Sumi, Quatchi and Miga are the mascots for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics.

The Unvailing of the 2010 Olympic Mascots: Intoduction

Okay, these are supposedly Inspired by “British Columbia’s iconic geography and aboriginal legends” according to the organizers of the 2010 Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Games who unveiled these three mascots plus an honorary sidekick on November 27^th.

They were also presented during a 35-minute live show at the Bell Centre for Performing Arts in Surrey, B.C.

They include:

• Sumi — an animal guardian spirit, who flies with the wings of the thunderbird, is described as “a natural born leader with a passion for protecting the environment.” Yes, he looks like he has a pineapple for a head.  No, pineapples are not a major export of Canada.
• Quatchi — My personal favorite. A shy and gentle Sasquatch with a long brown beard, tattoo and blue earmuffs is meant to conjure the mystery and wonder associated with Canada’s wilderness.  No this has nothing to do with Kokanee and it only slightly nods towards Bigfoot.
• Miga — is a snowboarding sea-bear… WHAT?!  Yes, I said sea-bear.  Fabricated from the First Nations’ legends of the Pacific Northwest. Miga is described as both mischievous and outgoing and is part bear and orca whale.
• Mukmuk — a Vancouver Island marmot sidekick considered an honorary member of the mascot team. Sorry, no pic of the sidekick.

The new mascots were designed by Meomi Design based here in Vancouver. The company which is headed by Vicki Wong in Vancouver and Michael Murphy in Los Angeles have created art for Google, Electronic Arts, Time Out Magazine and Girls, Inc.

Meomi was chosen by VANOC after an open call for professional artists and design companies to submit proposals on the 2010 website.

The mascots will appear in advertisements for the Games, official publications and websites, and will provide souvenir-minded Olympic fans with stuffed toys and other trinkets to take home.

My Initial Thoughts

When I caught my first glimpse of the just unveiled 2010 Olympic mascots just two days ago, ‘unimpressive’ was probably the first word that sprang to mind. Then came ‘What?’, then the question ‘Wait, is this supposed to represent Canada, Vancouver, the Olympics or Me?’, and then came the realization that it doesn’t matter and that these will sell a gizillion times over.  The consensus in Vancouver is that most people hate these designs.  I agree with the rest of Vancouver to a point.  But the only way I can truly justify these things is to reason that these were not made for you and me, but rather the kids.  Your kids, my kids and ever tourist known to man’s kids will want these.

Yes, this is about $$$ and sure enough the cute and cuddly approach is the right one.

The problem is: We are not all Japanese, and these creations really do feel very ‘pokemonesc’.  Maybe there are studies that I am not aware of and this is indeed truly catering to the masses in terms of appeal.  I just feel that as a culture as rich and diverse as ours that these mascots are another missed opportunity to show the rest of the world who we are.

Who are we?  We’re of the group of people that think using native symbols/icons is blatant pandering and unrepresentative of BC.  In fact, we find it kind of offensive.  Maybe we’re just too soft and apologetic, but the idea of taking someone’s land, destroying their culture and then paying respect to what may remain of it by using it as a promotional tool for a sporting event is wrong.

Don’t believe me? Check the comments section of this Vancouver Sun article you’ll see what I’m talking about.

According to Diamond Our shipment of books this week will be shipping on Thursday and not Wednesday. They say it is due to the “weather”.  I think it is due to the “American Thanksgiving”.  Is it the fact that Canada should not be allowed to get anything before the US? Is the weather is being used as an excuse?  We will never know.

One thing I do know is that a 24 hour delay always seems to cause a major disruption for our business and our customer’s lives.  In fact, I always feel somewhat guilty (even though we both know it’s not my fault) when a customer comes in after a long trip only to find out that their books have been delayed.

Hello everyone, on Friday November (23rd) orders are due so everyone should get any orders in if they have not done so already.  Of course if you ever need any help deciding, we have our hand written staff previews on: Novembers Elfbytes

Elfsar Comics & Toys just received a “Where to Shop 2007 Award” nominated by the readers of Where Magazine.  Thank you to everyone who cast in their votes.  Your ongoing support of our small business makes us proud to serve you and also helps light a fire within us to do more.  We are never satisfied and want to do our part to attract more people to the industry that we all love.  Although awards are not necessarily why we do what we do, it is always nice to be recognized for it.  This award will be featured in the December Where Magazine.

The third Happy Harbor Store in Edmonton is under heavy preparations to be open by December first!  Check out the new HH website design: Click Here

If you have not had a chance to see them yet, our 2007 Halloween pics are up on our website: Click Here Note: these pics can also be found on our groups Facebook page.

If you are a customer of Elfsar, it is a good idea to join our group.  To join our Group on Facebook: Click Here
Also Visit us on Myspace: Click Here
Check us out on Flickr: Click Here
Also I should note that everyone should read this awesome blog: Between the Staples

That’s all for now,

-Big Elf

ELFSAR COMICS & TOYS.
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FEATURED IN BEST OF VANCOUVER 2006 & 2007! -VOTED BY THE READERS OF THE GEOGIA STRAIGHT
WHERE TO SHOP 2007 READERS CHOICE AWARD! -NOMINATED BY THE READERS OF WHERE MAGAZINE
www.elfsar.com (604) 688-5922 Open 7 Days a Week
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Elfbytes November ’07

(Note: this is not your average cut and paste, we actually write this stuff.)

This is for product starting to ship in January 2008.

This months Elfbyte credit goes to: Brock, David, James, Craig, & Ethan .

For your convenience, click links below to jump to a certain Publisher.

Independent Comics |  Dark Horse Comics |  DC Comics
Image Comics |  Marvel Comics |  Toys & Stuff

Hey all, November 23rd is coming up soon.  So make sure to get your orders in on time.

Check us out on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5515647817

Okay, I just wanted to let everyone know about a new Art Course being offered thru the U of A.

Painting in Italy
Department of Art and Design

Division of Painting, University of Alberta

PRE ENROLLING NOW

-check it out on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=6034169149&ref=share

Students who do not attend the University of Alberta are more than welcome to come along and request transfer credits from home institutions.
This is a Study Abroad 6 credit Fine Arts Credit option in the BFA program at the U of A, taught by a Senior Full Professor

Spring Session 2008
6 Credits Art 337/437/537
Special Projects
Introductory, Intermediate or Advanced studies of Painting in watercolour from Italian subjects led by Professor Graham Peacock
His c.v. can be found at grahampeacock.com Peacock is a well know abstract painter who teaches BFA and MFA students in all media who has also painted watercolour for many years.

To apply, send an e-mail to peacock@shawbiz.ca, along with application form and other required documents (found below). If you have any questions or want information about the program, e-mail Prof. Peacock at the same address.

Vico Equense, on the Gulf of Naples, Near the Sorrento, Amalfi coast
From May 5th to June 13rd 2008. Approx. $70 a day for hotel, breakfast and full course evening meal. Visit Pompei , Herculaneum, Naples and the towns of the Amalfitan coast, experience the art, architecture and sites of Southern Italy. (This is a six week course, even though facebook only allows 31 day events. Please ignore the start and end date. May 5th – June 13 is correct) Total costs for hotel ,meals , excursions, course fees and flight will be round $5500 to $6000 depending on the cost of your flight.

Instruction in principles of painting in water colour, from various subjects, including seascape, landscape, cityscapes, still life, figure, architecture and antiquities will be provided according to the student’s interests and level of study. Special reference will be made, through 12 days of excursions and museum study, to paintings from Italian subjects and the nature of the ‘painting sketch’ as a means of recording. Further development of these studies into full sheet works will take place at the hotel/studios. Students will paint from the landscape, antiquities and museums in the surroundings on Vico Equense, near Sorrento and Naples in Southern Italy, where they will live and work in a hotel with ocean views and balconies from which to paint. Students will gain exposure to the, art, culture and language of Southern Italy and work alongside students studying Italian with Professor Verdicchio from the U of A’s, Department of Modern Languages, who will be our guide on the area excursions.

See also www.hoteloriente.it, the hotel students will stay and work at. Also see photos below.

See this group to look at pictures from last year:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2412758879

And spread the word about the course to your friends!

Send questions to peacock@shawbiz.ca , or to receive more information.

_________________________________

APPLICATION FORM

Painting in, Italy Spring Session 2008
University of Alberta, Department of Art and Design, Division of Painting

6 Credits Art 337/437/537 Special Projects, May 5 – June 13
Introductory, Intermediate or Advanced studies of Painting in watercolur from Italian subjects led by Professor Graham Peacock

Name Student ID #
Address

Contact Phone Numbers E- Mail

Present Program of Study, year and Institution (if not the U of A please provide a transcript)—————————————————————————————
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–
Present Art experience, courses taken. ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–
Portfolio provided (submit a portfolio of not less than 20 works which show your involvement with painting and drawing. List works, slides, c.d., or dates medium and sizes (students currently in enrolled in studio classes at the U of A may simply request a studio visit to fulfil this requirement)

Please select and circle one of the following Art 357 Art 437 Art 537 courses you wish to enrol in
NB These special project classes are full credit classes but they cannot be used to satisfy any prerequisite requirements in the department of art and design at the University of Alberta but they can count as a full course Fine Arts Credit.

I hereby grant you permission obtain a reference from my instructors and I grant permission if accepted for you to use my name, photos and email in group emails
———– please initial if you agree

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
I have reviewed the above applicant and hereby approve the above applicant to enrol in Spring Session 2006 to be held in Vico Equense, Italy from May 5 to June 13.

Introductory, Art 337

Intermediate Art 437

Advanced studies Art 537

__________________________________

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Painting in Italy
Application Procedure and Registration information
Information on the course being offered will appear in the Fall. Applications for places can be made as soon as the course is so announced. Places are limited and PRE EROLLMENT ( instructors approval begins in October and continues until February when enrollments are processed) Students who do not qualify will be informed as soon as possible following application.

STEP ONE
Read all the information provided and indicate your ability to meet the financial requirements, Fees, Hotel, Flight, Excursions approx. $6000. Consider whether you fit the profile in the NOTE on page 2. Indicate that you wish to enrol by filling out the Application form and submitting it to Professor Graham Peacock,peacock@shawbiz.ca Department of Art and Design, 3- 98 Fine Arts Building, U of A Campus Edmonton T6G 2C9.
All accepted students must also sign a university study abroad waiver of responsibility prior to enrolment.

STEP TWO
PORTFOLIO
This course is open to begginner painters at the Art 337 level. Appitude to take the course can be shown in any form of artwork. Submit a portfolio of work containing a minimum of 20 examples of your work. Ideally this would show your ability in painting and drawing at the proposed level of study. This can be done by CD or as a low res. attachment by email or my viewing of an actual portfolio. The later may be requested if the electronic images are hard to interpret. A list of works, title date size and media is also required with electronic or CD submissions.
Applicants, who cannot be interviewed in person with their work, should include a c.v. bio. and or a letter giving their background and a statement as to why you wish to take this course and why you feel you would be a good candidate for study abroad.

Ideally the portfolio should contain painting, which demonstrates your range and command of varied palettes of colour ideally with analytical and expressive studies in painting media of any description. Send me what you have and i will advise you. peacock@shawbiz.ca

STEP THREE
The instructor will review your application, portfolio and may consult with your previous or present instructors to determine your artistic ability and suitability for study abroad in such a course. Where an interview can be conducted a meeting will be arranged usually at the same time as the viewing of your work. A phone interview may also take place. You will be notified of the final decision by email that one of the following has occurred

a) You are accepted by the instructor for registration at the level of course desired.
b) You are accepted by the instructor for registration at the lower level of course
c) You are on a waiting list. You will be notified before Registration, February 2008 whether a space becomes available
d) You are unfortunately not accepted.

For u of a students, a copy of your acceptance will be provided to the department programs officer, who will then begin to process your application and ready it for registration on the first day of Special Sessions registration. (February 2008) There will be no need for you to do this in person providing you have met all the registration requirements for admission and enrolment.

For non U of A Students you will be able to register as Open Studies Students online at www.ualberta.ca when Spring Session registration opens in February 15.

UPON ACCEPTANCES STUDENTS ARE ASKED TO SIGN THE UNIVERSITY’S WAIVER OF LIABILITY FORM AND PAY THE 300 EURO EXCURSION FEE TO HOLD THEIR PLACE

STEP FOUR
NB departmental approval and acceptance by the U of A entrance requirements must be met over and above the instructor’s acceptance. All students, including those on the waiting list should determine their university entrance eligibility by contacting their program advisor or the registrar’s office and be prepared to register on the first day of Spring Session Registration. Applicant’s who are approved by the instructor will have their places held until they have fulfilled the universities entrance or registration requirements or have been denied enrolment and have exhausted their appeals, if any. By the end of March Special Sessions, the University department that runs Spring and Summer courses, indicates the confirmation that the class will be offered, based on enrolment.
As soon as possible any waiting list applicants will be offered any places that are available or notified otherwise.
I attempt to pre enroll enough applicants starting in the Fall so that the class will be fully enrolled and offered. http://www.registrar.ualberta.ca/

NOTE
Italy is not like Canada! Students need to be able to travel by car, live in shared accommodation, cope with a new language, new food and working in a close community instructional and social environment. It is important that participants are self reliant, able to adjust to new circumstances and have strong social skills. They must be co- operative individuals who intent to make a contribution to the success of the class. Classes are supervised time but outside class students are essentially independent, guests at the hotel and must be able to take responsibility for themselves.

This class will run alongside an Italian Language class with U of A students studying 2nd. year Italian and cultural studies in English, so there may well be language assisted exchanges and activities outside class. Professor Verdicchio, who will be instructing these Italian classes, is from Naples and has taught in Vico for the past ten years. He will have excellent advice and be able to provide assistance if and when necessary. Professor Peacock is also able to converse in Italian.
The Italaian Language Second Year and Italian liturature in English are also course options.

Entrance to this class is necessarily a competition based on the calibre of the portfolio and on the interview, references, grades and applicants bio and application letter. Students from the U of A have the advantage of access to the instructor and having their work known to him, but some places will be held and made available to students from other institutions, if possible. Hopefully students from other universites,colleges and countries will apply to compliment the make up of the class and widen its perspective for all. EARLY APPLICATION IS ADVISED AS PLACES ARE LIMITED.

MATERIALS
A materials list will be provided. Materials can also be obtained in Naples should we run short of supplies but it is necessary to arrive equipped to work as Naples in a 40 minute train ride away and we have a very busy schedule.

Thank you for your interest in this course of study. I wish you success with your application. Please ask your instructors advice in your selection of work.

Mark Bagley, whose current exclusive contract with the publisher reportedly expires at the end of this year, will move to DC Comics to take on an undisclosed high-profile project likely sometime in 2008.

I’m guessing a team book or even possibly the 3rd weekly series.  Bagley can draw and by “draw” I mean draw fast.  All DC would have to do is give him 3 or 4 inkers and surely he could get them done on time.

Did you know that Marc had finished his entire six issue arc on Mighty Avengers between the time Frank cho did #4 & #5 of Mighty Avengers?  This was from the mouth of Bendis!

 Below is from Newsarama: http://www.newsarama.com/dcnew/Bagley/moves.html

Bagley’s name has been synonymous with Marvel Comics since the literal start of his career, going back to 1986. At the time, the then aspiring 27-year old artist submitted an entry to Marvel Editor-in-Chief Jim Shooter’s Marvel Try-Out Book, winning the penciling entry, which led to his first professional assignments with the publisher.

The artist first began to achieve his “fan-favorite” status as the original penciler on writer Fabian Nicieza’s original 1990′s New Warriors series, and has since enjoyed long regular runs on Marvel titles like Amazing Spider-Man (five years) and Kurt Busiek’s original Thunderbolts series (four years).

However, it was his teaming with writer Brian Bendis as the original and long-time creative team of Ultimate Spider-Man that Bagley is now best known for.

The pairing, which ended just this past summer, lasted seven years and 111 consecutive issues and is considered an all-time industry record (besting Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s original Fantastic Four run) by Marvel.

That record is even more notable considering the duo averaged nearly 15 issues a year during their run, with Bagley penciling up to 18 issues a year at its peek, and that all of this was accomplished in this era.

One of, if not the most prolific and ‘steady’ artists in today’s industry, although thoroughly contemporary in style, Bagley’s status as a “regular monthly” artist is almost a ‘throwback’ in a time when long consecutive runs by artists continue to become more and more rare.

Whatever DC project Bagley will pencil, the publisher will apparently gain an asset they can count on indefinitely for even more than the standard 22 pages month-in and month-out, which is a dynamic worth watching as DC is expected to continue publishing weekly-shipping series following the conclusion of the current Countdown to Final Crisis.

Both Mark Bagley and officials for DC Comics declined to comment on this story.