hey everyone — aj here.
matt asked me to find a new theme… something minimalist.
we’ll be working on it a bit here tonight, so go easy on me.
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latest photos
All images
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107 Comments
Hahaha. I reloaded the page a few times, and keep finding a new style of header. I thought it was pretty funny, and also rather cute.
I liked the one which had all caps (possibly a Times New Roman kind of font), and Madeline on the line below Matt and Liz.
stylistically very nice. my eyes would appreciate something a little less stark than the bright white background, though.
I miss the pics in the header. That’s my two cents.
A little color is always nice. I suppose pink is out? I like sans serif on the web, don’t like serif so much, too hard to read. Also, I like some of the eresources out there that try to emulate a page. Much nicer to read than black and white. I know, I’ve read entire books on-line.
What about Lake Minnetonka? Or what about some of the flower shots? Worth some thought, I think.
Good luck!
hey aj — something a little softer on the eyes than white? I like stylist but simple websites.
I think it’s perfect.
I miss the old one. I want Matt’s photos… change it up maybe.. but I liked the old one best.
I liked the picture header too. it is also kind of weird to have the home/flicker thing in the middle of the page and not loading onto the right side….The gray/white is still hard on the eyes…maybe you could make some sort of robot wallpaper to paper the background…just a thought
take your time, we’re here all night
Just nothing all kitschy and cute. Blech.
i like it so far… but i think i’ll go back to lurking and reading..
this one isn’t loading correctly on my mac.
I say add a picture of the cute nugget and family at the top, and then it’s perfect.
I say if it aint broke don’t fix it. I thought it was fine the way it is. But that’s just me…I don’t like change. =)
Asalamalaykom,
The header…
grammatically?
matt, liz, and madeline
You need an extra comma
or…
matt and liz and madeline
I like this. It’s the Arabic way to do it, by the way; to put “and” between every item. It connects alll of you equally.
The pic by Sonja (on flickr) of Madeline’s eyelashes way too cool.
Welcome back from your fishing trip matt. have fun at the twinkies game
The grey is sort of fuckin’ depressing.
A lot of the boxes and text bleed into each other.
It doesn’t quite seem, “Matt”-ish, to me. I guess what I mean is that it doesn’t seem extremely earthy as well as profane, yet intellectual and witty, with a touch of most-of-the-time-polite sarcasm, along with Midwestern attentiveness and pragmatism.
Add beer, dry humor, video games, bust-your-guts laughing at a Logelin comment, and an interesting collection of music and books.
And key lime pie martinis.
I’m just trying to get a discussion going, so critique / expand / say “WTF?” to anything I wrote above this paragraph.
Matt, it’s really fuckin’ hot here today. Enjoy the MN weather.
Sweet Jesus, now I have a crush on the Male Beecher, too.
what the fuck?!?
How was the fishin’?
Whatever you do, it’s fuckin’ rad. I just want to see the funky Matt photos and q-t-pie Maddy updates.
P.s. I agree with Male Beecher. It is a little too depressing. Perhaps green instead of blue? Blue is just so…blue.
Ya know?
DAMNIT! I left two comments on an old post! FUCK ME!
Sum it up….I liked the old header but if you need a change I’m voting on robots, 2) your daughter is fucking adorable! SO CUTE!
Key Lime Pie Martinis sound AWESOME! I could definitely go for one of those.
Have a great time at the Twins game… and think about how perfect a night for baseball this would be in the new stadium. Sigh…
Grey is little depressing. But the pictures do pop out better.
Maybe some blues? or light yellows?
@sonja – the picture you took of Madeline’s eyelashes is absolutely beautiful!!! It is a great shot!
It’s too stark and grey. Not saying it should be rainbow or anything, just a little color. I really like the old style, at least the old font, easier on the eyes to read.
Change is fun, especially when you’re bored.
I also agree with the male beecher – it is very grey….. kind of a downer.
I’m not [yawn] sure about the [yawn] grayish-blue background [yawn]. It’s pretty, but somehozzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
That said, I’ll keep reading no matter how it looks, even if it have to keep my eyelids propped open with toothpicks to do so. You are just that awesome.
Now where did I leave the Prozac…
Matt, a friend of a friend of yours told me about your blog. It’s amazing.
I have three small children and I am compelled to give you some random parenting advice. The two best pieces of advice I can give are:
1. Make sure M. learns to “put herself to sleep”, meaning you put her down in her bed while she’s tired but still awake. This is the key to developing good sleep habits.
2. Of all the fancy diaper creams out there, nothing works better than a nice thick coat of Vaseline. I am miss organic natural products, but in this case, Vaseline, baby. Vaseline.
My third bit was “learn to breastfeed while lying down”, but I guess that doesn’t really apply to you.
Have a great day.
LMAO, you guys are totally not being fucking easy on AJ. He is still working on it! I seriously dounbt minimalist means gray with black text.
Or maybe I am wrong. If I am, then fuckin A, this page looks as boring as my MySpace page. Which is REALLY fucking boring.
Ummm… sorry AJ, try again. This needs to be as colorful as Matt… so far this is too boring and bland. How do you expect the 3am posters to stay awake?
@male beecher… key lime pie martinis??? I think I will stick with the jagbombs
BTW K in the N… you really do need to learn to share, or contain your hormones!
I can’t read the blog on Google Reader anymore…the posts are cut off.
ANYHOW, minor complaints aside, I LOVE your blog, Matt. Thank you for sharing your heart and soul with the world!!
did someone say key lime pie martinis?
i am so there.
The grey background is very soothing. Lots of greys abound, you might also try a warmer grey tone, just for experimentation. The grey makes a subtle but dynamic canvas for your photos.
I might suggest a hint of color for the title of the blog. A dark moss green might be just right (like #032d13), which picks up the olive tones of your flickr badge. Dark navy would work too.
Good typeface combination. You might also explore Palatino for your serif font, very classy. And you can’t beat Helvetica for sans serif, though I’m very fond of Trebuchet as well.
The photo of Madeline smiling at you is incredible.
Wanted to comment before, been reading and admiring you and yours since April, but just decided to chime in (finally).
Just another thought on this – I think it needs some color so that it can pop off the page. Kind of the way the pictures of Liz pop off a page. Yeah, I think it needs to reflect some of Liz’s bright personality.
I vote for a header with the picture of Madeline’s eyelashes taken by Sonja
@ male beecher, thanks for the insight into matt. i had no idea he likes key lime pie martinis. HA.
@ aj poor thing everyone is beating up your fucking blah grey color. hehe.
@ matt, i love love love you new flickr photos, sonja’s pic of Madeline’s eye lashes. beautiful. i also loved the pic of Madeline with you and great grandma. Maddy is looking at you and the connection between you two just lights up the picture. you’re a very loved Daddy.
@kate in northridge LMAO!!!
I vote for a header with the picture of Madeline’s eyelashes that Sonja took
(sorry if this appears twice)
It’s definitely missing some pizazz! I’m certain that you can do better than blah grey, AJ.
Watercolored Robot in the background would work perfect!
By the way, I have been lurking for about 2 weeks. Sorry for not responding sooner.
Happy late Father’s Day by the way.
I laughed at your comment about arranged marriages set up your Madeline. My son was born on March 4th this year. He is working on his physique at the moment. Trying to look like the Michelin baby. And he drools a bit.
Hey Matt, just another fan here. Do you realize how famous you are? I’ve had three different friends email me the link to your blog. I think you’re awesome- and your little girl is adorable. Just wanted to let you know I’m another avid-reader.
Catcha later,
Kelly from Colorado.
I dig it but I’d read it if it was white font on white background and I had to highlight everything to see the actual post.
Matt ~ You’re awesome for telling everyone to just hug it out. And that’s why you dwell in the garden of awesome.
Can’t wait to see the shirt ideas!
I know I don’t need to instruct you to do so, but give Maddy some hugs for us.
@Matt–
Holy sweet Jesus, talk about a crazy couple of days! Well, you WERE the one who wanted to run sociological experiments. Happy now, Mister “Let’s-see-what-will-happen-if…”?
PS LOVE the minimalism. Who needs crap?
I of course only skimmed through these comments but I kind agree that I preferred the previous blog header. I think some sort of photo header would be great……maybe a custom one done with some of Matt’s photos
and I am all for streamlined and minimalistic webpages……and no I am not beating up on aj…..but yep…..you do need a little color 
AJ’s catching some flack here. Where he be to fix it?
Not that the skyline of L.A. is crap.
Wait…that WAS the skyline of L.A., right…?
Oh, fuck it.
Dear AJ — aren’t you glad you didn’t turn off comments? What? No? You wish you did?
needs the pics back up – and some color for sure, navy letters always look nice and simple, maybe with a goldish background….
OK AJ, At this time, you have indeed achieved minimalist……
(gotta get my shades…something about the nearly white background with the black lettering is gettin to my eyes….)
As usual – K in the N had me laughing right out loud. Welcome back Matt – we are all very glad you took a little time away – do take more – we’ll be fine! Maybe the Male Beecher and AJ can be your guest bloggers sometimes – I have often wondered over the last 10+ weeks of following your blog every single day how on earth you could possibly update every day – complete with some of the greatest pics I have ever seen! Not to mention keep up with your little princess! I am exhausted just thinking about it! Anyway – I know AJ is still working on the website but I just wanted to throw this out there to you AJ – some of us might spend too much time on this webpage while parked at our places of employment – that being said – don’t do anything too bright so if I have the page minimized on my screen it won’t draw too much attention! he he he
Also, thanks for clarifying things Matt so those of us who thought we were being funny weren’t made to feel like fucking assholes!
wow, you guys are amazing.
it was the best i could do in 20 minutes before the twins game!
we’re still working on it!
oh, and matt chose the grey
My eyes can’t take the grey. Maybe that’s ’cause I just had them dilated. Either way, I need my sunglasses.
I think the word “fuck” should be wall papered all over the background. Come on, I know that’s what you really want to do. It’s simple, clear, it screams Matt, it sums things up, it offends narrow minded morons, what more could you ask from one tiny 4 letter word. It’s you! in a good way of course.
I love the numbered comments. When we step away we can pick up where we left off. I can’t wait to get up in the a.m. and see what you have done.
WHAT in God’s name is that picture of????
If I can’t identify it immediately, it must go. It’s kinda freaking me out.
What’s behind Door B?
My husband says he’s a light blue person…until I reminded him Madeline is a girl.
He *sighs* and says…okay light pink.
For the man that has a virtual hand holding network of broads to watch The Notebook…
Light pink??
Seriously, I’m all about yellow-it’s blonde like little Madeline and Liz. And still minimalist.
ditto to Sandy in phila.
LOL
Lovin the Green Splash ya fuckin hippies lol.
I liked the picture. It was up for the viewers interpretation.
Fuckity Fuckerson- glad Matt checked in and everything is cool. 500 women left to their Internets and WHOA!
For fuck’s sake. The MN party had banners and everything? Even a robot cake? Sheeeez- the LA group is going to have to rent out Disneyland or some crap like that to even come close.
Since you started working on the blog today, when I read it on my laptop everything is squished to the left (there is no space anymore on the left side of the page). But when I was at work on a desktop it looked normal. I’m sure I will be fine with any changes you make as long as I can still read the words on the left of the screen.
And I kind of like the grey/blue color you have now.
I realize there’s a starkness to the words you write, Matt, but your life has become a little cluttered up with Madeline (and all her stuff!), your friends and all the new friends you’re accumulating. You should reflect that in your blog theme.
Its SO not BLUE. Its Gray!
And actually upon reflection, now that he has greened, the pictures Matt posts really do just POP out at you. Its growing on me now that the text isnt traveling west. Good job so far AJ.
Dont take that the wrong way, you are too young for me too whippersnapper.
I’m lovin’ the new them my webmaster of all masters just did for yours truly:
http://code.google.com/p/the-morning-after/
this blog hasnt gotten crazy…what happened???
woops…big typo…i mean this blog has gotten crazy..can no longer read it…good luck to you matt and madeline…
Nope… not working… have a few more jags and try again…
Finally got a chance to post something. I read this blog everyday on my phone and the new style isn’t working for me.. All the pics are now very long and narrow! Change it back!! I want to be able to see all the wonderful pics that matt takes!!
First time poster, reader since strib article.
Matt– your raw emotion and willingness to bear it before the world..it’s the best damn therapy I’ve seen. Liz’ legacy extends beyond anything she could have ever comprehended. She has touched the lives of many. You have invoked the essence of her spirit and birthed hope out of tragedy. Liz gave you the gift of life through Madeline and you have given the gift of life to numerous faithful readers. Your story inspires the life giving traits of thankfulness, forgiveness, peace, empathy.
Your pain- it is real, ugly, fucking ugly, it is not temporary, it refuses to be brushed under a rug. A wall cloud of grim darkness. But your rainbow, beautiful rainbow, precious Madeline…helps us to see and seek for ours…our reason for joy amidst great sorrow.
Thank you for allowing others to join you in grief and celebration of life. It has birthed a whole lot of HOPE for countless stranger/friends around the world.
I’m not diggin the grass. The pic is cool, but it’s hard to read the text. Maybe if you bold the subtitle?
Um…love the frond. Makes it look like you sell Aveda products.
(I’m totally lying. For what it’s worth, Maddy’s eyelashes up there was my fav. If it’s too hard to decide on just one — and I can certainly see how it would be — can it cycle through a selection of shots? Again, that said, I’ll still read whatever you go with. )
@Janet (comment #56 as I read it). I had to have my pupils dilated for a couple of eye tests a few years ago.
When I got to work after the tests, Matt laughed and said to me “your pupils are fuckin’ huge.” He then walked me to a bar close to where we used to work and made sure I had beer. Not a beer, but plural beer.
I mention that because not only can I tie that story into a previous comment from someone else, several commenters have posted that Matt must be a great friend to have so many friends supporting him. As you can see, it’s true.
@aj, the comment numbers are a nice addition. I’m sure the new site will out-awesome the old version.
@Matt, I’ll stop telling stories about you now so I don’t steal any thunder from your story. Not that it’s really possible, but just in case.
@everyone else. Internet /hug. I look forward to reading you again in a few days.
I like the green but I agree with the Male Beecher…the grey is just so blah. As for the rest, it all looks fine to me. But then again, I just created my first blog last night and my first statement was “why the hell didn’t I take a computer course” or where is that book Computers for Dummies b/c right now my headline picture is f*ing HUGE and I don’t know how to change it. Sigh.
PS-where are the fish pics? Bring em on!
By the way, how do you pronounce your last name Matt? I never know if I’m saying it right in my head or not. Is it like Log-ellen or more French like or Lo-gelin or Low-gah-leen or ?? The Matt part I have down btw
P
this is way harsh on my eyes. maybe larger, bolder/darker text would help? or a softer background?
other than that i think a pic of madeline and of matt in his black socks would be a nice finishing touch.
you had drama?
like virtual strangers fighting over things said online.. for serious.. and I missed it?
hmm.
well that will learn me good.
I moved..it is interesting though- through all the standard stresses of moving i found a lot of happiness in wondering how madeline is doing.
Seems like you are really creating a community Matt- and even the best communities have to screw up and work thru it all..
You get a lot of moms commenting- I say if there is going to be scrapping we pull out the full on MILF detector and throw down some pools filled with j-ello.
Do this shizat right.
and am i reading this right.. did some of your MILF crew actually have a get together?.. and they held madeline and met and all that fun Jazz?
aww.
that is special. and if i read it wrong and it never happened- that would be special and you should do that.
I missed you.
weird hey?
i like the grey–way better than the white which makes my eyes hurt a lot. but you know, whatever you make the blog look like, i will still read it, because matt, you are an inspiration and being sad so much of the time is to be expected. you just lost the love of your life and suddenly are the single parent of a tiny baby. grieving is a really difficult, sad, challenging process. taking one day at a time and having friends around to make you smile and force you to eat are the only ways to survive. keep trying to survive.
I like having the numbers by the comments.
The white is very shocking to the eyes
Welcome back Matt! I hope you had a great time fishing. Maddy is changing so much. Just wait and in a few weeks you won’t have to try so hard for the smiles. I have a 3 1/2 month old and now you just look at her and she has a big smile.
I hope this isn’t the final product….it’s kind of gray….
Well, I kinda liked the old style better. It’s just a thought but if this is going to be a website about Matt, Liz and Maddy then there should be a picture of them in the header somewhere……
I miss the old one… just my 2 cents
Oooh, Maddy’s eyelashes would be so sweet for the header. I love that picture. Although, the green frond is nice too.
Matt, thanks for mediating yesterday. It’s nice to know where you’re coming from on things.
Aj – I have to say that it has grown on me. I’m even kind of liking the grey background now. The header still reminds me of an LSD trip (or what I imagine one would be like) – but overall I think you have done a good job!
http://www.hostessblog.com/2008/06/robot-party/
Enjoy!
it’s a work in progress and you’ll eventually get it right….how’s that for pc? In other words uh…..It’s a bit too harsh for my old eyes…
Here’s a few (though I’m sure you have a few in mind too) http://www.cssjuice.com/18-minimalist-design-wordpress-themes/
I liked kubrick with the image. But I’m a pretty bland fella, so of course I’d like kubrick.
I am liking it so far. Except I keep waiting for more to load up and then realize that minimalist means less. Yeah I am quick like that.
sorry for the doublepost, but I just noticed the “random header image” script used in this theme.
The source is available there (and here). I’m sure that source could be reverse engineered if you wanted to use the feature here.
Your blog has already made me cry and laugh. I’m sorry to read of the tragedy. There’s no appropriate words probably to say that to a stranger.
Madeline is a precious gem.
I really laughed at the post where you talked about going into the gas station to buy a lottery ticket at 2 p.m. with Madeline. Funny stuff.
I’ve added you to my blogroll.
Cindy
I’m liking the new layout. Can’t wait for an update on Father’s Day!! =0)
I like it so far.
Jenny
in the TX.
Hmm not digging the grey, but then again why the fuck does my opinon matter??
Love the cool green header. It’s like a breath of fresh air.
here to be annoying
could the font be a little bigger?
To FromWI…
Amen. That’s kinda what I was thinking.
Yeah, I guess I am here to be annoying too. What happened to the numbers?
YAY!!! HAWKFEATHER’S BACK!!! We missed you in a big way.
My MacBook loves the new theme. Very pleasing to the eye. I wonder what AJ works on? :p (picture of him in his office should be inserted here)
@male beecher –
“I’m just trying to get a discussion going, so critique / expand / say “WTF?” to anything I wrote above this paragraph.”
Seriously? Did you miss the last couple o’ days? It doesn’t take much to get THIS crowd riled up. FUCK!
@ Stacey…I’m reading the comments and see your pic (teach me?) and I did a double take. I know my child no matter how small the photo!!!
Guess I’ll be a pain in the ass and critique as well. I think the header could us a little work. The comma after “Matt” runs into the”all.” Maybe you could layer them like that if they we’re different colors? or move the second line over so the comma fits into a space in the second line, or even use a different font to change the spacing.
You could also just ignore me…cause we all just know everyone is here for the pics of Maddy not the fabulous header. Anyway, I like the updates. Very classy. Gray is totally working for me. Nice job.
I make custom made WordPress blog themes. I would love to design one for you, free of charge, if you would like one.
We don’t bite!
Hard anyway! ;-P