The FHD Forum

Badge snob

The all new Vauxhall Insignia launches this week at the British International Motor Show. Vauxhall will also introduce us to the new Griffin logo, described as "more dynamic and contemporary". Vauxhall doesn't have the best brand image in the UK car market, however the new car looks great. We must wait for the reviews (and sales) before it can be classed a success. Not sure I'd buy one though, I'll stick with my Skoda.

http://www.vauxhall.co.uk/

http://www.britishmotorshow.co.uk/

Beijing Olympic pictograms

The pictograms cover the following sports: rowing, badminton, baseball, basketball, boxing, canoe/kayak flatwater, canoe/kayak slalom, cycling, equestrian, fencing, football, artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline, weightlifting, handball, hockey, judo, wrestling, swimming, synchronized swimming, diving, water polo, modern pentathlon, softball, taekwondo, tennis, table tennis, shooting, archery, triathlon, sailing, volleyball and beach volleyball. The triathalon seems to involve escaping a swarm of bees.

 

Check out this page for a full list of what's what, as well as examples of the pictograms from previous games.

 

Architecture of destiny

A new addition to the site 20ltd is a fine art photography section featuring some great prints. The series that caught my eye was by Michael Wolf called Architecture of Destiny. For that special exclusive gift check out the main 20ltd site, very cool and very expensive.

http://www.20ltd.com/fcp/categorysub/shop/photography-see_all_exhibitors?resetFilters=true

http://www.20ltd.com/pws/Home.ice

Save money, live better

A report in last weekends Wall Street Journal confirmed that Walmart has rebranded. This new design replaces and updates what is one of the most recognised logos in the US.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121462040134113143.html

http://www.in-a-nutshell.co.uk/

Twice as fast

Stupid but funny, maybe.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLxq90xmYUs

Unconscious art

Searching for images on Flickr revealed this collection of images celebrating the 'art of demolition'. Amazing.

http://www.flickr.com/groups/demolitionart/pool/

Branding the President (TBC)

Barack Obama's campaign is groundbreaking, sophisticated and extremely effective, made a little bit easier by his obvious charm and charisma. This interesting article in The Guardian showcases Brand Obama on the road.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/gallery/2008/jul/10/design.barackobama?picture=335610794

Photograph: M Spencer Green/AP

Achievable goals

Watch both parts. Inspiring stuff.

Itchy and scratchy

What a great idea. This project by Ali Alvarez titled: "I love my life the way it is ..." is a collection of unscratched lottery tickets and a small statement about "the whole lottery thing – getting your hopes high, dreaming, escaping, and then usually being let down".

http://ilovemylifethewayitis.com/
http://www.creativereview.co.uk/crblog/

Verve

Verve: Photographer and photo editor Geoffrey Hiller has created Verve to feature photos and interviews by the finest young image makers today and a reminder of the power of the still image.

People mover 2

This bike looks great, designed by Phil Bridge of Sheffield Hallam University and made from cardboard. The ultimate green machine. What happens when it rains?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/2199633/Student-unveils-world's-first-cardboard-bicycle---which-works.html

People mover

About to launch, the new Ford Flex described as 'a full-size people-mover crossover SUV'. The retro styling looks great, a trend I've mentioned before and initiated by the VW Beetle, the Mini and the great new Fiat 500. Timing is everything however, so I'm not sure how much of a success the Flex will be, unless Ford plan to produce an electric powered version.

http://www.fordvehicles.com/flex/

Loyalty

Today is Bill's first day of 'retirement', let's hope he's gone fishing! There has been many words written recently about Bill, but not so much about his successor. There's an interesting article in The Guardian about the new CEO Steve Ballmer. This is a great reason to see again that famous speech Steve Ballmer gave at a Microsoft conference many years ago. Be afraid.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/jun/27/microsoft.microsoft

Outstanding and innovative

As always, the BP Portrait Award exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery is one of the must see events of the year. Lots to see with all portraits of an amazingly high quality. The winner this year is a painting by Craig Wylie.

http://www.npg.org.uk/live/bpmenu.asp

K by Craig Wylie
© the artist

Chicken run

Interesting debate at the Tesco AGM. There's a supermarket price war and the chickens need better homes and food. Interesting dilema, cheap food or happy chickens?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/jun/27/tesco

http://www.rspca.org.uk/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RSPCA/RSPCARedirect&pg=Producersection&marker=1&articleId=1121758148522

Image: © Banksy