A Writer's Hierarchy of Needs

Grant Snider made this one for the New York Times Book review. It's also at his webcomic, Incidental Comics.

Redwood Saga

Thus is a 1946 documentary about the logging industry in California. On the one hand, you may be saddened at the very idea of cutting down a thousand-year-old redwood, but on the other hand, the people of 1946 didn't have much in the way of plastic to make everything out of. Moving to plastic and other artificial materials may have saved some trees, but the long-term consequences of creating materials that last forever are pretty dire. I'm glad we managed to save a few redwoods; they may flourish again after mankind is gone. (via Memo of the Air) 

Peach Corps

(via Bad Newspaper)

Surgeon

(via Bad Newspaper)

Office Perks

It doesn't have to be a tech company, and the perk doesn't have to be ping pong. The general concept applies to every workplace. This comic is from Jeff Lovfers at Don't Hit Save.

Can't Complain

This comic is from The Obscure Gentleman.

The Wizard's Dream

The grass is always greener, you know. This comic is from James P. Sandoval at But a Jape. (via Geeks Are Sexy) 

Something Different with Maple, Walnut, and Cherry

Ryan Hawkins of West Coast Boards shows us what he does. You won't be able to keep up, but it is mesmerizing. It was only the second time through that I realized that it's not paint, but glue he's slathering on the wood. The best comment:

I tried to do the same but I realized I was missing 23 of the 24 machines and tools required, so I just replayed the video with envy.

Yeah, this is no how-to video. It's more like a wish-you-could video. I bet even his scrap pile is pretty. 

Children's Dream Jobs Over a Century

What do kids say when you ask them what they want to be when they grow up? When I saw the premise of this video, I immediately thought "Astronaut! President!" This reflects the historical era I grew up in, and I well remember being set straight that girls cannot be either. But this graphic video covers 1920 through 2026. It begins with "cowboy" being the most popular answer, and reflects what children are exposed to over time. Watch how fast "pilot" ascends to the top early on. World War II promotes "soldier." "Astronaut" debuts in 1958 and quickly becomes the go-to profession, although "spy" is pretty popular during the Cold War. "Pro Athlete" takes the top as the Apollo program ends. "Programmer" debuts in 1985. "Dinosaur Expert" hits the list in 1992, a year before Jurassic Park, but the same year that PBS's miniseries The Dinosaurs! aired. "YouTuber" joined in 2007, only two years after the platform launched, and became the real aspiration for children.  
    
Pay attention to what's simmering under the top. "Nurse" and "teacher" were consistently on the list until the 1970s, because little girls assumed those were the only professions open to them. I'm surprised "movie star" stayed so low. Be aware that the very question assumes that an adult will be defined by their job, which is a very American thing. (via Born in Space) 

  

Engineers

Posted in celebration of my son-in-law, Dr. Engineer, getting a job in his field! Or, somewhat in his field. It's engineering. I have no idea what's he's going to do, but I'm proud anyway. (via Buzzfeed)

Looking for Something

This guy is looking for the meaning of life. I don't think he's looking in the right place. Well, he's looking here and there, but he's actually getting all philosophical until he realizes what's really going on. (via Laughing Squid)

Tear the Flesh

People seem to like the first idea better. This comic is from Chris Hallbeck at Maximumble. (via Geeks Are Sexy) 

Marge

(via Bits and Pieces)

Distressed

He was fine; he's distressed now. (via Bad Newspaper)

Job Hunting

The sad part is that he/she might have to take this job. (via reddit) 

Electrical Box

(via Give Me a Sign)

Party Time!

(via Bad Newspaper)

Fulfilling His Dream

Will always wanted to be an air dancer, one of these "tube men" that dances by  blown air power to catch your attention. And he got his wish! Not only is he a tube man, but a professional tube man! The kicker is that this is a real ad, a local commercial for a car dealer. It matters little that you see any of the actual products for sale. If you live in the local area, you'll remember the ad, and the name of the dealer. (via Tastefully Offensive)

Desperation

(via Bad Newspaper)

Qualifications

(via Bad Newspaper)