Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Who doesn’t love movies? We do! We are very excited about the upcoming upcoming movies coming out this season, because frankly we don’t have much time any other time of the year to sit in a dark theater. We are especially excited to see Fantastic Mr. Fox, and Where the Wild Things Are (We still haven’t had time to see that one yet!).

Inspired, we got talking about how important movie sets, and art direction is to a great movie. We discussed many our favorites like Blade Runner, The Shining, The Age of Innocence, Pillow Talk, Giant, Sense and Sensibility… oh brother… the list of movies got too large. We both agreed that we would just talk about one movie at this time, and hope to write about more of our favorites in future blogs.

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The movie, North by Northwest, stars Cary Grant and Eva Saint Marie.
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We decided to start with one of our all time favorite directors, Alfred Hitchcock. If you haven’t seen Rebecca, To Catch A Thief, Strangers On A Train, Dial M for Murder, Rope, and The Man Who Knew Too Much, go out now and rent them! We are sure most of you have seen at least a few of these Hitchcock films, and hope you enjoy them half as much as we do! There were too many great movies to choose from, with the art direction usually fantastic in most.

But, which one to pick? His movies during the 1950’s were sure genius and fun too. Vertigo is up there as one of his best, and the dream sequence alone is worth watching, but North by Northwest, which came out in 1959, reaches a new height of filmmaking, and is just plain entertaining.

This is simply one of the best American road movies ever. The movie never lets you stay in one place. The movie takes you from Madison Avenue, to the Plaza, Grand Central Station, and Long Island, and then to the UN building in New York. Before you catch your breath, it takes you on the Twentieth Century Limited to Chicago and the beautiful Ambassador East Hotel, and then it’s off again to a midwest corn field seemingly in the middle of nowhere. Who would guess that by the end of the movie, we would end up in a modernist house on the edge of Mount Rushmore.

In this movie, Englishman, Alfred Hitchcock loves the American landscape, and uses the character of Roger O. Thornhill (Cary Grant) to discover the big country, and be surprised by American’s expansiveness.

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Not a bad place to be help captive Kidnapped and taken to a mansion (Old Westbury Gardens) on Long Island.
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Luxury and lush sets are also a running theme throughout, and important to the art direction of the movie. You can see this in the brand new 1958 Lincoln Continental III convertible, Eva Saint Marie’s Bergdorf Goodman’s clothing, and choice of big, beautiful locations. No luxurious detail was spared. But it all climaxed with scenes of the ultimate house on a rocky cliff in South Dakota.

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What a great location! Too bad this house never really was at this site. ……………………………………………………………………………..

Actually, the (Vandamm) house at Mount Rushmore didn’t really exist. It was built on a back lot in Culver City, California. The home was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, then the most famous architect in the United States, if not the world. Mr. Wright was actually approached to design the home, but his fees were too expensive, so the MGM set designers were up to the challenge.

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Although the set of the Vandamm home was modern, notice the Asian art and the natural wood and stone materials. This home still feels comfortable and modern today.
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An uncredited person who worked on the movie, and deserves a mention was Mentor Huebner. Mr. Huebner worked on a variety of movies throughout his long career (including Blade Runner) as an production illustrator and storyboard artist. He provided concept art after meeting with the director and others to set up a concept of how the movie will be filmed. While the finished storyboards do not look like the final movie, Mr. Huebner had a lot to bring to this movie to life

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This is just one of the storyboards from Mentor Huebner who got the script to do with what he wanted. It does not match the finished movie, but has the same spirit and excitement.
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This is a still from the movie compared to the storyboard above.
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We should also mention that the opening title sequence was directed by Saul Bass, a personal hero of Chris’, was one the premier graphic designers of the 20th century (he also designed posters for The Shining).

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Saul Bass’ poster design for the movie.
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In our opinion, North by Northwest is one of the greatest visual masterpieces of the mid 20th century, and we hope, that like us, you enjoy the fun. But, maybe watch it again to look at the the sets, and design of this American classic. Maybe you will just watch it as many times as we have.

Until next week
—Greg and Christopher

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Design Brothers This Week We are both are on the road… heading off to Florida, but will not run into each other.
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Gettin’ our freak on

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A very scary attempt at pumpkin carving by Greg. Maybe next year he will perfect his skills!
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As kids we would look forward to Halloween with great anticipation. In school, we would make masks, Halloween cards, and cut out a lot of pumpkins with lots of orange construction paper. For days we would talk about nothing else except what we were wearing for the big night. Our big costume plans usually turned out to be disappointments though, as were too lazy to make anything elaborate. The end results were just a yearly parade of ghosts, clowns or hobo’s. The girls would turn out a bunch of witches, princesses, or, again, hobos. It was mostly all on our mother’s shoulders to put her makeup on our faces and try to raise the originality level.

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Our niece Zoe, and her very powerful Halloween outfit!
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When it got to the moment to head out to knock on doors, Chris, frankly was always disappointed. He could never see anything but a big hat or a sheet in front of his eyes. The thick makeup would always get in his eyes, and couldn’t wait to get home. And, to this day, both of us are not particularly fond of people hidden behind masks. It still scares the both of us (We both hate clowns too!).

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Zoe again Don’t mess with with the Intimidator.
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Anyway, after the long night out collecting booty, our father would collect our bags and sort out any unsavory items that we were given. It was a much simpler and safer time, but no one took chances. As our friends were all great storytellers, we all heard stories about the razor blades found in chocolate bars, or the scorpions placed in cored-out apples. It was all so scary, and not in a good way. In addition, we also knew that dad would be sneaking a few of his choice pieces of candy for himself. This night was fun, but overrated!

We think the candy thing was great, and it also signified the un-official start of the holiday season. This was an ok beginning to a great new season. Soon Thanksgiving would be here, and then the grand-daddy of them all… Christmas, was coming fast. As kids, Halloween just meant that the holidays would only get better.

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Zoe has taken over the blog with Halloween costumes of years past. She can be very persusive!
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On the next evening after Halloween, when our heads were still spinning from all of the excitement, and our stomachs were stirring a bit as well (for other obvious reasons), we would dress up (without the makeup, and in nice clothes) and take a trip to the cemetery.

We were raised Catholic, and it was necessary to appreciate the deceased on All Souls Day. Boy, it would always spook us more than a bit. Since the days were short, and we went after school, it could be very dark, and terrifying! Our mother didn’t even bat an eye about the creepiness of it all. We would light some candles, and swear that we could see the dead rising. As kids, we just thought it was ghoulish, spooky, and odd.

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A typical scene from the Dia de los Muertos These skeletons look a little hungry.
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Celebrations happen all over the world to celebrate their dead with variations of All Souls Day, and most are pretty interesting.

Mexico celebrates the “Day of the Dead”. Vignettes are set up with skeletons acting out every day scenes; drinking coffee, working at the office etc. People there also visit the cemeteries, and decorate the gravesites with Marigold flowers and candles, as our mother did. The visitors also bring toys for deceased children, and bottles of tequila for the elder deceased friends and relatives. Sugar and chocolate skulls are made with names of the deceased on the foreheads, placed on little altars, then eaten after a ritual.

In the Philippines, Memorial Day is celebrated much like All Souls Day. On the evening before the holiday, celebrants go door-to-door, and request gifts while singing a traditional verse. This song represents the liberation of souls from purgatory.

In our ancestral home, Poles open their windows and doors on All Souls Day to welcome the souls of the deceased. They are said to return to the places where they lived and worked for a visit.

And in China, the dead are celebrated in a similar celebration to Catholics. The people offer flowers, fruits, and traditional foods to share a feast with the living. Incense is lit for these souls, while material possessions are offered to the ancestors. Paper-made Chinese money, cars and houses are made available to the dead person’s tomb for prosperity to the departed souls.

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Halloween table setting This tabletop with Christopher’s Number plates are currently displayed at Red Shows Home Goods Store in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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We all celebrate in different ways. Our sister Cindy and her husband Larry, have a party every year for the adults in her neighborhood, after the candy is given out. She has many appetizers and always makes a batch of her famous Pumpkin soup, as well as some kind of spooky adult beverage. Our sister Janine living in a beach town might hit the night out to see children as well as adults meandering the strand on the beach dressed in full costume. Our sister Beth is always baking some yummy goodies. Chris and Greg stay in the comfort of their safe homes and give out candy.

As you may have guessed, although we have some fond memories of Halloweens past, we are not so fond of the holiday today. We love the traditions, and it’s true we really enjoy the candy! Other than that, it is rare that you would see either of us in costume, but if you are missing a few treats from your bag it just might have been us sneaking a little sample in memory of dear old dad.

Until next week
—Christopher and Greg

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Design Brothers this week: Check out the Eye Lounge in Phoenix for “2”… a show of Christopher’s encaustic paintings with Lisa Marie Sipe. His works can also be seen at D. Frank Designs in Scottsdale for a few short weeks.
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Grand inspiration

We did not intend to turn this blog into a travel site, but it seems that we have dominated this blog with writings about our trips and adventures as of late. But, inspiration seems to come to us when we get out of our day-to-day lives, and get out on the road. There is something about getting out and seeing something new that gets those brain cells twitching, and (hopefully) gives a little freshness to our work.

So again, we are on the road and traveling with Christopher to the Grand Canyon. Over the Columbus Day weekend, he took a drive up to the North Rim, passing the red rocks of Sedona, the Navajo Nation, and skirting Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. Arizona is a pretty amazing place, and always awes.

Photos can never do any justice to the beauty of the Grand Canyon, so all we can say is to add this trip to your bucket list if you haven’t been. Get in your car (don’t forget to detour on Route 66 for a bit of automobile history) and drive! Here are some photos from the quick trip.

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On the away up At the Colorado River crossing in the Navajo Nation
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Gilbert H. Hansen plaque at the Navajo Bridge. We couldn’t find much information about this adventurer, but loved the plaque.
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Cliff Dwellers Lodge Rock houses near Lee’s Ferry.
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Finally at the North Rim What a great spot for inspiration.
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A great place to rock One of the cabins at the edge of the canyon.
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Roosevelt Point Remains of a fire from 2006.
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You don’t have to walk far A view from the lodge.
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It was worth the long drive
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Remaining fall foliage hanging on to the trees
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Red, yellow and green never looked so good together.
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A view from Cape Final.
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Angel’s Window from the Cape Royal Trail
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Too many photos to choose from.
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What can we say about scenes like this?
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The South Rim is right over on the other side.
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The end of autumn.
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Endless vistas.
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Go and see what you missed!.
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Christopher didn’t mention that he was sick for half of his short stay at the North Rim. So, the longer treks never happened, and his big plans were ended quickly. But sitting on the porch of the lodge, all bundled up, wasn’t bad at all. He actually had a chance to get out his sketch book and draw, listen to some geology talks, and watch the stars at night. Something a little different and relaxing… that doesn’t happen enough. So,sometimes when a vacation turns in an unexpected way, it can be just as memorable. It ended up just the way he hoped!

Where do you find inspiration? We want to know!

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Design Brothers this week Christopher’s plates are mentioned in Kitchenware News this month.
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Until next week—
Christopher and Greg

Trash talkin’

Fall is here, and if you have a yard with trees, you know that it can be fun to rake… for about one day. Then it gets pretty tiring. In some towns, it is is illegal to place a bags of leaves out on the street or in a trash can for pick up, except on certain days. It is not always easy.

One way to take care of those leaves is to build a compost bin. Of course, it’s a great idea for more than leaves. All those food scraps don’t have to fill up your garbage cans, and your shredded papers can go right in too. If you have the space, fall is a perfect time to think about one for your home.

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To put it bluntly, Christopher is not handy around the house. He knows the way to the home improvement stores. He can use a paint brush. He is actually alright with some yard chores, and he will be the first to volunteer for an art project. But home repair abilities are over his head. So, we wanted to brag that he just built a new compost bin from scratch. This is big! He knew that it would not be hard, but usually when he starts a project at home, it usually doesn’t get finished very quickly (if ever).

So, the blog this week begins with Number One in a series of articles entitled: “If Christopher can do it, so can you”. It just means that this is a very simple project that anyone can attempt.

C has been wanting to get a compost bin for years now. More and more trash seemed to be going out of the door, and ending up in some landfill somewhere. So, after looking around online and hardware stores for the right compost bin solution, it seemed like most the reviews were not very good for the affordable ones, or the cost, too high for the better-made versions.

It did seem easy enough to build, although there are many options, and a bit overwhelming. Now, there are a lot of ways to build a compost bin, but the one decided upon fit into C’s lifestyle and backyard plan. More importantly, it also seemed like the easiest way to go!

Here is how he did it.

Estimated time needed: About 1 1/2 hours (after shopping)

Go Shopping
This is the easy part! Here was C’s shopping list:

20 gallon plastic trash can with lid….. $11.98

2” drill bit….. $ 6.97
You will have to poke holes into the trash can with a hammer and nail, or power drill. C chose to place larger holes, so this drill bit cost can be deleted if you wanted. C already owned the drill.

Insect screening and insect fiberglass screening….. $ 9.90

Duct Tape….. $ 4.30
or staples (see below)

Total cost (tax not included):….. $33.15

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Alright. Now that you have all of the items, let’s begin.

Place holes in the can
Drill some hopes about 2 or 3 inches apart. You will need air-flow in the bin, so place the holes pretty close together, but far enough away so the can does not fall apart. You want to keep air flowing through the can in order to break down the trash inside faster. It is also good to get some sunlight to poke through the holes to help even more. Don’t forget to put the holes on the top and bottom of the barrel. We would recommend to evenly space them to make it look nicer, and if you would like, make a nice pattern with the holes. C wasn’t so thoughtful.

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Drill those holes Afterwards, clean up the plastic bits. C sanded them lightly to get rid of the mess.
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Screened If you have raccoons or even larger animals poking around your compost area, you might want to use a metal can with a lock. And, you should use some stronger screens that cannot not poked.
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Cover holes with screening
Now you need to cover the holes from the inside firmly with the screen(s). We think the screen is a good idea in order to keep pests out, and keeps the smell a little more confined. Adhere with staple gun, or duct tape. C used the duct tape, as his stapler was not very good for this. He placed the metal screening first, taped it, and then layered it with the plastic screening. C did this as there are cats, a lot of Arizona insects, and rodents running around my yard, and wanted to play it safe. You don’t want this mess all over your yard!

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The inside C used duct tape to adhere the screened. It seems pretty strong and looks like it is going nowhere, even after numerous shoveling.
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Raise the composting bin off the ground
You will need to raise the can off the ground, so air and water can flow through. C had some concrete bricks that he was able to use, but you can use bricks, rocks, or plywood boards also. We did not count this as a cost, as it is easy to find something around your patio or yard that works.

Place the compost in a place with some sun (too much may make it too dry), and where air can’t flow through some air… not in a corner or surrounded by walls or thick bushes.

That’s it. But the easy work is done. In order to keep the compost working, you will need to keep it moist (I hose it lightly about every three days when it doesn’t rain), and also shovel the muck around (C shovels and spin it around the same time me water).

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Tada! The finished product.
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There are many recommendations on much green materials (grass clippings, branches, leaves, etc.) vs. food scraps. We try to go 75% yard waste to 25% food scraps. But, there are definitely things that you shouldn’t put in your compost such as meat scraps, oil, dairy products, or chemicals. Go ahead and put in coffee grounds, eggshells, shredded newspaper, leaves vegetables, tea bags, and a lot more.

There are so many ways to build a compost bin, and there are a million different theories on keeping it working well. We are not going to go into all of these. We hope that some of the links can lead you into the direction that is perfect for you. You can spend less, or you can make yours as large as you want. It is just a nice way to help your garden grow a little better, and save a trash pile or two. Now that C has his, he needs to build another companion in order to have a clean fresh compost can, and another with the compost that has broken down. We both hope it is as easy as the first one!

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Now use your compost for your plants and gardens!
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Here are some other ideas and sources to start your own compost bin:

Recycled pallet compost bin

15 minute compost bin

Larger compost bin

Compost spinner

Options and ideas

Until next week
—Christopher and Greg

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Design Brothers this week You can see Christopher’s encaustic work at the EyeLounge and more at the Alta Loft (600 N. Fourth Street) in Phoenix.
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Pure Michigan

Over the last two weekends Greg made a couple of road trips to Michigan. The first weekend he headed the resort town of Saugatuck, located on the southwest shores of Lake Michigan. While on the second weekend he headed to the town of Frankenmuth for a wedding. Frankenmuth is located approximately an hour and a half north west of Detroit.

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Greg [1] and his partner, Brian [2] in front of their rental house in Saugatuck.
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Both towns have their individual charms and also their share of shopping. For those of you who have never visited Michigan should plan a trip. In the Great Lake State, you are never more than an hour away from a beautiful lake whether it be Superior, Michigan, Huron or Erie (Michigan does not share a border with Lake Ontario). Any season is spectacular with rolling hills, sand dunes galore and an abundance of trees (a little known fact is that there was more money from harvesting lumber then there was mining gold during the California Gold Rush).

Saugatuck, Michigan

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Welcome The sign as you make the turn in to downtown Saugatuck.
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What started out as a small artist colony, Saugatuck now offers a multitude of attractions. Located on the mouth of the Kalamazoo River, Saugatuck sits opposite Douglas Michigan; with the two towns nestled among towering sand dunes. There are beaches, a hand cranked chain ferry, and natural habitats. Condé Nast’s Traveler Magazine voted the Beach at Saugatuck as one of the 25 best shorelines in the world. The town filled with art galleries, small souvenir shops, hand churned ice cream parlors and pulled taffy takes you back to a simpler time. The best part is that everything is within walking distance.

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One of the shops in downtown Douglas Douglas is only a five minute drive from Saugatuck or a 20 minute walk.
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As most of our regular readers know, it is hard for Greg to resist shopping or at least looking for local finds. Two such places that Greg loves and has frequented in the past; are both antique/junk shops. Amsterdam Antiques has a wide variety of pottery, urns, “shabby chic” style furniture pieces mixed with some mid-century modern and brand new pieces. The two buildings that comprise the store are adequate size, but the land surrounding the shop is where you will find the most interesting pieces.

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The big “A” greets you as you arrive to the store called Amsterdam.
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The selection is wide and varied at Amsterdam The owners search the Midwest for unique finds and mix it with mid-century modern and new pieces alike.
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Sunset Junque

The next place that I often visit when I am in the southwest corridor of Michigan is Sunset Junque. It is a unique experience to say the least; with its vast land mass full of industrial refuge, clay pots, carved Asian sculptures and so much more. You will need to spend a minimum of 2 hours at this amazing place, and you can easily waste a day strolling through… and never seeing the same thing twice.

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An Asian wood carving hanging from one of the barns on the Sunset Junque property.
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All that walking and fresh autumn air does make you hungry… so follow the signs to Grandpa’s Dutch Farm Market, where pies are made daily (and sell out quickly). For the healthier appetite, there are bushels of apples of every variety imaginable as well as peaches, beets and various other root vegetables.

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Brian charging ahead and ready to buy a delicious apple pie.
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So many apples to choose from I chose the Honeycrisp; an all time favorite.
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If you are still hungry for more delicious food, and for a completly different adventure,hop into your car and drive 3 hours north to Frankenmuth, Michigan. Frankenmuth was settled by German missionaries, and still retains the old world charm of an European city.

I warn you, this town is not for the faint of heart. It is a bit of an overkill of cheese “Haus”, sausage shops and other kitchey stores, and also offers what is supposedly the world largest Christmas Store known as Bronners. People travel near and far to this town, and the streets get very crowded with people trying to jam into all of these attractions. It is town that will make you laugh out loud while strolling down the streets, and you will sure leave in a good mood.

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Beer steins await in the middle of town.
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Eek! Giant mice are everywhere in Frankenmuth!
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These days, Michigan is getting a lot of bad news in the presss, but it is a place that we both love to visit whenever we can. The people are friendly, the lakes are beautiful, and we think it is an amazing treasure with a lot of things to do. So visit soon, and say Yes to Michigan!

Until next week
—Greg and Christopher

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Design Brothers this week Christopher’s silhouette platter shows up at Shelterpop. Check out page 4 for a Halloween tip. Also his class is mentioned in the Phoenix New Times.
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The Urban Birder

If you want to meet interesting people… get out and volunteer.

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Christopher (C) collects agave pollen at the Desert Botanical Garden, where he
volunteers almost every Wednesday.
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We are not trying to preach here, and tell you that you must volunteer, but we have to tell you that met some pretty cool people doing just that. Among the people we have met as volunteers include doctors, all types of artists, chemists, retired CEO’s, architects, and biologists. Just the other day, Christopher met the one of the first-ever woman pilots in WWII.

Christopher met Tom Gatz a few years back at the Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden. Tom retired a few years ago from a 31- year career with the Federal Government as a wildlife biologist where he worked to protect and restore populations of endangered plants and animals. Now he volunteers as a horticultural aid and a docent at the Desert Botanical Garden several mornings each week.

Tom would be the first to deny this, but, he is a pretty smart guy, and knows just about everything you would want to know about birds (and other living things). He is one of those guys who; if he doesn’t know the answer to something, he will find it out and get back to you asap. At the garden he has become the go-to-guy for bird knowledge (don’t tell the other birders there).

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A Japanese birding tour group in Northern Thailand. The money generated for local economies from ecotourism is important in promoting habitat protection.
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Tom has always found inspiration looking up the sky, or listening for the bird calls through the trees. We thought it would be fun to ask him about bird watching, and give us a little peek into the America’s number one hobby.

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C’s encaustic bird paintings are a big hit with the birding crowd. He will be having a painting show in November featuring his bird paintings. Hope you can make it.
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Design Brothers: Were you always interested in bird watching?

Tom Gatz: Like many kids, my sister Elizabeth and I loved animals. In the fourth grade I decided to become a naturalist when I grew up. Unfortunately, growing up in a working class neighborhood on the north side of Chicago, the only wildlife to see year round were the flocks of pigeons on the rooftops, introduced European starlings on the telephone wires, and the occasional rabbit inhabiting the weedy growth along the railroad tracks a few blocks from our house.

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Tom’s parents were supportive, if somewhat apprehensive, when his first pet was a chicken.
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But something almost miraculous happened twice each year – bird migration. Each spring and fall, colorful birds of every description, on their way to and from Canada and South America, appeared literally overnight on the lawns and in the trees of our inner city neighborhood. For a budding naturalist trapped in a big city, it was like manna falling from heaven.

However, as a teenage boy in Chicago, walking around with a bird book in hand and a pair of binoculars around my neck seemed to bring out the worst in the neighborhood bullies. So I hid my binocs in a jacket pocket ,and tucked my bird book in my jeans, as I slinked past Dennis and Larry houses (my childhood friends’) in the pre-dawn hours to head east to the birding Mecca of Chicago – The Bird Sanctuary in Lincoln Park.

DB: Lincoln Park is beautiful, one of our favorite spots in Chicago.

TG: Lincoln Park hugs the shore of Lake Michigan two miles from our neighborhood. It was a long walk, but a quick trip on my bike or by bus. This huge body of water is a barrier to migrating song birds so they would bunch up in flocks in the trees and bushes in the park, hungry from their journey and often oblivious to the curious eyes of an adolescent Audubon-wannabe.

DB: It is obvious at the Garden that you love birding. You get so excited when you see an interesting one to point out to all of us.

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Back in the 80’s and 90’s (nice glasses, Tom!), Tom helped with the re-establishment of the endangered Bald Eagle population (this one is a fledgling) in Arizona.
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TG: Birding is an enjoyable hobby, one you can pursue any place in the world, and it probably kept me off the wayward path followed by several neighborhood kids, including Dennis and Larry. While working my way though college, several of my co-workers on the loading dock outside of a chain factory I worked at even got pretty good at identifying the common nighthawks that were migrating by.

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On South Georgia Island, north of the Antarctic Peninsula, Tom is surrounded by the sights, sounds and smells of a huge king penguin colony.
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DB: It is so cool that you took your childhood passion beyond a hobby.

TG: I eventually did become a wildlife biologist and still sometimes plan my vacations around bird species not yet seen. Barb (Tom’s partner) and I have been fortunate to have visited bird habitats on every continent, but as I approach my golden years, adding new species to my life list has lost its allure. Still, nothing (except Barb, of course) quickens my pulse like spotting a migrating warbler in bright spring plumage.

DB: Any suggestions for a great place to go birding in Arizona?

TG: A great place to see lots of water birds in the Valley is the Riparian Preserve at the Gilbert Water Ranch. For desert birds and migrating species, the Desert Botanical Garden and the Boyce Thompson Arboretum east of town can’t be beat. Frequent field trips to good birding spots around the state are led by local chapters of the Audubon Society. To find out what unusual birds have made their way to Arizona recently and where you can go to see them, go to their website. Many states have similar websites.

DB: How about any books or guides that you recommend for novices, or expert birders?

TG: The field guide considered by many to be the birding bible (and almost the size of one) is by David Sibley. I prefer the smaller Ken Kaufman field guide, perhaps because I can conceal it in my pocket, safe from the prying eyes of neighborhood bullies.

DB: What is next for you?

TG: Join me for a Sunday morning tour at the Botanical garden. When not there, I am tending own backyard where I recently spotted a tiny, migrating MacGillivray’s warbler foraging around my backyard pond.

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Just a few of Tom’s photos [1] Northern Cardinals (this one a female) are becoming more common in the Phoenix metropolitan area. [2] A migratory Yellow Warbler receives a light-weight aluminum leg band to help determine what areas in Arizona are important for it to obtain food and shelter. [3] A female Summer Tanager (males are bright red) calls for its mate.
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Tom’s Bird-Watching Primer

birding: a verb; the active pursuit of birds

birder: a noun; an enthusiastic, often competitive, (sometimes obnoxious) person who lives to add new species to their list of birds sighted in their life or in a given area (contrast with “bird-watcher” which implies a smaller and older person, often female, likely in tennis shoes, who enjoys seeing all birds, common or rare.

Good bird: a species unusual or new to a given area or person

Trash bird: a common species; especially if previously sighted

Life bird: the first time a new species of bird in your life is observed and added to your life list

LBJ: “little brown job”. Any small, plain unidentified bird

Pishing: making an onomatopoeic “pishing” sound by exhaling loudly. Sometimes attracts small birds. Hone your skills before attempting this in front of others

Binocs; binnies, culars: Binoculars. Get a decent pair for a few hundred dollars instead of constantly replacing cheaper pairs.

Vagrant: a species of bird out of its normal range. Local pockets of habitat often become famous as “vagrant traps”

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Even more photos [1] This pale-headed race of the Great Blue Heron, known as “Wurdemann’s Heron” was photographed by Tom in south Florida. [2] Rescued baby house finches get a second lease on life at the Wild Wings rehabilitation center in Ahwatukee. [3] A male Northern Gannet attempts to impress a female with some nesting material on Bonaventure Island off the coast of Quebec.
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Get out and enjoy the autumn weather, and while you are out, look up in the sky, and you too, might be be inspired.

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Design Brothers this week Christopher’s new custom plates are in Gifts & Decorative Accessories Magazine this week.
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Until next week
— C + G

Sun, Surf & Shopping

Los Angeles!
Several weeks ago Greg was out west in Los Angeles helping to put together a house for a client in the Brentwood area. He was only out there for a week, but got a chance to shop with his client, see our sister Janine, and soak up some of the local fair, and just a little bit more sunshine before heading back home to Chicago.

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Greg [2] and Janine [1] relaxing at brunch at the Grove Farmers market.
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Greg put in a few long days and nights, but got a chance to get to know the city a bit more. He stumbled upon a great upholsterer and a few great shops that are must when visiting (or for those that live there). With his client in tow, a long list of items to find, and a short amount of time, he tackled the city.

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This is the charming house that he and his client were out to furnish, look for more pictures in future articles.
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Before the week began he set out with his sister to nourish up and they landed at the Grove Farmers market. This place that can get crowded rather quickly during the weekends, so he recommends that you try to go very early on a Saturday morning.

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Fresh fruit can be found in abundance, with varieties not often seen by this mid-western boy.
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For every kind of imaginable fish, Bob Tusquellas is the place to be.
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The Week!
Diamond Foam & Fabric

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This place has it all for those looking for fabric. Do not miss Diamond Foam & Fabric!
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After a refreshing start to the week at the Grove, my client and I headed out. The first stop on our journey was to a fabric store, but not just any fabric store; Diamond Foam and Fabric. This is where designers, as well as novices in the come to purchase fabric for upholstery, drapery and any other ideas that pop into their creative heads. Be prepared to spend some time there, as the place is huge, and has 2 separate buildings with bolts and bolts of fabric. Be ready to buy though because often times once the fabric is gone it is gone. Prices are amazingly good, and the selection is mind boggling.

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Greg looking through ikat fabrics for the client. Cool stuff, period.
611 S. La Brea Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036, Phone: (323) 931-8148
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Next Stop: Little Paris Antiques

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Traffic was heavy in front of Little Paris Antiques Once you enter you will understand why.
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Little Paris Antiques has something for everyone, from the inexpensive to museum quality pieces. Again, you may want to grab a big breakfast before hand, because to get the full scope of the shop you must stay awhile, otherwise you may just overlook a gem. The owners are knowledgeable and will even search for pieces for the buyer who knows exactly what they are looking for.

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The shop also has a 10,000 sq foot warehouse down the street Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
The Site: 612 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036, 323.857.1080 PH
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Still moving

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From the moment you see 45 Three Modern Vintage Home, you are compelled to enter.
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45 Three Modern Vintage Home is one of the reasons I love L.A. The mix of old and new, along with the feel of old Hollywood permeates as you walk through this small but fulfilling store. The owner Staci Cain is always present and attentive. She knows her stuff, and is constantly replenishing the items as the go whizzing out the door. On the first day I went I saw a pair of chairs that just came in. When I returned the next day, they were already gone as was much of the store. Fortunately, another truck was on its way. Be quick, good deals do not last long here!

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The eclectic feel of the store; fun, chic and now!
45 Three Modern Vintage Home 1051 1/2 S. Fairfax Ave. Los Angeles ,CA 90035
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Last Day of Shopping

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A client of mine was having a baby, so I bought the gift here Congratulations John, Liesl, Teddy & welcome Conner!
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A general store with a flair for editing, Brentwood General Store takes all of things that you would want, and edits them down to only the best of the best, simple, elegant and right on the money. For that quick gift, retro game or something you never thought you knew you needed, stop here.

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How could you resist. I mean really!
225 26th St, Santa Monica, CA 90402, (310) 394-9225
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Last, but definitely worth the wait!

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Roberta Roller Rabbit Love the name, merchandise is even better.
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We missed Roberta Roller Rabbit the first day we tried to go. Traffic threw a curve into our plans, but after a few phone calls to the manager Christina and the Sales Associate Christy… we promised we would be back. We even offered to bring them coffee in the morning but ever the professionals, they declined and let us know we would have their undivided attention. I would love to say that the service was the only reason we loved the place, but that would be a lie. WOW, the bedding will blow you away!

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These linens will brighten any room They also sell men’s and women’s bathing suits and casual clothes.
225 26th Street, Suite 4, Brentwood Country Mart, Santa Monica, CA 90402, T 310.899.4440
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— Until next week
Greg & Christopher.

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Design Brothers this week We forgot to place the link for Greg’s mention in Chicago Home & Garden last week. Here it is!
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Color Our World!

Color is one of those things that is very personal. There are no rules for choosing color. Everyone has an opinion about their favorites, but when it comes down to painting walls, we all freeze up. Choosing suddenly becomes the hardest decision of our lives!

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How many kids can fit in a Red Fairlane? It is still undecided, but the Jagmin kids fit in it nicely for awhile.
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Over the last several weeks Greg has been working on several projects including: a complete renovation of a single family house, working with a developer converting a 4 unit apartment building into luxurious condos, a kitchen rehab and two bathroom gut rehabs. With all of the work one basic question keeps being asked, “What color should we paint this room?”

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The final color selection for a kitchen.
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The answer is never the same as it depends upon many factors; so Greg decided to give our readers some insight and tips on how to go about choosing the right color for your home. We hope this helps a little!

If you are like most people, walking into a paint store can be very intimidating. There are more than 60 colors of green, 100’s of blues, too many reds and, Oh My God… what happened to plain old white?

Take a step back; breath in and out, the process does not have to be so hard.
There are two basic ways to approach planning to paint;

1. Pick out all the items already chosen for the room and start to decide on a basic coordinating color that will work with those items.

2. Chose a paint color and then pick out all of the items that will go into that room based upon the color chosen.

Most people do not have the luxury of buying all new pieces, so, choice #1 may be the way to proceed, but whichever path you choose… just be patient! Don’t rush into deciding a color before doing a little research. Don’t worry though… any novice can choose the right color.

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Stop Think before you paint. But, don’t forget to have some fun!
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Here are some simple questions that can begin the process for you.

1. Look in magazines, which colors are you drawn to? How do those colors make you feel?

2. What colors do you wear most often? Why?

Blue: Do you like shades of blue? Blue is a relaxing and soothing color, it makes us feel more centered. It is a color often chosen for bedrooms because of its calming factors. Blue is said to help improve productivity and efficiency. Do you have children or an office? Blue may be a good choice for your work area, or the room where your children play.

Red: It is quite the opposite of blue. Many restaurants are painted red, as it is said to increase appetites (for those of you on diets you may want to forgo this color choice). Red is a powerful color and stimulates the mind. Use it in a place where you want to think. Use it in kitchens or dining rooms if you entertain and love to cook.

Yellow: I never recommend yellow for babies’ rooms as it said to cause colicky babies, but in adults yellow tends to make people feel more cheerful, happy and energetic. A pale shade of yellow can be beautiful in a breakfast room or living room. It is the perfect color for where you start your day.

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Coordinated in color At the boat dock at our favorite vacation place, Cadillac, Michigan. Beth [1], Aunt Trudy [3], and Jeff [4] all in blue and white. Greg [2] is in red and blue plaid, while Kelly pulls off a yellow and blue combination.
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Green: Like blue, green tends to calm people. There is a Zen like quality to many greens. Possibly because we see so much green everyday outdoors, it tends to feel natural and neutral at the same time. Green happens to be the most used color in any variation for home interiors. Use it for any room of the house for an energizing, and refreshing look.

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A guest room for a clients home in a very calming shade of green More reveal pictures to come.
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Purple: This is the color of royalty. We often think of King and Queen’s robes when we see deep purples. It is a formal color. Even subtle shades of lavender can make everything that is put into that room look regal. Looks great in a living room or den when you want to feel regal.

Grey: My personal favorite… from light shades of grey to deep shades as well as when it is mixed with any of the other colors above. Grey, to me, softens any color surrounding it. Grey goes with gold and silver, and anything set next to it begins to take on a new life. Grey walls provide neutral backgrounds that can often times out last the very things put into the room. A formal living area or hall is perfect for a deep shade of grey.

Black & White: The combination together is remarkable. It is yin and yang, and with a shot of color, a room will be transformed. When used with constraint it can be used in any room of the house. It is bold and classic at the same time. Christopher happens to love this combination, and is his inspiration for his work.

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Black and White with just a shade of blue.
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Hopefully now you have a base color in mind, if so, go to the paint store with swatches or ideas in hand. Most paint stores have a large color field to begin the process. Seek out the base you had in mind and look at the various shades. Do you want this color to be a backdrop to highlight additional color in the room, or is this going to be the focal point?

If you have swatches of fabric or pictures of colors you like but cannot find a match, don’t be afraid to go up to the counter to see if they can match the color. With technology today it should not be very difficult to replicate.

BUT WAIT!! Don’t buy all the paint yet. Most paint brands offer smaller containers of the colors you are looking for. Choose two or three and buy the smallest amount you can. Take it home and paint a 16” x 16” portion on various walls within the same room. Let them dry and look at them the next day in various degrees of lighting. Once in the morning, in the afternoon and night, with the lighting you will use in that room. Paint looks different throughout the day, and you must love it before you commit to the whole room. Don’t forget to put a few of the bigger pieces in the room to see how they will work together. This sounds like a lot of work, but it will save time repainting later.

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Kitchen paint swatches with a fabric as the guiding factor Come back in another week and the whole picture will be put together. Make sure to come back and see the room.
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Great. You have chosen the color, but unfortunately you are not done. Next you must determine the finish of the paint. The finish is really how it will look on the wall. Most rooms are painted in a matte or flat paint, with trim done in a semi-gloss. A pearl finish will give your walls a bit more of a shine. And while I love high gloss walls in some rooms, it is very unforgiving. Every blemish or uneven portion of the wall will be highlighted. If you can live with it, you will have walls that will always reflect light even if painted black. They will definitely have a glamorous feel to them.

Now, don’t forget the ceiling and the baseboards and crown molding. The baseboards, crown and all trims should be painted the same color. Most people choose white although a darker color can work if the walls tend to be on the lighter side. When choosing the white, again think of the look you are going for. If you wish more of a modern touch — go with a stark white, and if you have a more traditional feel, tend to go with a creamier shade so you won’t have such a stark contrast.

Of course, these ideas are just ideas, and so I would recommend to experiment, take your time, and find that perfect color combination for your unique style. Be courageous! Get ready to paint, and go for it! After all it is only paint! And, remember you can always paint it over if you don’t like what you’ve done.

—Until next week
Greg & Christopher

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Design Brothers this week Greg is mentioned in the newest Issue of Chicago Home & Garden magazine. Christopher’s plates are now at Uber in Indianapolis. If you are Indy, they are located at 5912 N. College Avenue.
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Summer lovin’

Labor Day is already over. School has started again. Pretty soon, the leaves will start to fall. Well, maybe not in Phoenix and a few other places. Phoenix has about six more weeks of hot weather yet. But, you know what we are getting at… summer is about over. The good times of summer do not have to end, however. There are plenty of beautiful days ahead before the autumnal equinox happens, and even after that!

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Christopher [1], and Greg [2] on a favorite secret beach in Hawaii (we can’t tell you which one) We swear we have not been drinking when our photo was taken!
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One way to keep summer going is to keep the bbq grilling, and keep making those simple, easy meals, to eat outdoors. Put your sweater on, get outside with a nice picnic, and enjoy those sunny days. We’ve compiled a few of our favorite summer recipes, and asked our family to supply some more. The Jagmin’s love to eat, and some of us like to cook more than others, so not everyone in our family is represented. Some of these recipes are more exotic than others, but most are just fun and easy to make. We hope you like to eat, because when we eat, we like to keep it simple.

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Greg’s Cantaloupe Salad

This light summer salad is always a favorite at Greg’s house.

Serves 4

1 ripe cantaloupe, scooped into 1-inch balls with a melon baller (about 3 cups)
8 ounces bocconcini (small fresh-mozzarella balls),
or fresh mozzarella cut into 1-inch cubes (about 2 cups)
2 to 3 thin slices ham or prosciutto, cut into strips
1/4 cup torn mint leaves
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper

In a large bowl, combine cantaloupe, bocconcini or fresh mozzarella, ham or prosciutto, and lemon juice.

Season with salt and pepper.
Toss with mint leaves, and serve immediately

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New York City Watermelon Salad

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Watermelon, basil, and feta Makes us think of summer!
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Christopher had this at a New York City restaurant a few weeks ago, and tries to replicate this delicious and fresh salad.

Serves 2-3
4 cups cubed watermelon
2 cups cubed Feta Cheese
8 large basil leaves
drizzle of balsamic vinegar and olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Mix it all up for a summery taste. I also might add 1 cup of sliced cucumbers for some more crunch.

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Giovannis Christopher at the landmark for some spicy shrimp on the North Shore of Oahu.
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Jagwaiian Coconutty Fish

A meal that reminds us of a great family vacation we had in Hawaii.

Serves 2
1/2 cup sweetened flaked coconut
¼ cup of pecans (or another type of nut)
1 cup fresh bread crumbs
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 egg 2 tilapia fillets (about 6 ounces each). You can substitute another fish like Halibut, or even Shrimp.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Combine 1/4 cup of the coconut and bread crumbs in a food processor and spin until fine crumbs form.
Place in a shallow dish and stir in remaining coconut, salt and pepper.
Beat the egg in a shallow bowl.
Dip fish in the egg, then in the coconut mixture.
Place on a small, ungreased baking sheet.
Bake, turning once, until crust is light golden brown and fish is flaky.
It will take about 7 minutes per side.

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Christopher’s Limey Bean Salad

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Limey Bean Salad with Chicken and cilantro Before [1], and After [2].
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This is something Christopher makes a lot of to eat all summer. It is cool and refreshing, and healthy too!

Serves 4
2 cans of black beans (drained and washed)
½ diced cucumber ½ diced jicama
1 carrot 3 Roma tomatoes (squeeze out the liquid)
1 grilled (or cooked) corn cob ¼ cup of fresh basil or cilantro leaves (you can pick whatever you like)
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 large limes (or three… I like it tart!)
pepper and salt

This one is so easy. If you don’t like something on the list, or have another item that works well… add it, or substitute.

Dice all of the vegetables and herbs, and scrape the corn off the cob.
Mix everything together, and squeeze the lime, then drizzle the olive oil over everything.
Season to taste.
Done!
If you have left over chicken or steak, dice the leftovers and mix them into the mixture. It also makes a great salsa.

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Jeff”s Toast and Jam

Here is one from our brother, Jeff. He is one of the best chefs in the family (BTW)!

Fresh fruit in season (typically berries such as strawberries or raspberries)
Leftover baguette (or similar bread)
Sugar (enough to lightly cover the top of the bread and fruit)

Generously cover the bread with fruit
Top with sugar (sugar in the raw… which is bigger… equals a better “crust”)
Heat with a baker’s torch, benzo-matic, or even an oven broiler until sugar is crispy and caramelized.

If you begin by toasting and buttering the baguette before you add the fruit, you’ll get a crispier version. Carmelize as above.

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Here they are on their wedding day Boy, it was hot that summer day in Eastern Washington when Jeff [1], and Amy [2] got married.
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Amy’s Dorito Surprise

Here is a recipe from Jeff’s wife, Amy. This has been a July 4th family tradition for Amy’s family for many years, but you can have it any time.

Serves 8
1 pound hamburger or ground turkey taco seasoning
1 head iceberg lettuce
extra sharp cheddar cheese (lots)
tomatoes to taste
1 can kidney beans, drained
1 can black olives
1 bag Doritos
1 bottle of Catalina dressing

Cook hamburger or ground turkey as if making taco meat.
Add taco seasoning to taste.
Set aside and allow to cool.
Tear lettuce for salad.
Dice tomatoes.
Drain and rinse kidney beans.
Shred the cheese.
Halve the olives.
Crush Doritos into smaller pieces.

The salad is best if built right before eating or putting out for a picnic. If bringing to a friend’s house, place lettuce in a large bowl, package other ingredients separately, and don’t forget the mixing/serving utensils.
Add all the ingredients except dressing to lettuce.
Toss.
Add dressing (don’t be skimpy).
Toss.
Serve.

Mix it up and make it your signature — add some additional garbanzo beans, monterey jack cheese, jalapenos, or whatever you like.

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Zoe’s Yogurt Pie

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Everyone loves cake Our niece, Zoe on her birthday, this year.
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Zoe’s mom, Beth Ann sent this one it for us! This one is as easy as you can get.

Serves 6-8
2 containers of fruit flavored yogurt (your choice)
1 container cool whip (you can use fat free and sugar free)
1 pre-made graham cracker pie crust
1 cup fresh fruit (your choice)

Mix the yogurt, Cool Whip and fresh fruit in a bowl.
Pour into the pre-made pie crust and freeze for two hours.

It’s really simple, really easy, and really good!

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Design Brothers this week: Christopher’s plates (like the messy one above) are now sold in Montclair, New Jersey at ColorStoryHome.
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Here’s to your endless summer. Until next week. Bon Appétit!
—Greg and Christopher

Greg Ng: Blogger and Shaker

During his many years as a graphic designer, slash art director, slash illustrator, Christopher had so much fun working with some amazingly talented people. What a great adventure it was, to meet and work with photographers, illustrators, artists, set designers, stylists, and other art directors and designers.

Frankly, there were a few people who did not live up to the hype, and were not fun to work with at all, but for the most part, it was an honor to work with such awe-inspiring talent. Christopher learned so much during those years about professionalism, humility, and letting go of ego in the presence of real talent.

For many years Christopher worked on a national retail account with an agency just south of Boston. His assignment was to illustrate for a national retail client. There were a lot of illustrations for this particular client, and the work came in for many years. It was a great gig.

It was especially nice to work with one of the art directors on that account, Greg Ng. Not your typical art director, Greg was always calm, clear and concise with direction, and very talented. We mostly worked together over the phone. Christopher would draw up some sketches based on Greg’s direction, and then faxed them to the agency. After they were presented to the client and approved, Christopher would then draw the finishes on the computer, and email them over for the finished ad or direct mail piece. The two rarely met in person. In fact, they can only remember meeting twice. But, like a lot of work that is done these days, there are multitudes of people that only meet on the phone.

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Episode 16 A still shot of just one from over 200 episodes of Freezerburns.
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Now, Greg is simply an amazing guy. He is a husband, father of three, has since moved down to Raleigh, North Carolina where he is a Creative Director for a marketing agency, performs as Chelvis (the Chinese Elvis!), and puts together the video-blog, Freezerburns. Freezerburns is the quintessential website to get all the information you’ll ever need for frozen food. On this site, Greg reviews the misunderstood, and underappreciated food from the freezer section.

We have no idea where he gets this energy, and are simply amazed by the work that he produces. So, the Design Brothers chat with him this week about Freezerburns, and some of the other things that he does to keep himself busy. We thought it appropriate to interview Greg for the Labor Day edition of this blog, as everything he does, is a labor of love, and all fun.

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The beginning of a culinary career Greg, on his 4th birthday with Super Friends.
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Design Brothers: What got you interested in writing about food? Did you grow up with TV dinners?

Greg: Frozen food is not something I have ever been particularly obsessed with. Nor was it a major part of my childhood! I grew up in a family where both my mom and my dad were decent cooks so there was never a shortage of great food in my house. That being said, my family was not above stocking the freezer with frozen pizzas, burritos, and chicken nuggets. And when I got to college if I wasn’t eating Ramen, I was eating something out of my freezer.

DB: Why frozen food, then?

G: As for why I decided to start a blog about frozen foods, there were a number of factors. There are hundreds of “foodie” and “food Porn” websites out there published by people that spend way more time on particularly prepared meals than the average person does. Those sites are very aspirational but in my opinion, not terribly realistic. I wanted to give real reviews for the “common man” if you will. Another reason for choosing the frozen food niche was simply because it was an untapped market full of big brands who want a voice. I would be lying if I told you I didn’t think about the potential sponsorship opportunity for a show like mine.

DB: It seems so hard getting your videos out on a regular basis. I really feel the passion in this and everything you do. Where do you find the time and energy?

G: This question, by far, is the question I get asked the most. In fact, some people offer that I have a time machine or I cloned myself as the reason I can churn out so much content. The real answer is everyone has the opportunity to do as much as I do its just a matter of priority. I’m not saying there’s a right way or a wrong way. Just, what’s right for each person. Again, this is partly due to my obsession with uncovering something brilliant in myself.

In actuality, I have always been a phenomenal multi-tasker but never put it to use until shortly after my first child was born. All of a sudden I was forced with less sleep during the day and frequently more time to think during the late night or early mornings. That meant that when I had free time, it was as if my engine was revving and the wheels were spinning at top speed just waiting to hit the ground. I get a high out of producing content, and I haven’t stopped.

DB: Design, food critiques, entertainment, and writing? Is there one thing that you like more than another?

G: Although I went to school for Graphic Design (RISD Class of 97) I have never considered myself a good artist. Nor a great writer… or a good photographer. But I do consider myself creative. And I believe strongly in creative inspiration. That’s part of the reason why I dabble in a ton of different projects…I’m afraid there may be a stroke of creative brilliance that’s hiding just around the bend or under a rock waiting to be overturned.

DB: With this blog and your other ventures, you seem to just like to entertain people?

G: Do I like to entertain people? Absolutely. But mostly, I want to share something unique.

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Shake, shake, shake it Chelvis Greg, as the one and only, King of Wok and Roll.
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DB: That brings us to Chelvis. How did you get started?

G: This is a case of an inside joke taken too far. Right before I graduated from college one of my friends gave me a book of Elvis photographs citing that he saw the cover and thought Elvis looked like me. I had never considered that, but looking at the picture I did see a resemblance. We joked about how funny it would be if I was an Elvis impersonator and started thinking about what my name would be. Soon after we came up with Chelvis: The Chinese Elvis. Now I love Elvis and his music and I am a pretty decent singer. But mostly, this was an exercise in celebrity, icons, and satire.

DB: You do seem to tweak Chinese culture in a playful way.

G: The truth is I grew up in an area (a suburb of Philadelphia) where there wasn’t a whole lot of diversity. I didn’t really appreciate being Chinese until college really. The bottom line is stereotypes come from somewhere. And that somewhere tends to be based on facts. I think that people get too hung up on being politically correct that they forget to truly embrace their culture. I tend to be fearless when talking about being Chinese American.

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Slanty Eyes T-shirt Just one of Greg’s many designs.
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Let’s face it: I AM good at ping pong. I DO have family members who are dry cleaners. My SKIN is sort of yellowish. My eyes ARE sort of slanty. Hopefully this can break down some barriers. My Chelvis and Slanty Eyes websites deal a lot with stereotypes and I have received emails and letters from some Chinese Americans who have been offended. But at the same time I sell a lot of Slanty Eye t-shirts to Asian Americans.

DB: Since you are always up to something new, what other ideas do you have up your sleeves?

G: Well, right now I am concentrating mostly on extending my reach and awareness of Freezerburns. But I do have a few ideas bouncing around that will eventually work their way to the top. A few teasers…one is a daily video journal that evolves around Mariah Carey’s Glitter soundtrack (not kidding), and another involves a viral idea for a non-profit organization. Stay tuned….

C: We will Greg. We can’t wait to see what will happen next from you!

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Design Brothers this week: We forgot to mention that; Greg (Jagmin, that is) appeared in the July – August 2009 issue of Chicago Home + Garden Magazine.
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Until next week.

—Christopher and Greg