DISMISSED?

    While having a debate over QR codes with a witty, albeit unarmed nay sayer, I learned some opinions against QR codes.  Chris was his name and he pronounced vehemently that QR codes “blew it!” and that people don’t scan them anymore.  He even backed this up with facts that he collected from an entire one person: himself.  I listened and took mental notes because Chris’ boldness represents the polite folks who may be thinking what he is thinking.  I recognized that Chris and others have been unimpressed with prior QR code experiences but were very aware of their potential.  If he were indifferent with QR codes I would have believed him a degree more but it seemed to me that he wanted to like them.  I agreed with Chris on some things, such as: who wants to scan a code just to visit a website?  I wouldn’t necessarily feel compelled to do that.  I also tend to ignore QR codes that hide in the bottom corner and don’t provide a call to action.  QR codes, in general, remain rock stars even if they aren’t largely being strategized effectively.  The disappointment reminds me of this comparison: if you have an awesome Smart phone and only use it for calls; the phone is still great but you, you need to take advantage of the phone’s potential.

I showed Chris some branded QR codes with great calls to action that linked to engaging content.  I wasn’t merely trying to shut him down, I wanted him to respond about his experience because I knew I could count on him to be honest.  I put a custom QR code in front of him and I did not ask him to scan it.  He could not resist.  He said “Do you want me to scan that?” and I said “If you want to” and he was noticeably eager to.  He proclaimed that if more QR codes were customized like this one, he would be curious about scanning.  The good looking QR code contained catchy music and an inspiring ski video.  The video was somewhat long, at 5 minutes, but I could not get Chris’ attention until it was over.  I enjoyed chatting with Chris and I don’t think he minded having his negative opinion about QR codes shut down.  I would have asked him if he minded but he was busy scanning all of the QR codes in my portfolio.

Check out this QR code by Swanson Flavor Boost  http://bit.ly/VulQa0 .  The actual black and white QR code still lacks visual appeal from multimedia graphics standpoint, the call to action doesn’t whet the whistle alone but once scanned, the QR code does not disappoint.  Strategize with a professional today on a graphic QR code with a video embedded, branded QR code is a great ROI from which you benefit from measurable mobile engagement with your consumers.  Professional QR codes offer quicker scanning, measurable scan tracking, and even the potential of changing the message in the code without reprint or redesign.

QRCodesOfNote.com

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REGARDING MAYA

You've not doubt heard through some channel that the ancient Aztec calendar predicts the end of the world to occur on December 21, 2012 at 11:11 PM as it marks the end of a 5,126-year era and possibly the end of another long cycle of birth and destruction on our planet. I've done research on this subject and found credible testament to the improbability of this destruction theory as well as conclusions that something cosmically significant will take place. No real matter to me, I'm merely a tad fascinated with the art, culture, foods of Meso Americans and had to look into the 2012 chatter in order to maintain my informed status of the buzz.

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Being an artsy-fartsy-foodie type, I looked into the really important to me things and share the interesting among them here for you:

• Food: Quinoa recipes, Spicy Aztec Brownies
• Movies: Yes, 2
• Craft: Embossed polymer clay tin, Earrings
• Video: Appetizer Chorizo Empanada w. cream cheese (plan on jogging)

Chorizo and Potato Empanadas

After your work out, run a mile more, then make this is great tailgate/entertaining appetizer. You can find the nearly 10 minute video here with it's recipe. Click on the double arrows found on bottom right of the video, you will find the recipe:

Keen-wah

Keen-wah is the way to pronounce Quinoa, the ancient Inca's held this grain to be sacred, and the plant itself is common like a tumbleweed with seeds holding it treasured part. Quinoa has a chewy texture comparable to any cooked seed sized grain but it's value in my never to be humble opinion is that it is a considered a full protein. Because of that you get an extra shot of protein when served with a meat, all great for muscles and void of the downside of having a carb like rice or pasta as a side dish. Comes in two varieties red and regular, I cook this according to package instructions in about 15 minutes, then stir in lemon juice and zest, olive oil and stir in fresh spinach leaves (which wilt immediately) because gosh, otherwise it is bland, bland, bland, stubbornly bland and a little dull, too. Ol' what's her name has a great recipe idea, I gleamed it from her site to share with you because, she does that and apparently so do I. Hers is a warm quinoa salad also with wilted fresh spinach, but includes shiitake mushrooms. She prepares her dish without meat but I heartily recommend having this with a grilled salmon or chicken breast. Recipe is for Warm Quinoa, Spinach and Shiitake Salad from Martha Stewart's Everyday Food.

SPICY AZTEC BROWNIES

You do not need to know this, I think dessert is greatly unnecessary but Spicy Aztec Brownies , <~~(recipe) so adult, are made with instant espresso or instant coffee granules, I love adding coffee granules in any recipe for the punch of flavor and in deserts, to counter the sluggishness I always feel after a carb load such as brownies. The spicy here comes from the addition of cayenne pepper and cinnamon. This recipe is also a bit of a cheater in that it calls for prepackaged brownie mix but you make your own simple cinnamon glaze and no one is the wiser after you include the extra ingredients and small chunks of bitter sweet chocolate.

CINEMA

In 2006, Mel Gibson (the producer/director/turd/actor) made a film about Mayan civilization, "Apocalypto". I've no idea as to the success or lack there of of this film but I can tell you that I found it rather authentic, intense at times with it's action, realistic violence, tender scenes, and visually credible indigenous appearing actors. The language spoken throughout the movie required translation at the bottom of course, I don't speak ancient Mayan and if you say you do, well, you lie like a rug. The sub text in no way compromised the viewing of this movie and I'd highly recommend it when you want to see something wonderful, cultural and void of the usual suspects. Did you see The Road to El Dorado? Yes, I realize it is animated, so what? It's good stuff which stays away from "cute": set in Spain, two swindlers get their hands on a map and set about searching for legendary El Dorado gold. It stars the voice talents of Kevin Kline as Tulio, Kenneth Branaugh as Miguel and the riveting Rosie Perez does a wonderful job as the scintillating Chel. Good, evil, attempt at ruthless conquest and boy meets girl.

Earrings

I've never mentioned that I go beading at my local bead store (The Bead Gallery of Colorado Springs) and with good reason: I make the same pair of earrings over and over again. The details change only slightly but it's the same earring really. Be quiet, it makes me happy. Here are those earrings done with Aztec inspiration:

Embossed Tin

I saw this little treasure and I'll be honest with you and say I do not know whatever the heck it is but, BUT! it gave me an idea. You see, I am ever and eternally searching for something to occupy my young men that requires the turning off of the television and as they are ever and eternally wanting me to buy mints, gums and candy, you can likely see how this idea came about. Here goes, and don't sit around waiting for me to do this and then show you how because you know I have the attention span of a gnat and the experience of a seasoned creative person so that I can tell you how and I will write this first: Read first Using polymer clay, and please do condition it first by warming and rolling it between your hands in order that you don't find yourself frustrated that you can't do this. Apply a layer of clay to your tin container about 1/4 " thick, carefully trimming clay away in key places so as to render the lid of your tin functional. Using images, I recommend you google Mayan glyphs/writing systems and print out some of theMayan black and white clip art after you've re-sized it to work for your project. Place glyph image over the clay and using a pin or pointy object, prick shallow holes through paper as you trace the main outline of the glyph onto the clay. Next, using an embossing stylus, knitting needle or other rounded tool, retrace your glyph, adding detail and smoothing your carving and embossing as you go. Repeat with other glyphs until you are happy and please consider using art of your own choosing if these glyphs do not appeal to you. Bake container according to instructions on your particular clay package and allow to cool completely. Very important that you allow this to cool completely before antiquing. You can use any method of antiquing that you like, I recommend wax - shoe wax - and an old cloth. Insert finger into cloth, wrap around finger and rub small amount of wax onto cloth and then rub this wax onto your embossed tin. Remove excess wax and allow your clay to absorb the wax for 24 hours before expecting the wax not to rub off.

Well, what did you think? See anything you'll try? I'd love to hear from you =) Comment by clicking on the pencil.

Sushi

My friend Ejay loves sushi and I told him that he could make it at home.  He thought I meant raw fish sushi...uh, no.  Sushi means seasoned rice, the other ingredients are up to you.  At my house we use scrambled eggs a la microwave oven, cream cheese, smoked salmon, cooked shrimp, all sorts of vegetables.  My 10 year old is the best at rolling sushi or creating sashimi after showing him only once.  He often uses lettuce and sorts of cheese slices with his and adds wasab before rolling.  One thing I like to do is take a tablespoon of cooked sushi rice and put it into a plastic sandwich bag, then take a small piece of smoked salmon and little cream cheese and place on top of rice and squeeze it together in bag into the shape of an egg.  They look like rice eggs and when dipped into wasabi soy sauce blend I like them.  Please give this video a try.  I found everything I needed in the common grocery store but it's fun to explore the local Asiana market.