Media Monday: Keith Olbermann and Aaron Sorkin team up!?

Aaron Sorkin, creator of "The West Wing," and "Studio 60 on Sunset Strip" and writer of "The Social Network" is gearing up for his next big project: a behind the scenes drama about a cable news show, according to MediaBistro's TV Newster. It's to air on HBO. And the best part? It appears that Sorkan may be asking Keith Olbermann of the recently ended "Countdown with Keith Olbermann" on MSNBC to write some "rants" for the new show ... if you can believe when you hear from Entertainment Weekly.

In related news, I was disappointed to hear of Olbermann's end-of-contract with MSNBC  announced last Friday. I enjoyed his authoritative rants, special comments and Edward R. Murrow-inspired broadcast style. I look forward to seeing what future projects he takes on. And hopefully see a little of his style injected into Sorkin's new drama.

Good friends for a font geek

I have discovered a new source of graphic design inspriation: 

Friends of Type.

Friends of Type is a blog-style website with four main contributors who post a new typographic design nearly everyday. Some of the designs are more straightforward, while others take a second glance to figure them out. I especially like the first one, because it describes the weather perfectly at the moment.

Below is a sampling of the beautiful images from their recent posts: 

Check them out at FriendsofType.com.

Graphic designer friends: Who inspires you?

Ice sculptures and lights

I paused to take a couple pictures of the ice sculptures in downtown this evening during intermission and on our way back to the car from "Avenue Q" at the Atwood Concert Hall. The show was amazing, but more on that later. The "Crystals of Ice Gallery" is supposed to be on display in downtown Anchorage's town square for all of January and February or "until they melt," according to the Anchorage Downtown Partnership. They are a bit grainy, but I still think my little Sony Cybershot did a decent job capturing the lights at night.

 

 

Earmuffs! What are we shielding our kids from?

Yes, that's right, this is the shield you usually see covering racy headlines on Cosmo. This week Harps grocery stores of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Missouri were protecting their shoppers' children from ...

(Drumroll, please)

... Elton John's baby.

Somebody should tell them it's 2011 already. I can think about SO MANY things I'd be less comfortable explaining to my son than a baby with two dads:

Thanks to Matt Pasetsky's Cover Awards for originally posting on this and to Charles Apple for re-blogging about it. I share in your general shock of this chain's treatment of this magazine cover.

Fun graphic: The history of social networking

I love a great infographic, so I couldn't resist re-posting this one from OnlineSchools.org after I saw it on Poynter. What do you think?

Moving essentials

Today I have five moving essentials/tips as the stack of boxes grows higher in my living room each day. I have pretty much lived in seven different apartments in seven years, so I'm no packing amateur. That sounds like a bad rental history, but really most of it is accounted for with college and living in three different states. I guess that's just a side effect of being in your 20s.

1. MARKERS: It's easy to think, "I'll remember what's in this box," but 10 boxes later, you might have no idea. So make notes on the top and sides so you and anyone helping will know which room to place the boxes in and which boxes to crack open first when unpacking. Write fragile on those with breakable, so moving helpers (whether paid, or friends promised pizza) will know to handle with care.


2. PLASTIC STORAGE CONTAINERS: For those things you might keep packed away for a while or stay in a closet such as keepsake, crafting supplies, collections, etc. These are also great for packing fragile items because the sides aren't as easily compromised. I like ones where the lids snap on tightly and the sides are curved into handles so you can pack them full and lift them easily.


3. PACKING TAPE & BOXES This one is obvious, but it seems I never remember it until I'm ready to tape the bottom of a box. Also, I will NEVER PAY for cardboard boxes now that I know people in retail management and know how many boxes they recycle every week. Check for cardboard recycling bins in the back lots behind your favorite retailers. Stay away from places with no trespassing signs and as always be careful.


4. YOUR OWN LINENS: Resist the temptation to throw all your towels and linens in a box and seal it shut. Instead, save them for last and use them to cushion your fragile items. Dish towels make a great buffer between plates and bowls. Just be careful to make sure you know where the ones you need right away are. Don't cushion decorations you might keep boxed up with your bedsheets you'll need the day you arrive!


5. TOTES, BASKETS, ETC.: I can never have too many storage containers. I like to pick new ones out right before a move for packing in and organizing in the new place. Don't let old gift baskets and your own suitcases go to waste by packing them empty: fill them up!