SEI Design Group Blog

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SEI Design Group

Wild Child

According to Mazda, every family has one, and SEI is no exception.  Jimmi couldn't stand Eric having a faster car than him, and had to go get his new honey, a Mazda Speed3 (Mazda's self proclaimed Wild Child).  This Wild Child certainly looks happy in his Cosmic Blue sporty rig. We understand that it is a very fuel efficient vehicle, right Jimmi?  :-)

Celebrate Earth Day!

It's time to celebrate Earth Day.  Here are some links to get you in the Green Earth Day mood:

• Activities for Teachers
• EPA sponsored events
• Earth Day Crafts
• Global Earth Day Network
• Earth Day History

IKEA Train?

Gizmodo recently reported that one of our favorite stores, IKEA, had outfitted the Kobe monorail in Japan.  The Swedish store is opening a new chain and decked out the train in full IKEA style as a promotion.

Rotating Architecture in Dubai

In honor of Steve, we post a video of the Da Vinci Tower in Dubai.  The floors on this 78 floor skyscraper all rotate independently.   With each floor rotating 360 degrees every ninety minutes, your view is always changing.

What Does Your Social Security Number End With?

If you qualify for a stimulus payment from the IRS, you might get a check as early as May 2nd if your social security number ends in a low number.  See the details here thanks to Eric.

Deals Too Good To Ignore

The best computer or iPod speakers with a cool design - Haman Kardon Soundsticks (yes -they are even better than Creative Labs) are now on sale through Dell at $60 off with free shipping for a total of $109.99.  For a great deal on a wireless keyboard and mouse Staples has a  Logitech $84.99 combo for $49.99.

Bowled Over in Albany

The Albany crew had a bowling outing on Friday.  If pictures do not lie, Janice had the best form.  Don't forget you can click the images in our blog posts to enlarge. Looks like everyone had fun!

SEI March Madness Contest Winners

After an incredible overtime finish, Kansas won, and as a result there was a tie for top score.  Kathy and Vic (playing for Dan the Man) had the top March Madness scores, but Dan the Man won due to a tiebreaker.  Russ pulled last place, but at least he gets his $$$ back. Thanks to Mike for setting it up.  Congrats to the winners!!!

Notice Anything New?

Have you been on our website lately?  We are doing our best to keep upgrading our online information.  If you are using a small laptop or monitor, try the full screen version.  More changes will be added including a brand new look for our blog in the near future.

Congratulations Morristown CSD!

Voters approved two Capital Project Propositions in Morristown. Work includes roof reconstruction,window replacements, gym acoustics, food service upgrades, mechanical and electrical upgrades, and work at the bus garage.

Another Curve

Just announced - another must have accessory that would go very well with Jimmy Mac's earbud.  Rumors on the internet were actually correct about Verizon releasing the Curve. Verizon is usually about one year behind the release from other service providers, and this is no exception.

Write and Sketch Like Hemingway and Picasso

To aquire the moleskine notebooks used  by Picasso, Hemingway and Van Gogh, visit Moleskines.com.  You can find notebooks with paper for every purpose from storyboarding to music, to grids. They also provide many writing instruments.  The prices are reasonable, and you will be able to neatly organize your thoughts and artistic impressions.

Tune Up With TuneFind

Have you ever been in the middle of watching a TV show and a song comes on that you love, but you don't know the title or artist?  TuneFind.com can solve your problem.  This handy website lets you look up songs based on TV episode, movie, artist or title.  You can then click and listen to the selection right in iTunes.  Check out our latest find, Apologies.  Happy listening!

SEI SCOOP: Ben and Jerry's Free Cone Day 2008

Here's the scoop well in advance so you can mark your calendars.  As we told you last year, one of SEI's partners, Bari Lee, went to school with Ben and Jerry.  Each year Ben and Jerry's holds  a program where they offer a free cone at their scoop shops.  The date for 2008 is April 29 and celebrates their 30th anniversary.  Click here to find a location near you and mark the date on your calendar.

Do You Virtu?

We highly recommend Virtu, a trendy Rochester restaurant in Corn Hill on the Genesee River.  If you decide to visit, you must order the new SEI special - turf and turf.  Sorry Gian-Paul.

Moving On Up!

The Capital District Business Review recently published the top 25 Architecture Firms in the Capital Region.  SEI Design Group was ranked #8!  This is up from the 2007 ranking where we were ranked #25.  Congrats to the Albany office!

Game On!

March Madness is officially on!    You can play up to 3 brackets at $5 each.  Leader takes all except for the $5 that goes to the lowest performing bracket. Contact us to get the rules and link for your brackets.  It is easy this year since you just click online and can monitor the same way.  Join SEI March Madness now!

Announcing New SEI Design Group Staff Members

Lynanne H. Wehner, AIA    Project Manager

Andrea M. Salinas             Administrative Assistant

It Won't Be Long (Yeah Yeah Yeah)

Are you ready for March Madness?  There will be prizes and surprises.  Invite your friends and family - all are welcome!  To listen to It Won't Be Long, here are two clips - 1964 Beatles and Evan Rachel Wood in Across the Universe.  Who saw Across the Universe and what did you think?

Mousing Around

FOS Jimmy Mac is really excited about his new laptop mouse, the Logitech VX Revolution.  Found a deal for this decked out $79.99 mouse for $23.99 on Techbargains.  What is your favorite mouse?  Any advice would be appreciated for those who haven't upgraded yet.

Unusual Things Contest With a Twist

Another in our series of unusual things we find in and around our client's facilities.  This contest has a twist. Instead of identifying the location, this time the person with the best comment posted will win the prize. Even employees and family members of SEI Design Group can play in this contest. Post your comments before March 15 to win a basketball cell phone holder. 

Congratulations Tupper Lake CSD

Voters today overwhelmingly approved two Capital Project Propositions in Tupper Lake. Work includes reconstruction, health and safety and  infrastructure work at the Elementary School, Middle/ High School, Civic Center and bus garage and upgrades to Tupper Lake Public Library.

SEI Wins AIA Design Award!

SEI Design Group was thrilled to receive this year's Design Award from the Rochester AIA for our office design at the Parry Building in High Falls.  The SEI gang had a great time at the Gala Award Presentation on Saturday night.  This article from the D&C gives some of the details. The entry for the contest was restricted to one 36" board.

Cool Website - FlightAware

Are you taking a flight?  Just type the airline and flight number into Google and select the link for FlightAware.  It will give you up to date information including tracking the flight.

Congratulations Lansingburgh CSD!

Voters today overwhelmingly approved a Capital Project in Lansingburgh. The project includes ADA, security, mechanical  and other infrastructure upgrades, as well as programmatic enhancements.

Unusual Things Contest #8

Another in our series of unusual things we find in and around our client's facilities.  Click the photo to enlarge. If you correctly guess the location, a bean bag chair for your cell phone will be coming your way!   As usual, employees and family members of SEI Design Group are exempt from this contest. Email your entry today.  

Do You Techbargain?

An all-time great site, Techbargains, is THE place to check for the latest bargains for all your techie needs.  We have found incredible bargains with limited use coupons and deals that are relatively unknown on the internet. If you are looking for great deals on iPods, be sure to check this list. Two recent bargains we took advantage of: $400 off a Dell desktop, and 30% off an HP desktop.

Syracuse CSD Education Foundation Breakfast

The Syracuse City School District Education Foundation Recognition Breakfast is April 5, 2008.  This year the Foundation is honoring Crouse Memorial Hospital and Jan Maloff.  Joanie Mahoney is the guest speaker.  The Education Foundation raises money for teacher grants for items or activities that can't be funded in the operating budget.  These grants have helped enrich experiences for many students. Email us for more information or the invitation.

Not So Big House

Sarah Susanka of Not So Big House fame has just released a new book, Not So Big Life.  According to Susanka, the theories she applies to architecture and design can be similarly applied to life.  In her Not So Big series, she focuses on quality rather than quantity in design.

Yes Vic - Chocolate Is Good For You (In Moderation)

With the passing of Valentine's Day, it is only appropriate to mention CHOCOLATE.  Of course at SEI, it is appropriate to mention chocolate every day!  This video of a study from John's Hopkins proves what Vic always dreamed was true.  Chocolate helps you have a healthy heart.  Of course, they specify "in small portions".

SEI Contest Winners!!

Well, the judges are done and ready to announce the Valentine's Contest winners.  Thanks to all the contestants for entering.  Jimmi Van Schaffel took first place and wins the Barry White Singing Monkey. Honorable mention and a $15 Stabucks card go to Jenna Maine, Karen Caruso and Paula Loiacano.  Entries will be revealed at Monday's Staff Meeting.  Congratulations to all!

Contest Update

Contest Rules:  Submit a photo or .jpg file that "says SEI".  Be creative -think outside the box!  Email your entries by February 13th.  You may enter up to 3 times.  The winner of Garstang, the Barry White Singing Monkey, (see video below) will be announced on Valentine's Day. 

Contest Prize Revealed

Have you completed your entry for the Valentine's Day Contest?  The prize is revealed here....  What do you think?

Webinfiniti Contest

SEI is not the only blog running a contest this week.  Bloggers - check out Joe's contest at Webinfiniti, and hopefully Joe and his friends will participate in our Valentine's Contest.  Joe's contest is to win a new exclusive theme from our friends at Unique Blog Designs.  Have fun all!

SEI Valentine's Contest Is Here!

Contest Rules:  Submit a photo that "says SEI".  Be creative -think outside the box!  Email your entries by February 13th.  You may enter up to 3 times.  All SEI staff, clients, friends, family and all readers are invited to join the fun.   One lucky winner will receive.....  Today's hint is.... garstang.

Valentine's Day Contest Starts Tomorrow!

The contest and prize will be be revealed shortly.  Be prepared!  Everyone can play - even SEI staff!  This is one contest you will want to win because the prize is (oops - sorry - can't tell yet).    Today's prize hint is...Not Black.

Can You Say Happy Valentine's Day?

Say it with a pink nano.  You can really SAY it with a Kate Spade bag or a pen or cuff links from Cross.  Or send the best Italian cookies from Bella Bakery, where John Bella learned how to make cookies from his grandfather.  If all else fails, iTunes Gift Cards always hit the spot.  Just don't forget!  Watch the SEI blog this week and you can win a cool Valentine's Gift.

Midtown's Last Hurrah

Midtown Plaza will be coming down to make way for PAETEC's world headquarters. This video of Midtown Plaza in 1963 is a tribute to the mall.

Latest Addition to the SEI Family

This is not your grandmother's Subaru.  Congrats Eric.

Ultimate Stadium

Now that everyone is done discussing the merits of the superbowl commercials, let's get down to design of the $455M University of Phoenix Stadium.  This stadium, modeled after a barrel cactus, has a "bird-air" fabric roof that has retractable panels, 10 elevators, 19 escalators and a fully retractable grass surface.  What did you think of the design?  Feel free to comment below.

Announcing New SEI Design Group Staff Member

         

        Allan J. Dickson, Assoc. AIA

        Architectural Designer

Lego Brick Turns 50!

The Google Blog reported on the 50th Anniversary of the Lego Brick including some of the many Lego videos on YouTube.  Ted, our very own Thriller, will surely appreciate the Lego Thriller video on Google Blog.  The Lego video below gives some background on everyone's favorite building block - the Lego Brick.

iTunes Box Set Deal

Did you get a new iPod recently?  Do you need to load up on songs?  Use this coupon from Chris Pirillo.  For example, there is a Best of the Beach Boys Box Set for $7.99 with 30 songs.  The Very Best of Sheryl Crow has 16 excellent selections.  Fill 'er up!

Why You Should Be LinkedIn

We (SEI) have only been on LinkedIn a short while, but some of us find it very beneficial.  Within days of joining, we started to hear from business associates we had lost touch with. If you haven't joined LinkedIn yet, spend a few minutes and get connected.  This article about LinkedIn founder, Reid Hoffman should convince you.

Another Must Have Accesory

FOS, Jimmy Mac has been raving about  his new techie bling, the Motorola Motopure H12.  This bluetooth earphone has 2 microphones to filter out background noise.  The demo seems pretty incredible, so had to order one.  Found the best price here.

Congratulations Pocantico Hills Central School!

Voters today approved the Capital Project in Pocantico Hills, which is in Westchester County, NY.  The project includes building envelope and mechanical infrastructure upgrades, accessibility as well as programmatic enhancements.

Chairs That Speak to You

Moco Loco always has cool stuff on their blog and these Gerard de Hoop Stickstool chairs are no exception. The Dutch design allows you to customize the chairs with stickers or posters to get your message across.  The third chair, the Graphittistool, can be decorated (sprayed) by graphitti artists.

CNN's Digital World

This quiz at CNN.com was very interesting.  You have to rank your gadgets and gizmos, then you can see how you compare to others who have ranked theirs.  We found it difficult to limit to 10 and to make the decisions.

Best Of CES According to David Pogue

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) finished last week, but this David Pogue video is still informative and amusing.  If you enjoy David Pogue, you can subscribe to his NY Times Videos free through iTunes.