Recommended Viewing | www.wulffmorgenthaler.com

Last week at Circle, we had the pleasure of having Lana Wagner Plant working with us—Lana was a visiting Danish designer from Krogh&Co in Copenhagen. Lana, who just recently returned to Denmark, sent me a link to www.wulffmorgenthaler.com - online since 2002, described as a commentary on life: politics, news, entertainment, technology, culture and weirdo beavers... (Lana says, "just for a bit of a laugh - Danish humour").


There are some real gems in here... ;) and there's a lot to browse through, being a daily strip and all...


Thanks for sending me the link Lana! Check out the site for yourself at www.wulffmorgenthaler.com - enjoy!

Visit c!rcular online to read more about Lana's visit and other Circle related news - cheers!

Viva Las Vegas...

For anyone who may be interested, I've uploaded pictures from my recent trip to Las Vegas, Nevada to my Flickr account. Vegas is one crazy place... from the vastness of the hotels and attached shops, to the crazy variety of shows, casinos and entertainment for all. I'd recommend visiting at least once in a lifetime... ;)


Highlights from the trip for me, aside from checking out the vast variety of shops inside the casino/hotel resorts included (above image: The giant wooden 'Trojan' horse at the entrance to F.A.O. Schwartz toy store inside the Caesars Palace shops):


The Shark Reef exhibit at the Mandalay Bay...


...where we saw all types of cool sharks and aquatic/marine life.


Visiting Madame Tussauds Interactive Wax Museum, which was a total blast! ;)


While we were there, we also had the opportunity to see Ka: Cirque du Soleil (at MGM Grand), which was awesome and the Bodies Exhibition (at the Luxor). It was quite an experience to say the least! My only complaint (if any), all the second-hand smoke... ugh.

View my Viva Las Vegas photo set on my Flickr account, here - enjoy!

Neat! 'Beached' Video on Vimeo...

Beached from Keith Loutit on Vimeo.

Came across this cool little video (created by Keith Loutit) the other day... it employs an effect which makes the people seem like little ants. It reminds me of the 'diorama model' photo effect tutorial that I blogged about a while back, here. Anyhow, you can watch the video embedded above or via Vimeo, here.

If you liked Keith's 'Beached' video, be sure to check out his other videos on Vimeo, which are done in a similar style: 'The North Wind Blew South', 'Bathtub II', and 'Bathtub III' - enjoy!

Hope all my fellow Canucks had a nice Thanksgiving Long-weekend! Cheers!

Recommended Viewing | Designing Minds: Marian Bantjes...

Designing Minds has posted a video of Marian Bantjes (friend, renowned designer, illustrator and typographer extraordinaire) from her appearance at the Design Matters Live event presented by Adobe and the AIGA. From the Designing Minds description:

A portrait of world-renowned designer, illustrator and typographer Marian Bantjes sharing her love for the design community and the importance of staying connected, even while working from her idyllic rural home studio. She speaks about her transition from a more traditional design career path to a much more personally fulfilling mix of work. Marian has an obvious love for what she does, sharing some of the inspiration for her recent projects as diverse as hand-drawn valentines to the type treatment for the "Want It!" campaign at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Marian's insights in this portrait are important for anyone who cares passionately about design and respects the craft of the artist.



Credits:

Producer: Rachel Talbot
Associate Producer and Sound Engineer: Matthew Hendershot
Editor: Lance Edmands
Assistant Editing: Hei-Man (Anita) Yu
Camera: Michael Coleman
Additional Camera: Michael Tucker, Rachel Talbot
Animation: Colin Yu
Design Matters Live poster: Marion Bantjes
Music: Music Box
Design Matters theme music: RJD2

You can watch the video embedded above or via Zoom In, here. Read my previous posts about the über-talented Marian Bantjes, here - enjoy! Go Marian Go!

Via Type for you.

Graymatter Graffitti – Reading and Signing at McNally Robinson, Grant Park

Yesterday evening saw the talented poet, Sam W. Reimer in-town to launch his book, Gray Matter Graffitti (designed by Circle), with a reading and signing at the Prairie Ink Restaurant in McNally Robinson – Grant Park (Winnipeg, MB).

Gray Matter Graffitti is a compilation of some 200 poems written by Sam W. Reimer, and edited by Robert L. Peters. I've blogged about it previously, here.


Sam read a number of poems from the various chapters within the book...


...which followed with a book signing.


In case you missed out, you can watch the embedded video of the poet reading 'The Relay' (from Backroads Magic) above, or on YouTube, here - enjoy!

FYI, Sam will be touring Manitoba for a short visit, with readings/signings in Morden and Steinbach to follow later this week. For more information visit www.samwreimer.com - cheers! Go Sam!

International Day of Non-Violence... (Happy Birthday Gandhi!)

Today marks the first official International Day of Non-Violence, it coincides with Mahatma Gandhi's birthday. Excerpt from Wikipedia:

On 15 June 2007 the United Nations General Assembly voted to establish 2 October as the International Day of Non-Violence. The resolution by the General Assembly asks all members of the UN system to commemorate 2 October in "an appropriate manner and disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness."

So remember, be at peace with yourself and others today (and everyday for that matter)! As a wise man once said, "Nor an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, for him who counts no man his enemy, but all his neighbors, and therefore can never stretch out his hand for vengeance." (St. Irenaeus) - cheers!

Via Robert L. Peters' blog (read his original post here) - enjoy.
Image: Statue of Mahatma Gandhi taken in Saskatoon, SK while attending the GDC National AGM.

GDC MB Lunch Talk w/ Tétro Design...

Yesterday, we had the first GDC Manitoba Lunch Talk for the Fall season, "Designing the GDC National Website." This lunch talk was presented by Paul and Andrea Tétrault (Tétro Design), and focused on the design of the 'front-end' of the new GDC National Website (CMS/'back-end' coding powered by SmallBox Software).


The presentation was well attended, informative and enlightening... I think Tétro has done a great job, and deserve applause/thanks from all the GDC. You can see more pictures from Paul and Andrea's presentation on my Flickr, or via the GDC Manitoba/GDC National Flickr Pools - enjoy! Thanks again to Tétro, for a job well done!

The GDC Manitoba Lunch Talks, are part of the Manitoba Chapters' ongoing professional development activities... as the current Activities Chair for the GDC Manitoba Chapter, I'm looking forward to the lunch talks and activities we've got planned down the road! Look for more information to come... visit the GDC Manitoba Chapter website often, for more information and updates as they become available - cheers!

Cursive...

This past weekend I was in Brandon, Manitoba (with my brother) to attend the Battle in Brandon, a kickboxing/muay thai event (held at the Wheat City Golf Course/Curling Rink) where Guardian Dojo members, Sean Devlin and Rox Lui competed. Anyhow, while having dinner with my brother, we couldn't help but notice the diversity of the handwriting on the wall (signatures on charity donation cards)... it was interesting to see the variety, which brings us to the topic of today's post. When was the last time that you wrote/used cursive handwriting?

Now, I handwrite on a daily basis but, it's definitely not in the traditional cursive style (as seen in the above image)... I don't even recall the last time I wrote in true cursive. I wonder how many people today, can write the cursive alphabet without reference (do they even teach this in school anymore?). We tried while waiting for our dinner and both of us failed miserably... sad.

Give it a whirl! Don't look at the image above! See how well you recall your cursive - cheers!

Image via Wikipedia

National Digital Media Day – Inaugural Celebration at Pastry Castle...

Yesterday evening marked the inaugural debut of National Digital Media Day, which saw members of New Media Manitoba, the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada (Manitoba Chapter), Flash in the Peg, and the International Game Developers Association band together to celebrate at the Pastry Castle in the Exchange.


Kevin Hnatiuk of New Media Manitoba was on-hand to welcome all the guests who turned out to the event. Kevin, along with his volunteers played a huge role in organizing the event.


The Honourable Jim Rondeau (Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mines), made a brief presentation, welcomed the enthusiastic crowd, and introduced the keynote speaker, Robert L. Peters. The event wouldn't have been possible without the Ministries' support so, many thanks!


The keynote presentation, by Robert L. Peters, FGDC was entitled Do the Thing Right.



Rob's quote-filled, Do the Thing Right keynote presentation was very well-received (you can see more random images from Rob's keynote via the GDC Manitoba Flickr Group, here).

People stayed afterwards, had a few beverages, mingled and chatted on the patio (all the while, enjoying the beautiful Fall evening)... a good time was had by all. You can see more images from the event via the GDC Manitoba Flickr Group, here - cheers!

Tickets in Hand...

Tickets! I've got tickets!!! The tickets for this year's 2008 Guardian Challenge – Kyokushin Karate Knockdown Tournament have been printed, and distribution has begun! If you're a fan of martial arts, MMA, UFC, contact sports, etc., you'll definitely want to come and watch this day-long event.


Here's the poster I created for this year's event which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 15th at the St. Vital EMC, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Interested in watching the event? Get in touch with me, and I'll see how best to get you the tickets.

Tickets will also be available shortly at Miyabi in Osborne Village, as well as from other members of the Guardian Dojo, and at the Dojo during regular class hours. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door (a serious bargain). Until then, you can watch footage from the previous tournament on YouTube - enjoy!

Recommended Viewing | Saturday Night Live's – Season Premier Opening Sequence

LOL... my apologies if, you've seen this before. The embedded video above was the opening sequence of SNL's season premier.

Tina Fey, now the star of "30 Rock," returned to Saturday Night Live (SNL) to play Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin. Tina bears a striking resemblance to Mrs. Palin and nailed the candidate's distinctive accent (I had to do a 'double-take' at first). Fey and Amy Poehler opened the show with a joint appearance as Palin and Hillary Clinton. Some very funny stuff, and I'm sure that there will be more as the US elections draw closer. Watch the embedded video above or visit NBC.com to watch it, here - enjoy!

By the way, did you know there's a Federal election/campaign going on in Canada right now too? That's another posting (or two) all in its own. ;) Thanks to local designer, Kevin Guenther for sharing the link with me - cheers!

COOL! Peraves AG – Monotracer...

You have to check out this super cool, covered motorcycle... the Swiss manufacturer Peraves has recently introduced the Monotracer, a two-wheeled vehicle that is reminiscent of those seen in Tron (or Akira, perhaps?).


Anyhow, I'd love to take one for a 'test ride' to see how well they actually handle... I'm sure it'd be an interesting experience. Learn more by visiting the Monotracer website at http://www.monotracer.com/ - enjoy!

Via Lost at E Minor - cheers!

Recommended | What? Clay Art & Curios...

Evelin Richter is a talented Winnipeg Beach based ceramist, I've blogged about her previously on MUHSASHUM, here. Anyhow, Ev's website/blog is now live (design by Circle and powered by Wordpress)! You can learn more about Ev, as well as see some examples of her work, visit her website/blog at http://www.whatclayart.com - enjoy!

Recommended | National Digital Media Day

Join New Media Manitoba, the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada (Manitoba Chapter), Flash in the Peg, and the International Game Developers Association as they band together to celebrate the first ever, “National Digital Media Day.”

Itinerary:
7:00 pm Mingle
8:00 pm Rob Peters' Keynote
8:40 pm DJ Lil'Phil

Tickets are $5 per adult and includes two drinks and cheese. Cash or cheque made out to New Media Manitoba will be collected at the door.

Date & Time: Thursday, 25 September 2008, 19:00 — 23:30
Location: Pastry Castle Cafe
237 McDermot Avenue
Winnipeg, MB
Canada
http://pastrycastle.ca/

Registration Deadline: Thursday, 25 September 2008 (register early as space is limited - register here). Hope to see you there - cheers!

Recommended Viewing | The Extreme Post-It Note Experiment...

From the same two guys that brought you the Mentos and Coke experiments, comes this video.

In collaboration with ABC's Samurai Girl, the pair have come-up with the Extreme Sticky-Note Experiment... you can watch the embedded video above or here, via Today's Big Thing - enjoy!

Via Today's Big Thing and EepyBird.com - cheers!

Friday Fun: The Family – Jerry Seinfeld and Bill Gates Microsoft Ad...

Here's something fun to watch on YouTube, it's an advertisement for Microsoft featuring Jerry Seinfeld and Bill Gates. I found it to be rather humorous... hopefully, you will too. You can watch the embedded video above or on YouTube, here - enjoy!

Thanks to Craig Medwyduk for posting the link to the GDC Listserve - cheers!

COOL! Anna Garforth / ABE...

I highly recommend you check out Anna Garforth's work... I totally dig her Mossenger - 'moss graffiti', as well as her Head Gardner projects. Anna graduated from Central Saint Martins in 2007 with a BA in Graphic Design and has since worked on a variety of commissioned pieces for a diverse range of clients.


Her self-initiated Head Gardner project involves re-purposing plastic milk bottles into plant heads. From her description on her website: 'It takes on the guerilla gardening concept of beautifying neglected or unwelcoming public space through gardening and growing plants, making it a more inviting environment to be in, as well as attracting a healthier biodiversity.' Tres cool IMO.

Visit Anna's website to see additional pics, along with more cool stuff at http://www.crosshatchling.co.uk/ - enjoy! Thanks to my friend, and local Winnipeg designer Mark Simpson for sending me the link. Cheers!

Images © Anna Garforth, All rights reserved.

2008 Guardian Challenge Kyokushin Karate Knockdown Tournament – Saturday, November 15th...

My apologies for the lack of posts... I've been busy. ;P First things first:

Congratulations! to my Senpai(s) and kōhai(s) who fought in the Kyokushin-kan Pan American Championship this past weekend in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. From what I've been told, our fighters were atop the podium for the majority of events they competed in. More information will be posted to the Guardian Dojo website upon their return... check often for news updates. Osu!!!

Anyhow, one of the things that has been occupying my spare time is the design of applications for this year's 2008 Guardian Challenge – Kyokushin Karate Knockdown Tournament, one of which you can see above. The image shows the promotional poster I created for this year's event which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 15th at the St. Vital EMC, it's the same venue as last year.

The poster and the majority of additional applications were output digitally by the fine folks over at Industry Images, they've been very helpful in accommodating my 'small-run' projects. This version was for the initial run... we've got more sponsors to include, but only these were confirmed (and had their logos available) at the time of printing.

Tickets will be going on sale for the event shortly... if you're interested in watching the event, drop me an email and I'll see what the best way to get you tickets would be (a limited number of advance tickets will be available at Miyabi in Osborne Village, from members of the Guardian Dojo, and at the Dojo during regular class hours). Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door (there may be only a limited number available at the door so I'd recommend you purchase in advance if you plan to attend). If you'd like an idea of what you can expect to see, you can see amateur footage from last year's tournament on YouTube, here.


Here's a detail from the poster... all the images used to create the poster are from last year's tournament, which you can see collected on my Flickr (the photos were taken by my friend and local designer, Doug Fedrau). I'll post more information, and additional imagery as it becomes available... check the Guardian Dojo website often for more info and updates, go to http://www.guardiandojo.com/ - cheers!

Recommended Viewing | Airport Animation...

I just came across this neat animation on YouTube, via a post on the popular SpeakUp blog where they describe the video as using most of the famed AIGA Symbol Signs. I think it's rather well done and thought that you might enjoy it too... the description on YouTube describes it as the animated story of one man's epic journey, created entirely from public domain symbols. In other words, an airport story told in the language of airport infographics.

The video is a couple of years old so, I apologize if you've seen it before... you can watch the video (embedded above) or on YouTube, here - enjoy!

A Trip to Winnipeg Beach...

This past Saturday during the Canadian Labour Day long-weekend, I took a trip out to Winnipeg Beach with some friends to partake in the second half of the seventh annual, self-guided, Wave Artists' Studio Tour. Specifically, to pay a visit to ceramist, Evelin Richter's studio (What? Clay Art and Curios, pictured above).


Right beside the doorway to Ev's studio, hung this awesome metal sign... ;)




The studio interior was full of items on display for the Wave Tour, sadly I didn't photograph them as I was too busy admiring them with my own eyes... I did manage to snap some pics of the artist's work station(s) though. ;)


Pictured above is a collaborative birdhouse / bird-condo project constructed by Rob and Ev using found materials.


Due to scheduling conflicts, we unfortunately weren't able to visit any additional artists... instead we opted to wade around for a while in the surf along the beach (regular visitors to Winnipeg Beach are sure to recognize the iconic water tower seen in the background).


This macro/detail shot by Raelene, is of the interior of a ceramic bowl that Raelene bought during our studio visit... while it doesn't do the piece justice, it does give one an idea of the amazing texture, colour and finish one could expect to encounter from Ev's ceramics.

If you're interested in seeing more of Ev's work you should take a visit out to the Fishfly Gallery in Winnipeg Beach where she has some of her work on display.

Well, it was an enjoyable Labour Day long-weekend (with a few unexpected twists ;P), I hope you all had a nice one! Cheers!