Irfan Chaudhry

Daylight Saving Time

2009-03-08T13:18:00.000-07:00

Remember clocks spring forward today for daylight saving time - (North America) Check out this link for some interesting facts on daylight saving time. Link

PS - Happy Birthday KC - hope you have a good one ; )

Shalimar Website

2009-03-04T16:23:00.000-08:00

Been working on a website for a local restaurant - giving me a good excuse to play with some jQuery (this stuff is great!) A holding page has just gone up - site goes fully live in a week or so. If you're in Seattle's U district, Shalimar is a great place to eat! Link

Weather for...

2009-03-02T17:33:00.000-08:00

Cool way to check what's going on weather wise - weather for. Make sure you check out all the weather images - my favourite is windy! This is just crying out to be made into an iPhone app...

Everything is amazing...

2009-02-27T17:06:00.000-08:00

There's a lot to be said for looking at the world with a child-like awe!

Crayon Art, but not as you know it...

2009-02-25T17:16:00.000-08:00

Wonderful pixel art images, created with wax crayons, by artist Christian Faur.

Venetian Blind

2009-02-18T14:05:00.000-08:00

I created a working venetian blind, for an animation project I'm working on - the rig allows raising and lowering of the the blind, as well as rotation of the blades to let in more or less light.

Lunch Bag Art

2009-02-16T14:01:00.000-08:00

This dad creates wonderful 'lunch bag art', during his lunch break - for his kids. A new one everyday - now there's a cool dad! Link

Love is a Verb

2009-02-14T00:28:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines day people...

Fishy Unicorns?

2009-02-11T00:04:00.000-08:00

Actually, they are n arwhals (Monodon monoceros) - "It was an amazing sight. These animals are just so completely unreal - they are like something from mythology - and we were all just completely gobsmacked when we saw them."

Wonderful footage of narwhals, in the arctic. Filmed by BBC crew, in June 2008, during the tusked animals' summer migration. Link

Related - well it is about narwhals - I enjoyed it! Link #2

End of the Rainbow

2009-02-08T18:26:00.000-08:00

So, what is at the end of a rainbow? in Greek mythology, the rainbow was considered to be a path made by 'Iris'; the messenger of the Gods; between heaven and earth. In Norse mythology it is also a bridge connecting humans to the Gods, but in Irish folklore, it's the leprechaun's secret hiding place for his pot of gold. This place is impossible to reach, because the rainbow is an optical effect which depends on the location of the viewer. When walking towards the end of a rainbow, it will usually move further away. Well, as you can see in this photo, not always... and there's no sign of that pot of gold - Link. Update 2nd Link

Blue for creativity? Red for detail?

2009-02-06T22:06:00.000-08:00

The subconscious effect of colour is a hot area of psychology research, in part because marketers try to use colour to hook us on whatever they're trying to sell. New research, published on Thursday by the journal Science, suggests they'd better be careful - because red or blue can spark very different brain reactions depending on the task involved. Link

NFB.ca finally online...

2009-02-01T17:58:00.000-08:00

Finally, the National Film Board of Canada has put NFB.ca online. A treasure trove of work, to explore and enjoy and in some cases get re-acquainted with. The site let's you view hundreds of animated films, documentaries and experimental films in various genres - Excellent! Here's one of my favourites...

Napping makes you Smarter

2009-01-28T22:47:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-24T17:29:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-24T13:45:00.000-08:00

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...

2009-01-20T18:20:00.000-08:00

...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

2009-01-19T15:59:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-17T18:42:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-15T16:34:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-12T13:09:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-10T14:12:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-07T15:57:00.000-08:00

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

A little inspiration for the new year

2009-01-06T17:17:00.000-08:00

via Overthinking It

Objectified: A Documentary Film

2009-01-05T17:13:00.000-08:00

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

Beautiful Children

2009-01-04T14:40:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-01T13:03:00.000-08:00

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.

A wiggle and a jiggle...

2008-12-31T12:59:00.000-08:00

...because everyone needs a wiggle and jiggle sometimes - especially at New Year's - don't ask, just click the link and enjoy! Link

Winter Wonderland

2008-12-27T19:25:00.000-08:00

Some recent photos after the excess snow we had this month...

Pixar's UP

2008-12-16T14:44:00.000-08:00

Seems to me, that the new film is a reworked version of Cervantes', Don Quixote - not that, that's a bad thing...

Synopsis: Carl Fredricksen spent his entire life dreaming of exploring the globe and experiencing life to its fullest. But at age 78, life seems to have passed him by, until a twist of fate (and a persistent 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer named Russell) gives him a new lease on life. UP takes us on a thrilling journey where the unlikely pair encounter wild terrain, unexpected villains and jungle creatures. Pixar’s Up is in theaters, May 29th 2009 - I'm looking forward to this one!

Trailer

I really like giraffes, but this takes the biscuit...

2008-12-02T19:16:00.000-08:00

So, Ms Colleen got a tattoo of a giraffe; but not just any tattoo; a 'dot to dot' tattoo - very cool. Full story and more photos after the jump - Link

Happy Turkey-Day America...

2008-11-26T08:46:00.000-08:00

Autumn in all it's splendor

2008-11-21T17:30:00.000-08:00

The colors of fall, seen through the lens of my camera - enjoy...

Tip Toland - Melt, the figure in clay

2008-11-14T17:02:00.000-08:00

Amazing Work by Pacific Northwest sculptor Tip Toland. The artist's powerful life size figures, show a frozen moment in time; capturing the beauty and vulnerability of ordinary folk - I am in complete awe! One of my favourite pieces is Dive, pictured here. At the Bellevue Arts Museum, until February 8th, 2009.

History has been made

2008-11-04T21:45:00.000-08:00

'Yes we can' - Today a dream has been realised; faith has been restored. Write it down - Where were you, when history was being made?

We just live here...

2008-11-04T20:18:00.000-08:00

...and they said I couldn't vote: the 2008 Presidential Election site for US Aliens - interestingly, 94% of United Kingdom 'aliens' voted for Obama - sensible people!

Have a good election day, and make the right choice for America and the World.

Build-O-Bama

2008-10-31T09:02:00.000-07:00

Show your support - you too can have your very own paper Obama mascot - print, cut, fold and glue all the way to the White House - cool! Link

Obsession is good

2008-10-29T11:12:00.000-07:00

Interesting article on the Zenhabits blog - "If you want to be good at something, you have to to be obsessive. You have to do the thing all the time, and when you’re not doing it, you have to be thinking about doing it. Why do you think business people who make millions are so good at it? They’re always doing business. Even when they’re not working, they’re thinking about better ways to do business." Link

So it seems white men 'can' jump!

2008-10-28T18:09:00.000-07:00

Stuart Tanner, a 28yr old part-time basketball coach, has embarrassed multi-million dollar NBA star, Devin Harris - the Londoner was videoed challenging Harris to a one on one game, after the New Jersey Nets point guard had led a coaching clinic in Stockwell, London. Someone needs to sign this guy!

A Republican who speaks the truth

2008-10-19T22:14:00.000-07:00

Finally someone is openly addressing the fact, that being Muslim and American, is not mutually exclusive - Much respect for General Colin Powell.

Room with a View

2008-10-13T13:43:00.000-07:00

I spent the weekend volunteering at the local branch of Habitat for Humanity - part of a multi-faith group building housing on Snoqualmie Ridge. We had two beautiful days weather wise; lots of hard work, but well worth it. Check out the view from the house I worked on.

How the bail out works...

2008-10-10T09:45:00.000-07:00

Young Chuck moved to Texas and bought a donkey from a farmer for $100. The farmer agreed to deliver the donkey the next day. The following day the farmer drove up and said, 'Sorry son, but I have some bad news, the donkey died.' Chuck replied, 'Well, then just give me my money back.' Farmer: 'Can't do that. I went and spent it already.' Chuck: 'OK, then, just bring me the dead donkey.' The farmer asked, 'What ya gonna do with him? Chuck: 'I'm going to raffle him off.' Farmer: 'You can't raffle off a dead donkey!' Chuck: 'Sure I can, watch me. I just won't tell anybody he's dead.' A month later, the farmer met up with Chuck and asked, 'What happened with that dead donkey?' Chuck: 'I raffled him off. I sold 500 tickets at two dollars a piece and made a profit of $998.' Farmer: 'Didn't anyone complain?' Chuck: 'Just the guy who won. So I gave him his two dollars back.' Chuck now works for the Goldman Sachs!

Home decorating with a Sharpie

2008-10-08T01:45:00.000-07:00

In the current economic climate, how much do you think it would cost to decorate your basement?

$10 in Sharpie markers - artistic talent not included! Check out the 360º panorama, after the jump - very cool! Link

Applied Geometry

2008-10-01T14:47:00.000-07:00

Excellent project by American artist Robert Wechsler. Robert has a talent for infusing the mundane with a lovely sense of the bizzare! I also love the circular bike. Full sized image

Punched @ 1000fps

2008-09-26T07:23:00.000-07:00

Action Figure accomplice and buddy Cory Kilduff, the TX half of the dirty DiscoHouseElectro duo Ocelot took the recently acquired footage of the AF crew punching each other in the face at 1000 frames per second and repurposed it to his remix of the Robyn track "Be Mine"- I enjoyed it! Link

Electing a US President in Plain English

2008-09-24T07:51:00.000-07:00

A short and simple guide to understanding the US election process - concise and to the point - very well done!

Compositing Techniques

2008-09-18T12:29:00.000-07:00

No, I didn't take big plastic letters to the beach (yes, I did think about it!)

I've been experimenting with compositing techniques - pretty happy with the outcome here. The text in the photo was modelled and composited in Cinema 4d - the HDRI/lighting make this work; but it definitely took a bit of experimenting to get it right. Click on the image to see a larger version.

Non-Partisan Message...

2008-09-16T07:28:00.000-07:00

Great impressions from both ladies, but Tina Fey's, Palin was creepy good. If ever Palin needs a stand-in, Tina's her man - so to speak! Update: They did it again! Link

What are you buying?

2008-09-12T08:34:00.000-07:00

Interesting article in the NY Times about comparative consumption - cool visuals too! Link

Sketch of the day

2008-09-03T14:13:00.001-07:00

Just doodling - using a Wacom tablet in Photoshop - what do you think she's thinking about?

History in the making...

2008-08-29T13:26:00.000-07:00

Last night Barack Obama, in his Democratic nomination acceptance speech, transformed from Senator to Statesman. Uniting the party and pushing aside all doubts (were there really any?) that he is the man who can lead America out of "Dubb-ya's" eight years of Republican craziness!

Finally, someone we can believe in - someone who can bring change to Washington.

First Post

2008-08-26T20:33:00.000-07:00

Whoo Hoo! - First post on my new blog.

Welcome friends, family and anyone else who found their way here. This is the first of I hope many posts; where I will share some of my work and some places on the interweb that I find interesting. I look forward to your comments and any suggestions... bye for now.