Yes We Can

BARACK WINS - POSTER BY OBEY GIANT'S SHEPARD FAIREY

Budo Shoshinshu

"It is essential for a man to strive with all his heart, and to understand that it is difficult even to reach the average if he does not have the intention of surpassing others in whatever he does."

Tribes

UPCOMING BOOK FROM MARKETING GURU SETH GODIN.

Dr. Kimbro Speaks

One of my favorite books of all time is WHAT MAKES THE GREAT GREAT by DR. DENNIS KIMBRO. The book highlights the path to success and motivates to make a extra effort to achieve it. He is a great writer and after watching this VIDEO I realize he's also a great speaker. Click HERE to be inspired by the man in less than eight minutes. My favorite part is the 25,000 days left speech.

Jules Renard

“Everything you want is out there waiting for you to ask. Everything you want also wants you. But you have to take action to get it.”

Thatsthespot.com

CHECK OUT THE PORTFOLIO OF CANADIAN PHOTOGRAPHER MATT BARNES.

Marc Ecko

"You have fall down in order to walk. In order for you to be successful - it's the most cliched thing - but you have to fail. And a lot of entreprenuers need to manage their expectations and define what failure means and what their threshold for pain is and their ability to problem-solve. Because to me, failure doesn't mean it's the end of the world. Those are the moments that define you."

Pictures of the Week

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICTURES OF THE WEEK BY TIME MAGAZINE.

Carl Jung

"The most intense conflicts, if overcome, leave behind a sense of security and calm that is not easily disturbed. It is just these intense conflicts and their conflagration which are needed to produce valuable and lasting results. "

Revenge of the Fallen

Can't wait to see TRANSFORMERS II coming out next summer by my favorite film director MICHAEL BAY. While he won't reveal anything about the script or story he does have some behind the scenes segments available online. Click HERE to watch the the first day of filming. Also click HERE to watch an on location segment by ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT. To read a article on MICHAEL BAY in HAUTE LIVING click HERE.

Voltron

HEARD OF VOLTRON THE OTHER DAY. NOT SURE WHY BUT I'M INSPIRED BY IT.

Abraham Lincoln

“You can have anything you want - if you want it badly enough. You can be anything you want to be, do anything you set out to accomplish if you hold to that desire with singleness of purpose.”

Gina

A colleague at work sent me this link about a new concept designed by BMW. GINA is a new thought process when it comes to car design; they ask the question why not. The car itself looks amazing, futuristic shape and the headlights are so cool. The car is the vision of Chris Bangle, one of the best car designers on the planet. To watch the video and see the vehicle click HERE.

PlantingThat Tree

While out at dinner the other night with a group of intelligent folks a conversation about happiness came about. The four of us all agreed that happiness is something you feel not reach for. The past is the past and the future isn’t here yet but the present is now and it should be enjoyed. David said something very profound as some of us started talking about the things we regretted in the past. He said the best time to plant that tree was 20 years ago but since you can’t go back in time the best time is now. Do whatever it is that you wish you had done yesterday today – there is nothing stopping you but yourself.

Melt3d.com

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ILLUSTRATIONS OF LA BASED MIGUEL CERVANTES.

Clint Eastwood

“I'd like to be a bigger and more knowledgeable person 10 years from now than I am today. I think that, for all of us, as we grow older, we must discipline ourselves to continue expanding, broadening, learning, keeping our minds active and open.”

Trailer

Can't wait to see the new RIDLEY SCOTT (made last years hit film AMERICAN GANGSTER) film BODY OF LIES. Film stars LEONARDO DICAPRIO and RUSSELL CROWE and opens on October 10. The trailer looks slick and I can't wait to see the movie. Click HERE to view the official trailer.

Love Lockdown

LOVE THE NEW SINGLE BY KANYE WEST. TO LISTEN CLICK HERE.

Voltaire

“Each player must accept the cards life deals him or her: but once they are in hand, he or she alone must decide how to play the cards in order to win the game.”

Marcecko.com

REALLY COOL NEW SITE FOR MARC ECKO ENTERPRISES. TO VIEW CLICK HERE.

Unique

CLICK HERE TO VIEW SEVENTY AMAZING BUSINESS CARDS.

Mahatma Gandhi

“Men often become what they believe themselves to be. If I believe I cannot do something, it makes me incapable of doing it. But when I believe I can, then I acquire the ability to do it even if I didn't have it in the beginning.”

Dark Knight

AWESOME POSTER - I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THIS NEXT FRIDAY!

Ralph Waldo Emerson

“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children...to leave the world a better place...to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”

Branding

Michael Jackson Bhangra

A friend from work sent me THIS LINK of an act on BRITAINS GOT TALENT. Like the audience I was blown away. The dance act consists of Suleman Mirza and Madhu Singh. Two dancer from the United Kingdom who perform to Tigerstyle's song Nachna onda nei. I love the crowds reaction and am pleased to see Bhangra having a worldwide appeal.

Hancock

Click HERE to view the new extended trailer for HANCOCK. The new WILL SMITH movie comes out on July 2 and it looks hilarious, I think it will be another blockbuster for Smith. To view more trailers visit the official website by clicking HERE.

World Without Rules

AMAZING NEW POSTER FOR THE DARK KNIGHT - COMING OUT THIS JULY.

Nelson Mandela

"We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You're a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to manifest the glory of God that is within us. All of us. And as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

Happiness Factory

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE COCA COLA HAPPINESS FACTORY BY PSYOP.

Plato

"All things will be produced in superior quantity and quality, and with greater ease, when each man works at a single occupation, in accordance with his natural gifts, and at the right moment, without meddling with anything else. "

60 Million

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE NEW STEVE NASH VIRAL VIDEO FROM NIKE.

Frasier Crane

"It may be that the gulfs will wash us down;It may be we shall touch the Happy Isles, We are not now that strength which in old days Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are - Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will; To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield." I’ve been thinking about that poem a lot lately. And I think what it says is that, while it’s tempting to play it safe, the more we’re willing to risk, the more alive we are. In the end, what we regret most are the chances we never took. And I hope that explains a little this journey on which I’m about to embark. I have loved every minute with my KACL family and all of you. For eleven years you have heard me say, "I’m listening." Well, you were listening too. And for that I am eternally grateful. Goodnight, Seattle."

Thanks

MY FAVORITE CANUCK TREVOR LINDEN PLAYED HIS LAST GAME TODAY.

Life Experience

Last Saturday I watch the movie 21 in theaters. I didn't know much about blackjack nor am much of a gambler but thought the trailer looked slick. The film is based on the book BRINGING DOWN THE HOUSE, a detailed account of how half a dozen MIT students took Vegas for millions by counting cards. Overall I enjoyed the film, it was slick, well acted, fast paced and entertaining. The ending was predictable but the quick editing and colorful visuals made it fun to watch. I highly recommend it.

One part of the film that stuck with me was how the main character talks about his lack of life experience. He hasn't traveled or partied or had much fun because he was only focused on school and getting into Harvard Med. While this part was important to the film it also got me thinking about my own life. I've spent most of my 20s focused on making money, running from job to job and reading, researching and making investments. That kind of bugged me after I walked out of the theater.

Inspired by the film and concerned by my use of time, James and I headed to a casino. It was my first time playing blackjack and despite James trying to teach me the ropes I wasn't blessed with beginner's luck. I ended up losing $245 at the casino that night. Sure I was a bit ticked at myself for losing that much money in two hours but I was happy to gain a life long story to share with others.

Subdisc

If you're a fan of clean and sophisticated design then you need to check out the work of Swedish designer/photographer Markus Erickson. He is the creative director of JORDAN BRAND website (man I envy this guy) and a self-taught designer. To view his online portfolio of photography click HERE.

Carrey as Caruso

After an intense conversation at work regarding CSI MIAMI and how lame DAVID CARUSO is as the lead character a link to this VIDEO of JIM CARREY on LETTERMAN imitating Caruso as Lieutenant Horatio Caine was e-mailed out to everyone. I thought the impression was spot on and hope Caruso has also seen it.

Blink

Just a couple of days ago I picked up MALCOLM GLADWELL'S bestselling book BLINK: THE POWER OF THINKING WITHOUT THINKING. I'm only 50 pages in but I can't put it down. The book is thought provoking and will make you think and rethink the way you think. Gladwell, a staff writer for the New Yorker also respects his audience and doesn't dumb down the book. If you have some free time I recommend you pick up this cleverly titled book.

Tiger Woods

"I view my life in a way … I'll explain it to you, OK? The greatest thing about tomorrow is, I will be better than I am today. And that's how I look at my life. I will be better as a golfer, I will be better as a person, I will be better as a father, I will be a better husband, I will be better as a friend. That's the beauty of tomorrow. There is no such thing as a setback. The lessons I learn today I will apply tomorrow, and I will be better."

Acclaimed

An acquaintance sent me a link to MICHEL GONDRY’S award winning LEVIS commercial. Tom is a big fan of his and won’t stop raving about him and convinced me that THIS commercial was the best ever. I wouldn’t go that far but it is creative, visually stunning and quirky and after viewing it I understood why its one of the most critically acclaimed commercials in history. This LEVIS “drug store” spot is in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most awards won (24) for a one-off commercial.

La Underground

TO VIEW THEIR AUTHENTIC MUSIC POSTER WORK CLICK HERE.

Mark Twain

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

Gone Baby Gone

At his first crack at directing, BEN AFFLECK did an impressive job with GONE BABY GONE (I love the title). The film is thoroughly entertaining, shocking, absorbing and will have you talking and thinking about it hours after it’s over. While the thick Boston accents were hard to understand at first and it starts a bit slow, the pace picks up and just when you think its about to end - the film takes you in a totally different direction. I highly recommend it and believe it will challenge your views on responsibility, love, parenting and family.

Steve Jobs

If your looking for an inspiring message you should watch this STEVE JOBS commencement speech at Standford University in 2005. I personally liked his comments on connecting the dots and the question he asks himself each morning. His story of overcoming cancer and thoughts on death gave me goosebumps. To watch the fourteen and a half minute video click HERE.

Noahkalina.com

STYLISH PHOTOGRAPHY FROM NEW YORK BASED NOAH KALINA.

Bhudda

“There is nothing more dreadful than the habit of doubt. Doubt separates people. It is a poison that disintegrates friendships and breaks up pleasant relations. It is a thorn that irritates and hurts; it is a sword that kills.”

Brett Favre

"You're never guaranteed about next year. People ask what you think of next season, you have to seize the opportunities when they're in front of you."

Hitchcock

VANITY FAIR RE-CREATES ELEVEN ALFRED HITCHCOCK FILM MOMENTS.

Now Entering Seattle

It started as an innocent suggestion by James one snowy afternoon and lead to an exciting day trip to Seattle to watch a Sonics game and check out the city. We took a three hour Greyhound bus ride down south – while cheap the bus ride was far from comfortable. Once in the city I was shocked to find how closely Seattle resembles Vancouver. The buildings, the look, water and feel of it were very much like our city and despite not knowing where we were going many times it felt like home.

A highlight of the trip was going up the Space Needle. The 41 second elevator ride up was exhilarating. It was an amazing view and if you’re ever in the city you need to check it out. The $16 admission is worth it. The three hours before game time were spent walking around the city. Both James and I were disappointed in the shopping experience though. Now I understand why everyone goes to the outlet malls, the supply in the city was very limited and overpriced. The downtown core of Seattle I found small but the city had alluring beauty (must be a west coast thing). The four dollar one stop monorail was overpriced but did save us 30 minutes of walking time. But the city should throw away atrocious art pieces that are around the space needle and monorail.

The Sonics played the Lakers that night and I’m sure I saw more Kobe Bryant jerseys than Sonics jerseys. The game itself was a snoozer (except when Bryant got ejected) but the half-time show and break dancing were entertaining. It was worth a day trip. The only problem I had was the shady looking folks at the bus depot when we were leaving. James found my fear amusing but my goal was just avoiding eye contact. Overall it was a great trip and as James mention while on the bus ride home – “It’s time to start planning our next trip.” I can’t wait.

Katy Rhodes

"Give more than you take. Do your best to leave every situation better than you found it. Seek beauty in all its forms. Chase dreams. Watch sunsets. Endeavor to use more than 10 percent of your brain. Don't stifle your deep-from-the-gut, cleansing laughter. Take a moment to ponder the enormity of the universe, then admit to yourself that you can't possibly be the center. Breathe deeply. Swim into the dark water. Let yourself cry when your body tells you to. Love more. Delight in silliness. Don't be bitter. Forgive. Forgive. Forgive."

Distinguish Yourself

If your an ambitious person or are determined to move ahead in life than I recommend the free e-book 25 WAYS TO DISTINGUISH YOURSELF by RAJESH SHETTY. It's only twenty seven pages but packed with gold nuggets of wisdom. It only took me about an hour or so to read so it isn't time consuming. Click HERE to download it.

Jordan

For over twenty years the AIR JORDAN brand has been know as much for their entertaining commercials as their slick expensive shoes. I love the new Legendary and Melo Engine campaign by the company. Click HERE to watch LOOK ME IN THE EYES and HERE to watch CARMELO ANTHONY ENGINE. To view behind the scenes footage of MELO ENGINE click HERE.

Rated R Stand-up

Before you click the HERE link on this post, be warned that this video has a lot of swearing. The video is the half hour act of CARLOS MENCIA - a really funny comic who rants about race, celebrity and other trivial matters. Hey made me laugh out loud and hopefully you will do the same for you.

Complex

COMPLEX MAGAZINE SPREADS DESIGNED BY ART DIRECTOR TIM LEONG.

Flashing Lights

Just finished watching the video to KANYE WEST'S latest single FLASHING LIGHTS. Visually I found it impressive and the female (model RITA G) shows off her amazing curves but I honestly didn't get the point of the video. I don't know if he is coming out with a sequel or if there is more - I just don't know. If you get it them please feel free to explain it to me. Click HERE to view the video.

Viral

At work, in the newspaper and even while on the bus I've been hearing about the Sarah Silverman video on Jimmy Kimmel. It took me three days to finally search for it and watch it and now I understand what all the fuse is about. Click HERE to watch I'M F*UCKING MATT DAMON. The video's already received over 5 million hits on YOUTUBE. I've always like Damon, he's just a regular guy that isn't effected by his fame and knows how to have a good time.

William Earnest Henley

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
for my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance,
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance,
My head is bloodied, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishment the scroll.
I am the master of my fate;
I am the captain of my soul.
- INVICTUS BY WILLIAM ERNEST HENLEY (1849 - 1903)

Ohhhhh

When it comes to sports I'm an emotinal guy. I yell at the television, jump out of the chair, and say yeahhhh whenever my team of choice scores. But when I saw this GOAL by UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA forward EVAN TRUPP on SPORTSCENTRE a couple of days ago all I did was scream ohhhhhh. It has to be one of the best college hockey goals scored.

Johnalvinart.com

TO VIEW THE LATE JOHN ALVIN'S (1948 - 2008) MOVIE ARTWORK CLICK HERE.

Superbowl

Finally after two weeks of waiting the SUPERBOWL is on tomorrow. After thinking about it long and hard, I'm putting my money on NEW ENGLAND. I've been a PATRIOTS fan for years but even I'm sick of them always winning. I like TOM BRADY and want him to cement his place in history with another championship and go down as one of the best ever.

Grand Central Stunt

Someone sent me the link to this VIDEO yesterday. God, I wish I was there when this happened. Over 200 people froze in the middle of Grand Central Station in New York as an improv stunt. Very creative idea and I'm sure those that witnessed it found it chilling. It looks like something out of a movie.

Hibernation

If your wondering why I’ve haven’t been posting as much it’s because I’m having trouble getting out of my warm comfy bed. The weather in VANCOUVER, BC has been appalling. We’ve had nothing but snow these last three months. It is colder than its ever been and I can’t stir up the discipline to get out of bed until I absolutely have to. I don't know how those on the east coast do it, I've never been so depressed beacause of the weather.

Promotional Postcards

I'VE BEEN WORKING ON THESE SELF PROMO CONCEPT CARDS FOR FUN.

Smith On 60

To watch WILL SMITH'S interview on 60 MINUTES click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2. I've always liked the guy and he is right about himself coming off as someone that loves living and it shows on screen. To watch the trailer for his upcoming movie HANCOCK click HERE. My favorite part of the interview was the end where WILL SMITH says he has really good time with his life. I wonder how many people can say the same about themselves - I know I can't.

Michaelcogliantry.com

COMEDIC PHOTOS FROM NYC'S MICHAEL COGLIANTRY. I LIKE HIS STYLE.

Reading

Just finished reading SETH GODIN'S MEATBALL SUNDAE. An excellent book if you’re in business or thinking about starting one. He provides great insights on online marketing strategies. A day ago I started reading MARKETING OUTRAGEOUSLY (the title speaks for the content) written by sports marketer JON SPOELSTRA. So far I've found it engrossing and hard to put down. I also purchased the new issue of GOOD MAGAZINE. The magazine is very well designed and with strong content. The 50-page idea section is worth the subscription alone.

Lewis L. Dunnington

"Your living is determined not so much by what life brings you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens."

Superbowl

Like most football fans I'm impressed the CHARGERS upset the COLTS to face TOM BRADY and the PATRIOTS. But I don't see them gettings past New England. I predicate SUPERBOWL XL II will be PATRIOTS vs PACKERS. I hope both teams win their conferences so I can improve my current 5-3 playoff record.

Favorite Films 07

1) AMERICAN GANGSTER

2) I AM LEGEND

3) LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE

4) HAPPY FEET

5) TRANSFORMERS

6) 300

7) THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM

8) SHOOTER

9) PEACEFUL WARRIOR

10) THE KINGDOM

Stewie

Most people either hate or love the show FAMILY GUY. Personally I'm in between. At times I find the show offensive, unfunny and over the top and other times I'm laughing out loud. The reason I really watch the show is little STEWIE GRIFFIN. He has to be my favorite television baby since Michelle on FULL HOUSE. To view the best of STEWIE clips click HERE, to watch his audition on AMERICAN IDOL click HERE, to see him play basketball click HERE and to hear his thoughts on EMINEM and 50 CENT click HERE. Man I love this kid.

Playoff Picks

After going an impressive 3-1 on my predications during NFL Wild Card weekend I thought I would give this weekend another try. For some reason I just don't see any upsets happening this weekend and think the PACKERS, PATRIOTS, COWBOYS and COLTS will win.

Will Smith

"I've never viewed myself as particularly talented. I've viewed myself as slightly above average in talent. "Where I excel is with a ridiculous, sickening work ethic. While the other guy's sleeping, I'm working. While the other guy's eating, I'm working. While the other guy's making love, I mean, I'm making love, too, but I'm working really hard at it!"

Little-Jacket.com

TO VIEW POSTER WORK FROM OHIO BASED LITTLE JACK DESIGN CLICK HERE.

Predictions

Below are my picks for the upcoming NFL playoff weekend. Please refrain from gambling based on the picks of this football fan. Here they are: REDSKINS VS SEAHAWKS, JAGUARS VS STEELERS, GIANTS VS BUCCANEERS and TITANS VS CHARGERS. My projected winners are highlighted in blue.

Rolling Exhibition

Flipping through the channels tonight I happened to catch an inspiring segment on 20/20. It was the story of KEVIN CONNOLLY, a man who was born without legs that travels the world taking photos of people staring at him. I can't recall the last time I was overcome with such sympathy and anger. At the same time I felt sorry for him and was mad at myself. Me, a healthy person was spending his free time watching television while this man, despite his handicap was traveling the world and doing something. I even felt resentment toward God for Kevin being born without legs. As these words are being typed I still have mixed feelings of what I viewed earlier tonight but I wish Kevin all the best in everything he does. To watch or read about the segment click HERE. To found out more about Kevin click HERE and to view his photography click HERE.

Bogusky

Famed creative director Alex Bogusky of CRISPIN PORTER + BOGUSKY (one of the most awarded and innovative ad agencies of this decade) gives an interview to CREATIVTY MAGAZINE. I personally enjoyed the third video where he speaks about his fears and the importance of taking risks. It's reassuring to know such an accomplished man also has doubts but continues to move forward. You can view the first of four episodes (also available on the same page) by clicking HERE.

Edith Lovejoy Pierce

"We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day."

2008

The beginning of a new year has always been a gift and a curse for me. I realize that it's a time for new beginnings and a fresh new year awaits me. At the same time I find it hard to believe how quickly time is passing - in two more years this decade will be over. I always try to use this time to reflect and see if I'm a better person than I was last year. I hope I am. I also wish you and yours all the best for 2008. Make it a great one.

Quentin Shih

CLICK HERE TO VIEW STUNNING WORK OF THE BEIJING PHOTOGRAPHER,

Heard

Since getting back to designing I've been listening to a lot of music. I try not to listen to the same genre but try to mix it up. A little rap, jazz, rock and even a bit of country get my creativity going. My top five songs this week have been BUBBLY by COLBIE CAILLAT, ROCKSTAR by NICKELBACK, CRANK THAT by SOULJA BOY, LIVE LIKE YOU WERE DYING by TIM MCGRAW and NO ONE by ALICIA KEYS.

33rpm.com

CHECK OUT THE WORK OF DESIGNER ANDRIO ABERO BY CLICKING HERE.

Sirens

For the first time since I was ten years old I was in a vehicle that was pulled over by the cops. After watching I AM LEGEND (review below), JAMES and I were stopped by the police. It was an odd situation, we hadn't done anything wrong but they flashed us the sirens anyways. They had no intention of giving us a ticket since they never asked for registration; they just wanted to see our driver licenses. They may have thought we were drug dealers but my face is too innocent for that. Both the cops asked where we were coming from and where we lived. After cross checking out ids I guess they find out we were legit and let us go, providing me with another great story to tell my great grandchildren.