Dine. Travel. Design.

Tonight I went to Boston Public Library to listen to Suzanne Thorin, University Librarian and Dean of Libraries of Syracuse University (my alma mater!), speak about SU’s treasured artifacts and special collections. And what an incredible collection it is! Of course, as always, I wish I knew about it sooner- when I was a student less than 2 years ago. Although there were only a handful of items presented, all had an impact that I wish I had known about- particularly during freshman art history class. I had no idea that SU had nearly 80% of Marcel Breuer’s original architectural design sketches or Margaret Burke-White’s original camera equipment and photography prints and negatives. It truly brings history to life to be able to see first hand the thought process of writers and artists or to appreciate artwork close up!

I was able to snap a few photographs of some artifacts:

It’s not just the sound of “Thomas Edison’s Blue Amber Record,” but the packaging that is significant. Package on right LEFT uses less material and 1 less color- saves on cost, production, and materials! A genius Edison was.

“Illuminated Manuscript,” significant in its use of vellum paper and Gutenberg’s Printing Press over woodblock typography setting. Gorgeous.

The Special Collection (6th floor, Bird Library) is constantly in search of ways to better itself for the use of Syracuse University’s faculty and students. I can’t wait to hear more about the Plastics Collection of the 1940’s-50’s that came from Leominster, MA! This will certainly be a great resource for ID students in Smith Hall

Thanks for the educational evening! Learn more about Syracuse University’s Library here.

EatDrinkDesign intersects culinary delight with design. Seven Dutch chefs and Dutch designers team up in pairs to design and create Signature Snacks, during Dutch Design Week (until Sunday, October 26, 2008).

“Bite3, the snack by Restaurant 1910 & Lonneke Gordijn & Ralph Nauta incorporates nine different tastes – from raw filet of sirloin to oyster – arranged as a tasty mosaic. The sequence in which they are eaten determines the culinary experience.”

See more Images and read the Press Release here

via Wallpaper

I didn’t have the best of days today and coincidently heard a short report about Sarah’s Smash Shack on the radio during my drive home this evening! Too bad it’s all the way out in San Diego, CA. But what a great business concept! Choose from a “menu” of breakables and go into the “Break room” to express your emotions, whatever they may be or just go in to have some fun that you wouldn’t at home Plus broken glass and ceramic is donated to local mosaic artists.

aah, knowing that this place exists makes me feel better already!

YouTube Video Report and YouTube Fun with Photos and more at CNN.com

My Aunt Maria went to Montreal a couple weeks ago to visit her in-laws and brought me back these awesome little chocolate treats! I’ve finally caved in and admired these box of Chocolate Shooters with my eyes for long enough. I tried the Raspberry Daquiri tonight..bite off the top of the pyramid, drink the liquor, and chase with chocolate (or just pop in your mouth for an explosion) Delicious! It’s really the good quality chocolate that made it even better, but definitely can’t dismiss what an experience this makes for enjoying dessert. Awaiting a road trip to check out the lounge and enjoy the other sweets! Check out Suite88 Chocolatier and let me know what you think!

Some links in honor of tonight’s last night’s (I’m a flake sometimes!) GreenDrinks gathering:

• LightsOut, conservation on for city’s tall towers

• Biggest Property owner going green

• Nov 8 Event: Real Green Conference

• earlier post: Green Taxi’s

I was at my cousin’s restaurant this weekend, Blue 22, and placed in front of me was the drink coaster above. The New Glass has been out on the market for over a year now, developed with the help of “world-renowned sensory experts” (Boston.com). Is this a marketing scheme or true R+D efforts to design the new glass? Buy one and test it out for yourself here from Sam Adams.

TopShop now has a US site to shop at online! If you don’t know TopShop, the best way to describe it would be the H+M of the UK. Love it! (oh how I miss London…)

But wait! TopShopNYC is coming this fall… a good reason for a roadtrip

Just a few clever ways to help with cord management and organization in the home and during travel…

ChargerFrame by Naolab

Sombrero by Andrea Ruggiero Design

Wire Stay by Harry Allen

Funny how this has become a need from the development of technology and mobility. Find a slew more at Unplggd

via MocoLoco, BusinessWeek, and Core 77