Wednesday, March 25, 2009

#138 - The Seven Deadly Copy/Sins

Here’s a list that has a double meaning. For those who work in copy centers, or those responsible for copywork, who do not have the luxury of a copy center to handle it; and those who give their copywork to someone else to do,

LaFevre gives you – the seven deadly sins of copywork. Mostly to let those know, who pass on the work to someone else, the level of difficulty, and the reason for the length of time to complete it. Each sin is a pain, in and of itself, but when combined, compound the situation; the worst being a job involving all seven. You don’t want to know. Or go there.

1 – staple removal
2 – flag removal
3 – dividers (copied as requested)
4 – mixed-size paper (letter, legal, 11x17)
5 – two-sided pages
6 – colored sheets
7 – colored copies

#137 - No Direction Known

With props to Dylan, the “Rolling Stone”, for the apropos title here. Directions. We all need them. We all use them. Men fail to admit being lost. Women tell them to ask for directions. Yet both are lost. Go figure. But this isn’t about directions, per se. We’re talking a higher level here. The worries of the world. But it doesn’t have to be like that. Seriously.

Thanks to Anne M., for some insightful thoughts, as others have in the past, that sow the seeds for many of the fevisms created here. Three ways to ascertain how to handle “the worries of the world”.

1 – If you are not directly affected by what is going on in the world today, let it go. Anger and disappointment will get you nowhere. Donate to your favorite charity, if nothing else.

2 – If you are indirectly affected by what is going on around the world today, and in your backyard, prepare backup plans and keep an eye on what’s going on, just in case.

3 – If you are directly affected by what’s going on around the world today, specifically, in your own backyard, act immediately. #2 should have prepared you for this. What are you waiting for? Get up off your ass and take care of business. Whatever it may be. Before it’s too late. Now. Goddammit.

Friday, March 20, 2009

#136 - Honor Roll

LaFevre would like to extend a blanket thank you and subsequent induction to his Honor Roll, to everyone around the world who use a product or service because of their charitable contributions and work, and/or their eco-friendly work ethic; in spite of the possible sub-standard service or not-very-good product provided.

Green Forest toilet paper may be recycled, but it still feels like the commercial-grade stuff used in corporate restrooms. Ouch. But LaFevre still uses it. And nothing else. (After all, when MD switched its name to AngelSoft, LaFevre just couldn’t fathom adding that to his grocery cart.)

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Tiger Claw says...

Veni, Vidi, Flying V - I came, I saw, I wailed.

#135 - Food For Thought

While we’re on the subject, since many fevisms are borne on the heels of other fevisms, ala “the bump”, here’s another on beer. And everything else, for that matter.

“If you drink more than you eat, you’ll be leaving your seat. If you eat more than you drink, you won’t reach the brink.” Everything in moderation, people. (For the record, LaFevre’s 440-Relay occurs only on weekends, lasting 12+ hours, and is filled with numerous meals, and catnaps. What else?!)

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

#134 - Beer Run

A new slang for an already-existing term, and relegated to the Dictionary of Contemporary Terms, the “440 Relay”. That would be four of LaFevre’s favorite beer, in the 40-oz size. When one reaches halfway down, rotate back to the fridge for the next one, to maintain continued coldness.

Friday, March 6, 2009

#133 - From The Hood

The hood. Reminds me of another famous term that changed every ten years, but meant the same. In the 70’s – fluorescent. 80’s – day-glo. 90’s – neon. Now – astrobright. Whoah. So, while “the hood’ has been around awhile, how many out there remember the days of “the ghetto”?! Hmm.

Here are two contemporary terms LaFevre wishes he had come up with, but is so impressed, he had to recognize.

The first refers to the classic espresso drink. Can’t afford it? Coffee and hot chocolate. The new term: ghetto mocha. Been around awhile. More recently, and this may not have been created by him, but he was the first from whom I heard the term used. Props to my man, Pete Brandt. Flatland king. Top 5 in the world. Check out his tricks –
www.petebrandt.com .

LaFevre’s graphic design work depends heavily on “cut ‘n’ paste”. This was standard for decades before the digital era, and the advent of new software that replaced it. For cut ‘n’ paste, I give you, “Ghetto Photoshop”. Thanks Pete.