Color in Motion

Color in Motion is a Flash site created by Claudia Cortes. It's a combination of short animations and interactive activities to educate the user about color symbolism and communication. This site is simple, effective, and most importantly fun. I originally came across this site a few years back when it was nominated for a Flashforward award. I still enjoy it.

Honesty Stamps

There is nothing like a rubber stamp to let someone know that you mean it! This set of honesty stamps was designed by Dominic Wilcox for mosleymeetswilcox. They come with the following messages: 1. All I ask for is one last chance. 2. In all my life I've never met anyone as beautiful as you. 3. I sincerely apologise for all the trouble I've caused. 4. I swear on my mother's grave I'll never do that again. 5. I know in the past I've found it difficult to say these words but I LOVE YOU. 6. What do you mean I'm always too busy? 7. You're right, the key to a strong relationship is communication. 8. Set of two Stamps - It wasn't my fault! & But I've changed!

You can buy them online at Greener Grass Design.

Running the numbers

Running the Numbers is a fascinating series of photography by Chris Jordan that uses images to reinforce statistics. Each overall picture is made up of a certain number of smaller images used to illustrate a point. The piece shown above, called Cans Seurat 2007, uses 106,000 cans to make up the image. This represents the number of cans consumed in the US every thirty seconds. Other works include an image of Ben Franklin made up of 125,000 one-hundred dollar bills (amount the US government spends every hour on the war in Iraq) and fifteen million sheets of office paper (the equivalent of five minutes of paper use).

Check out these and other works by Chris Jordan at www.chrisjordan.com.

You are beautiful

You ARE beautiful! All of you! This site gives out stickers that say YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. People post them around their city and then send back photos. Yes, I know this a form of vandalism but seriously, how can you not like this idea?

Think of when you had none

Do you ever need a little reminder of what life was like when you had no money? If so, consider investing in this money clip by LeeAnn Herreid. The engraved message, THINK OF WHEN YOU HAD NONE, may help you think twice as you reach for that twenty. Just for good measure, the clip comes packaged on a pile of shredded US bills. You can buy it on Elsewares.

Banksy

If you are not familiar with Banksy's work, check it out at www.banksy.co.uk. Banksy is a British graffiti artist known for his controversial work that often pokes fun at political issues and modern society. His works can be seen on the streets of London and in other cities around the world. Some of his most well known works are the 9 images he painted on the Palestinian side of the Israeli West Bank barrier depicting children playing in front of large holes in the wall.

The Banksy website has a good collection of his work and now includes a Shop where you can download large format images of his work for free. While you are there also check out the Mail section. There are some pretty entertaining emails from fans and critics. (Thanks Q)

State of the Union

This is an interesting look at the relationship between language and politics. It's an interface that maps prominent words in American State of the Union addresses from 1790-2007. The keywords from each speech are mapped based on their position within the speech and their frequency of use. Using the timeline you can scroll back and forth between the addresses. This creates a pretty interesting glimpse of US history. The words range from Colonies to Globalization, from Indians to Iraqis, and from Freedom to Terror. Explore it for yourself here.

Stop Talking

Ever been in a conversation where someone will just not shut up? How about overhearing a friend tell a story that is spiraling quickly towards disaster and embarrassment? Well here is the solution. Just dig into your pocket or bag, grab one of these cards and hand it over. You can buy a set of 25 for $8 at Set Editions.

Indexed

I'm fascinated by Jessica Hagy's blog called Indexed. She creates charts and graphs to, as she says, make fun of some things and sense of others. Each graph tells a story, much the same way an editorial cartoon in a newspaper does. This are making me rethink my negative attitudes towards graphs and charts! (Thanks Katy)

Evil Nine "Crooked"

If you know me then you have probably been sent this link at some time or another. I never get tired of it. It's the music video for the Evil Nine song Crooked. Awesome Flash animation. Shhhhh, the baby's sleeping...

The Darfur Wall

The Darfur Wall is a unique approach to raising money and awareness for a noteworthy cause. It is a virtual wall made up of the numbers 1 to 400 000, each number representing a person killed in Darfur. By donating one dollar you light up a number of your choice. As the numbers turn from gray to white, the panels of the wall start to glow. You can zoom out and animate the donations over time so watch the wall being built. Simple and very effective! Check it out at www.darfurwall.org

Knock Knock

Knock Knock is a design and manufacturing company that creates brilliantly witty stationary and gifts. Their check pads are humorously useful. My favorite is the Mood Alert pad that lets the writer indicate how their day was (Stellar, Mind-numbing, Horrendous...), what they need tonight (Drink, Punching bag, Miracle...), and if you know what's good for you (Make Dinner, Run Interference, Shut up...). Also check out their Corporate or Slang Flashcards and the their great line of greeting cards like the one seen above. Their products are all very affordable and can be purchased at www.knockknock.biz

Ikea Dream Kitchens Site

The Ikea Dream Kitchens site is great example of why I love Flash sites. This sites features the kitchens in a freeze framed action shot that you can turn. One kitchen flows into the next. Very nicely done. Turn up the volume for full effect.

Denver Water Ad Campaign by Sukle Advertising

This advertising campaign for Denver Water is pretty effective. It grabs your attention and its simple message is reinforced by the visuals. The fact that is about water is a little lost in the print material, but I still like it. The water aspect comes across in the commercials.

On a side note, the Sukle site is awesome. Glad to see someone still has a sense of humor when it comes to websites.