Napping makes you Smarter

So it's true - a short snooze during the day will boost your mood and your intelligence - but there's more to it than simply closing your eyes. Link

Happy 25th Birthday Mac

Like a lot of us, I have been a Mac user for many years - pretty much since the beginning in 1984, when I was in high school. Here's to another 25 years - Happy Birthday Mac. 

1984 Apple Mac Ad - best SuperBowl ad ever, which only officially aired once!

Cadbury's Eyebrow Dance

This is a 'glass and a half' of pure genius... 

The soundtrack is 'Don't stop the Rock' by Freestyle

Update: The ad was created by the London wing of Fallon, who also produced Cadbury's other two 'off the wall' ads - Gorilla and Trucks. These may be a little out there, but nothing comes close to the Tango ad's of the 90's - enjoy!

Thumbs Up...

...from daughter Sasha, and the rest of the world. Good Luck Sir.

'A return to truths' - from President Barack Obama's inaugural address:

"Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends - hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths."

Is Obama President?

The White House has been updated.

The Big Picture - inauguration in photographs.

A Tribute to Tony Hart

Tony Hart - the man who inspired a generation of artists, died yesterday. His enthusiasm for all genres of art was infectious - He was instrumental in building the foundation for the artist/animator, I am today. He was the best sort of teacher - one who shows you a technique; then encourages you to take it to the next level.

One of my fondest memories of childhood was seeing a piece of art; I created; displayed on tv - in the gallery section of Hart Beat - you will be missed, RIP Tony.

Tony Hart - Official website

BBC Report

Guardian - Tony in Pictures

I miss London

T-mobile advert; filmed on 15th January 2009 at Liverpool Street Station, London. I love this - makes me miss London. Hey, I even have a soft spot for Liverpool Street Station!

Audi Unboxed

Excellent animated Audi ad - a mix of 3d and trad hand drawn cel animation. Insight from one of the two co-directors at the Motionographer site.

Tetris = Stress Relief

So now we have some scientific proof, that all those hours spent playing Tetris, were actually doing you good. Link

Currently enjoying:

Quinn for Mac.

Tetris Party for Wii.

Doodle Monster

A recent doodle; He really has a lot of character - I like this one, I might have to try and make him in 3d...

Why I Am a Designer

Isn't it a little scary that I conform to all of these points? Link

A little inspiration for the new year

via Overthinking It

Objectified: A Documentary Film

Finally a film for all of us; obsessed with design and aesthetics. Link

Beautiful Children

Given the escalation of conflict in Gaza this weekend, I've been glued to the internet news sites (like most of you, I'm sure). Here are a couple of links that I felt were worth a look, and second look...

Global Voices special coverage - ongoing; 

NY Times Report - 3rd Jan; 

BBC News protests at Israeli embassy in London - 3rd Jan; 

Haaretz.com coverage of protests in Tel Aviv - 4th Jan; 

Protest photos from all around the world - ongoing;

One Voice Movement

A proposed solution for peace in the Middle East; the above graffiti; discovered on a wall near Dizengoff Circle in Tel Aviv. This simple sentiment reflects a central problem of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the larger web of sectarian conflicts in the region. Change won’t happen as long as each faction hates the other more than they love their own children.

Peace, coming to a world near you, soon - Insh'Allah.

Happy New Year - 2009

May peace break into your house, and may thieves come to steal your debts. May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet for $100 bills. May love stick to your face like glue, and may laughter assault your lips! May your clothes smell of success, and may happiness slap you across the face, and may your tears be that of joy. May all the problems you have be forgotten and... may 2009 be peaceful and prosperous for us all.