I always knew there was a better way to make catalogs than manually plugging in every little detail and color box. Previously, I had dabbled at the possibility of automating AI files using the SVG extension, but didn't have the resources or time to follow through with a prototype process because it wasn't in my primary task list. Here at Reebok, the math/engineering/coding side of me is enthralled with the process of learning how to automate catalogs by combining applescript, InDesign coding, and specifically titled images. I look forward to helping to simplifying the process with new techniques they have planned.

My pen hits the paper for more sketching every time the computer is bogged down with a necessarily large task. Sketching in these periods of waiting is not only productive for them, but it keeps me motivated and learning. I've been whipping up some shoe and hat ideas, and hope to have a chance to show them to the right people.

Architecture for Humanity, led by Cameron Sinclair, is running their first design competition in three years. The Challenge is not only broad in reach but the communities they are working with are simply amazing. For the first time ever they are running a global design competition with three sites on three continents each with a unique challenge - from creating a fair-trade exchange and chocolate factory in the Ecuadorian Amazon, a youth center with media lab and recording studio in the heart of the informal settlements of Nairobi and a remote tele-medicine center in the foothills of the Himalayas. Entrants can enter one, two or all three sitehttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifs and yes you can win all three.

It's $25 to enter until December 15th and $30 after. If you are doing the competition as a studio we have special rates for large groups and as with every Architecture for Humanity competition it is free for any entries from developing nations.

Proceeds from the competition entry fees will be awarded to the top entry for each site. One overall winning solution will be built with funding from AMD (up to $250,000) as part of its 50x15 Initiative to connect 50 percent of the world to the Internet by 2015. Centers will be constructed for the other two sites and replicated for additional community partners as funding becomes available.

Learn more at http://www.openarchitecturenetwork.org/challenge.