Ever since it launched in 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope has been changing the way we view our universe. Views of nebulas and galaxies have sparked the imaginations of countless individuals. Classic images have sparked several “Top Images” lists. But did you know the telescope orbiting over 400 miles above our heads has taken over a million observations in its 22 year career?

As you can imagine, there are thousands of Hubble images that have yet to see the light of day. That’s where the ESA’s Hubble’s Hidden Treasures contest comes in. Through May 31, 2012, you can dig through the Legacy Archives and find what you believe is the nest best image from Hubble. There are plenty of tips and tricks to get the best out of the raw data stored in the archives.

Learn more about the contest here.

Even if you have no intention of entering the contest – I hope you take a moment to look through some of Hubble’s great discoveries. At the R29 headquarters, we often talk about the idea of wonder and what inspires that sense within each of us. I think it’s no secret that looking up toward the night sky is a continuous source of wonder for me. Despite the ocular limits that I am faced with – the Hubble telescope allows me to look out into space and be amazed by all that is out there.

I can’t be the only one that feels this way, yeah? What’s your favorite Hubble image? Mine has always been the Pillars of Creation.

And best of luck if you decide to enter the contest!

When I first read this article in Fast Company Design (Why Designers Need to Stop Feeling Sorry for Africa) my reason for reading was purely because the title annoyed me. If nothing else, this article is brilliant just for its title alone! After reading through the article quite a few times, and really looking into the heart of what the author’s argument is about, I think I really agree with what he is saying.

Take, for example, the prevalence of poverty porn. We can all picture Sally Struthers on a late-night commercial with emaciated children that you can save for $10/month. This is poverty porn at its worst (or best depending on how you look at it). In fact, one of the significant challenges that R29 has faced with some of our Africa-focused clients is the volume of poverty porn among similar organizations.

‘What’s the big deal,’ some might say? People need to be moved to act, and moving images, design and media can really be effective means that justify a better end for the poor and vulnerable. Someone would see an image that moves them to give and that gift provides a better quality of life for the image-bearer.

I’ve spent quite a bit of time in Africa and every time I leave a slum, I can’t help but marvel about how truly innovative and ingenious our African brothers and sisters really are. From toys made from trash to home-made water-purification units; the poor and marginalized people of this world deserve much more credit than we often give them. And yet, it would be really easy to take a picture of one of these brilliant African’s and make him look desperate.

Instead, let’s look at the assets that are already present and walk alongside our African friends toward a new day of prosperity and peace. There are many ‘good news’ stories coming out of Africa. I hope that these begin to outweigh the glut of poverty porn that is commonplace in today’s world.

Here’s my hope: what if the world began to view the poor as innovators, entrepreneurs, and future leaders – this perspective swings the dignity pendulum back to the complete opposite side and paints an entirely different picture of the reality of our world’s poor. This is where we need to be, and I believe that by working together (especially as designers) this could be reality. So thanks to a blog title that got me all riled up, I felt compelled to write and share about a shift in perspective. At least it’s something for us all to think about.

Shame on us for stealing one of the few assets they may have left: dignity.

Thanks to Justin Narducci from Life In Abundance for having an ongoing dialogue (the last 5 years) with me and Rule29 on how to “see” the poor and the amazing complexities of Africa. And for being the co-writer of this post.

Ok, award season is over… time to start caring about basketball.

As the wife of an avid sports fan, the spirit of competition has been something I’ve grown to very much enjoy. From baseball to football to hockey, I’ve found myself looking for ways to engage myself with athletics, whether it be by joining fantasy leagues or taking in a live game—everything short of actually playing. However, around this time of year, it’s always a little bit easier to immerse oneself into the sports world. The time when everyone and their kid sister gets involved. I’m talking about March Madness.

I realized a handful of years ago that this is the best time of year for people like me (a.k.a people with limited sports knowledge). Why? Because no matter how much you watch ESPN or track players throughout the season, the March tournaments always end up being fairly unpredictable. It’s amazing how many upsets there always are.

With that said, there are multiple ways to approach the tournament bracket. We have our own techniques, of course. Inspiration for picking who will go to the final four can be drawn everywhere from steadfast design principles to high school memories. Here are some we suggest trying when you go to “design” your winning bracket next week.

The Color Approach—

It’s quite obvious that there are good and bad color combinations out there. Why not try basing your picks on the color wheel? Go down your bracket and whichever team sports the most visually pleasing palette goes on to your next round (We at Rule29 usually root for UNC). Even if you don’t end up winning, you’ll at least have a very nice looking bracket in a different respect. Also, if you’re into side bets, a great game to play is who guesses closest to the correct PMS numbers of the winning team.

The Design Snob Approach—

Much like the previous technique, as designers how could we not suggest picking teams with the best logos. Sorry Baylor, you and your green bear protecting your ragged type isn’t doing it for us (below: top row, sixth from the left). There is no room for you in our final four.

The Road Trip Approach—

Break out the geography for this one. Start with the two opposite ends of the country and make your selections based on which is located the next inward (directionally-speaking). Another option is to start on the East coast and move westward, or vice versa… or both. That’s why you enter multiple pools.

The Nostalgia Approach—

Take a page from the trendsetter’s book and look to the past for inspiration. What was hot 20 years ago will make its way back to now. Google former champions and pick them to go all the way—everything’s cyclical, right?

If all else fails, trust the rankings—

Your entry fee is paid, but somehow selecting your picks slipped your mind until 10 minutes before tip-off. We know all too well about procrastination, but if all else fails, follow the numbers. There’s definitely a reason why some schools are ranked #1 and other #13. Just beware of the upset. (See also the theory of “eenie meenie, miney mo”)

Since all of these are just simple theories, of course, we can’t guarantee that you’ll crush your co-workers in your office pool. However, they would all be fun to try—and isn’t that what March Madness is all about? It’s also pretty hilarious that a 5-year-old might just have the same chance of picking the winner as ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi (yes, that’s his actual title). So, whether the prize is cash, free lunch, or just bragging rights, just ultimately trust your instincts and have fun.

What’s your winning bracket strategy? Have you tried one of the ones above or do you stand by your own tried and true method?

When we talk about leadership and development, we often talk about being on a path. We all understand that a path leads somewhere; you can’t start a journey without that proverbial first step. But I don’t think we talk enough about taking a good look at the current path we’ve been on—for it’s rarely a path that we would have chosen or mapped out.

How often do you look back at your life and say, “Wow, look at how I got here!?” If you had read a preview of how that trip was going to turn out, you might have chosen to take a vacation or have had another drink. We tend to forget that our careers (and our life, for that matter) never proceed in a straight line; there are bumps, dips, turns, and seemingly instant acceleration. It’s important to remember that when you do find yourself in one of those right turns, or your life is accelerating at a numbing rate, that you have been there before and you may need to take a quick timeout.

The goal should be to reach a point where most things in life are not a surprise. Easier said than done, I know. But as you plan your career or your business goals, you need have an asterisk on your plan that says “You want to go here; you will adjust on the way.” Develop the perspective that your career life is an adventure, and you will take things as they come while trying to navigate the path you feel led to be on. This will reduce your frustrations and your “holy cow” moments, and hopefully provide you with the understanding of which turn or adjustment is the right one.

Every year when I reflect on all the things that have happened and what I’m doing now versus what I thought would occur, I usually chuckle (and sometimes cry), but in the end I’m glad that I’m still around to do something I love. So when I plan my next steps, I go into it with all my past experiences and hope that it will be as painless as possible, full of joy rather than gnashing of teeth, and with the expectation that somehow I can help make this world a better place.

Idealistic? Naïve? The answer is up to you. You have a choice on your “path” to be prepared for the twists and turns ahead. Will you be prepared for the inevitable, or will you let it derail you? I say, welcome the challenges and whenever possible rejoice in what’s going on. It may sound strange, but those turns in the road are what define you. We learn best from our mistakes and failures and how we handle those hurdles. Expecting them is not a pessimistic perspective; it’s a proactive approach from a position of readiness and strength. Welcoming them isn’t masochistic; it’s having the mindset that you intend to learn from each and every experience, no matter what, and that you see it all as a great adventure. So put on your seat belt and welcome the future—and know that it will be different than what you think.

Life often takes us on unexpected pathways. Take time to reflect on the path you’re on and how it’s different than where you thought you would be.

Some Additional Tips:
1. When planning your year and/or setting goals, make time for reflecting on where you have been or where you are going. This journey often needs slight adjustments, be ready to make them.

2. As cheesy as it sounds, be prepared for detours, your attitude and the way you handle those bumps are what affects your enjoyment and satisfaction of your work and life.

3. Pay it forward. Sharing this perspective and what you have learned from the last turn in the road will often help someone else avoid the same pitfall.

It’s that time of year again – The Chicago Auto Show rolls into McCormick Place, filling the convention center with the latest and greatest rolling examples of style and engineering the automotive industry has to offer.

This year seems to be a particularly strong year for the auto manufacturers. It’s no secret that the industry is still recovering from a tough few years. A reeling economy and a couple bankruptcies later, there is a new lease on life on the show floor. The atmosphere was universally optimistic – domestic manufacturers are rolling out new products set to compete on a global scale while up-and-comers like Hyundai is going full steam ahead with the expansion of their increasingly popular line of cars and crossovers (I’m personally smitten with the new Elantra GT that was unveiled last Wednesday).

It’s easy to get caught up in the spectacle that is the Chicago Auto Show. After all, almost 1,000 vehicles cover 1.2 million square feet of McCormick Place during the ten day event. There are numerous new product reveals, all the technology demos you could wish for, and plenty of drool-inducing concept cars. But as the auto industry moves forward, and the playing field continues to level out, the differences between brands become ever slimmer. The details that designers and engineers alike implement into each vehicle become increasingly important.

As a lover of all things with headlights and four wheels, I always enjoy the annual auto show, but this year I tried to take a slightly different approach to the experience.

Instead of taking the show in broad strokes – I took moments to sit down in front of several cars and just soak in the details. We spend our days surrounded by these machines that have so much life and personality and reduce them down to simple appliances.

We miss things like the way that the lines of the body gaps take your eyes through the side of the car, creating a rhythm and harmony. Or how about the ever increasing intricacies of headlights as both style and technology collide and move forward. Or the way that the lines of a grill create a cohesive face for the vehicle. Or the way the different materials and textures combine in some of the most beautiful interiors I’ve seen. And it never ceases to amaze me how engineers are consistently able to pull more power and efficiency out of engines (much new engine tech on display, by the way).

The auto show is a rare opportunity to experience automobiles on a micro level (and I’m not talking about Micro Machines, here). The Chicago Auto Show allows you to get up close and personal with almost any current car your heart could desire. So I recommend that in between your Toyota or Dodge driving experiences, you take the time to slow down and soak in the details that go into each and every automobile on the show floor.

The Chicago Auto Show runs through this Sunday (the 19th) and is only $11 for adults. Have you been to the show this year? Do you have a favorite auto or adventure?

Let’s be honest. This year’s Super Bowl ads fell short of expectations for most. Sure, there were a few laughs. An arguably meaningful moment. But, for the most part, companies (and their agencies) seemed to miss the mark. Or, did they?

Super Bowl ads are a different ball game. There are different expectations. Different rules. Friends gather and expect to be entertained. Expect something they haven’t seen before. But, what did we get this year? We saw familiar characters thanks to E*Trade (Talking Babies), Career Builders (Monkeys), and Coke (Polar Bears). We saw nostalgic throw-backs thanks to Acura (Seinfeld), Honda (Ferris Bueller), and MetLife (Cartoons). And we saw the resurgence of what has been conveniently categorized as “sex”.

Go Daddy can’t seem to detach domains from bodies. H&M wants us to think their underwear will turn us a soccer-like physique. And Teleflora, well… they’re just straight-up selling sex.

So, here’s the question. Does it still work? Does sex sell? Do ad agencies know their audience(s)?

According to the oh-so-informal means of YouTube comments, the GoDaddy ads were a complete flop. The majority of viewers (80-90%) have “disliked” the ads and the social “chatter” seems to suggest they’ll be losing customers (think Groupon last year). Does this mean our culture is tired of objectifying women?

While this remains yet to be seen, this is apparently not the case for men… H&M’s choice to use David Beckham’s body has seemed to bring a mostly positive reaction. Sure, the majority of responders are more than likely women, but whose to say these aren’t the primary influencers of underwear/clothing purchases for men.

So, what works in 2012? The humor approach (M&Ms)? Celebrity endorsement (Chase)? Semi-thoughtful ads (Chrysler)? Animals (Skechers, VW)? Nostalgia (Honda-Ferris)? Sex (Teleflora)?

You tell us. (Survey below.)

Update (02-10-12): Results Below:

One of the most often overlooked benefits of the holiday season is the plentiful of Christmas episodes our beloved sitcoms offer up each year. Some have failed, but plenty have offered up new lingo for our holiday cheer. Our office voted and here are some of our (more recent-ish) favorites, everything from this past week’s Modern Family (“Express Christmas”) to what is arguably the greatest Christmas, ahem… “Festivus” episode of all time. Enjoy.

Modern Family’s “Express Christmas” (2011)

Family Guy’s “A Very Special Family Guy Freakin’ Christmas” (2001)
“KISS Saves Santa”

Community’s “Abed’s Uncontrollable Christmas” (2010)

30 Rock’s “Ludachristmas” (2007)

Arrested Development’s “Afternoon Delight” (2004)

The Simpson’s “Santa’s Little Helper” (1989)

The Office’s “Christmas Party” (2005)
a.k.a. “Yankee Swap”

Seinfeld’s “The Strike” (1995)
better known as the “Festivus” (For the Rest of Us)

—

What is your favorite? What did we leave off?

Enjoy.

The James Webb Space Telescope. Are you familiar? Named after the NASA administrator who served from 1961-1968, this telescope is set to replace the aging Hubble as our window into the furthest reaches of the universe. Hubble has allowed us to see further and learn more about our cosmos than any other device that I can recall. The JWST is set to build upon that legacy, and then some, with infrared instruments and a mirror that’s about seven times that of Hubble’s primary mirror.

Development and testing of the JWST is well underway, but the telescope is close to losing its funding entirely. Amid delays and cost overruns, the JWST is on the congressional chopping block. At some point, our leaders stopped dreaming.

Recently, this video from Real Time with Bill Maher was shared with me. Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, Director of the Hayden Planetarium, gets fired up when Bill brings up the JWST and puts some of the congressional decisions in perspective (much more eloquently and passionately than I could).

I love the way Dr. Tyson talks so passionately about the dream that we’ve so carelessly let slip away after taking it for granted for so many years. NASA has the tools to tell the stories that will help inspire a new generation of kids that will grow up without a Space Shuttle. For instance, the #NASATweetups for Juno and GRAIL help tell the tale of an ever exploring NASA even without the Shuttle. Even administrator Charles Bolden is often outspoken with his emotions when discussing the Space Shuttle and future SLS programs – it’s a refreshing honesty and story that I wish more people in leadership positions would share. What will it take for the leaders in our government to start dreaming again?

I saw that beautiful sleek design of the tablet accessorized by the glorious smart case, coupled with so many delightful features and capabilities and quickly realized – it had to be mine. (Might have been channeling a little Gollum and let slip a “my precious” but don’t quote me on that.)

If I were to describe a typical week day with the iPad, it would go like this. There’s access to Google Docs for the morning production meeting. I’m using it to log onto the different 37 signals applications throughout the day in order to follow up on projects and clients. And, I’m able to walk to and from meetings with all my notes organized and easy access to my email.

At certain points of the day, I’m wired into all my various social media outlets and catching up on the latest news trends and happenings of friends and family. At home, I’ll sit down and pick up right where I left off on a favorite book, TV show or movie – chill out listening to music or unwind playing some games. Between updating my financials to working on spreadsheets and/or doing a little research, there’s many productive features as well.

The list keeps growing and it’s many uses is one of the reasons why I had  to question my response in the registration process. They asked me what my primary use for it would be. I had no idea how to encompass the millions of uses I had for it into one drop down answer.

What’s the difference between version 1 and 2? I like to think of like the difference between a child and adult. At the core they’re the same person but outwardly they’ve grown and refined. I imagine the next version is going to be even better and it should be.

How has you’re smart phone or tablet enhanced your everyday life? Do you feel more connected and organized?  Are all these electronic ties a bad addiction? Look what happened to Gollum but then again Frodo survived…