Warm Wishes from Circle...

Holiday greetings! May your holiday season be filled with much warmth, love and happiness! Cheers!

For a number of years now, Circle has distributed holiday e-greetings (past cards drew from Chinese proverbs, ancient rune translations, etc.).

Holiday Time in Calgary...

I've returned from a trip out west to visit family in Calgary. It was a great trip to say the least, filled with good times with family, great food, and interesting sights...


Spent a fair amount of time wandering around Chinook Centre Shopping Mall, where there were 'live' statues on exhibit (like the Wizard shown above). Check out more photos from my Calgary trip on my Flickr, here. Enjoy!

Recommended Viewing | Neutra Face Another Lady Gaga Poker Face Spoof...

I'm sure that you've seen (or at least heard of) some of the many, Lady Gaga - Poker Face spoofs floating around on the internet... a couple of my personal favorites, Christopher Walken's reading of Poker Face, and the UC Berkeley's Noteworthy performing Poker Face. ;)

Well, above is another one... ;P Neutra Face (this one is more geared towards typographers/designers). Check out the video embedded above or on Youtube, here - enjoy!

COOL! www.typographicposters.com

If you like typography, and/or posters (I like both), I highly recommend you check out www.typographicposters.com... an online collection of largely type-based posters from around the globe... sweet! Go check them out for yourself at www.typographicposters.com - enjoy!

Kudos to Robert L. Peters and Matthew Wells for the link - cheers!

New Media Manitoba 2009 Holiday Showcase...

New Media Manitoba (NMM) held their 2009 Holiday Showcase at the IMAX Theatre, Portage Place yesterday evening. It was delightful (and inspiring) to see local digital media practitioners on the IMAX big screen.


The sold-out event was well attended by a diverse range of local professionals, and proved to be an excellent place to meet and converse, with individuals who were truly passionate about their respective crafts/industries.


The highlight/feature of the evening was the approximate 45 minute, NMM Business Showcase video(s) produced by BlinkWorks: Film and Video Production, you can check out the videos via BlinkWorks' website, here). Andrew Boardman's (MGDC, GDC Manitoba Chapter Membership Chair), MANOVERBOARD was one of the local companies profiled, check out the profile video embedded above or on on Vimeo, here.

Be sure to check out the other videos as well at BlinkWorks: Film and Video Production. You can see my photos from the NMM 2009 Holiday Showcase (Photoset) on Flickr. Cheers!

Recommended | Berns & Black Salon...

A few months have passed since the grand opening of Winnipeg's greenest, eco-friendly salon, Berns & Black located at 468 Main Street (in the old Birt Saddlery building - Main and Bannatyne)... it has now become my salon destination of choice. ;)


Check out this video (taken before the grand opening) I came across on Youtube...

A number of factors influenced my decision... but, mainly, it's conveniently located in the Exchange District (within walking distance from Circle), it's dedicated to being eco-friendly(+) – plus, the staff, service, product selection (and decor) is second to none.

On my most recent visit, I took the opportunity to take a few quick pics... my apologies as they really don't do the space justice.



The decor is very cool IMO...


Hanging on one of the walls was this shadow-box display, housing authentic tools from Anthony Berns Barbershop (c.1951). :D

Berns & Black offers salon and spa services (including straight razor shaves for men)... I highly recommend that you check it out! If you're looking for a new stylist, ask for Kitty... you won't be disappointed (tell her I sent 'ya).

You can read more about Berns & Black online via the Winnipeg Free Press and the Winnipeg Sun, here and here.


Berns & Black is open at 9:00 am Monday thru Saturday (closing hours vary), walk-ins are welcome, but pre-booking is recommended. For more information, or to book an appointment call (204) 944 8454.

Cheers!

Recommended Viewing | David Thorne's 27b/6 Website...

David Thorne is an Australian humorist, satirist, internet personality and author. I was recently introduced to his work via a link my brother sent me... where he came across it, I'm not sure. 27b/6 is his website, which you can read more about on Wikipedia...


Anyhow, the link my brother sent me was to a recent post on 27b/6, which seemed to address the issue of spec work (visit http://www.no-spec.com/).

I couldn't help but laugh after reading this. If you're a designer, or in the creative field, I'm sure that you've been asked (at least once) to do work on spec... most of us just say no, although I'm sure that we've been tempted to say more. ;)

Thanks for the link bro! Visit 27b/6 and read the post yourself... enjoy!

Recommended Viewing | Pictorial Webster's: Inspiration to Completion...

I'm sure that this video, posted to Vimeo by John Carrera, has made it's way around the 'blogosphere' already, but it's just too cool to not post about. Like the folks over at GOOD magazine, I could watch this video, over and over again, and still be left in awe. Enjoy!

Kim Baek Korean Restaurant...

I love good food. Who doesn't? ;P Well, if you're a fan of Korean cuisine (and in Winnipeg), I'd recommend that you consider checking out Kim Baek Korean Restaurant at 193 Isabel Street.

I've visited there numerous times, and have enjoyed the cuisine consistently. It's usually quite busy, so I'd recommend arriving early to avoid the dinner 'rush'. On my most recent visit I was able to sample a number of dishes, which included...


Bibimbap...


Kimchi (as far as I'm aware, these side dishes come with all meals)...


Japchae...


Sundubu Jjigae...


LA Beef Kalbi...


Gamjatang...

While I don't claim to be an expert in Korean cuisine, I do know what I like. ;) Go try it out for yourself and see what you think... cheers!

COOL! Comic Covers Covered...

Sifting through my desktop's 2B_Blogged folder, I came across this link to an article that was posted on Boing Boing a while back. The post introduced me to a blog site called Covered, where cartoonists redraw comic covers in their own style.

The results are quite interesting... definitely worth a visit! Go and check it out at http://coveredblog.blogspot.com/ - enjoy! Perhaps you'll be inspired to attempt your own 'cover of a cover'? ;)

The Museum of Forgotten Art Supplies...

As you should be aware, I'm a fan of museums. The Museum of Forgotten Art Supplies is an online collection of, well just that, 'forgotten' art supplies.

I hate to admit it, but I can name most of the items on display (even owning a few, here and there). It's an interesting collection... though I don't necessarily agree that all the items belong. I'm sure that many traditional artists still use a slew of these items of a regular basis. Check it out for yourself... perhaps you'll agree? Enjoy!

Recommended Viewing | Sheeeit... An Excremental Exegesis (a Short Guide to Comparative Religions)

A while back, I was involved in creating this little gem... with tongue planted firmly in cheek (of course). Read more, here. Enjoy! ;)

COOL! Robert L. Peters Receives Icograda President's Award...

Congratulations are in order as Robert L. Peters was recently honored by Icograda with the Icograda President's Award in Beijing, China at XIN: Icograda World Design Congress 2009.


The GDC National, the Manitoba Chapter, and all of us at Circle were delighted to hear the news - kudos and congratulatory wishes flooded the GDC Listserve, as well as Rob's inbox. ;) IMO, it couldn't have gone to anyone more deserving (and humble).

Read more about the award on Rob's News+, here.
Also via Icograda's e-news and on the GDC.net website.

As a wise man once advised me (while I was attempting to rock climb), "Trend upwards..." ;D

Congrats once again Rob! Cheers!

COOL! C4 - Central Canada Comic Con...

I hope everyone enjoyed, and had a safe Halloween weekend! On Saturday, I visited C4 - the Central Canada Comic Con, held in Winnipeg at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.

It was my first time attending a comic con at the convention centre, and it was definitely the largest one that I've been to in Winnipeg. It was held for the first time at the convention centre last year (if I recall correctly), which I had to miss cause I was in Vegas... ;)




I enjoyed the time I spent wandering around photographing the costumed attendees (until my camera battery died)... ;P


...in addition to checking out all the toys and comics - which was actually a bit depressing when you see something you own selling for much less than what you paid for... ;(


Anyhow, the photos I took have been uploaded into a photoset on my Flickr, here - enjoy!

The Devil Made Me...

Walking into my office at Circle this morning, I was pleasantly surprised to find this Halloween Treat on my desk (thanks Carol!)... ;)

In case you're from another planet, it's Halloween this weekend, which means you should be extra cautious, and on the lookout for the munchkins in costume darting about the city streets, prowling zombies/vampires, and costumed party-goers on pedestrian sidewalks.


If you haven't filled your weekend schedules yet, you may be interested in checking out the Winnipeg Comic-con, on this weekend at the Winnipeg Convention Centre. I'm planning to attend at least once.

Next week, on November 4th, GDC Manitoba will be hosting their resurrected, 'Tales from the Darkside' event - which is always a 'treat'. More information about the event from GDC Manitoba, here - don't forget to register (members must login to receive the discount)!

Have yourselves a safe and Happy Halloween - cheers!

Recommended Viewing | My ThreeA Toys Collection - Photosets on Flickr...

I've posted about my infatuation with Ashley Wood/3A toys previously on MUHSASHUM, here. Well, needless to say, my collection is continuing to expand. ;) I've finally taken some time to photograph some of the latest arrivals... above is the Adventure Kartel - Boiler Zombie... this guy is ridiculously photogenic. ;P


From Ashley Wood's Popbot Universe - Tomorrow King (TK) Hideo.


WWR Square - Rothchild Lunar Defense model...


...note the WARNING on the box! ;D


DIY Bambaboss (still have to commit to a design before I start hacking away at this DIY vinyl beauty)...


Black Bertie freight container. Contents - one black 3A T-shirt size medium. Rock on! Additional photos can be found on Flickr, check out my collections, here - enjoy!

For those of you who are interested in learning more about Ashley Wood/ThreeA toys, check out the following sites:
http://www.threeaonline.com/
http://threeaproduction.blogspot.com/
http://3atoys.hyperboards.com/
http://ashleybambaland.blogspot.com/
http://www.bambalandstore.com/ **

**Start your collection today (you won't regret it)! WWRp Bertie MK2 goes on sale today at http://www.bambalandstore.com/ - don't say I didn't tell you.

GDC Manitoba Presents - Bluesky 09...

This past weekend the GDC Manitoba Chapter held the Bluesky 09 - IN/OUT design conference (visit website). Featuring five presentations from industry leading professionals, a gala dinner and awards show held at the Manitoba Club, it was an enjoyable, action-packed, inspirational weekend for all those in full/partial attendance (IMO).

The photos I took have been uploaded to a photoset on my Flickr and added to the GDC Manitoba Flickr Group Pool, view the pics in the slideshow embedded above or on my Flickr, here - enjoy! Thanks to the all presenters, the volunteers, the Bluesky 09 Committee, the generous sponsors, and the GDC Manitoba Chapter for all their hard work - cheers!

COOL! www.eternalmoonwalk.com

A cool online tribute to MJ, www.eternalmoonwalk.com - enjoy!

Thanks to Oliver Oike for posting this to the GDC Listserve - cheers!

COOL! Type Quiz: Helvetica or Arial?

Ironic Sans presents a fun little quiz for the typographically inclined - So you think you can tell Arial from Helvetica? Try it! Through 20 logos originally designed with Helvetica, redone in Arial... blasphemy? Perhaps... but, a fun challenge anyhow.


Feeling up to the challenge? Go and check it out for yourself at http://www.ironicsans.com/helvarialquiz/ - enjoy!

COOL! MCC 2009 Juried Show - Craft: Culture/Counterculture...

I had the opportunity to see the Manitoba Craft Council's 2009 Juried Show - Craft: Culture/Counterculture... while on display at the Outworks gallery in the Exchange District. The lovely, talented, Evelin Richter (What? Clay Art & Curios) was a participant in the show, with her Peer Pressure sculpture on display.

I've compiled my photos from the exhibit into a photo set, which you can view in the embedded slideshow below, or on my Flickr, here - enjoy!






For more information about Ev's piece, Peer Pressure, as well as her other creative works, visit her website at http://www.whatclayart.com/ - cheers!

COOL! Marian Bantjes - Empathy Penny...

Marian Bantjes' Empathy Penny. Obtained during my recent trip in Toronto and brought back as souvenirs for my design colleagues at Circle (much to their delight - see Rob's News+ post, here).

Read more about this cool project on Marian's website at http://www.bantjes.com/ - cheers!

A Trip to Toronto...

I recently returned from a 6-day whirlwind trip to Toronto to celebrate a friend's wedding... I've compiled a number of images from the trip into a Toronto Flickr set, here. Photo above - famous Toronto landmark, the CN Tower.




One of the first things I did was visit the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). I took a number of photos while there... which have been compiled into a ROM Flickr set, here.



As part of the wedding festivities, we spent the weekend in Niagara Falls... playing 'tourist'. Photos from my time spent in Niagara Falls have been compiled into a Niagara Falls Flickr set, here. ;)


Next thing you know, we were back in Toronto... pictured above is Dundas Street West (part of Chinatown) at night. Needless to say, I did a lot of walking during my trip. Which resulted in a number of visits to the local reflexology clinics for foot massages. 60 minutes of painful-bliss at very reasonable rates. ;D


While waiting for my friends' massage sessions to finish, I couldn't help but notice this pair of sandals in the reception area... things that make you go hmm...(?)


...all fun and games aside, it was a beautiful wedding, and a blur of a trip. Oh Toronto... 'till we meet again. Thanks to my friends for being such gracious hosts and congratulations once again - cheers!