Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things (2002)

By William McDonough



Proof that our technologically advanced, high-consumption industrial system can make environmentally sound and sustainable products. We can manufacture a whole range of goods that are ecologically efficient in that they reduce waste and yet are less expensive to make than traditionally manufactured items. Pick up CRADLE TO CRADLE and the proof is right there in your hands. "This book is not a tree" the authors tell us. Its slightly heavier than your average paperback, the pages are whiter and they're also waterproof (I took the authors word on that one and am happy to say I was able to read on). The pages are made from plastic resins and fillers and in keeping with the message of "eliminating waste", the book is 100% recyclable.

McDonough and Braungart's vision of "Remaking the Way We Make Things" goes way beyond books. Why not buildings that produce more energy than they consume? Or "green" roofs that give off oxygen while cooling the occupants? How about factories that produce drinkable effluent? or products that when their useful life is over can be used as nutrients for soil? What sounds like science fiction is convincingly shown to be quite feasible by the authors. They offer numerous examples to prove it.

McDonough and Braungart cover topics such as the history of the industrial revolution, new business strategies that emphasize eco-efficiency, the relationship between man, nature, and science, and the importance of design and planning. Hopeful, well written, thoroughly researched, and packed with practical examples, this refreshing book offers an alternative to our current industrial system that "takes, makes and wastes". We have the talent, technology, and with the enthusiasm of these authors, we have the capability to achieve economic and ecological sustainability.

This is Adam's pick.

Illmatic (1994)

By Nas.



Illmatic is considered by many to be one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time, and perhaps.... the GREATEST. When Illmatic was released, jaws dropped, and people went running for the hills. At this time, the lyricism and storytelling was unmatched by any emcee. This is the album that put Nas on the map. This is the album that labeled him the "New Rakim." This is the album that will put Nas in the book of the greatest rappers of all time. This is the album that put him at the top of the New York rap scene, next to KRS, Rakim, Biggie, and of course, his rival Jay-Z. Bottom Line, Nas will never make an album this good...

The first thing you notice about the overall sound of Illmatic, is that it has a very underground feel to it, and never ceases to leave you amazed at the wordplay that Nas delivers from his vocal cords. Like he said on "Got Yourself a Gun", Illmatic had no famous guest appearances here. Only his protege AZ appears on one track, which is good because it would introduce AZ to the world, which is a cool thing by Nas. Plus, AZ is skillfull, like Nas. However, other famous people do appear on this album, but dont fully rap. Illmatic uses several voice samples from such artists as Rakim, Biz-Markie, Q-Tip, and Pete Rock.

Honestly, there is nothing else left to say about this album that cannot be said in the body of the review. This is one of those kind of CDs that just never ever gets old, and is STILL in heavy rotation in my house, and i believe it will be for years to come.

This is Brett's pick.

The Burning Plain (2008)

Directed by Guillermo Arriaga



Guillermo Arriaga's rotating perspective narrative works best in this tidy drama concerning family, relationships, regrets and two generations of risky sex. The acting, writing and directing are a sensual feast that looks good, sounds good and feels very good after some intrigue. With a lot to see and hear in less that two hours; the out of sequence details weave their way into crystal clarity.
Han Zimmer and Omar Rodriguez-Lopez score hypnotic scenes from the desert to the ocean. The writer has earth, wind, fire and water in mind for the characters, actions and settings; but you can take it as heady soaper.
Like Cubism or string theory; this movie challenges and rewards. Most critics didn't like it in comparison to Arriaga's Babel. Enjoy it and the edge on them. Maybe it has too many notes. Beautifully filmed.

link

This is Jeremy's pick.