Brand Herman

Farewell

While walking to work today with umbrella in hand it finally dawned on me that summer is over. No more sun, no more long days, no more wearing shorts that show off my fine legs, and worst of all no more girls in shorts and tank tops.

So as I say farewell to the warm weather and begin to prepare for the next few months of Vancouver wetness I say thank you to LULULEMON for creating butt hugging pants that females can wear all year round.

Training Camp

Ever since JAMES called to tell me he bought the new NHL '07 video game I have been undergoing a vigorous training regime for our opening game, date to be announced.

The training has been purely physical as I begin the day with finger stretches, knuckle cracking and squats (got to keep my ass lean for all that sitting).

I had a rough season last year, began with a lot of promise and close games but not a lot of W's. I hope this season will be different because I have a victory dance I've been dieing to perform.

LOL

Pillow Fight

I can't believe I didn't come up with this idea. In Toronto some genius named Stacey created the PILLOW FIGHT LEAGUE. I wish the events were televised - get on it SPORTSNET, I don't care to watch billiards or poker, I want to see girls beating each other with pillows.

Teaser

ChangeThis.com

This site has become one of my favorite sources for information. Created by SETH GODIN this website has contributors ranging form TOM PETERS to MALCOM GLADWELL. Personally I really enjoyed this manifesto by MARK CUBAN - it recounts his pre-billionaire days.

Reunion

On Wednesday night I got together with my long time friends from high school. It was the first time in about three years that MIKE, JAMES and I hooked up and hung out.

I really enjoyed the evening. It started off well with me beating JAMES in a game of NHL ’06. We played a few more games but the outcome isn’t important. I won the first game and that’s all I remember.

After MIKE arrived we headed out to SHARKS CLUB for dinner. The food was okay (I’ve had better chicken wings), the waitress was horrible and the bill almost gave me a heart attack - $63.00 for nachos, chicken wings and chicken strips with fries! It was highway robbery tell you.

The best part of the evening was when we headed to the local high school to shoot some hoops. We talked about old times - the good old days, back when we were teenagers and not tax paying citizens.

It was nice to reminisce, to poke fun at each other (me being on the receiving end most of the time) and just hanging out.

My mom asked me the next day what we did and I told her nothing. Which is true to an extent, but I’m sure when I’m an old man who can’t remember where he left his teeth I think back to that night, as the night I was in good company.

Moderndog.com

Tag

I really love this site by TAG - the body spray. I think their campaign, “consider yourself warned" is genius. Heck, I like it so much that I may go out and buy a can. I'll keep you posted on the number of women that tackle me on the street; I may have to purchase a helmet.

Old School Dialogue

I was watching a re-run of MARRIED WITH CHILDREN and a line really made me laugh. The setting is a high school reunion and Peggy Bundy, whose maiden name is Wanker, is approached by an old buddy who greets her with "Peggy, is that you Peggy, Peggy Wanker don't bother to thank her. "

This got me thinking about a nickname for myself. I wish a girl would come up to me at my high school reunion and say "Herman, Herman is that you, Herman Mahal who goes all night long." Oh that would be so cool - I would be a living legend.

Coming Soon

THANKS AGIAN TO JAMES FOR THE HEADS UP. I LOVE THE COVER.

Any Given Sunday

On Wednesday I decided to visit my local BLOCKBUSTER and rent a few movies. I don't know why but I picked two football films, ANY GIVEN SUNDAY and FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS. Both were pretty good, not excellent but they held my attention and the football scenes were very authentic. But if I were to recommend one film it would have to be ANY GIVEN SUNDAY. I watched the movie with my buddy MIKE and both agreed it was really slick, the performances of AL PACINO and JAIME FOXX, and it had some of the most comical touchdown celebrations I've ever seen.

Tiger Swings

THIS IS REALLY COOL - VIA JAMES. CLICK ON IMAGE TO VIEW

Plan Old Pissed

I always speak about the pitfalls of owning a car to friends and family. I've heard to many horror stories about cars breaking down, fender benders, and yearly tune-ups that cost a full two weeks paycheque.

So as a vivid reader and a cheap man I have always opted to take public transit while both my younger siblings drive around in cars. I admit that I regret this decision when I'm chasing buses or when I end up sitting next a person who doesn't seem to know what the word shower or bath means.

But today I was just pissed at myself for taking transit. The SKYTRAIN (Vancouver’s answer to the subway) had some electrical problems and they shut down four stations. This caused me to take the train all around the city to get to work. I walked out of my house at 9:02 and walked into work at 10:47, an hour and a half trip to work is just plan ridiculous.

Needless to say I was ticked off, upset at myself for not buying a car and at TRANSLINK for constantly making my life a living hell. The only upside were four drunk underdressed girls that made a scene at every stop - GOD bless the person that invented mini-skirts.

Gumweb.com

Just Not Interested

For the past four or five days I've been lacking a passion towards life and work. I don't know why, I don't feel depressed and nor am I suffering from creative block. Actually I would think the opposite - I've filled up two pages in my notebook of ideas and concepts and instead of working on then I've spent the past few days reading old magazines and books, watching movies (MALCOLM X is worth 230 minutes of your time), ignoring my cell phone, enjoying reruns of FULL HOUSE (you know you've lost it when your laughing at a DANNY TANNER joke) hanging out with my mom (who seems annoyed of me for some reason) and eating half a dozen chocolate chip cookies in one sitting.

Shepard Fairey

Jumpman23.com

I was surfing the web (I do this often during work) and came across the revamped JORDAN BRAND website. They posted the new collection online which looks really good. Some of the t-shirts I think are a bit loud but then again who am I to question a $500 million company.

Wallpaper

Nordiques Trivia

I some how found myself clicking through a bunch of sites at work and came across this interesting piece of history relating to the QUEBEC NORDIQUES (my favorite extinct team) : The Nordiques' first head coach was the legendary MAURICE "ROCKET" RICHARD but he only lasted one game, a 3-2 loss to the CLEVELAND CRUSADERS. The "ROCKET" decided coaching wasn't his forte and stepped down. I didn't know this and I call myself a hockey fan.

Quotable

"Life is not about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself" - annonymous"

Currently Reading

Uploaded

I've been hard at work on revamping the kinks out of the ASCEND SPORTMANAGEMENT site. I call the ability to always go back and change and re-work webdesign a gift and a curse.

My Future Ex-Wife

K-Fed Debut

A very pregnant BRITNEY SPEARS (who desperately need a fashion stylist) introduced her husband as a performer at THE TEEN CHOICE AWARDS. Personally I think he sucks (and that's being nice) but you can sit through the performance and judge for yourself by clicking HERE.

Theheadsofstate.com

Damn Diddy

I just saw the COME TO ME music video for DIDDY'S upcoming album PRESS PLAY. The video features NICOLE SCHERZINGER (lead signer of the PUSSYCAT DOLLS) who looks amazing and carries the song. In the video DIDDY, the lucky bastard that he is gets to grind with her and even grabs (with both hands) her ass. The last time I was this envious of him was when he was dating JLO.

Tummy Tamer

My mom read an article that said (can paper really speak) we (humans) have guts that stick out because we don't suck them in on a regular basis. Personally I don't know if its true but it doesn't hurt to try.

Hilarious

Blame James

A few weeks ago JAMES got a new IPOD and allowed me an opportunity to raid his cabinet full of CDs. I helped myself to a bunch and have spent the past few weeks listening to them. This has lead to my family blaming JAMES for my constant humming and my out of the blue tendency to recite NELLY'S "IT'S GETTING HOT IN HERE".

Do Rent

On Tuesday I watched INSIDE MAN and it was an awesome thriller. The plot twists, fast pace and quick wit kept me glued to the television. If you ever get an opportunity to watch this movie - DO! It is one of the best films that SPIKE LEE has ever directed.

Banksy.co.uk

Fun Fact

It is psychically impossible to lick your elbows. I read this when I was watching tv and I tried it myself. It really is impossible.

Mixunit.com

Happyness

Today I was reading the newspaper and came across an article on CHRIS GARDNER, a one time out of work man who slept in a public station with his son to a multi-millionaire that bought a $250,000 sports car from MICHAEL JORDAN. It's an interesting and inspiring story which is being turned into a movie starring WILL SMITH. Click on THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS to view the trailer. The movie comes out in December 2006, I can't wait to see it.

Summer Cleaning

A few days ago my workspace was a mess. It had piles of magazines on the floor, invoices from companies I don't remember buying from and so much dust on my desk that I forgot what color it was. I finally got sick of looking at the mess and decided to clean it up.

It's been about a week of cleaning now and I'm amazed by all the junk that I had in my desk and in the room. There were newspapers dating back to 1998, a magazine with PAVEL BURE as a CANUCK on the cover and old reports cards that I'm not proud of.

The past fours days have been a nice walk down memory lane and I can’t help but notice how fast time go by and how I’m not as cute as I was in 1994 - damn this old age.

I'm Metro

A few days ago my feet were in agony. They ached, were so rough that my socks kept ripping and I think I had an ingrown toe nail. So to save money on socks and to make my mom happy and to give my brother something new to make fun of me about I made an appointment for a pedicure. Now I felt a bit odd at the beginning but it felt so good that I may go back for a manicure - hey I'm worth it!

Bustedtees.com

Pleasure

Most people look forward to Friday nights for partying, clubbing and socializing. Lame people like me look forward to AMERICA'S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS. Sad but true, I laugh more during that hour than I do all week.

Out of Commission

I spent all of Thursday in bed (alone unfortunately). I woke up at 8:00 to go to work and had a splitting headache so I called in sick and went back to bed. I forgot to put my alarm on and woke up at 4:30 in the afternoon - what a waste of a day.

Suite2206.com

Just Heard On Much

During my lunch break I was channel surfing and caught the middle of GHETTO STORY - CHAM F ALICIA KEYS. I liked the song but in the music video I noticed how sexy ALICIA KEYS is. I haven't really noticed her look, I just always liked her songs.

Thinking About

An associate at work told me that they watched LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE over the weekend and loved it and now I'm thinking about checking it out.

Middle East Support

Still Breathing

On my way to work tonight I got a call from JAMES asking if I was still breathing since I hadn't called him in a while. We had our usual, "what's new with you?" conversation and he told me a story of how a few days ago he was out watching the CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS (fireworks) with his friend who was on the phone with his ex-girlfriend. During the fireworks his friend held up his cell because his ex-girlfriend wanted to hear the fireworks show. I didn't know you could oh and ah at the sound of fireworks - maybe radio should broadcast them.

I Am What I Am

Saw Saw

No the above title is not a typo. My sister rented SAW II and I got a chance to watch it on Saturday afternoon. Most sequels aren't as good as originals (SAW was an amazing film that kept me and my cousins at the edge of our seats) but this movie is an exception. I think it was better, I wouldn't classify this film as a horror but as a thriller because it has some crazy twists. If you ever get a chance I recommend you rent this film.

Gigposters.com

I'm Eating Arby's

For some strange reason today I decided to give ARBY'S a try. I think I've had them in the past but I couldn't remember so in my mind I told myself that it's good to try new things and then proceeded to order a bacon & cheddar burger with curly fries and PEPSI (sorry JAMES). The burger was okay, a bit messy but the fries made the whole meal worth it. It's been a long time since I've had crispy curly fries (I hope your reading this mom) and I wonder why I don't request them more often.

Dr. Tran Video

My brother left this video up for me to watch called HERE COMES DR. TRAN. It's a bit off the wall but it'll make you laugh.

Fifteen Hours

This has been a rough 24 hours for me. Instead of having a day off like normal people I had 15 hours free before going to work again. I could have spent the time sleeping and relaxing like my mom said I should but instead I made plans with JAMES to watch MIAMI VICE.

The movie was pretty good, not MICHEAL MANN'S best work but it was entertaining and the action scenes were really cool. JAMES really liked the way the film started, no credits or title, just boom, right into the film, could become a new trend.

Overall it was a good 15 hours, but as I write this, I'm exhausted and my eyes feel like their about to close - I wish I had stayed home and slept because all I want right now is a comfortable bed and soft pillow to lay my head on.

Clever & Comical

Killer Concept

This self promo website created by HEADCASE DESIGN - a design studio is brilliant. I love their concept, the design is clean and crisp and it's something I haven't seen before. Note to self: take notes & brainstorm.

Sportslist.ca - Cool Ad

Two Years

For the first time since March 2004 I worked out at a gym. I can't begin to tell you how much energy I feel. It is only 7:55 a.m. as I write this and after a 45 minute workout I feel like I've accomplished so much today.

Belief :sethgodin.com

People don't believe what you tell them -> They rarely believe what you show them -> They often believe what their friends tell them -> They always believe what they tell themselves.

Addiction

I read an old article in ROLLING STONE magazine about KANYE WEST and after I finished the article he was my new hero. The dude admits in the interview that he has an addition to pornography; good for you KANYE - the first step is admitting you have a problem.

But personally, if I were to become famous I would never admit that in a national magazine, that's a dirty little secret between me, my video store, my DVD player and the other seven people that read this blog.

Design Freestyle

I DESIGNED THIS STEVE NASH CARD - CLICK ON TO VIEW LARGER SIZE.

Pita Virgin

Yesterday afternoon I had lunch with a friend of mine. We meet at a small cafe in downtown Vancouver and I ordered a chicken pita (I had never tried it plus it was the cheapest thing on the menu). I didn't expect it to be so good, the only downside is that it falls apart if you don't eat it right and if you’re on a date the last thing you want to be doing is wiping dressing of your face.

A Decent Read

I just finished reading OFTEN WRONG BUT NEVER IN DOUBT by millionaire ad man and television host DONNY DEUTCH. The book is a good read if your interested in marketing or advertising but if your looking for a how to get rich story you'll have to look elsewhere.

New Lionzden Sticker

Classical

For the past month THE USUAL SUSPECTS DVD has been sitting on top of my tv. Finally I had time to watch it yesterday and man was it a good movie. It held my attention from beginning to end and I was still thinking about the film after it was over. If you haven't already you should rent this classic film, I ain't no ROGER EBERT but I give it a huge thumbs up.

Earn Your Icetime

I really love this new campaign by NIKE BAUER. The print ad featuring MARKUS NASLUND caught my eye a few weeks ago and the tv spot is awesome. If you haven't seen the commercial click HERE, then click on TRAINING and click PLAY VIDEO.

Phone Etiquette

This afternoon I received a phone call from a friend (who will remain nameless) - I had a lot of work to do but I hadn't talk to him a while so I answered the phone. During the majority of the conversation I felt like I was talking to myself, he was as he said sending an e-mail.

Now generally I wouldn't have a problem with this but as I reminded him - "you called me". The moral of this story: don't call a friend unless you really are interested in speaking with him/her or you're just wasting his/her and your time.

Day Job Magazine

A REALLY COOL CANADAIN MAGAZINE THAT I JUST LEARNED ABOUT.

Mmm Good

Today I was really in the mood for donuts so I headed to TIM HORTONS. When I got there I saw an ad for the CHICKEN CLUB SANDWICH and I thought it looked really good and it had to be healthier than the chocolate donut that I had my eye on so I ordered it - without tomatoes. Despite the horrible service I received the sandwich tasted great. If your ever in the mood for a sandwich and see the TIMMY sign from a far try it out.

Designer Deck

RAPE OF LIBERTY DECK FROM SANTA CRUZ SKATEBOARDS

Headlines

Front page headline on THE PROVINCE NEWSPAPER yesterday: STEVE NASH GETS A HAIR CUT. Of course the big questions now is - why'd he do it. I'm a NASH fan but even I don't think him getting a haircut is that important.

Brandspankin.com

Cool

STEPHANIE forwarded me this link today at work. I tried out the game and was tripped out. Try it yourself by clicking HERE.

Version 1.0

On Monday night, thanks to the help of my brother I launched the first web version of LIONZDEN. The site should have more updates this week but I just wanted to get it online and get some feedback.

Cookie Monster

I had a box of cookies sitting on the kitchen counter today. Around 4:00 I noticed that the box was almost empty, after thinking about it I realized that I had ate thirteen cookies in a span of four hours - a record that I'm not very proud off.

Another Gem

BRAND JORDAN has been around for 20+ years but the design and ads keep getting better. Watch this cool commercial for XXI.

Color 4.1

KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN FOR THIS COOL CANADIAN MAGAZINE.

Watch When Bored

If your ever bored at work like I am right now you should watch BEYONCE'S new video DEJA VU FEATURING JAY-Z (her botty shaking woke me up).

Facial Hair

A lot of people at work today have been asking me why I'm growing a beard. My answer is because I can.

But the real reason is because I've kind of let myself go (I been eating a lot of cookies, donuts and chips) and am trying to cover the extra baggage under my chin.

Looking Forward To...

SHOULD BE ANOTHER BESTSELLER (AWESOME COVER) FROM SETH GODIN.

It's Diddy

PUFFY'S got a new album dropping this year. Hear the first single - COME TO ME - FEATURING NICOLE FROM THE PUSSYCAT DOLLS. Thanks to JAMES for the heads up.

Mo Money

Finally I found the music video to my favorite songs - MO MONEY MORE PROBLEMS by NOTORIOUS B.I.G. FEAT. PUFF DADDY & MASE on YOUTUBE. I haven't seen this video is years.

Gapingvoid.com

Favorite T-shirt

ABOVE IS MY FAVORITE T-SHIRT GRAPHIC FROM NO STAR.

XLR8R

I love the cover art direction for the latest issue of XLR8R (love the name too). If you get a chance you should check out this magazine, it has great articles on up and coming artists.

Great Book Cover

Regret Craving

For some strange reason I was really craving pizza tonight and when it was lunch time I went running down the street trying to find a pepperoni. Generally I don't give in to temptation but tonight I did and man do I regret it. PIZZA BY THE SLICE didn't have any single slices left but offered to make me a small pizza in 5 minutes - I wish they hadn't. It's been about 2 hours since I finished the whole pizza (I ate 8 slices in 15 minutes) and now I feel sick. I'm thinking about walking home from skytrain just try to burn off some of the calories.

Kr3w Ads

2001 - 2002 AD CONCEPTS FROM KR3W.

Funny Man

I first heard DANE COOK'S stand up act on MTV a few months ago and didn't think the guy was that funny until my brother starting forwarding me these videos from YOUTUBE. I have to admit he’s starting to grow on me, and the funny thing is by the comments he receives, people either love him or hate him. But from a marketing point of view he has done a great job of self-promotion - he is all over MYSPACE and YOUTUBE.

Too Hot?

I just read a magazine article that said that the commercial and print campaign for UNFORGIVABLE BY SEAN JOHN is too sexual and was pulled. You can view the commercial and creative on the website under VIDEO and PRESS. Personally I don't think it's that racy but you be the judge.

Methane Studios

TO SEE MORE AMAZING CONCERT POSTERS FROM METHANE CLICK HERE.

New Phone

I have only had my new cell phone for about four or five days now but I really miss my old phone. I'm not a big fan of change but I do enjoy learning new things but I don't care much for all the fancy technology on my new phone. I just want to be able to dial a number, press send and have someone on the other end pick up.

The worst part is that the ringtone is different so whenever it rings I’m looking around wondering why someone isn’t answering their phone. I know I'll learn to love this new phone but I just miss the good old days.

Mann is Back

I'LL BE IN LINE TO SEE THIS FILM WHEN IT OPENS.

Updated

I've been having a hard time keeping up to date with all the free agent signings this weekend. I can't believe CHARA signed with BOSTON and JOVO is a COYOTE and not a PANTHER. Check out the free-agent tracker by clicking HERE.

Lionzden Reloaded

The second photo shoot for LIONZDEN happened this past Wednesday and went great.

The first one was a learning experience - everything that could have gone wrong did - and I take blame for that. But this photo shoot went extremely well - and I take credit for that.

I can’t wait to see the results, I get the negatives Friday afternoon.

All the models looked great and were on time. I had one model drive all the way from Portland, Oregon and three drove all the way from Kamloops, BC - for a non-paying gig. Talk about dedication.

Everybody seemed to have fun and unlike last time I was able to spend more time with MARK (photographer) and JAYNA (makeup artist) to get the look I wanted.

I'm just happy everybody involved had fun and that the shoot went the way I imagined it would - except I didn't hook up with any of the female models. Oh well, I can't have everything my way.

Locked Up

ROBERTO LUONGO - MY FAVORITE GOALIE IS SIGNED FOR 4 YEARS IN VANCOUVER!

Overpriced

I'm to first to admit that PHARRELL WILLIAMS is a great producer and he has great style but his BILLIONAIRE BOYS CLUB / ICE CREAM SHOES creation is way over priced. A white t-shirt with a BBC logo costs $92.00. Man I wish I was famous!

Bert Speaks

Sportsnet talks to TODD BERTUZZI about his time in Vancouver and on being traded. Personally I'm happy he is gone - this should have happened a year ago.

RBK Ad

This is a cool RBK AD featuring JAY-Z and 50 CENT directed by AD MAN PETER ARNELL.

Template

Just put the finishing touches on the web template for LIONZDEN. Let me know what you think.

Sportsnet Gallery

MAN DO I WISH I WAS AT THE WORLD CUP - PHOTO FROM SPORTSNET.CA

Happy Birthday

I know it’s been a while since I've posted anything. I've been really busy and also really lazy when it comes to blogging.

But I do want to take the time to wish my friend JAMES a Happy 25th Birthday. Nobody is more surprised than me that you made it this far.