Steve announces the ‘Gnu’ desk

Perfect for laptops, the ‘Gnu‘ writing desk, of Baltic plywood and pine, is easily assembled entirely in wood joinery, with no metal screws or other fasteners, the cut notches along the back and side edges provide easy cabling and electrical wire pass thru for modern desk accessories and flat screen arm fixtures. Table legs are relief sculpted -brass piano casters optional. The desk is modular for a variety of floor layouts with left and right hand models and is finished in stained VOC free natural varnish, piano classic black or automobile paint finishes.© 2003 Steve Michel.

“Simplicity in a complex world. it’s

The desk “

Steve Michel.

Gnu is a green design project. Wood from sustainable forestry is THE material of choice. Its production results in a form of reverse-pollution whereby the environment benefits from native species restoration. Informal research shows that consumers all less likely to discard wood furniture.

actual quote: ’what is important is to create’

News item Elsewhere:

Haiti- A government plan has been tabled to lock down the Haitian capital with curfews, unreasonable closure of universities, abduction of suspected student movement leaders and other drastic measures in reprisal of a protest which took place on Dec12 in the capital. In meantime continued deforestation continues on hills and mountains in Haiti which suspiciously is the very tactic needed to cause soil erosion. Sources indicate that demand for firewood is the reason for this activity. Paradoxally the same demand hasn’t prompted a-forestation activity in the region. Go figure.

Jiving contest winner

‘Maria Selva took second place in the city’s humorous essay contest. Co-workers encouraged her to write down the stories she tells on break time. Her winning story, “I wasn’t born to ski,” was their all-time favorite, told while they were signing the cast on her leg.’ (Courtesy of MS newsletter.)

My Shelf, where sculpture meets organization.

A deviation from usual tautological practice. This piece explores tensions in the design’s visual cues. The bearing structure is layered horizontality distinct from the supporting vertical elements in random juxtaposition. The design questions the fine line between function and expression and, in its context, suggests the link between organization and randomness. Challenges the just barely functional design of the late 20th and early 21st century. Sm.

For whom tolls the bells

‘Best wishes to Bendel (women’s dress shoe division) and Mendel (administration), who married last Friday night. For fun, co-workers prepared a hyphenated nameplate for Isabelle’s office door. It reads: “Dr. Isabelle Mendel-Bendel.”’ (Courtesy of MS newsletter.) NM

Send your news briefs to editor.

Comparative density analysis of various bio material components.

Specimen #3121412: Baltic Plywood

It appears that what is heavy is in fact quite light.

Material specimen as some bizarre characteristics:

1- Unusually high resiliency comparable to 6065 alloys. A ¾” thick specimen of granite 12”x6” can be broken with bare hands by your average Karate neophyte. A same size sample of this wood resists all such attempts.

2- a density approaching that of pine wood. The standard water volume tests demonstrate a sample with a .02684ft3 displacement having a .5442lb equivalent in .008777ft3 of water.

3- self-repairing surface- scratches and indentations were easily removed with #320 grit alum. oxide abrasive.

12000 more trees expected

We are pleased to announce the welcome addition to Wangari Mathai a- forestation efforts with the discovery of Sebastian Chewa’s Tanzanian initiative as documented by Harris.

Next month:

Haitian Modernism Revisited

What I like about lichen

Ougans sightings and more.

On the move

I am pleased to report that our move to the new site location is almost complete. ‘The sound of hammering has finally given way to the dull thumps of the carpet layers.’ By the first of next month, we will be bringing some more news.

Until next time: Merry Christmas all!

A proposed floor plan

Volunteers needed

To search abstracts and verify the possible correlation between Co2 surface air content and Mauna Loa weather station air/water temperature readings.