Ladies and Gentlemen, I've successfully secured a funky little space of my own in the city and proudly present my new lair.  [Updated to include new armchair, restored antique floor lamp, bedroom audio setup and new canes.]

 …

I've invented the perfect drink.

It's called the "John Cage."

2 fl. oz. shot glass.

Empty. No ice.

Serve neat.

Sit with it for a non-predetermined duration.

Reflect upon it.

Handle the glass.

Or don't.

Leave when you feel you've finished.

My life is so far removed from contemporary consumerism that every once in a while, when I am exposed to the day-to-day workings of a consumer lifestyle, I am awestruck with culture shock.

Such was the case today when a realization became quite clear to me - one which had eluded me thus far in my simple life of antique-buying and online marketplaces.

(Bear in mind that I have lived the majority of my adult life without ever walking into a brick-and-mortar store.  But really, in…

Greetings, friends.



I will preface this question with a statement of my own ignorance.  My formal education was in the field of graphic design and my independent study is primarily centered around music history and the sociological impact of music on global culture.  As such I have not explored economics or social classism and have little knowledge of economic history or contemporary trends.



However, recently I have been considering my place in the socio-economic system…