FAMILY IS EVERYTHING:

... I cannot take credit though - I sniped it from here:

http://www.joe-stone.co.uk/portfolio/familytree.html

PEACE,

B.

WATER BEATS BRIDGE...

... And Rock beats Scissors.

Sheesh:

http://gizmodo.com/lead-designer-of-sf-bay-bridges-new-span-is-worried-its-1734702179

So, In Case You have Not Seen It - Here is the New Bay Bridge at Night:

... And here the Bridge is a Little Later in a Day Shot with the Original Bay Bridge Being Demolished in the Background:

Nature finds a way I suppose...
B.

THE DAVID WRIGHT HOUSE:

... You know, I stumbled across this restoration project on Instagram last month and was actually a little disappointed in myself for not having the slightest clue that The David Wright House even existed.

BUT ... First, a little background: I lived in the Valley - Scottsdale, actually - For eight months after graduating College from The University of Arizona with my Bachelors Degree in Architecture with an Option in Design in 2002. Prior to leaving Tucson for Scottsdale I spent the eight months after graduation working full-time for the same Architectural Firm I had Interned part-time for while going to school...It was a good time for me - I was learning a lot, making my own money, living by myself for the first time ever and spending every waking minute with my friends on the weekend.

Good times.

... So, I guess you could say I was pretty familiar with the Grand Canyon State having lived there for seven years before bailing for Northern California in 2004...AND...Tuscon, as an aside, is a simple hour and a half away from this Frank Lloyd Wright designed home - So, with all the times my peers and I went back and forth up the I-10 Corridor to the greater Phoenix Metro-area we could have simply driven by this property.

It would have been a nice photo opportunity at the absolute very least...

I am nothing if not self-aware I guess.

Yes, I have been to Taliesin West - It was great and a must for any Architect that is in the area and has the time - BUT...I never knew that the David Wright House - The home Frank Lloyd Wright designed for his Son, in tribute to and as a means to represent, how America should live in the Southwest - even existed until last month. Yes, the David Wright House sits in the Arcadia Neighborhood, a quick drive away from my old Office in Scottsdale - In fact, having driven through the Arcadia Neighborhood several times when living in the Valley and since when going back to visit I am sure I have sped right past it.

Again, I am nothing if not self-aware.

Whatever.

... Regardless, here is a nice write up on AZ Central about the Home and the restoration process as well as some of the push-back the new owners are receiving from the Arcadia Neighborhood Residents:

http://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/editorial/2015/11/17/wright-house-phoenix/75928944/?hootPostID=bd7260872973582de38903f71995ecdf

I have cherry-picked some of the better photos from the article and posted them below for your viewing pleasure.

Enjoy:

Pretty cool, huh? - I am not a huge Wright Apologist - America's Architect was a notorious womanizer and excellent at his practice of infidelity...All why preaching the American Family ideal and the importance of the Hearth in the home - AND - Essentially stealing his Intern's ideas, concepts and creativity while never giving credit or a cent of pay...Whatever I suppose.

History is written by Historians and that translates to Architectural History is written by Architects.

Whatever.

Still though...Pretty cool House; glad it is not going to be bulldozed.

Finally, I will leave you with their Website: http://davidwrighthouse.org/

... And for good measure, also their Social Networking Accounts:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidwrighthouse?_rdr=p

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidwrighthouse/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/wrighthouseaz

Cheers...B.

CAPONE'S MIAMI MANSION:

... Any of you Trash Canners in the market for a Miami Mansion on Palm Island? - Slightly used with a period remodel and a little bit of Mob History??? Well, if you were then you would be in luck then as Al Capone's former home is back on the market and up for grabs.

You can check out a brief article and several photos here:

https://www.yahoo.com/realestate/al-capone-miami-home-where-061159854/photo-capone-s-miami-mansion-during-1447352321325.html

BUT...Here are three of the better photos - For brevity's sake:

In case you are curious, no, it is not haunted - Well according to the listing it is not haunted anyway - But it does have a Grotto...So, I guess that is pretty cool.

Call me for the House Warming Party...I will bring the Ruffles - After all, they not only have ridges but they go great with dip.

PEACE,

Hot Mama

SOMETIMES...

SHE SPEAKS THE TRUTH, MY LORD:

BULLS ON PARADE, 2015-2016:

... Well the new Bulls was unveiled tonight for their Regular Season opener at the United Center against LeBum and the Cavaliers - The NBA is back, all.

Here is a write-up on www.nba.com - Cheers:

http://www.nba.com/bulls/news/chicago-bulls-unveil-new-court-design

And here is the image for good measure - I think this nods-back to the court design at "The Old Barn," a little bit actually:

LOVE the Stars...Absolutely LOVE the stars. A nice touch for the locals - I for one have always love the Chicago Flag:

You can find the old court design here:

http://lostarchitectsunite.blogspot.com/2014/10/all-thirty-nba-courts-ranked.html

I think all-in-all it is an upgrade - Especially losing the odd block font at each end of the court behind the hoops - But I will always have a soft-spot in my heart for this Center Court Logo - ICONIC - Hard to think that when they debuted it I hated the ball; oh how time distorts things:

#GoBulls

#SeeRed

B.

BIG IF TRUE:

... Okay, so in case you did not know this the Los Angeles Clippers re-branded this off season - No big deal, right? - Teams do this sort of thing all the time, right? - It is, after all, just logos and stuff, right???

Wrong.

Their end results were...Well, pretty terrible actually and they left most fans and designers scratching their respective heads in confusion as to just how a multi-billion dollar franchise could have arrived such an uninspired and generally dreadful design - Naturally the re-brand was accompanied with shallow corporate "Brandspeak" justifying every little misstep with hollow explanations in defense of the "Design" and its features.

I should qualify, I am NOT a Clippers Fan - I am actually a Bulls Fan...But being both a sports fan and a designer I tend to pay attention to these re-brands because I believe that the sports world is one of those unique places where athletics and style coexist...

My personal opinion? - It all, everything, links back to this:

http://lostarchitectsunite.blogspot.com/2013/11/dear-derrick-please-get-well-soon.html

... So, back to the Clippers and their terrible fail at a re-brand - As I mentioned earlier, most casual fans and designers were left confused as to how a professional sports team could have not only arrived at but also adopted a re-brand that looks like something a middle school kid created in CorelDRAW...It seemed rushed, not well thought-through and basic - The common question was simply, why?

Well, last month a story broke on www.clipsnation.com and it might just provide an explanation:

http://www.clipsnation.com/2015/9/12/9299611/panic-over-patience-a-logo-story

I mean...Seems possible right??? - Ugh...Just look at this drivel:

Seriously, IS this Real Life????

Quick - Overt Your Eyes:

*Sighs* - What Exactly IS this Thing???

...Oh, Wait - *Facepalm* - I See:

Slow groan.

How tragic - What a missed opportunity...At least it was not the Bulls.

PEACE,

B.

PRETTY DARN SWEET STILL:

... Looking forward to the potential of something new tonight - It is definitely a long shot but hey, nothing ventured, nothing gained, right???

This picture is of an Installation from my Fourth or Fifth Year at The University of Arizona's College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture (CAPLA) and it still resonates with me after all these years - Think Tadao Ando.

Life is full of chapters is it not? - Shit... That, though.

PEACE.
Hot Mama

ICELAND HAS THIS ISH ON LOCK:

... Oh man, check these Power Poles out:

Form follows function, indeed - Or, I suppose the opposite in this case with a dash of elegance - These are just too cool; straight fire in fact...You can check out some additional photos and info here:

https://www.yahoo.com/makers/giant-easter-island-power-lines-155936654.html

Cheers,
Hot Mama

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME:

... I want a new life.

XOXOX,
ME

MY WORLD...TODAY:

... Fucking Patrick Kane Investigation. UGH.

B.

I'M NOT EVEN MAD...THAT'S AMAZING:

COREY FUCKING CRAWFORD:

... Via @NHLBlackhawks on Twitter after their third Stanley Cup in six years: "Oh Corey, never change. Lovely greeting from the netminder!"

#GoBlackhawks, #ThankYouAgain,

Hot Mama

SERIOUS...DEAD SERIOUS:

JUST MY THOUGHTS:

LIKE A G6:

... I stumbled across these photos of Nike's Personal Air Force a couple of weeks back on www.jalopnik.com - Damn. It must be nice to be King - Macklemore was right, Phil Knight tricked us all:

The N1KE Gulfstream G650 (Phil Knight's Personal Plane)

The N1972N Gulfstream G550

You can see more of this ridiculousness here - Including the hangars...I am in the wrong business - SMDH:

http://flightclub.jalopnik.com/nike-has-their-own-air-force-and-futuristic-air-base-1713965840

Peace,
Hot Mama

THIS PRETTY MUCH SUMS IT ALL UP:

GOTG GREATNESS:

I TRY NOT TO DO THIS...BUT:

... So, I try not to get too Political on this Blog but after yesterday's SCOTUS Ruling it is a little hard not to at LEAST share this:

#LoveWins, #EqualityForAll, #SameLove, #KeepMovingForward.

Mic Drop,
B.

LET US DO THIS AGAIN...SHALL WE:

... Okay - I am still basking in the Blackhawks Stanley Cup win from a week ago. Awesome. Just awesome. Three Cups in six years and a modern day Dynasty in the Salary Cap Era...Unreal. Toews, Kane, Keith, Seabrook and of course Coach Q - What a core. Oh yeah, and I see you TT. I see you.

So, in honor of the Blackhawks and within the spirit of this Blog - Here are a few minimalist four feathers logos for your viewing pleasure...Yes, I know I proclaimed that 2014 was the year of minimalist sports-related imagery but there is no harm in letting it bleed over a little bit right? - I mean, right?

This one is for you guys.

Go Blackhawks.

Rock Chealsea Dagger

Hoist the Cup.

Congratulations.

Thank you Rocky. Thank you.

That is all, after all, that is enough (...for now)

Hot Mama

P.S. Here are a just few links to some of the past minimalist sports-related imagery I have shared; oldest to newest - Nothing like cross-pollination and shameless self-promotion...You know, for the kids:

http://lostarchitectsunite.blogspot.com/2014/02/minimalist-graphic-swag.html

http://lostarchitectsunite.blogspot.com/2014/02/more-bears-minimalist-swag.html

http://lostarchitectsunite.blogspot.com/2014/02/some-more-bears-minimalist-stuff.html

http://lostarchitectsunite.blogspot.com/2014/02/and-even-more-bears-minimalist-stuff.html

http://lostarchitectsunite.blogspot.com/2014/11/poot-poot-strikes-again.html

Oh yeah...And just for good measure, here is a Bulls-themed pic - Let us hope that Fred Hoiberg can take them where Thibodeau never could; #LeSigh:

Out,

B.

LOOKING FOR WORK:

... My Dog I miss Ozzie - At least he made things fun.

#GoodGuysWearBlack.

Peace,

B.

KERMIT THROWS DOWN:

THE GRUMPY LEAGUE OF AMERICA:

... Hey!!! - Yeah, you over there - Been a while, huh??? - Sorry...I have been super-duper busy at work AND at home - BUT - No fear...I am here to share something to brighten your [respective] days.

So...You know the "Grumpy Cat" right??? - Yes, of course you do. Anywho...We like to shoot Grumpy Cat Memes around the Office via e-mail to lighten the mood at work and I came across this one a month or so ago.

I know...I know - #NerdAlert.

Whatever:

HAHAHAHA...Hilar!

Peace,
Hot Mama

THE HISTORY OF GOALIE MASKS:

... So - In HONOR of the NHL Playoffs and the fact that this is the BEST damn sport going, here is a link that will help you understand the pure awesomeness of the NHL and Goalies in general:

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=737093&navid=DL|NHL|home

AND - Here is a photo of Gerry Cheevers wearing his iconic mask for good measure:

#Cheers.

#WhereItAllStarted.

#Legend.

B.

I THINK YOU JUST MIGHT BE CONFUSED:

... So, a funny thing happened to me while walking into the office this morning - I was stopped by one of my newer coworkers and he asked me a question that initially caught me a little off-guard and that, upon reflection, was at the very least odd.

Our dialouge went a little something like this:

Coworker: "Hey, I have a question fo you..."

Me: "Good morning"

Coworker: "...Are you an Engineer too?"

Me: "No, I'm not an Engineer."

Coworker: "Oh because there was an Engineer that signed the plans for my house."

Me: "Like someone from Development Services?"

Coworker: "Well, here's what happened - My Contractor told me he knew a guy at the County who was an Engineer who would sign my plans...And I thought his name was Benjamin [last name redacted] but I couldn't read his full signature."

Me: "Huh...I see."

Coworker: "Well my project is almost done now, so..."

Me: "Well, congratulations - Good for you."

Coworker: "Yeah."

Okay...That would be it. That was my first exchange with another human being (...other than my Wife) on this fine Monday Morning.

No.

No, that was not me.

No, that was not me that sold my stamp to your Contractor and his "Design" drawings.

No, that was not me and - No, I am not an Engineer.

Move along...Nothing to see here,

Hot Mama

P.S. Added for posterity:

http://lostarchitectsunite.blogspot.com/2013/09/you-keep-using-that-word.html

Le sigh.

MARKER TESTING - COOL BEANS:

... So, this is pretty cool:

I am a dork - Sorry.

Also sorry for the lack of traffic lately - Been super busy and have had a house full of sickos to deal with...Dear Cold Season - Fuck. You.

PEACE,
B.

ME CURRENTLY:

MJ: "BULL ON PARADE" - DUDE, SWEET:

... Check this out Trash Canners:

http://thestacks.deadspin.com/michael-jordan-bull-on-parade-1683391385/+Tom_Ley

Pretty neato-torpedo, right?

You can by the actual book here:

http://www.fantagraphics.com/browse-shop/michael-jordan-bull-on-parade-pre-order--4.html?vmcchk=1

... AND - Just because I love you SO much - Here are some graphic snippets:

MJ was a God among insects - In. Every. Way.

#GoBulls,
#SeeRed,
B.

P.S. Sorry for the lack of traffic lately - I have just been buried...Le sigh.

WHISKEY FOR MY MEN:

... Enjoying just a bit of the "Brown Stuff" on a Sunday Evening - I have so, so much to celebrate in my life; cheers.

#LuckyMan,

B.

LCNM SUNSET CIRCA 1999:

... So, if you did not know by now I grew up in Southern New Mexico in a small city with a population of around 90,000 people - Great wide open spaces, desert landscapes - Yes, Hatch Green Chiles - And sunsets like these:

I guess I am feeling a little homesick - Or maybe I am just missing my past life when I had time to take photographs like these and be creative; back when I did not have to chase a two year old around...Both, maybe?

Viva Las Cruces...Holla' at your Boy,

Hot Mama

THERE ARE NO STRINGS ON ME:

... So, ICYMI in November a teaser trailer for the new Avengers Movie leaked online - Yes, I know I am more than a month late...I am always late...I suck...Sniffle, sniffle, sniffle, sniffle.

(Now we are done with that we can return to our regular programming...)

... If you have not yet seen it the teaser trailer looks awesome; the themes are really dark and obviously intended to take the franchise to new places and elevate Marvel Studios to the next level - AND - That is scary.

There are a lot of concepts at play here - Complicated and emotional themes like mortality, god-play, man versus machine, moral struggles, inner conflicts and a mashed-up definition of good versus evil...AND...Puppeteer versus Puppet - Or, Creator versus Creation to put it more simply.

Yup...Just like Helen Slater not-so-coyly told Michael J. Fox in my favorite all time Movie, 'The Secret of My Success' - "There is no right or wrong there is only opinion." - The all too simple concept of good versus evil seems to be all over the map within this franchise and among the 'Earth's Mightiest.'

And rightfully so.

I cannot speak for you but I for one am AMPED for this sequel...The first one was great and Marvel seems to just being firing on all cylinders especially since taking a HUGE gamble this past summer by bringing a fringe comic book to the big screen with 'Guardians of the Galaxy' and - Well, quite honestly - Killing it, man - Wow, what a gamble - AND, yet - What a pay-off.

... Any who - I wanted to share the trailer for the second Avengers Movie along with some of the promotional material that has been circulating online because...Well, because I am a bid nerd.

Yup...Sad but true. Sad - But actually very true.

So.............

Here is Marvel's Official Teaser Trailer for "Avengers: Age of Ultron" - Enjoy:

... And here is some promotional imagery from Comic-con last Summer - You can not only see the Twins in this rendering fighting all of Ultron's drones but you also get a first glimpse of 'The Vision' in the upper left hand corner.

...So Sweet:

Here is Captain America's Shield - Severally Damaged:

Here is Ulton in One of His First Forms:

... And finally, I mentioned earlier that one of the themes at play in this film is the Puppeteer versus the Puppet - This is clearly evident with the choice of background music for the teaser trailer - 'I Got No Strings' sung by Dickie Jones in Walt Disney's 'Pinocchio' ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I've_Got_No_Strings ) was slowed-down to a brooding and ominous tone and really sets the stage for the impending power struggle between Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) and his A.I. turned rouge-villain Ultron (James Spader).

This is going to be SO good.

Just for fun, here is a Mashup Trailer I pulled from Screen Rant...It does a great job of juxtaposing the two characters; Ultron and Pinocchio - Pretty cool, actually and at the very least an interesting side-by-side.

Avengers: Age of Pinocchio (Ultron Mashup Trailer):

HELL YES.

#HailHydra,

B.