Pretty Poster

I wish I had made this...I wonder if I could actually make this (as in, do I have the SKILLZ)...sigh.  I guess I'll have to take it as inspiration and keep learning in baby steps.  

Speaking of learning to make things, have you ever heard of Lynda.com?  Its a wonderful site that has lots of free software training tutorials for free!  Or, you can pay for unlimited access to see all the lessons (but there really are tons of great free ones).  They have a fun logo too! 

 

Radar Detector

My friend just tweeted this video for "Radar Detector" by Darwin Deez, and I can't stop listening to it!  So fun.  I love the nifty idea for disposable cameras (watch and you'll know what I mean).  Enjoy!

Donuts, Not Glazed (Unfortunately!)

I've always been more talented at things crafty or literary than those mechanic or automotive.  But sometimes, life just forces you to try new things, doesn't it? I've been extremely lucky with my first and only car thus far, never breaking down or having to pay for expensive repairs.  But last night I got my first flat :(  With the generous help of my friend Anders, I just put on my first spare tire--for me, that is worth a blog post!  Hope you have had a fabulous weekend!

Contradiction

I love this little shop in the mission in San Francisco, but the name is escaping me now. Still, can you spot why I had to take a photo?  That's some confusing signage...

Blooms for a Rainy Day

After a truly lovely weekend, the skies have become gray again and it has been rainy the past few days!  In the spirit of brightening thins up, here are some lush blooms I saw on campus. I love the white stripes on the petals!

Reverse Image Search: A Dream Come True

I just heard about a reverse image search engine named TinEye. It finds out where an image came from, how it is being used, if modified versions of the image exist, or if there is a higher resolution version.  I have been dreaming of this capability for years!  Here is why:

1. It is useful when you need to find an image source for crediting it (which, as you all know, it the ethical thing to do). 
2. It useful for possibly finding a higher resolution of an image you found online so you can use it in print (which, isn't as ethical, but let's face it--it is sometimes kinda necessary.  You know you've been there...).
3. It is cool (and possibly scary) to see if either pictures of you or pictures you have taken appear somewhere random.  I know someone who's young daughter wound up on a travel brochure once!  

Apparently the index of images is still rather small, so it won't pick up everything.  I tried a photo I'd seen on one of my newly fave blogs  and it didn't work. I actually don't know how I feel about ALL photos on the web being available; isn't that just a little big brothery creepish?

Still, this is interesting.  Now they just need to come up with a search engine that can find me the name of the song I am humming but can't remember any lyrics to.  Wouldn't that be grand?!? :)

Jónsi Pt. 2

So, I know I already posted about Jónsi's new album, but after seeing his live show yesterday at UC Berkeley's Zellerbach Hall , I can't help but encourage you to watch this show preview and get a glimpse of what it was like.  In addition to the stellar music, the animations, projections, set design, and lighting were INCREDIBLE!  Kudos to 50 Productions, the studio that created it all. There was one part where, during the climax of a song, a set seemed to appear out of nowhere!

Spin Magazine said: "On a set that looked like the Museum of Natural History after a fire (trust me), a tight musical arc that fit the songs into one another like puzzle pieces, and gorgeous projections courtesy of London's 59 Productions, the show was less winsome rock and more serious Theatre."
The video can only give a small taste; if you have a chance to see the show I highly recommend it!
 

Happy Easter!

I spent a lovely afternoon at my friend Megan's house to celebrate Easter today.  Unfortunately, I didn't get a single photo of the fun friends who were present, but I guess a photo of the yummy potluck spread we had is 2nd best.  :)  Hope you had a great day!

Mi Madre and Me

My wonderful mother came to visit last week.  We had such adventures!  Here are some highlights...

 

The amazing pool at the Hearst Castle

Driving up the 1 from San Luis Obispo; pretty nice view, huh?

Rodin's The Thinker at the Legion of Honor.  We saw the Cartier exhibit there, which was amazing!

Mom by the big safety pin at the de Young. 

After seeing The Little Mermaid at SF Ballet.  There are no words to describe how beautiful it was!

Brunch at the Karma Kitchen.  If you haven't been and you live in the area, you must try it!  On Sundays, a local restaurant shuts down normal business and this "experiment in giving," as they call it, begins.   You get a full mean (mango lassi, dessert and all) and then your check is $0.00, with a footnote: "Your meal was a gift from someone who came before you. To keep the chain of gifts alive, we invite you to pay it forward for those dine after you."  You can't help but leave there feeling refreshed and confident in the goodness of people. 

Dai Jinhua Poster

Just thought I'd share a poster I've been working on today.  I'm kind of copying the style of the Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive flyers, if you've ever seen those.  Sometimes it is challenging including lots of event information on a small little flyer!  But I loved working with this image from the film Lust, Caution-- its just so rich.  The blurriness added by the rain is exquisite, don't you think?