Goodness Gracious

It has been several months since my last blog. To quickly recap the situation, I have once again gone to Cuba where I had even more fun than last time, have quit job 'job' and joined what is effectively the Canadian Peace Corps. This blog will, after Valentine's Day, be a narrative of what happens to me in New Delhi, India for the next two to six months. Now that's a pretty dramatic update, no?

I am trying to raise $500 for the VSO — by which I will utilize a previously-imagined though as-yet-unused idea of selling tattoos to the parlours around the GTA. I'm running out of time and have been dragging my heels on this one a lot so here's hoping I can raise some money this way.

This crazy turn of events has not 'dawned' on me yet — so I'm sure I'll freaking out (possibly on this blog) in the next couple of weeks before my departure.

Ola!

I've gotten pretty used to saying that over the past week. The trip to Cuba was an interesting time. Highlights include snorkeling (fun), midnight drives to Havanna (mildly scary), scooter tours (really fun) and being chased by a bull (exhilerating). Much of the trip went off without a hitch, except that Ted forgot his sleep apnea machine which put a damper on his energy and we ran out of money on the last day. It is really rather hard to describe one's first time in a semi-tropical third-world country. It wasn't really as hot as I expected (though the sun was more intense) and there is a greater variety and frequency of wildlife. I remember being near my room at the resort only to see a huge crab staring back at me from behind a dip in the steps. Dogs hanging out on rooftops were also an unfamiliar sight.

Bit I think the strangest thing about Cuba was how the whole place was at once severly dilapidated and yet possessing of a happy vibe. People everywhere were talking, walking, laughing, drinking (which can be done publicly there) working and otherwise seemlingly pretty happy. This stands in sharp contrast to the subtle but apparent undertow of desperation and hostility I felt when I was in London, England. Everybody there was cramped in like sardines, but in very nice buildings. Where the Cubans were pleasantly sipping their mohitos half-naked in the middle of what looked like a warzone untouched (and unrepaired) since the 1950's, the English, on a saturday night, busied themselves getting gussied up to the 9s so they could get violently drunk and cuss at each other in language I wouldn't utter to a death row inmate. Most of the white english folk I saw while in London looked like zombies. Their skin seemed gray and drawn into a scowl. The Pink Floyd line "...quiet desperation is the English way" immediately springs to mind. The Cubans, however had a kind of rough-and-ready look about them. As if they could at any moment break into song or construct a viaduct.

My Indiana Jones Moment

By the very end of our stay at Breezes Jibacoa (the resort) we had run out of money. Sitting in front of the bus-loop, and presumably bored, Ted jokingly bet Carlos $100 he couldn't climb the mountain (really just a huge, steep hill) in the front of us and be back before we had to leave at 7 pm (about thirty-five minutes). Carlos, as with most of the activies during the trip, was disinclined to do so. I volunteered but Ted wouldn't do it for more than $20. Decked out in my Indiana Jones-esque attire and having not shaved in a couple of days I set out in spite of Ted's insistence that I was being stupid and he had only been kidding. After ascertaining from the security guard how to get to the path, I set out to conquer the mountain and claim my prize. I was breathing hard after about 10 seconds of cutting through the bush and by the time I had reached the top I was covered with scratches from the thick folliage. Ted was a good 300 metres below me when I called to him about 5 mintues after I had set out. Now for the easy part - or so I thought.

I mentioned the word path eariler. Perhaps this is a bit misleading. In this context, what I mean by path is a small opening in dense forest where someone or something has passed through sometime in the recent past - or not. For some reason going up had left me relatively unscathed. Going down seemed to result with my getting aquianted with every thorn, vine, spike and insect I had missed on the way up. I have a scar from a thorn I thought was caught on some loose clothing. Precarious, the slope seemed steeper than before.

But anyways, I did eventually reach the bottom - though this time it took more like twenty minutes. But what a great feeling! Walking down the gravel road back, my arms were covered with scratches and hives, my head was sore from the heat and the unyielding tree branch it had struck. I was completely dreched with sweat and my clothes torn - but I had done it! - and in due time. Then I turned around to see an eight-hundred pound (this is a guess here) bull charging me. After letting out a girlish scream, I bolted down the road. I was running as fast as I could but the bull hadn't even exceeded a gallop before it had almost overtaken me (it's horns were huge!). Desperate, I dove into the folliage in the hopes the animal's momentum would carry it past me. Not only did the bull continue past me but carried it's leisurely pace down the road to the set of winsome cows that had probably initiated its 'charge' in the first place. Two Cuban women stood nearby, chuckling.

The bus had already arrived and I got on. It was before seven so I had won the bet. For sure I had caused more than twenty dollars' worth of damage to my clothing and body. Not to mention hives which had gone from itchy to painful. I also felt bad for the woman who had to sit next to me. I probably smelled like tarzan and she soon died from exposure to my man-musk. None of this mattered of course, for I had fulfilled my stupid man-quest for the trip and had my machismo placated for a time.

I have no pictures yet. But I think Ted brought along every piece of recording equipment he and his family own so they will be forthcoming and excellent. There is much more to tell and see.

I Used a Thesaurus

Here you go, Biku. Your final portrait. If you dislike the head and neck in this image, I agree - they need a little work. Overall, though, I think it turned out OK. Hope you like it too.

Perhaps I'll turn your head as to actually look where you're sending that thunderbolt. Or, I could make a compostie image of you and K. with the bolt about to strike an unwitting K. - but that wouldn't be nice.

New Work

I know I promised to wait for permission from K. to post this, but I just can't wait (I do promise to take it down should there be an objection on her part). Several posts ago, after seeing Nikki's D & D portrait, K. requested one. She wanted something involving fire magic. This wound up taking much longer than expected. For that reason, I endeavoured to make the portrait extra good. I fear I have realised the bar a little too far, as Biku has now requested a new version of hers be done on par with this one.

MARLU2

In light of the overwhelming success of the Marlu Walk this past sunday, I have decided to go double-or-nothing with Biku. The new challenge, named Marlu2 will take place sometime soon (hopefully in May) and feature an increased distance to cover. In the same amount of time alloted in the last walk (3 hours), I will walk south on Yonge St. from Highway 7 to Lakeshore Blvd. This effectively means I must walk from Hwy. 7 to Finch in less than 39 minutes and then the rest in the same amount of time as last time.

The last walk was just too disappointing. I didn't have to push myself much at all and it was all rather anticlimactic. For those of you who contributed to the past Marlu Walk, you can choose to contribute to this one if you want. It's more of a vendetta between Biku and me. Our contribution(s) will be $200 apiece, assuming I make it.

"Marlu" Walk a Success

The walk started at 10AM sharp (much later than expected) at Finch Ave. In spite of the rather heavy sidewalk traffic and extra pollution from many an automobile, I managed to complete the walk and win the bet. The bet, for anybody who doesn't know, was that I couldn't walk from Finch Avenue south on Yonge St to the Lake (Lakeshore Blvd.) in less than 3 hours. Biku thought I couldn't do it and the bet for $100 turned into a charity walk with other contributors.

The official distance was 15.3 km and was completed in 2 hours, 21 minutes and 30 seconds, which means I was walking at roughly 6.5 kilometers per hour. The monies will be donated to the World Wildlife Fund.

PS: my legs hurt

Crazy Goat Flyer

I might have promised to let Biku upload this image first, but she hasn't done that yet and I just can't wait. The typeface is by her (designed from scratch and in outline) and is called Kaffe, which I think is German for coffee. Although Biku also did the layout, the rest of the elements (like the wavy lines) are mine.

I asked Jamey if he would be interested in a WWII-style poster of a mechanic holding a can of oil (maybe the old kind with the spout) but it's actually for Mercury (with logo) and contains coffee.

In an unrelated note, the Marlu walk of '06 has been postponed because I doing some moving (just my stuff going to Brampton, not me) and I'll be looking for a place soon. This is in addition to my work at Hedonics and other duties. So I'll be busy.

The Real Wrap

As much as I liked the original DVD wrap for Sheltered Life, this one is just... much better. Since there were two films, I wondered how I was going to create a composite image to represent both films. "It's too bad I can't just do one cover on each side" I thought - so I did!


This has Sheltered Life on the cover. I know it's hard to imagine what this might look like on the shelf, but try to imagine the right half (roughly) as the whole front for one side, and this...


.. parts' right halft as the front for the other side. This way the cover would open the same way from both sides. In effect, no front or back.

I think this must have been printed and released by now, so if you've seen one and know me, please let me know.

By the way, in case you're wondering if the colour motif has something to do with a certain famous American gang rivalry, it doesn't. Nor do the films.

Oh yeah...

I just remembered. I have both of the DVD wraps I did for Adam Reid. Here is the first one. The background images in the background are really cool looking together, but the type covers them up. I like this one a lot, but the next one is better.

Crazy Goats Need a Home...

I'm sure Jamey won't mind a little advertising so here goes. This is a sneak preview of the baby and goat (caffeinated) that will be used in the first Mercury Espresso Bar flyer, due out soon. In case you're wondering Mercuary Espresso is a new establishment (under a month old) that is located on Queen St. between Logan and Carlaw on the south side.

The goats name is Kaffa and the baby's is Mercury Espresso. The flyer will be viewable soon on *insert subplot here* for anyone who's interested in seeing the final version - which will include some of Biku's excellent type work.

Best part is that the solo goat will be a mural in the Espresso Bar soon! Hopefully, this will be one of my murals that will actually avoid being painted over within a month. Though I won't be painting it myself. Alos hopefully, they will use some kind of stencil as I am quite proud of the new (Adobe Illustrator) techniques I have used it this piece's execution.

I strongly recommend seeing the full sized version of this one as there are many small details not noticeable at this size.

Been a while..

Oddly enough this post comes not from any particular desire on my part to post, but of Biku's. This is for Nikki, whom I promised to make a D & D portrait of. I was just going to mail to you, but Biku thought this would give everyone a chance to see it. I was hesitant (in case you didn't like it) - but here goes.

Biku is angry

If you check out *insert subplot here*, you can see what this all about. Biku's upset and won't take it anymore.

Mercenary Selected...

Communications at approximately 20:00 hours today have confirmed participation of the mercenary known in some circles as Carrot Top. Carrot Top had been in communications with operative Biku regarding participation in Rescue Mission B of Operation Apple Grab.

Operative Mongrel will resume telephone communications on 2006/01/09 with Northern Compound to determine if and when hostage release is feasible. At that time, Carrot Top will be contacted. Although activated, Carrot Top has been told to await further instructions.

Operation Apple Grab

Though I have lost interest in blogging for the time being, I feel recent events have warranted a post. Some of the details of of what's happened have been discussed in *insert subplot here*, my girldfriend's blog. Hereonafter, and in the interest of confidentiality, the rest of this post will be in military-ese. For the unindoctrinated, none of this is as serious as it sounds:

Resue Mission A: (2006/01/07)
After logistically ascertaining whereabouts of Apple, operatives Mongrel and Biku travelled to said location at apprximately 17:00 hours. Actual location, which is to remain strictly confidential, will hereafter be referred to as "Northern Compound". Previous to this, operative Mongrel had procurred locus for reployment of Apple, which will be referred to hereafter as "Homemaker".
Upon arrival at Northern Compound at approximately 18:00 hours, operatives Mongrel and Biku entered the facility under heavy trepidation. After failing to ascertain the exact whereabouts of Apple, said operatives entered into negotiations with Northern Compound. Negotiations proved to be ineffectual, and said operatives were forced to withdraw without procuring Apple - who is, in effect, a hostage.
While operatives failed to complete the mission, negotiations with Northern Compound revealed the relative good health and good prospects of hostage Apple - warranting future resue missions.

Resue Mission B: (date not slated)
Mission B involves enlisting of one of two mercenary operatives. Depending on appropriateness and availability, either one of two operatives will be used undercover to procure hostage Apple from Northern Compound. Selected were operative "Thespian" and operative "Carrot Top". Successful completion of this mission completes Operation Apple Grab and permits the execution of the subsequent 'Reployment' mission.

Reployment Mission A: "Homemaker"
While other possibilities exist, in all likelihood, Apple (formerly hostage Apple) will be delivered to Homemaker - which all parties involved in mission have decided as the best course of action.

Joining the Fray

As someone who uses computers all the time - for both pleasure and my livelihood - it is a subject that I can't help but know a lot about. I keep my ear to the ground for big changes in the industry because they can affect me and because right now there is a whole lot going on.

I am a Mac person. Having admitted that, I feel that anybody who can at least turn on a computer has an opinion about Microsoft and maybe their competitors too. Most of the technology professionals I have met are polarized as either Mac or PC users (I'm not including Linux here). Between these two factions, there has been a marked increase of waving-of-flags, shaking-of-fists, gnashing-of-teeth and drawing-of-lines-in-the-sand. There has been a marked decrease in sitting-on-fences. Blogs devoted entirely to promoting either side of the upcoming OS war are popping up everywhere. Discussions with tech-savy friends seem inevitably to veer into what Apple is doing lately and how great/crappy they are. Apple, as far as I'm concerned, is out for revenge.

I've read some of the Windows Vista blogs pro and con. I agree with the cons that Vista has 'borrowed' heavily from OS X. Complaining will accomplish nothing, of course. But suffice it to say that Microsoft is doing the latter of the two things it does best: 'bully' and 'react'. Here's why:

Microsoft (MS): (Windows 95) "Yay, we suddenly rule the world"!
Apple (AP): (NeXT OS) "whoops"!

MS: (Windows 98) "Hey look, we did it again"!
AP: "somebody please help us".

MS: (Windows ME) "Looks like we can do no wro... Dear God! Put it out of it's misery"!
AP: "tee hee". [the outburst promptly causes Apple to pass out due to malnutrition]

MS: (Windows 2000) "Whew"!
AP: "Dangit"! [again passes out]

MS: (Windows XP) "OK. Here's hoping that... Yes! It's good. That aught to hold them for a while". [and they weren't kidding]
AP: (OS 9) "Why won't anybody buy our pretty computers"?

MS: (Windows XP) "Yep, sitting pretty here".
AP: (OS X) "It sure IS pretty". [referring to OS X]

MS: (Windows XP) "Can't talk. Killing the worm threat. Die worms! DIE"! [internet viruses or Worms Armageddon? The viruses are still around]
AP: (OS X Jaguar) "Hmm, I wonder if we can make it more than pretty? Hay, d'ya'll think we can sell us some of these here eyePawds"? [for some reason Apple are country bumpkins in this quip - I'm not sure why]

AP: (OS X Panther) "Now it IS more than just pretty. Golly, those iPods WERE a good idea! Now let's open an online music store".
Google: [flexing muscles threateningly] "Google and Apple friends".
MS: (still Windows XP) "Hey, wait a minute... Aren't WE supposed to do that"?

AP: (OS X Tiger) "Yay, we suddenly rule digital music! No, of course they won't mind paying for Tiger. We released Panther, like, 2 weeks ago".
MS: (still Windows XP) "Hey Yahoo, you still like us, right"?
Yahoo: "Bah! Fat chance. We would NEVER join forces with yo... [looks over at Google] ...I mean, we would never NOT join you".

AP: (pre-OS X Leopard) "After 'Leopard'? Um.. we were thinking ..Manx".
MS: (Beta of Windows Vista) "OK, Widge... uhh... Gadgets, CHECK! Transparencies, CHECK! Hi-Res Icons, CHECK! Faster you scum! [whips cracking] My Daschund can write better code than that"!
Linux: (Red Hat) [waiting in the wings, quietly sticks pins into Windows-shaped voodoo doll]

Now, I realize that Microsoft isn't going belly-up anytime soon. But they're the richest company in the world and are on 94% of computers out there. They should be taking us to new wonderful places with technology. But instead all they seem to do is react and bully.

Program

Here's the program. It's pretty low-key, but I'm proud of it. It's a simple design that uses watermarks instead of my usual complex vector illustrations. I'm inclined to use them more often now they're so much easier to make than vectors. Yeah, I won't go into boring technical details. There it is.

Figured that out

The 'Add Image' function doesn't work in Slimbrowser, apparently. But sadly, it does cater to Internet Explorer - the status quo (and a lousy quo at that). But on the upside here is.. here is the poster! Wow! I really should have put this up earlier! I feel comfortable putting this up because I did most of the work. Biku might put up the postcard and website if she wishes because she did those.

The program will be in the next post. It's not this dramatic, but I'm actually even more proud of it.

On the downside, my Design Kumetai never really had a chance did it? Only attracted one comment - and that was from my girlfriend! So I guess it just wasn't meant to be. Oh well...

A Great Success

Been a crazy week. Apart from the preparatory work done for the shelter on wednesday and thursday, the event itself was pleasantly exhausting. I was there for about 9 hours and Biku for 7 or 8. We were told by email that the whole thing had been an utter success and that people had flipped out over our designs. I was surprised at how quick it was to dismantle the whole thing - only took about an hour and a half. I must say it was nice to do something physical for a change - I really miss that as a designer. My body held up admirably for someone who probably spends an average of 40 hours a week immobile in front of computer, never works out and eats whatever he pleases whenever he pleases. Just watch, I'll die from a massive corronary tomorrow just for saying that.

Biku only sold two tickets (apart from the ones we bought for ourselves), which is two more than I sold (she kindly asserted that we had sold one each). I now realize, as I post to this blog, that this would have been an excellent place to promote the event before it took place - but hindsight... blah, blah, blah.

I'm trying to post a picture of the event here - but the 'Add Image' button doesn't seem to be working right now. Maybe next time.

*Spock versus Kirk in-the-arena* music

I have this idea that involves any artists/designers that publish things on the web; I like to call it Design Kumetai. Basically, a moderator (me) comes up with an idea for an original piece of simple artwork/design - a new logo for Grand & Toy, for example. Artists/designers could pay a small fee ($5) to enter the competition and face off Kumetai-style on small projects with a pre-determined deadline (say, 48-hours). The exact structure of the competition could be done in several ways. But what's important is that a new piece be done every round (if tounament style) and that, if tounament style, that the tournament follow a certain type of work (logos, in this case). So if there were eight participants, there would be three rounds (each with a different logo to design), a 'pot' of 40 dollars (if an entry fee is charged) and the opportunity for artists/designers to showcase their work and engage in competition in a more direct way than they would normally get to. Graphic design is competitive, but usually in a more passive/indirect way. Of course, the winner could win all or part of the pot - the rest going to charity.

So that's my idea. I think Deviantart does something like it now, but strictly for art (correct me if I'm wrong). I'm unaware of any site currently doing this for graphic design.

Forward ho!

Sorry for the long delay but have at leasy been genuinely busy this time... My bread-and-butter client has been throwing lots of hours (hours = $) my way, which is good for someone who is in debt. Been doing volunteer work for homeless kids which feels good and lets me feel like a big shot (not to be confused with the Man). Done some very good work at bread-and-butter and can't wait to post it (once I get it, that is). My non-bread-and-butter clients (the garnish clients, as I like to call them) have mostly disappeared but I'm currently doing work for one - so that's good.

Strongly considered buying some Apple stock, but I think I'm about two years too late and many thousands of dollars short to make it worth my while. I think the Nano is going to be quite something this season, but I won't benefit from it.

Am also looking to sell my car, as I drive it about once a week now and hate even doing that. Walking around the core, I enjoy watching motorists freaking and peaking in their 50k cars (and that's only for gas) while I pass them on foot. "Suckers", I think - though they're probably thinking the same about me.

Soon there will be more artwork posted - which I miss doing - just in case anyone cares.