I was bummed out that Generosity Water hasn't signed up with MissionFish yet. This prevents me from donating a portion of my painting sales on ebay to their organization. Their ultimate goal is to bring a solution to the water crisis in Africa and around the world and they believe partnering with other organizations and working together towards this end will serve to expedite the solution. Hopefully they will show up on eBay soon. In the meantime, here's a quick spot about this outstanding organization.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Eric Rodenbeck: Beyond the Web We Know
What will our future online look and feel like? How do we make sense of an increasingly decentralized world where technology threatens to take us away from a sense of place and home?
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Who knew vegetables could be so sexy?
'Veggie Love': PETA's Banned Super Bowl Ad
Are we all hot and bothered after eight years of far right-wing policies? A week after U2 releases the single "Get Your Boots On" aka "Sexy Boots" PETA jumps on the sexy chic bandwagon, making a lot of noise with their banned Super Bowl ad featuring a pile of sexy models playing with vegetables.
Of course, comments and responses have been all across the board ranging from "at least they didn't have cucumbers" to "reminds me of my frat days." So my initial impression is that it may not be doing much more than attracting crass attention, and not selling the idea. But I'm thinking they wanted the ad banned on purpose just to stir up interest and web searches, which I'm sure are skyrocketing.
As for the content, it's mostly harmless. In America we can show horror movies at three in the afternoon with a beautiful girl getting chainsawed, body parts and blood flying in all directions, followed by her mutilated carcass laying on the ground. Very disturbing. Even commercials for upcoming horror movies are far more distasteful than a naughty little 30 second spot. Either we have our priorities completely mixed up, or we're still metaphorically enjoying the smell of burning witches at the stake. Perhaps make love not war should be the new slogan for broadcasting.
On a technical level, was is necessary to have the heavy metal soundtrack with the zippy text? A little early 90s don't you think? The spot would have benefited from a lot more humor. Maybe a suggestive cucumber wouldn't have been such a bad idea after all. But it is a welcome change from the typical animal slaughter visuals PETA usually tosses around like confetti.
This ad is hitting on a lot of different topics it did not intend to, mainly the relentless immaturity of Americans in regards to sex. Now I can say has a man married to a vegetarian, I have never really seen the events unfold as presented in the video in my own home... but is the vegetarians have better sex selling point accurate? I'll quote my wife in her statement on first seeing the ad... "Hell Yeah!"
Perhaps they can sell the ad in a spot on the upcoming LINGERIE FOOTBALL LEAGUE.
Web 3.0 Summary
As promised I am going to be posting facts and figures about Web 3.0, just to get our minds moving. Here's the first as quoted from the oracle of oracles... Wikipedia.
"Nova Spivack defines Web 3.0 as the third decade of the Web (2010–2020) during which he suggests several major complementary technology trends will reach new levels of maturity simultaneously including:
- transformation of the Web from a network of separately siloed applications and content repositories to a more seamless and interoperable whole.
- ubiquitous connectivity, broadband adoption, mobile Internet access and mobile devices;
- network computing, software-as-a-service business models, Web services interoperability, distributed computing, grid computing and cloud computing;
- open technologies, open APIs and protocols, open data formats, open-source software platforms and open data (e.g. Creative Commons, Open Data License);
- open identity, OpenID, open reputation, roaming portable identity and personal data;
- the intelligent web, Semantic Web technologies such as RDF, OWL, SWRL, SPARQL, GRDDL, semantic application platforms, and statement-based datastores;
- distributed databases, the "World Wide Database" (enabled by Semantic Web technologies); and
- intelligent applications, natural language processing, machine learning, machine reasoning, autonomous agents."
Now let's see if we can find a tech to explain some of this. Actually, you can find the rest of the article here...
What Does the Future Hold for the Newspaper Industry?
Washington Post Media CEO Katharine Weymouth in conversation with Aspen Institute President and CEO Walter Isaacson on the difficulty of identifying revenue streams for quality news content online and what the near future holds for the industry.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Even More Larry Comics
in honor of our Biznik event... Cafe Brainstorm: The Future of the Web in the Next Decade
When & Where:
Mosaic Coffeehouse
4401 2nd Ave NE
Seattle, Washington 98105
Fri Feb 20, 2009 2:00 PM
Click for more information on the event.
The Main Event
Cafe Brainstorm: The Future of the Web in the Next Decade
Hosted by Michael Foster & Margaret Friedman in Seattle, Washington
When: Friday, February 27 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM (new date)
Fee: Free
Where: Mosaic Coffeehouse
4401 2nd Ave NE
Seattle, Washington 98105
Fri Feb 27, 2009 2:00 PM
During the Cuban Missle Crisis Bobby Kennedy suggested we gather a group of smart guys and lock them in a room until they came up with some good ideas. In that spirit, we're hosting this event.
Beauty vs. the Blog: We're looking for creatives and technicians to discuss in depth the trends and ideas that will shape the world wide web, how we interact with it, the problems with content management, upcoming programs that will change how we design for the web, the importance of video in the next five years... you name it, we'll disucss it for an hour, then spend the next hour networking and more than likely drinking lots of coffee.
We are planning to have this event recorded for broadcast on the web on my website as well as a handful of others. So when you RSVP just know there's a good chance you'll be on video. The sign-in sheet will serve as a release form. Also, we will be posting this video on a blog (either my own or on its own), where everyone that RSVP's will have the ability to post contributions to this topic. We may even have one-on-one video interviews scheduled at a later date for those who would like to participate.
We've been talking about hosting an important event like this for quite some time. The web is rapidly changing and we invite everyone to use these ideas that are generated for their business. Even if you don't want to RSVP, but would like to observe and take notes, you are more than welcome. Unfortunately, if we have more than 16 involved in the discussion, it might become too difficult to manage. Sorry!
Look forward to seeing you there.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
25 Random Things About Me
There is this thing going around Facebook where you list a bunch of stuff about you and then they do it. Figured it would make a good blog post as well. I now invite you to travel deep into my brain... be careful, it is quite chaotic.
1) I got to be an artist for a living because for generations everyone in my family tree made the sacrifices necessary to give me the opportunity to do so. I will never forget it.
2) One of the best moments in life is hearing a new song from a new band that moves your emotions into a new realm of feeling and emotion.
3) I knew I was addicted to the world wide web when I started bringing my laptop into the bathroom.
4) A four year old kid once told me I need to play more and work less. She was right.
5) There's a undeniable connection between "I love you so much" and "You drive me crazy."
6) I turned thirty in Indianapolis and suddenly felt very grown up. It was wonderful.
7) I feel in love with Tori Amos after seeing "Silent All These Years on Vh1. It was the first time I saw the kind of person I could spend the rest of my life with. And in many ways... I did.
8) I married a girl that makes me a better person in every way possible. I hope I can return the favor.
9) Jaime is a vegetarian and thus I refrain from eating beef around her. But every now and then I sneak in a burger when I'm running errands. It's my equivalent of being a bad boy.
10) I am probably far too honest and opinionated. Hence, I've had to learn the ability to phrase the english language well when talking to others.
11) I am still disappointed in Michael Hutchence.
12) If you were in my life at one point or another just know I still think about you and miss you terribly. I hope you are doing well.
13) Everything in this world holds minimally a fragment of wonder and awe. We just need to know where to look.
14) When we first moved to Seattle my family and Jaime's family had Thanksgiving together without us. I have never felt more loved and missed then that day.
15) There is nothing more gratifying then creating a piece of art that's far ahead of its time yet speaks to everyone.
16) If there are just two sides to a story, it's probably not a very complex story.
17) My love for Indiana Jones helps me cope with the questionable fourth installment.
18) Everything that became the most important aspects of my life I can trace back to a few critical events in the fall of 1990.
19) I am a cookie monster. I LOVE cookies! C-O-O-K-I-E (chomp chomp chomp)
20) Since we're on the topic of food... Adam was tempted by Eve to take a bite from the apple. Can you blame him? Pretty girl says, "Here's an apple!" I say, "Why settle for one, let's get a basket full of apples! Hooray for apples!!!"
21) No matter how hard I try, I still do not fully understand the greatness of Bob Dylan and Radiohead. Now Bjork on the other hand... genius.
22) The best thing about being bi-polar is that a good mood is always right around the corner.
23) I never thought I'd love living in a city until I moved to Seattle. I feel like I'm living ten years into the future.
24) I still consider myself Roman Catholic, although I do have a few different opinions about religion and God. As for God I think She's more understanding then we give Her credit for.
25) On his birthday, my brother regained significant finger mobility seven years after his left hand endured nerve damage during his heart transplant surgery. This happen while a black man with the middle name of "Hussein" became President of the United States. I always felt anything in this world is possible, it's nice when every now and then the world reassures me.
1) I got to be an artist for a living because for generations everyone in my family tree made the sacrifices necessary to give me the opportunity to do so. I will never forget it.
2) One of the best moments in life is hearing a new song from a new band that moves your emotions into a new realm of feeling and emotion.
3) I knew I was addicted to the world wide web when I started bringing my laptop into the bathroom.
4) A four year old kid once told me I need to play more and work less. She was right.
5) There's a undeniable connection between "I love you so much" and "You drive me crazy."
6) I turned thirty in Indianapolis and suddenly felt very grown up. It was wonderful.
7) I feel in love with Tori Amos after seeing "Silent All These Years on Vh1. It was the first time I saw the kind of person I could spend the rest of my life with. And in many ways... I did.
8) I married a girl that makes me a better person in every way possible. I hope I can return the favor.
9) Jaime is a vegetarian and thus I refrain from eating beef around her. But every now and then I sneak in a burger when I'm running errands. It's my equivalent of being a bad boy.
10) I am probably far too honest and opinionated. Hence, I've had to learn the ability to phrase the english language well when talking to others.
11) I am still disappointed in Michael Hutchence.
12) If you were in my life at one point or another just know I still think about you and miss you terribly. I hope you are doing well.
13) Everything in this world holds minimally a fragment of wonder and awe. We just need to know where to look.
14) When we first moved to Seattle my family and Jaime's family had Thanksgiving together without us. I have never felt more loved and missed then that day.
15) There is nothing more gratifying then creating a piece of art that's far ahead of its time yet speaks to everyone.
16) If there are just two sides to a story, it's probably not a very complex story.
17) My love for Indiana Jones helps me cope with the questionable fourth installment.
18) Everything that became the most important aspects of my life I can trace back to a few critical events in the fall of 1990.
19) I am a cookie monster. I LOVE cookies! C-O-O-K-I-E (chomp chomp chomp)
20) Since we're on the topic of food... Adam was tempted by Eve to take a bite from the apple. Can you blame him? Pretty girl says, "Here's an apple!" I say, "Why settle for one, let's get a basket full of apples! Hooray for apples!!!"
21) No matter how hard I try, I still do not fully understand the greatness of Bob Dylan and Radiohead. Now Bjork on the other hand... genius.
22) The best thing about being bi-polar is that a good mood is always right around the corner.
23) I never thought I'd love living in a city until I moved to Seattle. I feel like I'm living ten years into the future.
24) I still consider myself Roman Catholic, although I do have a few different opinions about religion and God. As for God I think She's more understanding then we give Her credit for.
25) On his birthday, my brother regained significant finger mobility seven years after his left hand endured nerve damage during his heart transplant surgery. This happen while a black man with the middle name of "Hussein" became President of the United States. I always felt anything in this world is possible, it's nice when every now and then the world reassures me.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
New Wedding Rates for 2009
Hello kids! The graphic design end of our company has been going very well over the last few months. Because of this, we were able to drop our usual rate of $400 an hour for wedding photography. The pricing for 2009.
$350 an hour for less than 6 hours.
$300 an hour, 6 hours or more.*
This includes (up to 2) photographers documenting your wedding day (this means Michael and I) in photojournalistic style. A minimum of 2 hours is required. Our clock starts when we arrive at your first location. For those locations far away, travel expenses can apply.
CHOOSE US AND YOU’LL RECEIVE:
* Online viewing and ordering for friends and family
* A disc of the digital negatives in high resolution
* A consultation before your wedding
* One photograph enriched by our unique graffiti collage design
RESERVE FOUR HOURS OR MORE OF SERVICE AND YOU’LL RECEIVE:
* All edited photos from your wedding in 4 x 6 prints.
RESERVE FIVE HOURS OR MORE OF SERVICE AND YOU’LL RECEIVE:
* All edited photos from your wedding in 4 x 6 prints and...
* An on-location engagement portrait session. (*Ask for details.)
And that the deal! Hope you choose us for your big day.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Mis-communication Stories Vol.1
As you may know I am a member of Biznik and asked everyone if they had a great or story to tell about Mis-communication, as I in the visual communication business and love this sort of thing. Anne Fitzgerald a Professional Coach for Life, Leadership, and Business sent me this fun little story you just have to read.
"I was on a plane having taken the red eye from Seattle to Detroit and connecting on to Connecticut to meet my husband's family. Exhausted I was relieved to see a nearly empty plane and although someone was sitting in the aisle seat I planned to make a mad dash if he didn't. But how couldn't he? Or why wouldn't he make a mad dash? There were rows to lay down in!
The plane starts taking off and he starts talking my head off. This guy wasn't budging. I let myself get trapped by another story again. He's says that he's moving from Detroit to West Harthartford to be a bastard. I said, "why do you have to move to W.H. to be a bastard, can't you just be a bastard in Detroit?" Now, I knew I must not have heard him correctly but for the life of me I couldn't figure out what he said and I like some laughs so I went for it. He repeated it, "I'm moving to W.H. Connecticut to be a bastard and I'm taking my wife and kids with me." My reply, "Well Jesus, that's putting a lot of trauma on a lot of people not to mention a heck of a lot of expense just to be a bastard! You might as well just call it good right now." Just then I turn my head and see a young woman struggling with an infant sort of glaring at us. Then he speaks clearly, "not a bastard, a PASTOR." . "Oh," I say, "I get it. The move and everything." Then he went on to try and save me, my life, and everything. The wife continued to do her duty while I got saved and she glared under her love for the infant.
Quite the flight."
Hilarious! Thanks Anne. For everyone else, send me yours and I'll post the best ones on my blog.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Crescenzo Communication website is now up and running!
After a couple of months of heavy development, I am happy to announce the brand new Crescenzo Communication website is now live.
Visit Crescenzo Communications
Steve and Cindy Crescenzo are two of the top internal communications people in the world. Based in Chicago, they travel to all points of the compass improving communication using new ideas. The main focus, corporate communication is dead, it's time to get creative. It's a fun site with lots of good information and hilarious videos that we'll be linking to from this blog on a regular basis.
It's time to get creative.
Monday, January 12, 2009
The Arc - a great internet read
Richele Kuhlmann, Seattle resident and recovering midwesterner started a great internet magazine you simply must check out. It's called The Arc and can be found here...
Read the Arc Magazine
She does stories about artists, businesspeople, life, music... in a very personable and accessible format that is a joy to read. i highly recommend you check it out.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Why contacting people during a head cold is a bad idea.
Hello everyone, please bear with me. I've got this goofy head cold and I've noticed many of my emails are barely making sense. If it wasn't for spell checking I could only imagine the gibberish I'd be sending people. I'll be better in a day or so. Hang in there everyone!
People To Know: Whitney Keyes
There are a lot of people in Seattle making a difference in the business world. One of them is Whitney Keyes.
Whitney helps entrepreneurs find fast, focused, fun, and affordable ways to boost their business. She also co-produces and hosts WhitneyandWyatt.com, a TV-style talk show, and MarketSmart, a weekly podcast. Whitney speaks, writes, and consults internationally on a range of business, marketing and lifestyle topics. She also writes articles and produces videos for The Biz Bite, a business blog for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
Visit the Whitney Keyes Website
We've done coffee, she's part of an artist family, very popular in Tacoma. Worth sending a note to, especially if you're an author looking to get the word out. Through her, I met Richele from The Arc magazine. She knows how to network and she's smart about it. She's good people.
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