love shack

I do wish I hadn't wimped out on this invite. The weather had turned brutally cold and traveling north for an outside event just hadn't seemed like a good idea, especially as I am allergic to the cold. Still, fliss is glad to have been a partner in this celebration of music in Athens, home of the B-52's.
Although I first heard about the Love Shack Bus Stop on kickstarter.com, the concept for the project first evolved in 2005, when the economy was riding high and real estate was everything. The city was wanting to remodel some of the bus stops and add some pizazz for the riders (and possible garner more). A competition ensued, with artists submitting their public-space designs and hoping for city funding. The artist responsible for this particular vision was asked to resubmit for the local-music-inspired phase of the competition, which was held in 2008 - and she WON! In return, the city granted the funds for construction of her design.
Fast forward to fall of 2011. The bottom had dropped out of the real estate boom, gas prices had leapt to more than $5 per gallon, and everything energy-driven - meaning, EVERY THING - now cost substantially more. Athens had already committed to paying the costs estimated at the time of submission, three years earlier, and would not fund more.
This artist had previously constructed he Love Shack homage in a family barn in Tennessee as a school project, circa 2003. She based her public design on that earlier structure, but reconfigured for strength and subjection to weather, as well as meeting all safety and utility constraints set by the department of transportation. In other words, she had to learn a bit about architecture to construct her art work.
And she did, and now riders of public transit have a more welcoming spot to await their "stretch" vehicle. As for the effect on myself? Well, I'm rethinking using my car every day, and perhaps making better use of my tax dollars. Instead of paying twice - once for public transport and again for gas for my personal transport - I just might begin again to let someone else do the driving.

Meanwhile, I will enjoy the magnet she sent to me as my reward.
I really do like magnets!
Especially when they are a pretty as this one is.
I know just the right spot for it on my fridge, too!

cafe murder

Cafe Murder??? Yep. A couple of guys in Athens, Georgia, are responsible for this new manga-influenced computer game. I may have a nephew or two interested in this and I'm pretty sure Sam Johnson would have liked it, too.
Why did fliss get involved? Well, the project involves home-grown talent. I find myself actively seeking local, i.e., specifically Georgia-based, unique ideas. Admittedly, my rationale is fairly selfish: I want to be able to interact in person with these creative folk, should the situation allow. Meeting them face to face is a bit difficult - and expensive - if their film or play or book or art is halfway across the continent.
The comic factor caught my fancy, too. These guys call their group "Beaver Toad Software". Seriously.
But perhaps the brightness of the characters and the artwork of this game were the true attraction. I want to know more about this brother and sister team, carrying on the work at their deceased father's deli. The brother (Stabby Grizzle) is a bit unstable, we learn, and the sister (Rainy Grizzle) has to run interference between him and the customers whilst using a bazooka to assemble the tasty sandwiches. That's right - she makes the meals with a BAZOOKA. THAT alone is a novel idea!
The thirteen customers each have their own back story and include a food critic, a celebrity, a picky old lady, and a fellow named Pincushion. Rainy is tasked with having to try to please the customers for her tips - while keeping Stabby from having his way with them. I think it's going to be great fun!
Apparently, I'm not the only one. The guys have used a format which will allow the game to play on iPhones, which should be a big boost for recognition of their company. Beta testing was to occur last night at FourAthens. Here's to much success!