The Woodshed

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Guess what I'm doing whilst on the train these days? Here's the Big Idea. 'Stories from The Train' are a series of children's tales that introduces us to the spiritual laws that govern our lives – but told in a way that makes them easy to understand for children between the ages of 4 and 10. The first in the compilation; "Alex and the Talking Ants", introduces young folk to the power of intention and visualization. Meet Alex, a 6 year old who is anticipating his 7th birthday. Alex has informed everybody that he would like a Spaceship. Not the kind that comes with 2 AA batteries mind you ... but the real deal. He wants to visit the stars. And he has promised his younger brother to take him the moment the big day arrives. But Alex is in for a big surprise when he sees a bright light outside his window in the early morning of his birthday ... I was first introduced to the spiritual laws almost 3 years ago when my wife, Mandy, attended a Deepak Chopra confere...

Recently I've had the opportunity to commute to and from the Space Patrol Car HQ in Greenpoint, CT by train. The journey snakes along the Southern Line and for a short distance hugs the coast of False Bay. For the past few mornings I've witnessed the most magnificent sun rises over the water and rock formations. The decision to commute on the line is a no brainer when you look at it: [1] Productivity I have 2 more hours in the day where I can draw, write, create, listen to Podcasts, plan, internalise, structure and organize. You will find me deep in my Moleskine. [2] Travel Expenses A quick calculation shows that I am saving over 600% on costs. A monthly ticket costs me R190. Whereas I was spending approximately R1 200 on unleaded petrol. [3] Carbon Footprint Speaking of unleaded - I am also reducing my Carbon Footprint by catching the train. One less car on the M3. [4] Excercise The distance form the station to Greenpoint is about a brisk 15 - 20min walk each way. So I do get ...

I'm not a huge fan of simply posting articles or links that I have found elsewhere with no insight, recommendations or personal comment. But this one has surely got to be the exception. Thanks to Uno via Twitter we may have the mother load of what's been missing! A full history of the mercurial internet meme. Do you remember "all your base are belong to us!"? This site visually charts over a hundred memes into a timeline, list, flipbook or map. It is a collaborative effort run through Dipity . Enjoy. I know I will.

The day the digital drought broke. Thanks to Net#work BBDO and digital design agency Gloo, we have another Loerie Grand Prix awarded to digital to celebrate as an industry. Loerie's 2008 was the bomb. Nothing was spared. The service, the entertainment, the freekin' sound system! and even the pop-up loo's had dedicated cleaners after every visit. From cheerleaders, to Reddy D, to pole dancers, to a massive Philharmonic Orchastra, to Madamé Zingara diva's ... I even met The Parlotone's and Sonia Herald (but not at the same time mind you ... ). The audio visual work was outstanding, and could have been entered on it's own merits. From a digital perspective, I thought the number of entries was well up from last year - a good sign. The process was relatively uncomplicated and each jury member judged remotely - making it possible to judge the entries and keep your day routine (more or less - you find yourself viewing work in the wee hours for a couple of days). IMHO ...

After spending a grueling 3 weeks judging over 220 digital entries I'm finally sitting at the Cape Town International Airport enroute to the sleepy town of Margate. This year there was some outstanding work, although I could count them on one hand. There's still much room for improvement overall. Bit more on that later. I believe we have secured a few VIP tickets for the Loeries this year and I'm looking forward to the treatment, which I believe is outstanding. Tonights spotlight falls on the print and design industries. It should be a good show. Tomorrow evening is dedicated to television, radio and the digital industry - which is my area of interest. Hope I've packed enough outfits. If all go's well I will be posting my views on the whole process, from the judging through to the event itself and a comment or two on the lucky ones who did the shake and take.

Happy Birthday Madiba. We are deeply blessed to have had you hold our hand and guide us all to freedom with your immeasurable love and compassion for humanity. You remain an icon for all leaders around the world. And you're ours. The Woodshed wishes you a very happy 90th birthday ...