At The Idea Factory we LOVE websites that you can interact and engage with (hint, hint). Here are a few of our favorite websites that may help you to see things differently, to get lost even.
finding your center
https://findingyourcenter.tumblr.com/ - This website has audio tracks from a 2014 interactive art installation by Susan O’Malley at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. While we cannot be in the physical space that Susan is describing, we can still be with Susan in this experience that transcends space and time. We suggest starting by just listening to the audio tracks and imagining yourself in the spaces, then If you would like to read more about the project and see photos from the spaces you can do that at this link: https://susanomalley.org/finding-your-center/ As with The Idea Factory, you should follow the circular icons to navigate your way.
Infinite Craft
https://neal.fun/infinite-craft/ - As we know at The Idea Factory…It’s All Connected! This website is great for combining things (crafting) to make new and unexpected connections. It’s kind of like internet alchemy. You start out simple, then go in some wild directions the longer you stick with it! There is also app if you live in phoneland. (apple) (other)
whole earth index
https://wholeearth.info/ - access to tools
The Whole Earth Catalog was an American counterculture magazine and product catalog published by Stewart Brand several times a year between 1968 and 1972, and occasionally thereafter, until 1998. The magazine featured essays and articles, but was primarily focused on product reviews. The editorial focus was on self-sufficiency, ecology, alternative education, “do it yourself,” and holism, featuring the slogan “access to tools.” You can buy a print version of the Whole Earth catalog on Ebay or you can look at our copy of The Last Whole Earth catalog any time in the Museum of Raccoons. It is located right beside Rocky on the main help desk. It’s nice to have the archive online, but the real magic is flipping through the actual catalog in person.
Oblique Strategies
https://ob-strat.netlify.app/ - an online version of the classic Eno & Schmidt card deck. You can buy the physical version HERE. We do have a copy available for sale at the Museum of Raccoons through the Gift Shop. Simply ask at the desk and you can avoid the wait time for it to ship from overseas. We also have a physical version for use while in the Museum. Again, ask at the desk and we will get it out so you can draw a card and begin to see things with new eyes.
The deck is designed to help artists, musicians, writers, and creatives break through mental roadblocks and approach their work from fresh, unexpected angles. Created in 1975 by Brian Eno and artist Peter Schmidt, this unique tool encourages lateral thinking by offering unconventional prompts and creative dilemmas.
Obligatory Notes Of Hope
https://www.obligatorynoteofhope.com/ - How can we imagine and create a future we want to live in? On. this website you will find some thoughts and suggestions.
RAdioooooo
https://radiooooo.com/ - (Click the link then you will need to create a free account…trust us it’s worth it). There is so much more music out in the world than what a Spotify algorithm will serve you. While our preferred music distribution system is the cassette tape we also LOVE Radioooooo! Here you can listen to music from all over the world from the past, present, and future. Songs can be sorted by slow, fast, or weird depending on what kind of mood you are in. Again if you live in phoneland you can get the apps here: (apple) (other).
