Perspective

In case you missed the masses gathered around AT&T and Apple stores, the iPhone came out today.

Got to hang out with some peeps from school. Watched Ratatouille and I thought it was great! I must admit that I was an extreme skeptic and didn't want to see it at first. I mean, come on...it's about a rat...who wants to cook? But got dragged into it and I was pleasantly surprised. the graphics are AMAZING, especially the water.

Currently listening to: Sound of Silence - Simon & Garfunkel

Summer Movie Madness

Harry Potter is coming out so soon! Check out the fearsome trio promoting in London.
And if you're not into HP, you might want to check out the highly anticipated Transformers or Evening (which I heard got very good reviews). Since I just finished watching movies with Patrick Wilson (Angels in America) and Claire Danes (Shopgirl), the actors seem particularly familar.
If anyone's seen Evan Almighty or Nancy Drew, I would love to hear your opinion.

Hopefully something like this will be playing while you wait for your movie to start.


And...just because I feel like dancing...

Currently listening to: Love and Memories - O.A.R.

Wait for It...Wait for It...

I wonder how much of our lives are spent waiting. Waiting in line, for an answer, for your hair to grow out, for a phone call, for the weekend, for a paycheck. I did that today...spent an hour on the phone waiting for a live person to pick up but instead hearing the same automated voice and classical music over and over and over and over again. I hung up in the end. Fruitless quest.

Look at this amazing photo. Check out more on Yahoo's Week in Photos.

Forgot to post about this yesterday, but I found out about these Smart Meters that check to see where you're spending (and wasting) the most energy. How cool! Certain models will show how much individual devices are using at that moment. Another step towards a greener environment. Read more here.

Also, if you are Canadian, here are two great cheap airfare websites. Maybe this is common knowledge and you probably know about them, but I thought I'd put them out anyways.
Travel CUTS and Flight Center

Currently listening to: 4ever - The Veronicas

Clean Living

I had to buy a new toothbrush today, and it hit me that I've never gotten one here...as in the U.S. (Don't worry, I still change mine every few months, but usually I have a stock pile.) I have to say, I was overwhelmed by the millions of choices at the grocery store. Oh my goodness, how do you guys choose? I ended up going with a very sensible one but the cross hair one was really tempting.

I am currently reading Elements of Style, which turns out to be a book on grammar and usage (therefore making me look like a complete nerd). What I found interesting was that the Bible was referenced a few times. I've never thought of Scripture as being a shining example of the English language but it is. Straight, to the point, no flowery language, proper grammar.

Watched both The Graduate and Shopgirl (Claire Danes, Jason Schwartzman, Steve Martin) today and it was painfully clear why the former has become a classic and the latter will not. I loved The Graduate! What beautiful camera work, lighting, and acting. It might be on my top ten list.

Just wanted to post this Heineken ad. Great production. The acting is so-so, but...enjoy!

Currently listening to: I'm Not Who I Was - Brandon Heath

Thankful

(post for Sunday)

I can't believe it's still Sunday. Well, I guess not technically...but today seems to be forever long.

Everyone needs a little bit of surprise and excitement sometimes. Today was exactly that. It included another virtual roadtrip (I guess I'm a good on-the-road person to call?) and playing a couple mad games of Cranium. Got to hang out with some of my classmates here, which turned out to be crazy fun. I do love Cranium, although the green Star Performer cards are evil.

Sometimes we forget how much our parents love us. I just finished reading For One More Day by Mitch Albom. I would recommend it. It was more along the vein of Five People You Meet in Heaven rather than Tuesdays with Morrie (bleh), which is definitely good. It's easier to forget how blessed we are.

Currently listening to: Walking Away - Craig David

Strange Reality

Sorry I have been MIA for a few days. I've had a lot of things to think about and a big decision to make. Now that it's been made, I can go back to posting!

Went on a three hour road trip with a friend yesterday. Well, it would've been real if I had been in the car. Instead, I was the personal MapQuest. It was almost like I was there though. :)

Can you believe that we are almost at the end of June? July seems to be chomping at the bit to start.

For those who loved the book, a Spike Jonze movie is being made for Where the Wild Things Are. It's a pretty classic one, so here's hoping they don't mess it up. Read more about it here.
You may be familiar with Spike Jonze because he's done some pretty great commercials, including this brilliant Ikea one (which I am reposting because it's just so amazing) and this one for the GAP.




Looking for a way to shed some pounds so you're ready for the summer? Here are a few ways to lose 100 calories.
1. Apply lip balm 765 times.
2. Wear jeans to work (study shows that those who do take 491 more steps than with work clothes).
3. Swing a lasso over your head 375 times.
4. 27 Underwater handstands.
5. Push a grocery cart for 45 minutes.
6. Spend 53 minutes learning the French alphabet.
7. Chew calorie-free gum for 9 hours.
8. Lift and lower soy sauce bottle 170 times with right hand and a wok with your left hand 170 times.
9. Twirl 123 times in an office chair.
10. Fill out 86 luggage tags.
(For full list, go to Source.)

Currently listening to: Faithful God - Shannon Wexelberg

Made in America

Just finished watching Angels in America, and I have to say...wow. Definitely not what I expected. It revolves more around politics, homosexuality, AIDS, Amercia as a nation, and varying cultures (Jewish/African American/Mormon) more than any Christian view. There is lengthy discussion of heaven and even a angel-human wrestle (a la Jacob), but that is about it. I think the main idea is about a chance for change. Beautiful beautiful cinematography, directing, and acting though.

Here's Sugarland's Everyday America video. I'm definitely not a country music fan but I think they have an interesting concept of shooting in a supermarket.


Check out Inhabitat, a NYC-based design (especially green design) website that features some pretty cool solutions.Including these unique Dutch seeded postage stamps, which create mail that blossoms. (More info here.)
Growing business cards.
Cool take on playground fences.

Or my favorite...Currently listening to: Make A Memory - Bon Jovi

Wonderfully Made

I might have said it before, but our bodies are truly amazing. Just to watch the way cuts heal in a matter of days is a tiny example of how intricately and awesomely everything works together. In VT's (former teacher) words, "A-maaazz-ing!"

Look at this little cutie. I guess the (endangered) species is native to Southern China but was found in Tennessee. [Source]

Excited about Harry Potter!!!! The movie poster is a bit...blah, but oh well. July is going to be a big month.

This is an interesting take on headache relief for Bayer. (Click image to enlarge.)
Been watching clips from Britain's Got Talent, which I believe aired all last week. If you guys are unfamiliar with the show, it's one of those reality ones that is a cross between American Idol/So You Think You Can Dance/etc etc. Simon Cowell is one of the judges. The prize is a large sum of money and a chance to perform before the Queen. Paul Potts, a phone salesman who has a hidden passion for opera, won in the end. Watch his clip here.
I thought I would post a vid for the Bar Wizards (who made it into the finals).


Also, found this complete vid (I've never seen the whole version) of HK's Pepsi ad that ran a couple of years ago. It features all of the heavyweights.

Currently listening to: Nessun Dorma - Paul Potts

Dads and Tees

Happy Father's Day everyone! Hope that you spent good quality time chatting with your daddy today.

Wanted to post a few radio spots today since I don't usually do that. These three are of the same campaign. She sounds a little condescending when she says "worth" but I think the overall msg is good.
Chinese T-shirt
Military
Bride (I like this one the most.)

Speaking of T-shirts, if you ever need tips on how to get rid of pesky deodorant marks, click here.

Cool execution. The insight not so much but it looks like a ton of fun! (By BBDO NY)


On a little more serious note, this spot is particularly powerful. (Done by Publicis Vancouver.)


Been fortunate to be able to rest and read again. God is teaching me (slowly) to learn to rest again. It's a hard thing. Thanks to all the phone calls today! I am so blessed by you guys.

Currently listening to: Livin' Our Love Song - Jason Michael Carroll

Past and Present

Wasn't going to post because I am beat, but here I am again. Spent a large majority of the day in school even though I had most of my stuff done before. It was nice just chatting. I find myself hanging out more and more in the photo room, which may or may not be healthy. Some people are trying to convince me to switch to the dark side but I'm resisting. I can't see myself as a photographer yet.

The next Batman movie, The Dark Knight, comes out in about a year, but here's a look at the new costume. (Click image to enlarge.)
Check out these photos by photog Mary Ellen Matthews.

Also, look at these amazing sewn pieces by artist Miyuki Sakai. She illustrates using thread and sewing machine essentially. Here are my favorite ones.

Currently listening to: Pure Intuition - Shakira

Has Far to Go

Thank you for all the warm wishes. You guys rock!

Check out Bald Guy Greetings. They make cards that tell it how it is. I thought these were very fitting. (Click on image to enlarge.)

Made sugar cookies today. Wanted to make a small batch so I adjusted the serving size (and thus the recipe), not realizing that I would need to use 1/4 of an egg. So now there is 3/4 an egg sitting in my fridge. The instructions told me to "roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls"...TEASPOONFUL. That is a mighty small cookie. Am I not reading that right or something? So I went ahead and did that, hoping they would magically flatten out themselves. But nope. Anyways, they turned out tiny. Good, but tiny.
Crits are done! I am 90% done. Just have some few things to tie up. Had a muy relaxing day after. Chillin' like a villain. Happy Flag Day everyone!

Currently listening to: I Will Remember You - Sarah McLachlan

Let's Talk About Food

So I use the three second rule (or apparently it's really five seconds) a lot. That or the "God made dirt" (a la T. Chan) excuse. But two college students did an experiment on the validity of the maxim. What a great idea! Watch the clip here.

Today was a whirlwind of activity but I can't really tell you what I did. Mostly some errands. It was nice to chill a bit. Last crit is tomorrow. My fingers are crossed. Hopefully my teacher won't eat me alive.

Been checking out the work of photographer Peter Koval. He does a lot of work for Harper's Bazaar magazine.
Heh heh, I really like this doughnut one. :)

Also had to post this pic of Wentworth Miller for French Cafe. I don't really like the photo itself, but the lighting is simply fabulous. Reminds me of a Nike ad.

Currently listening to: Missing You (cover) - Tyler Hilton and a weird bird outside that sounds like a cat

The Usual Tuesday

(post for Tuesday)

Today I went to my first party here. It was fun and really chill since it is a Tuesday. I had orange juice mixed with cranberry. Yes, very daring. They had a bubble machine (apparently bought at Target for $10)! The view from the apartment was fantastic. I've never seen the area from high up and it just made me sort of miss being in a high rise at home. Isn't that weird? Okay. Maybe I'm just homesick. I did have a talk about Christianity with one of my classmates. Unexpected and also very cool.

FINALLY got my prints today! It's about time. It takes them all of, what, 20 minutes to get 10 prints out. And it takes them 5 days to actually get them to me. Lame. But they turned out okay so I'm happy. Had two critiques (I kept saying "crits" and everyone was like, "Wha?" They're called one on ones here...shrug) today and those went well.

If you are a Gilmore Girls fan, check out this parody by MadTV. Heh heh, I think they do a pretty good job. The ending is slightly NSFW (Not Safe For Work) so be aware.


And if you haven't heard of it yet, here's introducing the new Microsoft Surface, the first surface table top computer. Check it out below and here for more clips. Super sweet.

Currently listening to: Perfect Picture - Lilyjets (Norwegian girl band)

God Note

Mission Network News reports that 14,000 Nigerians recently came to Christ due to the work of the Jesus Film Project. That is an amazing number! God is totally working there. Read more here.

Isn't this an amazing photo by Winfried Rothermel? Wow. Check out more here (click on Week in Photos).
Steve Carell stars in the upcoming Evan Almighty (a sort of sequel to Bruce Almighty). Not sure how they will handle the Biblical story (interesting interpretation), but it looks pretty good so far. Also, watch out for a cameo by Ed "aka Andy Bernard" Helms from The Office.

Currently listening to: Proud - Heather Small

Wrapping Up

(Sunday post...SO close!)
Today was our last soccer game for a long while. It's too hot to play in the summer (it's already painful to play now). It was a fierce game that ended in 0-0, which has never happened before. We lost at the penalty kick part but oh well. We gave them a run for their money, that's for sure!

Despite being in finals I am organizing another photo shoot. This one will be much more laid back though, thankfully. Things are wrapping up nicely and I am happy.

Made honey and yogurt raisin bread today. Haven't tried it yet because I need to let it sit overnight apparently. I hope it is good. I've had some problems with my stuff not rising properly (see banana bread).

Currently listening to: Come September - Natalie Imbruglia

Commencement

CONGRATULATIONS Class of 2007!!!!! So proud of you guys. Way to blaze through four years with a vengeance. :)

Class of 2006, it really has been a year. Look how much has happened over such a short period!

I have an intense desire for aerated sugar (aka marshmallows). And speaking of which, check out this Twinkie sushi. I'm not a Twinkie fan, but I suppose if you want a major sugar rush you might be up for it. I think they are wrapped in fruit roll up and topped with gummies. See more pics here.
John Krasinski in this month's Mean magazine.
If anyone has a ton of time and free mileage just hanging around, I would love a hug right now. :)

Currently listening to: All I Need - Mat Kearney

Full Circle Perhaps

Happy Friday everyone! Way jealous of all those heading to C~ grad. I wish I could be there. Sending you my love anyways!

What was I doing a year ago? Oh...packing of course. And staying up making grad gifts. Watching an episode of the Office at 3AM. Good times.
So this year has gone by really slow and really fast at the same time. And I am, as usual, getting all sentimental and nostalgic. God is teaching me to be happy right here, right now wherever I am though.

Want to feature photographer Cliff Watts today.

Totally pumped for tomorrow!

Currently listening to: Counting Down the Days - Natalie Imbruglia

Atypical Content

Does anyone have an opinion on surrogate motherhood?

Been a little homesick lately, and by that I mean both places. I can't believe that the seniors are graduating this Saturday. Time really does fly, doesn't it?

Today I had my last class of the term technically. Finals are in full force. My prints have been carted off to the printer and my fingers are crossed. I don't want to repeat the high level of stress from last term.

I've been wanting to post these two ads for awhile. I don't know why I like the first one so much. You guys might not agree, but I guess the acting is pretty great.


And although I'm not a big fan of beer ads, the execution for this one is flawless.


Check out this ad for mini Oreos by draftFCB.

Finally, wanted to post some of Daniela Edburg's series Drop Dead Gorgeous. The images are a tiny bit morbid , but I think the concept is pretty interesting (she deals with death by a certain craving) and the production is beautiful. If you care to read more, check here.

(Death by Gummy Bears)

(Death by Life Savers)

(Death by Cotton Candy)

(Death by Cake)

Currently listening to: Beautiful One - By the Tree

Commercial Art

(post for Wednesday)
Man, I JUST missed midnight. Oh well, a post is a post I guess.

Do you guys remember how I attended a talk by photographer Michael McCabe? Probably not. But anyways, I mentioned that his photos of Ana de la Reguera would be in an issue of Elle magazine...and here they are!
Mind you that these photos were taken in the middle of a cold New York winter. But because the issue is for Elle Mexico June, she has to be in all summery garb. I can't imagine how cold it must've been wearing that silk green thing.

Here are some of Michael's non-fashion pics.Awwww...

And for another awww moment, here's a specially designed weasel hat. I think this is hilarious! And been wanting to post this for awhile, but here is some of designer Erika Janunger's work. I like the bookshelf.

Currently listening to: Killing Me Softly - The Fugees (About A Boy!!!)