Design, psychology and knocking you on your ass

http://99percentinvisible.org/

One of my new design discoveries is the blog/podcast 99% Invisible, "a tiny radio show about design, architecture & the 99% invisible activity that shapes our world."

99% may think itself tiny but it consistently packs a ton of smart insights into each post and show.  

Case in point is "Episode 101: Cover Story," which examines the psychology, the art and gut instinct behind the design of mass-market periodicals. Rather than a driveby look at today's trends, 99% delivers a fascinating look back at the roots and evolutions of cover design from mid-20th century to today.

Of particular note is a section on how the psychology behind impulse buying began to play greater roles in magazine design, among them most prominently the iconic Esquire covers of designer George Lois.

"When you look at a magazine from 20 feet away, it should knock you on your ass," Lois said in describing a design philosophy as relevant now as it was 50 years ago.

So, next time you peruse a newsstand, you might want to cherish the silent symphony at play in front of you. Even in a dying industry, there's a visual magic that remains hard to replicate online. 

'Best mixtape you've ever heard'

One of the best things about the days leading up to Christmas is the arrival each year of the Oxford American magazine's annual Southern Music issue. The inspired writing on a wide diversity of music always makes for a months-long adventure. Toss in the companion CD -- or double CD as is the case this most recent issue focused on Tennessee -- and you have a double bill that's hard to match. 

The top-notch quality can be heard in a wonderful two-part podcast from the folks at Beale Street Caravan, a show celebrating the influential musical stew that emanates from Memphis's famed boulevard but whose influence spreads worldwide. Oxford American music editor (could that be the best job in America?) Rick Clark takes a starring role in each episode, sharing interesting back stories on the songs and the planning that goes into each issue. 

I highly recommend streaming or downloading both episodes, which the hosts describe as "a live-in-the-studio listening session of the best mixtape you've ever heard." Bold statement, yes, but give a listen to Part 1 and Part 2 and tell me you disagree.

And by all means buy the magazine, either direct from the website or at bookstores like Barnes & Noble. You'll be a better human as a result. 

Fascinating video of 1955 Belgian Grand Prix

Thanks to a tip from Nigel Roebuck at Motorsport Magazine, race fans are discovering a fascinating 30-minute documentary on the 1955 Belgian Grand Prix that takes viewers back to a much simpler time when speed and safety were completely different goals. 

You'll want to watch the entire clip -- which Shell funded at great expense given the number of cameramen and crew -- to see legends like Fangio and Moss muscle their way around the grandest of racing circuits, Spa Francochamps. It's scary to see how close cars at high speed get to nonchalant pit crews and observers.