Chronolog

Chronolog is a website for archiving "Time lapses of Earth powered by community science." Essentially, they're fixed phone placeholders where passersby can position their phone and take a picture. Then, the photo can be uploaded to the Chronolog website and, over time, you can see a "time lapse" of the location. Because the placeholder is "permanent," essentially every user's phone has the same point of view, forcing the perspective to be fixed, at least in theory.

Toronto only has one Chronolog. Unfortunately, it's placement is terrible. It overlooks Grenedier pond in High Park. It's one of my favorite places in the park, and therefore the city, but just about any other place on the pond or in the park would have been a better choice than this:

I walk by this space daily and though the distant greenery does change a bit, it's mostly a wasted opportunity and I hope High Park, or whoever paid for this particular Chronolog, moves it to a more dynamic location.

If you want to check your area for Chronologs, use the search feature on their site or browse the map.


Will Oldham's Cavern Concert

I've loved Will Oldham's music for more than 30 years. He's one of those artists whose output convinces me I've wasted my life.

In 2014 he played a live show in a cavern in Texas. Briefly, I considered setting foot in Texas.

Thankfully, someone's uploaded the performance to Youtube.

Rather than start with the 90 minute video, here's Beast for Thee and Blood Embrace where he's accompanied by Matt Sweeney on guitar. The songs are from their extraordinary record Superwolf, which has long been a favorite of mine.

And here's the whole Cavern performance. Image cuts out near the end but the sound is good.


Simone's Coat Hingers

Y'all know I love a well-made product. I also like niche items that solve specific problems. Therefore, I give you Simone Giertz's Coat Hingers:

I initially approached Giertz years ago about carrying her Habit Tracker in Volver (my weird Toronto shop). We couldn't quite come to terms, but that doesn't mean I don't think her stuff is awesome.

She's currently taking pre-orders on the next batch of Coat Hingers, so if this is something you can use, get shopping!


Merlin — Bird ID App

I've been using the Merlin Bird ID App a lot lately and have been surprised at the number of people who haven't heard of it. So I'm recommending you download it for yourself.

I mostly use it to identify birds I can hear but not see during my morning dog walks. Just yesterday in High Park I ID'd a Easter Screech Owl and a Red-shouldered Hawk, both uncommon in the area.

You can download the free app on the Merlin site.


Skateboarding, 1965-Style

This video from Virginia Beach, 1965, shows boys and girls skateboarding in a style that is mostly non-existent these days. That's not why I found it interesting, though. To me, the sheer number of kids skating barefoot seems bizarre and their rather constant getting-in-each-other's-way / lack of taking turns / crashing and just moving on without confrontation would be unheard of today.


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