Halloween

I had a costume. That's an important part of the evening. I was a mountaineer?

I found the sweater at a second-hand store on Bloor. It's for a cyclist, with fun pockets in the back for protein bars and drinks, so originally that's what I was going to be. But then I put on the hat, Fancy suggested a climber and I agreed. Also, the rope is such an easy prop and not one I have to carry all night.

A key consideration on Halloween.

Finally, nice gams.

Went to Comedy Bar, The Boat, then back to Comedy Bar and had a good time. Not a mind-blowingly awesome time, but a good time. The problem is being tired.

If you're tired you're less likely to pop out of the chair, bounce around the room and interact with people. It's one thing to interact with those you know, but it takes more energy to put yourself out there and start talking with new people.

So I guess the problem is being tired and not knowing enough people. Next time I'll be less tired, become the best of friends with EVERYONE then follow that up with an exhausted visit during which I'll reconfirm my newfound friendships by having low energy repartee and banter.

Can't wait.

We switched venues midway through the evening because Annie was due for a Sweatshop Hop shift at The Boat. We arrived, aerobicized and departed pretty quickly but there was still enough time for me to get my crush on. Just for an instant, just the one person and just as I was leaving.

Methinks my strategies around babes need some work.

And that's where not being so tired comes in. Right? Or, at least that's part of it. Sorting out my own muddled state and what exactly I'm looking for couldn't hurt things either.

Ah well. I'm sure I'll figure out what I'm up to soon enough. In the meantime there's lots to keep me busy. Tomorrow I'm off to Kingston for the day to meet with students and tell them how to write better papers.

Write better papers kids! I'll say. And they will giggle. Giggle and fail.

olympic clothing and provincial logos

HBC launched the Canadian uniform (outfit?) today for the upcoming Olympics. My thought, good.

I'm not going to say too much, just that I appreciate the aesthetic. If you're going to go for stereotypes you might as well go all the way.

Also, I appreciate the '80s styling, particularly on the toque. Childhood nostalgia? Probably, but who cares.

The other thing that caught my eye is the font, or more specifically the 'A'. It looks good. It reminded me of Alberta's recent decision that a unique stylized 'A' needed to be dumped in favour of an ugly, generic piece of script.

Whoever decided the Alberta logo needed to go just as it was reaching its pinnacle of retro chic needs to have their head examined. Similar to whoever thought dull, generic style would be a good idea to promote the province. Hey world! We're like everywhere else, only orange.

We were discussing this on Streem a few months ago and there seems to be a pattern. Look at Ontario's new trillium.

Meh anyone? I get it, if we work as a team we can be a better province. Very good. As Imran said, "It does lend credence to my theory that all modern day graphic design is done by 14-year-old Photoshop-proficient nephews of agency directors."

Just look here and try to tell me the older ones are not better. I think the green is the best, both in design and colour.

Alas. Governments in the '60s were bold and brave. Expo '67 and whatnot all said Canada was the future, we were going to change the world. It was reflected in legislation and the coolness of graphics too apparently.

And now? Governments are concerned less with governing and improving our lot with bold gestures, and more with surviving the next election. The result is boring genericism that aims not to offend anyone rather than take a risk and possibly inspire.