Bigfoot: I Not Dead

I just picked up this book from Toronto author, Graham Roumieu. Wow, where have I been? I've always wanted a picture book written for grown ups and it looks like Graham's got quite a few of these under his belt already.

Very quirky, demented and laugh-out-loud funny. Love when Bigfoot is explaining where he's been and says, "Like OJ, just want run down highway for little while and clear name later". Or, describing his old neighborhood he says, "squirrels now bury rock of crack instead of nuts. Homeless bees everywhere"...

The images and hand-drawn text add another layer of humor to the story. I don't want to give everything away so run out and pick up your own copy at Amazon.com or other bookstores. Just don't leave it around the house for your kids to read or you may be answering some questions you aren't ready for!

There's a New Blog in Town

That's right, not to be constrained by just one blog, I have now started another blog on Education called Education Matters.

I'm finding I have so much to say on that topic right now that it will take a whole other blog. We'll see if I can manage content for two different sites. In the meantime, check out the new blog and let me know what you think.

URL is: www.educationinspiration.blogspot.com

Crazy Talk

CrazyTalk v5.1 from Reallusion is the greatest piece of software ever. Within 5 minutes (literally!) I was able to create this avi of our Puggottie Otto as a talking puppy! With a little more effort the possibilities are endless.

Only $49.95 for a dowloadable version it's a bargain! Create videos of your friends, family (babies!) and pets to send as e-cards, post to your website or load onto your cell phone. So intuitive and easy to use. Import your photos, line-up the eye and mouth guides and you are ready to create animations. It's really that easy.

You can record your own audio or use the text to audio feature to get a computer generated voice to speak whatever text you type in. I used one of the sample audio files that come with the program to create the video of Otto, but can't wait to experiment with my own audio files.

Look out for more Otto video in the near future!

Flashback

Cookie Monster

My grandmother had this green ceramic owl cookie jar when I was a kid that is probably the most vivid memory I have of her house. This orange wise owl Cookie Jar from Anthropologie ($128) reminds me of her cookie jar and my 70's childhood in all the best ways.

Hot Line

The Classic Kitchen Phone from Urban Outfitters ($54) is available online only. This phone is a tribute to famed designer Henry Dreyfuss, who created many of the now-classic telephone models made popular in the mid-20th century. This wall-mounted phone was originally designed to allow consumers to walk with the phone while cradling it on their shoulder. Unlike a true vintage phone, this one comes with a variety of modern features, including push button dialing, flash/redial button, ringer volume switch and tone/pulse modes.

Portable Tunes

Love this portable iPod or mp3 speaker ($72) inspired by vintage luggage and based on a 1930s design. Built in AM/FM radio wiht an Aux Input for your iPod/MP3 player, laptop or turntable. Included adapter allows you to conveniently select between wall power and batteries. Available for pre-order from urbanoutfitters.com.

Twelve Angry Men (and Women)

I've been on jury duty for the past 5 weeks, but unable to talk about the case until a verdict was reached. This is the first time I've ever been on a jury and have to say the experience was fascinating. Unfortunately I was only an alternate juror, so had to sit through the trial, but did not get to go through the deliberation process. However, I still recommend the experience of fulfilling one's civic duty.

The case that I was assigned to was a civil matter involving the City of Larkspur vs. Jacobs Engineering. The City of Larkspur was asking for damages of $20mil to replace the Bon Air bridge in Larkspur (at left). The city asserted that the work Sverdrup (which was acquired by Jacobs) had done in 1994 widening the bridge had actually damaged the bridge. Their claim centered on the fact that Jacob's had deliberately concealed information about this faulty work from the City.

I now know more about spalling (example at right is not of the Bon Air bridge), thermal expansion and expansion joints than I ever imagined. Both sides called a series of civil engineering experts to testify. We got to see a computer simulation of the thermal effects on the bridge produced by Dr. Astaneh-Asl which was interesting.

I have to say that the lead attorney for the City of Larkspur did an outstanding job of framing their case and cutting through all the information to get to the most salient points. If I ever had to go to court on a construction matter I would want to hire Mr. Spellberg. I wish I could say the same for the defense attorneys, but unfortunately I felt that they made things more laborious and tedious than they needed to be. The defense brought 17 huge binders of documents as evidence that their witnesses had to flip through and testify about and often it felt really extraneous and muddled.

The verdict reached last week did find Jacob's had deliberately conceald information about their work on the bridge and the city was awarded $8.3 million (See Marin IJ article http://www.marinij.com/marinnews/ci_10513351). Jacobs could still appeal this decision so it will be interesting to see what happens here.

Boyfriend Jeans

The must-have denim style of the moment is the faded and ripped boyfriend jean worn slightly loose on the hips with pegged cuffs at the bottom. I have to say this style is growing on me, but the trick is how to keep this style from looking too sloppy or unfeminine. Katie Holmes favors Prps boyfriend jeans, but these have apparently sold old everywhere. Here are some other options below (some for pre-order, get them while they last!).

Genetic Denim

The oversized Ryder Boyfriend jeans in Torn Dark ($235) have a relaxed fit, button fly, simple patch pockets, oxidized hardware, and strategic abrasions which create a "lived in" effect. What I like about these jeans is that they contain 2% elasthane for a bit of stretch. Pre-order for late-October delivery from shopintuition.com.

Current Elliott

This boyfriend jean from Current Elliot in super loved destroy ($229) is best worn a little big. Distressing and holes throughout give them that lived in look. Reserve yours today for October delivery at singer22.com.

J. Crew

Not quite as baggy, but a similar silhouette, these straight-leg shredded Italian cotton denim jeans from j. crew ($135) are anchored on the hip and (if you are pretty slim) sit slightly away from the body without being overly baggy. They don't work on me, but I love the look!

Hollister & Co.

Okay, so these really are guys jeans, but I think if purchased in the right size could work for women. What I love about the Hollister jeans are all the great destroyed washes they have. The jeans pictured here are their men's Balboa straight destroyed in medium wash ($69.50). 100% cotton, medium wash, heavy fading, blown-out holes, handcrafted abrasions, nicking and grinding, torn hems, button-fly with a low-slung fit.

Levi's

Finally, there's the classic boyfriend jean--the 501. These Levi jeans are

cut in a relaxed boyfriend fit ($58) with a medium rise and button fly. Not in a destroyed wash, but the loose fit leg is perfect for pegging and rolling. This style is exclusive to Urban Outfitters.

Luxe Hippy

Cardigan

I hesitate to write about this paisley cardigan from Another Important Culture ($225)--I love it so much. Not sure I want anyone else to get one because I may never take mine off! The fabric is so soft and comfortable and the print is in the most amazing shades of teal, blue and green. My absolute favorite piece of clothing at the moment. Great over a white tank, a pair of jeans and cowboy boots. Available from Planet Blue.

Another Important Culture

It's worth noting that there are some other great pieces from this label on their website, but unfortunately not sure where they can be purchased. Love the fact that this label was established to "cater to the sophisticated bohemian woman. The collection is inspired by alternative beauty, finding balance within the contrasting worlds of San Francisco in the early 60's and a Russian circus in the 70's".

Boots

The Fiona Boot from Frye ($298) looks like the greatest pair of early seventies boots. Lace up style with hidden zipper at the inner side for easy on and off. Love the fact that they are bohemian, but still polished. Available from shopbop.com.