No longer words on a page

For the past few years, kinetic typography has become more and more popular. I will always remember my graphic design teacher being adamant about moving type. He explained that many logotypes (and logos) lend themselves well to motion. Ford used kinetic typography for their truck commercials and it was a well-executed campaign. You see, artists nowadays have benefited from this animated world that we live in. Enter the kinetic typography video—a bite-sized morsel for the eyes. There are so very many, but I will highlight only a few here on my blog.






The video below has some bad language. Not recommended for young children.

Cartoon Chatter | Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends

There are several reasons why Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends (Foster's) is one of my favorite cartoons. It premiered on my birthday back in 2004, it showcases the imagination, it has fun animation and music, and it had an excellent storyline. Minus the premiere on my birthday, these are qualities that I prefer in my cartoon.

Creator Craig McCracken brings an interesting concept to the show. What does happen to imaginary friends when kids outgrow them? Well, contrary to popular belief, they are not so imaginary—everyone can see them—and they have a difficult time fending for themselves. Luckily, Madame Foster provides a home for abandoned friends and never outgrew her imaginary friend Mr. Herriman, a large, butler-like bunny. The episodes are extremely entertaining and imaginative (shocker!).

By far, the best thing about Foster's is the group of characters that the show revolves around. They are so well developed that you can't help but to like them. Cheese, Goo and Coco are personal favorites of mine, but you should watch the show and decide who you like. Although the series ended last fall, you can still purchase DVDs or watch episodes online.

Image via a quick internet search

Edible Castle

I happened upon Edible Castle and I decided that I must share it with you, reader. If you are familiar with—and like—Homestarrunner, you will probably enjoy this as well. The site has several short cartoons and a very fun game (with more games in the works). Now, before you get upset with me, I must warn you that Edible Castle is not appropriate for young children. There is some bad language and graphic violence. You will need the Flash player to watch the toons and play the games (Flash 10 recommended, but everything still works with Flash 9 if you cannot upgrade for some reason).

Image via Edible Castle

New York, New York

These vintage photos and illustrations of New York are a nice blast to the past. You can check out Christian Montone's Vintage Times Square set on flickr for more.

(via Designers Couch)

Thursday Traffic | 3 June

This is the first Thursday Traffic entry of June, and I must say that I am starting to see vacation traffic. That's right, readers. It is tourist season in the city. Cue family trips, foreign visitors, screaming babies, sweaty people and completely clueless venturers—voila! you have DC in the summer. However, that's not the point of my post for today.

When you go out in your own car, you can carry as much as you'd like. You could bring the kitchen sink with you if you really needed to do so. When you ride the bus or metro, the same isn't necessarily true. Carrying items on your commute can be annoying, but here are a few tips to help you out:

Backpacks/book bags: As helpful as they are, you need to keep your eye on book bags. When metros get busy, your bag can be in the way (or get stuck in the train doors). Try not to over-stuff it. Don't put important items in there—they might be stolen on a crowded train.

Laptop bags (non-rolling): Most of these have a handle that you can carry your laptop with comfortably or a strap that goes over your shoulder. This is a great way to keep your important items nearby without taking up much space. You can find some really stylish ones in stores and online.

Rolling bags: The epitome of evil. These helpful items cause users to forget that there is a distance between themselves and others. When using these, remember that it does not turn the moment you do.

Messenger bags: One of my favorite materials to carry around. These stay close to the body and are space savers.

Tote bags: Compact when out of use. Good to have handy in case you stop into a store or something. You can store your materials in it, and it can be stylish and sustainable.

Purses: Women, be certain that you keep your purse near you. Larger purses could be a hazard to other guests if you are running and allow it to slap everyone along the path. Keep your eye on it—nothing sucks more than a lost purse.

Fanny packs: An absolute fashion faux pas. Don't even think about it. Leave them in the 80s where they belong!

Strollers: No matter how cute your kid is, strollers are bulky and dangerous. Always be mindful of other passengers and remember to set your breaks on the metro. You might be able to collapse it for bus rides.

Luggage: Since it takes up a lot of space, try to avoid overcrowding doors with your luggage. Attempt to stand near the center of train cars or sit at a completely empty seat to remove your materials from the walkways.

Cake trays and containers: Since you've put some work into making your confection, hold it carefully. Try to find a seat so you can minimize the chances of dropping said sweet (or savory treat).

Loose items: Books, newspapers, jackets and other objects should be held close to the body. You don't want it to be knocked away or damaged during a crowded ride.

Instruments: Best carried in a case. Try to keep your instrument close to you. Avoid playing music on metro trains in DC as it is not allowed. Do so in NY or Paris or something instead.

Image via Wikimedia Commons

Cartoon Chatter | The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack

I'm skipping away from Nickelodeon today to talk about a cartoon that airs on Cartoon Network. The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack (Flapjack) is a hilarious creation from Thurop Van-Orman.

What's not to like about Flapjack? Flapjack, the protagonist, wears a red and white striped shirt and a little hat. There are pirates. There is romance. There is swashbuckling. There are peg legs and hook arms. Plus, if that is not enough, there is CANDY! An entire island of it. In fact, Candied Island is the goal of our young adventurer Flapjack.

The characters are amusing, the stories and creative, and the voices are extremely well done. The animation even switches to claymation at times. It adds extra emphasis—and extra silliness—to the show. My best comparison would be to say that Flapjack is to Cartoon Network what Spongebob is to Nickelodeon. It provides that seemingly random but expertly planned hilarity that makes you laugh and possibly quote the show later. It just manages to do it in a bit of a deeper way. Like the Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, Flapjack is a little edgy in some of its sketches, but I enjoy the show enough to bring it up on my Cartoon Chatter.

Now, my advice to you is to check your local listings for airings of Flapjack. It's a great show and it should still be running (it's on its second season). You can also purchase the first season on DVD—your choice.

Image via a quick internet search

Animal Fever

Not only do I have some eye candy for you today, but it is eye candy that can keep on giving. While perusing the internet today, I tumbled across The Animal Blog. It's "a whole blog dedicated to all things animal." Hope you enjoy!