After spending a very nomadic summer, I have settled in Astoria, Queens.

Through some serendipitous dealings and generosity of many, I was able to move into an old apartment – affordable but in need of TLC. The kitchen had a quarter inch think solid grease coating everywhere. The walls were cracking, mice holes and leaks here and there, and there were reports of bed bugs.

A team of handy guys was assembled to fix up the place. After much peeling, painting, cleaning, debugging, and degreasing, I have come to realize that the kitchen of the apartment has the original enamel stove, refrigerator, and cabinets that were never replaced, and still functioning, since 1920’s when the building was built. The kicthen here has the entire set in tact, including the stove, cabinets, drawers, sink, and the refrigerator.

Under-the-counter refrigerator was rumbling noisily and had to be unplugged for the fear that it guzzles up enormous amounts of electricity. We now use it to store cleaning supplies and cooking oils. One totally “modern” feature of the refrigerator, is that it does not have any handles, and only opens when you push a silver button next to it.

The landlord lives elsewhere, but he lived in the building for a long time. He and his wife moved into the building after he came back from the war (WWII), and they ran a hardware store that used to be downstairs.

Here’s the link to an entire “Before & After Cleaning” Flickr Set.

This unusual combination (nowadays, they don’t make it in all in one piece anymore) has the sink and the stove/oven, as well as the refrigerator under one piece of enamel coated steel. Some details almost look like a well made motorcycle.

the knobs, the handles, cabinets doors, and drawers feel heavier and much, much more sturdy. This kind of tangibility, I think, got lost somewhere in the mid-20th century in the name of efficiency and profit.

A little Googling of the company name on the stove “Murphy-Cabranette” reveals nothing more than a few auction pages and a web Q and A site asking for more information.

Here’s what I found from WebAnswers.com:

“I was given a Murphy Cabranette and I cannot find anything about it on the internet or anywhere. It is a model G 39, manufactured by Dwyer Products Corporation in Michigan City, Indiana. It is enamel white, with two burner stove, sink and fridge. I have contacted both the Murphy Bed Company and Dwyer Products Company and no one seems to have anything on this item. I know that the Murphy Bed Company began manufacturing them in the early 1920’s and stopped either during WWII or directly after WWII because of rationing. Any help on this item would be appreciated.”

Some questions I’d like to ask are:
Who is collecting them?
How many people out there still use them?
Who designed it, and what happened to Dwyer or Murphy division that made it?

Any advice is appreciated!!!

Update January 2010: I managed to clean the oven up to the point where the broiler works now. And the food that comes out of that broiler is so amazing, I can’t believe I could live without it before. I also got an oven thermometer, and preheated it enough that it could be used to bake lasagna. Still working on figuring out how to unblock the tube that leads to the oven gas…

July 4th in NJ – Saw fireworks directly across from Manhattan, at Port Imperial.

Visited the High Line. Highly recommended for residents and tourists alike. It’s tricky to get up there – Best bet is to go to Gansevoort – that way, you get to start from the beginning.

Six Flags – spent most of the day at the water playground – probably the best choice for a 5 year old kid with sensitivities to sound and sights. He was a bit freaked out about roller coasters.


Manhattan Henge – Stone-henge like sunset at home.

Michael Jackson Marquee at the Apollo

And last but not least, a successful launch of the Harlem Market Hub on July 11.

Samplings from the Vendors

mirror, mirror

more mirrors

walking past a magical bird

Jump!

Kai and I went to Governor’s Island last weekend.

More PHOTOS HERE.

We went on a whim, after the Walk Now for Autism event because the ferry to Governor’s Island was nearby and I knew it was free. So we just walked over there exactly at noon, just to miss it. We waited for the 12:30 which was not so bad because we had time to find out more about what’s happening over there, and they started boarding early. The ferry is every half an hour, and it’s free, but they do leave exactly on time and will batten down the hatches a little earlier.

CHECK FERRY SCHEDULE AND LOGISTICS  HERE

It just so happens that there was an art festival called FIGMENT going on over there.

We had a great time from the get go, drawing on the sidewalk, interacting with art, walking around the perimeter of the island, listening to various performances from opera to gamelan to experimental, and seeing lots of creativity everywhere.

We got there past 1PM and realized we didn’t bring any food. And the lines at the hotdog stand (one of the few there) were very long. So we went to the ice cream stand instead, where there was no line.

WHAT TO BRING TO GOVERNOR’S ISLAND (next time):

- Food
- More Water (no sinks! Have enough to wash hands, etc.)
- Wipes and Hand Sanitizer (only porta potties there)
- Sunscreen
- Plastic Tarp for sitting on damp grass

- Dress-Up Clothes for Fun
- Kite or Bubbles or Balls

Other optional stuff to take:
- Camping Gear (some people were camping out there.)
- Folding bicycle and Strollers (Bikes and strollers can go right onto the ferries.)

This kaleidoscope was installed into one of the structures called “Temple of Truth”, where people could write messages on its blackboard walls. Kai and I spent half an hour there, doodling.

All in all, we had a great time, and we’d recommended to families with kids too, especially when there are events happening, and they seem to have events going on all the time there.

Along with his school, I’m participating in the Walk Now for Autism event in New York City, on June 14th. My goal is to raise $1M for the cause. (LOL< but one of my favorite concepts mentioned in the book, “Four Hour Work Week” says it’s “easier” to raise $1M than a few thousand…The gist of it is that, there is less competition when you set the goal higher and aim high, than if you try to compete within mediocrity.)

Below is a copy & paste from their fundraising site.

Please join me in my fight to make a difference in the lives of the more than 1 million Americans living with autism today.

I am participating in Walk Now for Autism to help find a cure for autism. Autism is the second most common developmental disorder in the United States affecting one in every 150 children born today. Despite some promising discoveries, the cause of autism is unknown and a cure does not exist. Research is crucial. Every 20 minutes another child is diagnosed with autism. Not only must we find ways to improve the quality of life for children and adults with autism, but we also must find a cure, and soon.

Walk Now for Autism is our chance to make a difference in the fight against autism by raising money for autism research and heightening public awareness. Please join me in my fight as I raise money to help fund essential research. You can donate to Walk Now for Autism and/or join my team online using the links at the bottom of this page. Donations can also be mailed to Autism Speaks using the donation form located on my page or send me a check made out to Autism Speaks.

Thank you for taking an important step in the fight against autism.

Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Autism Speaks 501 (C)(3) Tax Id #: 20-2329938

Matching gift program: Many companies provide their employees with matching gifts. Please consult your employer on its matching gift guidelines and attach matching gift forms accordingly.

Follow This Link to visit my personal web page and help me in my efforts to support Autism Speaks

If the above link does not work, copy and paste the following into your browser:

http://www.walknowforautism.org/nyc/kamitera?faf=1&e=2457663882

So I went next door and found Lush, a hand-made cosmetics (bath balls, soaps, creams, etc.) franchise, which is now in over 43 countries.

What I find most remarkable about their product (besides the overwhelming aroma), is that they put a sticker on the tub of creams they make, so you know who made it and what they look like. It’s circular and has a posterized photo of their face and first name.

I think this is an AWESOME practice for any business.

It allows me to mentally thank the person who made it.

My hand cream was made by “Czarina”, whom I’ve never met and will probably never meet, but it’s nice to know that she dedicated her precious time to mixing this cream, and I can thank her while I am slathering the cream on my hands.

In a mass produced world, it’s hard to find who made your stuff.

I think that’s why the photo of the Chinese girl in a factory making an iPhone was circulated so widely.

In the movie “Life and Debt”, they show factory workers in Jamaica, barely making few cents an hour, making clothing for the American labels. Would we buy it if it had a label with their face on it and the picture of the shacks they live in?

I think it’s time we started finding out who made what for everything we buy.

Of course Michelle would be thrilled — Being on Sesame Street means you are a Superstar. That is by far the best measure of fame in the USA. Here’s the list of guest stars on Sesame Street.

Being exposed to a heavy rotation of Elmo every day as an occupational hazard of being a mom, I’ve come to really appreciate Elmo as a new (…at least to my generation) addition to the Sesame Street Family.

When I was younger, I used to NOT appreciate Elmo or Barney, as they occured to me as very annoying. But lately, I’m starting to acquire a taste for them…I’m really amazed (after 100th time watching it) that Barney actually had a really nicely built set, and a lot of consideration went into their props. I also noticed that Selena Gomez, who is in other teeny boppy movies as a teenager (and I know this only because of all the movie previews in the DVD’s – another occupational hazard), was in Barney as Gianna. I had to go to IMDB to check it to see if I was right. Yes, I was right…http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1411125/

Oops, I digressed…

Here’s an excerpt of the “Michelle visits Elmo” article

In New York, First Lady Meets Diplomats and Elmo

By Rachel L. Swarns

First Lady Michelle Obama traveled to New York on Tuesday where she praised American diplomats for linking “the world to America and American ideals.”

…
The visit to the American mission was Mrs. Obama’s second stop in New York on Tuesday. She also taped a public service announcement about the importance of nutrition and healthy eating with Elmo and other characters from Sesame Street.

“I never thought I’d be on Sesame Street with Elmo and Big Bird and I was thrilled,” said Mrs. Obama, laughing. “I’m still thrilled. I’m on a high. I think it’s probably the best thing I’ve done so far in the White House.”
…

Yes Michelle, it is indeed.

Read More at:
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/05/in-new-york-first-lady-meets-diplomats-and-elmo/

Cohen Bros. Businesscard Makeover

I just re-ordered a second round of 1000 cards for one of my clients, for whom I did a business card makeover. He is the owner of Cohen Bros. Jewelry in the middle of the Diamond District on 47th street. He has not really updated his business card since the store was established back in 1964. His father and uncle ran the store back then.

Here’s his testimonial:
“My wife flipped out when she saw my new cards.  She was so impressed, saying she always hated my old cards.  She may have emailed you to thank you herself. Thank you again for helping to kick me into the 21st century. Every old customer who has seen them has complimented me on them.”

Basically, when I first saw his cards, I saw that it needed more bling, or the “wow” factor.

I am a firm believer that a business card must “wow” people. It’s something people remember you by. It’s your brand’s first impression.

I’ve seen many (too many) business cards with clip art or default cookie cutter design, but it’s not going to have “uniqueness” that people remember you by. The 2D diamond illustration may suffice for the world to know that you sell diamonds, but it may not be enough to remember you as The Diamond Store on 47th street, when there are so many other diamond stores on 47th.

So the idea was to keep the concept from the original card — the diamond in the center – but really, really add depth and beauty to the card. As one of the taglines, “The Ring is the Thing” is a concept I wanted to convey on the back of the card.

I have a testimonial for his store too.

Gary Cohen is a wonderful guy – very friendly and is always there to help.  He can find whatever you are looking for –  the right ring for the right person, pearl necklace, earrings, bracelet or even a rare diamond in unusual colors or shape. If the jewelry you want does not yet exist out there, he can have it custom made. No order is ever too big or too small – I’ve had a ring stretched at his store before. If you are ever nearby, it’s worth stopping by just to meet him.

So next time you hear of someone getting engaged, please remember Cohen Bros., “The Ring is the Thing.”

Cohen Bros. Jewelry Inc.
45 W. 47th Street
New York, NY 10036
212-719-2010

As a film school project, he created a short documentary about the homeless people in Tokyo.

He just goes and interviews them, and what’s amazing is how candid some of the stuff is. They tell it like it is.

Subtitles included. Part I & II.

business cards based on $2 Bill

If you thought this post was on how to make fake money, this isn’t it.
But with all the funny money out there, I might as well start my own mint.

I just completed a business card for a client.

My design principle is that I am here to incorporate as much of what the clients want without judgment, at the same time getting the best design and most aesthetic results out of them.

Often times, it’s a process of dance — where I will try to absorb as much of what is in the client’s head, and then put in my experience, sensibilities, and skills without invalidating or overshadowing what the clients want. It is often a difficult process, because designers and clients don’t speak the same visual language. No two people speak the same language visually. One person’s blue could be an entirely different shade of blue from another person’s blue.

This project in particular, went in various, totally different directions until the client and I began to be on the same page, and began to speak the same language.

The initial request was to use the “2″ from the two dollar bills.

The client also had various requests incorporating symbolic objects and numbers, and initially wanted them in a black background. Objects requested included “gold bars”, “pinnacle”, “sky”, etc. I struggled with isolating these objects, which all looked cluttered and cheap in black background. He also insisted the card be “unique” and “exquisite”. To make an “exquisite” business card, I decided to go all the way in using as much of the design elements from the bill, taking full advantage of the gorgeous intaglio design on the bill. Another idea was to use an actual letterpress, but the turnaround and cost made it impossible for now.

Eventually, while looking at a sketch by the client, “obelisk” came to my mind. After all, it has a pinnacle, and it is capped in gold. There are plenty of Egyptian references on bills in general, so I did a pencil cross-hatched drawing of an obelisk, which replaced Thomas Jefferson’s portrait in the $2 bill. (In Photoshop, if I set the opacity of the layer to 50% and have Thomas Jefferson’s portrait show through the glowing obelisk, it makes him look like a saint.)

The back side of the business card takes from the back side of the $2 bill as well, which is the scene of the Declaration of Independence. The word “President” (title of the client) is written directly above the Declaration of Independence in the background.

The client and I are both happy with the result.

I recently encountered a client  that has “Leveraged Trading” as one of their business models. For service we performed, we had options to choose from various well-known products, seminars, and hotel stays. It’s a glorified form of bartering.  Since they barter with all of their clients, they have extreme variety in what they can barter — almost like using currency.

Often times, the barter is only between two people or two companies — Time for time, or value for value, one to one ratio, kind of bartering.
With “Leveraged Trading”, the horizon of bartered items expand, and we were even able to transfer a bartering agreement to a subcontractor.

According to their website, “In [our] skilled hands, barter becomes “leveraged trading” — a strategic financial tool that enables corporations to capitalize on under-utilized assets, realize up to full value for products and services, and develop new, profitable business opportunities including new areas of distribution.”

Bartering does work well, when  there is a surplus of inventory and a shortage of cash, like what’s happening now, or what happened with real estate in Downtown after 9/11.

Back in 2004, we bartered our graphic design services in exchange for a nice corner office next to the NY Stock Exchange. The building owner donated an entire surplus floor of a skyscraper to a non-profit. The non-profit had 4 staff, and 10,000 sq. ft. So they bartered it out to small businesses that provided services for them.

Would bartering solve our economic crisis or is it a symptom of a failing economy?

Fiat money, government notes not backed by gold or anything, do not have a history of creating long-term economic stability. US dollar became a fiat currency back in 1971. It’s been almost 40 years, and right now, we are experiencing its crash landing. This article sums it up better than I can, and aside from the pitch (or a public service announcement?) to buy gold by the writer himself, it is a nice, short historical overview.

Here’s a little excerpt from the article by Richard Greene:

“The main reason that the masses ignore the inevitable failure of fiat money systems, such as that which is employed by the US and virtually the rest of the world today, is because just prior to their demise, they have more recently been remembered for generating a widespread period of prosperity that has enriched its supporters, if not the masses as well.

The fundamental flaw in a fiat money system can be summed up as human nature. When the going gets rough, the rough start printing. Governments cannot be trusted, to not print too much money when it is not linked to a scarce commodity such as gold. How much is too much money? There are many debates about that but the unqualified answer is when the system is brought down. It should be obvious to even the casual observer that we have reached a point in time where even the slightest economic disappointment is met with a deluge of additional paper.

…A brief perusal of history will show that when a nation went on a gold standard it was the beginning of a very long period of that nation thriving. When a country went to a fiat currency there was a period, as long or longer than 30 years, in which it thrived even more. However, during that period of prosperity on a fiat currency, excesses began to build. Once they have built up to extreme levels, it is a very dangerous time. When levels of debt become too excessive, an increasing amount of the rewards of production; profits, must go to servicing debt. When the servicing of debt consumes all of the profits of production, it finally consumes production itself. This is the real culprit for the loss of jobs domestically. As more of the economy shifts from real production of goods, to the pushing of various forms of paper, citizens lose jobs and live in more dangerous times. We have reached that time.” (note: This article was written in 2004!!!)

I’ve  heard something about The Wizard of Oz being a story about staying on the gold standard — “Follow the Yellow Brick Road”…

Meanwhile, the system of bartering, or “Leveraged Trading” will be a survival tool for many of us who can not wait for the government to figure something out, or have enough gold to hoard.