Rubix Cube + Pantone = Brilliance

Can someone please start manufacturing these?

Happy birthday Jim!

Yet another birthday this week at Elements! Jim's birthday is today. Yesterday we had a wonderful Mexican lunch from J's lunchonette, huge burritos the size of your forearm and yummy tacos. And of course, the ubiquitous chocolate cake. Loved those stripey candles.

Happy Birthday Jim!

Nice Ink

I was interviewed as the new AIGA | CT Chapter's VP by ConnCreatives. Thanks, David Cushman!

Nothing Cuter

Direct from AIGA's GAIN Conference, (a link Kenna Kay (VP Creative Director for MTV) graciously shared with me from her own 20/20 performance - twenty designers in twenty minutes), I bring you the single cutest thing on earth (next to my own children), a basket with a sleeping kitten:

Happy birthday Chelsea!

At Elements we love to celebrate birthdays, particularly because in our book, birthdays = cake. Chocolate cake. Preferably with ice cream. So we were very pleased to celebrate Chelsea's birthday today.

And, yes, the chocolate oreo cake with chocolate ice cream were well worth the calories.

Happy birthday Chelsea! We're happy to have you with us. :)

AIGA Inaugural Event

Sean Adams speaking at AIGA | CT's
inaugural event 10/28, Old State House, Hartford

Last night, the newly founded AIGA | CT chapter held its inaugural event in Hartford at the Old State House; a lecture by Sean Adams, national AIGA president and partner of Adams Morioka. (Amy is the newly elected vice president of AIGA | CT.)

The event was very well attended and Adams was entertaining and inspirational, citing specific experiences in his career that revolved around the central theme of fear. Fear of criticism, fear of change, fear of all things new: and how each of these challenges helped him grow as a designer and how to use these fears to motivate and stretch one's horizons.

Chelsea, Amy, and Kerry after seeing Sean Adams speak

AIGA| CT board members with Sean Adams

AIGA | CT's next event will be held on Wednesday, November 19 at 6 pm in New Haven. Bill Drenttel, partner of Winterhouse and co-founder of Design Observer will discuss moving from a commercial design practice to one operating in the public sphere, with some stories and sideshows taken on the rocky path there in his lecture titled "My So-Called Public Life".


For more information or to become a member of AIGA, visit the AIGA | CT website.

Way to Go, Jon!

Review of Fine, written/directed by Jonathan Buiel, from seacoastonline.com

Matt is such a girl. In a good way. Kind of. He is sensitive and insecure and a bit needy. He just wants to please Cameron, his beautiful wife of one year. He’s afraid of her, he says, because she could have anyone. And she chose him. And he doesn’t get why. On their anniversary night he musters up the courage to ask how his lovemaking performance was (he can’t work up the nerve to say “sex”). She says “fine,” which launches his extreme attempt to get her to feel he’s awesome, great – anything but fine. Simple but clever 14-minute film written and directed by Jonathan Buiel, whose name will return. So will the producer of this film, Daniel Vang. Good team.

Review of "Put Him in the Ground", produced by Jonathan Buiel, from seacoastonline.com

Jonathan Buiel and Daniel Vang are back, this time as producer and writer/director, respectively, of this serious drama on the morality of violent lyrics in rap music. Aspiring rapper Marcus wants to be a positive role model for his younger brother. But he also wants to make enough money to care for both of them and get out of his job as a cleaner. He’s a neighborhood star, but in order to get to the next level, he needs to stop rapping about positive things and start rapping about guns and violence and all the edgy stuff that sells. The 15-minute film explores that Catch-22 in an impressive, mature and sensitive way.

Finding Designing Bliss

Stefan Sagmeister: Yes, design can make you happy

Vanity Fair and Hitchcock - It's a Beautiful Thing

Click here for link and scroll through this beautifully done photo shoot using Hitchcock films as its theme.

I, Too, Love Autumn!

Gould Hill Orchards, Contoocook, NH

I Love Autumn

Improve Your Office Technology...for FREE!

Elements will soon be the proud owner of a Nikon Coolpix S550 in Urban Black - the world's smallest 5x zoom camera. And how did we procure such a camera? With our accumulated American Express Membership Rewards points!

Through using our American Express cards for business expenses, we have earned plenty of points that have recently helped us secure two nights of upscale hotel rooms in NYC for Amy to attend the AIGA Gain business conference - and most recently - this beautiful camera.

The American Express Membership Rewards site has items for redemption ranging from North Face jackets to Xbox Live to Swarovski crystal encrusted flash drives. There is also a whole section of eco-friendly products. So, use those AmEx cards and earn points to help build your business - and get some pretty cool stuff (for free)!

Amy's additional comment: I am looking forward to all the creative ways will make use of our spanky-new camera. For example, we can document our work life here at Elements to share on this blog with all of you ....

Terrible Marketing Ploy...Don't Fall for It!

I learned while watching the news last night that 1-800-Flowers has dubbed October 16th "Ex-Day".

Yes...you read right..."Ex-Day". So if you have some former flame that you're wanting to get back in touch with, you can send them this bouquet from 1-800-Flowers.

This is worse than all of the made up holidays from Hallmark designed to boost the sale of greeting cards. Do I really need to spend $4.95 to celebrate "Sweetest Day"? I'm slightly embarassed to admit that the founder of 1-800-Flowers is a fellow Marist alum.

In other news, I discovered that it is National Boss Day - so, happy Boss Day to Amy!

Note: I do feel (somewhat) better that it seems the Ex Bouquet is actually being used to promote the TV show Ex Factor on CBS.

NH Film Festival Shoutout...

A few weeks ago, I posted about my cousin, producer/director Jonathan Buiel and his short films Put Him in the Ground and Fine. Today's the day - they will be shown at the NH Film Festival in Portsmouth, NH. Check out Jon's reel on Facebook.

Elements wishes you luck, Jon!

The Polling Place Photo Project

We need your help! The below info was taken directly from the "Polling Place Photo Project" website:

The Polling Place Photo Project is a nationwide experiment in citizen journalism that encourages voters to capture, post and share photographs of this year’s primaries, caucuses and general election. By documenting local voting experiences, participants can contribute to an archive of photographs that captures the richness and complexity of voting in America.

How to Participate

We are looking to collect photographs of every polling place in America during the 2008 elections. You are welcome to participate no matter where you vote, how large or small your polling place is, what kind of ballot you use, or what your party affiliation is.

1. Get ready.

Anyone can submit a photograph of the 2008 elections. Photography of polling places is governed by state and local law — there is no one answer for what is permissible.

2. Document democracy.

We are especially interested in photographs that document your voting experience, including what works and what could be improved. If you are wondering what to photograph, take a picture of that! We're looking of photos of interiors, exteriors and other views that are part of your voting experience. Obviously, you need to follow the rules at your local polling place, and you should be respectful of other citizens who may not wish to be photographed.

3. Post your photo.

With your submission of photographs, you will need to fill out some basic information: name and location of polling place, time, type of ballot, and so on. The online form allows you to make comments on your experience as well as make suggestions for improvements. This information will be displayed with your photographs.

4. See America's voting experience.

We expect new photos to be posted starting Tuesday, January 8, 2008. You'll be able to browse photos by location, type, tags, and more. (There are also photographs from the 2006 mid-term elections in the archive.)

To Be a Fly on the Wall at Elements...

1.) Poutine is delicious...but must be eaten before becoming soggy.

2.) Maple syrup has its origins in Quebec - circa 1700.


3.) The native people of America are Native Americans.
"Native Americans" from Mexico are "indigenous Mexicans".


4.) Balsamic vinegar can be eaten on salads, but also on ice cream.

*Note: Thanks to BMIMedical, Wikipedia, Mixteco.org, and NicoleKissDiet for the images associated with this post.

Give the Gift of Giving...

If you're like me, the minute the temperature drops below 60 I start to think about holiday shopping. This year, I've started even earlier (I can't help it...I'm from New Hampshire -- winter starts Oct. 25! There were plenty of years I wore a winter jacket under my Halloween costume.)

In any case, if you're beginning to think about gift ideas for the holidays and you might do a little online shopping, consider signing up for iGive.

iGive.com is a website on which you can sign up to associate yourself with your favorite charitable cause (over 24,000 organizations are registered with iGive). You then shop at the brand name online stores you would visit anyways, (700+ stores participate) and iGive donates a portion of your purchase to the cause that YOU chose! (Each store has a different donation rate.)

Here's how it works.

1. ELECT your favorite cause (you can even add a new organization if the one you support isn't there.)
2. REGISTER with iGive
3. SHOP at brand name online stores through the iGive Mall. A portion of each purchase is donated to your cause.
4. You can also SAVE money with exclusive coupons/free shipping deals. Plus, when you shop within 45 days of registering iGive.com donates an extra $5 to your cause!

Here's a sampling of participating stores: Gap, Staples, Nordstrom, Barnes & Noble, Expedia.com, iTunes, Best Buy...the list goes on...and on and on!

The cost to you? NADA - besides the 30 seconds it takes to register. The benefit to a charitable organization of your choice - endless. The best part? Giving can continue throughout the year, whenever you shop at participating stores.

To date, iGive.com shoppers have raised over
3.5 million dollars
for their favorite charities.

NOTE: Please take the time to check out the organization that you choose if it's not one you're familiar with. 501(c)3 nonprofit status is not required to register with iGive, so make sure the organization of your choice is legit. This is a bonus, however, since individuals can set up their own cause - some examples - Our Adoption Fund, dance school fund, et cetera. Let the giving begin!

Get the Vote Out

AIGA's "Get Out the Vote 2008" campaign. Our little contribution around downtown New Haven. View a video 50 selected designs of the "Get Out the Vote 2008" posters here.

A Kid's Point of View

A friend of mine's son, age 10, inspired by Tina Fey's performance, created the above portrait of Sarah Palin. Fairly accurately, I might add. Love the 'do and specs.

Join the Doodle Box Revolution

Click me.

Corporate Identity

Ever look at a logo and wonder what pantone color it is or what typeface, or even who designed it? Now you can find out all the details of corporate logos at this site. The list is pretty comprehensive and therefore is a good vehicle for procrastination.

Light Me Up

Very cool find. These dream-like balls of light are from a German company called Moonlight, which now has a US distributor. The glowing orbs can be placed artistically to light up a path, illuminate a room or float romantically in a pool. The poluethylene globes glow like moonlight and can withstand temperatures from 40 to 170 degrees Fahrenheit and range in sizes from 13 to 30 inches in diameter. The coolest part - they work off a rechargeable battery (or hardwired, should you find a permanent home) which limits their use only to your imagination, or, in this case, your wallet. Prices cost from $325 to $1,000. I think these would look amazing on a grassy hilltop at a sunset wedding scattered about - maybe a few above in tree branches. What do you see?

21st Century Milk

A New York Times article investigated the new design of the gallon milk jug appearing in Walmarts and Costcos across the country. The reasoning behind the redesign is threefold: 1) Cheaper to ship, 2) Better for the environment, and 3) Keeps milk fresher.

However, the new jugs have been criticized for being difficult to pour; the milk "spills everywhere," according to homemaker Amy Wise. Sam's Club worker Mary Tilton attempted to ease the transition by demonstrating a "rock and pour" method of pouring while the jug rests on a table rather than a "lift and tip" strategy.

But -- it seems the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. One of the biggest problems with the old jugs was the inefficient method in which they were shipped - requiring crates that took up lots of room, were difficult to move, required extra space in trucks to return to the manufacturers, and were filthy. One dairy farm reported using 100,000 gallons of water PER DAY to wash the crates.

The new gallons are stackable, use only a sheet of cardboard between layers and are shrinkwrapped, and water use has been cut 60-70%. All of the packaging is recycled. Also, trips to Sam's Clubs have been reduced from five per week to two, which saves on fuel costs - not to mention the environment benefits as well. Yet another saving is in space - milk coolers used to hold only 80 gallons, but can now hold 224! Milk also is fresher because it arrives sooner - often the same day it was milked from the cow rather than that afternoon or even the next day.

All of this seems like a step in the right direction. Naysayers...practice the "rock and pour" and keep your change-fearing selves quiet! Now, when can we expect these gallon containers in our neighborhood grocery stores??

EDIT: Thanks to EcoJoes for the image!

You Betcha!

How Sara Palin survived a 90 minute debate in a simple flow chart. Spotted on our friend Traci Valentino's Facebook Page (thanks, Traci!). Now for all of you to enjoy! Have a great weekend.

Joanne's Beautiful Images

I have known Joanne Schmultz for a long time. She is a wonderful, sweet person with an amazing talent. I am so attracted to her style of photography that when I look at her work, I catch myself daydreaming about creating an assignment that would showcase her ethereal vision (and I believe I have one, but more on that in a much later post as its a surprise).

Joanne and Gar Waterman are having an artists' reception at Gallery 195 at 195 Chapel Street on the 4th floor at New Alliance Bank from 5 to 7pm in New Haven on October 7th. I am planning on attending. This is one of those events worthy of paying the $10 bucks an hour my teenage babysitter demands. Hope to see you there!

I Had To

Wordplay

Want a succinct summary of what was covered in last night's vice-presidential debate between Senator Joe Biden and Governor Sarah Palin? Check out these graphics - the word size corresponds to how often the topic was mentioned by each VP nom.



I found these word clouds in an article covering the debate on BBC News. The word clouds originate from Wordle.net, where you can generate your own word cloud using existing text.

I made my own Wordle from JFK's inaugural address. Check it out!

Alaska the Beautiful

Disclaimer: It's a mere coincidence that last night was the debate between vice-presidential hopefuls Senator Joe Biden of Delaware and Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska - and that I'm now posting photography from Alaska. Let it be known: these pictures do not indicate my support of Governor Palin (or her superfluous use of the term "Joe six-pack").

My aunt and uncle just returned from a trip to Alaska, and I couldn't help but share these beautiful landscapes with Hello, Elements readers near and far. Enjoy!


If they didn't before, and I don't know how they couldn't, don't the words "Drill baby drill" make you cringe a little now?

Follow up to "Fine | Put Him in the Ground"

As promised, here are trailers for the two films by Jonathan Buiel. Both films will be showing Thursday, Oct. 16 at the upcoming New Hampshire Film Festival.

"Several films screened at NHFF have gone on to receive critical acclaim and national distribution. Last year's Grand Jury Award Winner, ON BROADWAY and last year’s Best Feature Film Winner, THE SENSATION OF SIGHT, went on to earn theatrical releases. 2007’s Grand Jury Award Winner, THE TRIALS OF DARRYL HUNT and selected short film BINTA & THE GREAT IDEA each received Academy Award Nominations." - NHFilmFestival.com

Put Him in the Ground

Fine

: Jon is producer on Put Him in the Ground, and director on Fine. Daniel Vang is director on Put Him in the Ground.

ForkSticks...They're Gonna be BIG!

Lunchtime is perhaps one of Elements' favorite times of day. We enjoy strolls to Subway or Sarno's Italian Deli, we like to peruse the gourmet selections at Chestnut's Fine Foods, and from time to time we order from Martin's Riverside across the Quinnipiac.

Here a new Elements' favorite: Fresh Express Gourmet Cafe Salads.

All of the salad toppings are neatly arranged in individual compartments in the top, which are added to the salad, the top is replaced, and after a good shake, you have a delicious and healthy lunch ahead of you.

The best part? FreshExpress ForkSticks! A combination between chopsticks and forks, ForkSticks are made from recyclable wood and FreshExpress believes they may have started a salad eating revolution with this utensil. See diagram below.

There are many salad varieties available, including Tuscan Pesto Chicken, (pictured above) Caribbean Chicken and Orchard Harvest (all-vegetarian).

To see FreshExpress salads in action, check out this video. Here you can also enter to win a Gourmet Cafe office party or check out some tips to help you stay fit while you're at the office.

Fresh Express Gourmet Cafe Salads have only 130 calories and when paired with a Pom Light Tea (now in 100% recyclable plastic bottles) makes a healthy and flavorful lunch for exactly 200 calories. Both products can be found at your local supermarket in the produce section.

Down with Spec!

Any questions?
UPDATE: Click here to link to the AIGA's position on speculative work and contests.