There are NO Shortcuts Worth Taking 

Interview by Theo Constantinou

Instead of writing an introduction for this piece, we are posting the end of our conversation with Steven that was off record and that was still being recorded, to give you a better idea of our ethos here at Paradigm.

Theo Constantinou: We’re starting out at the same point where you were, which is that, we’re doing something that’s what we like, and what we think other people should know about; people aren’t really living the way that they should. And so, we’re kind of doing it the same way: doing what we enjoy in life. We want people to live life and enjoy it, push the envelope and scope of our daily lives, and the way we conduct ourselves in life and business. There are people who are so deprived of that, that they don’t know where to begin.

Steven Grasse: When we started out, I’d take business from anybody to survive. We can be selective now, but when we started, it was just like, ‘here’s five dollars.’ Yeah I’ll do it, no problem. A lot of the work that we used to do was very much one way; now we’re very much this other way.

The Five Questions sits with Steven Grasse, founder of the Quaker City Mercantile and Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction

I met Steven Grasse about a year ago at his office in Philadelphia.  He works standing up, just like my editor Joy Stocke.  I like working while standing as well.  We also share another interesting factoid.  We all use Macs.  It might not mean anything to some people, but I think it is the identity of a certain kind of intellect.  Steven is a thinker.  He is a conceptualist. A modern renaissance man.  He is a film-maker, an advertising agency owner/spirits guru and a bon vivant.

TOTC 2010- William Grant & Sons House Party

Tales of the cocktail is in full swing this week, and the william grant & sons house party saw over 800 attendees last night! here’s a look at some of the fun:

SNAP

From Art In The Age of Mechanical Reproduction, the people that brought out Root  last year, comes another certified organic vacation-in-a-glass; Snap. There have been a few ginger-infused type spirits released recently but have been wary until now. Love ginger generally (was munchng on some pickled ginger last night in fact, straight out of the jar) and bet this could make a killer alt' G&T (ginger and tonic??). Tricky to find in the NorthEast but if anyone tracks it down would love to know.

After-Work Drinks

Good Life

Nothing about this architectural gem in Downtown Crossing is buttoned-down Boston. Formerly a Sinatra-esque lounge, Good Life is now a great dance spot, with local DJs spinning drum and bass for an audience of hoodies, tats and neckties. The fashion-conscious flock here for Martinis and Makeover night. Those just looking to decompress can grab a 'Gansett, or escape to the downstairs bar, which serves more than 100 kinds of vodka.

Inspired Water: Filters Fast: "How to Choose a Water Pitcher Filter"

With the multitude of water filters out today, deciding which one to buy can seem overwhelming. Thanks to the water and air filter mavens from FiltersFast.com, you can now simplify your shopping experience with their “How to Choose a Water Pitcher Filter” guide, featuring the MAVEA Elemaris .

Read their article here to learn three important factors to consider before choosing your water filter.