skye (she did the painting of Mr. Fishkin and myself that appears in this post) has started selling her creations on Etsy. I may have to buy this lonely buffalo pillow, because it is glorious.

—————

And speaking of talented friends (which might as well be the theme of this round-up), my cohort Mike just launched his new wedding invitation and stationary business, Queer Getting Married. It’s designed, as he succinctly puts it, for “queer couples and allies with good taste.”

—————

I’m certain that, many months ago, I gave the Jedi Kittens video a shout-out on my blog. It delights me to now share the sequel with you: Jedi Kittens Strike Back.

—————

The torrential rain we’ve experienced this week at home has had me listening to “Blonde on Blonde” by Nada Surf on repeat. It’s a lullaby from a giant golden radio.

—————

That’s it for me this week. Have a great first weekend of spring, everyone.