The image above was sent in by Jared Eberhardt, from somewhere in the Southern California Landscape.

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Flew in late last night. Just in time for a reunion bash with Gary. We celebrated by peeing all over place, barking for an hour and then about 20 trips out back, then inside, then out back, then inside, etc.

It’s good to be back with the little man. Missed him real bad.

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A GOOD EYE: Digging around on Andy’s Reference Library I cam across a cat who’s got one hell of an eye. Really enjoyed flipping through the extensive pile of images, seeing the design sensibility, taste and overall “eye” for cool stuff. Impressive set of filters.

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THIS KINDA TALK USUALLY RILES UP A COUPLE OF THE READERS OF THIS HALFWIT BLOG: Poster Offensive goes on the goddamn offensive against the Republican Convention that is invading Minneapolis. Protest posters. Give ‘em hell, guys.

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MORE FUEL FOR THE FIRE: Dank sends in his Flickr deal called, “Society In Decline Project: Intrastate Commerce” and a proud wind fills our sails. Thank you, so much. It’s this kinda of documentation that makes me thankful someone took the time to get it all down, and that people are kind enough to share it with anyone who cares, and, maybe, I could learn something from all of it. Maybe we all could. We file this link under the, “MANDATORY VIEWING” category. Get in there.

One of the many greats in that set: “Co.”

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SPEAKING OF SIGNS: My big mouth in that little clip has kinda put a spotlight on my love for old, amazing signs and what I’ve got to say about the current state of things out there. Three weeks later, and folks keep chiming in on the subject more and more. I appreciate the dialogue, feedback and even the challenges from loyal readers and, the occasional passer-by who’s got something to say.

But you know, I feel compelled to speak about what I had to say more and more. I mean, do I need to clarify my rant? Maybe. Maybe not. It ain’t just signs. It’s about “missed opportunities.” It’s about caring about what you get to make. It’s about being proud of what you make. It’s about doing a good job.

I like things that are built well. I like things that last. I like things that capture the spirit of something. I like things that are designed with a little consideration given to the world around it. Easy enough, right?

Things were just better in the signage department back then, and frankly, that little subset of the design world inspires me in the work I do to no end. The care, consideration, color, type, simplicity and general optimism of it all.

Something like that.