Random Photo #38 - View From Window

This was the view from a Chinese restaurant in Banff Canada where I recently had dinner. You do not get much better of a view anywhere.

Vancouver to Victoria

Our travels took us to Vancouver for the day. We had time to explore the city and Stanley Park of Vancouver. After the city came a ferry ride to Victoria for our stay at the Fairmont Empress. The Empress is a historical hotel build at the turn of the century full of class and style. Victoria is a nice city and we are enjoying our time by the water.

Banff and Drive to Vancouver

Some last images from the town of Banff and Lake Louise are above. Other images are from the drive to the Vancouver area today. Canada's Route 1 is an amazing road to view and shows off some of Canada's most beautiful scenery.

Video of Banff Canada

The view of Banff Canada from the top of Sanson's Peak and Sulphur Mountain (7,486 ft / 2,281m). Access is gained by riding the Banff Gondola to the top of the mountain. The experience is well worth the time.

Banff Canada

Our journey has taken us to Banff Canada in the Canadian Rockies. The town and area just beautiful. The town of Banff is located in a National Park by the same name. The Banff area is overlooked by mountain peaks that are snow covered at the moment making the visit even more spectacular.

Old Faithful Video

A short video shot with iPhone of us at Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park.

The Border

The US and Canada Border, Montana and Alberta, US Route 89. The cows are Canadian, the mountains are Glacier National Park.

Glacier National Park

We just spend a few days at Glacier National Park. Just when you think things can not get more beautiful, nature keeps pulling out all the stops. The mountain peaks are impressive and grand covered with snow and a few of the glaciers that are left. Glacier National Park was an excellent experience. Here are a few photos from the past two days.

Yellowstone National Park - Day 3

Spend another fine day touring America's First National Park. Yellowstone was founded in 1872 when President Grant "dedicated and set apart as a public park or pleasuring ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people." I can see why Yellowstone became a model for all future parks around this country and even the world for that matter. Yellowstone varies from area to area from bubbling hot springs to forest thick and green. Plan on a few days at a minimum if you are planning a visit, there is a ton to dazzle your senses.

Yellowstone National Park - Day 2

Spend the day exploring the thermals in Yellowstone. The energy of the earth is amazing to see. I was also able to spot some wildlife in the park but the moose has stayed elusive.

Yellowstone National Park

Continuing my journey North, I came into Yellowstone National Park, America's First National Park. The hot springs are just amazing with their intense colors.

Grand Teton National Park

Week One of Vacation - I am visiting some of the most beautiful areas of the world. My first stop is Grand Teton National Park. This national park has the most majestic mountain range.

Shakespeare In The Park - Paula Scher

For the last 16 years, Paula Scher has designed the posters for the famous Shakespeare in the Park. Paula has taken the art of posters for theater to new levels over the years with her unique designs. Above are examples from the 2010 poster created by Paula and her team at Pentagram. The performances this year includes The Winter’s Tale and The Merchant of Venice, starring Al Pacino as Shylock. The plays are performed in Central Park, NYC in the evenings. And did I mention, the shows are FREE, this must make your to see list if you are in town. To learn more about seeing a play, go to this link for the Public Theater.

Below are several examples from years past created by Paula. I would love to find a complete collection of these posters, so if you know of a link, let me know.

FIFA World Cup 2010 Posters

The World Cup starts tomorrow, June 11 in South Africa. This event is the most watch event in the world. The official poster for the World Cup is above with its clever continent of Africa and face of a player. This is a great design. Let me know if you know who did this wonderful work?

In addition, ESPN has a series of posters that where created by Wieden + Kennedy to celebrate this world event. W+K did a great job on the illustrations. Several are pictured below. You can view all 32 team posters at their facebook page with descriptions. ESPN will have coverage for each match and has put out an app for your iPhone to follow along. Here is to an exciting month of matches. Go USA!

Michael Bierut Talk At 99 Percent

Michael Bierut, partner at Pentagram, has been a long influence in the world of graphic design and one of my personal favorites in my list of graphic designers. This time he talks about how his ideas come about and get brought together to complete the project. Listen to his presentation from The 99 Percent conference last year where he discusses 5 Secrets from 86 Notebooks. The information is informative and insightful. Enjoy.

What Motivates Us?

Watch is wonderful animated video "The surprising truth about what motivates us" given by Dan Pink. It is a great eye opener for managers, owners and workers.

Emeco 111 Navy Chair Anew

Emeco has been a long time favorite of mine over the years. They make fabulous chairs that I have long admired but have not been able to afford on a designer/teacher salary. (Still looking for vintage ones at yard sales)

Now Emeco has gotten together with Coke for a design anew. Take 111 recycled Coke bottles and make a design classic. From Classic Coke to a classic design, is the outcome of this venture. Emeco has designed their 111 Navy Chair out of the recycled bottles (get it, 111 bottles, the 111 Chair) in a variety of colors to go with any decor. The new 111 Navy Chair is available in six colors: Red, Snow, Flint Gray, Grass Green, Persimmon and Charcoal. Snow, Flint and Red can be used outdoors. This "new" Navy Chair is based on the original design of the 1006 Navy Side Chair. The original chair is made out of aluminum and constructed to last a life time on a Navy vessel. The 111 Navy Chair follows all the original lines in its form but now contributes a new use for recycled plastic, a lower cost and modern design that will be a classic. Read more at the Emeco site for the 111 Navy Chair and to purchase in the US go to Design Within Reach.

Now to save up my recycled bottles, turn them into cash, and buy a pair of 111 Navy Chairs in Red.