Furious. That's how it's been here at OLG lately. We've had an insane amount of work for some incredibly cool, lovable, passionate clients. And we're loving every minute of it.

For instance, We just finished up an overhaul of the Learn United web site. We launched the first site toward the end of 2008 when United Way of Allen County's Learn United campaign was just getting started. It picked up steam fast — the community has generously donated toward buying books and funding programs, thousands of volunteers have answered the call to help our kids LOVE reading, and classrooms throughout the county are benefitting from the community's care and support.

With more of a story to tell, and a growing need for robust online resources for volunteers, we realized it was time to kick up the web site a notch. And yesterday, the new site was launched: http://www.learnunited.org

Have a look, learn about the efforts and be a volunteer. Have a look at the "Why Learn United" page to find out exactly what this campaign is all about. You'll see some of the TV spots we produced in the summer of 2009 for the campaign. Then head over to volunteer resources and download a sweet desktop wallpaper for your computers at work and home.

Oh yeah, if you're on the mobile web, check out the streamlined, lite version of the site we created specifically for mobile browsers: http://m.learnunited.org.

Here's a little brochure we created for Lutheran Health Physicians. They asked us to help them illustrate their understanding of how tough it is for many medical practices in this tough economy — they're businesses are getting picked apart by increasing medical expenses. IT reminded us of that old game, Operation, only now the docs are on the table.

This was the inspiration for our cover illustration. We wanted it to catch they eye of busy physicians who frankly don't have time to read. WI drew the illustration by hand, touched it up in Photoshop, and then added it to a photograph we took of an old Operation game board. (Thanks to Mr. Utesch for finding one buried in his closet.)

The crux of the brochure is an invitation to join Lutheran Health Physicians and enjoy the benefits of being part of the Lutheran Health Network - the healthcare network more patients in NE Indiana choose than any other.    

2010 is the 50th Anniversary for Anthony Wayne Services (AWS). Since 1960, they have organized support services that help people with disabilities thrive. These services are offered throughout Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and more. 

At One Lucky Guitar, we're fortunate to be able to work with such a fun group of folks, first to design the AWS Foundation logo and web site, and now to help them commemorate this 50-year milestone. We used the existing AWS logo design and created a 50th Anniversary seal around it for use throughout 2010. 

Happy Anniversary, AWS. We're proud to have such a noble organization HQ'd here in Fort Wayne.

Wow. So much amazing music from 2009 to sort though. After a few weeks of thoughtful deliberation and consideration, I've distilled my most significant musics of 2009 into an assortment of top picks lists. And there's so much more tremendous music not even mentioned here (like Bibio, The Growlers, 800 Beloved, Etienne Jaumet, etc). 2010, you have some big shoes to fill!

FIVE FAVORITE ALBUMS OF 2009, in no particular order

Not only are these phenomenal works of art in their own right, but these are albums I carried with me throughout the year. They created the soundtrack for all the significant times and seasons throughout 2009. 

Here We Go Magic, Here We Go Magic 

The XX, XX

M. Ward, Hold Time

Dark Was the Night, Volumes I & II (Various Artists Compilation)

Metavari, Be One of Us and Hear No Noise

TEN FAVORITE SONGS OF 2009, in no particular

Even though not all of them are part of my top 5 favorite albums, these songs still played crucial roles on my summer road trips, weekend getaways, long days working on house projects and, of course, more than a few furious days at OLG. And yet, there are still so many more songs that didn't make it to the top ten.

Metavari, Shimmer Marina

Andrew Bird, Masterswarm

The XX, Infinity

Yo La Tengo, Gentle Hours

M. Ward, Jailbird

Here We Go Magic, I Just Want to See You Underwater

The Drums, Submarine

Julian Casablancas, Out of the Blue

Sufjan Stevens, You Are The Blood

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Young Adult Friction

FAVORITE SHOWS

I had a light year for concerts, but a few gems really stood out:

Here We Go Magic at Radio Radio in Indianapolis

Metavari's Be One of Us & Hear No Noise Album Release Show at Indiana Tech, Fort Wayne

Ben Folds with The Fort Wayne Philharmonic at The Embassy Theatre, Fort Wayne

HONORABLE MENTION

Here's a general list of other stuff that I really loved this year. If I was listing my top 15 or 25, these would absolutely be included.

Andrew Bird, Noble Beast, Useless Creatures

Julian Casablancas, Phrazes for the Young

The Drums, Summertime

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart

Tycho, Coastal Brake

MILD DISAPPOINTMENTS

Below you'll find a roster of some of my favorite bands. And, as you know, it's easy to be overly critical and have a lot of expectations for your favorites. So maybe I'm being a little harsh, but these album just fell flat for me. They lacked staying power. Each have some stellar songwriting, but nothing here really grabbed my heartstrings and pulled me back for more after the first few listens.

Yo La Tengo, Popular Songs

Kings of Convenience, Declaration of Dependence

Eels, Hombre Lobo

Neko Case, Middle Cyclone

Clem Snide, Hungry Bird

We finished up a new ad for RediMed last week. It gave me the chance to work on a few new vector illustrations focusing on simple ways to avoid getting sick by keeping your hands clean—it's the best way to keep from getting sick. We and our friends at RediMed agreed that disinfecting your shopping cart handle was an especially great suggestion to share with customers—especially with so many different child and adult hands on them. Many grocery stores provide wipes, too, so use them!

Enjoy your weekend everyone, and stay healthy.