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!

Questionable(?) Quotes from the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics...

LOL... I just had to share these nine quips/quotes/comments made by NBC sports commentators/athletes during the Beijing Summer Olympics that they'd love to be able to take back:

1. Weightlifting commentator: 'This is Gregorieva from Bulgaria. I saw her snatch this morning during her warm up and it was amazing.'
2. Dressage commentator: 'This is really a lovely horse and I speak from personal experience since I once mounted her mother.'
3. Paul Hamm, Gymnast: 'I owe a lot to my parents, especially my mother and father.'
4. Boxing Analyst: 'Sure there have been injuries, and even some deaths in boxing, but none of them really that serious.'
5. Softball announcer: 'If history repeats itself, I should think we can expect the same thing again.'
6. Basketball analyst: 'He dribbles a lot and the opposition doesn't like it. In fact you can see it all over their faces.'
7. At the rowing medal ceremony: 'Ah, isn't that nice, the wife of the IOC president is hugging the cox of the British crew.'
8. Soccer commentator: 'Julian Dicks is everywhere. It's like they've got eleven Dicks on the field.'
9. Tennis commentator: 'One of the reasons Andy is playing so well is that, before the final round, his wife takes out his balls and kisses them... Oh my God, what have I just said?'

...too funny IMO! I hope you enjoyed reading them as much as I did. Thanks for sharing Rob - cheers!

Street Art or Graffiti?

I'll admit it... I'm a fan of graffiti (the image above was found on Adelaide in Winnipeg). That being said, I do feel a need to clarify the types of graffiti I'm a fan of. I can completely understand how building owners/property managers just loath the idea of graffiti in general and I tend to agree with them - to an extent. Winnipeg has a big problem with the non-sensible, graffiti 'tag' artists who aggressively scrawl their typically un-creative and rather bland 'tags' all over, in what appears to be an attempt to see who can 'tag' the most(?). Just taking a drive around the city or a walk around downtown and you'll see examples of these 'garbage tags' abound.


Graffiti has a very long history which goes back to ancient times, there have been examples from Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire (I'm sure that some artists would argue that cave painting could also be considered graffiti). Like the above image (found in the alley behind the office) states, 'graffiti can make your community beautiful.' I'd like to think that many people would agree with this statement (I'm also quite positive that there would be just as many that wouldn't agree ;P). There's a bit of a back story to this poster (FYI, it's not there any longer)... some of my closer friends and associates should know all about it. ;)


Check out some of the 'Reverse Graffiti' artists out there via the Environmental Graffiti blog... such as the Skulls in Sao Paolo by Alexandre Orion.


You can watch a video of him in action embedded above, or on YouTube, here.


Oh, and let's not forget about BANKSY... who's prolific stencil work, humour and political satire (who some would argue) has single-handedly, changed the world's view on the subject of street art/graffiti and garnered him thousands of fans (I'm one of them), copycats and millions of dollars. If you enjoy street art/graffiti, be sure to check out the Wooster Collective online. I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on the subject... feel free to comment - cheers!

Recommended | PS3 - Metal Gear Solid 4...

One of the coolest gifts I've ever received was a PS3 (this past birthday, from my younger brother and eldest sister). I was initially in shock when I opened the package and was actually somewhat dismayed, my initial thoughts were, Great! How am I ever going to be able to save any money now? I'm going to need to buy a new HD TV, start purchasing Blu-ray discs to add to my (rather large) collection of movies, and PS3 games... ;) j/k. I can't thank them enough for the gift!

Anyhow, lately I've been trying to play through Metal Gear Solid 4 - Guns of the Patriots, and I have to say it's an amazing game... not only are the graphics, and movie-like, cut-scenes super cool, there's so much depth to the game it's ridiculous. It's not your typical action game, where running around like a maniac and shooting up everything in sight will work. This game is all about stealth and strategy.

I'm sure that opinions will vary, as some of the cut-scenes are rather lengthy, but the cut-scenes really add to the overall development of the story. I might be biased as I've been a fan of Hideo Kojima and the MGS series since first playing it on PSone. I'd highly recommend MGS4 for anyone looking for a challenge on their PS3, if you're playing through and need some hints, go and visit the MGS4 page on WikiCheats (a great online resource for video game tutorials and walkthroughs)- cheers!

Image via WikiCheats

Recommended Reading | ideasonideas - Running Your Own Race...

If you're a designer or working in the creative industry, I'd highly recommend that you take a few minutes to visit ideasonideas, where Eric Karjaluoto (of Smashlab) discusses design, brands and experience. In particular I recommend that you read one of Eric's recent posts entitled, Running Your Own Race.

I found the article to be quite interesting, and felt that Eric made some keen observations and raises some interesting points (thanks for sharing your thoughts Eric). Anyhow, I'll let you decide for yourself... go and read the article at ideasonideas, here. I'd welcome you to make a comment here after reading it. Enjoy!

The Manitoba Museum...

I've uploaded a collection of images to my Zoos, Museums, Aquariums, more... set on my Flickr account, here. These photos were taken during various trips to the Manitoba Museum (or if you're old enough, you might recall it as the Manitoba Museum of Man & Nature). Anyone who has been to the museum will recognize the iconic buffalo hunt diorama that greets you upon entry (as far as I know, it hasn't changed since I first visited the museum ages ago).



Once you've started into the museum and made it past the orientation gallery, you'll soon encounter the early history gallery , which contains some neat fossils, bones, models and dioramas (I've always been a big fan of models and dioramas)...


... from their you'll likely cross paths with a polar bear (albeit stuffed ;P) in the arctic/sub-arctic gallery.



Once you've made it past the polar bear, you'll find yourself in the second section of the arctic/sub-arctic gallery, where once again you'll encounter some neat displays, models and dioramas.



As you continue touring the museum, the next gallery you'll likely come across should be the boreal forest gallery...



A visit to the museum wouldn't be complete without checking out the Nonsuch and Hudson's Bay galleries (above image: a ram's head snuff container amongst the many items on display within the Hudson's Bay Company gallery).

I've always loved visiting museums, and have always felt that the Manitoba Museum is highly underrated (I'd definitely consider it to be 'gem' in our fair, little, city). Anyhow, I hope you enjoyed the pics... I didn't even mention (or show you) the additional galleries which include, the parklands/mixed woods gallery, the grasslands gallery and the urban gallery! You can see my collection of images from all the galleries, taken during my various visits to the Manitoba Museum on my Flickr account, here.

I'd encourage you to visit the museum, if you ever decide to visit Winnipeg or if you've never been to it before. Visit the Manitoba Museum online to learn more, or you can take a virtual tour of the galleries. Cheers!

Blog Therapy - An Endeavor to Quit Smoking...

I'm very happy to hear that my good friend, Doug Fedrau has resurrected his blog, the Orange Kid as Blog Therapy in an endeavor to quit smoking! I'm 110% in support of his endeavor, and I would encourage you to visit his blog and show your support! Doug is a talented local designer, illustrator and photographer, who also recently started a Flickr account, you can check out his photos on Flickr, here.

Doug was the photographer who was responsible for taking the amazing collection of images from last year's Guardian Challenge - Kyokushin Karate Knockdown Tournament, which is collected on my Flickr account, here. I would encourage you all to start a blog, it's an amazingly rewarding experience... if you want any further encouragement, read Michael Surtees', recent post on DesignNotes, here - cheers!

The K.I.S.S. Principle...

The embedded video above, Underground Street Fight Showoff via Today's Big Thing is a perfect illustration of why the K.I.S.S. principle (keep it simple, stupid) really applies when it comes to an actual combat scenario... the caption from the website read as follows:

Capoeira is a flashy style of fighting based largely on break dancing. Unfortunately for this guy, there's more to winning a fight than what we've been taught by Michael Jackson music videos and West Side Story. Next time he'll focus less on dancing and more on punching.

... as a Kyokushin Karate-ka, I couldn't agree more. ;) Leave the flashy stuff for TV, movies and video games... you don't actually think that Street Fighter moves would work in a real fight do you? At least, I sure hope not... that is unless you can actually unleash a 'real' Hadoken. ;P - enjoy!

UPDATE: My brother tells me that this actually is a clip from a movie called 'Never Back Down'... I'll admit, I had my suspicions... ;P

WICKED! Design Ignites Change Poster by Marian Bantjes...

My apologies for the lack of posts this past week... I've been rather busy (I realize that's not the best excuse - so sue me). ;P Anyhow, I received this awesome (understatement), Design Ignites Change poster in the mail last week and have only now, gotten around to opening the poster tube and snapping a couple pictures to share with you all. The poster was designed by the exceptionally talented, Canadian designer, illustrator and typographer, Marian Bantjes (who's work I've long been a fan of - see here).


This laser cut poster was designed for the AED (the Academy for Educational Development), as part of their ongoing AED Design Social Change Projects. The proceeds from this poster went towards supporting AED's Speak for the Child project, which provides assistance to children orphaned by HIV/AIDS in Kenya (a very worthy cause in my opinion). You can read more about the laser-cut poster on Marian's website, here - and on AED's Design Social Change site, here.

This poster will go quite nicely with the other Marian Bantjes poster/work I have in my collection. Both these posters (as far as I know) are SOLD OUT! But, if my 'Spidey-sense' is correct, you can expect to see more amazing/inspirational work from Marian soon!



Images (from top to bottom): the Design Ignites Change poster, the poster back-lit on the Circle light table, a cropping of a portion of the other Marian Bantjes poster in my collection (sadly, pictures could never do this intricate, vector poster justice, it's run in a metallic blue ink on a heavy weight paper and the detail is mind blowing), a close-up detail from the above poster.

Go Marian Go! Cheers!

Recommended Viewing | I Met the Walrus...

A beautifully animated video found on YouTube, via Swissmiss' blog (I've reposted Tina's description in it's entirety because it's so eloquently written):

In 1969, a 14-year-old Beatle fanatic named Jerry Levitan, armed with a reel-to-reel tape deck, snuck into John Lennon's hotel room in Toronto and convinced John to do an interview about peace. 38 years later, Jerry has produced a film about it. Using the original interview recording as the soundtrack, director Josh Raskin has woven a visual narrative which tenderly romances Lennon's every word in a cascading flood of multipronged animation. Raskin marries the terrifyingly genius pen work of James Braithwaite with masterful digital illustration by Alex Kurina, resulting in a spell-binding vessel for Lennon's boundless wit, and timeless message.


Thank you Tina (and Prescott) for sharing! Cheers!

If you're unable to view the embedded video above, you can view it on YouTube, here - enjoy!

Recommended Viewing | Father & Son Ironman...

This is a truly incredible, inspirational, and deeply touching story/video, that I just had to share with you all:

A son asked his father, 'Dad, will you take part in a marathon with me?'. The father who, despite having a heart condition, says 'Yes'.

They went on to complete the marathon together. Father and son went on to join other marathons, the father always saying 'Yes' to his son's request of going through the race together.

One day, the son asked his father, 'Dad, let's join the Ironman together.' To which, his father said 'Yes' too.

For those who don't know, the Ironman is the toughest triathlon ever. The race encompasses three endurance events of a 2.4 mile (3.86 kilometer) ocean swim, followed by a 112 mile (180.2 kilometer) bike ride, and ending with a 26.2 mile (42.195 kilometer) marathon along the coast of the Big Island. Father and son went on to complete the race together... the video has been embedded below.


If you're unable to view the embedded video, you can also view it here:

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=8cf08faca5dd9ea45513

I encourage you to share this truly incredible story with all your friends and family. Thanks to Sensei Diego Beltrán for sharing this incredible story with me. Osu!