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Sat, 19 Jan 2008 07:24:36 GMT

I've not written here in some time. Not sure I had a bunch to say actually. Quiet is sometimes good, yes?
But if you are interested in tracking with me as I process my MAA in Design at Emily Carr for the next year and a half, please feel free to tune into this blog.

It's not that I'll never return here. Just have some things that needed another pot to brew in for a bit.

non-sustainable evidence

Sat, 19 Jan 2008 07:21:20 GMT

And what you don't see is that this shipment actually took a departure to Kentucky and New York before getting to Canada on the eastern side of our country. If someone can tell me why this has to happen, I'm open to it. But right now, I don't see the efficiency. Logistically odd and wasteful at best...

The No-Google Challenge

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 00:39:19 GMT

Can you identify who wrote these words without using Google or any internettish support?

The Industrial Revolution and its consequences have been a disaster for the human race. They have greatly increased the life-expectancy of those of us who live in "advanced" countries, but they have destabilized society, have made life unfulfilling, have subjected human beings to indignities, have led to widespread psychological suffering (in the Third World to physical suffering as well) and have inflicted severe damage on the natural world. The continued development of technology will worsen the situation. It will certainly subject human beings to greater indignities and inflict greater damage on the natural world, it will probably lead to greater social disruption and psychological suffering, and it may lead to increased physical suffering in "advanced" countries.

We therefore advocate a revolution against the industrial system. This revolution may or may not make use of violence: it may be sudden or it may be a relatively gradual process spanning a few decades. We can't predict any of that. But we do outline in a very general way the measures that those who hate the industrial system should take in order to prepare the way for a revolution against that form of society. This is not to be a political revolution. Its object will be to overthrow not governments but the economic and technological basis of present society.

Early speculations of a Master's thesis

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 04:46:45 GMT

"What are the social, cultural and ethical implications of design in a morally uncertain society?"

And today, this entered the dialogue. Discuss as you wish.

Wreck The Book

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 00:07:27 GMT

A brand new Moleskine begs to be used.

Or in my case, not used.
I have one that has been sitting on my shelf for well over a year now. I've had high hopes for it: a sketchbook (for when I really sketch) or a journal of a certain trip I might take (but have yet to actually do) or even a place to paste in lovely things that other people have created. But to no avail. It has remained untouched. I wasn't sure of all the reasons why. But this week, I met with Louise. She helped me see more clearly.

Louise is the one who will oversee the design stream of my MA. She's not my supervisor per se but she is one who I will touch base with about my process. And on Friday, I told her my process is Stuck. She reminded me that creative process actually requires work and discipline and suggested that I create a habit of writing and sketching so I could release the clog. Not for any particular reason or outcome but just because it's good practice. So like a laxative for what's congested in other regions, I opted to "pop a pill" by opening my moleskine.

Page one of this beloved clean slate is now officially a mess. It's ugly, unordered and lame. And completely ruined. I hate it and don't want to show anyone this undesigned garishness. But to get me started on this road to Unstuckness, I had to wreck the book. Being stuck is usually a result of continuing in the same direction with no result. So while I consider my ordered ways a help in most cases, they were becoming a hindrance to my creative process when it came time to move in a new direction. So with this practice, I am attempting to reorient myself toward the discipline of creativity. To let go of an ordered way and find something new in the writing and sketching that this book will contain.

Who'd of thought that making a mess required discipline? Seems oxymoronic, doesn't it?

Perhaps someday I will eventually show you how the process unfolds. I have titled it: Wreck The Book.
But for now, trust me, it ain't pretty. And for the record, I think messy is the new order.

A just work

Thu, 30 Aug 2007 23:57:29 GMT

JustWork Economic Initiative.

Making love out of nothing at all

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 02:49:47 GMT

I heart This American Life.
If you've been in a break-up before, listen to this podcast.

An unauthorized rant

Fri, 24 Aug 2007 20:02:54 GMT

This is a note to All the People in the World who will likely care very little about this entry but which I feel is important to post on behalf of Some Wonderful People I know.

When you go to the drugstore to buy your toothpaste or Tums, you don't walk past the cashier without paying, right? You pay before you leave. Otherwise, you're considered a shoplifter. And that's criminal.

This just in!

The "free" in freelancer doesn't actually mean you get it for free. And not paying is criminal.

If you're thinking of hiring a freelance designer, photographer, writer or any other type of whatchamacallit creative, know this: This likely isn't a side gig for them. They actually do this for a living.

And like to get paid.
On time.
Just like you.

And have similar bills and/or family obligations that need attention.
On time.
Just like you.

But be forewarned: they are human.
All the time.
Just like you.

Hit me with your best shot

Tue, 21 Aug 2007 16:14:48 GMT

I left the house dressed in my workout gear with the iPod blaring pop hits while my head popped a few blood vessels. Not the best Monday, let's say. I've not been able to do official workouts since the accident but walking has helped keep me moving at least (and aids in my sanity too). I've taken to power walks where I can tune out the world and tune into what my body needs to keep it agile.

But yesterday en route to the first bridge, I came upon a street that is not marked with any official "no walking" signs when it's a red and so as per usual, if no cars are coming and it seems safe, I proceed to cross that street. You know, like in New York, where a pedestrian takes his or her life in their own hands. They may do it precariously but they do it knowingly.

But on this day a woman found it her duty to let me know that what I was doing was wrong. Because the guy who was trying to make a right turn onto the street was delayed in his right turn due to my infraction. Because I had my iPod on, I could see her mouth moving but couldn't actually hear her. And in all honesty, I was glad I couldn't hear her (I know, I'm lame). And because I couldn't hear her she decides to hit me.

In the arm. As I walk by her.

At which point, I turn and figure out what she was really trying to say: That I was a bad person for crossing the street when the poor car couldn't turn right. Yeah, right. Poor car can't turn right on a red or green. Last time I checked our driving rules a right turn is pretty much allowed any old time. As long as pedestrians aren't in the way of course. And she figured I was in the way. Enough in the way to hit me for it.

And ironically as we had this little exchange (to which I only said disgustedly and sarcastically, "Thanks"), the light turned green. And the poor car turned right. And I walked away less inclined to be human.

Crushes

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 23:41:00 GMT

I have a crush on him. I don't know him but I listen to him everyday. Musical men. Trouble.
I have a crush on him. I met him. I'm quite sure he doesn't remember it. Men who can cook. Sigh.
I have a crush on him. I have watched him in two films in a week. Men who aren't afraid of a smart girl (or one older than he) and have various accents. Hmmm.

Who's your unrealistic but very much real crush?