I happened to see 3 different interviews with President Clinton over the past week. He is promoting the Clinton Global Initiative which I happened to support coldheartedly.
There was a scene in a movie called 'As Good As It Gets' in which a woman character comes to Jack Nicholson, who is playing an obsessive compulsive author and asks him how he knows woman so well. Apparently this woman was impressed how a male was able to personify and understand woman so well.
For some reason while I was watching Clinton speaking to Larry King about poverty and Aids, I thought about that scene. I thought how could the west be oblivious about the situation in Africa, or for that matter in the rest of the world. Continue reading ‘Shoutout!’
Published by Nolawi September 24th, 2006 in Help and Noteworthy.
As you presumably know, I am a print designer. The type of work I do is usually present in the marketing or sales department in any corporation. I design anything and everything printed on paper. Most print collateral is intentioned to promote, sale and or educate the audience.
Graphic elements are used to support the objective of the printed piece. In most case, especially in major print collateral these graphic elements tend to be stock photography. The amount of time spent on choosing the right photography is probably the most underrated element of designing for print.
Pictures say a thousand words!” said one brilliant person. And indeed they do!" Continue reading ‘Please, No Black People!’
Published by Nolawi September 21st, 2006 in Current Issues and Design.
I find myself the odd man out at gatherings, be it at a wedding or the movies. Sometimes the odd man in, I chuckle at the times nobody else laughs. The icing on the cake is that most of the people look at me weird when I laugh.
When I'm at a comedy club a dime a dozen of the jokes aren't funny, the once that are, I'm the only one laughing. Thus discover myself having to bite my tongue.
Recently I was at Ethiopian theatrical event; the actors were pulling our leg with varieties of Amharic idioms and slight of hands. The satire was much more sophisticated than the average US-living Amharic-speaking audience. The FOB's were laughing while the younger more American crowd was out on a limb. It seemed as though event organizers were barking up the wrong tree.
Enquan ye DC seuw ye Bole Lijoch won’t understand the intricate Amharic that was in use on the plays. Continue reading ‘Idiot's Idioms!’
Published by Nolawi September 19th, 2006 in Current Issues and Social.
When we were designing the concepts for the Bernos shirts, we had about twelve layouts to choosing from. After marketing research, meaning showing the concept designs to several people, we used the feedback to choose and print three. While I did the designs many people helped with ideas and critique.
The collaboration effort brought about the three current shirts which are now on sale. And I'm gratified with the results but disappointed with one feedback concerning a single concept.
At the time I was reading about the recent history of the Anuak and the Anuak Justice Council's efforts to be heard. After reading the 2005 Human Rights Watch report about the current situation, I was inspired to help bring awareness. I always loved reading vis-à-vis the most obscure places in Ethiopia. The intricacies of how tribal cultures relate to one another. Why the Mursi are nomadic cattle herders while the Surma are settled pastoralists albeit being similar in many other ways? These things fascinate me. I am especially intrigued by the Lower Omo Valley and its occupants. It is now on the must visit list after Azmari Bet on my ensuing to trip to the homeland; which is scheduled for the millennium. Continue reading ‘Who is she?’
Published by Nolawi September 12th, 2006 in Design.
I recall when I used to watch Space 1999, which I was my favorite show on TV after Girma Cheru’s program on Y’elijoch Gize. I used to follow his instructions to the T while doing the exercises in the living room carpet.
Sewunetach’inin Enaftata, Dub Dub Ahnd, Hulet, Sost, Arat.
1999 came and passed in the Western calendar. As of now there are no occupants in Moon Base; May be 1999 in the Ethiopian Calendar will bring forth the dream like futuristic notions that are claimed in science fiction books and movies. Continue reading ‘Abebayoosh!’
Published by Nolawi September 10th, 2006 in Music and Podcast.
