Here are a couple of interesting pieces we've stumbled across over the break. If you're having trouble getting back into work, take 20 mins and chew on one or two of these.

1. What Turned Jaron Lanier Against the Web The charismatic guru of the early web and virtual reality (and weird musical instruments) riffs on the state of digital intellectualism, how we're increasingly under compensated for the data we give up and the wisdom of the crowd's effect on our collective dignity and personhood. And more. It's actually a great read though (not too dense)

2. New York Times' 2012: The Year in Graphics When it comes to using visualisations and infographics to augment journalism, few top the NYT. Check out some of their favourites from 2012. But of special note is the astonishing long-form piece Snow Fall: The Avalanche at Tunnel Creek. This multimedia extravaganza has received many plaudits for its in-depth, immersive take on blending emotion and science into one piece.

3. How Google Builds Its Maps—and What It Means for the Future of Everything This was published back in September but we stumbled across it again in The Verge's summary of the year's best web reads (lots in the rest of the list worth a look too). How Google Builds Its Maps takes a look not only at the massive human and technical undertaking of the map-making process at the company, but also examines the profound effects the its having on the way we see, and interact with, the world around us.

4. Connecting: A documentary on The Future of Interaction Design Ok, not actually a 'read' per se, but this 'watch' is worth it. The merging of physical and digital worlds has been a topic of interest to many in (and far beyond) our industry for a while. This 18 minute film paints a picture of what might transpire as we realise some of these scenarios. And, enticingly, talks of humans and technology forming a 'super organism' that allow and encourage new behaviours. Lots of top banter from people at places like Method, Nokia and Arduino. Oh - and if you rile against 'skeuomorphism' every time you open of those dirty Apple calendar or Newstand apps,  you'll enjoy some of the commentary from the experts.

Photo credit: Smithsonian Mag, http://www.smithsonianmag.com