Filed under: Branding, Random | Tags: drab, logo, packaging, pepsi, tropicana
There has been a whole lot of web noise about the recent redesigns of two iconic brands: Pepsi and Tropicana (at least within the realm of the people who give a rat’s ass about such things). What is notable to me is that they seem to be extreme examples of a trend in design toward the utilitarian and the generic. Part of it is based in the cult of simplicity – or ipodification – that, when done well, can generate astonishing results, but more often than not tends toward the drab. It makes me wonder: is this drabness a reflection of the times we are living through? Does it speak to the current economic, material and spiritual trough we are mired in? Certainly the times can impact logo design, and not just the whims of changing taste. A more basic logo can be less expensive to commission and produce. It may attract more buyers who are looking for a reasonable purchase by virtue of its humble appearance. But I can’t help thinking that at a more symbolic level, these logo designs are revealing something about our collective spirit. Maybe that we’ve lost a bit of pluck and verve, playfulness, energy. Or, more hopefully, maybe it represents a return of honesty, of tact and subtlety.
At any rate, I’d still rather drink Coke.
The Nu’uanu trail makes for a decent half-day excursion with some mild ridge work and shady jungle exploration. The payoffs are panoramic views of Honolulu and at the trail’s end, an expansive lookout over one of the mountain ridges that spills over onto the Windward side. Also, there is the Jackass-Ginger pool near the trail head that would make for a nice cooldown swim in the summer.
Overall, it is neither as taxing or rewarding as the Kuli’ou’ou Ridge, nor as exotic and family friendly as the Manoa Valley hike.
While out at First Fridays this month I came across the virgin issue of a new, Hawaii-produced zine covering the local art scene. It’s called Contrast, and it’s a pretty nice-looking creation, and a very good idea.
Filed under: Activities, Hawaii, Honolulu | Tags: chinatown, commotion, markets
In the early hours of the weekend days, throngs of Chinese-Hawaiians and penny-pinching haole descend upon the Chinatown markets to get good deals on fruits and vegetables of dubious quality. It’s a real show to watch, full of rich smells and exotic commotion. From a more practical standpoint, however, it would take several visits to acclimatize to the shopping experience, and even when you had, it might be hard to justify the effort spent in a cost-benefit analysis.
Not much to say about this except: you have been warned.
I would also like to point out the sheer awesomeness of her logo. Alaska superimposed on the US Mainland. As if to say, hell, I already govern half your country (yes, Sarah, but how many Reps does Alaska send to the House?). And: today, Alaska, tomorrow, America.
That’s chutzpah you can slice with a spork.
Last weekend we decided to eat out as a family, and venture into the realm of Japanese cuisine, which, oddly enough, we had not yet done. Our reluctance to sample the local washoku is due in part to Mizuho’s innate bias against Hawaiian Japanese. Many a time has she complained that “there is no good Japanese food in Hawaii.” Given how little of it we have tried, that is a pretty bold claim.
The target was Tokkuri Tei, on Kapahulu, an izakaya with something of a local reputation and history. Unfortunately logistics were not on our side, and we arrived too early and too late to get a non-reserved table (they accept reservations up until 7). We did, however, get the valet parking (tiny lot, very stupid, park in the street if you go), and the valet dude recommended we see if Irifune had any tables, since it is just a block away.
We did, they did, at Irifune we dined. Not such a big fan of the breaded tofu, but the garlic crab was savory, and the oyako-don we got for the kids was very well done. Interior is quirky, but comfortable, and the place attracts large groups and families, which makes for a warm, lively atmosphere.
Best of all, it passed the Mizuho test (though it was a stretch to find items that would meet the strict requirements of her rampant vegetarianism). I don’t think we’ll be hearing any more of those woeful complaints about the lack of satisfying Japanese restaurants on the island.
This week we met with our therapist and coordinator to talk about Kyle’s progress. It was not all rosy news. Although he hit most of the objectives we had set, it is hard for us to feel satisfied with the level of progress we are seeing. He’s already a year behind in walking, and there are so many cognitive delays it’s hard to know where to begin. While we definitely celebrate and take joy in any and every accomplishment he makes, it is often offset by frustration at the slow pace and setbacks in progress. It is hard to know how much is a result of his innate character, and how much is dependent on our ability to teach and encourage. Am I doing enough for him?
Filed under: Events, Hawaii, Honolulu | Tags: chinese new year, crowded, ox
Chinese New Year in Honolulu. There’s a parade, street vendors, drums and smoke. Oh yes, and (carnival-style) kiddie rides. Ten bucks buys a wristband that’s good for unlimited goes on one block of rides. Never mind about the rides on the other blocks. After dark, it got a bit crowded – too hard to access the food booths, let alone walk straight. The verdict: done it, probably won’t venture back next year.
…Town. Lunched there last weekend, a Kaimuki destination. A very modern-ish interior and menu for Hawaii. Somehow the cooks managed to ruin the gnocchi I ordered, but the pasta they brought out gratis was pretty packed with flavor and freshness. The staff handled the situation fairly well, throwing in a free dessert. I’d like to see what their dinners are like.
Diamond Head Market and Grill. What it is: a deli with assorted sandwiches and salads, and a takeout window with a range of plate lunches (Aside: why do they call them “plate lunches” when they are mostly sold in styrofoam shells, even when you’re eating in?). I had a swordfish fillet with asparagus tips plate, and sampled some of Mizuho’s Greek salad – all very fresh and flavorful. Already envisioning future repeat visits.
