August 5th at Bakktalk...

Time does indeed fly.

What? You were expecting something new and ingenious? Something of value? That's as good as it gets right now. It's already been over one month since my last post, and i have to report that sales for the month of July here at Bakktalk Gifts were better than expected. I could assume that it might have something to do with the "stimulus checks", but i'd rather just tell myself that my designs are finally gaining some attention. So, i will.

Before i get too involved with what's new at Bakktalk, i probably should update you, my gentle reader. My driving privileges have indeed been suspended for now. It has only been a little more than a month, but the feeling of isolation and dependency is close to overwhelming. Having to rely on others for transport for the first time since i was 16 is way annoying. But the meds that i am taking seem to be having the desired effect; hopefully, in a few months, i will be back behind the wheel and a road hazard once again.

I should probably apologize also for my rant concerning bicycling and road safety, etc. I should, but i'm not. I hope that i did not offend anyone. I know that many don't agree with my view, but that doesn't mean that i'm wrong. If i thought i was wrong, i wouldn't have said anything...



Ok. Back to why i'm posting today. It has been a week or so, but recently some new items have been added to the ever-growing list of products available here. Actually, the new item is a really nice ceramic travel mug. That is, a stainless steel mug body, with a white ceramic coat to help keep your hot, hot and your cold, cold.

It's a nice addition to the mug series currently available here. The regular mug, the large mug and the stein. This travel mug rounds the selection out well. Take a look at them. I am currently working to add them to as many designs as i can.






There's also been an upgrade in the wall clocks, which i personally am very happy about. The wall clocks up to this point were ok. Don't get me wrong. But they needed an alternative offering; something a little more upscale. These babies are it. Both of the new wallclocks are described below.

Measuring an impressive 17" in diameter, this Large Wall Clock is easy to read from across the room. Ideal for the game room, garage, or wherever people gather, it features a rugged plastic body and face. The eye-catching clock has quality Quartz movement and operates on a single "AA" battery (included).

• Measures 17" in diameter
• Quartz movement
• Plastic body and face
• Runs on single "AA" battery (included)

With a stylish aluminum body and sturdy glass face, this Modern Wall Clock is both great-looking and durable. Measuring 14" in diameter, it's perfect for the office, kitchen, TV room, or wherever you need that modern touch. Featuring Quartz movement for true accuracy, it operates on a single "AA" battery (included).

• Measures 14" in diameter
• Quartz movement
• Aluminum body
• Glass face
• Runs on single "AA" battery (included)

These clocks are so new, in fact, that i've not even had time to customize them for Bakktalk yet. That will be what i will be diligently working on for sometime; you can count on that. So, of course, i will suggest at this time that you check back on a regular basis to watch for new designs, and on new products. Remember, everyone knows someone with a birthday, an anniversary, an upcoming party, etc. Next time you shop, try Bakktalk Online Gifts. You can count on a good experience!

Bakk at it!

June 26 at Bakktalk Online Gifts

It's been a month already since my last entry and so much has happened in that period of time. Most of it not really stuff that i want to post here. Medical junk and complications. Stuff like that. The one thing that i should mention is that starting today, my driving privileges have been temporarily been revoked. Changes in certain medications that i am currently using require a period of adjustment and so, for about 6 months, i'm going to have to be thumbin' for rides, etc. It's a bummer for me, and just more hassle for my lovely wife, Eileen.

Anyway, somebody who i shared this information with suggested (jokingly) that i get my bicycle out of the garage, and this brought up an interesting point. When someone does lose their license, why is it automatically assumed that they are still able to use the roads using bicycles?? If a driver is seen as a potential risk due to current medical condition, why would it matter what that person is using as a transportatory device?

Bikers, cyclists mostly, who use the highways are a major pet peeve of mine. I'm sure that most of you have experienced moments of agitation and others of shock, when that cyclist, you, and the truck approaching from the opposite direction all seem to meet at the same place at the same time. And it is usually on a road with a very small shoulder or no shoulder at all.

A very perilous, if not dangerous, situation no matter who's driving. It is situations just like this that make me feel that cyclists should not be allowed full access to roadway. Limitations must be placed to protect the biker and the driver alike. AND, what if that biker happens to be some dude, like me, who has decided to pedal his way through a driver's suspension. Definitely not a good idea to begin with. And it becomes even worse if the cyclist (and there's gonna be more and more of them, count on that) is responsible for an accident.

There's more. As a driver, i have the ability to report the errant and dangerous actions of another motorist to the police by relaying his license to them. It is all too common to see bicyclists use the roads without obeying their laws. They constantly ride through stop signs, red lights. They fail to yield, and rarely ride single file when traveling in groups. Often they ride 3 abreast even as traffic approaches. These are all inconsiderate and potentially dangerous actions. But how do i report those actions? There are no licenses required on bicycles, hence no objective way to post a report.

I know that there have been a surprising number of cycle-related accidents and resulting deaths in my area of SE Pennsylvania to date. And that number will only increase as the average joe attempts to battle the outrageous cost of gas.

I could go on, but i've read what i've already wrote, and it reads like a rant. I don't like to rant a lot. I wish that i had a working segue to a current product in Bakktalk Online Gifts. I don't. But, maybe a few of you readers would like to offer a suggestion or two for a design relating to my rant. Feel free. Sometimes i just burn out, and the suggestions are always welcomed.

I KNOW there are many considerate cyclists out there. I know a few of them, myself. I just don't believe that it is no longer safe enough to allow motor vehicles and bicycles to share the same roads. Send me your opinions. Go ahead and change my mind. I dare ya.

bakk at it,

billy