Saturday, February 14, 2009
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
OMG! WSF, WTF?
I never really intended this blog to be so design-centric but I guess I can't help myself!
It seems that the World Squash Federation (not to be confused with the United Federation of Galactic Squash) has "updated" its logo. Yep, in an attempt, no doubt, to gain a little credibility in the eyes of the I.O.C. the WSF has moved away from the classic "Mollweide Projection" (I didn't make that up) to a trendy, contemporary little ditty. Strikes me as change for change's sake.
While the old WSF logo may have look dated there was something comforting about it. It looked like the logo of a governing body. (Or a division of Pan Am airlines:) It said "GLOBAL" and that was good.
The new one doesn't:
Take the tagline off and this logo could be for anything. Will someone please explain the two blue fangs? (I know: "Whoosh!") And does anyone else read "W I S F"? What happened to the "W"?
I do like the colours so here's my suggestion. No charge. Update with the new colour scheme and reposition the ball so that the equator line isn't competing and voila! Groovy and trendy and I'm sure that Jacques Rogge would approve.
Interestingly enough, I Googled to see if I could find out who designed the logo and no one is taking credit for it which makes me wonder. Anyone know who did it?
+ + +
On a related note, U.S. Squash has also recently updated their logo. Their old logo depicted a single old-school round headed racquet while their new one has two. That's progress.
It seems that the World Squash Federation (not to be confused with the United Federation of Galactic Squash) has "updated" its logo. Yep, in an attempt, no doubt, to gain a little credibility in the eyes of the I.O.C. the WSF has moved away from the classic "Mollweide Projection" (I didn't make that up) to a trendy, contemporary little ditty. Strikes me as change for change's sake.
While the old WSF logo may have look dated there was something comforting about it. It looked like the logo of a governing body. (Or a division of Pan Am airlines:) It said "GLOBAL" and that was good.
The new one doesn't:
Take the tagline off and this logo could be for anything. Will someone please explain the two blue fangs? (I know: "Whoosh!") And does anyone else read "W I S F"? What happened to the "W"?
I do like the colours so here's my suggestion. No charge. Update with the new colour scheme and reposition the ball so that the equator line isn't competing and voila! Groovy and trendy and I'm sure that Jacques Rogge would approve.
Interestingly enough, I Googled to see if I could find out who designed the logo and no one is taking credit for it which makes me wonder. Anyone know who did it?
+ + +
On a related note, U.S. Squash has also recently updated their logo. Their old logo depicted a single old-school round headed racquet while their new one has two. That's progress.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Canadian Nationals Host Announced
On January 9th, 2009, Squash Canada finally announced who would host this year's edition of the Canadian Squash Championships. And guess what? It's not in Toronto this year!
It's being held at the World Health Club in lovely Calgary. This bodes well for West Coast representation - at least it better! - and Squash Republic will be doing everything we can to convince people to head to Calgary.
Jonathan Hill, the club pro, had this to say: "I am very aware of the importance of there being a national squash championship. . . We will put on a top-class event!"
Excellent. Now, Mr. Hill, how about adding that companion event that we keep asking for?
VOTE IN OUR NATIONALS POLL!
(It's over there on the left. No, further down. Yep, there you go.)
(Apologies to Matt Giuffre for taking his place in the photo above:)
Read Squash Canada's official announcement here.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
A squash player's Christmas list
The snow falling outside has reminded me that it's time to start shopping and that reminded me that not everyone knows what a squash player might need or want to find under their tree on Christmas morning. I personally haven't opened any well meant racquetball paraphernalia but I've heard many the sad tale.
1. A WISPA calendar!
This one is obviously for the boys but could be good, clean entertainment for the whole family! The days of the thong are long gone (can't believe I even mentioned it:).
Order yours at WISPA for only £12.25! Miss August is my personal fave:)
2. Lessons!
Holy moly do we need these! Find out where your love plays and get them a couple of lessons with their club pro - they'll love you for it and will have to thank you when they finally win something.
3. That groovy ball warmer thingy.
Remember this? We had a bunch of players asking where to get this beauty. Seems more of us would rather have a warm one in the bag than a cold one on court (or something like that:)
Get them for 10 Euros at Jet Bounce and let us know how they work!
4. That new Jonathon Power DVD
He's my fave. Simple as that.
It's only $79.00 - go on order it at JP Squash.com
This instructional DVD has it all: 100 drills (!), a downloadable list to keep in your bag and commentary and demonstration by JP himself that explains the proper execution and goals of each drill.
I've got the one before this, "Exposed", and loved it.
5. A PSA tournament CD
There's nothing like watching your favourite players playing. Rewinding to figure out how they hit that shot? Of course you are. And who films these things? Jean Delierre that's who.
Check out the growing list of matches at SquashLive.com.
6. A "S.C.R.U. Squash" t-shirt
Truly, the finest squash t-shirts in the galaxy. How many times do we have to tell you?
From the famous "SCRU Squash, Let's Drink" (worn here by Nicol David) to the new Melanie Jans Signature Line, you can't lose.
100% Canadian. They don't brag, they mostly boast.
Super Charged Racquets and Upparel. Check em out.
And what about a couple that money can't buy?
A drop shot -
Santa, please put a drop shot in my stocking this year. Puh-leeze.
A companion event at this year's Canadian Nationals -
So that I can go and play in the same tournament as Jonathon and Mel and the best from around Canada!
Squash in the Olympics -
Duh, because we deserve it.
Free referee clinics!
For my friends who don't really know the rules so much.
More songs about squash!
1. A WISPA calendar!
This one is obviously for the boys but could be good, clean entertainment for the whole family! The days of the thong are long gone (can't believe I even mentioned it:).
Order yours at WISPA for only £12.25! Miss August is my personal fave:)
2. Lessons!
Holy moly do we need these! Find out where your love plays and get them a couple of lessons with their club pro - they'll love you for it and will have to thank you when they finally win something.
3. That groovy ball warmer thingy.
Remember this? We had a bunch of players asking where to get this beauty. Seems more of us would rather have a warm one in the bag than a cold one on court (or something like that:)
Get them for 10 Euros at Jet Bounce and let us know how they work!
4. That new Jonathon Power DVD
He's my fave. Simple as that.
It's only $79.00 - go on order it at JP Squash.com
This instructional DVD has it all: 100 drills (!), a downloadable list to keep in your bag and commentary and demonstration by JP himself that explains the proper execution and goals of each drill.
I've got the one before this, "Exposed", and loved it.
5. A PSA tournament CD
There's nothing like watching your favourite players playing. Rewinding to figure out how they hit that shot? Of course you are. And who films these things? Jean Delierre that's who.
Check out the growing list of matches at SquashLive.com.
6. A "S.C.R.U. Squash" t-shirt
Truly, the finest squash t-shirts in the galaxy. How many times do we have to tell you?
From the famous "SCRU Squash, Let's Drink" (worn here by Nicol David) to the new Melanie Jans Signature Line, you can't lose.
100% Canadian. They don't brag, they mostly boast.Super Charged Racquets and Upparel. Check em out.
And what about a couple that money can't buy?
A drop shot -
Santa, please put a drop shot in my stocking this year. Puh-leeze.
A companion event at this year's Canadian Nationals -
So that I can go and play in the same tournament as Jonathon and Mel and the best from around Canada!
Squash in the Olympics -
Duh, because we deserve it.
Free referee clinics!
For my friends who don't really know the rules so much.
More songs about squash!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Open Letter to Squash Canada
Dear Squash Canada,
How are you?
It’s Robert and I am writing to you as fan of our game and as a past participant of the yearly celebration known as “The Canadian Squash Championships”.
I’m desperately waiting for information for the upcoming nationals. Where is it going to be held this year? I’ve heard rumours about Montreal (fantastique!) but the cynics are grumbling that you’ll probably hold it in Toronto again (yawn). I overheard someone say it could be Ottawa. That could be fun:) I check your website, www.squash.ca, almost every day for news but so far nothing and I’m becoming a bit impatient.
(I’ll grant that you’ve got last year’s event info up but, oh jeez, you still haven’t posted any photos! All the page says is “Information Coming Soon!” - That tournament was in April! What the hizzy? Did someone lose the film?)
I’m worried about you Squash Canada. And I’m worried about our beloved game. We’re talking about the NATIONALS here! Where are the press releases? Where’s the fanfare? The posters? At the very least, where are the posters that are supposed to convince us to come and play? Last year I didn’t see a poster at my club. Check that: I didn’t see a poster in Vancouver. (If you sent out an email reminder to your members I didn’t get it.)
Squash Canada, I did a little research on the number of participants taking part in the nationals and what I found was a little disconcerting. In 2005 the Canadian Squash Championships, in Vancouver, hosted 434 players (which is still a ridiculously small percentage of Canadians playing) but last year the number had dropped to under 300. Ouch. I’d like to think that it’s because the host club (White Oaks) opted out of having a companion event (where A’s through D’s could play instead of being forced to play in age categories) but I’m not sure. The numbers have been shrinking for a while and I bet you're worried that your sponsors may catch wind of this.
So, let’s bring the numbers back up! Let’s invite ALL Canadian squash players to their nationals! Mandate that the next host club include a companion event so that every level of player can participate. Here’s an added bonus: I can guarantee that a lot of the players playing in the companion event will buy tickets to see the Open matches. We love the game so much that we’ll fill the stands in front of the glass court. Your sponsors will love to see that!
Anyway, give it some thought Squash Canada and let me know as soon as you can where the nationals are going to be. Christmas is coming and I want to know how many Air Miles to ask Santa for.
All the best,
Robert
Monday, October 27, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
New Manta Racquets - A sneak peek!
My graphic design firm, Pacey + Pacey Design, was recently hired to overhaul the artwork for Manta's line of squash racquets. We reworked the colour schemes, redesigned all the logos and even named one of the racquets - The X Factor. The final prototypes have arrived and if you're a member of Squash Republic's Facebook group you've seen these photos but if you're not I'm pleased to present this sneak preview of Manta's highly anticipated 2009 Collection.
The entire line will be available for sale online January 1, 2009 at Super Charged Racquets & Upparel (aka S.C.R.U. Squash). Nice.
The entire line will be available for sale online January 1, 2009 at Super Charged Racquets & Upparel (aka S.C.R.U. Squash). Nice.
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