The Multiple Uses of Mic Stands

I've been meaning to post this for some time now, but couldn't find the proper images. I'm sure you've seen these things beside your favorite singer. They are easily missed, taken for granted, and ignored... but they are there! The trusty sidekick of so many musicians.

These are my uses....
Those of us who live in NYC know that space is often lacking. Even if you don't live here, you know what I'm talking about. I'm always looking for multiple ways of using objects to save space. Versatility is always a great feature in design, and inventing different ways of using something is even better!

So a third of my apartment space is dedicated to music equipment (thanks to Z). One day we needed a lamp, but all the available lamps were either too mumsey or way out of our price range. We decided to take an interesting shaped light bulb and an IKEA light fixture/cord to make our own modern lamp. We have a couple of mic stands lying around so we used one as a lamp post. The cords come in various colors which is kind of nice if you are crazy about small accents like me. (bulb-$5 + cord-$12)

Another day came by and I needed a few racks to hang some clothes. And along comes the old mic stand to lend a hand... or I should say... clothing rack??? The best part is that they are easily compact-able for storing or carrying and cost about $25.

Posted: Sept. 17, 2009

New York, I <3 U

*Click on image to view trailer

A friend of mine, Colleen, sent me this link a few weeks ago. I had to post this because it's easy to get discouraged about this city - the cost of living, the grime, the noise... not to mention the best of the best competition in most career fields. But with all of the annoyance, comes the most entertainment you will find from merely sitting at a corner and watching the people, endless places to go, to eat, to hear live music... and such high concentration of cultural mixture from block to block. All of these things account for the high energy you will feel from walking the streets of New York City.

I agree that this city is not for everyone, and many people dislike even visiting. It's in a constant process of decay, and the entire infrastructure seems as if it's crumbling. But people strive to survive amongst the toughest environments and this allows creativity to flourish in just about everything. The most interesting thing to me is the need for nature in an environment made almost completely out of concrete. You see gardens sprout in the most unexpected ways and places, and people gathering outside in any open space creating parks out of asphalt lots... or even the street! Maybe not as relaxing as the beach, but it's amusing how people will use the resources that are available to fit their needs. Like this guy riding down Canal Street. These are the reasons I love NYC. After living in Denver, Chicago, and Los Angeles, I think it's safe to say this is my favorite city in the US.

Pssst.... music in the trailer is by Phoenix, movie releases in US Oct. 16th!
Posted: Sept. 2, 2009