Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

Wicker World!

Tuesday, October 6th, 2009 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

I’ve just returned from a short family break on Scotland’s west coast. As expected the scenery was stunning. We took full advantage of a ‘near’ full week of glorious sunshine, to explore the unspoilt landscape of lochs, ancient ruins, deserted beaches and the vast Galloway Forest. All together, a nice mix of relaxation with plenty of fresh air and exercise.

What was more unexpected, was to discover that the picturesque ‘arty’ village of Kirkcudbright, where we based ourselves, was the location of the cult 1970’s horror film The Wicker Man! Infact the indie/rock festival that is held there each year even includes the burning of a Wicker Man figure as seen in the film.

Actually, on reflection I’m not surprised at all. Although a beautiful place, the eerie calm , isolation and general quirky-ness make it a believable location for pagan rituals and other weird going-ons!!!

Having a Blast!!

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

During one of my many aimless evenings of surfing the web, I came across BBC Blast, a new site that has recently launched to promote talent and creativity.

The site features an impressive art installation housed in the Topolski studio at London’s Southbank Centre where via some very clever web cameras and remote controls you can make an addition to the art installation from your own computer screen. There are 4 machines that can be remotely controlled, ranging from a cool glue gun, paint pellet machine for firing paint at a canvas, printer and hanging light strips that play sounds as they light up all directed from your computer.

For visitors to the Topolski studio, the art is happening in front of them, all controlled by internet users, a fantastic combination of technology and art!

Why not contribute to this impressive project at http://www.bbc.co.uk/blast/

D-Day for the Mont-ster

Thursday, May 21st, 2009 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Last Saturday was make-or-break time for Monty as we enrolled the help of Barking Mad Mal, a canine behaviour expert and ex-police dog trainer, to give us the skills to readdress the balance and show Monty who’s really in charge!

Long nights of relentless barking and general ‘bad’ behaviour had taken its toll on Anna and I so we decided to put an end to it – and give Monty a happier, stress-free life!

Malcolm informed us that Monty thinks that he is the alpha male or pack leader – a role that dogs can assume if they aren’t given clear boundaries and routine.

We’re currently on day four of Monty’s rehabilitation, and there are already positive signs of improvement. Not only have we seen a reduction in the amount of barking, he’s eating his food properly and staying off the sofas – which is a first!

If you have a dog with behaviour issues, I’d thoroughly recommend using Mal – he’s a lovely guy, takes the time to understand the dog’s issues and gives you a written plan to follow in order to give you a happier hound!

Check him out at www.barkingmadmal.co.uk

Not so Terrible 2’s… so far!

Thursday, April 23rd, 2009 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

On Sunday we celebrated my daughter Ella’s second birthday with a party with friends and family.

A combination of screaming toddlers, chocolate hand prints everywhere and my brother who mineswept the booze from the fridge ensured an enjoyable afternoon. 

Its weird to think she’s 2, the last couple of years have absolutely flown by. I imagine the reduced amount of sleep we’ve had in that time has assisted that though. 

A ‘perk’ of being a designers daughter is that she gets her own bespoke birthday card each year. Not quite as exciting as chocolate cake, but a nice memento to look at in years to come.

Ella was brilliantly behaved throughout with no early signs of the ‘terrible 2’s’, infact the only thing ‘terrible’ all day was the many ‘dad jokes’!

Top 10 April Fool’s hoaxes

Wednesday, April 1st, 2009 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/5086490/Top-10-April-Fools-hoaxes.html

1. In 1957 the BBC’s Panorama news programme announced that due to a very mild winter and the virtual elimination of the spaghetti weevil, Swiss farmers were enjoying a bumper spaghetti crop. It accompanied this announcement with footage of Swiss peasants pulling strands of spaghetti down from trees. Huge numbers of viewers were taken in and many called the BBC asking how they could grow their own spaghetti tree.

2. In 1977 The Guardian newspaper published a special seven-page supplement devoted to San Serriffe, a small republic said to consist of several semi-colon-shaped islands located in the Indian Ocean. A series of articles described the geography and culture of the fictional nation, prompting hundreds of calls from readers seeking information about the idyllic holiday destination.

3. In 1980 the BBC reported that Big Ben was to be given a digital readout, in order to keep up with the times. The announcement received a huge response from listeners shocked and angered by the proposed change.

4. In 1989 Richard Branson, the entrepreneur, landed a hot-air balloon on the outskirts of London, which had been made up to look like a flying saucer. Thousands of motorists reported seeing the supposed UFO causing police to rush to the scene only to discover that it was an elaborate hoax devised by the businessman to promote Virgin Records.

5. Last year, the BBC announced that it had captured footage of flying Adélie penguins, while filming near the Antarctic for its natural history series Miracles of Evolution. The report was accompanied by a video clip of the hoax creatures, which became one of the most viewed videos on the internet. Presenter Terry Jones explained that, instead of huddling together to endure the Antarctic winter, these penguins took to the air and flew thousands of miles to the rainforests of South America where they “spend the winter basking in the tropical sun”.

6. In 1998 the fast-food chain Burger King published a full-page advertisement in USA Today announcing the introduction of a “Left-Handed Whopper” specially designed for the 32 million left-handed Americans. According to the advertisement, the new Whopper included the same ingredients as the original Whopper, but that they were rotated 180 degrees for the benefit of their left-handed customers. It was reported that thousands of customers fell for the prank and began specifying left or right hand versions of the burger when visiting its restaurants.

7. In 1986 thousands of French citizens were outraged after The Parisien reported that an agreement had been signed to dismantle the Eiffel Tower and have it reconstructed in the Euro Disney theme park.

8. In 2004, the BBC Radio 4’s Today programme announced that the traditional theme tune to The Archers was to be scrapped in favour of a new electronic version by Brian Eno.

9. In 1976, Patrick Moore told Radio 2 listeners that, at precisely 9.47am that day, an unusual alignment of the planets would lessen the Earth’s gravitational pull, so that anyone who jumped in the air would feel a strange floating sensation. Hundreds phoned in to say they had experienced the phenomenon.

10. In 1994, BMW continued its tradition of running hoax adverts on April Fool’s by touting the latest advancement for its cars – pivoting convex lasers mounted in front of each wheel to melt ice and snow on the road.

Monday, March 30th, 2009 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Doing a blog regularly certainly gives you a perspective on time. It seems only days ago I did my last blog in December which was very reflective following certain events!

3 months on and business is good (hard but good). Our clients seem to be getting through well so far and I’m also happy to welcome Darren Wake to our team to further strengthen our frontline.

Personally the family is great all healthy and doing well and after Open Door Designs’ rebrand we’ve managed to do a bit of redecorating.

Busy doing budgets, cash flows and business planning at the moment, but in and amongst we have some exciting stuff happening and our Team continues to mature and keep coming up with great ideas.

Enjoying ourselves will be a priority this year and we have a number of events planned to make sure that happens.

Until next time.

A massive turn off!

Thursday, March 26th, 2009 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Saturday 28th March gives everyone the opportunity to be involved in a truely global event. 

At 8.30pm (GMT), people, businesses and iconic buildings around the world will switch off their lights for an hour in support of action being taken to tackle climate change.

This event has been conceived by the WWF, and they are hoping that a billion people will sign up and get involved. It’s WWF’s way of reminding the worlds leaders of their responsibilities to us all when making decisions effecting the environment.

I really like the idea of this and will participate. Not just because I care about the issue of climate change, but also for the knowledge that your are involved in a simple, but big, idea that is so far-reaching.

If you’re at home at this time there’s no excuse not to get involved. I mean… sitting in the dark for an hour has got to be better than watching some Saturday night garbage tv like…. Strictly Ballroom Dancing Celebrity Idiots on Ice.. or something like that! Ha.

To find out more visit:  http://earthhour.wwf.org.uk

Snowed in!

Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Sitting here on a very snowy Tuesday lunchtime, lost as I can’t get to the office. The wonders of modern technology however, allowing me to communicate with the outside world so I am not totally cut off. Approximately 12 inches of snow fell over the last 24 hours and our lane is totally in-accessible, even for a Tesco delivery van!

Today has given me a snippet of a window to reflect on 2009 so far. January has been a bumper month, with a host of new clients coming on board and some major projects underway. Don’t want to speak too soon…but credit crunch, what credit crunch!!! Just hope that the run will continue into the coming months.

In all seriousness, the CC has hit many of us including some big high-street names, but it seems that if you pick your client base carefully and stick with them, you can ride these bad times out. My biggest concern is how long it will last and how much money we will all end up owing if the government gets its way!

Anyway, on a lighter note, Monty is not enjoying the snow, as he can only just stand up in places, but has a new found love – his ball! Driving us both totally mad as all he wants to do is play fetch! Here are some more picts for the scrap book.

Could I be famous?

Monday, December 15th, 2008 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Just recently, I made a bit of a eejit of myself by getting a bit excited about a Vauxhall Astra driving passed the office with a big camera strapped to the roof. The guys in the studio really had no idea what was so amazing about this car, but there’s a real good chance I’ve just immortalised myself in the virtual Google history books.

Maybe you’re familiar with Google Maps or other online Maps? Very soon, the UK will have caught up with Australia, New Zealand and parts of America with their very own street view maps, compiled by Google. So how does it work? Well, it’s very simple, this Vauxhall Astra with the cameras strapped to the roof is driving up and down every street in the UK taking 360 degree still images every couple of yards. Once compiled you’ll be able to travel down any street in the UK and have a look around. 

Click here to check out the amazing street scenes from Sydney

Hopefully in a few months time, when you search for Brown Lane West in Leeds, you’ll see me standing on the corner waving at the car like an eejit!