By day, Dan Lane works at a Co-op in Exeter. By night, he's a globally recognized logo designer known as the "Lord of the Logos," creating iconic designs for bands like The Black Dahlia Murder and Aborted. His portfolio spans over 400 logos, including album artwork and merchandise designs for clients worldwide, a passion he pursues in his free time while maintaining his unassuming day job. He's built this impressive career largely through word-of-mouth and online networking within the metal music scene.
Facing a terminal cancer diagnosis, Stanford professor Bryant Lin refused to abandon his students. Instead, he integrated his experience with esophageal cancer into his final course, "Living With Cancer," offering a uniquely personal and real-time perspective on the disease. He openly shared his treatment journey, physical struggles, and emotional reflections, providing students with invaluable insights into the medical, social, and ethical dimensions of cancer. Lin's dedication to teaching and his willingness to be vulnerable transformed his classroom into a space of shared humanity and learning, inspiring students even as he confronted his own mortality.
HN commenters discuss the Stanford professor's decision to teach a class about his cancer journey. Several praise his bravery and openness, viewing it as a powerful way to educate students and destigmatize illness. Some question the emotional toll on both the professor and the students, wondering about the appropriateness of such a personal subject in an academic setting. Others express skepticism about the framing of the NYT piece, suggesting it's overly sentimentalized. A few commenters also share their own experiences with cancer and teaching, drawing parallels to the professor's situation. The potential for triggering students facing similar challenges is also brought up, along with concerns about the blurring of lines between professional and personal life.
This 1993 New Yorker article profiles Abe Green, a man who spent over four decades as a fixture at the Beverly Hills Hotel pool. Green, a self-made millionaire, established a daily ritual of holding court poolside, becoming a peculiar part of the hotel's landscape. The piece explores Green's evolving relationship with the hotel, from his early days as a welcomed guest to his later years marked by increasing eccentricity and strained relations with management. It paints a portrait of a man seeking community and purpose in a glamorous yet ultimately transient environment, capturing a specific era of Hollywood history and the changing dynamics of the legendary hotel.
Hacker News users discuss the intriguing life of Abe Green, the subject of the New Yorker article. Several commenters express fascination with Green's dedication to a singular, seemingly mundane routine, spending decades poolside. Some question his motivations and mental state, pondering whether it represents a life well-lived or a form of obsessive escapism. Others romanticize his existence, viewing it as a unique pursuit of personal happiness, unburdened by societal expectations. A few commenters note the piece's portrayal of a bygone era of Hollywood glamour and the changing face of Los Angeles. There's also a short thread discussing the hotel itself and its history.
Subway Stories is a crowdsourced collection of short, true anecdotes about everyday life on the New York City subway. These vignettes capture the diverse range of human experiences that unfold underground, from chance encounters and acts of kindness to moments of absurdity and quiet observation. The website serves as a digital tapestry of the city's vibrant and often unpredictable subterranean world, offering a glimpse into the lives of the millions who pass through its tunnels each day. It's a testament to the shared humanity and unique character of the NYC subway, presenting a mosaic of moments that are both relatable and distinctly New York.
Hacker News users discuss the "Subway Stories" project, largely praising its nostalgic and artistic value. Some commenters share personal anecdotes of their own subway experiences, echoing the themes of chance encounters and shared humanity found on the site. Others analyze the technical aspects of the project, appreciating its minimalist design and questioning the choice of technology used. A few express skepticism about the authenticity of some submissions, while others lament the decline of similar community art projects in the internet age. The overall sentiment is positive, with many users finding the site to be a refreshing reminder of the unique human tapestry of the New York City subway system.
Summary of Comments ( 60 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43594396
Hacker News commenters were generally unimpressed with the "Lord of the Logos" article. Several found the title misleading, as the designer's work, while prolific, wasn't particularly noteworthy or high-profile. Some criticized the writing style as hyperbolic and clickbaity, arguing the story wasn't deserving of such grand pronouncements. Others pointed out the irony of a Co-op employee designing logos for competing supermarkets. A few questioned the legality and ethics of designing logos for other companies while employed, especially given the potential for intellectual property conflicts. There was also a brief discussion about the prevalence of generic-looking logos.
The Hacker News post about the Exeter Co-op worker who designs logos has a modest number of comments, mostly focusing on the juxtaposition of his ordinary day job and creative outlet. Several commenters express appreciation for his artistic talent and the unique designs he creates.
One commenter highlights the "Lord of the Logos" moniker, finding it amusing and fitting. They also draw a parallel to Clark Kent/Superman, emphasizing the hidden talent beneath an unassuming exterior. This comparison resonates with other commenters, who enjoy the romantic notion of a secret identity.
Another thread discusses the logos themselves, with some commenters praising their retro aesthetic and clever use of negative space. They point out the effectiveness of simple, yet memorable designs, and how they stand out in a world of overly complex logos.
A few comments touch on the nature of creative work and the importance of having an outlet for self-expression, regardless of one's profession. They commend the designer for pursuing his passion alongside his day job.
Some commenters express curiosity about the designer's process and how he balances his two roles. They wonder if he plans to transition to logo design full-time or continue his current arrangement.
Overall, the comments reflect a positive reception to the article and a general admiration for the designer's artistic abilities and dedication to his craft. There isn't much in the way of controversy or debate, with most commenters simply sharing their appreciation for the story and the designs.