Design Directive

We Moved... A long time ago...

2010-04-26T20:03:00.001-07:00

http://blog.unnaturallygeisha.com

Recession Developments

2009-08-20T11:08:00.000-07:00

Banner ads, email newsletters and direct mail. All things I should be doing for myself but am glad to be doing for other people. In this recession, companies are refocusing and tightening their marketing efforts - more targeted offerings, more business development. We count ourselves lucky to have been there for our long standing clients when these ideas are implemented.

Some of the latest offerings:

Naturally For Her (naturallyforher.com) Banner Ad currently being run on mybestbirth.com

Microsoft Mobile Advertising Email Template

Direct Mail/Return form for Golden Monkey Healing

Awww Twitter

2009-08-06T09:59:00.001-07:00

I think the upside down dead bird is one of the funniest things I have seen in awhile!

UFOs in Los Angeles???

2009-06-19T16:49:00.000-07:00

In 2002, Ryan McLaughlin captured video of a UFO in the skies above Los Angeles. What began as the search for an explanation led him to the “Keeper” of the FAA’s “X Files”.

One man’s caustic tale of UFOs, Hollywood and the struggle to believe makes up this feature length documentary, Crescent Heights.

We were transfixed by the advance copy Ryan sent to us and were delighted to whip up the documentary's web site for him.

www.ufoflick.com

I got my Pre!!

2009-06-06T16:09:00.000-07:00

After 6 months of hanging on with my lame Moto-Q crashing, not accepting calls (some of the time) and spontaneously restarting - I have finally procured the new Palm Pre phone! The truth is, I have been waiting for this phone to come out and was invited to the launch party where I was able to purchase the phone a whole 12 hours before everyone else. They even liquored us up and served hors d'oeuvres - it definitely beats getting up early to wait on line for it! The two reasons I have held out are: 1. I will not purchase an iPhone because I will never go back to AT&T - the devil incarnate in my book. 2. I hate the touch screen keyboard on the iPhone and some others but still like the large touch screen for other things.... Just when I thought that there wasn't anything out there for me, my DH received an email about this new phone, hence the wait. Well worth it & I love it!!!

Women's Health Items

2009-06-02T20:15:00.001-07:00

One amazing lady with a plan to change the way Americans think about reproductive health and the environment; that is the lifeblood of a new business venture that we have had the distinct privilege to work on - Naturally For Her™! This is the new identity that we created for the company and in the coming weeks we will be launching the online marketplace designed by us as well. For now, you can check out their coming soon page to get an idea of what its all about: www.naturallyforher.com

This is How Behind I Am...

2009-04-28T00:42:00.001-07:00

...on blogging, that is. Yes, it is a little before 1:00 AM and yes, I am just finishing up my day with this post.

A few weeks ago I was able to enjoy the cherry blossoms (one of my favorite times of the year) at our local park. I snapped this in between the ice cream and lolling about.

Not the Prettiest Cookie on the Block

2009-04-14T16:22:00.000-07:00

But what is Passover without a Macaroon? This year I went for the almond ones, since I love marzipan and all, I thought I'd give it a shot. Where oh where have you been my whole life? Its like a light and fluffy marzipan cookie. So good!!!

Music Subscription - A New Way to Look at the Music Biz

2009-03-31T13:39:00.000-07:00

In light of the music industries penchant for consistently shooting themselves in the foot, it is amazing to me that musicians are still trying to get that major label deal (in the sky). Other artists are more realistic about the process of creating art and marketing it today. The Omar Torrez Band has come to us at Unnaturally Geisha to implement their concept of what it means to communicate and realease music to their audience. We built them a content management system (so they can update and add new songs, video and pictures themselves) with a subscription component to sign up, transact the monthly fee and administer their subscribers.
Take a look!
exclusives.omartorrez.com

I've Been a Bad, Bad Blogger

2009-02-12T12:55:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the things that have been keeping us really busy!!! We look forward to going live and talking more about these in the near future.

Another Website that Never Was...

2009-02-08T13:15:00.000-08:00

We had built out and were putting the finishing touches on this one when the hospital was bought out by another medical center so this one never saw the light of day... until now! We designed and programmed a pretty sweet app with an attention to ease of use for the senior demographic.

New Years Resolution

2009-01-20T16:31:00.000-08:00

I usually don't make resolutions because I hate breaking them and always do. I don't want to lose weight, I don't want to make a grand life-change. There are always conservation measures that I can take... I already religiously use canvas shopping bags by Eco Bags (www.ecobags.com)... What I do want to do is stop using so many plastic water bottles. There are currently a total of 7 bottles in various states of fullness floating around my car, 2 by the side of the bed, 1 on my desk and 3 under the bed. I have a serious problem!! It started when my kitties began a bad habit of upending cups with the special talent for dumping them in my purse. My new baby kitties like to chew on the straws and dip their paws in the water - not too appetizing when you consider where that foot has been! I tried an armada of plastic and lexan bottles only to find out that they may be better for the landfills but still leach toxins into your beverage. My BF "B" turned me on to these wonderful stainless steel bottles by Klean Kanteen (www.kleankanteen.com) and I LOVE THEM!

Food for the Soul

2009-01-05T15:45:00.000-08:00

Yet even more weekly newsletter love!! We have been collecting these over time and now design and send out at least 10 email newsletters a month for a wide variety of clients.

Repo: An Opening Weekend

2008-12-30T12:04:00.000-08:00

We were privileged to document Repo The Genetic Opera's opening weekend revelry. Our 2.5 minute video sums up the creators, stars and fans participation.
www.repo-opera.com
click on the Repo Premiere feature towards the middle top of the page in front of the big moon to view the video.

Something Funny for the New Year

2008-12-23T11:15:00.001-08:00

We just went live with this incredibly fun project for the absolutely hilarious comic Aron Kader. We have a few entertainment driven web sites currently in production and this was the first of those to go live!
www.aronkader.com
Make sure to watch his Axis of Evil set on the Videos page!! Good times!!

A report card for doctors?

2008-10-28T09:58:00.000-07:00

Over a year ago, we created a logo set, icon set and early interface prototypes for CareSeek / Nurses Recommend Doctors.

Yesterday, they were featured in a news piece about doctor research online by Los Angeles's ABC7. I just happen to be watching when it came on and excitedly grabbed a few screen shots of our work (thanks Tivo!).

W. The Movie

2008-10-15T09:33:00.000-07:00

I have the pleasure of driving past this series (in billboard form) almost everyday. I have almost gotten into a few accidents on that corner because I can't stop looking at them. I think Oliver Stone and whomever designed this campaign struck gold. It sums up his persona and presidency in a mere 6 images. Genius.

Some Poor Graphic Designer is FIRED!

2008-10-03T17:41:00.000-07:00

Yep, you've read that right, "She killed. It was her evening. She was the star." -Famous Person
We've all done it before, placed a FPO (for placement only) image or text into a design and then have forgotten to replace it. The client doesn't even notice it because they just love the concept. This mistake hopefully gets caught before it goes live to the masses on the internet or before the presses actually start cranking out your stupid mistake and you become liable for those printing costs. Well someone, in the race to capitalize on the Biden-Palen debate, the morning after, forgot to either get a quote or replace it. Either way it ran on WashingtonPost.com, was a great joke and embarrassment to the Republican campaign and probably got someone low on the totem pole fired.

NIN at the Forum!!

2008-09-07T21:39:00.000-07:00

Inglewood, California 9-6-08

Yes, that is the mic stand midair!

The Chorus of "Vessel"

Golden Monkey Healing - New Homepage

2008-08-28T14:45:00.000-07:00

New Home Page

Old Home Page

Golden Monkey Healing has gone from a single practitioner acupuncture office to a healing center with yoga, meditation and other classes. To reflect this growth, we changed the configuration, added a flash animation with images of the office and added new items to the navigation in addition to a special area for upcoming events. The site was originally designed by another freelancer a few years ago and has served the practice well but it was time for a face lift.

Take a look - www.goldenmonkeyhealing.com

Kitty Babies

2008-08-26T21:56:00.000-07:00

Two new additions to the family! We are still trying to name them. Hmmm....

Update: Their names are Matrix (the black one) and Eskimo (the gray one).

Island Graffiti

2008-08-22T17:11:00.001-07:00

Big Island, Hawaii
Look, there is another Danica & Shem who love each other : P

More Email Newsletter Love

2008-08-19T12:38:00.001-07:00

We have won yet another contract for design and production on a monthly email newsletter. This is the new design and August's has already gone out!

Scenes from an Erupting Volcano

2008-08-16T14:16:00.000-07:00

Kilauea, Hawaii
These pictures don't even begin to represent the experience...

Idea Ventures Inc. Launches

2008-08-13T13:59:00.001-07:00

Idea Ventures, Inc is a marketing agency specializing in cause marketing, creative advertising and special events here in Los Angeles, headed up by Stephanie Ross.

Visit www.idea-ventures.com to view what we have created for Stephanie and her agency.

Mr. Pumpkin Pancake Man

2008-08-05T17:13:00.000-07:00

Arrrrrrwooooo

Hawaii Details #2

2008-07-15T11:21:00.000-07:00

More of the Maui pics - this time, flora.

RIP

2008-07-09T11:30:00.000-07:00

Sadly, some of our older web work has recently gone off line. The web moves VERY quickly but some of these had a 5+ year shelf life, not bad! I think they are still pretty relevant and deserve a proper burial.

Bodhimanda Postcard

2008-07-08T12:56:00.000-07:00

Another day, another postcard. We were commissioned to design this postcard that has to function as both a business card and brochure. I have yet to see them in person but the client is very happy and is already handing them out at Yoga studios around Los Angeles.

Hawaii Details #1

2008-07-05T10:39:00.000-07:00

It has only taken me one whole month to go through our Maui pictures. Here is a just a taste, theme is sand and rock. More to come throughout July.

Elvis likes Santa Monica

2008-07-03T16:57:00.000-07:00

A legitimate Elvis sighting... Elvis evens lip syncs real well!

Bar Mitzvah Invitation

2008-07-01T17:23:00.001-07:00

More custom invitations - we've been doing a lot of those lately! The client wanted something very simple for a boy who likes medium blue and green (the theme colors of the party). These went out to guests on Friday!

I've Been Thinking... About Email Newsletters

2008-06-27T13:24:00.000-07:00

We have a new contract to re-design and format an array of monthly email newsletters. The first one up was this, the I've Been Thinking series.

David Daor Sneak Peek

2008-06-19T12:59:00.000-07:00

We had the chance to intercut two of David Daor's existing promo reels for Nessah Educational and Cultural Center's promotional needs. With a swift deadline, it was quite a crunch but we are all very happy with the way it turned out!

Hawaiian Telecom

2008-06-10T20:12:00.001-07:00

I dragged our whole crew over to take this picture. I think this logo is just so clever and simple - just brilliant. Do you get it?

Whose Flag is That?

2008-06-05T11:34:00.000-07:00

Meandering through the resorts here on Maui, we came across this flag a few times. All of us dared to guess what the flag represents. Well, the answer is this is the flag of the state of Hawaii. The history is even more interesting...

Ka Hae Hawaiʻi, or the Flag of Hawaiʻi, is the official standard symbolizing Hawaiʻi as a kingdom, protectorate, republic, territory and U.S. state. Ka Hae Hawaiʻi is the only state flag in the United States to have been flown under so many various forms of government and the only one that features the Union Flag (a.k.a Union Jack), the flag of the United Kingdom.

The canton of Ka Hae Hawaiʻi is the Union Jack Flag, prominent over the top quarter closest to the flag mast. The field of the flag is composed of eight horizontal stripes symbolizing the eight major islands (Hawaiʻi, Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, Kahoʻolawe, Lānaʻi, Maui, Molokaʻi and Niʻihau). A ninth stripe was once included representing the island of Nihoa.

There are various accounts of the earliest history of Ka Hae Hawaiʻi. One relates how King Kamehameha I flew a Union Jack Flag given to him by British explorer Captain George Vancouver as a token of friendship with King George III. An advisor to Kamehameha noted that the Union Jack Flag could draw Hawaiʻi into international conflict as it would be seen as an ally of the United Kingdom. Kamehameha lowered the Union Jack Flag from his home. While disputed as historically accurate, one account of events that followed stated that in order to placate American interests during the War of 1812, a flag of the United States was raised over Kamehameha's home only to be removed when British officers in the court of Kamehameha vehemently objected to it. This account then explains why the resulting flag of Hawaiʻi was a deliberate hybrid of the two nations' flags.

In 1816, Kamehameha commissioned his own flag to avoid conflict. As a result, Ka Hae Hawaiʻi was born. Historians attribute the design of Ka Hae Hawaiʻi to an officer of the Royal Navy, based on a form of the British naval flag. There is debate as to the name of the officer. Some traditions credit Alexander Adams, others George Beckley. The original flag was designed to feature stripes alternating red-white-blue, also attributed to various historical flags of the United Kingdom. However, some have argued that the stripes were influenced by the American flag. In error, the flag used at the first official flying of Ka Hae Hawaiʻi ordered the stripes white-red-blue. The number of stripes also changed: originally, the flag was designed with seven horizontal stripes, and in 1845 it was officially changed to eight stripes. The latter arrangement was adopted and is used today.

Golden Monkey Healing Brochure

2008-05-30T11:24:00.000-07:00

Golden Monkey Healing's tri-fold brochure

This little ditty just landed us another healing arts client... It seems like we have been collecting healing arts clients and medical technology clients, nice dichotomy!

New Pens

2008-05-20T09:36:00.000-07:00

No, I am not writing about the pursuit of obtaining a new pen... (I have had the same Parker pen since undergrad!!) We just added a new line of pens to a site we designed a few years ago - AP Limited Editions. These truly are works of amazing art and craftsmanship. Its worth looking at the design of the pens as well as the site!!

My Accoutrements

2008-05-18T21:15:00.000-07:00

Sometimes a girl just needs some jewelry. I commissioned my very talented friend Orit to create a necklace for me to wear to my sister's wedding. Here is a scan of her fabulous creation.
www.oritharpaz.com

Shadow Yoga Postcard

2008-05-15T16:47:00.000-07:00

We had the opportunity to design a postcard for Golden Monkey Healing's Shadow Yoga schedule for the next three months. The client is very happy with the way it turned out and has already given out a nice stack of these. We also designed a brochure for their Chinese medicine clinic. I will post those pics in a few days.

Robert Rauschenberg RIP

2008-05-13T11:17:00.000-07:00

Another titan down...

More Type Love

2008-05-12T19:36:00.000-07:00

These Star Wars letterform illustrations are beautiful! Nicely done, Ironic Sans! I used to have my students use letterforms to create illustrations but none of them ever came up with anything this good.

The Ubiquitous Helvetica

2008-05-11T10:29:00.000-07:00

I don't know if it is because I am a complete design geek but this documentary was awesome!! Check it out when you have a moment.

Glitter and Doom

2008-05-09T15:54:00.000-07:00

Tom Waits Press Conference
Watch until the end, this is priceless.
Thanks T for turning me on to this!

Salon Nombre (1)

2008-05-06T18:23:00.000-07:00

I had the privileged of participating in a Salon on Saturday night. A good time was had by all. Some snippets from the night... Suthi's new engagement ring, a debate over whether to circumcise or not, Saar banging on his piano, Alisa playing Mozart, sHeM singing symbolically "I can make it on my own" and many more.

It's Alive, It's Live!

2008-05-05T13:42:00.001-07:00

Yes, our very own web site is now live. The cobbler's children now have shoes!
www.unnaturallygeisha.com

I See the Lights

2008-04-27T19:55:00.001-07:00

Chris Burden's Urban Light

Last week I had the opportunity to visit the new Broad Contemporary Art Museum (BCAM) at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). The opening exhibition was quite impressive. I especially loved the Warhol Jackies, Burden's installations, Serra's scupltures and Baldessari's pieces.

Nessah Educational & Cultural Center

2008-04-23T12:11:00.000-07:00

It has been quite the long haul but after it all, the Nessah re-design turned out really nice. I am glad we (Unnaturally Geisha) were able to do it for them. Their staff have been on top of sending us content to keep it up to date so it continues to be a good tool for their congregants.
www.nessah.org

Candy Moon

2008-02-05T10:34:00.000-08:00

So I never used to eat breakfast, then I only ate pastries in the morning. Well, trying to cut the sweets down a bit, I stopped that and never replaced it with anything else until now. I would starve and get all brain dead until a late lunch. My BF suggested that I try Luna Bars - get it, bars for women because we have a monthly cycle like the moon. They taste like candy and probably have a lot of sugar but they are also somewhat nutritious with all their fiber, protein and added calcium, folic acid and antioxidants. I am actually eating breakfast again!

The Website That Never Was...

2008-02-01T22:38:00.000-08:00

This was a fun project but because of some corporate issues that need examination, the website has not been able to go live - at least until a resolution is reached. Here's hoping that there is a speedy conclusion and that this site will eventually see the light of day.

Starfleet Even Accepts Dogs!

2008-01-24T17:10:00.000-08:00

What more can I add?

Trivia

2008-01-22T09:32:00.000-08:00

Who designed the New York Yankees’ famous interlocking “NY” logo?
Louis Tiffany of Tiffany & Co., in 1877, for a medal of honor given to the first New York City police officer shot in the line of duty. The design was later adopted by the New York Highlanders, forerunners of the Yankees.

I'm Melting, I'm Melting

2008-01-20T17:06:00.000-08:00

I wish I would have thought of doing this to my Barbies, I was too busy cutting off all their hair. No, I did not grow up to become a hairdresser or shave my head like Sinead O'Conner - that really dates me because I could have said, like Britney.

Phone Art

2008-01-17T12:27:00.000-08:00

My phone seems to like to take pictures on its own. It especially likes the inside of my purse.

Year of a Million Dreams

2008-01-13T21:45:00.000-08:00

Disneyland has always got to have a theme. Seeing as the 50th anniversary of the park lasted almost 2 years, they had to come up with something else... Year of a Million Dreams has now officially been extended into it's second year. In honor (and unrelated, as far as I am concerned) they got Annie Liebowitz to shoot a campaign for the parks where different celebrities pose as Disney characters.

Where wonderland is your destiny.
Beyonce Knowles as Alice, Lyle Lovett as The March Hare & Oliver Platt as The Mad Hatter

Where every Cinderella story comes true.
Scarlett Johansson as Cinderella

Where imagination saves the day.
David Beckham as Prince Phillip

Where your're the fairest of them all.
Rachel Weisz as Snow White

Where you're always king of the court.
Roger Federer as King Arthur

Where the magic begins.
Julie Andrews as the Blue Fairy & Abigail Breslin as fairy-in-training

Holding Off Monday Morning

2008-01-10T10:19:00.000-08:00

Kind of interesting... Not sure how this promotes a job searching site because it is sort of anti-work... It caught my eye on network television, with a Tivo!

Life, Backwards...

2008-01-08T13:02:00.000-08:00

This was sent by a friend and it really resonated!
I want to live my next life backwards:
You start out dead and get that out of the way.
Then you wake up in a nursing home feeling better every day. Then you get kicked out for being too healthy.
Enjoy your retirement and collect your pension.
Then when you start work, you get a gold watch on your first day.
You work 40 years until you're too young to work.
You get ready for High School: drink alcohol, party, and you're generally promiscuous.
Then you go to primary school, you become a kid, you play, and you have no responsibilities.
Then you become a baby...
You spend your last 9 months floating peacefully in luxury, in Spa-like conditions - central heating, room service on tap, and then...
You finish off as an orgasm.
I rest my case.
-George Carlin

Random Zoo Images

2008-01-01T16:14:00.000-08:00

Spring cleaning has moved itself to the winter. As I was going through the mounds of stuff that I possess, I found a few rolls of film of unknown origin. Two hours later, I am more perplexed as I look through the images newly handed over to me by a very unhappy Wallgreens employee (it is New Year's Day after all).
What do you think, I know I didn't take these, but they are curiously interesting nonetheless.

Officially Official

2008-01-01T10:52:00.000-08:00

Unnaturally Geisha Studios Inc is finally a reality!
Life just got a whole lot more interesting...

Capturing a Child's Essence

2007-12-22T11:01:00.000-08:00

An amazing photographer, Orit Harpaz, who happens to have taken my wedding photos with her husband Gal (and knocked it out of the park!!) needed an update to her photography/ portfolio web site. We had a tight time line in advance of a published blurb and pulled it off.
OritHarpaz.com

If I Had Had a Wedding Cake, This Should Have Been the Topper

2007-12-17T22:48:00.001-08:00

Seeing as I never even saw the deserts at our wedding, I guess I can't really complain.

The Human Statue of Liberty

2007-12-10T21:11:00.000-08:00

During the WWI years, Arthur S. Mole and John D. Thomas made some incredible human pictures by using thousands of sailors or soldiers in uniform to create images. This one was done with 18,000 men & officers at Camp Dodge in Des Moines, Iowa.

ImportanteGifts.com V2 Launch

2007-12-05T20:34:00.000-08:00

Importante Gifts in Atwater Village requested a much needed update with additional e-commerce capability. I had quickly built the site over a year ago in anticipation of an upcoming street fair, nothing has been done since then. The owner wants to slowly dip her toes in the water of online sales so we launched with only a few products.
www.importantegifts.com

Positive & Negative Space

2007-12-03T09:33:00.000-08:00

I have seen the preview for this film three times. This graphic is on screen maybe for 10 seconds but it is all I can think about.

Ali G Wishes you a Merry Christmas

2007-12-01T10:13:00.000-08:00

WGA on Strike

2007-11-27T20:53:00.000-08:00

The studios have been using the internet to "promo" their shows. In response and as a part of the strike, the WGA has used the brilliant move of promoting themselves and the strike on YouTube.

Brilliant! Go WGA!

Through the Eyes of a 3 Year Old

2007-11-08T15:21:00.000-08:00

As a "big sister" gift, my BF bought her 3 year old a child friendly digital camera. It was a great idea because she always wants to use one of ours, that happen to not be so sturdy when they fall out of her little hands. As a proud mom of an entirely genius, creative child, she called these "artistic". Having played with the camera, the toy designers did a great job with making the viewfinder like an old-school Viewmaster with two eye holes. Only problem is, the viewer is so far off from the lens, you just can't help but cut people's heads off.

Females Run the Show

2007-11-04T11:16:00.000-08:00

Honeybees are social insects and live in colonies. Each colony is a family unit, comprising a single, egg-laying female or queen and her many sterile daughters called workers. The workers co-operate in the food-gathering, nest-building and rearing the off-spring. Males are reared only at the times of year when their presence is required.
-Bees of the World

Smoke is Beautiful But Hard to Breathe

2007-11-01T18:12:00.000-07:00

Last week's fires have been devastating but utterly stunning. My backyard never looked so interesting before...

Los Angeles is Burning Again & I Can't Breathe

2007-10-22T23:17:00.000-07:00

Even with my holsters filled with inhalers, the wild fires always get me.

Welcome to the World, Tanner

2007-10-18T23:23:00.000-07:00

My BF gave birth this morning to Tanner Tristalynn AKA Baby TT. She is soooo big at a whopping 9lbs 11.4oz. Nevertheless, the birth went very smoothly and everyone is happy and healthy.

Just a Shadow on the Wall

2007-09-10T22:00:00.000-07:00

If God Created the Universe Then Why Isn't There a Crayola Named After Him?

2007-08-30T23:03:00.000-07:00

I've never believed in God, but I believe in Picasso.
Diego Rivera

or

What a choice...

Don't get me wrong, I do believe in God, but the dogma attached to organized religion can break what should be a personal relationship with a higher power. I would rather have a public relationship with Picasso, just for the 15 minutes of fame it is sure to bring.

Beauty is Savage

2007-08-29T12:18:00.000-07:00

One woman's beauty is another woman's crippledness. Foot binding has gone out of vogue for now...

Chevy's Summer Menu

2007-08-28T10:56:00.000-07:00

I like the colors, they can get garish but these just work in this context.

Tongue In Cheek

2007-08-23T17:23:00.000-07:00

Yes, that little blue pill on the bottom right is Viagra.

Advertising Agency: TBWA\PHS, Helsinki, Finland

Ever Is Over All

2007-08-22T14:50:00.000-07:00

Ever Is Over All. 1997. Video installation.

Pipilotti Rist, you are such a rock star.

The Sleepy Kitty

2007-08-21T13:56:00.000-07:00

Only in Vegas can you walk under a sleeping lioness.

Why Do I Love This Logo So?

2007-08-20T22:02:00.000-07:00

Goodbye My Baby Girl

2007-08-17T00:04:00.000-07:00

After a valiant fight, my cantankerous furry purry baby passed away today. Often misunderstood by others, she was the most loving of my three kitties. Her idiosyncratic chirping and her one arm reach are already something I miss. Chewbaca, Chewchie, Boo Boo Choo, Chewy, Poo Pee Doop, Chaka Baka, Chock Chock Bock, Chewy Booey, Chewchie Baby, Chooch, Pretty Girl, Lovie Boo, Baby Girl, you gave me eleven and a half years of love and wonderful memories (she lived to see sixteen, I just was not around for the first five).

No Handguns?

2007-08-15T14:51:00.000-07:00

So I am walking into Macy's in Las Vegas. As I walk through the glass doors, a sign catches my eyes. I walk through while contemplating what I think I just saw. No Handguns? What? Could I have read that right? I walked right back out the door only to see this:

Yes, I was right! What?? Being from California, that is just weird.

Hot, Hot, Hot

2007-08-14T17:01:00.000-07:00

Literally... It was 8:00PM and 105˚
That is Las Vegas for you :)

Viva Las Vegas

2007-08-08T11:01:00.000-07:00

I am off to Las Vegas for a few days. No computer, no blogging... I will be back next week!

Smooth Criminal

2007-08-07T10:49:00.000-07:00

It is criminal what Michael Jackson has done to his face, this ad just reminds me how bad it really is. Nice illustration work!

"Make your choice. BIC"
Advertising Agency: TBWA\BR, Brazil

Does Oprah Need Anymore Identity?

2007-08-06T00:52:00.000-07:00

Oprah's book club logo has evolved rather than actually being a stable identity. It seems like it is constantly changing but when you are Oprah, you don't need anything past your own effigy. They already have her face all over her magazine, why not books too? I am sure the authors would LOVE that.

Welcome to the World, Luka

2007-08-05T10:11:00.002-07:00

My good friend gave birth yesterday to her second daughter, Luka Alexandra. For being 3 hours old, she was quite well adjusted and her big sis was nothing but loving and amazing.

Cells For Boomers

2007-08-03T11:13:00.000-07:00

This is a great idea, but not for boomers... All the boomers in my life have cell phones already. They have had them for years and years. It is the elderly parents of the boomers who have not adopted the technology yet. This would be a great product for them.
Business Week Article

It's Fun to Stay at the YMCA

2007-08-02T09:41:00.000-07:00

"Put the fun back into sports.
Play at YMCA"

Advertising Agency: Zubi, Miami, USA

She Really is a Very Nice Kitty

2007-08-01T12:29:00.000-07:00

...contrary to what most others think.

A $4200 Photo

2007-07-31T08:44:00.000-07:00

No kidding. Women are opting to burn their wedding dresses for the perfect photo. This is an interesting trend in the oh so boring wedding market. Not only do you spend thousands and thousands of dollars on a wedding dress but then you set it alight, paint it, get it wet, roll around in the mud etc. Brilliant idea!
trashthedress.com

St. Martina, I'm Coming to Meet You

2007-07-27T09:17:00.000-07:00

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) announced the acquisition of Pietro da Cortona’s (Italy, 1596–1669) painting, St. Martina (c. 1635–40). Hidden in a private British collection for 160 years, the elegant portrait of the Roman martyr saint has never been publicly exhibited. The rediscovery of St. Martina—created by one of the foremost artists of the Roman Baroque period—is particularly extraordinary since works by Pietro da Cortona have generally been absent from the art market for decades.

Like Really, OK?

2007-07-26T10:33:00.000-07:00

San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, CA
It really could be anywhere.

Doggie Die Cut

2007-07-25T22:43:00.000-07:00

Bad picture. Nice die cut.

Once Upon a Time, Bowie's Website Was Hot

2007-07-24T10:37:00.000-07:00

Way back in the shaky days of Y2K, David Bowie's website was one of the best designs out there. I had the forethought to screen shot it while it was gracing this world's presence.

Just gorgeous.

Bob Hope is Loud

2007-07-23T10:08:00.000-07:00

Underneath the flight path of Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, California that is.

I'd Like to Place an Order for Delivery...

2007-07-22T17:21:00.000-07:00

The most deliveries ever ordered in a single night was in Los Angeles in 1994, when OJ Simpson took to the freeways in his white Bronco, and 94 million people stayed glued to their TV sets for nearly three straight hours.

A Real Lady Has Passed Away

2007-07-21T22:50:00.000-07:00

Tammy Faye Messner, you will be remembered for your light as much as your eyelashes, your positive energy as much as your high pitched voice and your religious inclusion as much as your love of shopping.

I Have Lost My Faith

2007-07-21T12:05:00.000-07:00

...along with many others. This hit the mass media hype machine by the end of the week. At least now it's publicized just how much retouching is consistently done. I think Faith Hill looks good without all the nip tuck smoothing.

Who Still Uses a Phone Book?

2007-07-20T13:57:00.000-07:00

This is the dilemma the Yellow Pages are left with.

Advertising Agency: Y&R, Israel

Clever, but I still will look everything up on the web.

Kitties, Kitties

2007-07-19T10:31:00.000-07:00

If my 3 learned this trick, we'd be in real trouble.

Jennifer and Jim kept getting huge water bills. They knew beyond a doubt that the bills weren't representative of their actual usage, and no matter how they tried to conserve, the high bills continued.

Although they could see nothing wrong, they had everything checked for leaks or problems: first the water meter, then outdoor pipes, indoor pipes, underground pipes, faucets, toilets, washer, ice maker, etc. -- all to no avail.

One day Jim was sick and stayed home in bed, but kept hearing water running downstairs. He finally tore himself from his sick bed to investigate, and stumbled onto the cause of such high water bills.

Apparently this was happening all day long when they were not at home. Knowing that few would believe him, he taped a segment of the 'problem' for posterity.