What's interested, amused, or inspired us, Volume 3:

Nick:

• No Instruction NecessaryA great article about affordance by Andy Rutledge. As always, he raises a great point. I'm looking forward to part two.
• My Frugal LifeAn interesting story about how one woman trimmed her fruitless spending habits and possessions to achieve a more satisfying life. Some of this is fairly obvious but interesting none the less. Remember, "What you own, also owns you."
• The Dark Genius of Kyle CooperI don't know how I missed this 2 years ago, but this Wired article is a very interesting look inside the mind of one of the most renowned motion designers around. You know him from the Seven opening titles and recently the Spiderman titles. His new studio Prologue Films (which he founded after leaving Imaginary Forces) has an amazing reel up on their site.
• Paring Wine and MicroformatsSome insight into how Dan Cederholm integrated Microformats into he and Dan Benjamin's new web application Cork'd. Microformats are a great attempt at providing a standard way of presenting information for both humans and machines. It's helpful to hear how Dan applied them to his project.
• Why Damon Dash Hates MondaysA New York Magazine article that gives detailed look inside a day-in-the-life of former CEO and co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records, Damon Dash. I couldn't stop reading and I don't even like hip-hop. If nothing else it shows someone who, after becoming filthy rich, is working to find a motivator other than money.

Zack:

• Stephen ColbertI don't really care what your political affiliation is. Stephen Colbert is just plain funny.
• Homer's The IliadHaving read the book years ago, and then more recently watching Troy a couple times, I thought it fitting to revisit this classic piece of literature. Thank god for BitTorrents and audio books.
• New York CityLast weekend we all took a trip down to the country's largest city. As always, I was left humbled and inspired. We also made a point to stop by the 5th Ave. Apple store. Very impressive.
• NAND MacBooksThis is really cool, except it makes me wonder why there is talk of the NAND only and not a NAND-Harddrive combination. I understand that these are supposed to be ultra portable, but what about instant start on regular laptops as well?
• Rescue MeHands down the best show on network television. FX is on quite the roll lately. I also can't wait for the return of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

Josh:

• Logo Search WidgetKiller tool for any designer. Search for and find any logo in the world as a vector EPS format.
• Design Observer ObservedInsightful critique of the recent Design Observer redesign by the folks at Speak Up!
• The Designer's BarbecueSummer is here, and lord knows everyone enjoys an evening BBQ. Why not step your BBQ game up a notch with this thoughtfully designed grill? Maybe you won't be wearing your "Kiss the Cook" apron in vain anymore.
• Testament - The GatheringTestament's 1999 release on Spitfire records. Metal at its finest. Slayer's Dave Lombardo killing it on drums. Of course.
• EntourageAnd what summer would be complete without a new season of HBO's Entourage? It's just like hanging out with your buddies on the weekend. Except with less meeting beautiful girls, expensive dinners, and celebrity house parties.