Hey Folks - I apologize for the link, connect, and otherwise widespread confusion on graphic:DESIGN:basics today. I upgraded to WordPress 2.3.2, which is said to fix some security issues. However, that version created more problems on this site than I dare to count. I did fix the redirect from www.graphicdesignbasics.com to graphicdesignbasics.com, and I fixed the backend (wasn’t able to log in, nor could I reach any backend pages). Now I have to figure out how to get my tables back in order. Obviously, the new upgrade messed with my databases, even though they’re backed up from the previous version (which could be the problem).

If you have any solutions, please let me know. I’ve already followed Bob Sutor’s advice and did a table repair, but that seemed to do next to nothing to resolve the issues. Anyone else?

UPDATE: Out of frustration, I decided to go to the “update.php” page (thanks to an insight provided by a WordPress Codex forum thread at http://wordpress.org/support/), where I was informed that my databases had been updated. Instead of listening to that sage advice, I clicked on the “continue” link, and voila! Life is good. So, if you’re having the same problem with your site and you’ve already upgraded, you might try to visit the upgrade page again to make sure that this false message isn’t the problem. Go to http://www.your-site-here.com/wp-admin/upgrade.php, and if you see the message, “No Update Required. Your WordPress database is already up-to-date!”, ignore it. Click “continue” to see if that helps everything fall into place.

See you in 2008!

Party Dog is visiting from some strange place.

It’s difficult to see Booger’s eyes in the image at left, but he appears downright sad. It’s as though his last shred of respect for humanity has disappeared along with the polar ice caps.

But, it is that time of year, and folks will dress up their dogs, cats, and even the local squirrels if they have a chance. Materialism run rampant, I say.

Since Christmas falls on a Tuesday this year, I’m going to provide a break from the commercialism inherent in cutthroat contests for a day. I’ll be back the day after Christmas with another batch of wonderful and exciting new design competitions for you to enter.

Be joyful (if possible), be safe (if you can), and stay healthy enough to join me next week. Cheers!

Booger is visiting from Doctors Foster and Smith (If he really were visiting, he wouldn’t be wearing that silly outfit).

I have a pipeline straight to Colorado’s western slope, and I happen to know that the snow bunnies out there are shivering with goosebumps. Why? Because they finally got a good dump of snow! Ski season may be saved after all. Snow Puppy is happy, that’s for sure!

Russell Ossendryver has once again shown his fanaticism for open source with his 3-part compendium about Microsoft’s antics during the OOXML scandal - definitely worth a read!

I’m pleased to add FigDig.com to the list of “accoutrements” in the middle column - this is a great site to post your portfolios and more - go take a look!

Snow Puppy is visiting from Lab Rescue. Have a great weekend!

And I’m ready for summer. No huge news here this week, other than the fact that I’m somewhat intimidated by small women who drive monster trucks and who try to park those trucks front-end-forward in parking lots barely large enough for two small cars.

it wears me out just thinking about it.

Have a great weekend!

PS - This beautiful labradoodle named Bella is visiting from producer Tim Tyler’s site.

Oh, Sugar had a rough day last week during Black Friday. But, she made out with a bone and a prayer.

Seriously, Sugar lost her eye and a whole litter of pups before she was rescued from under a bridge near an airport runway. She’s is a charming Yellow Labrador Retriever mix, who appears to be between 2 and 3 years old and weights about 40 Lbs. - and she needs a loving home. If you would like to adopt Sugar or if you know someone who would adore her, visit Dogs Only to learn more about her (like the fact that she’s in Arkansas).

As for the Electrolux Design Lab, Levente Szabó from Moholy-Nagy University of Art & Design in Hungary won with his compact washing machine that uses soap nuts instead of detergent. Read more about his success and the other winners at Forbes.