Firefighter and the baby girl he saved 40 years ago finally meet.

Aww, I just go through news and websites then I suddenly found this touching story. So, as desribed in the title, a firefighter saved a baby girl 40 years ago, but then they never meet, until 9 days ago. The baby girl tried to find her hero twice when she was 18 and after September 11 incidents, but it that was just not the right time.

The article is titled
40 years' worth of thanks
In 1968, a white firefighter saved a black baby girl, touching the heart of a divided city. The two did not meet again. Until yesterday.

Read it! Read it!

Talking Design without the word "Design"

Great article from BusinessWeek regarding Coke's new design direction: avoid the word "Design" as much as possible.

Coke's New Design Direction

By Jessie Scanlon

When David Butler joined Coca-Cola (KO) almost five years ago, he was given, as he tells it, "the Post-it Note mandate: We need to do more with design. Go figure it out." Butler, who had come from a gig as director of brand strategy at the interactive marketing and consulting firm Sapient, had soon written up a 30-page manifesto laying out a design strategy for the company. But if Butler, who's now vice-president for design, has made an impact at the beverage giant, it's not because of some heady proclamation. Instead it's because he has learned the most effective way to implement design strategy at a company as large and complex as Coca-Cola: avoid the word "design" as much as possible.

"If I'm at a meeting with manufacturing people, I'll say: 'How can we make the can feel colder, longer?'," he says as an example. "Or, 'How can we make the cup easier to hold?'" In other words, he talks about the benefits of smart design in a language to which those he's talking to can relate. Based on several recent brand redesigns—including the new Coke identity work that won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Lions awards program in June—and innovations such as an aluminum bottle and a new family of coolers, this surreptitious approach seems to be working. Butler leads a team of 60 designers—a mix of graphic and industrial designers, some poached from companies such as Apple (AAPL), Nike (NKE), MTV (VIA), Target (TGT), and Electrolux—at four centers around the world. All are focused on what Butler describes as a "fix the basics" strategy.

The Old Simplicity Gone

While there are few companies with a richer design heritage than Coca-Cola, in recent years the company seemed to have lost its design savvy. The iconic Coke "contour" bottle, adorned with the globally recognized script and the simple ribbon graphic, for instance, had given way to a plastic bottle or aluminum can on which the logo had to compete against random bubble graphics, extraneous marketing messages, or seasonal images. When Butler reviewed the state of design at Coca-Cola on his arrival, evaluating everything from the branding created for the then-recent 2004 Olympics in Athens to the process that the company's 300-plus bottling partners went through to get approval for new bottle designs to the customer experience of buying a Coke from a vending machine, he found a lot that needed fixing. Coca-Cola was a global company with 450 brands, more than 300 different models of vending machines, innumerable bottling and retail partners, and no consistent global design standards.

It wasn't that the company had forgotten about design altogether. Former president Steven Heyer, who resigned in 2004 after being passed over for the CEO job, helped start Studio Red, a collaboration with hip New York design and architecture firm, Rockwell Group. As Tucker Viemeister, then creative director of Studio Red says: "Our mission was to be innovative in any aspect that we could. We had this gigantic canvas." Studio Red came up with lots of interesting projects: the Coke Cruiser (a scooter with a cooler at its front conceived as a mobile vendor at festivals or concerts) as well as a tasting salon, a retail environment where people could sample a new drink like Coke Zero. But many of them never made it beyond the concept stage.

"It wasn't necessarily easy to find a place for our ideas," says Viemeister, adding: "In big corporations there are lots of ideas—and you can't do all of them."

For Butler, thelesson was to avoid cool concepts that would never see the light of day. Instead of generating ideas and then trying to find a place for them, Butler addressed his efforts on identifying basic problems that design can solve. His strategy has focused on three areas critical to Coca-Cola—brand identity, user experience, and sustainability.

An Aluminum Bottle Feels Colder

Several of Butler and team's design efforts combine elements of all three. Consider the aluminum contour bottle, first introduced in 2005 and released again in a limited edition set of eight created by Chinese designers as part of the company's Olympics marketing. From a branding perspective, it is a sexy update of the classic glass bottle that feels more modern but is less expensive to produce. From a user experience perspective, the aluminum feels colder than glass and also has a re-sealable cap. And from a sustainability perspective, the aluminum bottle is manufactured using recycled material and is itself recyclable. Similarly, a new family of sleek, sculptural coolers gives the brand a bold presence, but also boasts a more ergonomic door handle, LED lighting, and other technologies that reduce energy usage by 30% to 40%.

The cooler project also illustrates the ways in which Butler has learned to work within the constraints of Coca-Cola's complex partner relationships. Coca-Cola doesn't own the coolers—they are bought by the various retail stores. While Coca-Cola would prefer to have the new coolers installed in all stores so as to have a consistent brand presence, the company can't force its retail partners to upgrade. For those stores not wanting to invest in all-new coolers, Butler's team designed a set of panels that can be attached to an older cooler to give it the modern look.

Another example of working within the peculiar constraints of Coca-Cola is a Web-based software tool that Butler calls the Design Machine and describes as "the Nike ID of internal design." The tool allows designers at the company's many bottling partners to create new bottle or can label designs or even promotional posters. Because of parameters built into the tool, the final design will always conform to the global standards set by the corporate design team. The neat internal use of Web 2.0 technology cuts back on the need for top-down control from the brand managers in Atlanta, allowing greater brand flexibility

A Witty Update

Butler and his team have also begun a review of the 450 brands in the company's portfolio, focusing first on megabrands such as Coke. The plum redesign commission went to the San Francisco office of the branding and packaging firm Turner Duckworth, which had previously worked on Coke Zero and Tab Energy, a relaunch of the old diet drink. "Coke is the iconic brand, the ideal design project," says principal David Turner. "Yet when we were first approached by Coke to work on the brand, we had mixed feelings." The concern was that the past decades of branding for the soda included so few examples of great design. Did that mean it would be impossible to get good design through the system?

Eventually, Turner's firm decided to take the job, and the resulting work— a cups-to-trucks redesign that replaced the cluttered imagery on the market with a simple update of Coke's classic branding—won the Grand Prix at Cannes. Turner says Butler and the design leaders at Coca-Cola North America "have tirelessly advocated for good design. That's really why the good stuff is happening."

Whether or not you call it "design," Coca-Cola is beginning to show some of the savvy that originally helped to make it the most widely recognized brand in the world.

Further details on Mariana Bridi's news

Here's another great article from CNN and LATimes if you want to know more about the news.

Fiance of Brazilian model: 'Where there is a heartbeat, there's hope'

Brazil model who lost hands, feet died

R.I.P Brazilian Miss World

I was looking for the news on her amputated hands and feet this morning when I discover another shocking news that she passed away early this week. Her name is Mariana Bridi Da Costa and she was a Brazilian model who represented Brazil in Miss World Pageant. Two days before the news of her death came public, her boyfriend was looking for a rare blood donation to save her life after intense operation to amputate her limbs. Follow the jump to read the three news regarding the amputation, public help appeal and her death simultaneously.

R.I.P. Mariana

Brazilian Miss World hopeful loses hands and feet

Article from: Herald Sun
January 22, 2009 08:41am

A BRAZILIAN model has had her hands and feet amputated after contracting a severe urinary infection, media reports say.

Mariana Bridi da Costa, 20, was sedated in a hospital in Serra, in the southeastern state of Espirito Santo, and on artificial respiration following the procedures, according to several newspapers.

Bridi was diagnosed with a infection by the Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterium, which can often prove fatal.

Septicemia set in in her limbs, cutting off circulation and forcing doctors to amputate.

Her boyfriend, Thiago Simoes, told the G1 news website that Bridi fell ill on December 30, but was initially misdiagnosed with kidney stones.

The infection quickly spread, causing her to go back to hospital for tests that revealed her condition. Surgeons had to act to remove her damaged hands and feet.

Her father, Agnaldo da Costa, told the Folha de S Paulo newspaper that "the concern is over her life".

Bridi twice made it into the national finals for the Miss World contest, and last year travelled to China to participate in the Miss Bikini International pageant, G1 said.

---

Mariana Bridi da Costa appeals for rare blood after amputations

Article from Daily Telegraph
January 23, 2009 08:30am

THE boyfriend of tragic Miss World finalist Mariana Bridi da Costa has spoken out as officials appeal for public help to save her life.

Tthe stunning Brazilian had her hands and feet amputated after contracting a killer urinary infection.

Officials have revealed Miss Bridi has a rare blood type and needs donations as she battles to survive intense surgery.

"This is a desperately sad story and we are calling on potential donors to come forward and give blood," said Henrique Fontes, executive director of Miss World Brazil.

He dubbed her a "great fighter" and revealed how she had bravely faced challenges in her beauty career. Read more below.

Miss Bridi first fell ill in December but doctors failed to spot the infection - instead saying she had kidney stones.

The illness worsened, causing her to go back to hospital for tests that revealed her condition.

But by then septicaemia had set in her limbs, cutting off circulation and forcing doctors to amputate her hands and feet.

And after that surgery she suffered an internal haemorrhage and had another emergency operation on Wednesday afternoon.

Her boyfriend Thiago Simoes said Miss Bridi could die, despite the drastic surgery.

"We are all absolutely distraught and are just praying now that she can pull through," he said.

He dubbed her a "great fighter" and revealed how she had bravely faced challenges in her beauty career. Read more below.

"She fell ill on December 30 and we took her to hospital where she was misdiagnosed with a kidney stone.

"They gave her some medicine and sent her home. But two days later she started getting worse.

"We took her back to hospital and they said she had a very serious infection.

"She got more and more sick, and had no blood circulation to her limbs.

"First she lost her feet, then on Tuesday she lost both her hands.

"But she is a very strong person and we just want her to survive."

Miss Bridi is on a ventilation machine in hospital in Serra, in the southeastern state of Espirito Santo.

The infection was caused by the pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria.

Her father, Agnaldo da Costa, told a Brazilian newspaper that "the concern is over her life".

Miss Bridi was a finalist in the search for Brazil's Miss World contestant in 2006 and 2007.

In 2007 she flew to China to represent her country in the Miss Bikini international competition.

She won a prize there for the most beautiful body, and came sixth out of 50 candidates.

Mr Fontes said Miss Bridi badly needs a transfusion of the uncommon blood type O negative.

He added: "She has always been a great fighter and has a history of perseverance.

"The first time she took part in a beauty contest, in 2006, she travelled for 20 hours on a bus in very plain clothes, and without any preparation, and she ended up coming fourth.

"We need her to show that same kind of fight now.

"In China she took on girls from 50 countries, and came sixth and won the prize for best body.

"This is a desperately sad story and we are calling on potential donors to come forward and give blood."

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Brazilian Miss World contestant Mariana Bridi da Costa dies

article from News Limited
By staff writers
January 25, 2009 12:01am

A 20-YEAR-OLD model who was a finalist to represent Brazil in the Miss World contest has died after having her hands and feet amputated because she had contracted a severe urinary infection.

Doctors had been forced to amputate her hands and feet after she developed septicaemia.

Health officials said in a statement that Mariana Bridi's condition deteriorated overnight and she died early this morning.

The Espirito Santo State Health Secretariat said in the statement she died from complications related to a generalised infection, Associated Press has reported.

It was caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is known to be resistant to several kinds of antibiotics.

Bridi had been in the hospital in the city of Serra in south-eastern Brazil since January 3.

She became ill in December and doctors originally diagnosed her with kidney stones, local media said.

Mariana Bridi da Costa had been in a hospital in Serra, in the south-eastern state of Espirito Santo, and on artificial respiration following the procedures, according to several newspapers.

Her boyfriend, Thiago Simoes, told the G1 news website that Bridi fell ill on December 30, but was initially misdiagnosed with kidney stones.

The infection quickly spread, causing her to go back to hospital for tests that revealed her condition.

Surgeons had to act to remove her damaged hands and feet.

Bridi was twice a finalist in the Brazilian stage of the Miss World pageant.

A note for Malia & Sasha Obama ..

Just Reading through this letter by Ex-president George W. Bush's twin daughter, Jenna and Barbara Bush. They write this for the new First Daughters, Malia and Sasha Obama, and suggesting them to enjoy everything they possibly can while keeping in mind who their Dad really is. While reading this, i was like , Oh My Gosh! I am soooo dreaming to live there! but then when they go through the "saying goodbye to white house" part, I was like, oh wait! I don't think i'll be able to say goodbye to a place I once called home.

Well, safe to say that I'm lucky enough that i never experienced something like this before, lol. Well, my family moved twice, but that was when i was too young to understand how sad it is to leave all the memories you had in something you call home. All i thought is just, YAY! I got a better bedroom! lol.

Anyways, good luck for US new President, Barack Hussein Obama, First Lady, Michelle and the Obama Girls: Malia Obama and Sasha Obama. Hope peace can be generated not only in America, but also in the world.
In Picure: Malia and Sasha Obama In Inaguration Day

Here's a touching open letter by Jenna and Barbara from The Wall Street Journal,

JANUARY 20, 2009

Playing House in the White House

by Jenna and Barbara Bush

Sasha and Malia, we were seven when our beloved grandfather was sworn in as the 41st President of the United States. We stood proudly on the platform, our tiny hands icicles, as we lived history. We listened intently to the words spoken on Inauguration Day service, duty, honor. But being seven, we didn't quite understand the gravity of the position our Grandfather was committing to. We watched as the bands marched by -- the red, white, and blue streamers welcoming us to a new role: the family members of a President.

We also first saw the White House through the innocent, optimistic eyes of children. We stood on the North Lawn gazing with wonder at her grand portico. The White House was alive with devoted and loving people, many of whom had worked in her halls for decades. Three of the White House ushers, Buddy, Ramsey, and "Smiley", greeted us when we stepped into her intimidating hallway. Their laughter and embraces made us feel welcome right away. Sasha and Malia, here is some advice to you from two sisters who have stood where you will stand and who have lived where you will live:

-- Surround yourself with loyal friends. They'll protect and calm you and join in on some of the fun, and appreciate the history.

-- If you're traveling with your parents over Halloween, don't let it stop you from doing what you would normally do. Dress up in some imaginative, elaborate costume (if you are like us a pack of Juicy Fruit and a Vampiress) and trick-or-treat down the plane aisle.

-- If you ever need a hug, go find Ramsey. If you want to talk football, look for Buddy. And, if you just need a smile, look for "Smiley."

-- And, a note on White House puppies--our sweet puppy Spot was nursed on the lawn of the White House. And then of course, there's Barney, who most recently bit a reporter. Cherish your animals because sometimes you'll need the quiet comfort that only animals can provide.

-- Slide down the banister of the solarium, go to T-ball games, have swimming parties, and play Sardines on the White House lawn. Have fun and enjoy your childhood in such a magical place to live and play.

-- When your dad throws out the first pitch for the Yankees, go to the game.

-- In fact, go to anything and everything you possibly can: the Kennedy Center for theater, State Dinners, Christmas parties (the White House staff party is our favorite!), museum openings, arrival ceremonies, and walks around the monuments. Just go. Four years goes by so fast, so absorb it all, enjoy it all!

For four years, we spent our childhood holidays and vacations in the historic house. We could almost feel the presence of all the great men and women who had lived here before us. When we played house, we sat behind the East sitting room's massive curtains as the light poured in illuminating her yellow walls. Our seven-year-old imaginations soared as we played in the enormous, beautiful rooms; our dreams, our games, as romantic as her surroundings. At night, the house sang us quiet songs through the chimneys as we fell asleep.

In late December, when snow blanketed the front lawn, all of our cousins overtook the White House. Thirteen children between the ages of two and 12 ran throughout her halls, energized by the crispness in the air and the spirit of the season. Every room smelled of pine; the entire house was adorned with thistle; garlands wound around every banister. We sat on her grand staircase and spied on the holiday dancing below. Hours were spent playing hide-and-go-seek. We used a stage in the grand ballroom to produce a play about Santa and his reindeer. We watched as the National Christmas Tree was lit and admired the chef as he put the final icing on the gingerbread house.

When it was time, we left the White House. We said our goodbyes to her and to Washington. We weren't sure if we would spend time among her historical walls again, or ever walk the National Mall, admiring the cherry blossoms that resembled puffs of cotton candy. But we did return. This time we were 18. The White House welcomed us back and there is no doubt that it is a magical place at any age.

As older girls, we were constantly inspired by the amazing people we met, politicians and great philosophers like Vaclav Havel. We dined with royalty, heads of states, authors, and activists. We even met the Queen of England and managed to see the Texas Longhorns after they won the National Championship. We traveled with our parents to foreign lands and were deeply moved by what we saw. Trips to Africa inspired and motivated us to begin working with HIV/AIDS and the rights of women and children all over the world.

Now, the White House ballrooms were filled with energy and music as we danced. The East sitting room became a peaceful place to read and study. We ran on the track in the front lawn, and squared off in sisterly bowling duels down in the basement alley.

This Christmas, with the enchanting smell of the holidays encompassing her halls, we will again be saying our good-byes to the White House. Sasha and Malia, it is your turn now to fill the White House with laughter.

And finally, although it's an honor and full of so many extraordinary opportunities, it isn't always easy being a member of the club you are about to join. Our dad, like yours, is a man of great integrity and love; a man who always put us first. We still see him now as we did when we were seven: as our loving daddy. Our Dad, who read to us nightly, taught us how to score tedious baseball games. He is our father, not the sketch in a paper or part of a skit on TV. Many people will think they know him, but they have no idea how he felt the day you were born, the pride he felt on your first day of school, or how much you both love being his daughters. So here is our most important piece of advice: remember who your dad really is.

Jenna Bush is a writer and educator, the author of the book 'Ana's Story' and the co-author, with her mother Laura Bush, of the picture book 'Read All About It.'

Barbara Bush works for a public health-focused non-profit, Global Health Corps, and previously worked for The Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum.

Pictures Taken From:
News Limited
The Wall Street Journal

Design then print, so what?

Oh my Gosh, I just read through a really cool article written by Jonathan Cutrell, titled 3 Deadly Sins of Print Design. I mean like, I know the rgb and cmyk rules, but i understand the language thing just then. Well, it's a great illustration on how rgb and cmyk treated as different language by the printer. And now i understand why it is recommended to use CMYK instead of RGB in designing printed materials.

Other interesting information i obtained from the article is about the rich black. How "just" black is different than "rich" black. I almost forget the fact that by adding the CMY ink to the K (or black) ink will make the black colour darker than if it's only black. Sounds complicated , i know, but it'd been clearly explained in the article, if you're interested.

Don't forget to check on the comments as well. Great stuff!!

Love it! love it! love it!


xoxo
l8