I love my kids, and I love technology. We recently had a wonderful family visit to the Java Loft here in Clovis on my wife’s birthday. The iPod touch was brought out to curb an impending tantrum from our youngest, and soon all three of our kids were sucked in to an episode of Dexter’s Laboratory.
Needless to say, there wasn’t much conversation after that.
No other toy from my childhood inspired more imaginative play than Lego, a simple toy with infinite not-so-simple potential. There have been a number of excellent videos on the internet featuring master model builders and creative stop-motion photography with one of the world’s most famous toys that spans generations. As a father, I’m thankful that Lego has been around for as long as it has, becoming something I can enjoy with my children and hopefully my grandchildren someday. Here are some insanely creative and inspiring videos featuring one of my favorite building implements. If your favorite Lego video isn’t listed below, share it in the comments!
Bricked Mac – Time-Lapse from RP Cuenco on Vimeo.
The Apple tablet does not exist, at least not until it receives a proper unveiling by Lord Jobs. Here is a list of reasons why I want the fabled Apple tablet and how it would fit into my life, assuming it does any of the following:
Rendering by Jesus Diaz of Gizmodo.com
Comic books: I was an avid collector and fan of a number of comics in the mid to late 90′s, but for some reason stopped indulging in comics. Mac software company BitCartel makes a piece of software called ComicBookLover, which looks fantastic, but I’m holding off until I know if Apple does anything in this space. Rumors are heavy with info that Apple has been in talks with magazine publishers to save their dying industry, but I want them to be talking to the likes of Marvel and DC to reinvigorate my love for comics. I must credit Andy Ihnatko for making me near-giddy with speculation that LongBox digital comic distribution may be involved with Apple.
Aside from the items mentioned above, I hope there are a few surprises in store for us as well. We will have to wait in see. I know I will be on the edge of my seat at the end of January. 2010 is going to be an exciting year for gear heads.
Perhaps it was when I began working in print design after starting my career as a graphic designer in web design, but there was a time when I used to hate paper. I’ve experienced quite the 180, even going as far as ordering paper samples from manufacturers like Neenah and Domtar.
Photo by Jacque Davis [Flickr
for Christmas. I can remember doing origami in art class when we lived in Japan during the late 80′s, and now I’m determined to master it! When I can memorize and master making paper cranes, I will be happy and content with my origami skills. Oh, and origami ninja stars aren’t a bad addition to this goal either. As a graphic designer, I absolutely love each of the different patterns on the sheets of origami. It would be fun to build a website with an origami theme utilizing the symbols and techniques of the craft, embellished with the patterns and swirls found on each sheet. Here are some inspiring links I’ve been enjoying this morning:
Stay tuned in 2010, as I will try to post more about origami throughout the year, including favorite models, great paper, and other links, videos and inspiration for you paperphiles. Happy folding, and watch out for papercuts!
I may not write much here anymore, especially with my rampant Twitter addiction for the past 18 months or so, but I always like to take some time to think about New Years, resolutions and the like. I’m feeling good about what 2010 has to offer so far. I’d like to make the following resolutions to either forget or genuinely make myself a better person:
First and rightfully so, I’d like to focus more on reading and writing. I currently have a nice selection of books on my desk at home that I’m reading through and fully intend to continue soaking up the written word. Conversely, I also would like to focus more on writing more, as intended with starting Clovis Pulse. The site has started off slow, but ideas between myself, David, and Crysti are continuing to brew and we plan on doing some fun stuff in the next year with the site. I also have many journals I’ve been given throughout the years and think it would be fun to pick up a pen every once and a while, even if it’s just to write something as simple as a haiku. Words inspire me to produce more words.
Fitness and nutrition will also be a priority in 2010. Almost three years ago, I was in the best shape of my life, eating right, and exercising heaps. I want to get back on that wagon, as I miss running. A big focus for 2010 is going to be regaining energy lost from laziness and eating poorly. That’s right, I’m talking about more vegetables, granola, and cooking my own meals. I plan on using Traineo.com to help me organize and motivate this effort.
Finally, 2009 was the year I started my own freelancing business. I was tasked with helping the Clovis Police Department develop a new website, along with a few other projects. In 2010, I aim to buckle down even more with a variety of clients, with my biggest goal being to help people develop websites and social networking awareness, and also to build and focus on my web design portfolio. The biggest challenge is juggling the two hats of print designer and web designer. I look forward to studying and practicing new skills, as well as sharpening old ones, in order to continue to pursue my second professional passion.
Cheers, to a happy and healthy Twenty-Ten!
