A Typographic Addiction.

The other day I was reading an article on Yahoo! News about the campaign against Comic Sans. It went into great detail as to the origins of the font, the creator and the discontent and disgust that most modern and schooled designers have for the poor font. It was interesting that the disdain for Comic Sans has turned into a world-wide movement to ban the use of this type-face. There are two primary schools of though on Comic Sans. One describes it as a typeface that does have a place and can be used correctly, the other scrolls through the font list and never even pauses at Comic Sans to give it a chance. I subscribe to the latter school of thought for the most part. The ban, although significantly less serious than our current embargo with Cuba, is something that keeps type interesting!

It's funny how much I am actually fascinated with typography. I usually loose interest in things that I get inundated with very quickly. Type is a different story, it is probably the one thing that can make or break a design, so my obsession is founded on good sound principle! I catch myself continually analyzing letterforms, font faces, leading(space between lines of type) and kerning(space between individual letters of type). And every critique whether in the design world, or on my personal time becomes a game of Identify That Type. My partner listens to my rants and raves on type, and although he is a good listener, sometimes he looks at me weird, and wonders how is it even that interesting. I guess it's a Graphic Design thing.

Before art school, type was two things: Times and Arial. One you used for papers, the other you used to try to mimic modern headlines. For a major portion of my first two years in school, I ditched what we termed "pedestrian" typefaces. Mainly called that because everyone uses it. They are for the most part the default of every word processing program known to man. Both Times and Arial are great, but because they are ubiquitous they seem to have lost their luster. So I found myself on the ongoing adventure of every graphic designer. The constant battle to find that perfect typeface.

If I was a word processor my default would probably be Helvetica Neue. I fell into a serious love affair with this font early in my schooling, and it is quite obvious in my portfolio. The typeface seems to mimic me as a designer. It's clean and organized. Sometimes it can be bold, sometimes extra bold, and at other times it's light, even ultra-light. If all else fails use it. Most times for me, all else failed. So Helvetica has become my Times, in respect to serifs("feet" on letterforms) it has become my Arial. Dare I even say it, it has become my Comic Sans.

So in an effort to save Helvetica from myself, I have established a personal ban on the typeface. I need more variety. I want my portfolio to be a showcase of my work, not a manual on the use of Helvetica Neue. Today is the end of week one. On Monday I declared that I will not even touch the typeface. I have to admit, it was hard. I wanted to use it so bad, and I noticed I just saved myself from the brink of addiction. Tuesday through Wednesday got a little easier, and Today I am giving my personal testimony. Sounds like great progress to me, aside from the minor symptoms of withdrawal, most notably the chills. Ok, the chills might have been caused by the rain.

So currently I am captivated with the following typefaces.

Seriffed:

Palatino

Georgia

Didot

Bodoni

Sans-Serifed:

Myriad

Avenir

Avant Garde

Frutiger

Futura(Sparingly!)

That scary barrier.

With the announcement of Supreme Court Justice Souter's retirement the hunt is on for a suitable replacement. Although Souter's replacement will likely not change the ideological make-up of the court, the demographic of the court is likely to change.

There is already wide speculation that President Obama will appoint a female to join Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg who is currently the only woman on the court, and an even greater chance that the new justice will be a minority.

Although It is great to see the advancement of traditionally underrepresented groups in the nation's highest offices, it is deplorable when those factors become determining components to nomination. We see it all too often in the failed policies of affirmative action. Yes affirmative action did increase diversity where implemented but at the same time denied qualified individuals the right to equal opportunity. There is a distinction between the promise of equal opportunity and equal results, the latter is not guaranteed by our Constitution. Minorities like myself would rather accept a hand-up, than a hand-out.

We can never move forward as a nation that has broken the racial or gender barriers if the push to hand out positions is based on either. It is in all actuality reverse discrimination.

 A resolve based on caliber is better than a decision based on courtesy any day.

The first 100 days.

Today marks the first 100 days of presidency for Barrack Obama. The tradition of the "first 100 days" dates back to FDR and the "New Deal." Time Magazine earlier this year labeled the new administration's agenda as the "New, New Deal." A fitting title for another very progressive president.

Although, I think it is still a little to early to gauge how President Obama along with his policies will effect the nation--in the long run--I do feel that these first 100 days has shown us how he will govern. 

In celebration of his 100 days I figured I would point out a few things I agree with the president on, and a few I don't. Forgive me if the list isn't equal in line items.

Let's start this off on a positive note.

Things I agree with:

1. The decision to allow the Navy Seals to open fire on Somali pirates in order to save a fellow American. It was nice to see that we still have somewhat of a backbone, that when push comes to shove our Commander-in-Chief has the ability to muster up some courage.

2. A slower, less expedient withdrawal from Iraq. I figured it wouldn't be as easy as the phony promise of a 15 month withdrawal. As a veteran, I laughed every time I heard this on the campaign trail. 

3. The new Portuguese Water Dog. Great dog, hypo-allergenic(as close to it as you can get), and cute. 

Things I disagree with:

1. The massive amounts of spending. For a nominee who campaigned on spending cuts, no pork, and lower taxes, he has managed to spend more than any other president, and has done it in record time. His $3.6 trillion dollar budget was just approved (don't worry, they cut 100 million out), on top of the massive stimulus bill approved earlier in the year. In order to pay off the interest, yes just interest not principle, every American age 20 and younger will have to contribute more than $100 thousand dollars through the course of their lives. Thanks!

2. Getting involved with private businesses such as GM, and Freddie. Now the government is the chief stockholder in private corporations. We are a free market economy based on capitalist principles. Bad companies, that cannot manage their business should be allowed to fail.

3. His inability to function properly and eloquently without a Teleprompter. Um, uh, Enough said.

He has not convinced me that he can be a strong leader, and take this country in the direction it needs to go in order to secure long-term prosperity. Then again we are only at day 100! 

Swine Flu, you can't get it from pork!

There are 91 cases of confirmed Swine Flu, or H1N1, in the U.S. with one confirmed death. Although I don't think that this is cause for any type of panic, I do think it's a great time to enforce all those health conscious tricks we were taught as little kids.

10 Easy Ways to Prevent Colds and Flu:

1. Wash your hands well and often - not OCD often, but you know what I mean. Enough to get rid of the germs. And try to avoid touching things in public places, like door handles. I am getting really good at not holding onto the banisters in public stairways and escalators. Not that you should try that. I'm just sayin'...

2. Don't touch people who are sick. That means you can't kiss them either. Not even butterfly kisses or Eskimo kisses. Air kisses are probably fine, just don't get too close and maybe hold your breath. Colds and viruses are passed most commonly through the hands, and through rubbing the eyes, nose and mouth. If you've been around people, especially sick ones, try not to touch yourself unless your hands are clean.

3. Clean your house. I know, it's gross, but just do it. Or get someone else to do it. Be sure to tell them to wipe down surfaces like doorknobs, handles and stairway handrails. And tell them to not sneeze all over the place.

4. Stop eating crap. Eat your greens. Drink lots of water. A well balanced diet with fresh fruits and vegetables will boost your immune system, and water helps you function more efficiently. Efficiency rocks!

5. Exercise every... single (yes, that's what I said)... day. You don't have to go all marathon training crazy but just do something every day. Make it fun! Wooppee! Seriously, moderate daily exercise is a huge part of overall health, and will help your immune system fight illness. Oh, and you'll look all fabulous and everyone will give you compliments.

6. Take vitamin supplements. I'm not sure how they work, but I'm convinced they keep your immune system strong.

7. Consider getting a flu shot. I got one once 'cause I was standing in the way of the flu shot gun at the drug store. I'm not in the high-risk group, though because I'm not a child under 5, and I'm not over 50, or chronically ill, or have immune problems or travel with tour groups, or work with the elderly. Regardless, it's still our best weapon against the flu and if you are in the high risk category, the CDC recommends you get one. Remember, flu vaccinations are only 70% to 90% effective and they don't cover every little strain possible. Oh, and if you have severe allergies, or you're allergic to eggs or you are currently ill, don't even think about it. Consult your doctor if you are unsure.

8. Always get at least 8 hours of sleep. I know, "yeah, right". Whatever you're doing instead of sleeping isn't more important, I guarantee it. On the other hand, if you're sleeping, like, 10 hours every night then you need to get a life. Staying rested and relaxed will lower your risk of getting sick. If you feel a cold coming on, stay home. If you have to go out, do us all a favor and cover your mouth when you sneeze and don't touch anyone or anything... and don't breathe either. On second thought, don't go out.

9. Reduce your daily stress. I promise your immune system will improve. Assess your stressors and eliminate or avoid them. Take control of your life and learn to say 'no' if you're asked to do something non-essential or non-life enhancing. You won't lose your power and you might just gain some respect.

10. Stock up on cold & flu essentials. Even if you don't get sick, chances are someone you live with will. Oh, and if you haven't already, please coach your darling little germ lockers to wipe their nosies on a kleenex instead of their precious little hannys. It's a process, I know.

[Source: ezine ]

All for fame and glory.

Arlen Specter is the epitome of modern American politics. When you might not win with your current party tag (R-PA) behind your name, change it and hope you can get get elected with another tag.

Which ones is he going to try?

(D-PA)
or
(I-PA)

Whichever will further his political career.

Sen. Patrick Leahy a democrat from vermont said Tuesday that he was notified of Specter's decision that morning and that he got the impression that "a great party left him, not the other way around."

That party Sen. Leahy speaks of left it's ideals a long time ago, but they were on the brink of making the same mistakes Sen. Specter did. Hopefully, the Pensylvanians from his district will replace him with someone who believes in the ideals of this country, and will work FOR the people.

I think it's about time that all American's realize that the government works for us. We do not answer to them, they answer to us. We need to hold politicians accountable to their constituents, and when neccesary replace them when they fail to speak for the people, and work only to further their political gain.

Sadly, I am not surprised or hurt concerning the party jump of Specter. It is about time the wolf came out of the sheep's clothing.

Even more sadly, is the potential loss of the balance of power between the Halls of Congress and the White House.

No to Notre Dame!

Mary Ann Glendon was the U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican along with other notable positions within the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and the U.S. Catholic Church, most notably she was the first female president of the Roman Catholic Church's official Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, appointed by Pope John Paul II.

She has just turned down the Laetere Medal from the University of Notre Dame, which is considered to be one of the highest outward achievement awards for American Catholics. Her opposition to the invitation of President Barrack Obama to deliver the commencement speech this May, is due in large part to his staunchly liberal defense of abortion and embryonic stem-cell research. The university will also be giving the president an honorary degree. In 2004 the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, or the USCCB, proclaimed that Catholic institutions should not give "awards, honors, or platforms" to "those who act in defiance of [Catholic] fundamental moral principles."

Ms. Glendon, has written a letter to Father Jenkins, the president of Notre Dame, and has also released that letter to the public, as to dispel any suspicion.

Way to go Ms. Glendon, I support you! Thank you for your conviction!

The letter follows:

Dear Father Jenkins,

When you informed me in December 2008 that I had been selected to receive Notre Dame's Laetare Medal, I was profoundly moved. I treasure the memory of receiving an honorary degree from Notre Dame in 1996, and I have always felt honored that the commencement speech I gave that year was included in the anthology of Notre Dame's most memorable commencement speeches. So I immediately began working on an acceptance speech that I hoped would be worthy of the occasion, of the honor of the medal, and of your students and faculty.

Last month, when you called to tell me that the commencement speech was to be given by President Obama, I mentioned to you that I would have to rewrite my speech. Over the ensuing weeks, the task that once seemed so delightful has been complicated by a number of factors.

First, as a longtime consultant to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, I could not help but be dismayed by the news that Notre Dame also planned to award the president an honorary degree. This, as you must know, was in disregard of the U.S. bishops' express request of 2004 that Catholic institutions "should not honor those who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles, and that such persons should not be given awards, honors or platforms which would suggest support for their actions." That request, which in no way seeks to control or interfere with an institution's freedom to invite and engage in serious debate with whomever it wishes, seems to me so reasonable that I am at a loss to understand why a Catholic university should disrespect it.

Then I learned that "talking points" issued by Notre Dame in response to widespread criticism of its decision included two statements implying that my acceptance speech would somehow balance the event:

"President Obama won't be doing all the talking. Mary Ann Glendon, the former U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, will be speaking as the recipient of the Laetare Medal."

"We think having the president come to Notre Dame, see our graduates, meet our leaders, and hear a talk from Mary Ann Glendon is a good thing for the president and for the causes we care about."

A commencement, however, is supposed to be a joyous day for the graduates and their families. It is not the right place, nor is a brief acceptance speech the right vehicle, for engagement with the very serious problems raised by Notre Dame's decision in disregard of the settled position of the U.S. bishops' to honor a prominent and uncompromising opponent of the Church's position on issues involving fundamental principles of justice.

Finally, with recent news reports that other Catholic schools are similarly choosing to disregard the bishops' guidelines, I am concerned that Notre Dame's example could have an unfortunate ripple effect.

It is with great sadness, therefore, that I have concluded that I cannot accept the Laetare Medal or participate in the May 17 graduation ceremony.

In order to avoid the inevitable speculation about the reasons for my decision, I will release this letter to the press, but I do not plan to make any further comment on the matter at this time.

Yours Very Truly,

Mary Ann Glendon

source: First Things

Grow, Grow, Grow...

So this year is the first spring in our new home. I'm loving home ownership, especially yard-work! Since the beginning of spring my little thumb has been itching to turn green. I think I caught a case of the gardening bug. With all the nice weather down here in Nashville, Tennessee, I've been spending a lot of time and money at Bates Nursery. Not to mention the labor I've put into the yard. Call it a labor of love.

It's been a learning experience. My biggest failure this year is my Boston Ferns. I wanted to have hanging ferns on my porch. It's the South, and nothing says Southern like a shady porch, with beautiful ferns, some rocking chairs, and a pitcher of sweet iced tea. Got everything else, besides the ferns to work. The part sun/bright shade was way to bright for them to even survive. So I took them down and am reviving them in a shady corner with lots of water. In their place I hung some Evolvulus Blue Daze, a sun loving, drought tolerant plant. Not to mention the flowers on this thing are about the bluest you can get when it comes to blue flowers. I like them better than the ferns!

Where are the shady trees? We fixed that too! We got a heck of a deal on some pretty mature trees. We planted an 18ft Pin Oak in the front yard, moved our existing maple to the back along with a new Autumn Blaze Maple. Thirsty, Thirsty, Trees!

We used to have three Arborvitaes as accent shrubs up front. I removed them yesterday, and replaced them with some Boxwoods. The Boxwoods look great, they are slow growing, and a perfect low-hedge plant. The look good in front of brick, and make an awesome backdrop for the annuals we planted in the flower bed. We planted almost everything sun-loving from irisis to cox comb. The Arborvitaes (two of the three, one did not make it through two summers of droughty conditions) now reside in huge planters on the back patio. I'm sure they appreciate the drainage of the potting soil, organic mushroom compost, and soil conditioner, a lot better than the clay they were trying to grow in. 

I'm almost afraid to see what my water bill will be through the summer. 

Now the fun begins...watching it all grow. Cross your fingers!