Got It. Trying. Wish I Had.

This is the last print I got. From Matt Goldman, an associate of OBEY, it's a pretty dope suicide king.

I just dropped Rafa Jenn an email to see if I could scoop up one of these tributes to Marilyn Monroe entitled dear andy.

I wish I could've gotten my hands on one of these prints from Joshua Budich. I've got couple other of his pieces, but Darth Vader takes the cake. Or maybe he's using a Jedi mind trick to get me to want it? Either way, these aren't the droids I'm looking for.

Revert to the Aesthetic

A recent article in Entrepreneur Magazine (Mixing Art With Commerce, January 2010) talks about how a growing number of small businesses are turning to screen-printed posters, exploiting the medium's potent marriage of advertising and art to reach a customer demographic impervious to conventional marketing approaches.

Now in our business, posters and displays are used all the time in the on- and off-premise to help merchandise an account. And no offense to any art directors, but these well designed, glossy, price promoters don’t exactly resonate as something of value. We used to joke that we were in the business of creating beautiful landfill. However, a piece designed with the intention of being art first, brand second and promoter third might be able to flip the equation and keep our brands out of the trash heap.

Limited-edition, hand crafted works could be the answer for small brands looking to compete with their macro-competition. It’s nothing new. Fashion designers and car companies have entered stylistic marriages to promote a vision for the future of driving (Jeff Banks Creates Custom Kia Soul for UK Giveaway). Fine artists and spirits brands have come together to inspire new drinking occasions (Bombay Sapphire Designer Glass Contest).

It just makes sense that a brand or business would embrace the equity of attainable art (most limited-edition concert posters and prints range from $20 - $50 a piece … which is why I have a huge collection of screen print and giclée art). More so, I like what it doesn’t have to say, communicating the company's commitment to old-school virtues like authenticity and handcraftsmanship in a world where homogenization and mass production are the status quo.

If you’re unfamiliar with the screen print poster subculture, check out OMG Posters. This blog does an amazing job of keeping up with the latest releases from artists and print shops across the country, both music and non-music related. It’s also introduced me to a slew of new bands (brands), which I guess is one of the ideas behind having a poster created in the first place.

It's a holiday train.

Cinnebun ain't got shit on you, Mieka.

This is why I love the holidays ... Homemade caramel rolls!

Bobble Heads are on My Christmas List

Normally I'm not a bobble head kind of guy. But when I saw this one, I knew it was going to make the ol' x-mas list.

There are two things that are really working for this particular bobble head. 1. It's Star Wars, and yes, I'm kind of a Star Wars geek (not the kind that dresses up and goes to trade shows, but the kind that collects action figures and will watch any of the original trilogy at the drop of a deflector shield). 2. It's Luke Skywalker IN his X-Wing Fighter. I can't say that I've seen many bobble heads of figures inside vehicles or space ships before, so I'm definitely on board.

My only hope now is that they continue this series and come out with a Han Solo in the Millenium Falcon ...

I'm Not Saying It's Right...

But she must've said something he didn't like.

Click here to see her get jacked. It loops. It's kinda funny

---More on this promo---

Apparently I missed the season premier of Jersey Shore on MTV. And from the conversation going around, I'm going to be setting the Tivo so I don't miss another episode.

But the question remains, "has MTV gone too far?" I say, "No."

It’s possible this fancy gentleman was offended by a young lady wearing ahat indoors, and in this clip he’s saying, “Madam please remove your hat” in accordance with Jim Nortons Hat Removal Service, but more likely is WHATTHEFUCKWASTHAT!

MTV is getting tons of very justified criticism for their new show “JerseyShore”, and not just from groups offended by what they consider Italian stereotypes, but because of the preview clip during the closing creditsshowing female castmate Snookie getting punched in the face. Hard.

Domino’s Pizza has already pulled their ads from the show, and others are threatening to do the same. I’m no PC homo but it’s sort of amazing they would show a clip of a girl getting punched in the face. Although to be fair to the dude I wanted to at least smack her in the head and I was barely even paying attention.

God Bless America

...For My Wedding Ring

You never know when you might find yourself in a pickle. So consider this the pickle slicer. It looks as painful as it looks cool. And the tip comes off, so one second it looks like a harmless wedding ring, the next second you're punching out windows (or eyeballs). Wow.

Hope I never run into the wrong end of one of these.

TAD Gear Titanium Rescue Ring

One man's safety precaution is another man's deadly weapon. Sure, the TAD Gear Titanium Rescue Ring is meant to break glass in case of emergency, but come on, it's a ring with a spike on it. That's bad ass. It includes a keyring for the breaker tip in case you don't want to always wear the spiked ring... although we don't know why you wouldn't want to. Frankly, we intend to get one for every finger.

This is the Ogilvy NY Building

I'll never work there.

Target Billboard in Times Square

Another beautiful idea from Target:

So they covered a massive corner in Times Square with design riddled canvas. Four artists contributed. Beautiful from a distance. So many details you couldn't even take the whole thing in, even if you were up close.

The cool part is that after this posting comes down, the canvas is going to be turned into 1,600 bags by Anna Sui.

I think you can pre-order them at www.target.com/billboardbag. They're likely going to sell out as soon as they're posted. So good luck getting one.

Beautiful idea, though.

Sexiest photoshoot I've been to all year ... Oh wait, only photoshoot.

Avaya Phone Systems - Contest Entry

Here are the contest rules. Do you think we answered the question, or do you think the video is too generic (from a reason "why" we need new phones) to be considered effective?

What can I win?

It's simple: Tell us about the disconnects that are hurting your business, and if you win, we'll help you fix them.

The disconnect could be technical—like an outdated phone system, or a patched-together "system" that's unreliable. Or it could be a human problem—like frustrated customers or a key employee who no one can get a hold of. Or it could be a combination of both.

Whatever the problem is, tell us about it in a short video or written essay. You can be funny. You can be serious. You can be desperate. But however you do it, be sure to submit it by October 15, 2009.

Seattle is Crazy

Just got back from Seattle for homeboy Ricky Kimbo's day of matrimony. There are almost too many great stories to recount them all. Lucky for us, we have cameras.

So here's a quick-commentary, picture-cap:

There were fake mustaches at the wedding. Probably the best idea ever. Rick looks amazing in a classic stache and tuxedo combination.

Rick got married on the 19th. That's also Mieka's birthday. They had a cake for her. I didn't get her anything. Advantage Kimbo.

During Ricky's reception, I visited my High School class reunion. Class of '69 RULES! I left an open bar for a party that had a cash bar. A round of shots cost me $60. But I did cause a scene, so I guess it was worth it.

On Sunday afternoon we headed down to the Pike Market. Beautiful. Had lunch. Saw some crazy guys. Then went on a fairy ride to Bainbridge Island.

This is one of the crazy guys. Or maybe he really is a video game?

This is everyone on the fairy. Dru is telling us which way to go.

Overall, it was an amazing trip. Thanks Richard.

The Dead Weather

Jack White, you've done it again.

Maybe it's because I'm a fan of the White Stripes and The Raconteurs or maybe it's because I'm a fan of lyrical stories told over bass pounding drums and limitless guitar riffs, but I'm thinking I'm really going to dig this new album from The Dead Weather.

I just downloaded it. I've watched the introductory video for Treat Me Like Your Mother, directed by Jonathan Glazer. Now all it's going to take is a few more times through the iPod until I'm completely hooked.

If you asked me to name my top three favorite artists, I'd answer without hesitation: Perry Farrell, Billy Corgan and Jack White. Yes, there are a slew of others that round out my all-time favorite tune-tailors, but right now everything Jack touches turns to gold.

He's even got Aesthetic Apparatus on board doing some concert posters (I totally dig this print shop from Minneapolis. I've got an entire collection of their Doombuddies series.) I might have to purchase these (Sorry, Mieka. We need to get that bigger house with more wall space.)

The sad news is that the closest I'll be to seeing them live on this inaugural tour is Austin. Unfortunately, I'm in St. Louis. Maybe a trip to Denver is in order. Or maybe I'll see them in 3 years after they release their second album ... and Mr. White is on to his next project.

Listen. You hear that? Shitwinds are coming. Shitwinds.

Mr. Lahey is the greatest trailer park supervisor in the history of drunks. You have to respect his shitsnares and his shithawks and his shitbarometers. He's the man with the plan. And it's all the clearer the drunker he gets.

If you haven't seen or heard of Canada's very own The Trailer Park Boys, then you've been missing out. Direct TV picked up the series and is running it on the 101. It's probably the best sitcom of all times. Some say that It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia is the best written show on TV, and to those fools I say, "you're just climbing up a shitrope."

Enjoy the link to the Mr. Lahey soundboard. Then enjoy the series: http://trailerparkboys.com/

I lost in cards again.

And I'm angry.

Amazing Cinematography

The guys who did the Matrix got nothing on us.

There's Security on the Upper Deck

Obama throws out the first pitch at the All-Star game, and his secret service agents get the worst seats in the house. My nose is bleeding just looking at the pics. 

Can you see 'em up there standing on the edge? I bet they can see my house from there. 

10 TVs - That's as close as I got to the game.

At least the bar was selling stale nachos for $1. Not exactly ballpark quality, but the price was right. 

The Heat Is On

Cars are burning! Firefighters are smashing windows. I smell like burning rubber now. It's lunch time. Yay!

Load Up, All-Stars

The festivities begin. The All-Stars are piled into the backs of trucks to drive around downtown and wave to the thousands of baseball fans. What a beautiful moment...

Enough Said

General, you are in command now.

Most awesomest hot air balloon ever. 

Welcome to the dark side of the air force. 

Kaw Snap

This is badass. And only $980. Oh wait, I don't have $980 to spend on a fully-posable, metal, robot toy. Dammit! It drops on Saturday. Maybe someone will get it for me for my birthday. http://www.kawsone.com/shop

It's Hot in St. Louis, Especially at an Outdoor Concert.

Wednesday night Dave Matthews Band took the stage at Riverport (or whatever it's called now) for three hours of shirt sopping magic. I saw DMB at Busch Stadium last summer, but before that it'd been several years. He still puts on a pretty good show. Hadn't heard much of his new stuff, so there were some lulls for me. Everyone else seemed to enjoy. The highlight was when they busted into Stairway to Heaven during Watchtower for the encore. Oh, and we were sitting in the third row (good work, Kemper). Didn't get much video because the security was being very, very strict - hot chicks couldn't even take pictures. So that was a surprise. 

Music aside, I don't think I'll ever go to an outdoor concert in the middle of the summer in St. Louis again. It was a sweaty mess. It's hot enough dancing around as it is. When you add temperatures in the 90s to the mix, you've got yourself one nasty case of swamp ass. 

The funny part of the show was seeing how old Dave's crowd is getting. I was probably around the median age. Lots of folks who've been listening for 10-15 years. I remember how sweet it was when Crash came out. I was a freshman in college. That was a long time ago. 

And in case you were wondering, it still takes an hour to get out of the lot at Riverport. So pack a cooler for pre- and post-show festivities. Cheers!

Is This Detroit?

Walking out of the office today to go grab some lunch, I saw a first for me in downtown St. Louis. Across the street, in the heart of the hotel and business district, four blocks from Busch Stadium, there it was in all its glory. A car without tires, up on blocks and/or rocks, loaded down with tickets was sitting in front of an expired meter. 

I guess the tires were the easiest part to sell (and remove). I couldn't tell if the stereo had been ripped out of the dash, but I'm guessing it was. I blame the recession. Times are tough, and cars are easy to steal. The best part is that I'm thinking this car is going to be there for a while. Without tires, it's going to be hard to tow. Today is day 1. Let's see if it lasts out there for a month ...

Quack-tastic Entertainment!

What do you get when you take a bus full of Branson's finest out for a free ride and give them scripts to act out under the watchful eye of an amateur videographer? You get pure comedy. As if the term "quack-tastic" isn't funny enough, making an older woman say it "with feeling" on a bus full of one-toothed wonders just makes the visual experience a clip that you have to watch over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again. 

An Ode to the Commode

By definition: 

Shitteau (shë-tõ) (noun) An elegant and clean place for taking a dump. Most often discovered by surprise. A shitteau can be identified by cleanliness, choice toilet paper, air freshener or candles and a nice array of reading materials.

If you find a shitteau, enjoy it, especially if you’re on the clock. There’s nothing better than getting paid to take a shit. And now you have a word to describe the sanctuary you’ve defiled. 

New Official Beer Glove T-Shirt Idea

Drunk isn't always bad. 

Bad always isn't drunk. 

Cougar Sighting

There's nothing better than enjoying a holiday weekend  - with friends - at a winery - celebrating a marriage - drinking cheap wine - eating salt & vinegar chips - watching 5 late 30-somethings tear up the dance floor in their new designer jeans. I love designer jeans as much as the next guy, but I think I love fake boobs more - not all the time - just when I'm a spectator. 

If only Mieka's phone was like an HD video camera. But I'm sure that footage is out there somewhere because there was a creepy guy with a video camera standing at the edge of the dance floor recording the entire spectacle. Unfortunately, we didn't get a picture of him. It would've really completed the recap. 

TVI Recap

Hopefully this one isn't muted. 

Thanks a bunch, YouTube. 

I'm Pissed at Flight of the Conchords

So we went and saw Flight of the Conchords at the Fox in St. Louis. Good show. Funny banter. Funny songs. Hard to follow some of their banter. They mumble a lot. Overall a good experience. I laughed on several occasions. 

Here's why I'm upset: so I've seen a lot of their concert posters from shows in other cities from some artists I totally dig. I was hoping to hit the jackpot and find a sweet print at the show in STL. Now, I'm not saying it's not cool, it's just not as cool as some of the other stuff that's out there. I still bought one. I'm just not completely thrilled about it. Kinda the same way I was disappointed in the DMB poster that was sold at the first outdoor concert in the new Busch Stadium - totally sucked. But at least it had the arch in it (that's sarcasm).

Above are some of the FOTC posters I've had an eye on. Guess witch one they sold in STL? (which/witch ... in roller skates)

I Kill the Bus Driver

Sweet print by Ryan Milner. Just picked it up for $25.

Angry Ninja Pizza Slice

I will cut through your colon like a runaway pepperoni freight train.

The Most Sexual Concept I've Written This Week

Network Prophylactic, aka. The Digital Jimmy
In a world where getting down to business can happen at a moment’s notice, you don’t want to be whoring your information out to any Tom, Dick or Harry who wants to jump into your server bed.

Protection is essential to keep your server safe, secure and clean. You can’t wish away an accident the day after it happens. So be prepared and be smart. Now you can prevent data leakage without giving up the sensitivity. Make sure you always have a digital jimmy.

I Forgot I Had a Blog

More, new random thoughts to come. And yes, I will be posting the work I've been doing on the Taco Bell DDT Melt.