Hey, Did Something Die On Your Face?

I've been growing a beard. Yes, that's right. A Heller boy has facial hair, just like a REAL boy!

I always liked the idea of a beard. I could never stand the feeling for more than a day or two. About 3 weeks ago, I found that I preferred shaving every other day. I started thinking more about the beard.

You know how when you buy a new pair of shoes, you start to notice everyone else's shoes even more? Well that happened to me. I'd be the only guy in meetings without any facial hair. So many people around me have the 'cool guy' beard, I wanted one too.

Last Tuesday, I forgot to bring my razor with my to Philly for our Thanksgiving visit. I figured this was my shot. I had an excuse and several days out of the office to see it threw. I could always shave the Sunday before work.

It's itchy and blond. It makes me look like Spencer from Heidi & Spencer. Harley hates it. Brian hates it. Lilah wants it off. Jack seems ok with it, but who knows. But everyone at work likes it. The guys all have beards, so I think they may be a little biased.

Well, I made it to Friday morning, about 10 days. The itch got too much, and the hairs when I touched them. Plus, Harley said I couldn't have a certain something until I shaved. The beard didn't stand a chance.

I took these pictures this morning to memorialize the beard. It's not me at my best, but these powerful images will help us top never forget how much the beard gave to us for the short time it was here. A moment of silence, please...



This New York Magazine article here talks about the new trend among mean for facial hair. Basically, guys grow it because they can, because it makes them feel cool. 100% correct. I thought it looked cool on me. The only time I liked it was when I was in front of a mirror. It may look ugly, but believe it or not, beard = vain.

The Worst Poster Ever

I take the same route to the subway every morning. I tried out a number of different paths when we first got to 80th Street. Over time, I determined that 1st Ave to 79th St to 78th St to 77th & Lex was the best.

The decision was based on a number of factors, such as:
- minimal volume of foot traffic
- time efficiency
- visual appeal of the route
- scenery
- timing of traffic lights

I do not like to deviate form the path in the mornings. On the way home, things ae much looser. I often try other routes, but not in the morning. I know what's the quckest (or at least feels like the quickest), and I take it.

There's a new poster up at a bus stop. I can't stand looking at it. It literally pains me to see these words together.



I forget it's there, somehow, and always get shocked by it. I cross the street before I hit it. I want to put black paint on it and erase it from my memory. As Jack grows, he looks more and more like this kid. GOD FORBID.

Who's Hungry?

In Defense of Gay Marriage

Here's a video of Phil Spooner, an 86-year-old WWII vet, testifying in support of marriage equality before the Maine legislature earlier this year. The most persuasive speech I've heard to date.

Great Muppets Bloopers

hahahah

In Honor of the Troops

Ok, that was terrible. But check this out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qIgVrOy9vM

It's the last scene from First Blood, the original Rambo movie. Man, that's a great movie. Stallone was an amazing actor, though you'd never know it. He brings a humanity to issues some veterans were facing (or at least the issues I was led to believe they were facing).

If you want proof that Stallone is a good actor, check this guy out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M20nW1xL7Lg

Did anyone else see the most recent Rambo? I loved it. LOVED. It was violent like Braveheart, in that it looked real. And the footage of the jungle was gorgeous. Plus, it wasn't weighed down with all the metaphorical issues that the second and third movies were. Very surprisingly good.

Oh Geez, Not Again

I know what you want. Blogs about packaging!!!


I'm really into ginger ale. Harley got it free with Chinese food one night. I had the stroke of genius to mix it with Southern Comfort (my favorite booze) and haven't looked back since. Like I said, it tastes like an adult Shirley Temple.

Here's what the category looks like. Surprisingly, I think they all do a good job of making their product look unique. Canada Dry has just made a big push with new packaging; you might have seen the ads. A little busy, think I like the old one a little better. Seagram's looks old. Schweppes is my favorite, like the cleanliness and strong hit of color balanced by the bubbles.


Here's the new Breyers, next to the old. Harley doesn't like it, but I do. It looks fresh and updated. More feminine, but I'm ok with that. This was done at Sterling while I worked there and tested really well. Still, I'm a big nostalgic for the old one.


Here's what Chef Boyardee looks like in BJ's. Brand managers and design firms spend a lot of time trying to make these displays look great in the crappy club store environment. See how the images blend from one pack to the next? That's a wet dream in my world.