Thursday, December 2, 2010

Don’t talk to me. I’m not in the mood.



So I was watching the final episode of Weeds the other night and they were about to board a plane. Before boarding one of the characters, played by Richard Dryfuss, started discussing his plan on how to avoid someone sitting beside him on a plane. His technique was to write Jesus on his hat, that way a passenger would assume he’d talk religion the entire way.

I’m not a big plane converser. I don’t mind talking but I’d rather not. I don’t necessarily have a tactic. Most people tell me that until I smile I look mean. I think my tactic is too mean-mug. I don’t growl or anything but I appear unfriendly. There’s been a few times when some unassuming stranger breaks my mug and forces me to talk. I just think relaxing is the best thing to do while flying.

As much as I like to travel I still get anxious with each flight. To not be rude here are a few avoidance tips:
1.     Sleep – Strangers can’t talk to you if you’re sleeping. If the stranger talks to you as soon as they sit down make sure you yawn a lot.

2.     Eat Onions – Who wants to smell onion breath for hours. Grab yourself a bag of Funyuns before boarding. Also works with garlic.

3.     Read – It’s all about looking busy. You will have a few strangers that will use your book as a reason to strike up a conversation but 70% of the time reading will work.

4.     Listen – Keep your earphones on! It doesn’t matter how many times the stranger tries to talk to you do not remove your earplugs. Pretty soon the stranger will get tired of you saying “huh.”

5.     Talk – Talkers hate talkers because they like to dominate the conversation. Out talk the talker until the talker gives up!

Follow these tips and you’ll have a peaceful trip. Unless you’re the talker!

Nobody takes a bite outta France like New York!




Next to Korea, nobody can bite, copy, duplicate, etc. a handbag like New York. So if you want to skip the 20-hour flight and save money on a better “knock-off” go to New York. (Insert Legalese Here) Passport & Shoes does not support or encourage the purchasing of any materials posing as authentic.  Now back to our regularly scheduled program. Delancey St. in New York is known for its stretch of “shops.” The shops’ names are unimportant. Your directions to the perfect underground shop may go something like this, on the corner; next to the alley; beside the coffee shop with the yellow and green awning; and not the coffee shop with the blue and red awning.

Delancey Street is all about the negotiation. The shop owner may have a strong accent but believe you me they understand you perfectly. The front of the store will have obvious duplicates. Your Gucci bag may have lower case “g” or your Fendi bag may actually have “l” instead of “f.” Hold your ground. Try not to appear obvious or anxious. The shop owner will eventually invite you to their back room, the Knock-Off Mecca. Only the designer will know what’s real and what isn’t. This is where the negotiations really take place. Don’t let them see you sweat! Keep eye contact! Walk away when they don’t accept your final offer. Believe me the walk away always work. It may not work immediately but before you leave Delancey St. be sure to walk pass that shop and I guarantee someone will encourage you to come in for that final deal.

WTF…OMG…TSA It’s a hard job butt somebody has to do it!




Pat it down TSA…Pat It Down! What’s the less of two evils? The pat-down or the body scan. I guess it depends on who’s patting and who’s watching. I was listening to the morning show the other day and the comedian made a call to men. He said, “all men need to fly raw!” His description of flying raw was wearing sweat pants and taking at least half a Viagra pill. Wowsers!

Comfortable or not I do think that’s it’s necessary. Since the 9/11 attacks we’ve heard of individuals “testing” our security system, and in most cases our security system failed. According to the TSA blog site pat-downs are used to resolve alarms that occur at a walk-through metal detector. Weapons are advancing quicker than technology and my first priority is my safety.

As it stands only a small percentage of passengers will actually receive a pat-down. As long you continue to take off shoes, watch, underwire, earrings, laptop, pacemaker, loose change, metal plate, etc you’ll be pat-down free!

Monday, November 29, 2010

Black Friday



Shop til you drop! Not for me, not this year. For the past 5 or so years my sister and I hit the stores on black Friday. Elbowing strangers and sneaking hands in to grab that 4am deal. This year, me and my sister opted out of the mess.

Of course, the budget has something to do with my lack of enthusiasm but more importantly I'm a member of a family who's pretty satisfied with what we have. Sure there are things that we want but we're not in need of anything. I remember fighting my way through the crowd last year to leave with items that were not on any special sale. I think I'm finally losing my zest for shopping BUT wait there's more.

I didn't go out but I did hold my remote! Ahhh yes!!! My new pleasure! HSN and QVC!!!! I remember when I was kid, maybe 11 or 12, and my aunt had a house filled with home shopping treats. Boxes were everywhere! She didn't even know what she purchased. Junk jewelry for everyone. Most people compare my shopping habits with my Aunt but HSN and QVC are now high quality retailers.


Emeril, Wolf Gang Puck, Mariah Carey, Iman, Serena Williams, NFL are just a few of the brands they carry. Once you add flexpay to the equation it's a done deal. Where else can you buy a Keurig for $99 with free shipping and 5 easy flexpayments of $19.99??? That's right no where. So "eff" the malls, grab your remote, and buy you and your family some Iman Global Chic faux fur shoes with matching jean jacket and purse! 

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Suited up and ready to go...NOT

So yesterday I participated in panel discussion for entrepreneurs. It went well. I told my story and answered questions. There were a total of four of us on the panel two were suited...I wasn't one of the two. I didn't wear jeans and I actually had on a blazer but it was a far cry from a suit. I'm sure you've realized by now that it doesn't take much to get me fired up. SO one the suits, who was also a graphic designer, bragged about his design business and mentioned hiring someone. The thing that pissed me off was he nudged me when he talked about hiring someone. UMMMM excuse me Mr. Suit...I'm up here just like you are. I don't need your job!

Does a suit really validate your level of professionalism? As a graphic designer I understand first impressions. I looked professional. I didn't look boring but I don't even own a suit. They don't fit my personality. I don't like "matching" and I've never felt comfortable in a suit. Everyone always says you should own at least one suit. I don't think so. If you're not comfortable, it will show, and you will bomb out. That dude was smelling himself too much anyway and when I checked his website I was far from impressed. Hire me my ass....what about me hiring you Mr. Suit!

Monday, November 22, 2010

I got the "itis"

Nope not tonsillitis, hepatitis or any other viral ailment but Senioritis. I haven't had senioritis since 1999, when I graduated from Clark Atlanta University. This is my LAST semester at Univ. of Baltimore and I can not wait!

Unlike most proud graduates I will NOT be participating in my graduation ceremony. Why not, you ask. I HATE GRADUATIONS. They are sooooo boring and impersonal and they also cost money. You need to buy the robe, hat, tassle, invites, notifications, etc. After paying $00,000.00 for the last three years you would think those accessories would be included in my tuition.

I am also thankful that I have a family saturated with graduates. Just a few years ago we had four graduates in the same year! A ceremony doesn't make me or my family less proud of me it just eliminates a few hours of useless celebration where they'll have to patiently await for their opportunity to yell my name for 3 seconds.

Geesh I'm cynical!

Finally My Final Project

An Ode To Typography is my final project! I LOVE typography. I think it's a pure form of graphic design and through the use of Tumblr I'm hoping to show my love accordingly. I hope you join me as I take a journey through the world of type!

Friday, November 19, 2010

Going Green

Nooo...I'm not going green! I do a little here and there, lightbulbs, recycling, and that's about it. I'm here to complain about the green goer. Not all of them just the bike riders. All I have to say is GET OUT OF MY WAY!!!!!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

What's the Deal with #5

McNabb McNabb McNabb you were sacked 5 times yesterday. Your performance was less than stellar but we all know there isn't an "I" in "team." So what's up with the Redskins??? Where is your offensive protection and how did your defense allow 59 points. The Eagles had a PERFECT game and broke all types of NFL records. You can't blame Jason Campbell for losing, who by the way is winning for the Raiders. John Gruden said yesterday that the Redskins just doesn't have any good players. Your paying Haynesworth $100M over the next 7 years but you're not even starting him. I've never been a fan of the Skins but since Donovan and Shanahan joined the squad I was hoping for the best. It ain't easy routing for them since they make so many mistakes. Keep your head up Skins you still got games to play!!!

Monday, November 15, 2010

More Football

I sponsored a group to the Ravens @ Falcons game last Thursday. I had a fantastic time although we didn't win. Atlanta is a great city and I see why there are so many "transplants." The weather and hospitality was awesome.

We arrived early Thursday morning, had breakfast at Waffle House, did a little sight seeing, attended a tailgating specifically for Ravens fan, and off to the game we went. The Ravens were front and center and despite being on enemy territory the Falcons were friendly. Now I have the fever to go to more away games.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

My rapping nephew...Halloween Style!

Video Idea

I'm struggling figuring out what I want to do. I'm thinking I want to do something fun and relative to my family. I have a few family activities taking place this weekend so my video uploads will contain family time. I'm so quick to change my mind so this may definitely change.

Monday, October 18, 2010

The Desperate Woman!

So let's talk about it. Where do I start? I had a phone a conversation with a dear friend of mine with whom I often exchange theories. He told me (of course it's a man) that women are the problem. Yup we're the problem. According to his theory men in high school/college court their women "better" because women demand it "better." According to him, we're hot sh!t in our early years and we're in control of the dating game. We create rules such as; he has to drive at least a _____ type of car, he has to take me out at least ___x a week, and he has to "dress" like _____. And since men are so hormonal at that age they do whatever they have to do to make it happen. So think back to your college days. Did the guy with the nice car have the girls? Did the guy who dressed the best have the girls? Did the guy participating in "pharmaceutical sales" have the girls? If you answered yes, than my friend's theory has some validity. 

So fast forward to today, do still have those same standards? Instead of a type of car...he should just have transportation. Instead of taking you out...we can watch an OnDemand movie and eat leftovers? Instead dressing a particular way...please wear clean clothes without holes. Some of these maybe extreme or not? If we're constantly lowering our demand the supply will also lower. When you're getting to know someone a date should not be at a house! If you took your time to look your best, you should demand that he also look his best. If you're working hard, you should demand a partner that works hard. Don't let age turn to desperation!

Feeling a little old!

So just when I was about to get all over this song and the direction of today's music. I realized that the singer is Willow Smith, child of Will and Jada Pinkett Smith. She was born in...wait for it...2000!&(*#)(@! What is up with that? She's 10! So because she's only 10 it makes the song cute and not as stupid as I originally thought.

I do think she's a little grown for 10. I don't have any children but as I researched the song, to slam it, I saw pictures of her and that's a lot going on for a ten year old. My niece is 9, she's very expressive, but she still appears to be 9. This child here appears to be at least 14/15, and as a child, 4 years is a big difference. 

I'm a little discombobulated over this one soooo I'm done!

Football Football Football

So yesterday we (RAVENS) took a "L" and I have a few a comments about how we got that "L"...surprise surprise surprise.Well first of all I wasn't too surprised that we lost. No that doesn't mean that I'm one of those "Brady is the best" or "NE is untouchable" fans. But I do consider mental and emotional factors when it comes to football.

Factor 1: NE was home
Factor 2: NE needed to vindicate from that playoff game
Factor 3: Brady was quite annoyed with Lewis' referee comments
Factor 4: NE was just coming off a Bye

Now back to the Ravens. I wasn't happy with our defense or offense but we're going to concentrate on the offense today. I like Flacco. I don't think he's a great QB but he does have potential. My issue with the offense comes from the lack of confidence. I still can't wrap my head around the decision to punt the ball with 4th and inches??? If that doesn't send a negative message to your offensive line than what does...oh wait I have an answer...punting at 4th and one! Give me a break. Flacco isn't Peyton Manning but he also isn't Kyle Boller. Are you telling me that at 6'6" Flacco couldn't put in a QB sneak for a first down. Did NE defense scare us? Another problem I have, which shows lack of confidence, and this lies with Flacco and the coaching and that's independence.

It is clear that Flacco only does what he's told...no more, no less. If the play calls to pass to Boldin than he passes to Boldin regardless of who is in a better position. Flacco needs to know where his receivers are and not just the receiver who is expected in the play. He is spending too much waiting for the receiver to become open and not surveying the field. He's holding the ball too much which is causing him to just toss the ball to Rice whose not able to pick up enough yards in the time allotted.

We need to use our weapons: Yesterday we heard T.J. once and McGahee never...this shouldn't happen. Our offense is becoming predictable. We have a fantastic offensive roster that we need to take advantage of. Flacco connects with one receiver and sticks with it. Although Branch was a former Patriot, Brady was able to use him as if he's been there all along.

Switch up the play: If I see one more toss to Rice as he runs for 3 yards I will scream. Can I get a pump fake, a screen pass...something beyond a toss.

There's no reason we shouldn't win against Buffalo but we can't take any team for granted. Let's go RAVENS!!!!

Monday, October 11, 2010

For the "Plump" Woman Only - This page will self-destruct of all others!

I'm Fabulously Plump! I did a little shopping this weekend. It's been a treat week for me. I checked out Baltimore's plus-size boutique, K Staton and picked me up a little dress number that will enhance my fabulously plump lifestyle. I also checked out the best shoe store in town, Poppy and Stella, for some hot pumps that I can walk in and that gives my calf that umph that only a good heel can do for a calf. I have my bad days, but even on a bad day there are things that you will never see:
  • My belly - Why-o-why do women with "muffin tops" or better yet "bundt cakes" choose to buy short shirts with their belly hanging out?
  • My roll - By default, you know that I have a roll but I don't feature it. If you have a roll please do not outline it by wearing your jeans underneath your stomach, tucking your shirt in, and then top it off by wearing a belt. Use your jeans as a control mechanism and tuck in your gut, not your shirt.
  • My ass - Low-rise jeans are NOT for everyone. Plump women need to know what works and what doesn't work. Just because your jeans made it pass your thighs it does not mean that they fit. If you sit down and feel air at your crack, your jeans are too small. 
  • My breast - You may catch me with a little cleavage showing, but my goodness, everything except for the nipple is blinding. If your cleavage is exposed so much that you can use it as a cup holder that's a problem! If your cute, let your face be the highlight and not your breast.
This is not a joke! I'm telling you this because I love you. We need to stick together. We may not have as many options as smaller woman but we have options.

Friday, October 8, 2010

If you want to know anything about me just read this post:

Don't ask me why but today I feel like doing a tell all on myself. For the most part I am what you see but like everyone else I have a deep dark secret life that today I'm going to share:

My confessions
  1. I can't swim - The water scares me and when I'm in the water I feel like I don't have control of myself and I like to be in control.
  2. I can't ride a bike - Balancing myself on two wheels never appealed to me especially when considering the idea of falling.
  3. The best job I've ever had is the one I'm doing now. I love working for myself even though it can be a bit stressful.
  4. I miss selling Tastefully Simple even though I still have a cabinet full of goodies.
  5. I voted for Erhlich and would do it again if it wasn't for my sister.
  6. I want to be a contestant on Amazing Race.
  7. I have a favorite uncle.
  8. Fish and grits are my absolute favorite meal.
  9. I don't like chocolate cake.
  10. My car hasn't been washed in over a year.
  11. Because I work from home I usually don't shower until the afternoon.
Well that's it. You know all about me. I can no longer hide behind my dark side. Don't judge me. 

Monday, October 4, 2010

Football and the Pety Rules!

Yesterday was a fantastic football day! The Ravens won!!! McNabb got a little Philly revenge!!! and the Bengals lost to the Browns!!! Any given Sunday is right. The Bengals lost was huge even though we're tied for division leaders it was still a good reward. This season has been full of surprises so far. Even the mighty Peyton Manning has falling to 4-4. That 59 yard field goal will be in the record books for a long time.

I will admit watching football sometimes is so aggravating. I understand the rules are there to protect players but some calls are uncalled for. At what point are the rules interfering with playing the game? I go back to that dreaded Detroit Lions touchdown. The ball was an obvious touchdown but because he didn't keep the ball in his hand we he stood up the team lost the points. That whack ass rule is not protecting a player's health and it seems inconsistent.

Watching some of yesterday's highlights I saw T.O. walk into the endzone, lay the football at the goal line, and walk away. Is that not the same thing that Calvin Johnson did? He had clear possession of the ball he just left the ball on the ground instead of coming up with it. Even taking your helmet off lends for a penalty. I understand taking it off and throwing it down but give me a break.

Bring back the Mean Jo Green, Lawrence Taylor, and O.J. Simpson days of football playing!

Sunday, October 3, 2010

I LOVE Baltimore!

Yup, that's right, I Love Baltimore!!!! Baltimore is charming! Baltimore is the city that reads! Good Day Baltimore!

I get so annoyed when people complain about Baltimore. Move! No one is forcing you to live here. This isn't a country, it's a city, a very small city. I like going out knowing that I'm going to know at least one other person there. I like finding jewels in the city like 36th St., Belvedere Square and Mt. Washington. Baltimore may not be diverse like D.C. or New York but so what. We're not trying to be any other city other than BALTIMORE! We have good restaurants, good shopping, and an okay nightlife. Since my clubbing days are long gone I could care less about the night life.

Baltimoreans are nice. We may look a little a mean at times but it's because we're thinking about something. If you speak to us, we'll speak back. If you ask for directions, we'll give them. Don't offend us and do not talk about our town.

I lived in Atlanta aka the Dirty South aka ATLGeorgia but it wasn't for me. It was nice, plenty to do, plenty people to see but it was just Atlanta. Once you leave Atlanta...crickets. Not in good ole Baltimore. We're the pearl in the Oyster. Our shell consist of NY, Philly, and D.C. all in driving distance. Their rough exterior protects our "Charm."

All the Single Ladies



This is my favorite episode of Sex in the City! It's like the single woman's anthem to being completely single -- no kids, no husband! Often times I feel the pressures of being single...not in a bad whoa is me kinda way but in a "she can do it, it's only her." Working from home without a family automatically places me at the top of people's call list. I'm happy as a single woman and I'm happy for my relatives and friends who have the package.

Like the Carrie Bradshaw character, I now quantify my gift givings when those fluffy, overly decorated, pastel pieces of mail are spotted in my mailbox. They're automatic BILLS. Whatever you're getting invited to...trust and believe it requires a gift. Sometimes those gifts are public so if you're giving a crappy gift, everyone will know it.

That's when I go into my memory bank of gift giving and receiving. Please spare me the "you don't give to receive" look. You may not, but I do. The invitation get the wheels turning...did they come to my housewarming, what about the birthday party, did they at least purchase something from the tastefully simple catalog, how long has it been since we actually talked or hung out? The long lost "friend" is the worst type of invitation. If you haven't seen me in 10+ years please don't send me an invitation that will require me bringing you a gift. Most of the time after you've given that gift you lose contact with that person again. Let's meet for drinks, lunch, or something that will be an equal financial burden.

Of course there are always some exceptions to my rules. I am a very dedicated person. I keep relationships with people for a long time. I get overjoyed when I hear of my relatives and friends life accomplishments. When that happens budgets are broken, gas prices are ignored, and the past is the past!

Monday, September 27, 2010

I share too much information

So at first I wanted to talk about weird college courses and when I found the article I immediately post it on Facebook, along with the other blogs I wrote and what I did earlier this morning. Then I thought to myself who the hell cares and why do I want to share. It's no ones business what I'm doing in my classes. They're not giving me a grade and I'm 99% sure they won't even read the damn thing.

Social networking is narcissism in its purest form because everyone does it! It doesn't just take the role of celebrities but kids, adults, grannies, companies, activist etc. You're dammed if you have a page and post nothing and you're dammed if you have a page and post everything. I have over 100 photos of myself posted on facebook...I know I'm cute but geesh that's a lot.

As Americans we defend and try to protect our privacy as much as possible but turn around and share everything on Facebook! I don't think I've gone one day without checking my Facebook status. Maybe when I was on a cruise and couldn't but it's become part of my daily routine just like showering and eating. My name is Akesha and I'm a narcissist!

Female MC's

SO...I guess I'm on a feminist tip today which is a little unusual for me. So while I'm catching up as if I'm in high school, I have VH1 Soul playing in the background and Salt-N-Pepa is on. Oh how I miss the late 80s early 90s of hip-hop. The female rappers were on FIYA! We had Salt-N-Pepa, Yo-Yo, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte and of course the one hit wonders like 357, Tigra and Bunny, & Monie Love. Those were the days. Now who do we have? Whack ass Nicki Minaj. I believe that if she had some competition she wouldn't be as popular.

I know Lil Kim is trying her best to stay alive but I think the cosmetic surgeries and the fact that she hasn't changed puts her at a disadvantage. I mean you're in your 30s still portraying the whore role. You're image hasn't evolved at all. To those who were there when you originated you're old news. To the those that may be new to your music you're seen as a has been.

Other female hip-hop artist evolved out of hip-hop. We all know Queen Latifah has branded and diversified herself well beyond hip-hop. MC Lyte had a recurring role on sitcoms and I've heard her distinct NY accent being used as a voice over plenty of times. Unlike, there male counterparts, female hip-hop artist aren't replaced. Once they move on other rappers aren't available to take their place. Hopefully female rap artist won't just fade to black.

Women and sports

This has been a bad week for me and apparently I have some catching up. Although I've been under the weather this week with a sinus attack from hell that doesn't mean that I didn't enjoy my Sunday football. Interesting enough my mind starting wandering off about minorities in football but specifically women.

Picture it, Sunday football over my brother's house the Browns vs. Ravens and I notice the Brown's quarterback is a Black man. My response, "Oh, I didn't know the Brown's had a Black qb!" As soon as I made the statement me and my brother looked at each other in a  'that's not a big deal anymore' way, we both shrugged and continued watching the game.

Now, I don't expect to see a woman quarterback playing in the NFL but what about a coach? It's not as if you have to be a former player to coach a team. Most NFL coaches are drafted from the college level. Of course I did a little research and there are no female coaches in college football--not even as an assistant coach. Other than the initial eye-candy in the locker room I can't see why a woman can't lead a football team. I know I've held my own during football conversations with my male friends.

Women in the NFL are pacified and treated "girly" or as sex objects. They're allowed to report on the sideline but NEVER in the booth or pre-post game shows. Time has a theory which seems to lean toward a woman's role at home. I don't even hear it being addressed by feminist groups and activist. Is the NFL the one place where it's okay to exclude women?

Monday, September 20, 2010

Content, Navigation, and Graphic Design

Content: This was the hard part. As a self-proclaimed non-writer I had to think of something that would interest me enough to write. SO I thought about my life and what I'm good at doing. The first thing I thought of was graphic design but I already have a graphic design site Vivid Designs and I didn't want to do anything predictable. SO I thought about my lifestyle. I like to say I'm broke and fabulous, hood rich, ghetto bourgeois, etc. My content will focus on living a "real" life on a "real" budget. Eating, shopping, and traveling cheap.

Navigation: I subscribe to the K.I.S.S. of doing things so the navigation will be nice and simple and I may through some navigational links within my content if/when I reference another page.

Graphic Design: I think my design should posh but not over the type. I want to give the impression of a discount diva without going overboard either way. I'm a clean line and bright color fan so it'll be simple, classy, and very girly.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Inspiration

Okay, okay, okay....soooo I know what I said about not "getting" blogging but I actually think I would blog more if I didn't know my entire class could read my deep inner thoughts. Or at least the impression of me having deep inner thoughts. Anywho I watched Julie vs. Julia and got a little inspired to write but I'm sure once I realize that I'm talking to myself I'll sto

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Homework 9/13

Cool Writer's Site:
One site I really enjoy is The Anti 9 to 5 Guide by author Michelle Goodman. I don't think the design of the site is great =but I enjoy the way she delivers her message. She's a professional copywriter with a great sense of humor. When I started freelance designing full-time she was one of the many books I purchased as a guide. It is also the ONLY freelance/entrepreneur book that I've completed. Her writing style is easy to follow and engaging which is also reflective in her blog.







Online Literary Journal:
I'm not too familiar with Literary Journals so I had to do some exploring. It was interesting to see that a lot of online journals are cluttered. I liked Archipelago  site the best. I thought it was extremely clean. I loved the typography used as well as the colors and organization. The organization of the site impressed me the most. The information is far from overwhelming and intimidating. Once you click on an article you're taken the page and it appears as a magazine article would appear. The copy is clear and very easy to read. I think one of the biggest issues an online journal is faced with is how to make the information appear as legible and readable as a hard copy.

Being completely honest there isn't anything I don't like about the site.


Hypertext Narrative:
I'm not sure if this qualifies as a hypertext narrative but I thought this was cool despite its brevity. Its called Carrie, and there isn't much to it at all. It actually seems incomplete but the concept is really good. What I like about it is the the photo switch. Dragging the arrow over to reveal stages of this furnace is a great idea. The site definitely needs meat but I like the concept.

I definitely think this site fits the hypertext narrative description but it's kinda all over the place. It's called, Fright Bytes and I think it's geared toward youth. The graphics are horrible! As a designer, the site is annoying for me to be on. I don't know what's worst the sound effects or the cluttered background. I do like that there's a variety of stories to choose from. It is very interacting and entertaining if you can stand the clutter.


Interesting Online Project:
While I was searching the web for a hypertext site I found the Curfew Game. I think this site is awesome for several reasons. First, it's a call to action. Anytime you can entertain, involve, and ask your audience to do something you've conquered a huge challenge in the advocacy world. Second, the site is well designed and organized. Third, it's fun! I think a project like this would be a great collaboration amongst the UB Arts and Sciences disciplines. From creative writing to the integrated arts programs. I do think the site could use more instruction for users but I think it would be fun to produce.



Terrible Writer's Site:
Alice Walker's site is horrible and very unexpected. It is extremely amateur and screams "my friend, relative, or neighbor did my site for free." Considering her talent and reputation I definitely expected a refined site. The red background is extremely distracting. The navigation is too small and the electric blue color is hard on the eyes. The pages are unorganized and the type is too small to read especially against the red. The photos and videos are outdated and should also be organized. The site is just bad, bad, bad. Her blog looks better but she needs an online makeover.

Monday, August 30, 2010

I'm a designer not a writer so what to say...what to do????

I just don't get blogging! Hopefully after this class I'll appreciate it a little more. I think it's the idea of me spilling my guts without knowing if anyone is paying attention. As a designer, I create materials for people to see, the thought of creating without knowing if anyone is viewing is practically senseless. I'm also the youngest sibling and I'm accustomed to receiving attention. With so many blogs out there how will mine gain any attention and who really cares. I guess I'll chop it up as a reason for me to rant, rave, and bitch without anyone interrupting me! Ahh yes, my silver lining! In a world of millions of blogs I've figured out a way to make it all about me, me, me (insert evil laugh here)!