Some home truths.. if you’ve worked in Ad world and get digital then you’ll probably relate to most of this. Everyone knows they need to change, and it’s about bloody time they did, rather than making videos on old thinking vs new. Just change.

Shared by Simon J.

So I’ve worked in Surry Hills for four years, specifically that bit around Reservoir, Foster and Commonwealth Streets, sometimes called SOGO (South of Goulburn St – terrible acronym I know). Firstly with HOST and most recently The Population.

In that time I built quite a bit of local knowledge, from my favourite places for coffee, breakfast and lunch, to where to buy books, gifts and even getting a wedding ring made. I haven’t moved far, Redfern, but it won’t be as accessible as before… so here is my ‘to do’ list for a bit of Surry Hills I’ll miss:

1. Single Origin – quite simply the best coffee, vibe and people.
Nick feeds your belly with amazing food, Gav spearheads the barista’s and the caffeine that fuels your day and Carly welcomes you with a smile and amazing eyebrows. I started everyday of my working life in Surry Hills here.

2. Published Art – inspiration in hardback and softback.
I visited Sharon and Published Art long before working in Surry Hills. Take time to flick through the pages of a photo, design, architecture or illustration books, buy some ‘one off’ art for your walls or grab a ‘cool’ card for someones birthday. Published Art ws a staple distraction on lunchtime wonders or when I’ve needed to take my brain on a stroll.

3. City Edge – memory man and the best sandwich selection.
If you work in the area and buy your lunch at City Edge then Tommy, the friendly face, will not only know your name but also the nuances of your preferred sandwich. Whether it’s brown bread instead of white, a J9 juice, or grilled chicken instead of a schnitzel. City Edge was my ‘grab and run’ lunch forever. Here’s to Tommy and the gang, may they continue to teach the world the wonders of customer service, that keep you coming back for more.

City Edge on foursquare
Join: I ‘heart’ TOMMY’s – the Facebook group

4. The Wall – sanctuary and reading space.
Good coffee, people and tranquility if you need some ‘me time’ or to think through work. Kranksy sausage sandwich is unbelievable whilst you flick through some ‘trendy’ mag that you wouldn’t necessarily buy. Sit by the window, or in the ‘pit’ to watch the locals.

5. Dominic McCabe – fine fella and jewellery
Dom was a neighbour when I started at The Population, 46 Foster St. We’d nod heads, say hello etc. Then I decided it was about time I asked Rachael to marry me. So I enlisted his services – firstly on an engagement ring, she said yes, and then my wedding band.

6. The Hollywood – unaffected, consistent and beer
Being a married man now I haven’t fallen out of here for some time. But it was a regular Friday occurrence… The Hollywood remains unchanged since I started propping up the bar, probably 6 years ago. I hope it stays that way.

Worth a mention: Bangbang (boiled eggs and marmite soldiers, plus the scottish breaky has ‘tatties’ and ‘black pudding’), The Cloakroom (mens tailoring, Grenson shoes and things – yet to purchase – but will at some point), Spring Court sneaker shop (french cult classics, worn by John Lennon and me!), Herringbone outlet (118 Commonwealth St, shirts etc)… and of course the brilliant and spicy, Spice I Am.

I’m yet to really explore Redfern and the surrounds… sticking to Baffi & Mo’s (you really can’t go wrong) for coffee and lunch (try the haloumi fritters and the burger). Any tips greatly appreciated…

First found on Creative Social blog

If you have a talent, use it in every which way possible. Don’t hoard it. Don’t dole it out like a miser. Spend it lavishly like a millionaire intent on going broke.

Brendan Behan, quoted in the Illawarra Mercury
Source: Wit & Wisdom, The Week 29 May 2009

Reminds me of the Amazon.com comments – that go that much further – this Denon Cable got the full comment hack.

Thanks to Rob G for the email.

Who has an A3+ printer so I can actually read it without scrolling back and forth and up and down? Not that I’m complaining – thanks for the hard work and genius IA – keep up the good work.

More hilarious maths on ‘More New Math’.

Dan H sent this to me last night. Take a moment to put one big smile on your face – this is hilarious.

Tyson’s timing couldn’t be better – I’ve just come back from lunch at Google where I saw a demo of the gPhone – in particular seeing how the camera, Google Maps, and wiki content can be integrated as the user aims the phones camera at different buildings. The possibilities are very apparent.

…and from another ‘video finding video’ search, I re-found:

Prometeus: The Media Revolution
I’m sure this is on my blog somewhere already, but good to get it on the list. In the way that Googlezon is the view of a possible future – so is this – in the year 2027

Wiggly glow strings inform the sky. Shadowed wing. Journey to another land…
@pablojeffress started following me on Twitter. Then I read his blog and then I saw this. Then I felt compelled to share.

See more of Ettubrute’s (created the clip) timelapse work.

Don’t wet yourself. Thanks to Si at There for the fwd.

Found this shot of Darth on an image search for something completely un-related. The photo is by Alex Brown.

Julian just directed me to this great video on the Single Origin coffee shop in Surry Hills, by Scott Drummond (Scott, if there’s a better link, shout and I’ll change).

This little coffee shop is where I start my working day – everyday. Not only does the coffee get me going… but the energy of Gav, Nick, Carly and the others is infectious and sets you up for anything.

In late 2006, whilst at Host, I had the fun task of working on SingleOrigin.com.au… the site is brought to life with a hand drawn bean stalk that grows from a cup of coffee – and acts as the primary navigation. The site went live back in February 2007 and is still looking good. Mind you I think its time for an upgrade, at least for inclusions of content such as Scott’s video and other spontaneous expressions of Single Origin love…

Graffiti that miraculously appeared prior to the refurbishment over the holidays…

The Gav tribute shirt, modeled by Scott himself…

Note: Single Origin re-opens on Monday, 19th January. So I’ll see you there for smiles and yet more shenanigans in 2009.

I kayaked from Rose Bay to Watsons Bay on Sunday. On the return journey we were approached by this beast… “WTF is that?” my friend and I announced. Batman’s boat it is not… it turns out this is the super boat used for Earthrace.

In June 2008, the amazing Earthrace vessel set a new world record for a powerboat to circle the globe, and she did this with 100% renewable biodiesel fuel, and a net zero carbon footprint. The voyage was over 24,000 nautical miles, and took 60 days, 23 hours and 49 minutes, smashing the old record by over two weeks.

Wow… well done to the designers, crew, backers and everyone involved.

Well I must say it has one hell of a presence when you’re sat in a plastic kayak with only a paddle to get you out of there. The boat is spending time in AU educating people on the pro’s of bio-fuels and the importance of reducing our individual carbon footprint.

Danny Boyle’s masterpiece gets mashed and mixed by the Addictive TV crew…