From time to time Jeromy and I get to decide whether we want to do work for someone, some organization, or some cause, just because we want to. Did you know that the men, and women, who make up search and rescue teams, all over this country, are all voluntary (actually they get paid $1.00 per year)? They train hard, work hard, put in a lot of hours, and end up saving a lot of lives. Remember the September 12 train collision up in Chatsworth, California? They were among the first responders. My friend, Roger Lebrun, Reserve Captain for the LA County Search & Rescue Team, approached us about a month ago. He wanted a new logo for the team (see below). This non-profit represents 7 teams that are with the LA County Sheriff’s Department. They will use the logo on their new/updated websites, printed materials, vehicles, etc. We were happy to help out. Kudos to Travis Wiley, the designer who helped me out on this one. Nice work, Travis. And a thousand thanks to the Los Angeles County Search & Rescue Team for all the lives they’ve saved, and families they’ve made happy, over the last 50+ years of their existence. We appreciate you folks!

Mash it up! Your site a friends site, blog site, myspace, or any URL your little XMash heart desires. Upload your face to become 1 of 4 XMashers. And get your mash on at www.merryxmash.com

It has arrived, the third, in a trilogy of three, Christmas promos that started back in 2006. But this year we decided to throw out all the stops. Make a smash hit! Our goal was to do something that had never been done before. Not by us, or anyone else for that matter. READ MORE

Music to Design, Develop, and Market by? Maybe. All I know is that the goal was to create a killer mix, Alex’s Best of 2k8, comprised entirely of songs that came out this year. Everybody’s doing it. NME, Rolling Stone Singles and Albums (i especially like that that last url is “…albums_of_the_yea”), Spin Magazine… even Dave Brown at Holiday Matinee made a mixtape for Sanctuary143. Well, this one is mine. READ MORE

Yes. Quite often, good design is absolutely integral to a successful web experience. The trust and integrity a good design can convey will drive the user to a conversion. And we have proof!

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This Year the elf yourself campaign by Office Max teamed up with comedy media experts Jib Jab to bring on the elf madness. Not only can you upload 5 Hi-Res images but you get to view and send 4 different elf dances. If you have about an hour to compute I recomend you get your elf on.

I’ve always dug industrial design. From the furniture of Charles and Ray Eames, to the Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright, to the automotive design of Ferdinand Porsche, and to the great stuff presently being done by Frog Design and others. I recently came across this firm: http://www.suissacomputers.com/ Unbelievable synthesis of art and science… Functionality and form… Use of contrasting materials and textures. Love it. Just thought I’d share it.

This week, our very own Matt Stallings will be contributing artwork for Murphy Fine Art Editions, that will be exhibiting 92 inspired artists presenting more than 100 paintings installed at the Gen Art Vanguard Fair during this year’s Miami Art Basel . Gen Art will be presenting unique panel discussions and a blow out preview party on December 4th . The exhibition continues through December 7th.  Murphy Fine Arts Editions and its artists will show at:

Charcoal Studios
2135 NW 1st Ave
Miami, FL 33127
Wynwood Arts District
www.charcoalstudio.com

Matt’s latest portrait of man’s best friend is entitled, “Find your happy place,” and is acrylic on wood panel.

Art Basel Miami Beach is one of the most important art show in the United States, and “a cultural and social highlight for the Americas.” It is the sister event of Switzerland’s Art Basel. Art Basel Miami Beach combines an international selection of top galleries with an exciting program of special exhibitions, parties and crossover events with music, film, architecture and design. Exhibition sites are located in the city’s Art Deco District, walking distance of the beach and many hotels.

“The exhibiting galleries are among the world’s most respected art dealers, offering exceptional pieces by both renowned artists and cutting-edge newcomers,” states the event’s website. “Special exhibition sections feature young galleries, performance art, public art projects and video art. The show will be a vital source for art lovers, allowing them to both discover new developments in contemporary art and experience rare museum-calibre artworks.”

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Yes, contrary to popular belief, we here at Ninthlink have been known to enjoy a nice ale from time to time. And what better place to do so than this weekend, at Pizza Port Carlsbad’s 12th Annual Strong Ale Festival? READ MORE

Despite the current economic woes, we still have so many things to be thankful for. The food on our tables, the clothes on our backs, and the wonderful organizations such as Saint Vincent de Paul who are devoted to helping those who are not so lucky. As a way of saying “thanks” and “giving” back to this organization, Ninthlink Cause showed its gratitude during this holiday season by choosing Saint Vincent de Paul as the November cause.
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I strongly recommend “The Painted Veil” as a must see piece of art. This movie is both beautiful and heart wrenching. Wonderfully filmed. Masterfully art directed. Ed Norton and Naomi Watts play their characters brilliantly. If you haven’t seen it, go rent it. You won’t be disappointed. Watch the trailer: