I dont’ know nothing about southern belles but I can tell you something about southern hell…

Gritty southern blues at it’s finest.

Growing up in a liberal college town, I would frequently see bumper stickers that read, “If you aren’t outraged, you’re not paying attention.” At the time I regarded this as nothing more than activist rhetoric, however, the news of late has had me pretty bummed out. While there’s always unrest and injustice present in the world, something about this latest cycle has me left with little faith in humanity, especially considering what’s going on inside our own borders.

In the so-called “land of the free,” Americans are being shot and our liberties violated by those sworn to protect them. Elsewhere, children & civilians are being beheaded, crucified, and bombed over fairy tales and money. The lands, waters, and atmosphere we occupy are on the brink of disaster. Deadly viruses are claiming humanitarians and villages. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and even easier to point fingers or place blame, yet resolve seems out-of-reach given the current climate.

World peace is an unlikely proposition. Justice will never be served for those who deserve it most. Yet being constantly outraged is not an option for living a happy, fulfilling life, and simply ducking the news and pleading ignorance is a cop-out. Such helplessness to incite change is a frustrating and empty feeling, but we simply can’t all cure Polio or travel abroad as humanitarians.

However we can make a difference in our communities and positively impact those around us. Stand-up for what you believe in and use your voice and abilities to make a difference on whatever scale you can. Be kind and help those who are in need. Pay attention, but know when to turn-off. When you have good fortune, share it with friends and those close to you.

And if all else fails, go ride your bike and give thanks, for we are truly blessed to live the lives we do.

Took an adventure up north to Idaho a few weeks back. Activities included backpacking into serene mountain hot springs, backcountry mountain biking through the White Clouds, swimming in high alpine lakes, as well as eating awesome food and drinking good beer. Below are a few photos… for more images and full report, visit Prospecting Idaho.

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“I had to write things that scared the shit out of me… I won’t take something out because it scare’s me to put it in, I think that’s bullshit, that’s lying to people… You build an audience that way that’s very similar.”

“Exactly. If you’re honest and you’re vulnerable then like-minded people find you.”

Jason Isbell and Marc Maron from WTF With Marc Maron

Jason Isbell played at Red Butte this past Tuesday. While I’ve seen him with the Drive-by Truckers a couple of times, this was the first time I’ve seen his solo show. The DBT’s have always blew me away in concert, but Jason’s musicianship and craft as a solo performer was truly outstanding. Afterwards I stumbled across his interview with Marc Maron, and their brief discourse on building an audience through vulnerability really resonated with me.

A visual guide to an adventurous summer. Filled with cool rivers, warm breezes, sandy toes, open patios, and cold ones. There’s no better living than summer in the mountains.

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Best not forget to call your mothers.

Managed to get some time in the saddle on hero dirt last Thursday before the weather moved in. Say what you want about Salt Lake City, but it’s trail access is one-of-a-kind for a city of it’s size. Not to mention spring time is primetime for riding in the valley. The wildflowers were absolutely exploding with color along the Bonneville Shoreline Trail.

For more photos head over to Park City Mountain Biking.

It’s been a bit since I’ve done a good ol’ fashioned link dump. So here we go with a few odds and ends to make your day more interesting, or at least brighten it up a bit. Starting from above is a short edit I made last weekend featuring the Neko Monster and yours truly. Still getting the hang of video a little at a time.

Guaranteed to be the funniest thing you’ll see all day – Andrew Marbach Vine Compilation.

I’m a self-confessed map-aholic. Especially when you mix a little info graph action into the mix. Here’s 40 Maps That Explain the Middle-East. Fascinating.

Two of my favorite things – beer and design. Milton Glaser critiques modern beer labels. Nice to see Utah represented in there.

Richard Linklater (Dazed & Confused) took 12 years to film his latest project, Boyhood. And for good reason, this looks remarkable.

Three of my favorite things – beer, bourbon, and bikes. I seem to be noticing a trend. Regardless, that is one sexy bicycle. Wish we had events like this around these parts… I’m gonna have to work on that.

And lastly, this piece from Bike Magazine on bike touring Peru’s Huayhuash mountain range is truly stunning. Phenomenal work all around.

Enjoy.

Had a blast at the Fruita Fat Tire Festival last weekend with Dave & Michelle. Full write-up and more photos at Park City Mountain Biking.

In order to avoid losing its place atop organizations, design must deliver results. Designers must also accept that if they don’t, they’re not actually designing well; in technology, at least, the subjective artistry of design is mirrored by the objective finality of use data. A “great” design which produces bad outcomes —low engagement, little utility, few downloads, indifference on the part of the target market— should be regarded as a failure.

Designer Duds: Losing Our Seat at the Table by Mills Baker

Anyone who calls themselves a designer should take this to heart. Design without results is merely decoration. Less filler, more killer. Via Mark Birch.