cool projects!

Well, i haven't gotten myself into quite as many ridiculous situations as the previous report, thanks to work starting and keeping me busy most days of the week, but I have gotten to work on some pretty cool projects here! In fact, the most recent one is actually online at www.nbl.com.au. i did the banner graphic with the players and the "2007 Grand Final" writing at the top of the page:) I also got to make the cover for the Grand Finals media guide, and create the slideshow for the annual league awards dinner! Basically i've been playing in photoshop a TON... who knew all those hours i spent fixing pictures would actually turn into something beneficial!:)

Last week we got to see an NBL game (probably will be my only one, unfortunately). It was definitely a different experience! Picture a DIII school with about a high school playing level... Unlike in the states where most of the pro teams have arenas that are also used for entertainment events, here it's the opposite. Some of the teams don't actually have permanent venues and even so, they're mostly entertainment venues used for sport. So a few of the typical stadium items were obviously missing: jumbotron, electronic signage around the arena, stadium concourse... quite weird! It definitely felt like more of a theatre than a stadium. The other obviously missing part of the game (well, obvious to me) was promotions. Normally there are promos run at every quarter break, timeout, halftime, etc. and the prizes are usually sponsor-donated. The only sponsored promotion at the Kings game was a Philips cheering contest for a set of headphones. Philips is actually a league sponsor, not even a team sponsor. (sorry, that was completely uninteresting to anyone not working in sports...)

Up for this weekend is a BBQ with my friend, Rachel's, friends. Rachel and I met in Europe actually, when i was travelling, and wreaked some quality havoc in the city of Athens - but she's from Sydney so now we get to hang out again! Saturday is the huge Mardi Gras festival... it's not like the Mardi Gras you're thinking... this one is a gay pride parade complete with nudity, drag queens, and some bold political statements! I'll be sure to get some pics posted...