http://www.good.is/Perspectives on a smarter, better, and slower future.Sun, 27 May 2012 12:44:53 -0700CakePHPhourly1en-us http://www.good.is/post/issue-018-graphic-statement/ http://www.good.is/post/issue-018-graphic-statement/

This illustration originally appeared as the Graphic Statement for GOOD Issue 018: The Slow Issue. You can see the full image here. You can read more from The Slow Issue here.



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This illustration originally appeared as the Graphic Statement for GOOD Issue 018: The Slow Issue. You can see the full image here. You can read more from The Slow Issue here.



]]> GOOD Fri, 5 Feb 2010 07:30:36 PST http://www.good.is/post/the-century-camera/ http://www.good.is/post/the-century-camera/

See what develops over the next 100 years.

The Century Camera appears in GOOD Issue 18, which is on newsstands now. While you can try printing your pinhole camera at home on a color inkjet or laser printer-make sure you print it double-sided, as you need both sides to make it work-the thicker ink of a printing press will probably give you better results over the next century or so. We recommend you go pick up a copy of GOOD Issue 18: The Slow Issue. But, if you want to give it a go, here's a PDF version of the page from the magazine.

As you flip to the next page, rip it out. Cut, prick, fold, glue. You've just constructed a pinhole camera that will take a single picture with a 100-year-long exposure. Since you'll need to fix the camera in the same position until 2110, find a place that matters to you enough to document the next century of change (it will still work if you move it, the image will just be more abstract). It doesn't have to be an endangered rainforest. It could be your own neighborhood.

This camera is a simple instrument. The pinhole lets in a little light each day, focusing it on the black ink at the back of the box. The ink will gradually fade as light streams into the camera, preserving a unique positive print of the illuminated landscape. Nothing fast-paced will be captured-neither people nor machines-but transformations over decades will register as shades of ghostly gray, and whatever remains constant will look as sharp as it would in an instantaneous snapshot.

You may not be around to see the results of your work. But if your children watch over it and protect it from the elements, and if your camera weathers the next hundred years, then your grandchildren will receive a revealing inheritance. What's more, the following generation of GOOD readers will have the opportunity to view the image you've made in a special folio that the editors have committed to printing in 2110.

In the meantime, you may come across cameras set up by other readers. They might be encountered anywhere, or rest unobserved for the whole hundred years, thousands of black-box time capsules collectively witnessing our world in transition.



]]>

See what develops over the next 100 years.

The Century Camera appears in GOOD Issue 18, which is on newsstands now. While you can try printing your pinhole camera at home on a color inkjet or laser printer-make sure you print it double-sided, as you need both sides to make it work-the thicker ink of a printing press will probably give you better results over the next century or so. We recommend you go pick up a copy of GOOD Issue 18: The Slow Issue. But, if you want to give it a go, here's a PDF version of the page from the magazine.

As you flip to the next page, rip it out. Cut, prick, fold, glue. You've just constructed a pinhole camera that will take a single picture with a 100-year-long exposure. Since you'll need to fix the camera in the same position until 2110, find a place that matters to you enough to document the next century of change (it will still work if you move it, the image will just be more abstract). It doesn't have to be an endangered rainforest. It could be your own neighborhood.

This camera is a simple instrument. The pinhole lets in a little light each day, focusing it on the black ink at the back of the box. The ink will gradually fade as light streams into the camera, preserving a unique positive print of the illuminated landscape. Nothing fast-paced will be captured-neither people nor machines-but transformations over decades will register as shades of ghostly gray, and whatever remains constant will look as sharp as it would in an instantaneous snapshot.

You may not be around to see the results of your work. But if your children watch over it and protect it from the elements, and if your camera weathers the next hundred years, then your grandchildren will receive a revealing inheritance. What's more, the following generation of GOOD readers will have the opportunity to view the image you've made in a special folio that the editors have committed to printing in 2110.

In the meantime, you may come across cameras set up by other readers. They might be encountered anywhere, or rest unobserved for the whole hundred years, thousands of black-box time capsules collectively witnessing our world in transition.



]]> Jonathon Keats Thu, 21 Jan 2010 09:30:25 PST http://www.good.is/post/read-a-book/ http://www.good.is/post/read-a-book/

This article is part of The GOOD (and ReadyMade) Guide to Slowing Down, from GOOD Issue 18. Read more of the guide here.

Finally, turn off your TV, computer, stereo, iPod, cell phone, Kindle, etc. and… read a book. Yes, that's right, go old school and pick up a printed piece of literature. Not only does reading a book take some time but-yes, we're biased-print just makes everything a little better. Here are 10 books that will help you slow down, relax, and reconsider your place in the world.

Possum Living: How to Live Well Without a Job and With (Almost) No Money, by Dolly Freed

A 1970s counterculture classic just rereleased by Tin House, written by an 18-year-old who lived outside of the "money economy" with her father for five years. With a new afterword by the author.

Growing Up Absurd: Problems of Youth in the Organized System, by Paul Goodman

First published in 1956, the book is a screed against the options open to young people in a world that the author saw becoming dominated by The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit–style conformity. Old-fashioned yet prescient.

Then We Came to the End, by Joshua Ferris

Engrossing and very funny novel about the absurdity of the modern workplace, told in first-person plural by a group of employees waiting for the other shoe to drop during the technology bust of the early 2000s.

Bicycle Diaries, by David Byrne

The world's great cities seem even more spectacular and provocative on bike, through the eyes of Talking Heads front man David Byrne. He raves, muses, and rides-only ranting when completely necessary. In one case he describes Southern California as "a residential theme park in what is essentially a desert." It's one for the ages.

Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley

In this new world, a hyper-controlled environment, society worships Henry Ford, the assembly-line system takes the place of natural reproduction and outcasts feel enormous pressure to fit in. Questions about the hive mind and individuality spark interesting conversations.

The Outlaw Bible of American Poetry, edited by Alan Kaufman and S.A. Griffin

Just from its sheer size, this one is impressive. Within the mass lie dozens of poets, musicians, artists, novelists, journalists, and other riffraff from the 20th-century poetic undercurrent. Definitely a book that you can pick up time and again and always find something new.

The Elements of Style Illustrated, by William Strunk, Jr., and E. B. White, illustrated by Maira Kalman

The ubiquitous journalism-school text got quite the makeover. With subtle humor and vivid colors, Kalman put brush to paper to show the many rules of the English language, illuminating proper word choices with whimsical pictures.

Great Peacemakers: True Stories from Around the World, by Ken Beller and Heather Chase
True stories of 20 influential people-from peace powerhouses and lesser-known advocates alike-are enough to bring out the activist in all of us. It's actually what comes after the book, the inspiration and subsequent discussion, that makes it so powerful.

Conquest of the Useless: Reflections from the Making of Fitzcarraldo, by Werner Herzog

Herzog delved deep into the rain forests of Ecuador and Peru in the late 1970s and early 1980s to make a movie about a rubber baron (Fitzcarraldo) who needs to haul a 320-ton steamship over a giant hill to access rich rubber resources. Things went disastrously wrong with the production, but still resulted in an amazing film. It's a compelling story on the big screen but maybe even more so on the printed page.

Rats: Observations on the History and Habitat of the City's Most Unwanted Inhabitants, by Robert Sullivan

Simply the best book ever written on vermin and, if you ask us, one of the best books ever written, period. Sullivan takes to the streets of America to study those most hated and feared critters. What could have been a tired and trite treatise on a rather disgusting subject is turned into a remarkably funny adventure through the real underworld.

Our Good Guide to Slowing Down was a unique collaboration with our friends at ReadyMade magazine.  Check out their good work at ReadyMade.com, and follow them on Twitter at @ReadyMadeTweets.

Illustration by Tim Lahan]]>

This article is part of The GOOD (and ReadyMade) Guide to Slowing Down, from GOOD Issue 18. Read more of the guide here.

Finally, turn off your TV, computer, stereo, iPod, cell phone, Kindle, etc. and… read a book. Yes, that's right, go old school and pick up a printed piece of literature. Not only does reading a book take some time but-yes, we're biased-print just makes everything a little better. Here are 10 books that will help you slow down, relax, and reconsider your place in the world.

Possum Living: How to Live Well Without a Job and With (Almost) No Money, by Dolly Freed

A 1970s counterculture classic just rereleased by Tin House, written by an 18-year-old who lived outside of the "money economy" with her father for five years. With a new afterword by the author.

Growing Up Absurd: Problems of Youth in the Organized System, by Paul Goodman

First published in 1956, the book is a screed against the options open to young people in a world that the author saw becoming dominated by The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit–style conformity. Old-fashioned yet prescient.

Then We Came to the End, by Joshua Ferris

Engrossing and very funny novel about the absurdity of the modern workplace, told in first-person plural by a group of employees waiting for the other shoe to drop during the technology bust of the early 2000s.

Bicycle Diaries, by David Byrne

The world's great cities seem even more spectacular and provocative on bike, through the eyes of Talking Heads front man David Byrne. He raves, muses, and rides-only ranting when completely necessary. In one case he describes Southern California as "a residential theme park in what is essentially a desert." It's one for the ages.

Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley

In this new world, a hyper-controlled environment, society worships Henry Ford, the assembly-line system takes the place of natural reproduction and outcasts feel enormous pressure to fit in. Questions about the hive mind and individuality spark interesting conversations.

The Outlaw Bible of American Poetry, edited by Alan Kaufman and S.A. Griffin

Just from its sheer size, this one is impressive. Within the mass lie dozens of poets, musicians, artists, novelists, journalists, and other riffraff from the 20th-century poetic undercurrent. Definitely a book that you can pick up time and again and always find something new.

The Elements of Style Illustrated, by William Strunk, Jr., and E. B. White, illustrated by Maira Kalman

The ubiquitous journalism-school text got quite the makeover. With subtle humor and vivid colors, Kalman put brush to paper to show the many rules of the English language, illuminating proper word choices with whimsical pictures.

Great Peacemakers: True Stories from Around the World, by Ken Beller and Heather Chase
True stories of 20 influential people-from peace powerhouses and lesser-known advocates alike-are enough to bring out the activist in all of us. It's actually what comes after the book, the inspiration and subsequent discussion, that makes it so powerful.

Conquest of the Useless: Reflections from the Making of Fitzcarraldo, by Werner Herzog

Herzog delved deep into the rain forests of Ecuador and Peru in the late 1970s and early 1980s to make a movie about a rubber baron (Fitzcarraldo) who needs to haul a 320-ton steamship over a giant hill to access rich rubber resources. Things went disastrously wrong with the production, but still resulted in an amazing film. It's a compelling story on the big screen but maybe even more so on the printed page.

Rats: Observations on the History and Habitat of the City's Most Unwanted Inhabitants, by Robert Sullivan

Simply the best book ever written on vermin and, if you ask us, one of the best books ever written, period. Sullivan takes to the streets of America to study those most hated and feared critters. What could have been a tired and trite treatise on a rather disgusting subject is turned into a remarkably funny adventure through the real underworld.

Our Good Guide to Slowing Down was a unique collaboration with our friends at ReadyMade magazine.  Check out their good work at ReadyMade.com, and follow them on Twitter at @ReadyMadeTweets.

Illustration by Tim Lahan]]> GOOD Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:00:03 PST http://www.good.is/post/make-yourself-a-place-to-escape/ http://www.good.is/post/make-yourself-a-place-to-escape/

This article is part of The GOOD (and ReadyMade) Guide to Slowing Down, from GOOD Issue 18. Read more of the guide here.

Travelers to the coastal resorts of Mexico-Tulum, say-might have already experienced the world's single best piece of furniture. Consisting of a mattress supported on a wooden platform swinging gently from four lengths of rope, a Mexican swing bed looks like the product of an illicit bed-hammock union, and there's no better place to spend an afternoon. Because luxurious beach vacations don't happen every day, we taught ourselves how to get the swing bed, without the Mexico. This should give you an idea of how to get your bed together.

The Steps

1.    Procure a mattress. We recommend a full.

2.    Cover the mattress completely in waterproof fabric. Fix the seams with waterproof tape.

3.    Construct a platform of two-by-fours to support the mattress. Use sturdy bolts as fasteners.

4.    Tie a length of strong rope around each corner of your platform.

5a.  To suspend your glider from an existing structure (such as the ceiling of a porch), fasten four large eye hooks to sturdy areas of your structure. Tie the other ends of the rope to them, hanging your platform at the desired height. Set the mattress on the platform, hop on, and unwind.

5b.  To make a freestanding glider, you need to build supports. This means digging holes and pouring concrete to anchor four sturdy vertical beams (which should be at least eight feet tall). Cut a notch in the top of each vertical beam big enough to seat two additional beams to run parallel to each other, from the head to the foot of your mattress platform. Once the vertical beams are in place, bolt the upper beams to them. Tie the other ends of the rope on your platform to the upper beams, suspending the mattress platform at the desired height. Use bamboo or tiki-hut thatch to build a shade-providing ceiling, if you like. Put the mattress in place, and then jump up there and take a load off.

6.    Close your eyes and picture an undulating shoreline of white sand with tiny, cerulean waves...

Our Good Guide to Slowing Down was a unique collaboration with our friends at ReadyMade magazine.  Check out their good work at ReadyMade.com, and follow them on Twitter at @ReadyMadeTweets.

Illustration by Tim Lahan]]>

This article is part of The GOOD (and ReadyMade) Guide to Slowing Down, from GOOD Issue 18. Read more of the guide here.

Travelers to the coastal resorts of Mexico-Tulum, say-might have already experienced the world's single best piece of furniture. Consisting of a mattress supported on a wooden platform swinging gently from four lengths of rope, a Mexican swing bed looks like the product of an illicit bed-hammock union, and there's no better place to spend an afternoon. Because luxurious beach vacations don't happen every day, we taught ourselves how to get the swing bed, without the Mexico. This should give you an idea of how to get your bed together.

The Steps

1.    Procure a mattress. We recommend a full.

2.    Cover the mattress completely in waterproof fabric. Fix the seams with waterproof tape.

3.    Construct a platform of two-by-fours to support the mattress. Use sturdy bolts as fasteners.

4.    Tie a length of strong rope around each corner of your platform.

5a.  To suspend your glider from an existing structure (such as the ceiling of a porch), fasten four large eye hooks to sturdy areas of your structure. Tie the other ends of the rope to them, hanging your platform at the desired height. Set the mattress on the platform, hop on, and unwind.

5b.  To make a freestanding glider, you need to build supports. This means digging holes and pouring concrete to anchor four sturdy vertical beams (which should be at least eight feet tall). Cut a notch in the top of each vertical beam big enough to seat two additional beams to run parallel to each other, from the head to the foot of your mattress platform. Once the vertical beams are in place, bolt the upper beams to them. Tie the other ends of the rope on your platform to the upper beams, suspending the mattress platform at the desired height. Use bamboo or tiki-hut thatch to build a shade-providing ceiling, if you like. Put the mattress in place, and then jump up there and take a load off.

6.    Close your eyes and picture an undulating shoreline of white sand with tiny, cerulean waves...

Our Good Guide to Slowing Down was a unique collaboration with our friends at ReadyMade magazine.  Check out their good work at ReadyMade.com, and follow them on Twitter at @ReadyMadeTweets.

Illustration by Tim Lahan]]> GOOD Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:30:40 PST http://www.good.is/post/watch-your-garden-grow/ http://www.good.is/post/watch-your-garden-grow/

This article is part of The GOOD (and ReadyMade) Guide to Slowing Down, from GOOD Issue 18. Read more of the guide here.

If you believe the Supremes, and we think it's only wise to, you know that you can't hurry love. Another thing you can't hurry is a plant. Flowers and vegetables pretty much grow at the speed nature intended, and that's one reason gardening is such an, ahem, grounding pursuit in a world where we're always being exhorted to do everything more quickly. You don't need to till an acre of yard, either. Urban dwellers can get in on it by starting a container garden.

1. If you have access to an outdoor fence, create a growing wall by cutting the tops off of empty plastic bottles, filling them with soil and fertilizer, and fastening them with wire to a fence. (Don't forget to make drainage holes in the bottom of your bottles.)

2. If you're blessed with a fire escape or a little bit of outdoor space, play around with container-gardening options. Container gardening is a great way to repurpose household items that would otherwise be junked: old rubber work boots, woven plastic tote bags, plastic sandbags, worn-out pots, old wooden boxes, decorative tins. Remember to drill drainage holes in any nonporous containers.

3. If you're an apartment-dweller, look into Window Farms, an open-source gardening experiment initiated by two Brooklyn-based artists named Britta Riley and Rebecca Bray. Their vertical, hydroponic system, which uses cast-off plastic bottles and a small electric pump, can be as simple or as complicated as you want it to be. Visit windowfarms.org for tips.

Our Good Guide to Slowing Down was a unique collaboration with our friends at ReadyMade magazine.  Check out their good work at ReadyMade.com, and follow them on Twitter at @ReadyMadeTweets.

Illustration by Tim Lahan]]>

This article is part of The GOOD (and ReadyMade) Guide to Slowing Down, from GOOD Issue 18. Read more of the guide here.

If you believe the Supremes, and we think it's only wise to, you know that you can't hurry love. Another thing you can't hurry is a plant. Flowers and vegetables pretty much grow at the speed nature intended, and that's one reason gardening is such an, ahem, grounding pursuit in a world where we're always being exhorted to do everything more quickly. You don't need to till an acre of yard, either. Urban dwellers can get in on it by starting a container garden.

1. If you have access to an outdoor fence, create a growing wall by cutting the tops off of empty plastic bottles, filling them with soil and fertilizer, and fastening them with wire to a fence. (Don't forget to make drainage holes in the bottom of your bottles.)

2. If you're blessed with a fire escape or a little bit of outdoor space, play around with container-gardening options. Container gardening is a great way to repurpose household items that would otherwise be junked: old rubber work boots, woven plastic tote bags, plastic sandbags, worn-out pots, old wooden boxes, decorative tins. Remember to drill drainage holes in any nonporous containers.

3. If you're an apartment-dweller, look into Window Farms, an open-source gardening experiment initiated by two Brooklyn-based artists named Britta Riley and Rebecca Bray. Their vertical, hydroponic system, which uses cast-off plastic bottles and a small electric pump, can be as simple or as complicated as you want it to be. Visit windowfarms.org for tips.

Our Good Guide to Slowing Down was a unique collaboration with our friends at ReadyMade magazine.  Check out their good work at ReadyMade.com, and follow them on Twitter at @ReadyMadeTweets.

Illustration by Tim Lahan]]> GOOD Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:00:20 PST http://www.good.is/post/slowpokes-hall-of-fame/ http://www.good.is/post/slowpokes-hall-of-fame/

This article is part of The GOOD (and ReadyMade) Guide to Slowing Down, from GOOD Issue 18. Read more of the guide here.

For further proof that faster isn't always better, we bestow honors upon some particularly impressive slugs.

Henry David Thoreau

The author of Walden-the back-to-the-land manifesto written to counteract the deadening effects of the Industrial Revolution-is still the patron saint of anyone who wishes life had a pause button. (Ignore the fact that he went home from his cabin on the weekends to have someone else do his laundry.)

Three-toed sloth

This South American tree dweller is the slowest mammal on earth, with a top land speed of about 0.15 miles per hour.

Dr. Alice Bunker Stockham

Move over, Sting: This Victorian-era ob-gyn was the original proponent of Karezza, a Tantra-derived sexual technique for delaying orgasm in order to prolong mutual pleasure.

W.T. Rabe

As a reaction against the running craze of the 1970s, Rabe created World Sauntering Day, still celebrated on June 19 by moseyers and meanderers everywhere.

Lloyd Scott

Having already completed marathons wearing an antique diving suit and an Iron Giant costume, Scott broke his own record for slowest marathon finish when, wearing a suit of armor and dragging a 200-pound dragon, he crossed the finish line of the 2006 London race in 8 days, 13 minutes.

Odysseus

Are we there yet? This Greek hero's legendarily epic journey home from the Trojan War was plagued by shipwrecks, Cyclopes, and-let's face it-a fair bit of dawdling.

Helen Hooven Santmyer

Santmyer's novel …And Ladies of the Club was published in 1982-more than 50 years after she started writing it. It topped the New York Times best-seller list. Today, there are 2.5 million copies in print.

Thuja occidentalis

One specimen of this coniferous tree discovered in Canada's Great Lakes region had reached a whopping height of four inches in 155 years.

The Poky Little Puppy

This curious pooch-star of America's best-selling children's book not featuring Harry Potter-has taught generations of kids how to stop and smell the roses. And the lizards, and the caterpillars…

Illustration by Tim Lahan]]>

This article is part of The GOOD (and ReadyMade) Guide to Slowing Down, from GOOD Issue 18. Read more of the guide here.

For further proof that faster isn't always better, we bestow honors upon some particularly impressive slugs.

Henry David Thoreau

The author of Walden-the back-to-the-land manifesto written to counteract the deadening effects of the Industrial Revolution-is still the patron saint of anyone who wishes life had a pause button. (Ignore the fact that he went home from his cabin on the weekends to have someone else do his laundry.)

Three-toed sloth

This South American tree dweller is the slowest mammal on earth, with a top land speed of about 0.15 miles per hour.

Dr. Alice Bunker Stockham

Move over, Sting: This Victorian-era ob-gyn was the original proponent of Karezza, a Tantra-derived sexual technique for delaying orgasm in order to prolong mutual pleasure.

W.T. Rabe

As a reaction against the running craze of the 1970s, Rabe created World Sauntering Day, still celebrated on June 19 by moseyers and meanderers everywhere.

Lloyd Scott

Having already completed marathons wearing an antique diving suit and an Iron Giant costume, Scott broke his own record for slowest marathon finish when, wearing a suit of armor and dragging a 200-pound dragon, he crossed the finish line of the 2006 London race in 8 days, 13 minutes.

Odysseus

Are we there yet? This Greek hero's legendarily epic journey home from the Trojan War was plagued by shipwrecks, Cyclopes, and-let's face it-a fair bit of dawdling.

Helen Hooven Santmyer

Santmyer's novel …And Ladies of the Club was published in 1982-more than 50 years after she started writing it. It topped the New York Times best-seller list. Today, there are 2.5 million copies in print.

Thuja occidentalis

One specimen of this coniferous tree discovered in Canada's Great Lakes region had reached a whopping height of four inches in 155 years.

The Poky Little Puppy

This curious pooch-star of America's best-selling children's book not featuring Harry Potter-has taught generations of kids how to stop and smell the roses. And the lizards, and the caterpillars…

Illustration by Tim Lahan]]> GOOD Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:30:18 PST http://www.good.is/post/interview-the-handmade-tree-chair/ http://www.good.is/post/interview-the-handmade-tree-chair/

This article is part of The GOOD (and ReadyMade) Guide to Slowing Down, from GOOD Issue 18. Read more of the guide here.

Peter Cook and Becky Northey, Australians, wanted to see if it was possible to grow a chair. So they tried. Then they tried growing other things-mirror frames, tables, tree people-and the results are what they call Pooktres.

Why a tree chair? We started exploring the possibility of "I wonder if I can grow a chair" in 1987. So we began playing with Pete's original concept of creating with trees.

How long does it take to make a Pooktre? From one to 10 growing seasons, depending on the design.

How many parts are there? Either one tree or small groupings of trees.

What is the hardest part about making one? Getting the design and framework right, understanding your tree's reactions. The more gradual the shaping of the tree the better.

How many did you  make? We have about 70 different art projects on the go.

Why are your chairs better than mass-produced ones you can get at a store? Creating with living trees is the way of the future. Once there is a method that other people can replicate, trees will be viewed differently, therefore transforming the world.

Can you share a few words of wisdom about the benefits of doing things the slow way? Many people believe tree-shaping takes far too long, but that is not how tree-shaping should be viewed. Rather, think of it like this: The time you spend shaping a tree is captured by the tree, and then amplified over time. Twenty, 30, 50, or maybe a few hundred years from now, people will be able to see and enjoy a tree that you shaped. Why not leave a gift for the future?

LEARN MORE: To see the chair and other tree creations, visit pooktre.com

Illustration by Tim Lahan]]>

This article is part of The GOOD (and ReadyMade) Guide to Slowing Down, from GOOD Issue 18. Read more of the guide here.

Peter Cook and Becky Northey, Australians, wanted to see if it was possible to grow a chair. So they tried. Then they tried growing other things-mirror frames, tables, tree people-and the results are what they call Pooktres.

Why a tree chair? We started exploring the possibility of "I wonder if I can grow a chair" in 1987. So we began playing with Pete's original concept of creating with trees.

How long does it take to make a Pooktre? From one to 10 growing seasons, depending on the design.

How many parts are there? Either one tree or small groupings of trees.

What is the hardest part about making one? Getting the design and framework right, understanding your tree's reactions. The more gradual the shaping of the tree the better.

How many did you  make? We have about 70 different art projects on the go.

Why are your chairs better than mass-produced ones you can get at a store? Creating with living trees is the way of the future. Once there is a method that other people can replicate, trees will be viewed differently, therefore transforming the world.

Can you share a few words of wisdom about the benefits of doing things the slow way? Many people believe tree-shaping takes far too long, but that is not how tree-shaping should be viewed. Rather, think of it like this: The time you spend shaping a tree is captured by the tree, and then amplified over time. Twenty, 30, 50, or maybe a few hundred years from now, people will be able to see and enjoy a tree that you shaped. Why not leave a gift for the future?

LEARN MORE: To see the chair and other tree creations, visit pooktre.com

Illustration by Tim Lahan]]> GOOD Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:00:23 PST http://www.good.is/post/spruce-up-your-home-at-least-once-a-year/ http://www.good.is/post/spruce-up-your-home-at-least-once-a-year/

This article is part of The GOOD (and ReadyMade) Guide to Slowing Down, from GOOD Issue 18. Read more of the guide here.

A simple rearranging of your living space will not only make you slow down but will also brighten your mood, obviate the need to buy more crap, and bring you a whole new space on a budget of practically zero.

1. Try moving furniture to different rooms. Take that sleek chair from your bedroom, for instance. Wouldn’t it look lovely next to your puffy couch instead of that comfortable recliner? Then move the recliner to a little nook facing a window—the perfect afternoon reading spot.

2. Troll Etsy for handmade art without gallery prices. Go with your gut: If something strikes you right off the bat, chances are you can find a place for it in your home. Look for smaller, cheaper pieces too, and form a cluster.

3. Not everything has to sit against a wall. Play with the proportions of a room, and don’t get stuck always putting the couch flat against the wall. Think angles, intimate spaces, and flow. If the most popular room in your house is the kitchen, don’t place the sofa facing away from it.

4. Have an awesome view of the changing leaves? Make that your focal point in the fall. The fireplace makes for a cozy focus in winter, then in the wet spring, you may want to swtich to DVD watching and switch it to the television. Just call it seasonal impression.

5. If dealing with the mess of painting or the anxiety of choosing the perfect color stresses you out, try panels of fabric instead. Hang them on one wall, floor to ceiling, for the greatest impact: instant texture, pattern, color, and personality.

6. Ugly carpet is the worst. Instead of replacing it, get a rug. Sure, they can be expensive, but if you get a display model, it’ll save a lot of dough and cover a ton of surface area.

7. Make piles work for you. Magazines with no rack to hold them? Put a stack or two together and place a solid piece of material up top to form a table. Same is true for books: Secure a few bundles with large, industrial rubber bands to form a cube. Instant ottoman.

8. Anytime you come across fabric that speaks to you, snatch it up. You never know when those lumpy throw pillows will need a new cover, and you’ll already have the beloved fabric on hand.

9. Plants breathe life into a space. Literally. If your room is stagnant, make a windowsill herb garden. Take an old loaf pan, add some sand and soil, and plant two or three of your favorite seedlings. Not only will it look charming, it will also bring fresh flavors straight to the kitchen.

Our Good Guide to Slowing Down was a unique collaboration with our friends at ReadyMade magazine.  Check out their good work at ReadyMade.com, and follow them on Twitter at @ReadyMadeTweets.

Illustration by Tim Lahan]]>

This article is part of The GOOD (and ReadyMade) Guide to Slowing Down, from GOOD Issue 18. Read more of the guide here.

A simple rearranging of your living space will not only make you slow down but will also brighten your mood, obviate the need to buy more crap, and bring you a whole new space on a budget of practically zero.

1. Try moving furniture to different rooms. Take that sleek chair from your bedroom, for instance. Wouldn’t it look lovely next to your puffy couch instead of that comfortable recliner? Then move the recliner to a little nook facing a window—the perfect afternoon reading spot.

2. Troll Etsy for handmade art without gallery prices. Go with your gut: If something strikes you right off the bat, chances are you can find a place for it in your home. Look for smaller, cheaper pieces too, and form a cluster.

3. Not everything has to sit against a wall. Play with the proportions of a room, and don’t get stuck always putting the couch flat against the wall. Think angles, intimate spaces, and flow. If the most popular room in your house is the kitchen, don’t place the sofa facing away from it.

4. Have an awesome view of the changing leaves? Make that your focal point in the fall. The fireplace makes for a cozy focus in winter, then in the wet spring, you may want to swtich to DVD watching and switch it to the television. Just call it seasonal impression.

5. If dealing with the mess of painting or the anxiety of choosing the perfect color stresses you out, try panels of fabric instead. Hang them on one wall, floor to ceiling, for the greatest impact: instant texture, pattern, color, and personality.

6. Ugly carpet is the worst. Instead of replacing it, get a rug. Sure, they can be expensive, but if you get a display model, it’ll save a lot of dough and cover a ton of surface area.

7. Make piles work for you. Magazines with no rack to hold them? Put a stack or two together and place a solid piece of material up top to form a table. Same is true for books: Secure a few bundles with large, industrial rubber bands to form a cube. Instant ottoman.

8. Anytime you come across fabric that speaks to you, snatch it up. You never know when those lumpy throw pillows will need a new cover, and you’ll already have the beloved fabric on hand.

9. Plants breathe life into a space. Literally. If your room is stagnant, make a windowsill herb garden. Take an old loaf pan, add some sand and soil, and plant two or three of your favorite seedlings. Not only will it look charming, it will also bring fresh flavors straight to the kitchen.

Our Good Guide to Slowing Down was a unique collaboration with our friends at ReadyMade magazine.  Check out their good work at ReadyMade.com, and follow them on Twitter at @ReadyMadeTweets.

Illustration by Tim Lahan]]> GOOD Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:30:00 PST http://www.good.is/post/interview-the-handmade-radio/ http://www.good.is/post/interview-the-handmade-radio/

This article is part of The GOOD (and ReadyMade) Guide to Slowing Down, from GOOD Issue 18. Read more of the guide here.

Singgih Kartono wanted to improve the economic conditions of his fellow Indonesian villagers. He also wanted to build a low-fi radio out of sustainably harvested wood. He married the two with a cult design hit.

Why a radio? Radios and wood carry similar philosophies: Wood tells us about life, balance, and limitations; it's perfect because of its imperfectness-so is a radio. It's an imperfect gadget that gives us the possibility to do other activities at the same time. But, most of all, I myself just love that gadget.

How long does it take to make one? Sixteen hours.

How many parts are there? About 40.

What was the hardest part to get your hands on? The electronic parts. Many companies gave me a very high minimum order. That was impossible to do, so I decided to buy a radio in the market. I broke it down and used the electronic part. Fortunately, my shortcut worked.

How many did you make? Two hundred to 250 radios each month.

Why is your radio better than a mass-produced one you can get at a store? Because of its imperfectness. Minimal graphics, no coating finish, a simple shape, beautiful details-all of that will build a deeper product-user relationship. I believe a person who has my radio will not easily lend it to other people because it becomes more personal.

Can you share a few words of wisdom about the benefits of doing things the slow way? Life is too hurried now. It is driven by technology, capitalism, industry. All of them will run faster and faster based on this [idea of] "unlimitedness." People's brains and needs are also unlimited, but we should be aware that we live on a limited planet. Nature has already warned us. Doing things slower will save our lives, it will make life more meaningful.

Illustration by Tim Lahan]]>

This article is part of The GOOD (and ReadyMade) Guide to Slowing Down, from GOOD Issue 18. Read more of the guide here.

Singgih Kartono wanted to improve the economic conditions of his fellow Indonesian villagers. He also wanted to build a low-fi radio out of sustainably harvested wood. He married the two with a cult design hit.

Why a radio? Radios and wood carry similar philosophies: Wood tells us about life, balance, and limitations; it's perfect because of its imperfectness-so is a radio. It's an imperfect gadget that gives us the possibility to do other activities at the same time. But, most of all, I myself just love that gadget.

How long does it take to make one? Sixteen hours.

How many parts are there? About 40.

What was the hardest part to get your hands on? The electronic parts. Many companies gave me a very high minimum order. That was impossible to do, so I decided to buy a radio in the market. I broke it down and used the electronic part. Fortunately, my shortcut worked.

How many did you make? Two hundred to 250 radios each month.

Why is your radio better than a mass-produced one you can get at a store? Because of its imperfectness. Minimal graphics, no coating finish, a simple shape, beautiful details-all of that will build a deeper product-user relationship. I believe a person who has my radio will not easily lend it to other people because it becomes more personal.

Can you share a few words of wisdom about the benefits of doing things the slow way? Life is too hurried now. It is driven by technology, capitalism, industry. All of them will run faster and faster based on this [idea of] "unlimitedness." People's brains and needs are also unlimited, but we should be aware that we live on a limited planet. Nature has already warned us. Doing things slower will save our lives, it will make life more meaningful.

Illustration by Tim Lahan]]> GOOD Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:00:19 PST http://www.good.is/post/watched-pots-meals-for-the-back-burner/ http://www.good.is/post/watched-pots-meals-for-the-back-burner/

This article is part of The GOOD (and ReadyMade) Guide to Slowing Down, from GOOD Issue 18. You can read more of the guide here.

Here are a few comestibles you can make that take a lot of time but not a lot of effort.

Beans

Soak them for six hours, strain, and cover in water and simmer for another hour while you read a book. If you want to go Italian style, slow cook them over low heat with water, salt, olive oil, and whole garlic cloves until they're tender. This method turns beans into butter (not literally). It also breaks down the outside of the bean, which is the part that gives you gas.

Stock

Homemade stock is the secret ingredient that, when used in place of water, makes your soup, rice, and beans taste better than everybody else's. (Or it's what makes theirs better than yours.) Throw some bones (you can leave these out if you're a vegetarian), celery, carrots, onions, and whatever else you like the taste of-Parmesan rind is incredible-into a pot of water and simmer for at least an hour (really, you want to aim for as long as possible). Just make sure it doesn't boil too hard. Then strain before storing.

Sauerkraut

You can say you spent two weeks making your fresh sauerkraut, but the truth is it only took half an hour of work and then it fermented on its own. All you need is cabbage, caraway seeds, salt, and the desire to shred. Find a recipe at awesomepickle.com.

A fancy meal

Get a few buddies together and take some time planning a course or two each for a dinner. When the day comes, devote several hours just to mealtime, treating your guests to a series of small plates, one after the other (beer or wine pairings are a nice touch). By dessert it will be hard to tell who is having more fun: those at the table or those in the kitchen.

Illustration by Tim Lahan]]>

This article is part of The GOOD (and ReadyMade) Guide to Slowing Down, from GOOD Issue 18. You can read more of the guide here.

Here are a few comestibles you can make that take a lot of time but not a lot of effort.

Beans

Soak them for six hours, strain, and cover in water and simmer for another hour while you read a book. If you want to go Italian style, slow cook them over low heat with water, salt, olive oil, and whole garlic cloves until they're tender. This method turns beans into butter (not literally). It also breaks down the outside of the bean, which is the part that gives you gas.

Stock

Homemade stock is the secret ingredient that, when used in place of water, makes your soup, rice, and beans taste better than everybody else's. (Or it's what makes theirs better than yours.) Throw some bones (you can leave these out if you're a vegetarian), celery, carrots, onions, and whatever else you like the taste of-Parmesan rind is incredible-into a pot of water and simmer for at least an hour (really, you want to aim for as long as possible). Just make sure it doesn't boil too hard. Then strain before storing.

Sauerkraut

You can say you spent two weeks making your fresh sauerkraut, but the truth is it only took half an hour of work and then it fermented on its own. All you need is cabbage, caraway seeds, salt, and the desire to shred. Find a recipe at awesomepickle.com.

A fancy meal

Get a few buddies together and take some time planning a course or two each for a dinner. When the day comes, devote several hours just to mealtime, treating your guests to a series of small plates, one after the other (beer or wine pairings are a nice touch). By dessert it will be hard to tell who is having more fun: those at the table or those in the kitchen.

Illustration by Tim Lahan]]> GOOD Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:00:19 PST http://www.good.is/post/how-to-cultivate-conscious-laziness/ http://www.good.is/post/how-to-cultivate-conscious-laziness/

This article is part of The GOOD (and ReadyMade) Guide to Slowing Down, from GOOD Issue 18. Read more of the guide here.

People talk a big game about "spending the whole day in bed," but few realize the commitment this actually takes. Most people give up around noon, lured by the prospect of huevos rancheros. To be a true stay-in-bed-all-day connoisseur, you need to resist these urges and let pure, sweet lethargy take over. It's winter, after all-it works for bears. Here are some tips:

Satin eye mask

This is essential, not just for the luxe factor, but also to prevent beautiful weather from weakening your resolve. Yes, the sun is shining. But remember that, unless you live in a cave, the sun shines all the time.

Books

Having a stack of books next to the bed will make you feel distinguished and erudite. You're not lazy; you're savoring the pleasures of fine literature! (Even if you're actually delving the depths of a bag of salt-and-vinegar chips and New Moon.)

Room service

Plan on having breakfast, lunch, and dinner in bed. The aforementioned frozen waffles are a low-effort and tasty breakfast, and they don't create a crumb problem the way toast does. But, for later in the day, be sure to have a few delivery options already entered in your phone and ready to dial.

Nice pajamas

Ladies: Ditch the worn Old Navy PJs and instead consider a pair of satin pajamas or a glam negligee with robe. Gentleman: don't slob around in your boxers and yesterday's undershirt. Dress for the occasion in a nice pair of silk or flannel pajamas. Smoking jacket optional.

Hydration

Since water is boring, liven it up with an ice tray full of flavored cubes (lemon, orange, maraschino, even mint). Sip this subtly flavored beverage from a goblet on your bedside table as the day drowsily marches on.

Board games

There's nothing more fun than a game of Boggle, Clue, Monopoly, Uno, or good old-fashioned checkers while in bed. If you don't have an opponent handy, well, that's what the internet is for.

That's entertainment

Be sure to have your favorite movies, streaming video site, or classy cable-drama-series DVDs all cued up. Note: It's absolutely okay if you end up watching infomercials all day.

Embrace social media

If you're spending all day in bed, you want other people to know about it, and be jealous. So provide frequent and descriptive Twitter and Facebook updates about your day. "Gray bird on windowsill." "Turning over now." "Tahitian Gardenia candle worth the $20."

Wine or beer

If you spend all day in bed, there's really only one way to differentiate "day" from "night," and that would be booze. At 5 p.m., crack open a cold one to celebrate your achievement. Then, you've got just a few more hours to kill and it's back to bed! Good job-and sweet dreams.

Zzz

Being in bed doesn't mean you have to be asleep, but you should take frequent naps. Some people find it hard to wake up from a full night's rest only to immediately return to a REM state, but those peoples are quitters. To bore yourself unconscious, imagine you are 17th-century aristocrat: What would you be wearing? What would you be doing? What would the trees outside looks like? What sort of dialogue would you be…zzz.

A few ground rules: Trips to the bathroom are allowed. So are trips to the front door to let in the delivery guy. Not permitted? Ab workouts, work-related web-surfing, cooking anything more ambitious than frozen waffles. Also: it helps to have a partner with you in this endeavor but it is not necessary-more covers for you.

Our Good Guide to Slowing Down was a unique collaboration with our friends at ReadyMade magazine.  Check out their good work at ReadyMade.com, and follow them on Twitter at @ReadyMadeTweets.

Illustration by Tim Lahan]]>

This article is part of The GOOD (and ReadyMade) Guide to Slowing Down, from GOOD Issue 18. Read more of the guide here.

People talk a big game about "spending the whole day in bed," but few realize the commitment this actually takes. Most people give up around noon, lured by the prospect of huevos rancheros. To be a true stay-in-bed-all-day connoisseur, you need to resist these urges and let pure, sweet lethargy take over. It's winter, after all-it works for bears. Here are some tips:

Satin eye mask

This is essential, not just for the luxe factor, but also to prevent beautiful weather from weakening your resolve. Yes, the sun is shining. But remember that, unless you live in a cave, the sun shines all the time.

Books

Having a stack of books next to the bed will make you feel distinguished and erudite. You're not lazy; you're savoring the pleasures of fine literature! (Even if you're actually delving the depths of a bag of salt-and-vinegar chips and New Moon.)

Room service

Plan on having breakfast, lunch, and dinner in bed. The aforementioned frozen waffles are a low-effort and tasty breakfast, and they don't create a crumb problem the way toast does. But, for later in the day, be sure to have a few delivery options already entered in your phone and ready to dial.

Nice pajamas

Ladies: Ditch the worn Old Navy PJs and instead consider a pair of satin pajamas or a glam negligee with robe. Gentleman: don't slob around in your boxers and yesterday's undershirt. Dress for the occasion in a nice pair of silk or flannel pajamas. Smoking jacket optional.

Hydration

Since water is boring, liven it up with an ice tray full of flavored cubes (lemon, orange, maraschino, even mint). Sip this subtly flavored beverage from a goblet on your bedside table as the day drowsily marches on.

Board games

There's nothing more fun than a game of Boggle, Clue, Monopoly, Uno, or good old-fashioned checkers while in bed. If you don't have an opponent handy, well, that's what the internet is for.

That's entertainment

Be sure to have your favorite movies, streaming video site, or classy cable-drama-series DVDs all cued up. Note: It's absolutely okay if you end up watching infomercials all day.

Embrace social media

If you're spending all day in bed, you want other people to know about it, and be jealous. So provide frequent and descriptive Twitter and Facebook updates about your day. "Gray bird on windowsill." "Turning over now." "Tahitian Gardenia candle worth the $20."

Wine or beer

If you spend all day in bed, there's really only one way to differentiate "day" from "night," and that would be booze. At 5 p.m., crack open a cold one to celebrate your achievement. Then, you've got just a few more hours to kill and it's back to bed! Good job-and sweet dreams.

Zzz

Being in bed doesn't mean you have to be asleep, but you should take frequent naps. Some people find it hard to wake up from a full night's rest only to immediately return to a REM state, but those peoples are quitters. To bore yourself unconscious, imagine you are 17th-century aristocrat: What would you be wearing? What would you be doing? What would the trees outside looks like? What sort of dialogue would you be…zzz.

A few ground rules: Trips to the bathroom are allowed. So are trips to the front door to let in the delivery guy. Not permitted? Ab workouts, work-related web-surfing, cooking anything more ambitious than frozen waffles. Also: it helps to have a partner with you in this endeavor but it is not necessary-more covers for you.

Our Good Guide to Slowing Down was a unique collaboration with our friends at ReadyMade magazine.  Check out their good work at ReadyMade.com, and follow them on Twitter at @ReadyMadeTweets.

Illustration by Tim Lahan]]> GOOD Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:00:11 PST http://www.good.is/post/make-out-of-the-ordinary-pancakes/ http://www.good.is/post/make-out-of-the-ordinary-pancakes/

This article is part of The GOOD (and ReadyMade) Guide to Slowing Down, from GOOD Issue 18. Read more of the guide here.

Step away from the cereal box. There's a reason pancakes exist, and that reason is to slow you down on a weekend morning: They take time to make and they sit like a brick in your stomach, which makes you slower at just about everything. To get you excited, below is a recipe for some truly magical pancakes. If the desire to spruce up these already delicious puffed pancakes strikes, try garnishing with lemon curd, mascarpone cheese, or crème fraîche. Out of plums? Not to worry, two apples, one cup of diced figs, or two pears work just as well.

Puffed Plum Pancakes

Prep: 25 minutes
Cook: 20 min
Serves 4 to 6

2 to 3 firm ripe plums, pitted and sliced into 1-inch wedges
½ cup butter
3 eggs
½ cup milk
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Juice of one lemon (3 tablespoons)

Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. In a 10-inch skillet heat half the butter over medium-high heat until melted. Add the plums and cook until softened and golden brown, about five minutes. Keep warm.

In a large bowl whisk together eggs, milk, flour, vanilla, and salt until well combined. Pour over plum mixture in skillet. Place skillet in the preheated oven and bake 10 to 12 minutes or until puffed and browned. Remove from oven.

Melt the remainder of the butter. Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Pour the melted butter over the pancake and then sprinkle with the brown-sugar mixture. Return to oven and bake 5 minutes more or until sugar has caramelized. Remove from oven and drizzle lemon juice over top. Cut into wedges and serve immediately.

Our Good Guide to Slowing Down was a unique collaboration with our friends at ReadyMade magazine.  Check out their good work at ReadyMade.com, and follow them on Twitter at @ReadyMadeTweets.

Illustration by Tim Lahan]]>

This article is part of The GOOD (and ReadyMade) Guide to Slowing Down, from GOOD Issue 18. Read more of the guide here.

Step away from the cereal box. There's a reason pancakes exist, and that reason is to slow you down on a weekend morning: They take time to make and they sit like a brick in your stomach, which makes you slower at just about everything. To get you excited, below is a recipe for some truly magical pancakes. If the desire to spruce up these already delicious puffed pancakes strikes, try garnishing with lemon curd, mascarpone cheese, or crème fraîche. Out of plums? Not to worry, two apples, one cup of diced figs, or two pears work just as well.

Puffed Plum Pancakes

Prep: 25 minutes
Cook: 20 min
Serves 4 to 6

2 to 3 firm ripe plums, pitted and sliced into 1-inch wedges
½ cup butter
3 eggs
½ cup milk
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Juice of one lemon (3 tablespoons)

Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. In a 10-inch skillet heat half the butter over medium-high heat until melted. Add the plums and cook until softened and golden brown, about five minutes. Keep warm.

In a large bowl whisk together eggs, milk, flour, vanilla, and salt until well combined. Pour over plum mixture in skillet. Place skillet in the preheated oven and bake 10 to 12 minutes or until puffed and browned. Remove from oven.

Melt the remainder of the butter. Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Pour the melted butter over the pancake and then sprinkle with the brown-sugar mixture. Return to oven and bake 5 minutes more or until sugar has caramelized. Remove from oven and drizzle lemon juice over top. Cut into wedges and serve immediately.

Our Good Guide to Slowing Down was a unique collaboration with our friends at ReadyMade magazine.  Check out their good work at ReadyMade.com, and follow them on Twitter at @ReadyMadeTweets.

Illustration by Tim Lahan]]> GOOD Mon, 18 Jan 2010 10:30:32 PST http://www.good.is/post/build-a-backyard-dumpster-pool/ http://www.good.is/post/build-a-backyard-dumpster-pool/

This article is part of The GOOD (and ReadyMade) Guide to Slowing Down, from GOOD Issue 18. Read more of the guide here.

For most of us, a swimming pool is something reserved for daydreaming about on a muggy afternoon in July. But thanks to the creative folks at Macro Sea, a design company, a real pool (as opposed to a chintzy plastic kiddy pool) is now within your grasp.

Here's How:

1. Rent a Dumpster. Most Home Depots should be able to help you out there. Go for a 22-foot-by  8-foot version for the full-on pool party or the smaller 22-foot-by- 4-foot version if you want fun for just the family.

2. Have the Dumpster delivered to your ideal location (backyard, empty lot, or curbside for a block party).

3. Seal the seams with some caulking.

4. Put in some 6-millimeter professional pool liner.

5. Throw in some sand (so you are walking on something soft).

6. Add the water.

7. If you are planning to keep the pool for longer than a weekend, you can easily add chlorine. Cover it with an appropriately sized tarp.

8. Once the weather warms up, jump in and be the envy of your neighborhood!

Our Good Guide to Slowing Down was a unique collaboration with our friends at ReadyMade magazine.  Check out their good work at ReadyMade.com, and follow them on Twitter at @ReadyMadeTweets.

Illustration by Tim Lahan]]>

This article is part of The GOOD (and ReadyMade) Guide to Slowing Down, from GOOD Issue 18. Read more of the guide here.

For most of us, a swimming pool is something reserved for daydreaming about on a muggy afternoon in July. But thanks to the creative folks at Macro Sea, a design company, a real pool (as opposed to a chintzy plastic kiddy pool) is now within your grasp.

Here's How:

1. Rent a Dumpster. Most Home Depots should be able to help you out there. Go for a 22-foot-by  8-foot version for the full-on pool party or the smaller 22-foot-by- 4-foot version if you want fun for just the family.

2. Have the Dumpster delivered to your ideal location (backyard, empty lot, or curbside for a block party).

3. Seal the seams with some caulking.

4. Put in some 6-millimeter professional pool liner.

5. Throw in some sand (so you are walking on something soft).

6. Add the water.

7. If you are planning to keep the pool for longer than a weekend, you can easily add chlorine. Cover it with an appropriately sized tarp.

8. Once the weather warms up, jump in and be the envy of your neighborhood!

Our Good Guide to Slowing Down was a unique collaboration with our friends at ReadyMade magazine.  Check out their good work at ReadyMade.com, and follow them on Twitter at @ReadyMadeTweets.

Illustration by Tim Lahan]]> GOOD Mon, 18 Jan 2010 10:00:16 PST http://www.good.is/post/interview-the-handmade-toaster/ http://www.good.is/post/interview-the-handmade-toaster/

This article is part of The GOOD (and ReadyMade) Guide to Slowing Down, from GOOD Issue 18. Read more of the guide here.

Thomas Thwaites, a Londoner, decided he wanted a toaster. He didn't want to buy one, though, so he did what any normal person would do: He individually sourced every single part, and made his own.

Why a toaster? A toaster, like no other object, says progress: additional modicums of convenience at ever-lower prices. Utility companies developed toasters in the early 1900s to stimulate domestic demand for electricity, as they weren't selling enough power in the mornings and evenings. One hundred years on, toasters are remarkably cheap and mundane, and our lives are filled with convenience-which is nice: I appreciate not having to light a fire every morning. But perhaps the realization is growing that convenience and price aren't all there is to it.

How long did it take to make? Nine months.

How many parts are there? Twenty-seven, using five different materials.

What was the hardest part to get your hands on? Mica, the flat mineral that supports the element in toasters. Getting it involved traveling to a peninsula in Scotland, reachable only by boat, then hiking across mountains to hack a few sheets of mica off some rocks.  We nearly didn't make it back.

How many did you make? It is unique.

Why is your toaster better than a mass-produced one you can get at a store? It means a whole lot more to me. I won't just throw it away when it's old. It's not actually better at making toast, though.

Can you share a few words of wisdom about the benefits of doing things the slow way? It's time-consuming, hard work, and smelly. However, having an adventure for your toaster rather than just going to the shops is a lot more fun.

Learn more: To find out more about how he made his (and how you can make your own), visit thetoasterproject.org

Illustration by Tim Lahan]]>

This article is part of The GOOD (and ReadyMade) Guide to Slowing Down, from GOOD Issue 18. Read more of the guide here.

Thomas Thwaites, a Londoner, decided he wanted a toaster. He didn't want to buy one, though, so he did what any normal person would do: He individually sourced every single part, and made his own.

Why a toaster? A toaster, like no other object, says progress: additional modicums of convenience at ever-lower prices. Utility companies developed toasters in the early 1900s to stimulate domestic demand for electricity, as they weren't selling enough power in the mornings and evenings. One hundred years on, toasters are remarkably cheap and mundane, and our lives are filled with convenience-which is nice: I appreciate not having to light a fire every morning. But perhaps the realization is growing that convenience and price aren't all there is to it.

How long did it take to make? Nine months.

How many parts are there? Twenty-seven, using five different materials.

What was the hardest part to get your hands on? Mica, the flat mineral that supports the element in toasters. Getting it involved traveling to a peninsula in Scotland, reachable only by boat, then hiking across mountains to hack a few sheets of mica off some rocks.  We nearly didn't make it back.

How many did you make? It is unique.

Why is your toaster better than a mass-produced one you can get at a store? It means a whole lot more to me. I won't just throw it away when it's old. It's not actually better at making toast, though.

Can you share a few words of wisdom about the benefits of doing things the slow way? It's time-consuming, hard work, and smelly. However, having an adventure for your toaster rather than just going to the shops is a lot more fun.

Learn more: To find out more about how he made his (and how you can make your own), visit thetoasterproject.org

Illustration by Tim Lahan]]> GOOD Mon, 18 Jan 2010 09:30:44 PST http://www.good.is/post/take-time-to-still-your-mind/ http://www.good.is/post/take-time-to-still-your-mind/

This article is part of The GOOD (and ReadyMade) Guide to Slowing Down, from GOOD Issue 18. Read more of the guide here.

While cleaning out his uncle's house in Los Angeles, James Nestor found a manila folder. Inside, there were dozens of ways to get high without drugs. Eventually, he put together a "HighLab" of willing friends to test these trips one by one. The result was his book Get High Now (Without Drugs). Below is our version of one of James's favorite relaxing techniques.

Sun and Moon Breath

The Sun and Moon Breath is an ancient technique that balances you right out. The moon breath (left nostril) calms your nervous system while the sun breath (right nostril) perks you up. It totally works. For the purposes of this guide, try the Moon Breath. Really. Try it. Now. Right now.

1.    Place your right thumb over your right nostril.

2.    Close your mouth, and breathe in very deeply and very slowly 30 times through your left nostril.

3.    This will cause a physiological change in your body and brain-it will mellow you out.

Our Good Guide to Slowing Down was a unique collaboration with our friends at ReadyMade magazine.  Check out their good work at ReadyMade.com, and follow them on Twitter at @ReadyMadeTweets.

Illustration by Tim Lahan]]>

This article is part of The GOOD (and ReadyMade) Guide to Slowing Down, from GOOD Issue 18. Read more of the guide here.

While cleaning out his uncle's house in Los Angeles, James Nestor found a manila folder. Inside, there were dozens of ways to get high without drugs. Eventually, he put together a "HighLab" of willing friends to test these trips one by one. The result was his book Get High Now (Without Drugs). Below is our version of one of James's favorite relaxing techniques.

Sun and Moon Breath

The Sun and Moon Breath is an ancient technique that balances you right out. The moon breath (left nostril) calms your nervous system while the sun breath (right nostril) perks you up. It totally works. For the purposes of this guide, try the Moon Breath. Really. Try it. Now. Right now.

1.    Place your right thumb over your right nostril.

2.    Close your mouth, and breathe in very deeply and very slowly 30 times through your left nostril.

3.    This will cause a physiological change in your body and brain-it will mellow you out.

Our Good Guide to Slowing Down was a unique collaboration with our friends at ReadyMade magazine.  Check out their good work at ReadyMade.com, and follow them on Twitter at @ReadyMadeTweets.

Illustration by Tim Lahan]]> GOOD Mon, 18 Jan 2010 09:00:51 PST http://www.good.is/post/multitasking-too-much-of-ourselves/ http://www.good.is/post/multitasking-too-much-of-ourselves/
This article is part of The GOOD (and ReadyMade) Guide to Slowing Down, from GOOD Issue 18. Read more of the guide here.

Focus 2.0

Infinite access to media and total interconnectivity at our fingertips means it can be downright impossible to focus. For those among us who don't know how to even turn on our computers without opening five or six programs, and about 10 tabs in our browsers, we offer this roundup of focus applications, each designed to curb the ADD instinct online.

SelfControl

The culture-jamming artist Steve Lambert's SelfControl application is equal parts social commentary and effective focus device. You can use the no-frills OS X download to block access to incoming and outgoing mail servers or websites (he suggests Facebook and Twitter) for a set amount of time. But once you set the timer, it cannot be disabled-and the application cannot be deleted. This is for people with serious control issues.
visitsteve.com/work/selfcontrol

Concentrate

This OS X app allows you to focus on a given task by blocking access to email and applications for a set amount of time, but it does so with all sorts of bells and whistles: you can sync it with Growl, have it run scripts to remove unique distractions, set up sound alerts to keep you on task, and set it to notify you of your progress with spoken messages while you work.
getconcentrating.com

WriteRoom and Dark Room

Writers in previous eras didn't have to fret about emails or instant messages popping up on their typewriters, and we like to believe that meant they were more productive. To emulate their singularly focused approach, the designers of WriteRoom (Mac) and Dark Room (PC) offer an app to transform your computer into a classic, minimal black screen with green text (though you may choose other colors). It fills the whole screen and offers a distraction-free environment to, as its creators put it, "help you rediscover your muse."
hogbaysoftware.com/products/writeroom
they.misled.us/dark-room

Illustration by Tim Lahan]]>
This article is part of The GOOD (and ReadyMade) Guide to Slowing Down, from GOOD Issue 18. Read more of the guide here.

Focus 2.0

Infinite access to media and total interconnectivity at our fingertips means it can be downright impossible to focus. For those among us who don't know how to even turn on our computers without opening five or six programs, and about 10 tabs in our browsers, we offer this roundup of focus applications, each designed to curb the ADD instinct online.

SelfControl

The culture-jamming artist Steve Lambert's SelfControl application is equal parts social commentary and effective focus device. You can use the no-frills OS X download to block access to incoming and outgoing mail servers or websites (he suggests Facebook and Twitter) for a set amount of time. But once you set the timer, it cannot be disabled-and the application cannot be deleted. This is for people with serious control issues.
visitsteve.com/work/selfcontrol

Concentrate

This OS X app allows you to focus on a given task by blocking access to email and applications for a set amount of time, but it does so with all sorts of bells and whistles: you can sync it with Growl, have it run scripts to remove unique distractions, set up sound alerts to keep you on task, and set it to notify you of your progress with spoken messages while you work.
getconcentrating.com

WriteRoom and Dark Room

Writers in previous eras didn't have to fret about emails or instant messages popping up on their typewriters, and we like to believe that meant they were more productive. To emulate their singularly focused approach, the designers of WriteRoom (Mac) and Dark Room (PC) offer an app to transform your computer into a classic, minimal black screen with green text (though you may choose other colors). It fills the whole screen and offers a distraction-free environment to, as its creators put it, "help you rediscover your muse."
hogbaysoftware.com/products/writeroom
they.misled.us/dark-room

Illustration by Tim Lahan]]> GOOD Mon, 18 Jan 2010 08:30:34 PST http://www.good.is/post/the-good-and-readymade-guide-to-slowing-down/ http://www.good.is/post/the-good-and-readymade-guide-to-slowing-down/

The GOOD (and ReadyMade) Guide to Slowing Down originally appeared in GOOD Issue 18: The Slow Issue. Use the table of contents below to navigate through the guide. You can read more from The Slow Issue here.

We are taught that we'll be judged by what we achieve, but what does it mean to actually achieve?

The word comes from the Old French achever, "to finish," and before that, from a Latin phrase meaning "to come to a head." Surely, though, as the cliché goes, life's pleasure lies in the journey, not in the destination. And who looks forward to being finished, in the word's most final sense? Because our days, hours, and minutes are numbered, we've put together a guide to help you slow your roll.

Consider something drastic: Go on that vacation to Europe or, even better, move there. If the Europeans understand one thing, it's how to take a vacation. If that's not for you, take a sabbatical to hike the Pacific Crest Trail or study tango in Buenos Aires. If you can swing it, set up a four-day workweek. Yes, working fewer days could mean earning less, but you'll find it's still a terrific deal if you honestly calculate the value of the time you'd spend enjoying your own projects-or just doing nothing. After all, to achieve nothing is an achievement in itself.

Besides life-changing decisions, there are countless little changes you can make to slow down your life. To help us help you, we got the folks at ReadyMade to pitch in, because they know better than any of us that making stuff is all about slowing down. Whether cooking, completing a home makeover, or building a backyard swimming pool, creating anything takes time. So what better way to slow down during the winter months than by taking on a project or two?

Slow Your Roll:


1. Eliminate Something

2. Step Away from the Smartphone

3. Build an Indoor Stoop

4. Multitasking Too Much of Ourselves

5. Take Time to Still Your Mind

6. Interview: The Handmade Toaster

7. Build a Backyard Dumpster Pool

8. Make Out-of-the-Ordinary Pancakes

9. Watched Pots: Meals for the Back Burner

10. How to Cultivate Conscious Laziness

11. Interview: The Handmade Radio

12. Spruce Up Your Home (At Least Once a Year)

13. Interview: The Handmade Tree Chair

14. Slowpokes Hall of Fame

15. Watch Your Garden Grow

16. Make Yourself a Place to Escape

17. Read a Book

Our Good Guide to Slowing Down was a unique collaboration with our friends at ReadyMade magazine. Check out their good work at ReadyMade.com, and follow them on Twitter at @ReadyMadeTweets.]]>

The GOOD (and ReadyMade) Guide to Slowing Down originally appeared in GOOD Issue 18: The Slow Issue. Use the table of contents below to navigate through the guide. You can read more from The Slow Issue here.

We are taught that we'll be judged by what we achieve, but what does it mean to actually achieve?

The word comes from the Old French achever, "to finish," and before that, from a Latin phrase meaning "to come to a head." Surely, though, as the cliché goes, life's pleasure lies in the journey, not in the destination. And who looks forward to being finished, in the word's most final sense? Because our days, hours, and minutes are numbered, we've put together a guide to help you slow your roll.

Consider something drastic: Go on that vacation to Europe or, even better, move there. If the Europeans understand one thing, it's how to take a vacation. If that's not for you, take a sabbatical to hike the Pacific Crest Trail or study tango in Buenos Aires. If you can swing it, set up a four-day workweek. Yes, working fewer days could mean earning less, but you'll find it's still a terrific deal if you honestly calculate the value of the time you'd spend enjoying your own projects-or just doing nothing. After all, to achieve nothing is an achievement in itself.

Besides life-changing decisions, there are countless little changes you can make to slow down your life. To help us help you, we got the folks at ReadyMade to pitch in, because they know better than any of us that making stuff is all about slowing down. Whether cooking, completing a home makeover, or building a backyard swimming pool, creating anything takes time. So what better way to slow down during the winter months than by taking on a project or two?

Slow Your Roll:


1. Eliminate Something

2. Step Away from the Smartphone

3. Build an Indoor Stoop

4. Multitasking Too Much of Ourselves

5. Take Time to Still Your Mind

6. Interview: The Handmade Toaster

7. Build a Backyard Dumpster Pool

8. Make Out-of-the-Ordinary Pancakes

9. Watched Pots: Meals for the Back Burner

10. How to Cultivate Conscious Laziness

11. Interview: The Handmade Radio

12. Spruce Up Your Home (At Least Once a Year)

13. Interview: The Handmade Tree Chair

14. Slowpokes Hall of Fame

15. Watch Your Garden Grow

16. Make Yourself a Place to Escape

17. Read a Book

Our Good Guide to Slowing Down was a unique collaboration with our friends at ReadyMade magazine. Check out their good work at ReadyMade.com, and follow them on Twitter at @ReadyMadeTweets.]]> GOOD Mon, 18 Jan 2010 08:00:10 PST http://www.good.is/post/build-an-indoor-stoop/ http://www.good.is/post/build-an-indoor-stoop/

This article is part of The GOOD (and ReadyMade) Guide to Slowing Down, from GOOD Issue 18. Read more of the guide here.

Ever since we saw the video for the Rolling Stones's "Waiting on a Friend," we've been obsessed with stoops. They inspire leisurely conversation and slow time to a crawl. Sure, you can find excellent stoops in most cities, but if you don't happen to live above one, or if you live in a city with seasons, enjoying this excellent pastime can get tricky. But it doesn't have to. By building your own interior stoop you can easily convert your living room into a space Mick Jagger would envy. Here's how:

1.    Determine where your stoop might spend most of its time and decide on an ideal height and width. If you have a good window, we suggest making your stoop the height of the window. The width should be determined by how many people you imagine getting to hang out at once, but anything less than four feet might give the impression that your stoop is a stepladder.

2.    Start noting the stairs you pass and pick out a set that you feel is particularly comfortable for sitting. Pay attention to arm placement for leaning back, foot placement for leaning forward, and how wide each step is. Try to test this out when no one's watching, particularly if you are at work. Take careful measurements of the width and height of the individual stairs.

3.    You are now equipped to determine how much material you will need for your particular stoop. For most stoops you will need two sheets of four-foot-by-eight-foot half-inch-thick plywood to frame it. If you want your stoop to be taller than four feet, you will need additional sheets. You will most likely need two more sheets that will be cut to size to serve as your stairs. These sheets can be thinner. Quarter-inch thickness here should suffice. You will also need approximately 20 six-foot-long two-by-fours. These serve as the supporting structure for your stoop. We recommend using four two-by-fours for each step.

4.    Draw the pattern of the side of your stoop on the two sheets of half-inch-thick plywood, and the top and front parts of each individual stair on the thinner plywood. If you are lucky, you can just mosey on out to your garage and cut the sheets with your circular saw. If you don't have a circular saw, it's back to the hardware store for you, where you should be able to get the sheets cut. If your stoop is wider than four feet we suggest making a third frame that will bear additional weight in the middle.

5.    Take your frames and stand them upright. You will most likely need help for this part. Two assistants should do the trick.

6.    With the frames standing upright, hammer one two-by-four at the front of the frame and one at the back. Now hammer a two-by-four at the top of the stoop toward the back. The structure should now have integrity.

7.    For more strength, place your  two-by-fours six inches apart all along the bottom and up the back of the sides, forming a strong square.

8.    Now you are ready to build your steps, placing two two-by-four supports along the front stair edge and two along the top edge on each stair.

9.    Place a plywood stair pieces on the front and top of each step. The vertical pieces should sit on the side pieces, and the horizontal pieces will cover the vertical ones at the front of each step.

10.    Now paint your stoop your favorite color or take our advice and cover it in shag carpet. There you have it, an interior stoop perfect for waiting on anyone.

Illustration by Tim Lahan]]>

This article is part of The GOOD (and ReadyMade) Guide to Slowing Down, from GOOD Issue 18. Read more of the guide here.

Ever since we saw the video for the Rolling Stones's "Waiting on a Friend," we've been obsessed with stoops. They inspire leisurely conversation and slow time to a crawl. Sure, you can find excellent stoops in most cities, but if you don't happen to live above one, or if you live in a city with seasons, enjoying this excellent pastime can get tricky. But it doesn't have to. By building your own interior stoop you can easily convert your living room into a space Mick Jagger would envy. Here's how:

1.    Determine where your stoop might spend most of its time and decide on an ideal height and width. If you have a good window, we suggest making your stoop the height of the window. The width should be determined by how many people you imagine getting to hang out at once, but anything less than four feet might give the impression that your stoop is a stepladder.

2.    Start noting the stairs you pass and pick out a set that you feel is particularly comfortable for sitting. Pay attention to arm placement for leaning back, foot placement for leaning forward, and how wide each step is. Try to test this out when no one's watching, particularly if you are at work. Take careful measurements of the width and height of the individual stairs.

3.    You are now equipped to determine how much material you will need for your particular stoop. For most stoops you will need two sheets of four-foot-by-eight-foot half-inch-thick plywood to frame it. If you want your stoop to be taller than four feet, you will need additional sheets. You will most likely need two more sheets that will be cut to size to serve as your stairs. These sheets can be thinner. Quarter-inch thickness here should suffice. You will also need approximately 20 six-foot-long two-by-fours. These serve as the supporting structure for your stoop. We recommend using four two-by-fours for each step.

4.    Draw the pattern of the side of your stoop on the two sheets of half-inch-thick plywood, and the top and front parts of each individual stair on the thinner plywood. If you are lucky, you can just mosey on out to your garage and cut the sheets with your circular saw. If you don't have a circular saw, it's back to the hardware store for you, where you should be able to get the sheets cut. If your stoop is wider than four feet we suggest making a third frame that will bear additional weight in the middle.

5.    Take your frames and stand them upright. You will most likely need help for this part. Two assistants should do the trick.

6.    With the frames standing upright, hammer one two-by-four at the front of the frame and one at the back. Now hammer a two-by-four at the top of the stoop toward the back. The structure should now have integrity.

7.    For more strength, place your  two-by-fours six inches apart all along the bottom and up the back of the sides, forming a strong square.

8.    Now you are ready to build your steps, placing two two-by-four supports along the front stair edge and two along the top edge on each stair.

9.    Place a plywood stair pieces on the front and top of each step. The vertical pieces should sit on the side pieces, and the horizontal pieces will cover the vertical ones at the front of each step.

10.    Now paint your stoop your favorite color or take our advice and cover it in shag carpet. There you have it, an interior stoop perfect for waiting on anyone.

Illustration by Tim Lahan]]> GOOD Mon, 18 Jan 2010 07:59:53 PST