Mahlon

Birthright

I picked up the first issue of this book based off a recommendation from a buddy at one of my regular comic shops. Written by Joshua Williamson and with pencils by Andrei Bressan, the opening pages of this book present the reader with some pretty heartbreaking stuff. The story begins with a child gone missing and the family fallout that unfolds over the course of a year as the father stands wrongly accused for the disappearance and presumed murder of his youngest son. The first issue has a great hook and some genuine surprises. Issue 5 released this week so I’ve got some catching up to do.

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Grant

Skyline Motel

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned since jumping into the music business is that great projects often include Ian Fitchuk. Ian is an incredible musician, singer, writer and producer. As Andrew Combs once told me, “It’s unusual NOT to see Ian whenever I walk into a studio.” It wasn’t until this week that I discovered Skyline Motel, a supergroup of sorts formed by Ian and some of the most accomplished songwriters in Nashville. Sarah Buxton, Kate York and Daniel Tashian fill out the quartet which is often joined by David LaBruyere (John Mayer) and one of my faves, Tom Bukovac. Bukovac is one of the best session guitarists in the world; a multi-time winner of the ACM guitarist of the year award.

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Charles

Hard Book Habit

I’m an active practicer of marginalia  when I read and find I’m more effective and focused in notating and recording my thoughts and key concepts when reading a printed book vs. using highlight or note function on my Kindle or iPad. This site Hard Book Habit by bibliophiles (and Blackwing fans) Sarah and Lucy ponder some of history’s greatest literary works.

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Alex

The Sketchbook Project

While I was in New York, wandering through the streets of Williamsburg, I stumbled upon a sidewalk sign that read, in bold block letters, “Art Library.” “I love art libraries,” I thought as I strolled through the door, only to be greeted with one of the most inspiring and breathtaking collections of notebooks, sketchbooks and journals I’ve ever seen. I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that I hadn’t heard of the Sketchbook Project before walking through the door of their Art Library and seeing the 30,000 plus volumes of their collection in person, but now I’m a lifelong fan. I even bought a sketchbook of my own so I can contribute to this growing, global collaborative art project.