Archive for the ‘General’ Category


PatchTogether in New York Comic Con

Off
September 9th, 2011

Hi everyone. This is Miller from PatchTogether writing in to share some images from our recent trip to the New York Comic Con where we had a complete blast soaking in all the madness and excitement. Despite a small fiasco with DHL, the 3 day event was by large a very posititve experience for our small company’s first convention. The numerous words of praise and support from those of you who visited our booth was very encouraging and much appreciated. It has been a challenging journey the past 3 years taking PT from inception to its current state, so it was very nice to finally have an opportunity to meet and talk with our supporters.After attending numerous conventions as a Joe Public, I finally witnessed the sheer craziness and exhaustion that goes on behind the scene for exhibitors and vendo Getting Over an Affair rs. I think most people will tell you that the preparations and initial setup leading up to opening day is beyond exhausting. Packing, shipping, trasnporting, unpacking, the list of things to do felt endless. The long flights into NY(Beijing, Germany and San Diego)had all three of us yearning for zzz’s the first night in town. Major props go to VISEone for arriving earlier in the week and doing all the hard lifting with the booth setup. The Ikea display cases were a wonderful choice and nicely arranged to showcase our products. Speaking of products, we had originally planned on showing off several new prototypes along with debuting our new Floxy line with an exclusive NYCC version at the show. Unfortunately, there was a mistake by DHL which prevented our shipment from clearing customs on time.

Why the Media Ignores Charlie Sheen’s Politics

Off
September 7th, 2011

I’ve been trying to avoid the Charlie Sheen issue, but I’m too bothered by the media’s turpitude to keep silent. Does anyone writing for a mainstream news agency realize that in 2006 Charlie Sheen appeared on the popular Jimmy Kimmel Live show to accuse President Bush and the U.S. government of carrying out and covering up the terrorist attacks on the Pentagon and the World Trade Center towers in 2001? You wouldn’t know it from reading recent reports or from watching Dateline NBC’s hour-long show on Sheen’s emotional decline. Since 2006, Sheen has recorded videos and written letters clarifying his position on this issue, even drafting a letter to Obama in 2009 asking for an investigation into the “Bush cover up.” Sheen has claimed that the government used the 9/11 attacks “as the pretext for the systematic dismantling o Signs of Lying f our Constitution and Bill of Rights”; that the administration of former president George W. Bush was behind the attacks, which they were then able to use to justify an invasion of Iraq; and that Osama Bin Laden was working with the CIA up until 9/11. Sheen, in short, joined the maniacal “9/11 Truther” movement, explaining in his letter to president Obama that “We cannot allow governments to continue to advance their political agendas by exploiting forged pretexts.”Needless to say, this story received very little attention in the United States media. It appeared nowhere near the front pages of the New York Times, Washington Post, or Wall Street Journal, and where it did appear, it was buried. One hopes this is for the very good reason that it doesn’t matter what Hollywood wackos say about anything, especially politics.

A Lesson to be Learnt: the Baloch Perspective

Off
September 1st, 2011

There is no doubt that the world has shrunk and has become a global village and many members of this global community are facing similar problems. Some counties have willingly or unwillingly chosen a path as a solution to their troubles, while others have ignorantly adhered to their policy of denial and are facing turmoil. Indonesia and Pakistan have many things in common; both the countries have a Muslim majority, both gained their so-called freedom after the Second World War, both have a history of occupying other nation’s territory, both the countries have been ruled for most of the time by military dictators and both the countries’ natural resources have been utilised for the benefit of the dominant ruling nation. Because of these similarities some Baloch intellectuals are trying to give an impression that the Baloch nation is willing to solve their dissatisfaction with Islamabad on Signs of Cheating the line of peace agreement between the government of Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM)/ Aceh Sumatra National Liberation Front (ASNLF), mediated by the former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari. Under the agreement, Aceh would receive special autonomy and government troops would be withdrawn from the province in exchange for ASNLF’s disarmament. When we, the Baloch look at the history of Indonesia, we need to ask ourselves; with whom does our heart beat? With whom do our aspirations flow? With whom our history has similarities? Before we jump to any conclusion or suggest any solution to the Baloch question, we should acknowledge the public opinion of our nation. We should know the dreams of our elders, aspirations of our youth and hopes of our children. We should know the objective condition that surrounds us and the strategic importance of our land in the global war for energy.

Photography Marketing Ideas for Photographers:10 Low Cost Ideas

Off
August 29th, 2011

Marketing your photography studio does not have to be expensive. I’ve used hundreds of low cost marketing strategies over the last twenty five years and managed to build my photography studio to the point where I am one the busiest and most successful studios in my city. Here’s a few tips for you:1. Create a photo display. A photography display can be as simple as displaying a few small portraits at a store and offering some free information about your studio or more elaborate set ups with framed wall samples. You can even create large temporary displays in malls or at events such as trade shows.The important thing is how it looks. You will attract a lot of attention with some great images, especially from woman, who happen to be your target market. Displays will help you create Is She Cheating a lot of business if you play your cards right. Have a great selection of images, be presentable yet never pushy, have a system for collecting names and address’s from those wanting more information by simply asking or offering a draw prize, and keep in touch with all those prospects. It’s the beginning of a potential long term and lucrative relationship.2. Have a free giveaway. Offer a time limited in studio session and small reprint. Tell them there is no obligation for further purchase, and mean it. You will make some sales anyways and you will acquire many long term clients if you do a good job for them.Some will only grab the freebie, but the odds are very good that you will upsell without being sneaky or pushy. Especially if you are professional and create some great images.

Central Air Conditioners

Off
July 13th, 2011

So you have decided to buy central air conditioning. Almost eighty percent of the new U.S. houses are installing central air conditioning units while construction. While it may not have been necessary to have air conditioning several decades ago, it is quite uncomfortable not to have it now. But those having existing homes do not need to worry, as the central air conditioning units can even be set up in houses that have already been constructed! If you are looking for the best central air conditioning unit, you need to keep certain points in mind. The best way and most important thing when buying central air conditioning equipment is to have it installed by a qualified contractor. When one talks about saving money through efficient air conditioning systems the topic of SEER usually comes up. SEER or seasonal energy efficiency ratio, rates the central air conditioning unit. You can actually save quite a lot in your electricity bills if you substitut Survive an Affair e your old and ineffective air conditioner with a new SEER rated central air conditioning set up. Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) manufacturers are responding to the challenges of increased energy costs by offering homeowners air-conditioning units that deliver new energy efficiency standards and reduce your energy usage. Always consult a specialist engineering company, who will specify, design and install the correct air conditioning system for your needs. There are many reputable contractors specializing in the installation of air conditioning systems for both small and large homes. Large houses usually require a centralized air conditioning system and its installation is more complicated and labor intensive. There are various kinds of air conditioning systems depending on your needs, your home size and your budget. Choosing Your Air Conditioner And Installer There are a number of reasons why you should go for central air conditioning.

China and Africa – Colonialism Without Responsibility

Off
July 9th, 2011

Since Sierra Leone’s eleven year civil war officially came to an end in 2002 it has been struggling to rebuild both a traumatised nation and to change perceptions of it as a land of drug crazed rebels, child soldiers and blood diamonds. The story of the small West African country is a familiar one, a tale of aid dependency, hollow promises and rampant corruption. Once the spotlight of the world’s media moved on to yet another scene of trouble, the ordinary people had to make the best of what they were left with. The last eight years has seen some progress, although in common with most of the rest of the continent a new style of imperialism has emerged on the scene, Sino-Imperialism ? a form of indirect colonialism – a colonialism without responsibility. Sino-Imperialism, whilst seemingly subtle and benign in nature, is seeing African nations or those who lead them Is He Cheating , sell off fishing rights, precious mineral resources, agricultural land, forests and in effect the birthright of the future generations. Such is the spending power of twentieth first century China that few of Africa’s leaders can resist what is dangled before them, but unlike European colonialism this time there will be no future lowering of flags, no independence or manumission ? Africa and vulnerable states such as Sierra Leone are being locked into a capricious embrace from which there would appear to be no escape.As the Chinese dragon has awoken in recent years it has worked assiduously to court the nations of the African continent. It has realised not only can it have access and influence in Africa more effectively than any other region on earth, but it has sought to fill the vacuum of influence left by the USA and Russia following the ending of the Cold War.