Classic

I was recently reminded of this classic new watch from TX. The finishes are excellent and I like the scale and proportions of the band width to case diameter... the price is also surprisingly reasonable. They are available at Nordstrom's.

Encoder

Here is an image of our recent design created with VBrick Systems. This fully featured Wireless high definition encoder/decoder design shown at NAB was very well received. The complete features and specifications can be downloaded from Vbrick's website. There is a lot to be proud of here especially the interface work and the team work it took to pull this together.

table top fireplace

I think that this trend is getting a little tired but this is a nice twist on it.

Krups

This new Krups unit features a minimal foot print and is a good example of two other trends. The first is simplified geometric overall form that frames a material change. In this case highlighting the interface. The second is an emphasis on information and technology in the interface. I have not seen one in person so I can not speak about the scale but overall it is successful in simplifying a traditionally visually complicated and intimidating product without losing the tech appeal. I think that this idea could have been pushed even a little further.

Zune team

The designers on the Zune team have got to be frustrated. I am sure that with the talent they have they are more than capable of besting the ipod which at this point seems doomed to "innovation" that is nothing more than becoming even thinner and having new colors. I admit that I am not an ipod fan. While I recognize that it is wildly popular I think it is a little undehwhelming. The iphone is much, much better. I received one an ipod as a gift and have never really used with an consistency. I am not really sure who has the time to be constantly loading songs. Anyway, as the image here shows, the Zune team must have the most well rested creative muscle in all of design.

Petrus

All of the Gordon Ramsey restaurants we went to were well detailed but what was most impressive is that they really allowed the food and the presentation of the food to be the focal point. The finishes and materials were not bland by any means but they were certainly secondary to the people and the food, as were the tableware and finishings.

Gordon Ramsey - UK

My experience of London was that it is pretty much like most major cities with a slightly easier to understand mass transit system. It is every bit as expensive as everyone says it is and the historical landmarks are as impressive and interesting as any I have ever seen. The people I encountered from fellow tube passengers to the waiters to the hotel were all very pleasant, kind, witty and helpful. The real surprise was the food. Gordon Ramsey's restaurants are every bit worthy of the hype, from the casual neighborhood feel of Foxtrot Oscar to the perfect presentation and service of Petrus it was an inspired and impressive showing. The service and the food were incredibly varied and appropriate for each setting and style but all were stunning and memorable. None were more exceptional than Jean-Phillipe's Petrus. His warmth and charm made it almost like having a friend in London. Obviously a person who loves his job and enjoys people, you would never know he was on a major network TV show.