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Wednesday, November 5th, 2008
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10:01 am - Addendum
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Looks like the final votes came in and Colorado, you're okay. California forces are still saying that enough votes are still waiting to be counted that they cannot, officially, declare that teh gays cannot marry.
Florida, having finally done the right thing in electing Obama, is steadfastly proving it was a lapse in their otherwise commendable ability to be fuck-ups and are sticking by their gay marriage ban. I'm sure it's doing wonders to clean up South Beach.
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6:47 am - ...well that didn't last long
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Arizona, California, and Florida all voted to ban gay marriage.
Arkansas has banned gay couples from adopting children (not a huge shock given the state).
And there are new abortion limits and the ending of affirmative action in several states.
Oh you thought we wouldn't fucking notice, did you? Thought you could bait'n'switch?
Let's shine a bit of light on this bullshit and have it repealed.
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6:31 am
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I can honestly say this is the first morning I've gotten up for in a while where I was excited to wake up.
This is temporary, this is all ephemeral and fleeting... but it is a wonderful feeling to know that for one proud moment, your country is worth the struggle. Even amidst all this concern and economic woe... with the sign of "old politics" versus "new ambitions" never clearer or more distinct, and with one of the biggest handicaps to ever surmount... America cast its vote and, by a wide margin, elected to change the world.
We have so much work to do, all of us still have so much to achieve and so much to undo... but for now, it's beautiful here. I haven't been able to feel that way for 8 years.
Thank you, America.
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(3 comments | comment on this)
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| Friday, October 24th, 2008
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9:31 am - Friday funnies
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| Tuesday, July 29th, 2008
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9:13 pm - Won't be up for long
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| Friday, April 25th, 2008
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5:11 pm - Nerdery
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| Wednesday, April 9th, 2008
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9:49 am - Godbless you, Uwe Boll
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| Thursday, January 31st, 2008
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1:06 pm
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| Thursday, January 24th, 2008
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12:54 pm - Typography
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| Thursday, January 3rd, 2008
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12:58 am - For the new year
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A STORY THAT COULD BE TRUE
by William Stafford
If you were exchanged in the cradle and
your real mother died
without ever telling the story
then no one knows your name,
and somewhere in the world
your father is lost and needs you
but you are far away.
He can never find
how true you are, how ready.
when the great wind comes
and the robberies of the rain
you stand in some corner shivering.
The people who go by-
you wonder at their calm.
They miss the whisper that runs
any day in your mind,
"Who are you really wanderer?"-
and the answer you have to give
no matter how dark and cold
the world around you is:
"Maybe I'm a king."
"Maybe I'm a queen."
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(2 comments | comment on this)
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| Sunday, December 16th, 2007
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6:50 pm - Wow, seriously?
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As seen on digg
So it looks like whoever is doing the interior design work for McDonald's has a hard on for the work David Carson on NIN's "The Fragile" EP.
Side by Side
In-Store image
In case you were wondering, they didn't "use the same stock photos" as were used in the album design. The photos were taken by David Carson himself... there's a whole documentary on it, as well as it being covered in a few of David's books. Also, I'm fairly certain NOTHING RECORDS bought the rights to the images so they could use them on merch.
Furthermore, even if they had somehow done that, they typographic work, logo changes, and appointments sort of make it a blatant and tasteless rip-off.
For once, I don't blame McDonald's. It's clearly the fault of the advertising company who did it... though, I'd hope either that company (or McDonald's themselves) would be more careful about this sort of thing.
Anyone know if this was done by Leo Burnett? It looks to me like it's a new branding avenue they're trying (with all the "natural" and "easy" copy appearing). And I'd assume that means Leo would have to be at least consulted? Might be outside the US, though, and that might preclude Leo's invovlement.
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(8 comments | comment on this)
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| Wednesday, November 21st, 2007
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11:51 pm - Netflix should pay me to write reviews
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On Enough
"Have you ever thought about making a movie that at once deplores violence against one half of society, but extols it for another? Have you ever found yourself wondering 'what would Jennifer Lopez look like if she were trying desperately to act her way out of inexplicable public acclaim?' Have you ever stood in hotpants in the food court of a popular mall, thinking that orphans would be better used as fuel for the off-world iron forges of Alpha Centauri then here on Earth?
Then you're probably Michael Apled, the worthless wretch who made this movie, and I will find you. Oh yes. I will find you."
On Q; The Winged Serpent
"This movie is so horrible I think it gave me cancer.
Don't get me wrong, I love bad movies. I LIVE for bad movies. I own every Ilsa movie, and proudly. But this... this is just wretched. The "Winged Serpent" is an after-thought. It's as if Larry Cohen went out to make a truly banal drama movie about domestic abuse staring Michael Moriarty... and at the last moment the studio said 'oh no... no, no, no... we will NOT green light this movie unless it has at least 25% more flying serpent in it.'
And then it was a mad dash to the editing room, where dark miracles were birthed in order to put out this travesty. Abandon all hope, ye who rent this film."
On THE MINION
"This movie dares to ask the question we've all pondered late at night: Is there a movie so terrible, Dolph Lundgren is the only saving grace?
The answer is: Yes. And it's called 'THE MINION.'
It had such promise! Dolph stars as part of a secret order of priests charged with keeping Earth (or at least New York) clear of demons... not with guns, or swords, or restraining orders.. but with giant spiked gauntlets! Then, after that amazing premise, it takes a nap for about an hour and a half, letting the camera film minute after soul-crushing minute where you pray for death rather than finish the film.
Honestly, do yourself a favor and rent THE RUSSIAN SPECIALIST, instead. It's far superior, even with it's lack of demon-punching Lundgren."
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(6 comments | comment on this)
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| Sunday, November 18th, 2007
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8:15 pm - "So... just one, then?"
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Enough time has passed that I can relate the following story without fear of it's recurrence or international incident. Some already know this story, as it was all I had for a stretch of time to distract people at parties from the growing mountain of empty cans or glasses beside me. Still longer has it been the trump card I held in reserve for the perfect time to upstage someone else's story of discomfort.
Here then is my story of agony, anxiety, and culinary comeuppance.
( Read more... )
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(5 comments | comment on this)
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| Thursday, November 1st, 2007
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4:09 pm - Design Zen
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Pop quiz: Your multi-million dollar venture into
the gaming market is hemmoraging money. You went from undisputed
leader to whipping boy.
What do you do?
Answer: Redo your offering with an aggressive price point, redesign
the unit so the lower pricetag isn't such a great loss, and do some
balls-to-the-wall ads in time for the holidays.
Oh, and heavy metal doesn't hurt any.
Sony finally gets into the game with this really slick ad.
Interestingly, they put actual game-play footage
for their exclusive titles. I must say, it makes me
interested in their product.
Catch it Here.
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(6 comments | comment on this)
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| Wednesday, October 31st, 2007
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11:49 am - Pilot Drinky Crow EP0 Part 2 (AdultSwim)
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11:49 am - Pilot Drinky Crow EP0 Part 1 (AdultSwim)
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| Thursday, October 25th, 2007
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6:04 pm - Design
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Well, I've had a bit of a problem, the last few months, in updating this journal. This is part of a greater issue that's been for the past few years, so let's see if I can't jump-start it and start making this a repository for my knowledge... dubious as it is.
Before you go calling me arrogant know this is as much for me as it is for anyone reading it... sometimes I need to remind myself of these things as they are not always forefront on my mind. And shame on me for that.
Topics are going to revolve around my recommendations for how to work in the design world (though this applies to most any profession dealing with art or creative faculties). These will be half "what to do" and half "what not to do". Both are important, but if you can need to glean only 50% of this, learn from my mistakes. They were each hard earned.
This week's topic is:
Designing for Function or "Design: Make it look like what it is (for)"
( Read more... )
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(comment on this)
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| Tuesday, September 11th, 2007
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9:02 pm - The Internet is full of Stupid
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| Wednesday, August 1st, 2007
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10:40 am
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It's Wednesday and I'm back to work (which is still rather slow). This means I have internet access, meetings to attend, and exhaustion. But you're not hear to read about this.
No, you're probably just dying to know what I did on my summer vacation! I will attempt to keep it brief where I can, expound where necessary, and do this all chronologically (this may prove difficult, as the whole event tends to jumble together like a Spanish monastery.)
You may want to sit down, grab something to drink (I suggest water, it's hot out and you're probably dehydrated), and try to keep all arms and legs inside the car while the ride is in motion.
Wednesday - Preludes and Premonitions
Lys and I flew out of Midway in the very early morning hours. Landing in Phoenix, we immediately pushed and shoved our way over to the Wendy's oasis. Such is my desire for Spicy Chicken Sandwich that I almost knock over an old woman to get my order. I say "almost" as the blow was enough to change her course considerably, but not enough to disrupt her equilibrium to the point of collapse.
If I can single out one instance thus far that would cause me to catch Karma's eye, this would be it.
The meal finished, we're caraled back on to the plane despite. and sat in front of screaming, kicking toddler. We proceed to cash in drink vouchers. I curse India, Pakistan, and the remaining members of the Spice Trail for ever inventing a force so cruel as to beset me with Henry Jr., the Human Klaxon, behind us in seat 16c. Chicken Vengence Incarnate keeps up the wailing through a beer, a screwdriver, 2 hours of plane flight, and all my patience.
Around 5:30 pm we land, find our hotel through the heat and confusion, drop off our bags, and hit the strip. While walking by seafood restaurant, I notice a man who looks an awful lot like Warren Ellis talking to a young woman who looks an awful lot like Lenora Claire. I figure it's a coincidence, or perhaps a mirage brought on by heat stroke and toddler-induced sleep deprivation.
Lys and I grab our badges and hit the floor for our first preview night.
Generally I try to make my first stop at San Diego be at the booth of a good friend of mine, Johnny. It's generally in the midst of "Small Press Island" with a giant image of a viper and rail-road spikes arrange to resemble a dollar sign. This giant battle standard can be quite easily in the fastidiously unadorned rank-and-file rows of the area, but it is conspicuously missing this year. It's finally found, hidden in the dense underbrush of discount toys and bootleg booths shamefully situated on the other end of the hall. Asking him about this, he mentions that he was almost banned for content this year due a clerk misinterpreting a painting of his. A painting, I might note, that was not on sale at the show nor intended for any distribution, but was seen on a website. Without getting into the absurdity of the claim, nor the content of the painting, I'll instead say it was a far cry from the copy of LEGEND OF THE OVERFIEND that was for sale at the booth not twelve feet from his.
After this we finally walk by the Avatar Press booth to find out the man we thought maybe, possibly, could-be-but-probably-wasn't Warren Ellis earlier today was, indeed, him. He's even wearing the same outfit as before (complete with large black hat to keep harmful sun rays off his flammable, English skin). This is clearly Karma's second penalty shot.
Having sworn out-loud at the Avtar booht, we beat a hasty retreat to the Devil's Due booth. Here our friends Susan and Kassi are working andm through some magic on her part, Susan gets us on the Avatar Press guest list. I go from quietly murderous to quite pleased.
The rest of the time on the floor is a blur of commerce as we pick up "Con Exclusives" for those friends left at home.
Around nine or ten pm we decided to swing back by the Seafood restaurant we saw The Warren at before. To our great fortune, he's seated outside. Correction, he's seated outside with Grant Morrison. My tiny little brain explodes, causing Lys to have to move my paralyzed body inside and call for whiskey.
I don't wish to bother either men, so we call our lovely waitress over to have her bring both men a note to Warren thanking him for calling Kyle when he was in the hospital (something I've been meaning to do for some time) along with an offer for me to buy both a drink at no obligation for them to put up with us. They accept the offer graciously, though are chased from their table by fans before they can get around to their second round.
This has been a lot to read, so rather than take up more of your friend's list, I'll cover Thursday - The Day of Days later
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(comment on this)
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| Tuesday, July 24th, 2007
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9:12 am - Another Interruption
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I'll be out of town this week for Comic-Con, and I've been delaying in responding to most anyone's posts and/or emails regarding what I've been putting up lately.
I'd like to take a moment to thank those who wrote a moment. These little primers of mine will continue until so time as I run out of steam or I simply become sick of my own ramblings and obsessions (the Wonder Twins of my type-a personality).
Obsession! Form of "a link swarm!"
Tank Books is immortalizing the cigarette "hard pack" design in this clever collection of classic literature. I think this may be the one and only time in history that I've been tempted to buy an Ernest Hemingway book.
Belkin's new N1 router takes a page from the Apple school of design and makes a lovely little gadget in monochrome. While I for one am getting a bit sick of the "iWhatever revolution" school of design, this unit has a number of welcome additions to the normally spartan (and highly technical) router interface/data gathering apparati. Certainly, much preferred over a mass of blinking LEDs and logging in through my browser like a savage.
Absolut is doing some wonderful brand extension/awareness work. With their highly-enjoyable "Absolut World" TV campaign, their limited edition flavors named after cities of the world, and their pairing with GRCIC, they've more than made up for abandoning their long-running "Absolut *blank*" campaign. A campaign I was sorry to see go, as it was successful enough to be memorable, produce several collaborations with well known artists (even if they were mostly New York based), and even launch two art books. I suppose, though, when your message reaches the cultural saturation point that consumers are generating spoof ads, it's time to pick a new direction.
And speaking of cultural saturation: Viagra is now co-opting an Elvis classic in order to sell it's product. I have two thoughts on this, the first being: "Do you really want to sell a prescription drug that might cause heart problems by using a song written in the dying years of one of the most famous artists to die of a heart attack due to (among other things) abusing prescription medication?" The second is we know you're out there, Viagra. We know. You've told us how a little blue pill can make us irresistible to women everywhere. You've shown us how much happier our spouses will be if we're still troubling them for sex when we're 50, completely denying the poor women of the joys of impotency (or as I call it, "Father Time's Snooze Button"). For Christ's Sake, you've even had presidential hopefuls pitch your product. You can stop now; we got it. I suggest you spend less money advertising on TV, hot air balloons, and NASCAR hoods, and instead just team up with Corvette dealerships. The co-branding practically writes itself. Also, see if you can take the creepy Enzyte guy with you. The kids are having nightmares about his smile and the dog won't get out from under the couch whenever he's on TV.
Also needing to stop is Sobe. I can hear you gasping, but please hear me out as this is more an intervention than it is a chastising. I like you Sobe, I like you a lot. I liked you even when I found out you were run by PepsiCo. I forgave you when you made that energy drink based on Superman, even though the world didn't need more energy drinks OR more Superman. I even looked the other way when you started redoing quotes from Napoleon Dynamite and put them under your caps ("do the lizards have large talons?"). But the Coolatta drink you're doing with Dunkin' Donuts? That's over the line. It tastes like those popsicles your mom used to buy that came in the plastic sleeve because she was too cheap to pick-up anything on a stick, and unless my purchasing it comes with an afternoon full of playing with my GI Joe's and cartoons, you're running a bait-and-switch operation. Knock it off, you're better than that.
Alright, that's all for this week. Next week, a 1000 word essay on "What I did at San Diego" and then back to artistic stuff.
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