http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/ Astro Studios - Blog en-us Wed, 16 May 2012 22:05:34 -0700 info@astrostudios.com http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/196/Astro_Gallery_Grand_Opening_Soiree/ <h1>Bring on Summer!</h1><img src="/dispatch/_depot/blog_image/590w/da0b2ba2af1c4b17fe3e31c8d0a3ac69.jpg" alt="GALLERY1" />=<p>We usually don’t need much of a reason to cut a rug, but the grand opening of the uber-new Astro Gallery demanded that we throw down, and throw down we did. This first art showing, along with the introduction of our new Astro logo, expanded design capabilities, and phenomenal weather were a perfect storm of good times. We can't wait to concoct more reasons to celebrate design, art, music, and dancing with all our people. See you next time!</p><p><a href='http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/196/Astro_Gallery_Grand_Opening_Soiree/'>Permalink</a></p> Tue, 01 May 2012 00:05:00 -0700 http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/196/Astro_Gallery_Grand_Opening_Soiree/ Culture Tom Galbraith http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/195/LOOK_0001/ <h1></h1><img src="/dispatch/_depot/blog_image/590w/8675390b7c160af0e72b1c693ae7eb8b.jpg" alt="LOOK 0001" />=<p>As designers and strategists we depend on the world around us to drive innovation and design. <br /> Astro connects the dots between emerging trends and longstanding pillars to create something entirely different.<br /> <br /> The first edition of LOOK assembles our observations into four themes ranging from material, data, spatial and human connection. <br /> <a href="http://www.astrostudios.com/look/LOOK_0001.pdf" target="_blank">Click here to download the first edition</a><br /> We hope you enjoy our thoughts and insight.</p><p><a href='http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/195/LOOK_0001/'>Permalink</a></p> Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:04:00 -0700 http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/195/LOOK_0001/ DesignStudio Caleb http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/194/8_Bit_Romantik_Sweet_Breams/ <h1>||||||||</h1><img src="/dispatch/_depot/blog_image/590w/cd9c87b88cf5b7beeb8e4a6f2a734ecb.jpg" alt="1" />=<p>This weekend I went to 8 ❤ Bit Romantik @ <a href=" http://sweetbreams.com/blog">Sweet Breams</a>, a teeny tiny taiyaki-ya gallery, and boutique tucked away in San Mateo. CA. I was there supporting a few of my friends that showcased some interesting works under the concept of 8 bit video games. The range of interpretations of 8 bit were fairly diverse given the limitations of this retro-tech style.<br /> <br /> Concepts ranged from an 8 bit map documentation of a bike ride around SF (Pitfall by Vincente Montelongo) a skewed perspective of the classic Sega game of Excitebike (by Mayo Tobita) to even mouth watering colorful donuts that were hand crafted with felt & neon green thread (Strawberry Glazed & Blueberry Powdered by Junghish Wang). Go check out the gallery before its to late and have a school of taiyaki-ya as well!!</p><p><a href='http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/194/8_Bit_Romantik_Sweet_Breams/'>Permalink</a></p> Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:04:00 -0700 http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/194/8_Bit_Romantik_Sweet_Breams/ Free TimeOur Neighborhood Diana http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/193/Bike_Build_04/ <h1>Baby has a new pair of shoes.</h1><img src="/dispatch/_depot/blog_image/590w/160017e5365e1cee115cd9bfe4a94511.jpg" alt="B1" />=<p>It is a beautiful day in San Francisco, and everything with a soul is outside soaking up the rays. Our 650 included.<br /> <br /> We have completed a solid list of updates including blacked out rims mounted to new tubes and tires that aren’t old enough to order a stiff drink at the bar.In true home brew fashion all the paint work started with a rattle and the pin stripes are hand-cut, eye ball measured duct tape!<br /> <br /> We can start to see signs of the fine ride this will become and are eager to wear off those chicken strips, but we still need to go on a few more dates with our “garage girlfriend.”<br /> <br /> Next up: The dreaded electrical update…</p><p><a href='http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/193/Bike_Build_04/'>Permalink</a></p> Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:04:00 -0700 http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/193/Bike_Build_04/ CultureDesign Dana http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/192/April_Events_Calendar/ <h1>Catch Spring Fever!</h1><img src="/dispatch/_depot/blog_image/590w/0493c23353917c64f041a3dbb22e6024.jpg" alt="EVERYTHING EVER AND NOTHING NEVER" />=<p>Let the sounds of baseball bats cracking homeruns, hay fever sneezes be your inspiration and go check the following entertainment events. You’ll probably see an ASTRO employee or two at one of these here happenings. Please check venues for accurate times and pricing. Click Read More for dates and info.<br /> <br /> April 1st-21st - <b> Living In Studio Kuchar </b> - Walter and Bean Galleries at SFAI<br /> <br /> April 2nd-6th - <b> Dutch Design at CCA </b> - CCA San Francisco Campus. Times Vary<br /> <br /> April 2nd - <b> The 1968 Exhibit </b> - Oakland Museum of California<br /> <br /> April 4th - <b>Sierra Maestra </b> - Yerba Buena Center for the Arts 7:30 <br /> <br /> April 6th - <b>The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier </b> - de Young Museum<br /> <br /> April 7th - <b> Playland at the Conservatory </b> - Golden Gate Park: Conservatory of Flowers<br /> <br /> April 7th - <b> Everything Ever And Nothing Ever (opening reception) </b> - Needles and Pins 3253 16th Street S.F. CA<br /> <br /> April 9th - <b> Slap City </b> - Som Bar, 2925 16th Street SF<br /> <br /> April 12th - <b> Metronomy w/ Cuckoo Chaos </b> Slims<br /> <br /> April 15th - <b> Born Out Of Necessity: Contemporary Industrial Design (Show and Lecture) </b> MOMA<br /> <br /> April 17th - <b> Guitar Wolf, Transistors, Chuckleberries </b> Bottom of the Hill<br /> <br /> April 17th - <b> Justice </b> - Fox Theater, Oakland <br /> <br /> April 21st - <b> Open Make: Trash </b> Exploratorium 10:00AM-2:00 PM <br /> <br /> April 24th - <b> BYOBW-Bring Your Own Big Wheel Race </b> - Bernal Hill, SF<br /> <br /> April 24th - <b> Sketch Tuesdays </b> - 111 Minna Gallery, 6:00 PM<br /> <br /> April 27th - <b> Super 8 (Lecture and Double Feature) </b> - Yerba Buena Center for the Arts<br /> <br /> April 28th - <b> Three 6 Mafia </b> - Mezzanine</p><p><a href='http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/192/April_Events_Calendar/'>Permalink</a></p> Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:04:00 -0700 http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/192/April_Events_Calendar/ Culture Tom Galbraith http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/190/The_Corporation_Meets_The_Cultural_Ambassador/ <h1>Part 1</h1><img src="/dispatch/_depot/blog_image/590w/1764477e4a5e53d2087a942419bae34e.jpg" alt="Creators1" />=<p>Over the past couple weeks, San Francisco has been home to two events that have mixed cultural institutions with technology giants. The possibility of collaboration success, coupled with the promise of a delicious sandwich motivated us to check out these events.  The opportunity for big world scale, with local creativity and insight is huge. Intel sees promise in art and culture as a ripe source of innovation and futurism. GE can take the hand-crafted point of view of Monocle and communicate the opportunity to rebuild Made in the USA – to extend the talents of a small shop in San Francisco to the big world volume of household appliances.  <br /> <br /> First was the partnership of Intel and Vice resulting in the Creators Project where 25,000 people took over Ft. Mason for two days of interactive art, film, music and some serious discussion as to the future of a digital/physical world. When I first heard about this project I knew there was potential for success. Intel & Vice pulled off one of the best weekends San Francisco has seen – bringing the technical savvy of a massive technology and manufacturing company to the local creative control of up and coming digital artists, installations and immersive environment. At first,  you wonder what these two titans would have in common and then you realize that giants need sparks, creativity – they need artists to ask questions that engineers and technical behemoths have the might to lift. We love big scale, thanks Intel and Vice for colliding the big and small, the calculated and the risky and putting on a big show!</p><p><a href='http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/190/The_Corporation_Meets_The_Cultural_Ambassador/'>Permalink</a></p> Thu, 29 Mar 2012 00:03:00 -0700 http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/190/The_Corporation_Meets_The_Cultural_Ambassador/ CultureDesign Will Meeker http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/191/The_Corporation_Meets_The_Cultural_Ambassador/ <h1>Part 2</h1><img src="/dispatch/_depot/blog_image/590w/e8ed251216c254471bcb828fc16388ac.jpg" alt="GEMONOCLE1" />=<p>A much smaller gathering of 100 people held at the St. Regis Hotel was the Monocle and General Electric coming together to discuss "What Works" in the context of bringing manufacturing and jobs back from abroad. The discussion lead by Tyler Brûlé and others from the Monocle team lead us through a few hours of discussion jumping from the introduction of craft and making down to what the future of technology will be in 10 years and how difficult is it for past generations to adopt new technologies.  <br /> <br /> Although the approach, audience and scale of these two events were quite different, the same motivations seem to surface; technology companies aren't seen as culturally relevant on their own, and cultural institutions don't have the capacity to support the world at large. Large corporations of the world need the local hands and human touch that a Monocle can bring. It’s a bridge of down to earth awareness with scale and volume to make things that matter to people. One brings great meaning and purpose to building in the USA, the other brings innovation and skill to a new level….<br /> <br /> When they play together though it's a different story, both events showed that this type of collaboration can result in success if pared with thoughtful execution. Rather than focusing on one aspect of the space in which these disparate entities inhabit, both collaborations pulled from varying fields, ranging from entertainment down to pressing world issues that can't be resolved by any one field, person, or company. Both events show the value of bringing mixed disciplines from entertainment to design, from engineering to manufacturing and how only this variety in skill and talent can solve our biggest economic problems. And to be fair, a good show of passion and energy at all levels to see titans in search of human relevance and press/magazines ready to hang out with the machines of the earth. While we all carry a strong sense for the underdog, it’s time we participate in causes of craft, in the purpose to create lasting products and rebuild our love for Art, culture and making wonderful products.<br /> <br /> A set of sore legs and some delicious Dungeness Crab sandwiches later, the meeting between corporation and culture has potential.</p><p><a href='http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/191/The_Corporation_Meets_The_Cultural_Ambassador/'>Permalink</a></p> Wed, 28 Mar 2012 00:03:00 -0700 http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/191/The_Corporation_Meets_The_Cultural_Ambassador/ CultureDesign Will Meeker http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/189/Gregs_Chess_Board_Design/ <h1>Not Everything Is Black And White</h1><img src="/dispatch/_depot/blog_image/590w/7b0d256df8bc122189eee9a46778c572.jpg" alt="G1" />=<p>I recently caught up with lead industrial designer Greg Thune, and found out what he does in his free time; he designs. Between working, raising a child, taking care of a family and jumping out of airplanes, Greg has started designing a fresh take on the centuries old board game, Chess.<br /> <br /> Greg has wanted to design a chess board for a long time, and he is quickly coming to a close on this design. He found his inspiration through the rich history of the game, all the intricacies of playing the game, and the complexity of the pieces themselves. Although chess pieces have been designed to the brink of their design endgames, Greg’s take is an example of discursive design that suggests the total cost of taking an opponent, winning, and the realization that the game is not all black and white. Stay tuned for Greg’s next step.........Prototyping.</p><p><a href='http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/189/Gregs_Chess_Board_Design/'>Permalink</a></p> Fri, 16 Mar 2012 00:03:00 -0700 http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/189/Gregs_Chess_Board_Design/ CultureDesign Tom Galbraith http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/188/Brett_Talking_Shop_In_Fast_Company/ <h1>The Brains Behind Gaming’s Best Brand</h1><img src="/dispatch/_depot/blog_image/590w/c5469cf9ebb5400303ca75eea385d585.jpg" alt="B1" />=<p>Fast Company caught up with Brett to pick his brain regarding brand strategy and design language. The guy makes a lot of sense……Check it out <a href="http://www.fastcodesign.com/1669181/6-lessons-in-brand-strategy-from-the-brains-behind-gamings-best-brand" target="_blank">here</a></p><p><a href='http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/188/Brett_Talking_Shop_In_Fast_Company/'>Permalink</a></p> Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:03:00 -0700 http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/188/Brett_Talking_Shop_In_Fast_Company/ DesignNews Brett Lovelady http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/187/Curve_Mag_on_ASTRO/ <h1>Making the Grade</h1><img src="/dispatch/_depot/blog_image/590w/11459a5876052996f7007fd5622e4b1c.jpg" alt="cm" />=<p>Australia’s <a href="http://curvelive.com/current-issue" target="_blank">Curve Magazine</a> gave ASTRO a sweet report card! This month’s super-sized cover story features Creative Director, Dana Kreiger's, MINUS 8 watch concepts and inside is a great article about ASTRO's entrepreneurial path. Curve discusses our unique approach to partnering with a cross-section of disruptive brands and collecting a fews A's we've achieved….when grading on the Curve. <br /> <br /> Download yourself a copy <a href="http://www.astrostudios.com/downloads/curvemag-astro.pdf" target="_blank">here</a></p><p><a href='http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/187/Curve_Mag_on_ASTRO/'>Permalink</a></p> Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:02:00 -0800 http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/187/Curve_Mag_on_ASTRO/ DesignNewsStudio Tom Galbraith http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/185/CutPaste/ <h1>And in this corner…..Anh!</h1><img src="/dispatch/_depot/blog_image/590w/620c1f7ccc7a37ca26c96bebb651fe9b.jpg" alt="A2" />=<p>The 5th annual <a href="http://cutandpaste.com" target="_blank">Cut&Paste</a> Tournament came through San Francisco, and Astro’s superstar designer Anh Nguyen threw down his mad focus and determination…. and walked away the regional WINNER! A design battle waged in real time, Cut&Paste is staged so audiences can witness the design mastery first-hand. We’ve always known that Anh is a smart bomb and hyperspace rolled into one, but it seems everyone will know shortly. Thanks for rocking it so hard, ANH! You're the BEST! <br /> <br /> Anh's next stop is to compete in the annual Cut&Paste Global Championship in NYC! We have one word for you Anh….KILL IT!</p><p><a href='http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/185/CutPaste/'>Permalink</a></p> Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:02:00 -0800 http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/185/CutPaste/ CultureFree TimeOur Neighborhood Anh http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/184/Star_Wars_The_Unnecessary_Dimension/ <h1>Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should</h1><img src="/dispatch/_depot/blog_image/590w/009773dc181e33bc04683b4d9c342570.jpg" alt="S1" />=<p>Lured by my loyalty to the Star Wars brand, I found myself at a theater once again to see Episode I. I saw the premiere of this in San Francisco 12 years ago and have seen it many times over since. Yet, I had put down the cash to see the re-release because this time it’s in 3D! Even thought I didn’t have any expectation that I would be dazzled by the added dimension to a film not shot in 3D, there I was waiting in line to see it. After witnessing what many consider a travesty to a great franchise, I do not have any high hopes for the other Star Wars films currently set for release in 3D. I’ll try my best to stay away from them, but I’m not promising anything. It’s a hard habit to kick.<br /> <br /> I don’t need add fuel to the firestorm on what George Lucas should or should not do to his films, but his latest enhancement brings to mind the desire of some in our industry to use the latest and greatest technology, tool, or trick regardless of whether it is called for or not. This viewing also reminds me to stay aware of when a process is done. Continuing to develop a project does not necessarily improve the end product. We have all been on a program that is being driven purely by a technology, or spinning endlessly in development with no execution in sight. Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. Designers are perfectionists and we should strive for the best results, but there is nothing worse than taking the heart and emotion out of a product.</p><p><a href='http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/184/Star_Wars_The_Unnecessary_Dimension/'>Permalink</a></p> Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:02:00 -0800 http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/184/Star_Wars_The_Unnecessary_Dimension/ CultureFree Time Norio http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/183/Brett_Bloglady/ <h1>Start Spreading The News!</h1><img src="/dispatch/_depot/blog_image/590w/d273588fdd6e5aed95657e330c4c51f4.jpg" alt="B1" />=<p>Lately, Astro’s Chief Instigator Brett Lovelady has been kicking down his entrepreneurship knowledge to the blogospere. In addition to his contributions to FastCompany, Brett has recently lent his pen to <a href="http://www.inc.com/author/brett-lovelady" target="_blank">INC500</a> and the <a href="http://filterfoundry.com/blog/2012/01/31/featured-design-company-astro-studios/" target="_blank">Filter Foundry</a>. Check out the articles and peep inside the brain of the man, the myth, the Design Juggernaut! Happy Reading!</p><p><a href='http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/183/Brett_Bloglady/'>Permalink</a></p> Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:02:00 -0800 http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/183/Brett_Bloglady/ DesignNews Brett Lovelady http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/182/Take_Pride_In_Your_Ride_4/ <h1>Caleb’s BMW M3 Sedan</h1><img src="/dispatch/_depot/blog_image/590w/c0602ce3e59ba4ba95ccc21303c1dff4.jpg" alt="A4" />=<p>After years of daydreaming, hours of conscious obsession and lots of racecar testing, I picked up one of the last German built V8s with a stick. With smooth leather, silky stick shift and a rumble that shakes your belly, it's more car than I need, which is just how I like it; a touch of excess. The Astro crew has been taking turns driving it around the block and admiring the details. Each week someone notices a new rad feature. Robert Pirsig, you got it right! And clients…. yes, I'll pick you up at the airport and drop you off!!<br /> <br /> Astro approved. Give thanks!<br /> <br /> <br /> Naturally aspirated V8<br /> Manual Transmission<br /> 414 Horsepower<br /> 300 Torque<br /> 4.3 0-60<br /> Top Speed: 155 mph<br /> 19-inch forged aluminum wheels<br /> Bamboo Leather<br /> Brushed aluminum finish<br /> Silverstone Metallic. I can't tell, is it blue, is it silver?</p><p><a href='http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/182/Take_Pride_In_Your_Ride_4/'>Permalink</a></p> Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:02:00 -0800 http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/182/Take_Pride_In_Your_Ride_4/ Free Time Caleb http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/181/February_Events_Calendar/ <h1>Feb-You-Ary</h1><img src="/dispatch/_depot/blog_image/590w/4318b5eae2f1c700a0dcc57ff1008cbc.jpg" alt="F1" />=<p>Warmest February EVER! So get out and check the following entertainment events. You’ll probably see an Astro employee or two at one of these here happenings. Please check venues for accurate times and pricing. Click Read More for dates and info.<br /> <br /> <br /> Feb 1st - <b> John Baldessari, Class Assignments</b> - California College of the Arts, FREE <br /> <br /> Feb 2nd - <b>Textonomy</b> - Tommy Tourell Gallery, FREE<br /> <br /> Feb 4th - <b>Hadouken</b> - Art Space gallery 7:00, $3<br /> <br /> Feb 4th - <b>Eleanor Friedberger and Dominant Legs</b> - Independent. $15<br /> <br /> Feb 5th - <b>Pug Sunday</b> - Alta Plaza Park 2:30 PM<br /> <br /> Feb 7th - <b>Granta 118: Exit Strategies Launch</b> - City Light Bookstore 7:00 PM<br /> <br /> Feb 7th - <b>Leni Stern And The Masters of African Percussion</b> - Yoshi’s SF 8:00 PM<br /> <br /> Feb 11th through 14th - <b>The Ultimate Date Tour</b> - Exploratorium <br /> <br /> Feb 11th - <b>SF IndieFest RollerDisco</b> - CELLspace, 8:00 PM, $10 Admission<br /> <br /> Feb 14th - <b>The Eternity Ball</b> - Fort Mason 6:30 PM $100 (Tux Rental Included)<br /> <br /> Feb 17th and 18th - <b>Audium 9</b> - Audium Theater of Sound Sculptured Space, 8:30, $20<br /> <br /> Feb 18th - <b>Open Make: Time</b> - Exploratorium<br /> <br /> Feb 20th - <b>Serra Bowl Meltdown w/Hysterics,Needles,Culture Kids</b> - Serra Bowl 8:00 PM<br /> <br /> Feb 22nd - <b>Sketch Tuesdays</b> - 111 Minna Gallery, 6:00 PM<br /> <br /> Feb 25th - <b>Barracuda</b> - 111 Minna Gallery 10:00 PM<br /> <br /> Feb 28th - <b>ArtSpan Social Media 101 for Artists</b> - SOMArts Cultural Center 6:00 PM</p><p><a href='http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/181/February_Events_Calendar/'>Permalink</a></p> Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:02:00 -0800 http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/181/February_Events_Calendar/ CultureFree TimeOur Neighborhood Tom Galbraith http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/180/Assembly_Line_Collectives_Hadouken/ <h1>Norio&apos;s Art at The Space Gallery Saturday Feb 4th.</h1><img src="/dispatch/_depot/blog_image/590w/f945f6c84fcc83abfc093777c5f300be.jpg" alt="A1" />=<p>Hadouken is the latest art show by the <a href="http://assemblyline-collective.com/collective/blog/2012/01/17/hadouken-alc-san-francisco-show/" target="_blank">Assembly Line Collective</a> from Los Angeles, and they have asked our very own Norio Fujikawa to participate. Along with the show there will be entertainment provided by DJ Inkfat, Recess and Meeat. The show is at the Space Gallery on Saturday Feb 4th at 7:00. Come check it out and say Hi to Norio. The show will run through the end of February.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.spacegallerysf.com/blog/" target="_blank">Art Space Gallery</a>, 1141 Polk Street, $3.00 Admission….cheap!</p><p><a href='http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/180/Assembly_Line_Collectives_Hadouken/'>Permalink</a></p> Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:01:00 -0800 http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/180/Assembly_Line_Collectives_Hadouken/ CultureFree TimeOur Neighborhood Norio http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/179/Toms_SOMA_Review_15/ <h1>Tin Vietnamese Food</h1><img src="/dispatch/_depot/blog_image/590w/934c16d65430aca903fcdb4205c75975.jpg" alt="tin1" />=<p>Working in SOMA still has its challenges as far as good cheap places to eat are concerned. For the past couple years, without a doubt, the go-to restaurant in SOMA for lunch has been Tin. A delicious and inexpensive Vietnamese spot that delivers the goodness to your table every time, at Tin all of the ingredients are fresh and tasty. I may have to hand over what little street cred I have after I say that Tin is better than Tu Lan. Yep I just said it, TIN IS BETTER THAN TU LAN. I’m cool with being wrong, if wrong tastes this right. What Tin lacks in hipster charm, it more than makes up with the scrumptious food blazing out of their kitchen. One tip is to show up about 10 minutes before noon or well after 1:00 because the secret has been out a while about how good the food is. Get yourself to Tin, you’ll be glad you did. Below is what we ordered:<br /> <br /> Cha Gio / crispy-fried rolls with pork, shrimp, jicama, taro, woodear mushrooms, glass noodles – 6<br /> Grilled Lemongrass Pork Sandwich, with side mixed greens salad or soup of the day $7.50<br /> Pho Bo / rare beef & brisket with rice noodles in beef broth $7.50<br /> Grilled 5-Spice Chicken with rice $8.00<br /> Wonton Noodles / shrimp & pork wontons, xa-xiu pork, egg<br /> noodles $7.50<br /> <br /> Vietnamese-style coffee with condensed milk $3.00</p><p><a href='http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/179/Toms_SOMA_Review_15/'>Permalink</a></p> Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:01:00 -0800 http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/179/Toms_SOMA_Review_15/ CultureOur Neighborhood Tom Galbraith http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/178/Making_The_Rounds_At_CES/ <h1>Buzzing Round&apos; The Hive</h1><img src="/dispatch/_depot/blog_image/590w/b1e0dd1539aa90d5d4c391e5cea8ddcc.jpg" alt="C1" />=<p>Ah, that CES time of the year has once again come and gone. The air was dry and smelled like smoke, perfume, money, and fun. For a conference that is storied to be dying out, you couldn’t tell by the massive numbers of product nerds buzzing around the hive.<br /> <br /> Navigating through the honeycomb, I noticed lots of sexy, technically perfect machines. But missing was the improved entertainment, content control, the blend of other devices, and the use of killer entertainment to go with my hot new OLED.<br /> <br /> As always, phones were hot…. but the actual phones were more than outnumbered by the tons of phone cases and accessories. Of course these were targeted at the fashion end of gadgets. Fitness minded and stylish wearable gadgetry were well accounted for.<br /> <br /> I found the high-end stereo corridor the biggest guilty pleasure. We cruised through the audiophile snobbery — nothing but the best, the Aston Martins of stereo. With marketing speak about 5-axis CNC machines the bragging points come from the perfection of materials, machines, and cabinet making at levels unseen Theses products are the real industrial eye-candy.<br /> <br /> My thoughts to make for a more intriguing CES, would be the inclusion of entertainment moguls and other content makers to transform the CES gadgetry into stories, art, entertainment, and not just sweet “electronics” but a comedy, a drama with real heroes and actors! Bring the film and art that creates our backdrop on life to the excellent scale and design of consumer electricity…Lifestyle, emotion, and culture – that’s what we are all working on.</p><p><a href='http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/178/Making_The_Rounds_At_CES/'>Permalink</a></p> Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:01:00 -0800 http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/178/Making_The_Rounds_At_CES/ CultureDesign Caleb http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/177/SimpleTV_Making_Waves_At_CES/ <h1>Simple.TV On Engadget</h1><img src="/dispatch/_depot/blog_image/590w/7d84a22135972b35fb04a1344e2c971a.jpg" alt="S1" />=<p>The Astro designed Simple.TV is generating noise at this year's CES. Simple.TV combines a powerful HD tuner & DVR into one beautifully designed package that allows for convenient watching anytime anywhere on connected devices. Check out what <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/simple-tv-dvr-placeshifter-frees-free-tv-from-the-constraints/" target="_blank">Engadget</a> has to say about this fresh device.</p><p><a href='http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/177/SimpleTV_Making_Waves_At_CES/'>Permalink</a></p> Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:01:00 -0800 http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/177/SimpleTV_Making_Waves_At_CES/ Design Mark http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/176/Messing_up_minds/ <h1>All up in CCA&apos;s Master of Design Program!</h1><img src="/dispatch/_depot/blog_image/590w/99664d7dc7ed67b58bf8be53b480d477.jpg" alt="M1" />=<p>I just finished teaching my Fall 2012 class at <a href="http://www.cca.edu/" target="_blank">CCA</a>. We put the students through the paces of great design, and crazy research.<br /> <br /> My goals for the students were to have them find for themselves, the right balance of strong points of view, conviction and the desire to change the world. The students busted out their big ideas this week, finishing a 4 month master's thesis journey. It comes with great reward and I'm super proud of the result…Let's see if they let me back into the classroom in 2012!</p><p><a href='http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/176/Messing_up_minds/'>Permalink</a></p> Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:12:00 -0800 http://www.astrostudios.com/blog/176/Messing_up_minds/ Design Caleb