[Migrations are movements that animals make regularly or periodically (seasonally) along precise (and generally repeated) routes that cover long distances, which are followed by a return to the point of origin.] (translated from Italian Wikipedia)

I’ve quoted from Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia, to give you some sad, but also exciting, news.

We are working on a series of new communication projects, of which I can’t tell you about yet, that have led us to suspend Duck Side, at least for now.
This is a time when a lot of energy is needed, and people have been telling me, “we need you”. So, I can’t really say if or when I’ll be coming back to work on our blog. I hope that this “freezer” period will not go on for too long. I’d like to take a moment to review what we’ve accomplished up to now.

For the past two years, Duck Side has been a window, which has always been open and always let in fresh air, onto us and our world. We have shared a fantastic journey. We have stayed in formation with out overdoing it. I am truly proud to have been a part of it along with many of my colleagues who have found a voice through the blog.

Prior to this wonderful adventure, my passion for writing was decidedly latent.
However, as the days went by, the words did come to me easily and spontaneously. I’ve discovered firsthand that communication enriches both those who write and those who read.
Being the “spokesperson” for a company of the caliber of Mandarina Duck has been a great honor. It has allowed me to learn that the Web is not just a cold virtual dimension made up of keystrokes and numbers but a true opportunity to dialogue and to share news, suggestions, thoughts and emotions.

It is made up of lovely people who have helped me everyday in my personal electronic battle, even against my own capricious computer (I can’t tell you how many times it has crashed!).

When I see corporate blogs on Google, I can say that ours is up there with the best of them. While, I don’t know much about algorithms, I think that that is a good thing. Our efforts have helped to put Italian business on the Web and I hope that many other companies will follow. Behind the websites are good ideas, real people and human warmth.

People like you, whom I give a big “thank you” to for your patience, respect, participation, advice and praise, all of which has made us a better company.

Goodbye for now!

Rossana aka “Ducky”

Technorati Tags: migrations, Mandarina Duck

New year, new life! I’ve finally moved into my new home sweet home! The Christmas holidays just flew by amongst packages, carrying heavy boxes up the stairs (I’ve got a case of sciatic nerve!) and my bright new colorful home accessories!
I almost missed our annual Mandarina Duck party, organized by ourselves, due to my graphics course that went until 10 pm.

I spent Christmas Day in Porretta with my family having lunch and opening presents. Despite all my subliminal suggestions on the blog (which I doubt my family had read a word of), I received many useful presents: an espresso machine, a water vacuum cleaner and a pre-paid Ikea card.
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These days, I’m in a panic with a long list of gifts that I haven’t checked off yet.Well, there’s always fashion and design. Hopefully, without having to take out a mortgage! Mmm! Why not solve my problem with books?

“Trendy, Sexy et incoscient” by Pascale Navarri is perfect for those friends of yours who are always worried about their look. With such a treatise on fashion psychology handy, everything is easier. From “child-like adult” clothes to “autosexy-visuel” shoes (I think I need a guide here), at least they’ll know what to exclude! 

Looking for the perfect for New Year’s Eve look? Here’s a pocketbook solution: “One Hundred” by Nina Garcia is a bible of the top 100 must-have pieces that a woman should have in her closet! It will certainly cut down on shopping time and help you to choose those timeless pieces.

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The time for gathering round the tree is coming soon and I haven’t had any time to think about gifts yet.

Apart from the usual safe purchases I do every year at the Mandarina shop (it’s a pity I can no longer take advantage of a 10% discount for my first online purchase!), I think I’ll try the traditional method of real shopping. It will certainly help relieve the stress of my moving!

Well, before I go shopping, I’ll get ideas for my list on the Web, perhaps by using a personal shopping website. That should shorten my shopping time.

My (hopefully well focused) shopping list:

For friends who are super-anxious or in crisis? A self-shaping chair by Droog Design. It could take my place in helping them to vent.

I’ve found a cute, feathered hair band, which could be cool for a New Year’s Eve party or as a message to a charming friend. At least she won’t have to get dressed up like a Christmas tree…
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It’s that time of year when we are surrounded by countdowns to Christmas and I must confess that, if I still were a kid (and maybe even not), I’d love to have a Hamleys’ Advent Calendar.  Its little windows are filled with real presents such as hairclips, bracelets and other nifty items!

Now is the moment for that perennial question “a la Hamlet”: nativity scene or Christmas tree? Or both perhaps?

I’m quite tempted by eco-trees, which could be made from tin cans, paper boxes, electric wires, forks, etc. (everything recycled!). Unfortunately, I can’t decorate my home this year because I have to move out at the end of December. So instead, I’m boxing up my entire life!

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The trend of virtual catwalks seemed to be happening only at Italian Life, the island of Italian style at Second Life. Well, I never believed that it would have any influence on the “analogic” fashion world! 

Viktor & Rolf have virtualized Shalom Harlow and created a completely online catwalk. Many clones of the top model were used to present their Spring-Summer 09 collection. Perhaps it’s a conscious decision due to the economic crisis. They’ve certainly reduced their number of models. Certainly, one of world’s top-paid models couldn’t have come cheap!

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Who doesn’t know about those famous, colorful building blocks?
Lego is turning 50!
Well, I know that time is rushing by but I never realized just how long ago it’s been since I fought (gently, of course) over Lego blocks with my brother.

Lego  has broken the Guinness World Record for the tallest building block tower, which has been constructed by children and adults in Vienna. Modern Peter Pans will now have much to dabble in!

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Would putting a forest in our homes be enough to make us eco-logical?
Well, Naruse Inokuma has designed a room containing only biocompatible materials. It would add a touch of nature to my plastic Ikea plants!

Of course, it wouldn’t be enough. Now, I’m not suggesting that we go back to old-fashioned wood-burning stoves but to start living better, we only need to take a few eco-actions:

1. Drink tap water: use the now famous Brita “water pitcher” with replaceable filters for fast and easy drinking water!

2. Generate energy: if you have no place for solar panels, then try the “Energy Tree” created by Beghelli that uses both solar and geothermal energy. The yard of my apartment building needs a new look and in summertime the temperature reaches 50°C there. So, I’ll definitely propose this at our next tenant meeting!

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I was just about to schedule an appointment for two months from now, when I realized that I couldn’t put it into my desk calendar because the year is almost up!

The year 2008 has just flown by so fast. Perhaps it is because life has been so intense and the cold has only just arrived that I only realized now I need to find a new calendar for 2009.

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We’ve known that chocolate is healthy since the time of the ancient Mayas.

What’s really incredible is that it’s now used as a beauty treatment thanks to its slimming, draining and anti-stress properties.
You are wrapped with warm chocolate and pampered. Who could resist? Well, I have my doubts about its slimming properties because I don’t see how I could stop my tongue from satisfying my passion for chocolate!

Well, I think I have a solution: choco-design.
If chocolate bars are lamps, carpets, chairs or iPhone holders, then, of course, there are no counter-indications! And no risk of exceeding calorie counts or dirtying ourselves with melted chocolate!
The only problem is to control excessive watering mouth.

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