Barney's ties up the holidays with string... literally the cheapest string they could find.

This article in the NYTimes about "shoppers being treated like kings just for, well, being customers" reminded me of how (humorously) appalled I was during a xmas trip to Barney's New York (Seattle outpost).

This is a retailer that (nearly) invented exciting, surprising, satisfying speciality fashion on a grand scale. That's why I was so surprised to have the Marc Jacobs baubles that I bought for my daughter boxed up and tied with a cheap,, scratchy, stretchy silver cord - not even a ribbon! Two words:  Tack-eee.
I'm pretty sure Walgreens down the block was using higher end materials at their cash registers.

The ironic thing is - and I mentioned this to the VERY gracious salesclerk - was that merchandised right there on the cash wrap was Simon Doonan's book, "Eccentric Glamour." The current darling of all things fabulous and he has prescribed the world's cheapest piece of schmutz to enliven the packages of one of the world's most expensive emporiums.

Simon, are you kidding me?? Definitely NOT fabulous.

I told you not to park there.

There we were, all 6 of us, and the limo breaks down and...

This shot reminds me of AAA of Washington's ad campaign that basically says, it's never just a simple breakdown on the side of the road - there are always repercussions...

What's that address again?

Architectural signage is a key element on the exterior of any building... you hate to see a great facade compromised by signage that ends up being an afterthought. These numbers appear on the outside of the new Fairview Research Center, on the corner of Mercer and Fairview.

It would appear that the number spin individually on their own axis... but they may simply be fixed at different angles. More later...

Nice Shot w/a Powershot???

In a magazine ad for a camera, is it fair to assume that the photo featured in the ad was taken using the actual camera being advertised??

How to verify? It reminds me of the "scandal" surrounding Microsoft staff using Apple and other products to create websites and such - even though MS made similar (though not quite as good?) products.

For the record, the photo of this ad for Canon Powershots was taken with a Powershot.

Heavenly Soiree at Club Cielo

Last night was my first official Christmas party of the season graciously hosted by Seattle's ZinoSociety and held at the new and fabulous Club Cielo at Escala in downtown.

Great party, great food and a huge crowd of wine lovers and business movers/shakers. Oh, and let us not forget the lovely Miss Washington - Tracy Turnure - or was on hand to mix & mingle. For more pics from the event, visit the blog of the lovely and gracious Cathi Hatch.

Unfortunately, the camera wasn't handy for my shot with Miss Tracy, so all I got was this shot with my buddy D Mc.

Let the holiday games begin!

Ads that give me pause.

Billboards are supposed to be understandable in under 3 seconds driving over 55 miles per hour. Around Seattle, McD's is pushing their new "frappé" beverage (don't get me started on that!) and this is one of the executions in the campaign.

Do you know what it means, immediately, sitting in your chair? I'll admit that it was a mental distraction for me for about a mile as I pondered the options...  eleven (in the boldest of helvetica)? 2 bars in a box? And then I thought of electronic devices and the iconography that is used to explain the functionality of the various buttons that control them... duh! And then I missed my exit.

The user interface of personal electronics is practically a synonym for what the McD's brand stands for. Right?? Are you lovin' it?

Powerbox Murals

These graphic-intensive murals showed up in downtown Seattle over the past few months along the First/Second Avenue retail core. By my count there are about 15 of them... here are a few favs...

They rock.

Rolling Huts – Architecturally Significant Camping

A weekend at The Rolling Huts in Mazama, WA is a sublime experience in contrasts. Thank you Mother Nature and Olsen Sunberg Kundig Allen architects... The structures themselves are amazing; the setting is breathtaking; and it's easy to forget you're in a "rustic" cabin given the aesthetic accomplishment.

I'm not sure "microwave oven" and "rustic" can be used in the same sentence, but there is a lack of indoor plumbing. There is a small refrigerator, electricity and a state-of-the-art wood stove, but a porta-potty, too. There is also a "firewood fairy," as the kindling and logs just seem to appear out of nowhere.

Down the road a bit... 20 miles or so... is Twisp, a town that's fun to say and visit. I'm not sure how I missed seeing these sculptures on my last visit - I can only guess they weren't there - perhaps Twisp has a sculpture fairy who rolls in the oversized, iron orbs under cover of darkness?

And, naturally, there's a signature coffee roaster within easy reach - Blue Star Coffee!

I Love Sculpture

There are, along Elliott Ave, a few(!) new buildings nearing completion. These properties abut the BNSF rail lines and look out over the working railcars, the grain elevator and Elliott Bay.

I was very excited to see a new installation of some large scale sculptures on the lawn connecting two of these buildings. I don't know the tenants, but I'm guessing biotech. Interesting, too, that it's right down the street from the Olympic Sculpture Park.

One of the pieces (Source, mounted on the concrete platform)) is by Canadian sculptor Sorel Etrog (Romania 1933). The others are unidentified.

Now it turns out that Des Moines, IA, loves sculpture, too!

Are YOU happy? Why not??

"Silly" theatre isn't typically my bag, but I had a great time at Arts West last night seeing Measure for Pleasure - a "restoration comedy" of British tradition full of quadruple entendre and nearly as many story lines.

It really is a fun romp - the theatre space is great - and if you can stand it, there's even a heartfelt injection of serious philosophy a bit too explicitly spelled out at the conclusion. But no matter - if you enjoy theatre, comedy, sex and lightning fast rhyming - get there (thru Nov 14)

Wiener Mobile - another classic car!

On my way to the yoga studio the other morning - dark early morning! - I had to circle back in order to document this sighting of the famed Oscar Mayer Wiener Mobile. Unfortunately, I couldn't get the perfect shot due to how it was parked...

Seeing this rig is day-maker. Say what you will about hot dogs, but when you turn one into a car as big as a school bus, it can only evoke good feelings and smiles.

In the parlance of collectors, I'm not sure I would want it to be my "everyday driver," but it sure would be fun to cruise around town for a few hours!

What if every business / brand had to create a novelty vehicle to represent it? What would yours be??

Art's where you find it.

This weekend I went from a car-detailing workshop sponsored by the new LeMay Museum to the latest opening at the Ambach & Rice gallery.

LeMay has an incredible collection of vintage cars (including this 1956 Jaguar XK 140).

Ambach has an exhibition featuring the work of Armenian-born, Amsterdam-based, Karen Sargsyan. His work is dramatic, operatic and rich with life energy (especially after being released from the crates!). Go view it.

Do you have reservations? Definitely.

In my 18+ years in Seattle, I've eaten at Ivar's twice. Some would say that was one too many times - I think it was just perfect.




I'm not a huge fan of their food, but I think their new billboard campaign is a great effort. Tapping into their Olde Tyme heritage and consumer nostalgia. And the art execution is great.

Anyone know whose work this is?

Some Days you're the windshield. Some days you're the bug...

Having mentioned my affection for the new 76 campaign, it only follows that I end up buying gas there... and what do I see, but a further extension of the campaign - right at point of sale as they say. There is a degree of silliness that is human, compelling and reassuring in the way it tells us that 76 isn't taking themselves too seriously.

Some handy stretches for you...

And an educational opportunity for the kids...

On the Driver's Side...

It's not easy bringing personality to a commodity, but I think the new 76 Gas campaign is excellent. Every driver feels at least a little bit like the king of the road when they're behind the wheel and this new positioning ("We're on the driver's side.) taps into that nicely. (Remember VW's "Drivers Wanted")

The idea that the driver has veto power over the music. Or, if you happen to be a bus driver, then you have to deal with 30+ backseat drivers. And my favorite, yes, if everyone drove like me the world would be a better place.

I don't, however, love each execution unconditionally. I could do without the bladder reference.

Anyway, I'm a sucker for a good double entendre and I know that some of these billboard / bus card executions have made me smile and feel good about 76 - where before there was no feeling at all.

Fill'er up.

Christianity on Sale!

I have a confession:  My girlfriend and I shopped the Outlet Mall the other day—and it was my idea.

Yes, it's true. (Slightly ironic, too, since Outlet Mall shopping is pretty close to my vision of hell.)

I'll resist regaling you with anecdotes of bargains-had and the Goodwill donations that are surely in our future. The most interesting thing to me - other than the cyclone that seemed to have blown through the Polo store - was that Christianity has a retail outpost at the Outlet Mall!


"I am not paying retail for my religion, so help me God!!"

I've never given it much thought, but I guess it makes sense that there exist Christian sundry items that go begging at their traditional retail stores. Seconds. Rejects. Lightly used religious regalia.  Calendars with misquoted bible verse? The Jesus pepper grinder that didn't quite meet sales projections.  Everyone loves a bargain - God-fearing or not.

God bless the bargain hunter.
Peace be with you.

What Goes Around...

I picked up and quickly read this book last week - The Go-Giver - a modern fable on prosperity told in the context of a modern day Joe Salesman in search of the secrets that will help him hit his monthly quotas with ease and aplomb.

It's an engaging read and a great reminder that, when it comes to true success, putting others needs ahead of your own really works. Obviously, the principles covered apply to life in general - not just business life.

There are 5 Laws of Stratospheric Success brought to life through the story, one of which is the Law of Receptivity. While you must give, it is also essential to receive. One does not exist without the other. Do not resist the gifts others offer (whatever form they take) - it's potentially insulting, arrogant and, at the least, stops the natural flow of things.

This came to life for me the other day at my bank of all places. I had the occasion to be a good samaritan 2 weeks in a row - both times picking up something in the parking lot that another customer had presumably dropped / lost. The first week was a bluetooth headset. The second week was a bank deposit bag full of cash and checks (I only know this from the weight and the fact that the bank staff opened it when I brought it inside). I was struck more by the crazy coincidence of stumbling upon lost goods in the bank parking lot 2 weeks in a row than by any dilemma over whether I should turn them in. Who wouldn't? (Besides, aren't there cameras all over the place??;-)

I went back to the bank a couple of days ago (just to see what I might find in the parking lot!) to cash a check. The teller handed me an envelope with my name on it and inside was a reward check with the words "for your honesty" written on the memo line. Wow. Thanks. But. Um. I'm not sure how I feel about being rewarded for my honesty. Isn't that pretty much "cost of entry" for living a decent life? (I know, we all lie occasionally).

Anyway, I swallowed my protestations and cashed the check - graciously accepting the gifts that were bestowed upon me.

Onward!

The Cream Puff

Here's a great article / feature by Richard Chang in the NYTimes. The owner of an E Type, George Sweeper, nicely captures the experience of the sociability required just to get gas. It reminded me of the piece I wrote (and recorded) about my own 1974 Jaguar - XJ6L (pictured here).
A version of this piece also appeared in the Seattle Times.

I went away for a week today.

It's amazing how a mere 12 hours out of town can feel like a vacation. A good reminder that a day away is better than no day away. Totally refreshing. CH and I took in Bellingham, I taught a yoga class for a friend at 3 Oms, we hit the Farmers Market, drove Chuckanut. 

Saw this video store - the best store name / tag I've seen in quite a while. Film is Truth - 24 Times a Second.

Health Care Reform bill recording finished

A number of professional voice actors - myself included - contributed our time and talent to Hear the Bill. The basic concept being that it would help people learn about this (and other) legislation if it were portable and/or could be consumed with less effort. It was a huge undertaking of which I was just a small part. (To hear me bringing this prose to life click here.)

Warning: It is still washington law-speak. Don't give up coffee on the same day you decide to reassert your role as an engaged citizen.

Cycling will change the world and how you experience it.

Great event at Town Hall Seattle - a panel discussion on bike culture and the state of biking in Seattle proper.

David Byrne was on hand to share some thoughts and images on his personal experiences pedaling about the major cities of the world (captured in his new book - The Bicycle Diaries). I love and respect this guy's work and prolific nature and seeing him on stage as "citizen Byrne" was a nice reality check.

Mark Hinshaw of LMN (whose work I admire) had some good things to say, as did the other speakers/experts on the state of WA cycling.

All in all, go by bike whenever you can - it will change your world and the world at large.

Here's a NYTImes video: