I had to post about the sick new YouTube vids by smpfilms. You may have heard of him from the Mean Kitty videos featuring his cat Sparta. Yesterday, he posted an ingenious set of vids that work like Choose Your Own Adventure in video form. Watch the first clip below and then choose his next path by clicking on the appropriate video. Brilliant idea.
I am a big fan of Google Map's street view function. I saw my current home before I even moved in. But sometimes the photos capture more than the usual quiet street. Click here to see some of the more bizarre scenes that have been caught. I thought they were fake until I Google Mapped them myself. [Source: GiggleSugar] A MechE professor and his students have created the world's smallest ramen bowl. The work of art, only visible under microscope, is made of nanotubes (carbon in tubular form) and was entered into a microphotography contest. Check out the CNN article here.
(post for Wednesday) What a packed day! Was able to sit in on a food photo shoot for the chocolate covered strawberries brief we have been working on. As one of my colleagues mentioned, the turn around for the whole project was really fast, since we were started concepting two weeks ago. It was very cool to see the chocolatier at work. And of course being rewarded with the leftover chocolate covered strawberries after the wrap up never hurts. After work I had a chance to go see my second baseball game in the city. We had fantastic seats (just to the left of home base) and it was an exciting end of the game. The team was down 1-0 for much of the game until the bottom of the 9th, when they tied and then went on to win 2-1 during the 10th inning. Although it was freezing out (I closely resembled a small moving mound judging from how many layers I piled on), I really enjoyed the game. It helped getting tips about the opposing team from J~ beforehand since he knows so much. Wanted to feature photographer Phillip Toledano. I really like the last image, which is from a series entitled Marks that features indentations left on the skin from (e.g.) wedding bands, socks, necklaces. Very cool concept. Toledano writes, "Our skin is like temporary photographic paper recording on our bodies the daily decisions that we make."
Currently listening to: Lost! - Coldplay (the new album, Viva la Vida, looks like it's going to be killer; thanks J~ for sending me the songs!)
Busy planning today. So many things to coordinate and it feels like I am running out of time. At least now I know where I will be this summer. Excitement and nervousness all rolled up in a ball.
Sprinkles, known for yummy cupcakes, has been an LA hot spot for awhile, with celebrities constantly making store runs. I've known about it but never thought to check out their website. Check out these gorgeously photographed delicacies. Artist Lilly McElroy's photographic exhibitions Locations and I Throw Myself at Men, which both examine reactions from strangers and the artist's interaction with them. I splurged and bought a watermelon today, even though the weather outside is practically ensuring that I don't eat it for another month. Check out Instructables' guidelines on how to cut out most of the seeds in your watermelon. I personally am a picker (seeds come out before I bite). Are you a picker, spitter, or a swallower? The trailer for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was recently released. The book-based movie, due out in December, tells the story about a man (Brad Pitt) who starts aging backwards. This becomes a problem when he falls in love.
If you have time, check out the winner of the NFB Online (Short Film) Competition Cannes, Historia de un Letrero (The Story of a Sign). Cannes Film Festival is currently underway and Cannes Lions are just around the corner!
I am really pooped (inside information?). It's been a great weekend. A true reunion in so many ways. We got to watch movies, take walks, stay up late talking, eat yummy food, pray together, and just catch up. Plus I got my first pedicure (and technically a manicure as well, but the title of first goes to my experience in Singapore)! My toes are now a fantastic deep shade.
Check out this Rubik's Cube alarm clock from Fred Flare. Choose from the date, alarm, time, or temperature by twisting the top half. Been meaning to post this cute bag (also from Fred Flare) for about a year now and I keep forgetting.
It's started again. The hoarding, the empty liquor bottles, the questions from colleagues about whether I've been drinking. Yes. My infamous bottle collecting itch has struck again. The agency usually ends the week with Wine Fridays, and every week I perch quietly on the stools sipping my water. Until this week. I eyed this gorgeous bottle of cabernet sauvignon and promptly took it as soon as everyone else had emptied its contents. I think it's a pretty great concept. I don't have to touch a drop of it and people just drink it up and I get the bottle without any extra effort. Fabulous.
I found out today that the founder of eharmony, Neil Clark Warren, is a strong Christian. eharmony is also a bit selective in turn, an aspect that has generated a lot of criticism and has been harped on by rival companies. Interesting to read the history and reasoning behind the brand. Check out this bacon scarf. It looks like it might be funny as a towel, but who would wear that around their neck? [Source: Neatorama] You may remember YouTube star Marie Digby from my previous post. Her official music video for Say It Again came out today. I love the art production!
Currently listening to: Satellite - Dave Matthews Band (I am ashamed to admit I'm listening to a DMB song)
I've had a good week so far. God's totally blessed me.
Today S~ and I pounded out some concepts for the car dealership client. I wish I was better at writing headlines. I feel like I shoot myself in the foot a lot. Or that I have a mindset that I will come up with terrible copy and then it's a whole self-fulfilling prophesy thing. Oh well. It'll just be a weak point that I can work on.
Working with S~ means that nothing is ever boring. Check out this song that he got me hooked on for a whole week. I love how the strawberry dances!
Speaking about partners, congrats to M~ for finishing up another chapter and heading off to another killer agency!
I am getting excited about this weekend!
Check out German street artist Johan Lorbeer's crazy stunts. Don't want to give any spoilers, so check the source, DCP, to see how he does it. Grocery shoppers do their own share of stunts in this French ad for Fairtrade (with Max Havelaar). [Source: Guerrilla Marketing]
Looking at the post count for this month, I realized just how badly I've done with blogging. Sorry guys.
Check out one of Banksy's gorgeous creations. Amazing graffiti. [Source: Canonsnapper] Also wanted to feature a Brazilian street artist in Italy who recreates famous paintings with chalk. [Source: Liberoliber] Balloon dress designers. So cool! [Source: DCP] Today was full but not quite as stressful as yesterday. S~ and I are taking a break from high end chocolate and trying to tackle Skinny Cow right now. Also gladly surrendered my portfolio to be ripped apart and got some great feedback. It's amazes me to look back and see how my view on advertising has changed just within these last six months. I'm thankful for great partners, new experiences, and fantastic nurturing agencies.
Now that I have a bit of a breather I am catching up on the season finales of my favorite shows. I have never really been into American Idol, but right now I'm watching David Cook and Archuleta duke it out.
Currently listening to: Say It Again - Natasha Bedingfield (also, check out her crazy song I Wanna Have Your Babies (which I get such a kick out of))
I've been so bad about posting. Sorry. I keep saving up things to blog about but don't have the time to do it at the end of the day. Thanks for bearing with me, dear readers.
I am so thankful for my wonderful friends. I had a really fun weekend and got to explore the city and try new things (always exciting for a host). Standing for three hours at a baseball game because we couldn't get tickets, eating decadent pizza, trudging around Chinatown in the rain, following tradition and watching LOST, and walking around the city past midnight just looking at the lights. Best of all, spending time with a good friend who I haven't seen for so long.
Today was a crazy stressful day but also very good. We presented our work for the high end chocolate client and they liked a lot of our stuff. It always feels good to have work pass through.
Then the cherry on top...I came home to find a package from M~ full of my favorite snack, Pocky. I felt so loved. Thank you for thinking of me!
And of course all the wonderful phone conversations I've had recently. Plus plans for upcoming visits. Yay!
So this post is really dedicated to great friends. You guys are the best.
Check out Tony Dusko's interpretation of what a friend is.
You might want to also check out his website, Notebook Babies. He uses a lot of animated short clips to teach his fifth graders. Fantastic and creative!
Currently listening to: In This Life- Delta Goodrem
(post for Thursday) I can't believe how crazy this week has been. It's been late nights and crazy experiences.
Got a little starstruck (just a tad) last night after we got treated to front row seats and a private party. This term has certainly been anything but dull.
After working on the zoo this term, the news of polar bears making it to the threatened species list was particularly saddening. That coupled with the earthquake in Sichuan and the cyclone hitting Myanmar has left me with a lot to think and pray about.
Currently listening to: With Me - Sum 41 (I used to hate them so this new song pleasantly surprised me)
(post for Monday) About to fall asleep at my keyboard, but just wanted to post a quickie.
CONGRATULATIONS to a certain someone who just landed an exciting new gig with a hawt shop. Can't wait to see all that amazing work you churn out!
I am lucky to be alive right now. I was almost hit crossing the road. Partly the driver's fault, partly my fault. In my defense, he had his left signal on to turn but instead decided to go straight, which almost meant directly towards me. And yes, I know the driver was a he because he made sure to stop the car (in the middle of a busy road) and yell a few racist remarks at me before going along his merry way. What can you do. I'm just happy I wasn't hit.
Today was a long and busy day but it ended nicely with our monthly agency get together. We had dinner and caught a show. It was fun to chill with everyone outside of the office, and the girls from the office are pretty great. I unfortunately got a little cheesed-out at dinner. That's saying a lot coming from a girl raised on cheese.
Please remember to pray for Sichuan province. So sad.
Currently listening to: Samson (Regina Spektor cover) - Luke Sandoval
I experienced two examples of motherhood today. I was able to spend the wonderful weekend with C~, and while we were walking around downtown, we spotted a mother duck with about 14 ducklings following her around. I've never seen so many little ones together. C~ commented, "Isn't the average number four? Maybe she's babysitting." And maybe she was. Those ducklings followed her like a nebulous cloud that would move whenever she moved and then quickly form a tight ring around her feet again. The mother duck was undoubtedly quacking at her kids to move away from the humans (namely me) trying in vain to shoot photos without getting too close to scare them away. Very cute. They were pretty far from home and I hope they made it back safely.
The other instance was en route home. The entire bus sat through about 2 hours of crying from a baby on board. I've concluded that baby crying noise is one of the most annoying sounds in the world. God totally made sure that infants wouldn't go unnoticed (and uncared for, theoretically) with those powerful megaphone lungs of theirs. The sound just grates on your nerves. The whole bus was silent as everyone waited for the incessant crying to stop. Through all this, I had a chance to observe the mother. How incredibly difficult it is to be a mom. I just have to give them props for everything that they put up with, go through (um, childbirth, hello), and the love they give unconditionally.
Google and Yahoo! did their part to make sure this special day wasn't forgotten. This weekend I had a bit of a scare when I thought I'd lost my Bible. The Good Book is in essence another material item, and if someone else who picked it up needed it more than I did it would be worth it. That didn't stop my stomach from twisting into a tight knot. My Bible is my Bible, if that makes sense. There are also wonderful notes from friends and family that I keep in there. I am usually very careful about not losing things, and I found I couldn't get to sleep when I realized it was gone. But happy ending! It was found safe and sound and it is now back in my possession. I am so grateful.
Check out this Clustarack viral ad. It reminds me of the classic Honda Accord one from a few years back but in viral form.
Currently listening to: Hallelujah (Jeff Buckley cover) - Accafellas (MSU men's a cappella group)
Today I learned that even if I hate a brand, I can still respect their advertising. It may not seem like it, but there is a difference between a product and the image that goes with it. The agency I'm currently at recently won a lucrative pitch for a client that I know I would be uncomfortable working on. I have been grappling with how to handle this if I ever get put on the account. Today I got to check out the pitch ideas presented by the agency and was impressed. This is notto say that I've changed my mind about doing work for the brand (because I haven't), but I will say that just because I hate the product doesn't mean I can't respect the creative ad work in it.
Sorry dear readers for the long hiatus. This last week was crazy!
Scientists have found that male jumping spiders reflect UVB rays (invisible to our eyes) from their bodies to attract mates. Females remained less responsive when introduced to males whose signals were separated by UVB filters. The use of UVA rays by other animals is not new, but male jumping spiders are the first known examples to utilize UVB rays. Check out the BBC article here.
The cassowary has been crowned the most dangerous bird by Guinness World Records. Found in New Guinea and Australia, these usually shy 5-6 feet tall critters can deliver fatal kicks to humans and often, for this reason, prove to be quite a handful at zoos. Sadly it is on the list of endangered animals. Those are some intense birds! More pictures at DCP. I didn't expect this post to become an animal themed one. Perhaps my recent excursions in costume (ask me if you haven't seen pics yet!) are rubbing off on me.
It has been a LONG week, so apologies for the lack of posting. I feel like I'm going to fall asleep at any moment. It's been crazy busy but also fruitful. This will be short now. I have a lot to post about but no energy to do so. So sorry, faithful reader. Will try to update when I have recovered.
