Last week, we were pursuing the latest and greatest our watch-anything-now TV offerings, looking for a low-key, slightly holiday-themed night in when we came across Netflix’s A Very Murray Christmas, described as the following: “Bill Murray rounds up an all-star cast for an evening of music, mischief and barroom camaraderie in this irreverent twist on holiday variety shows.”

It was pretty much exactly that and, though it took a little but for us to track what it was going for, it ended up being a great take by Murray on the holiday special genre, lampooning it and celebrating it at the same time. Directed by Sofia Coppola, the hour-long show is characteristically (for her) artistically slow and drawn-out in a wonderful way, featuring a bizarre array of guests that we won’t spoil save for the following: Of the many musical numbers in their many varied forms, one of our favorites came from the unlikely combination of Bill Murray, Paul Shaffer on piano, Jason Schwartzman on drums (who, in addition to his acting chops, used to has [had?] a great solo band called Coconut Records), and French popsters Phoenix playing a multitalented hotel kitchen staff.

The song they play—”Alone on Christmas Day”—is a little-known Beach Boys song from an unreleased Christmas album and it’s pretty awesome. It’s available as a limited edition 7″ and digital download via iTunes + Spotify, with all proceeds going to benefit one of our favorite clients—UNICEF. Given the fact that Coppola’s been married to Phoenix frontman Thomas Mars since 2011, Murray’s little quip at the end of the track’s pretty nice.

And yes—coolest married couple ever.

For anyone who doesn’t already know, Pantone—”the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards”—has been choosing colors of the year since 2000, the intention being to both predict and guide trends in the coming year.

Today, Pantone announced the 2016 colors, marking the first time ever that the color experts have chosen two colors to brand a single year. It also denotes what may be a much more socially conscious, politically aware decision-making process for that choice. Or good PR. Or both.

According to Pantone, the two new colors—Rose Quartz + Serenity—”demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace.”

They continue, via press release:

“The prevalent combination of Rose Quartz and Serenity also challenges traditional perceptions of color association. In many parts of the world we are experiencing a gender blur as it relates to fashion, which has in turn impacted color trends throughout all other areas of design. This more unilateral approach to color is coinciding with societal movements toward gender equality and fluidity, the consumer’s increased comfort with using color as a form of expression, a generation that has less concern about being typecast or judged and an open exchange of digital information that has opened our eyes to different approaches to color usage.”

Though the tone and verbiage of the announcement might verge on pretentious over-importance and the video that accompany it (below) strike me as very Scientology (or at least yoga retreat-y)…I like the idea and welcome some serenity and peace in the com in year, especially after so much sudden violence close to home.

Now to order yet another new set of Pantone books….

In combing through some old files today, I came across this old sketch I did awaiting jury duty in New York, 2008, I think, and then turned it into a quick illustration.

Civil service bring out the morose in me, seemingly.

Bye, New York. Love you much, see you again soon.

Pulling up a photo from our archive as we enjoy the timeless architecture of New York City for the week, this one from the courthouse downtown, employed in our 2011 site redesign.

If you happen to be looking for an escape from the family togetherness this holiday week, or are just looking for a new show to binge-watch, we highly recommend that you check out Aziz Ansari‘s new Netflix show, “Master of None”.

Even if you’re not a fan of Ansari’s stand-up or you think Tom Haverford’s “treat yo self” persona is a bit much on Parks and Rec, you should still give “Master of None” a go.

Not only does Ansari play a more grounded, tamer version of his stand-up and Haverford selves, and not only is the primary cast of “Master of None” wildly diverse (Ansari, playing Dev + Taiwanese-American friend, Brian + African-American lesbian, Denise + giant, white, muppet-like Arnold) but the writing’s intelligent and funny without going over-the-top (thanks mostly to Ansari himself + writing partner/co-creator Alan Yang).

For instance, there are all of these moments you have watching the show where you can suddenly see where it would go as a typically, get them laughing at all costs show, and it never takes the easy way out. Ansari’s character gets wasted at a bar with a bunch of women and doesn’t cheat on his grind but instead discusses feminism with them and talks himself out of a job…that kind of thing. And it still totally works. Better than that, it’s a refreshing departure from what we’ve come to expect in comedies, even the best of them these days.

So give it a try if you trust our taste. We’re wagering you’ll like it. Trailer below. Ansari’s also got a good article in the Times on acting and race in Hollywood.

Coming off of a beautiful weekend celebrating a beautiful life, we just wanted to remind everyone—ourselves included—to appreciate life and friendship, and to love deeply. Life is far far far too short for anything less.

Somewhere, in Los Angeles, a dog looks out over the city, fully aware of the evils that dwell below and the innocent lives he’ll soon save.

Or he’s just ready to go home. One or the other.

Dramatic, pale, spikes plant of unknown species/genus, as shot with an old Holga.

Our bodies are so fragile; unfit vessels for such lofty things as souls.