Pink Elephant Blog

Amanda Wachob

2010-02-01T10:54:00.000-08:00

We've been gone for a long time. I'll apologize for that. Things just tend to get a little crazy in January and February, you know?

Anyways- I just wanted to share something I came across with you -

How cool is this Tattoo artist? I've never seen anything like this really. Her name is Amanda Wachob. Take a look through her portfolio. I like it.

can you say "canühome"?

2010-01-19T08:08:00.000-08:00

I know I can...
Designed according to the forest management standards of the CSA, FSC, and SFI (holy TLAs), Canühome represents the perfect marriage of sustainability and design. It's made to be easily installed on rooftops, in yards, subarban plots, or rural areas (did I mention it's largely pre-fab?); it also meets a whole whack of LEED standards for its construction and through some pretty nifty energy-efficient engineering that uses the shape of the home to manage airflow.

Really though, it's the design that gets me: an open-concept, bowed galley structure (like an upside canoe, hallo?!) with a metallic skeleton and wood throughout that has a fantastic, airy kitchen and living space and Scandanavian-style boudoir with upright washer and dryer.

SMU (sign. me. up.)

PE Goes Global

2010-01-03T23:58:00.000-08:00

Akebonibashi, Tokyo, Japan

Sharing

2009-12-18T09:49:00.001-08:00

Happy Friday Internettles.

I just wanted to share a local blog that I enjoy reading, and think you should too.

Urbanely Urban is a commentary by a single author about her experience mostly in her community or as an individual commenting from a Kitchener downtown perspective on that which she experiences. Read and comment!

Off for a magical weekend with my oldest friends in smalltown ontario.

Here's hoping it bares no resemblance to an episode of Jersey Shore.

Happy Holidays!

One more thing...

2009-12-16T10:35:00.001-08:00

Don't even try to get me to stop listening to this today:

I mean, COME ON.

'Tis The (holiday card) Season!

2009-12-16T10:12:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I might be getting back into the blogging spirit.

Here are some Holiday Cards we just got back from the printer. I had them printed on columned paper, so they look like corrugated cardboard. The client is a children's toy distribution company, so we wanted to do something a little playful and cute for their customers.

Ponder

2009-12-15T09:21:00.000-08:00

I wonder if we'll ever blog again.

Things have been pretty busy in these parts, and it doesn't help that I'm taking off for three weeks and handing the reigns over to @marctcameron.

Promise to do better in the new year.

Jumping on the Square Bandwagon.

2009-12-02T07:46:00.001-08:00

This is also making its way across the WWW this morning, but for those of you who haven't seen it....Check this out.

Square.

Read payment cards from any device with an audio input jack, including your mobile phone. Accepting payments has never been faster or more convenient.

Square will donate a penny of every transaction you take to a cause of your choice. Working together to better the world, one small step at a time.

As a payer, get your receipts sent to your email or mobile phone instantly and access them securely online. You can also use a text message to authorize every payment in real-time.

I have questions. But I find this very interesting. I guess it was only a matter of time before something else became more convenient.

Just a Girl.

2009-12-02T07:41:00.000-08:00

Hi!

Yes that is a No Doubt Reference in the title.

Here is a pretty powerful little video to get you thinking this morning.

Let's do it.

booking a séance with your favourite medium

2009-11-28T13:26:00.000-08:00

This trailer, from the New Zealand Book Council, really gets me excited.

I was thinking about books the other day (I often do), and it occurred to me that the reason book sales haven't slumped like magazine sales have or taken the free-fall that newspapers have in the last few years is because the printed book, particularly the novel, is probably the perfect medium for the experience of reading.

A word about reading: it is more than simply consuming text. You're consuming text right now, but are you reading? The practice of reading, especially of reading fiction, has as much to do with imagining as it does with comprehension. That's why literature persists as a cultural touchstone in the Youtube era. Electronic media have specific advantages: immediacy, collaboration, and connectivity. Novels operate on a longer timeline, so they have to be different.

I'd go so far as to say the folks who fear the demise of the novel are anxious about the end of an exceptional period in human history - a minor blip in the intellectual average - we know as literacy. Literacy is a bit of misnomer, since it isn't the ability to comprehend text that's at risk, but rather a widely held fluency in the language of the written word which affects societies in some unexpected ways.

The NZBC ad above emphasizes the connection between the book as a material object and its ability to engage the imagination and produce entire worlds. It addresses the anatomy of the printed book as a medium in its spectral, ghostly sense. Books perform things for us when we read them. We get inside heads that aren't "real", but are inseparable from the subjective reality of their narrators. The book, so unassuming and invisible as a medium will probably be around a long, long time even with the Kindle clawing at the market-share. I think that because the book has already proven to be a persistent medium while other print media have languished.

But what do you think?

New Venue Downtown Kitchener

2009-11-27T10:20:00.001-08:00

Here's a little downtown news for y'all.

Next Wednesday Dec. 2 marks the open house of OPUS. According to the promoters: It is centrally located on top of Pizza Pizza downtown Kitchener on the corner of Gaukel & King St. It overlooks Kitchener City Hall, is bright, spacious, modern & contemporary. (Where Frequency was. Whatever Frequency was...)

I am told to expect a warm, inviting atmosphere, interactive oyster shucking bar, appetizers, treats, complimentary gifts and tons of samplings from our brand new catering menu made fresh by our new Executive Chef, Tim Halley

Pretty excited to check it out I must admit. Will take photes.

All for now!

bear necessities

2009-11-25T08:48:00.000-08:00

What a spectacle this ad is.

Is it me, or is the irony of the Polar Bear as the monster mascot of environmentalism passed its expiration date? Animals in advertising reach us on a very basic level, I think. But it's possible that the animals with which we identify the most are the ones that remind of us ourselves... the comic clown of the lesser apes, the moony eyes of baby seals, or the chatty dolphin are easily commercialized symbols because they're non-threatening and there's something primal and appealing about them.

Polar bears, as majestic and vulnerable as they are, are terrifying. Why haven't environmental organization picked up on the fact that if you don't already understand the issues of global climate change, felling a monster in dramatic fashion isn't going to help with the uptake of the real issue? Now, an actual polar bear corpse on a London street might be more jarring and affective, but I wonder if the metaphorical purchase of these bears as victims is culturally specific and, as such, lost on urban Europeans.

Tony Bianco's design for the twonie's 10th anniversary in 2000

depicts the passing on of knowledge from one generation to the next.

This image is familiar and germane to Canadians who are familiar with

theecological niche of these animals.

I think Canadians (maybe some Russians too) are predisposed to revere the creatures of the far north because our national mythology is tied up with these animals, but do images of polar bears resonate with European or American audiences? How about Chinese or East Indian? Is it enough that the white bear is already the poster-beast for global warming, or should campaigns like these be re-tooled to convey the human cost of greenhouse emissions.

Thoughts?

Telic & Neen: The Internet and/is Art.

2009-11-24T12:36:00.000-08:00

“Science and technology multiply around us. To an increasing extend they dictate the languages in which we speak and think. Either we use those languages or we remain mute”. JG Ballard

"The Web is nothing more and nothing less than what the World has always been: unvisited and unfriendly territories that are gradually transformed into a domestic landscape. From the Alps to the Japanese garden, this is the scenario: the illusory promise of order and system. But still, the simple rocks and sand in the well-arranged composition of a Japanese garden, for a better-trained intellect, are black holes and chaos.

The Web came from this chaos; in a certain way it came directly out of the Trojan Horse described in Homer’s Iliad and now we are all Ulysses, lost in the ocean all over again. But we are not traveling alone: there is a special spirit that helps us navigate and that is the spirit of Telic.

Telic is our relationship with the tools that help us to design the World and to see things in a perspective. It is in mobile phones and computers, but it’s even in the way our houses and clothes are made. Our times are Telic."

Read this essay this morning by Greek Painter Miltos Manetas. Far out there (or is it?) but definitely an interesting read. I suggest he dive right into the Science Fiction world.

geek chic

2009-11-23T12:16:00.000-08:00

In case you thought thought there was a statute of limitations on merchandising (I don't know why anyone would), think again. And then one more time.

I received a transmission from flavorwire not long ago, in a galaxy pretty close to this one that the merch for Star Wars' 30th anniversary is coming to a spaceport near you. Seriously though, check out these turbo-nerd hoodies from Marc Ecko:

Legit.

And it raises a few points about the power of brands and the effectiveness of brand pairing. Even those of you who aren't Star Wars aficionados should be able to appreciate the design of this line; and stardorks who don't care about Ecko's logo appeal (ie.: me) can get behind their amazing limited editions that pick up on marketed-to-men brands like Playboy, KISS, and Halo.

Associating one brand with another, seemingly unrelated brand, can strengthen both and produce some very sexy results - yes, I mean sexy. Star Wars isn't sexy, but Marc Ecko Cut & Sew is. By associating these two brands, Ecko gains credibility with a specific market segment and George Lucas gets the sexiest notch yet on his proverbial bedpost (next to the Princess Leia gold bikini of course). Both these brands were already doing just fine, but a little creative pairing expands their respective corporate image and undoubtedly increases revenue for both parties. And now we can dress like Imperial Stormtroopers without having to endure the derisive laughter of the girl I had a crush on in grade 11.

I'll be in the Commod(or)e

2009-11-19T12:11:00.000-08:00

Last night in a fit of nostalgia for my 1980s childhood I downloaded Jumpman. Somewhere between the Smurfs and Beavers I and my older brother became exceptionally good at dodging eight-bit intelligent bullets while sharing the family's first home computer. I'm still trying to figure out the emulator because I've forgotten how to talk to a Commodore 64.

What struck me was, of course, the design of one of the earliest home electronics solutions to bridge the gap between work and play. The Commodore 64 was one of the most popular early computers, and also one of the first to insert itself into the lives of children. The Commodore paved the way for modern PC gaming, but is firmly rooted in the 1980s.

Take a look:

In terms of product design, the actual unit isn't anything truly remarkable. The logo and Corporate ID, though, are something special. It's kind of a pity the company isn't still producing electronics (are they?), but I really enjoy James White's contemporary take on the Commodore's aesthetic.

When life hands you a pink slip...

2009-11-19T08:27:00.000-08:00

The trailer alone is emotional to watch. I've been fortunate enough to hold on to a job in a field where a good deal of my peers have been let go, but I do know what it's like to have to leave something you love because it's not financially sustainable. But, as demonstrated in this film, maybe sometimes moving on is the best possible thing you can do to find happiness. Cheesy? Just the right amount I think.

"Lemonade is a documentary about a few of those 70,000 people in the advertising industry who have been handed a pink slip and gone out to discover who they really are and do what they really should have been doing."

Utilitarian & Recreational Biking by Design

2009-11-19T07:08:00.000-08:00

"Recent years have seen the local interest in cycling increase dramatically. The interest comes both from citizens seeking a healthier lifestyle and from planners and analysts seeking solutions to organizational, environmental and transportation issues in a rapidly growing population.
Residents who enjoy cycling for fun or use their bikes for transportation are invited to get more information, share their thoughts on the city’s existing cycling routes, trails and facilities during two public information sessions this Saturday.
The first session will run from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Kitchener Market; and the second session will run from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Activa Sportsplex."

Received this little gem in the inbox today.

d-school/b-school

2009-11-13T10:44:00.000-08:00

Cassie, Liz, and I are having meeting today. It's confidential; but I can tell you that we're talking about office design. Space is important. It's affective: it can structure how we think and what we do and how we feel. Creative offices aren't anything new but they're still really fun.

So I've been researching creative office spaces on the interweb for inspiration.

Here's one of my favourites:

just look at those bike racks!

I'm totally getting one.

I'm feeling more creative already.

print

2009-11-12T09:26:00.000-08:00

Is it, will it, has it ever been relevant?

My (educated) guess is: yes, print will endure. But how?

To back up a little, I think it's important to recognize that print media is intricately connected to literacy; and most of can probably agree that literacy is important to the welfare of individuals for empowerment and essential to society (a democracy at least) for equality.

I don't want to entertain the dystopic fantasy of a culture whose literacy extends only to the level of "functional" and is dominated by the recognition of images - McLuhan described such a thing as a return to a tribal society, which was dominated by myth, homogeneity, and collectivism. Interestingly enough, the "Tribe" is being reclaimed as a social structure which empowers and privileges small-to-medium sized rhizomatic groups affiliated by shared interests rather than geography or heritage/ethnicity. Which is amazing, and laden with possibility and potential for social enterprise and innovation.

Donna Haraway predicted such structures (after McLuhan, of course) in her Cyborg Manifesto to be an empowerment of the miscellaneous and part of the social landscape after the proliferation of new media. Which it is.

There are many proponents of new media and possibilities it presents for societies to reorganize themselves along egalitarian lines; however, I have to ask what are we losing?

Democracy was supposed to be enhanced by the broadcast medium. Glenn Gould was a champion of broadcasting and recording as a democratic medium (think of Andy Warhol's assertion that the great thing about Coca-Cola was that the President could not get a better coke than the bum on the street). Gould, it's rumoured, would even play his live performances with timing and dissonance that privileged the folks deep in the cheap seats.

So, I guess there's a tension between blanket democracy and tribal democracy in which individualism and empowerment are the gambits. Back to literacy: it's important for too many reasons to get into here (maybe you can tell how I feel about literacy by the text-heavy blog posts to which I'm predisposed), but I will say that without it our sense of individuality and interiority (the basis for things like courtesy, compassion, and empathy) will undergo some drastic changes. How we read (and, equally, what we read) has, as many neuroscientists and psychologists will tell you, affects how our brains form thought and perceive people and the world in which we live.

And instead of just griping about the waning of literary fluency (which, culturally speaking, is only about 200 years old) into functional reading skills, here's something for us all to do: read.

Go pick up a magazine, like one of these:

Music Videos.

2009-11-10T08:50:00.001-08:00

Do people still watch music videos?

I really don't know. I'm genuinely asking. We nixed cable last year and I've actually weened myself off of watching MTV online. Not that they played music videos anyways. (Sidenote: has anyone noticed that mainstream shows are actually playing good music now? Like Metric on Grey's all the time and Midlake on Fringe...I kind of hate it. Why do I hate it?)

Music videos are cool. And I like how bands have gotten away from just shooting themselves 30 000 different ways and are actually commissioning artists and seeking out super creative directors to conceptualize videos that perfectly depict their music. As a viewer we get to experience a song not only sonically, but visually. Double score. That Land of Talk video I posted last week is a good example. Stunning. It's just strange to me that as videos get better (more artistic, creative, innovative, etc etc), there are less mediums to view them. Thank goodness for the Internet.

Anyways, I digress. From my understanding this is what it would be like to take Salvia:

Ready, Able - Grizzly Bear

Directed/Created by Allison Schulnik.

Tweet Tweet Mother Funkies

2009-11-06T07:41:00.001-08:00

Wednesday morning at a BIA meeting a young woman came in to tell us about Random Act of Kindness Day (November 13th). We were talking about promotional tools to get the word out (poster, radio, blog, facebook), when I mentioned they should start a hashtag on Twitter to keep the project going year round. Everyone looked at me like I was speaking Klingon (which probably would have been umm... AWESOME. no, I actually hate Star Trek). Needless to say we ended up spending some time talking about social networking in it's entirety and it seems there is still a good deal of debate surrounding Twitter.

It's useful.

It's useless.

It's Facebook Lite.

Why would you need/want to know what I'm doing at every single moment. (It's not all about you. Yes it is.)

I came across these graphs this morning via Canadian Mags.

So, do you tweet? Is it a business tool? Useful in marketing? Personal indulgence? Celebrity Tracking Device?

"Hate Advertising? Make Better Ads." - Doug Pray

2009-11-04T10:13:00.000-08:00

Art & Copy

Very Interesting. Special screening tonight @ the Princess.

CONSISTENCY + BRANDING = LOVE

2009-11-04T07:27:00.000-08:00

Ohhhhhhhh Design. You coy little thing you. Why do you excite me so with super cool things like this? Why don't the masses understand the importance of communicating a consistent message. Change it up, push the boundaries, but keep it consistent, you know? Of course you know, Branding. You wrote the book. And you made it beautiful.

Please flip through these images of the launch campaign for New Museum, a newly constructed contemporary art museum in downtown, New York. (the bike!!! how cool is that bike!!! and the subway tiles...come on!)

Design can be fun and mysterious and playful and intriguing.

take some chances.

Monday Monday... It's Okay.

2009-11-02T08:07:00.000-08:00

WeWereMonkeys: Land of Talk - It's Okay from WeWereMonkeys on Vimeo.

beautiful song & video. love love.

Completely Unrelated to anything Relevant. But funny.

2009-10-30T08:38:00.001-07:00

We Are Douchebags - watch more funny videos

Flashy.

2009-10-28T10:42:00.000-07:00

So I normally don't like flash-heavy websites, but interior design firm Wonderwall's new site is pretty dope.

Here are some screenshots, but check it out.

Typography, Tel Aviv, Kinetic Processing.

2009-10-27T07:57:00.000-07:00

Telefon Tel Aviv — Stay Away From Being Maybe

“You’re Just My Type” is a project by Jonathan Brandel. He was inspired by the typeface pyramid by Formconspiracy and turned it into a kinetic Processing sketch. The music in this video is “Stay Away From Being Maybe” by Telefon Tel Aviv, you might want to see it fullscreen.

Huge Canvas

2009-10-27T07:48:00.000-07:00

Last summer, Felice Varini did this installation called “Cercle et suite d’éclats” in Vercorin, Switzerland. The scale of this point of view artwork is very impressive.

trouble at the Pink E office

2009-10-26T10:16:00.000-07:00

hi - so, we moved the office today. Off the mezzanine and into the sunnier space of the main floor.

Emeri is in today while we fill in the concept board for a website we're developing. Work was interrupted by an unexpected infestation of prehistoric sized butterflies. They eat hats.

And nest in long hair.

Their natural enemy is brooms and windex.

Just another day at the office.

Lunch blog #4!

2009-10-22T10:54:00.000-07:00

Cass asked me at 12 what I wanted for lunch.

"Chili" was my reply. Action-oriented as we are, an hour later she called Kava Bean Commons and placed our order for 2 Chili Con Carné. Good choice, I think, for a blustery Ontario Autumn Thursday.

chili and an americano: creative lunch

texas toast, just like home

...the anticpation

piping hot. oh yeah.

Neglect

2009-10-20T11:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Choosday Everyone!

Sorry we've been so out of the blogosphere lately. We've been busy doing stuff. Like shopping for our new office and getting new hi-tech phones and stuff.

To all you designers out there, the 3rd KWDG (Kitchener-Waterloo Design Group) Meet Up is being held this Thursday at Morty's Pub in Waterloo. Come on out and say hello.

Also: We have been blogging seperately, his and hers.

Annnnnd finally, here is the new Devendra Banhart album for you to give a go.

Cheers.

Branding Soundscapes

2009-10-19T11:59:00.000-07:00

yet another TEDtalk... this one on sound, space, psychology, and consciousness.

Effective Advertising?

2009-10-19T10:35:00.000-07:00

Design better Tribes

2009-10-15T11:15:00.000-07:00

At Pink Elephant, our strategic planning is value-focused. We're interested in helping organizations and communities function as innovative leaders in their marketplace. Kind of like this guy....

I (heart) TED.

What I'm Listening To.

2009-10-14T08:36:00.000-07:00

Will post thoughts on it later today. Have you heard? What do you think?

What do you mean Walter doesn't let you hold his Grammy?

2009-10-13T15:24:00.000-07:00

Thanks for popping by Mr. Ostanek.

Happy Oktoberfest Kiddles :)

Quick and Dirty

2009-10-13T13:18:00.001-07:00

Will blog more later hopefully-

for now, just wanted to quickly post this:

Because in a Youtube world, nothing comes close to the experience of hearing a live orchestra ...This is your chance to enjoy FREE Community Concerts performed by your very own Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony!

Friday October 16 at Noon - FREE Concert - Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts in Downtown Kitchener

Seating is limited - Doors open at 11:30 am (so come early to save your seats!) Enjoy a beautiful program featuring Haydn, Mozart & Beethoven - all performed by the full KWS orchestra. Take an hour out of your busy day to sit back, relax and enjoy our music!

Sunday November 1 - FREE Family Fun Day & Open House - events start at NOON - Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts in Downtown Kitchener. Bring the whole family and enjoy an afternoon of FREE music, theatre and events! Activities begin at Noon - Doors open at 11:30am

The Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony will perform a concert at 1:00pm

A host of additional performances will be presented by: The Grand Philharmonic Choir, Waterloo Dance Project, Lost & Found Theatre, the Singers Theatre, MT Space - and many more ...!

Check it out and Enjoy :)

animaated

2009-10-13T06:30:00.000-07:00

I was always so fascinated by the NFB as a kid. So dreamy.

The video I've posted above is an excerpt from a film called "Mermaid" by Lisa Barcy, a Chicago girl. I'm going to go ahead and assume she was greatly influenced by the same ethereal animation that I was as a kid. Anywho, I'm glad animation can still be low-tech and imaginary.

Music by the matchless Andrew Bird.

Cornucopia of Awesome

2009-10-09T09:56:00.000-07:00

Hi Guys,

Just wanted to send out a Happy Thanksgiving. I hope your mom bought tryptophan-free turkey so you still have enough energy to go out and party afterwards. Just joking. That doesn't exist. Yet.

Our lovely friends at the BIA have invited us to join them on the patio of the Conrad Centre on Monday (my birthday) for a Champagne Brunch viewing of the Parade, so we will post some pics and perhaps a sequel to Huge Head 1.

Alright, back to branding for me. Some pretty cool events coming up. We'll keep you posted.

As for tonight: Party on Greg.

Bye Lurkeys!

what a lovely gesture

2009-10-07T13:09:00.000-07:00

In case I haven't told you yet: I lovelovelove my Macbook Pro.

One of the things I love the most is the way Apple just plain gets it when it comes to user interface. Most of the time, when people in the computer world use the word "interface" they're referring either to the electronic connection between devices or the screen through which the user (ie. you) receives information from your computer.

What Apple does with Mac, as with most of their products, is make a machine whose interface with the user is not only complex visually, but also tactilely. The touchpad doesn't give you any information - that's still all visual - but the fact that I can use the pad to do far more than move the cursor and click is... well, revolutionary. It goes far beyond the 1 = 1 set-up of a keyboard and mouse configuration; it is a whole language of gestures that connects me with the machine as a tool designed for me, the user, not the person programming or building it. It's User Centred Design (UCD).

To give you an idea if you don't have a (newer) Mac, here's a video from 2008 of Steve Jobs presenting a few of the gestures that make Apple my design sweetheart. Okay, my other design sweetheart.

2009-10-07T07:31:00.000-07:00

At Pink Elephant Group, we're taking great strides in monitoring and improving our productivity as a company.

Now, if only we could find a more efficient way of sourcing appropriate, humourous graphs from the interweb.

Okay. Back to work.

A Good Day.

2009-10-06T18:04:00.000-07:00

Always a lovely surprise to come home and find the latest Good in my mailbox.

This issue in particular has a really great breakdown of COP15. The who, what, why, when and how. In layman's terms. Which is nice sometimes. For blondes like me.

I implore you to pick up a copy, or come by the office and borrow mine. With a coffee.

SHA - WING

2009-10-06T12:17:00.000-07:00

How do I not have this in my cd collection? mp3 AT LEAST. Thirty-two exclusive tracks were recorded for the compilation, which is available as a double cd, triple vinyl and download album. Profits benefitting the Red Hot Organization - an international charity dedicated to raising funds and awareness for HIV and AIDS.

For complete artist listing visit: HERE

To sample some tracks: HERE

In completely unrelated news, it's my birthday on monday :)

Kitchener Parking. Always a Joy.

2009-10-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

Photoshop Me Out of a Job

2009-10-06T07:59:00.000-07:00

This came across my desk this morning and I'm not sure what to make of it. Actually, I'm fairly sure it means my job will be obsolete in the coming months.

PhotoSketch is an internet-based program that can take the rough, labeled sketch on the left and automagically turn it into the naff montage on the right.

Technology, why you got to be so cruel girrrrl?

Thanks Steve!

Get Me Out Of Here.

2009-10-05T20:24:00.000-07:00

So many potential blogging topics, most of which I plan to do in as many small posts as possible to get my huge youtube face off the main page of this blog asap.

Good weekend, but throat/sinus thing + moving houses in the pouring rain/cold kept me away from too many things such as:

Using our free symphony and oktoberfest ronnie hawkins tix
Nuit Blanche plans & house party in Toronto
Friends birthday at ethels
Styling a photoshoot for photographer fantastico John Sayer-White in Guelph on Sunday.

I did, however, have a great night on Friday with many wunderbar people. Thankyou all.

Plus, I'm pretty sure we might as well start a Dixie Chicks cover band so start getting excited for that.

ha.

More to come tomorrow.

Bedtime for this girl. Avec hiccups. Any remedies? I've seriously tried everything.

Downtown Food Thing Day Recap! (super long, went photo crazy)

2009-09-30T13:27:00.000-07:00

KDBIA Employee Appreciation Day Video Blog!

2009-09-29T17:25:00.001-07:00

My Nerd.

2009-09-29T12:57:00.000-07:00

I've always been pretty insecure about my lack of knowledge surrounding things like Battlestar Galactica, Star Wars, Dr. Who, Comic Books; all that stuff that people seem to know so much about. Sure, they're pretty nerdy topics, but hey guys I want to be involved in the conversation too!

I just never got into them. Didn't see the appeal. I mean, sheesh guys it's make believe.

Well, I am happy to announce that I have finally found my nerdism.

I am a vampire nerd.

I love them.

And no one can stop me.

I'm just glad this discovery came later in life and not when I was young(er) and (more) impressionable and decided that I maybe WAS a vampire and started dressing Gothic in highschool. Sigh. Things would be so different now.

designfail

2009-09-29T12:22:00.000-07:00

I asked Cassie today "how do you design for a world that doesn't understand design?"

Her head expoloded.

While I was cleaning up the gooey mess that used to be my friend and co-worker (it's Chinatown) I thought to myself, what do I mean by 'design' anyway?

Of all the definitions on the web, I think this is my favourite thusfar:

The purposeful or inventive arrangement of parts or details

It's the 'purposeful' and 'inventive' aspect that I like. Design in advertising is about more than just adding colours that people like or imitating slogans that have worked in the past. Design, from a communications perspective--which as far as I'm concerned is what 'marketing' aspires to--is about creating meaning and providing a platform for ideas. The quality of the idea is important, to be sure, but even the best ideas need a little help now and then getting heard because, despite the apparent lack of design out there it's still a caccophony.

Think about birds: Song to communicate over distance, to demark territory or announce food; Display to attract a mate, confuse a predator, or fascinate documentary film makers. Millions of years of evolution weeds out bad design and leaves us with stuff like this...

vinyl as memory

2009-09-28T16:32:00.000-07:00

Since Cassie's on a design swoon, I thought I'd join in. While blog trolling I found a link to this amazing design company that sells creative vinyl stickers for your walls, appliances, and whatever. They seem to be mostly way-finding or memory-aiding tools for around your house. They are divided by room and probably some of the most utilitarian wall art I've seen since these crazy images. They even have a BANKSY tribute series (albeit less useful, but still very cool).

I even found something that I think I can't live without...

I will always want to see the thing obscured by my mac.

Interior Design Swoon

2009-09-28T11:39:00.000-07:00

Friday and Stuff.

2009-09-25T13:36:00.000-07:00

Interesting week kids. Ups and Downs. Ins and Outs. But, it's dunzo and now we're on to the weekend. Which is shaping up to be most excellent.

In my head most of the afternoon:

For a special someone today:

And now I'm off to a 4 (Yes, FOUR) hour bootcamp at GameDay Fitness. Why? I have no choice. And I'm terrified.

But it's okay because I'm gonna follow that up with the Schneider Weisse that's in my fridge and celebrations at a friends place.

and maybe a shower.

Balance. It's essential.

Big Food / Small Head?

2009-09-24T08:25:00.001-07:00

And well, we all know how massive my head is.

First lobster ever. So difficult to get into...and green.

Last night's dinner (and today's lunch)...Crispy pancetta, tonnes of veg and hot peppers and an ice cold Stella. Hello.

If you're looking for a new brew to try.... Summer Lightning Golden Ale....British, sweet, refreshing. Really good.... $3.45 a pint.

Steal Our (well, not OUR) Ideas

2009-09-23T11:21:00.000-07:00

click to enlarge

Some funny ideas from Jon and Adam at Steal Our Ideas. Seems they've taken a break from the site and have gone back to work...something about how giving away ad campaigns wasn't lucrative?

Check out their ideas if you've got some time.

WARNING KITCHENER

2009-09-22T07:01:00.000-07:00

Do NOT attempt to park anywhere downtown today.

They are filming that TV Show (Dan for Mayor?) today and it's pretty annoying.

And it's only 10:01 am.

Lady Whowho?

2009-09-21T12:05:00.000-07:00

Okay Cass. While I agree totally that grade-schoolers need better role models than pop-stars, I don't know that Lady Gaga is completely without substance. She's a spectacle, without a doubt, but I think one of the ilk of Madonna, Cher, maybe even the lategreat Janis Joplin... okay... that's a stretch.

But watch this and see what you think...

Lady Googoo

2009-09-18T10:05:00.000-07:00

I don't really get Lady Gaga at all.

She's actually a good singer if you watch some live videos. But nobody really notices that because she's too busy bleeding in a fleshtone thong bodysuit.

And her lyrical content. I mean, really? You want to take a ride on my disco stick? I think I know what you're gettting at Gaga, and I don't really like it.

Here's a video of a young school choir covering Just Dance, singing about how they don't remember where they are because they are too drunk. Appropriate.

Pretty rad.

2009-09-17T14:24:00.000-07:00

CAFKA art installs happening all over this city right now!! Kate Wilson's mural going up - hopefully permanently - outside Elements. Floating house weird thing at City Hall. Huge Spider in the Rotunda Gallery. Loving it all. Can't wait for Opening Night at City Hall tomorrow! Going to be great. Check it out!

you too?

2009-09-17T09:46:00.000-07:00

Cassie called me as I was riding the bus downtown this morning. It was 10:03am. I was still pretty tired, but in a great mood. As Liz always says: "Today is the best day of my life." I've been running a little behind all week for two reasons.

Reason the first: I've been taking client calls in the a.m. which pushes my day back because I've also been making time for yoga in the morning.

...the second: I've taken to eating le petit déjeuner on the porch. The morning sun comes up over the Church across the street and is absolutely perfect at about 9a.m. I tell ya: it's hard to pull yourself away from that if I have a half grapefruit, home-made granola or toast with homemade strawberry-rhubarb spread, and a french-press full of coffee. Sigh....

And yes, I did go to the U2 concert at the "Rogers Centre" last night. I'll refrain from reviewing it, but I will say that it pays to know someone in the Jim Balsillie camp.

Here's a great photo of the stage (actually my favourite part of the show) courtesy of Jo Vos.

Good Morning!

2009-09-17T06:55:00.000-07:00

I'm just waiting here for Marc. We have to be at a meeting in 4 minutes. Perhaps someone ran a little too many wild horses last night.

I think I'm the only person in this city who wasn't at U2. No, I was at something completely different, that you will be hearing about soon. Stay tuned.

Time to give that boy a wake up call.

One Room I wouldn't want to be stuck in.

2009-09-16T07:57:00.000-07:00

Have you seen this piece of epic cinematography yet? If not, I think I have to recommend it. I have only seen parts, but have heard my friend Jason do an effortlessly perfect reenactment of most of it and it sounds fantastic.

It's becoming kind of a cult favourite, written by , directed by and starring Tommy Wiseau. (Isn't he beautiful?) I kind of forgot about it after a very long night of Korean kareoke, but luckily my new favourite person reminded me of it at I Heart Video Art. (That person is the amazing IAN NEWTON, who you will meet soon).

Have YOU seen it?

New & Improved.

2009-09-16T07:30:00.001-07:00

Matte of Taste has been doing some minor renos lately, and to add to the enjoyment of my double americano this morning, I had the chance to check out their new sign!

It looks like this. I think it looks great. A little small but a lot more modern and clean.

Stop by and check it out if you are strolling the downtown streets today!

Kind of Embarrassing but Mostly Awesome

2009-09-14T11:20:00.000-07:00

Watched the pilot episode of Glee this weekend. This show is definitely not for everyone, but I. Loved. It.

I actually cried at the end of the pilot. Is that super lame or what? Yeah. Super lame. I know.

Recommend it to people who: love cheesy musicals, liked highschool, secretly want to be on broadway.

Maybe take a pass if you: are surrounded by cloak of negativity.

The funny weird macho woman who was the boss in 40 Year Old Virgin is in it. She's good.

How was YOUR weekend?

2009-09-14T08:01:00.000-07:00

Hello Friendlies.

Another successful weekend in the bag.

I cannot say enough amazing things about I Heart Video Art on friday night. It was an awesome night filled with some of the cities most creative people. Delicious food from Bryan at Art|Bar, drinks from Brick Brewery, and super fabulous amazeballs video complied by Rob Ring.

Luckily for you, we put together a mass array of video clips that are being pieced together for our first ever VIDEO BLOG. Hurray!

Followed that up with a star trek themed party FTW.

Did anyone else pick up a NOS energy drink? Infomercial by Marc Cameron to come.

Last night I checked out Vacuity and The Sauce at a place I like to call Memory Lane. Known to others apparently as "The Lancastle".

Anyways. Busy week ahead as usual!

God that poster always makes my day. Look at it!

Great things in the works. Good job KW.

Tell me about your weekend!

Small Rant

2009-09-09T09:35:00.000-07:00

It takes approximately 12 million barrels of oil to make the 100 billion plastic bags Americans use annually. Worldwatch Institute

Dear people at the grocery store:

Maybe you don't need to bag your apples seperate from your oranges and your bananas. And your grapes that are already in a bag, don't really need another bag. It's not just the plastic at checkout that you need to refuse.

Typography Study

2009-09-08T15:32:00.001-07:00

Ok, so the credits at the beginning are a bit long, but will make you super jealous. This woman has mad handtype skills!!! Flawless! I almost failed first year because my typography "ate too many donuts" according to the most ancient college prof in history. I could never make the letters thin enough. And then I'd smear graphite all over my illustration board. But hey, Pobody's Nerfect.

I don't know. It seems like the 4 year old is trying to add a serif to every letter to match his mom.

Either this little boy is going to be very confused at school or he's going to have the girls swooning once he passes out some Valentines come February. All those flourishes and curves. Come on! Anyways - I am jealous. And would never email anyone if my writing was like this. I would handwrite EVERYTHING. Even client invoices.

Temptation Island

2009-09-08T14:04:00.001-07:00

Hahahaha did any of you ever watch that incestuous reality tv show a few years back? Or am I the only loser here? Yeah that's what I figured...

Anyways- That's not what I'm talking about.

I'm sure you know it's $2 Tuesdays at Silver Spoon.

Lemon Sorbet pour moi and Chocolate for MC.

A good 5pm snack to push us through while planning an entire YEAR OF MARKETING for a client.

One suggestion Silver Spoon....$2 should be for a cone OR a cup, not just a cup.

ps: lemon sorbet - v. good but SUPER sour. beware.

Back At It.

2009-09-08T07:59:00.001-07:00

Dear WorldWide Web.

I hope your weekend was fantastic. Maybe later Marc will give you an update on his - I know he saw Extract, the new Mike Judge film at the Princess. I spent the majority of the weekend a couple hours north of here, on the beach and with some of the worlds best friends.

A sunburn, an arrest and a lot of skids later (don't ask), I am back at my desk ready to conquer the world.

Or at least the week.

I just wanted to quickly make a note about something that's happening this Friday. As CAFKA gears up for it's September 18th launch, this friday is an event in conjunction called I Heart Video Art. I will be there working the door and Marc will be drink...errr schmoozing his way around. Working the room, you know?

Here's an official blurb:

Some people think that video art is like Buckley's Cough Mixture - they don't like the taste but they watch it anyway because they think it's good for them. We beg to differ. CAFKA’s Artistic Director Rob Ring is serving up some tasty video libations guaranteed to fill your heart with gladness. This will be a multi-screen extravaganza not to be missed. This is a licensed event & may contain content that is not suitable for children.
Admission: $25
CAFKA Members and Students $20

More information here.

Wanna Test your Stress?

2009-09-03T10:18:00.000-07:00

So.

Downtown Kitchener has a church right on King St. Well... sort of. It's a Church of Scientology, which isn't a church in the strictest sense. Today they, the Scientologists, have a table out in front of their storefront dressed with books and (wait for it)....

...an e-meter.

That's right kids, they're auditing right on the street. Grass roots style.

Now, a lot of people say a lot of things about Scientology. I frankly don't think it's much kookier than most organized religions (if you're a person of faith, that's awesome, but I expect you don't subscribe to every religious view or every creation story out there, probably because you recognize that they can't all be true). It's pretty easy to find a youtube video slamming the "belief system" that is the basis of Scientology, so here's one that's not:

A Fave.

2009-09-01T08:40:00.000-07:00

Instant Love

2009-08-31T11:29:00.000-07:00

Warhol's

Last June the world kind of ran out of Polaroid film. I have a special place in my heart for Polaroids. They are so candid and honest and immediate. A little hobby of mine is purchasing old cameras at flea markets and antique stores. Great in theory but I run into issues when I try to find film for them, which these days, is usually impossible. Ironically, in the case of my 1983 Polaroid Sun 600, Impossible may be the answer.

Polaroids of my parents from the mid '70s. They are about my age here.

First off, let me quickly explain why Polaroid film is unavailable now:

Polaroid made negatives. Every Polaroid has a negative and a positive. The negative material was made in Boston and the equipment they used was decomissioned years ago. Before the equipment was decommissioned, the company produced miles and miles of negative and put it in cold storage. So once that negative was gone (last june), there really wasn't anybody to make more of it.

Enter: SavePolaroid & The Impossible Project. Essentially, one man (Dr. Florian Kaps, Impossible Project founder) purchased the last Polaroid factory, hired some of the staff and is working to produce a new type of Instant Film by early 2010. At this point it is undecided as to whether he will keep the Polaroid name or not.

I find it interesting that we've come so far with digital photography, and live in a world with such advanced technology, but trying to recreate instant film is deemed an "impossible" project.

Perhaps the secret of creating successful instant film died with this guy.

Or maybe there is just not enough interest/money/materials?

I for one hope Polaroid film comes back, and for less than $100 a pack.

Watch & Share Fridays

2009-08-28T14:13:00.000-07:00

And donate here.

C'est vendredi

2009-08-28T14:10:00.000-07:00

Ola amigos y amigas.

It's foreign language Friday. Well, not really, but let's pretend.

I'm thinking about language a lot these days. Being concise is important, and I come from an academic writing background which doesn't exactly translate into pithy ad copy as easily as you might think. There aren't many fifty-dollar words in your average radio spot or print ad. You have to be able to convey a message in just a few words that will reach a lot of people. And of course, the language you use needs to be particular to your target demographic.

It's a lot like being in ethno-linguistics, except that it's market-based. A sentence aimed at teenage girls likely won't resonate with seniors because their cultural contexts are so different. There's a lot of room for play in writing ads, especially with such a talented graphic designer as Cassie.

There's a marriage of text and image that goes into designing communications... even radio spots or picture-only print ads. Image and text evoke each other, and sometimes they overlap and become one another, so "marriage" is actually a very romantic way to think of communication design.

Consider Douglas Coupland's sculpture "Generation X", made of paper and magnolia branch in 2004. This is one of my all-time favourite pieces by one of my all-time favourite sculptor/writers. The author himself masticated (ie.: chewed) his novel and formed it into a wasp's nest around a section of tree branch.

What the what? Something Coupland once told me (yes, personally) is that he wasn't a novelist. He creates, he says, sculptures of books. That statement started me rethinking the way I imagine the meaning of words and how they exist in our lives. New media has changed many things: not the least of which is prevalence of the image above the word and a shift in something called (in the academy, at any rate) visual culture. Our culture is almost entirely visual now. We consume more with our eyes that with any other sense organ, even though our eyesight isn't that great as a species. At one point the oral (or the aural) was the primary form of communication, but since the invention of the printing press (some three centuries ago) culture has shifted to the visual. Functional literacy is higher than ever, but the emphasis is away from text and toward image.

Images are a language all their own. Some days I feel as though I'm at a disadvantage because even though I understand images perfectly well, my "native" language is text. My visual rhetoric, the act of drawing or photographing or illustrating or whathaveyou (if you can imagine those acts as a parallel to speaking or writing) has a distinct accent.

And that's why I let my esteemed colleague, Cassie, do the drawing. She's fluent.

Merci Dieux, c'est le fin de semaine.

Come Visit Us Virtually

2009-08-27T08:21:00.000-07:00

Between organizing ad campaigns, developing corporate identities (logos and brands), and creating our own corporate structure, we somehow found time to publish a website. To be more accurate, we found Emeri Schweigert, who then published our website.

Emeri is sort of the fifth Beatle. He's also our favourite freelancer and rockstar.

We're pretty excited about it. Cassie, of course, designed it and yours truly wrote the web copy... no big deal.

Have a gander and tell us what you think!

Meet Kevin.

2009-08-27T06:41:00.000-07:00

Here's a new little feature we'll have on the PE blog from time to time...An interview with someone who, we think, does/is doing/is planning on doing something interesting.

First up is your new boyfriend Kevin Suess.

That's him above. In logo form.

Kevin and I met a few years back when I was scouring KW for new artists to feature in (qatalyst) magazine. He is a darling and extremely talented. So commission something already.

PE: Hi, who are you? Name, Age, Employment if any (blame the recession), Claim to Fame.
KS: a) My name is Kevin Suess. Hello!
b) I'm 23 and I'm an illustrator / graphic designer / musician.
c) I make incredible grilled cheese sandwiches.

PE: Are you native to this area?
KS: I've lived in K-W for 23 years which coincidentally, is my whole life.

PE: What do you do art wise and what are your favourite medias to work in? Creatively.
KS: I suppose I experiment in many styles and themes in art making. I paint and pour and sketch and ink, sometimes overly tidily, sometimes disasterously messily. I use mostly oil, acrylic and charcoal but lately I've been considering getting into encaustic and the mess it will most definitely entail.

PE: What are your favourite things in/about KW?
KS: I'm crazy about the Boathouse in Victoria Park. I've only played there once but it was amazing. It's a great venue. Artistically, I like that less established artists and musicians like myself are given chances and opportunities to show their talents. Maybe it's not the area, i could just be luck with people I've had the opportunity to meet... but local publications and venues in the past have been very kind and welcoming to me.

PE: If you could have one super power, what would it be?
KS: The ability to accurately generate any statistic I could possibly conceive. How many times have I listened to the blue album in my life? 107. Hmm, no shit. Is that lame? Okay... invisibility.

PE: As a representative of all the 20somethings in Waterloo, I'm curious to know where you see KW in 15 years?
KS: In 15 years I see K-W as being essentially the same. Maybe ALL businesses will have automatic doors. Actually, I see K-W as becoming even more of a full on arts community, I think it's already on it's way.

PE: Shamelessly plug your band.
KS: I play in a band with four other awesome gents. Our name is Trap Tiger and we play oddly catchy indie-ish pop? We can't agree on what we are but we jump, shout, clap, dance and sing our little hearts out. You can visit us online at myspace.com/traptiger or visit us in person at one of our shows. We're at the Starlight on the 1st of October. Was that shameless enough?

For more information on Kevboto, email him here: robotdancefight@hotmail.com.

Kevin's artwork will be donning the walls of Jane Bond beginning this fall. Details TBD.

the gem of dt K dot

2009-08-26T07:24:00.001-07:00

Last night after work Cassie and I tottled down to Queen Street for the open house at the Queen Street Conservatory. We've decided it's probably the new gem of Downtown Kitchener.

Here's why:

a) Heritage Building with some of the coolest office space on the main floor.
b) The bathrooms have marble stalls
c) The second and third floors are converted into large dance studios, the uppermost with hip-hop artwork (ie. grafitti) dressing the walls
d) Huge, street-facing windows that make you feel like you're actually in a NYC dance academy
e) Enthusiastic community leaders and industry pros are all over the place and super-excited about the dance and vocal programs offered there (right now!)

The building was formerly the Royal Conservatory of Music, but had been a few things before that and one or two since. If you missed the open house (catered by Vincenzo's, who are moving soon to Allen St. in case you weren't aware) it's probably because you hadn't heard about it. But don't worry, you can still support dance and vocal studies in this community by visiting their website and letting them know how absolutely desperate you are to take modern dance classes.

That's what Cassie did.

Lunch Review 002

2009-08-25T12:34:00.001-07:00

Where: Duke St. Muse Cafe, Duke Street, Kitchener

What: Pesto Monterey Veggie Sandwich Toasted on Multigrain & Citrus Pine Nut Salad

Price: Sandwich - $4.35 Salad - $3.25

(sorry for the horrible photos. all we have in the office today is my mac photobooth. real professional)

The Duke Street Muse is a huge office fave here at PE. Everything is so fresh and the service is always excellent. They have their full menu online (link above), take out takes less than 10 minutes if you call ahead, and the owner is always waiting for you with a smile. I usually order the mexican black bean burrito ($3bucks!) but today I wanted something lighter...And I

gotta say, this sandwich is amazing. Fresh mulitgrain bread, basil pesto, tomatoes, lettuce and Monterey cheese (Soy Cheese is also available if you lean Vegan).

The salad is also great, but a little too much vinaigrette . Mixed greens, raisins, pine nuts and cucumber, with grated carrot. Nice (but a little eager) citrusy light dressing.

Don't want to stop eating.

Also- Kudos to Duke St. Muse for accepting the Downtown Card which gave me 10% off my lunch. Steal.

Total Rating: 4.75/5 ( coulda been perfect but it came in styrofoam )

Friends in Bellwoods 2

2009-08-25T10:31:00.001-07:00

Just thought I would give you the heads up if you're looking for something to do this weekend.

This weekend celebrates the release of Friends in Bellwoods II, a 40-song, double-album set of rare, new and unreleased selections from some of Canada's most innovative independent musicians. The disc itself is available August 25 (today), but there are a series of release parties in Toronto throughout late August. All proceeds from the sale of the compilation go to the Daily Bread Food Bank in Toronto. And let me tell you....It's good.

The discs feature songs from Artists such as: Forest City Lovers, Basia Bulat, Great Lake Swimmers, Timber Timbre, The Acorn, Ohbijou, Waterloo's own, Bocce ....and soooooo much more.

You can pick up the double disc for $19.99 at any of the release parties this weekend or if you're super saavy - grab it on itunes from the link here.

For those of you who aren't familiar with Toronto based Ohbijou, check out this video for one of their latest singles, New Years (video created by Exploding Motor Car).

If you ever get the chance, SEE THEM LIVE. You will fall in love. Casey Mejica is the cutest person in this world.

Actually, what am I talking about? HERE is your chance:

Friday August 28th - Friends in Bellwoods II Release Party Part 1 - Lee's Palace (529 Bloor Street West) Ohbijou / Bocce / Forest City Lovers / Evening Hymns Doors 9 PM - 19+ - $12 in advance (On sale at Rotate This and Soundscapes next week) - $15 at the door

Saturday August 29th - Friends in Bellwoods II Release Party Part 2 - Tranzac (292 Brunswick Avenue) Short sets by : Tusks / The Acorn / Great Bloomers / Kate Rogers / Bellewoods / Kite Hill / Lisa Bozokovik / The Low Notes / Snowblink / Emma McKenna / The Phonemes / The D'urbervilles / Sebastien Grainger / Bruce Peninsula / Dinghies / Kids on TV and more

Starts 12 Noon until late - $10 at the door / $8 with a non-perishable food item

Enjoy!

Prince of Pot at City Hall? Yes.

2009-08-24T11:41:00.000-07:00

I just popped out to see what's happening at City Hall to find a group of young kids, some media, and a man with a mic talking about pot. Little did I know, this isn't just any man. This is the Prince of Pot, Marc Emery.

A little background from Wiki:

Marc Emery is a Canadian cannabis and libertarian activist, as well as a former cannabis seed seller. United Statesgovernment officials have described Emery as a drug dealer for his

efforts to sell marijuana seeds nationally and abroad. He is the publisher ofCannabis Culture magazine. He ran for mayor of the city of Vancouver in 1996, 2002 and 2008. He is often referred to as the Prince of Pot.

A large banner donning "Different Strokes Presents: Marc Emery's Farewell Tour" hangs behind him as he paces back and forth infront of 60 or so people looking either disgusted or extremely interested.

Marc Emery is heading to jail. He will be convicted in Seattle, after pleading guilty to one count distribution (he sold marijuana seeds online).

According to Emery :

On the charge of marijuana distribution I will plead to, the Assistant DA, Mr. Greenburg, is going to be asking for 5 – 8 years. My lawyers will ask for less, much less, in punishment, but it's likely to be a stint in a US federal prison.

I would have some very good arguments in my favor at a sentencing hearing: I did all my activities openly, transparently, paid taxes on earnings in full view of all Canadians for ten years. I had clear political motives, gave away over $4,000,000 to the movement
in that ten years, and there are no victims here.

Upon my conviction, my wife Jodie will organize a campaign to have me transferred back to a Canadian jail - if transferred my sentence would reflect Canadian rules of release, so a 5-year sentence may see me released after a few years to day parole.

Very interesting choice of venue - Kitchener City Hall - to essentially hold a rally promoting the legalization of marijuana and a campaign to "Free Marc Emery".

I kind of like it.

Just another reason to love the diversity of Downtown Kitchener. Right?

Back Alley Art Fair!

2009-08-24T07:50:00.000-07:00

Calling all Artisits! This came across my desk and I thought I would share - Kava Bean Commons Cafe (right around the corner from our office, on Gaukel) is holding an Art Fair on Saturday September 12.

"The days events include performances by local musicians, bands, poets, dramatic arts and many art vendors displaying and selling their works of art, jewelery and much more to tantalize your creative senses!"

Tables cost $15 for a small round table or $20 for an 8 ft table - including a free lunch and advertising.

The show runs in the back alley behind Kava Bean from 10am - 3pm. And is completely FREE to viewers. For more information, contact Alannah @ s0_and_s0@hotmail.com

PE will be there. Will you?

Monday

2009-08-24T07:27:00.000-07:00

Damn you, Monday!!!

You continue to sneak up on me.

I am Jack's lack of specialization

2009-08-21T09:25:00.001-07:00

Not a lot of time to blog today for me. Hopefully Cassie will pick up the slack - nothing new there.

Liz and I have been in and out of meetings all week, sourcing new clients, shaking things up, getting down to business. Power lunching. Doing all kinds of entrepreneurial things.

Our clients are all really different. It gets me thinking about specialization. One said to me yesterday that he respects specialists "I'm a specialist in my area, you're a specialist in yours." And maybe that's true, but I've always considered myself a Jack-of-all-Trades (not a master of none, I'm a certified Master of Arts for what it's worth). I wonder if it's possible to specialize in being a Jack of all Trades. They used to call that being a "Renaissance Man" or woman as the case may be.

I think there's a great deal of value in being able to work across disciplines. Specialization is great for factory workers, but to be successful beyond performing a repetitive task don't you need a broad skill set? That's an over-simplification of specializtion, granted, but that's my point.

We specialize in a field; but what, dear reader, defines a field in the fractured, post-modern economic landscape?

I have to run off to another meeting this afternoon, but I'll return to this question in the future.

In other news: Pink Elephant "designed" a radio ad that's airing on 91.5 the Beat starting today! It's our first foray in broadcast media in a while, and we'd love to know what you think of the Just Between Us "Summer's Revenge" spot.

“Without music, life would be an error.” - Friedrich Nietzsche

2009-08-20T12:23:00.000-07:00

All alone in the office today. Which means it's quiet. Which means I listen to loud music.

Do you ever get to a point where you start to fall out of love with your iTunes library?

This is a feeling I've been having like, 4 times a week lately. So, as my favourite co-worker would recommend, I'm going to "quit complaining" and do something about it. Time for some new tunes. I must give myself props for my uncanny ability to find new music sites online that let me try out a few new artists before I commit to a purchase. Commitment is scary. Can I get an amen.

I used to frequent Muxtape for new music. Did any of you ever see that site before it got pulled? (It's back up now but a completely different concept - still very cool - check it out). Anyway, I've found some new sites that are pretty great, so in light of these recently discovered webtreasures, I thought I would share them with you guys, because who doesn't like new music. and wasting time at work finding it.

Ok. First up- Shown to me by a good bud: The Hype Machine. Awesome site to listen to new and old artists, listen to remixes, spend an afternoon avoiding newsletter design.

Second! And this one I'm really digging because they just celebrated a One Year Anni, so they've created downloadable free mixtapes (you're welcome): Something For The Ladies.

And third, because "everyone deserves good music": Tunage

K. Check them out.

And listen to new Radiohead- Harry Patch (In memory of) and These are My Twisted Words here.

Another point for the board, Marc- PE Mixtapes. Once a month. Published on our blog. People can download.

Thoughts?

TGIFsoon

We're all real Winers

2009-08-19T14:06:00.000-07:00

We've created a monster at PinkE. Cassie had the bright idea last Tuesday that we should split a bottle of wine for the afternoon while we hashed out some creative stuff for a radio ad campaign we're working on for one of our clients which will air on 91.5 the Beat starting next week.

It was good notion. So good in fact, that we decided to replicate it. Cass has already posted images of the bottles below, so I won't again here. She's images. I'm text. Here we go.

#1
Henry of Pelham
2005 Reserve Baco Noir
13.5%
$24.95

"makes our mouths happy"

Bright on the nose, and quite strong until it mellows.
Suggestions of fruit, specifically apple and pear, but also blackberries.
Well rounded and earthy body, with a very short, crisp finish.
This is an excellent pick for Fall 2009, but it's definitely peaking now so if you have some don't hesitate.
We suggest pairing with foods that will compliment the earthiness of the Baco Noir, like arugula salad with pear and goat's cheese or possibly a tart dessert or spiced pie.

Mike Weir Wine
2007
Cab Merlot
13%
$18.99

"Um, no."

Very young smelling wine, lots of tobacco on the nose.
Medium bodied, hints of grass clippings, triple bogies, and a 7 iron.
Pairing possibilities: game meats, rich cheese, smooth cigar, cabbage rolls.
Might be better in 2 years, but hopefully we'll just forget about it.
Way overpriced.

BV Coastal Estates
Cab Sauv
2005 California
13.5%
$10

"like a jack of all trades"

Plenty of body for a wine with such a delicate aroma.
Flavours of spices and chocolate.
Would pair well with spaghetti and meatballs, mellow cheeses, grilled anything, and... wait for it... tapas!

Special thanks go to Eric Stein for the '05 BV Coastal Estates and helping us close up shop.
As always, a nod to Liz Stolper for the Pelham. She also brought the Weir. We talked about it and, Liz, you can come back if you don't bring wine made by a golfer anymore. No, hockey players don't count as golfers but don't press your luck.

Wine Tuesdays.

2009-08-19T11:12:00.000-07:00

A little tradition we have at PE is Wine Tuesdays.

Each week we sample a bottle (or in yesterdays case, 3) and do an uneducated wine review.

Marc's going to be posting it later today, so stay tuned!

Yesterday's players:

And to everyone who saw me after this tasting, I apologize.

Absolut Balls

2009-08-18T11:58:00.000-07:00

It's pretty brave (and awesome) when a company launches a 4 month campaign removing all labels from their product. Unfortunately, you won't see this in your local LBCO. The campaign is exlusive to retail store Nuance in Sweden, but I'm curious, if it was available in Canada, do you think you would have been able to recognize the brand? Of course you would. This company has such a strong, well established brand identity and bottle shape that they can easily do stunts like this. Props.

The Absolut Company global travel-retail director Anders Olsson says: In an Absolut world there are no labels. No one is judged on the basis of prejudice, and everybody is encouraged to be who they really are. Seeing beyond stereotypical labels makes the world more vibrant, diverse and respectful.

adjust yr dosage

2009-08-18T09:33:00.000-07:00

I think 2 Cafe Americanos is the perfect amount.

The first I have with breakfast, which I make on a basic Krups Espresso maker (which doesn't belong to me, but it's just sitting there on my counter at home). Great way to start the day.

The second I have with snack-time at PinkE. The team takes a mid-morning field trip most days to Matter of Taste for caffeine and baked goods. Another double Americano later and I'm very focused and only slightly more obnoxious. Their banana & pecan muffins are amazing, but have caused several divorces in recent months.

Anything beyond two double Yankees puts me about 3 seconds into the future. It's weird getting emails before they've been sent.

Tuesday So Far

2009-08-18T08:03:00.000-07:00

Goodmorning Goodmorning.... Well, it's 11.

My day always starts with checking emails and perusing various blogs. This morning I came across this and laughed, and then agreed:

In other news, Fran is on her way to Pandora to pick up the new sale post cards we've created for a sale at Just Between Us. Excited to see how they've turned out! We went with a 1950's concept entitled "Summer's Revenge", 'cause, you know, it's August and NOW the summer has decided to come with a vengeance. We chose a thick matte stock to make it look and feel more authentic. Check it out below:

Hope you like it. Coffee time!

Lunch Time.

2009-08-17T12:09:00.000-07:00

Here at PE we love lunch! We eat a lot. Luckily, downtown Kitchener has a nice variety of restaurants that we can work our way through. So, that's what we plan to do. And each time we order something new, we'll tell you about it so you can perhaps try it yourself sometime. Or, you can just read about it while we get fat. Whatever works.

LUNCH REVIEW 001

Where: Lotus Leaf, King St. Kitchener
What: "Lunchean Specail" Combo G - Mixed Veg, Sesame Chicken, Fried Rice.
Price: $5.95

We all had the Sesame Chicken Combo today. Overall, we thought it was pretty good. The service was super fast, the vegetables were fresh, and there were lots of pieces of chicken in a sweet sesame sauce. The rice however tasted old. I would opt for steamed rice next time.

Marc said his stomach hurts now.

And the best part:

Overall Rating: 3.25/5

I'm so fortunate

2009-08-17T11:55:00.000-07:00

Cassie designed this incredotastical blogspace thinger and has some excellent ideas about how it'll work. I agree with her for the most part, but she forgot a few things.

She and I are starting to be pretty involved in the workings of downtown Kitchener - that's where our office is currently - and we're also going to include reviews of the restaurants from which we order food as well as insights on the many events and exhibits that happen around here. We'll do our damnedest to make it interesting.

And yeah, Cass, I think we should have cool sign-offs.

smell ya later,

Inaugural Blog. Inblogural Blog? Yes.

2009-08-17T11:42:00.000-07:00

FAIR CITIZENS,

Joking.

So, here it is. Pink Elephant's Blog. I can't tell you enough how often we do something and then say "We should blog about that!!!". Well, I say that and then Marc says, "You are so smart!" and so here we are in Blogland.

This blog will serve many a purpose here in the office. To name a few:

A place to record interesting design and marketing ideas we come across
A vehicle to share really awesome web links, images etc. with you
A behind the scenes look at what it's like to work for a small design & marketing firm in downtown Kitchener

I can pretty much guarantee we will update often, as we are chained to our computers for at least 8 hours a day. Well, that may be slightly dramatic...they are more like zip ties.

Marc, what do

you think? Is this post appropriate? Anything to add?

We should create some cool sign offs that we always do at the end our posts, like on Anchorman. You know, "Keep it Classy San Diego". San Francisco? Whatever.

Should we talk back and forth like this? Help me I'm lost in blogland!!!