Thursday Traffic | 28 January

In opposite world, I love the sight of traffic in the morning. In reality, it sucks. However, one thing that makes the world go 'round in a happy orbit are nice people. You don't know the kind of nice people I'm talking about? Have you ever encountered any of the following?

Sunshine people: The nice "sunshine" people are the ones that will smile at you no matter how rainy, cold or ugly it is outside—even if they are in a rush. Not only that, some sunshine people will nod, wave on the sly or tip their hat at you. I love sunshine people and the way they spread joy—and I do love joy!

Acknowledging people: These people acknowledge your presence. They might say "Good morning" to you while you wait for the bus or metro. If you are really lucky, you will be complimented on your earrings, killer sense of style or wicked awesomeness.

Well-mannered people: The well-mannered person will notice that you are walking on the same sidewalk they are; they will also keep a safe distance away from you so as not to knock you into the street in front of oncoming traffic. If they notice that you are approaching a door, they will hold it open for you (elevator doors included).

They are always better than the "talk loudly on their cell phones, blast their music, step on your toes, never apologize, sneeze in your face, practically kill you as they are running for the escalator" kind of people. Hopefully, you get to see some of the nice people I mentioned above. Signing off until next Thursday's traffic.

Image via InkTank

Apple really helps keep the "i" in me

Following the same suit as the iPod and iPhone, Apple's latest creation has been unveiled—the iPad. I'm certain that lots of work went into the name, but I am still not feeling it right now. By next week, it'll probably be second nature. Now, I just have to figure out a good excuse for needing an iPad. Any ideas?

Photo via gdgt

Snow kidding

Snow sculptures are definitely very gorgeous and put most snowmen to shame. Check out some images from worldwide Snow Sculptures on Woman's Day.

Internet masterpiece

You can make your very own internet masterpiece with the help of Jackson Pollock by Miltos Manetas. Basically, you move your mouse and you create a unique piece of art that is reminiscent of Jackson Pollock's drip paintings and such. Simple? Yes. Amazing? Possibly. Easy? You know this. Go give the site a try and get your hands dirty (digitally, that is).

Awesome body and hand paintings

Guido Daniele's "handimals" and body paintings are phenomenal. Some are better than others, but I've really fallen in love with the handimals. Really creative idea. These aren't new, but I just found out about them and would like to share with anyone else who does not know of them. Check out his site and hit the jump for some more handimal images.

Images via Guido Daniele

All seeing eye

Photography is something that many people fantasize about. Some as collectors; others as amateurs. However, there are some photographers that truly make photography something special and amazing. These photographers are the ones that catch moments of serendipity or create stunning compositions using experience and instinct. Scott Stulberg is one of these marvelous photographers. For some real eye candy, browse through images on his site. Yes, it will take some time.

Image is copyright of Scott Stulberg

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

According to imdb, the fourth Pirates of the Caribbean installment will release next year in May. I'm so looking forward to it. It will lose the whole Bloom/Knightley romance (which is good, they wrapped that up at the end of At World's End). However, it will introduce some new blood. Hopefully in Blackbeard (as he has been mentioned)! Which pirate would make a better addition? Even more important, who would play him? The anticipation kills me.

Image via Blue Heron Elementary School

Wal-Mart will clown around

How fitting, I like clowns as much as I like Wal-Mart. However, who thought that this was a good idea? Am I supposed to feel like shopping there now?

Library Booth

Apparently, a village in Somerset, England had merged the classic, red phone booth with the idea of a book exchange. You can "borrow" a book at your leisure. From the above image, it must be a hit, right? For more, check out Offbeat Earth.
images via Offbeat Earth

Playing games

Source: Online Education

Thursday Traffic | 21 January

Oh Thursday Traffic, how I loathe you. This morning, I was able to really get a feel for people. I am not certain how much you know about my commute, but basically, I ride the bus to the Metro. Then, I metro to a station close to my workplace and walk the rest of the way. This normally takes me 45 minutes. Usually, I read (alas, my Sony Reader was out of battery this morning), play my DSi or PSP, listen to music, or just take a look outside to pass the time.

Well, this morning, I was reading a magazine on the bus—Martha Stewart Living (yay!) —and in a pleasant mood. Recently, I have begun to sit across the aisle from this guy who sleeps on the way to the Metro. However, he always puts something in his free seat so people are not able to sit next to him. I think it is rude to claim a seat that you technically do not own. On the flip-side, I think it is rude of people taking a seat to take over the whole space. While personal space is lost on many metro commutes, a seat on the bus should not detract from it. Keep your body within your seat. Men, I feel no pity for you. Keep your legs to yourself. I shouldn't be elbowed by people sitting properly in their seats either. How annoying.

While on the Metro, keep in mind that most people will crowd the doors. However, each individual can only move further into the train as long as everyone else does. Don't try to squeeze yourself between people who can't move. It's rude. Also, there was a delay on my train today and the conductor said something about it all the time. How dumb are commuters that we should be reminded every 13 seconds that we are not moving. I think even a kid could tell that the train is sitting still.

Are you sure you want to brave the third worst city for commuting in the United States? If so, come to DC now! Just expect your Thursday Traffic.

Image via The Wall Street Journal

Because of Martha... Valentine's Day

Because of Martha, I will be equipped to give friends and family tasty homemade treats (I'm single, no boyfriend to surprise). I have just received my first issue of Martha Stewart Living and I will be whipping up some lovely morsels and gifts in no time. I might post some images of my efforts here or on flickr, so keep an eye out.

Burton-esque magnificence

So, I like Tim Burton's style. Something about the quirky, curvy, definitely dark subject matter is addictive and attractive to me. So, you can imagine that when I heard he might be in the works of creating a movie about Disney villain, Maleficent, I was thrilled! She is the crème de la crème of all Disney villains. No other villain is quite as sinister. In fact, my list of villains goes in this order: Maleficent, Scar, Jafar, Ursula, The Shadow Man, Cruella, Hades, Hook, Queen of Hearts, Lady Tremaine a.k.a the Evil Stepmother, and all the rest. While Scar murdered his own brother and tried to kill his nephew, he is second to Maleficent only because she is a dragon. That is ridiculous. I do hope that this might be a series of films by Burton. This would be better than Wicked too.

Peek-a-boo!

My little man is growing fast. He's five months old now. Look at that cute face. If you haven't seen my video of him playing a few months ago, check out my page on YouTube.

Image Afternoon Nap by yours truly

Film Review | The Book of Eli

Yesterday, I graced my local movie theatre with a visit to watch The Book of Eli. I honestly was expecting something action-packed and possibly controversial. Instead, I was completely and utterly disappointed. Although this film had lots of potential, it failed to deliver. It raises more questions than it answers—and not in a "you can debate this at work or over drinks" kind of way either. I think a few more months could have made this better, even a few screenings. Regardless, I don't want to give away the movie for those who are planning on seeing it, so hit the jump for my rant or just check out my grade and move along.

Grade: C-

Thursday Traffic | 14 January

I was shocked this morning by the lack of traffic this Thursday. I mean, my bus was not the only one on the road, but the cars were moving. Not only did I make it to the Metro with time to spare, I got to work earlier. However, this week has been filled with traffic like no other, so it is funny that on the day when there is usually traffic, there is none. The irony.

But I remember that when I lived overseas, the autobahn had a great way of keeping you informed about staus (traffic jams). If there was traffic ahead, cars would have on both blinkers so that everyone knew what was going on. Not only that, but when traffic was moving and someone wanted to go faster, putting on their left blinker when in the left-most lane would send cars out of their way. In fact, the left lane is used entirely for passing slow cars. Trucks are restrained to the slow, right lanes and not allowed to pass. If only we could pick up some autobahn etiquette in the United States.

Image via webshots.com

Exposed

I took a photography class when I was in college (it was required). I enjoyed the process. Something about shooting your photos and exposing them yourself in the darkroom was just relaxing and fun. I only worked in black and white, but we had a time when we had to do a long exposure. Nothing I did can even compare to the the images I saw on Smashing Tips. Take a look. Trust me when I say that your eyes might get cavities from this candy!—cheesy, I know. Uncalled for? I think not.

Image via Deviant Art

Game Review | Wii Fit Plus

I was fortunate enough to receive Wii Fit Plus for Christmas. Now, after a few weeks of game play, I think I am ready to talk about it. I never played the original Wii Fit, but it seems that the biggest updates to it were in the addition of several new mini-games and more advanced strength and yoga exercises. However, I'm not here to review Wii Fit, I'm reviewing Wii Fit Plus. There are plenty of great things to say, so hit the jump.

Image via Destructoid

Photography is...

I have been fortunate to stumble across Irene Suchocki's photography. I suggest that you check out her site because she has lots of gorgeous work. She is a freelance photographer with a very great style and lots of quality work. You can purchase prints of her work from her online store.

Image from Irene Suchocki

Thursday Traffic | 7 January

The first Thursday Traffic of 2010 and it was truly horrendous. It took twenty minutes for my bus to cross a bridge. Not only that, but my bus was packed. Then, I had to wait for my metro to arrive where I was squished next to people for a bumpy ride to my final destination. Honestly, I have no true problems with my commute, but I was not too happy about the long ride today. Normally, I busy myself by reading a book or playing my DSi, but I didn't feel like doing either after we finally crossed the bridge. Sometimes, it is nice to just listen to music and enjoy the scenery, but I wasn't in a joyful mood—I know, crazy right? Either way, once I got to the metro, I was unable to read my book anyway, so I let my thoughts entertain me. If you have ever found yourself in a situation where you are faced with a long commute and have no idea what to do, let this hunch help you.

What should I do during my commute? - make thousands more decisions on Hunch.com

Image Blue Line Arriving via flickr/afagen

Pop Goodness

I often browse people's art on Behance to see what's going on in the design community worldwide. I always see some very nice work and become inspired. One really creative group of graphic designers is Filter017. I like their style and I wanted to share it with you (in case you didn't already know). Filter 017 has been around since 2004 and I hope they continue making awesome work. They also have a blog, so check it out if you have the time.
Images via Filter017

Let's all go to the circus!

I think the circus is ripe with artistic possibilities. The type, the costume, the drama, the food—it's all open for the taking. All the worn posters and bright colors, slightly faded over time. Something about circuses and carnivals feels me with a sense of nostalgia. Whether it is the peanuts, popcorn, cotton candy or corn dogs, the circus world just makes me feel happy inside. This year, I might try to see the "Greatest Show on Earth." Of course, that's Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey.

If you have ever wondered where you would fit in at the big top, give this hunch a try (courtesy of yours truly).

What performance role should I play in a circus? - make thousands more decisions on Hunch.com

Image via The Granger Collection, New York

While the weather is chilly

I have noticed that whenever it is cold outside, I have a hunger for a bowl of ice cream. It is like I prefer inflicting even more of a chill to my shivers. So, I have been looking into the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. I have never been one for extremely cold temperatures, but I like seeing other people enjoy it. I have my eyes on figure skating and snowboarding. I'll watching anything else in passing.

Image via flickr/Daniel.Techie