IN A CHRISTMAS STATE OF MIND: Thank you to everyone who sent a Christmas card into the DDC. I’ve got a stack here with tons impressive designs. Bravo, everyone. And thanks. And bah hum bug!

I’m flying to Michigan tomorrow night, with Leigh and Ewan coming in the next morning. Going back home for 10 big days of absolutely nothing. Northern Michigan, people. Mom and Dad’s couch. No pants. Square meals.

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ONE HELL OF A CHRISTMAS SET: The always-impressive Roadside Pictures’ holi-daze flickr set appropriately titled, “Merry Christmas.”

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ONE GOOD-LOOKIN’ AXE: Best Made Co.

I appreciate their level of care and craftmanship, on everything they touch. Plus, the idea of some New Yorker hammering around the city with an axe is kinda cool.

Here’s what they say, “Every high-rise condo, luxury office, executive suite, ranch house, and farmstead must have a Best Made axe in it.”

Couldn’t agree more. Check ‘em out. Timmmmber!

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THIS ONE STOPPED ME IN MY TRACKS FOR SOME TIME: A nice collection of old pencils.

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DESIGN IN FERDINAND TAKES ROOT: Alaska’s Lester Nelson has got guts. He’s living down in Manila, far from home, and taking on a pretty big project. He’s raising loot for a design school for Filipinos living in poverty. Heavy stuff. Heavy times. The idea of design helping some kid is pretty powerful.

Here’s the good word: Ferdinand Center for the Creative is a nonprofit center opening up soon in the beautiful archipelago of the Philippines. Our aim is to provide the finest graphic design education for young adults who can’t afford quality art education.

We’re down with that. Good luck to you, Lester!

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HOW CHICKENS WORK: Chicken innards. (Thanks, Cousin Scott!)

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ON THE PLAYER:

01. Bonnie “Prince” Billy - Beware
02. Pavement - Brighten the Corners (Nicene Creedence Ed.)
03. Bob Desper - New Sounds