The Family Reunion

So our annual family reunion was scheduled for today. This would have been our 30th in a row. But things went south quickly as the heavy rains moved across the heartland of Pennsylvania, seriously flooding the length of the Susquehanna River, putting thousands if not millions out of their water-soaked homes. It takes some of the fun out of the prospects of seeing one another again, when you know that many won't be there due to "other concerns". So i've reserved a little spot here to ask you to give a thought to those who have been dealt this nasty blow.


More good news: My graphics computer has been out of commission for the last 3 weeks. This takes me totally out of the game until this coming Monday, when, i am told, i will be back on line, feverishly catching up on work 3 weeks old. The old machine took a direct hit to the motherboard during a thunderstorm one Friday evening, and sent me on a three-week holiday. However,  if memory serves me right, i had loaded up a new section with various posters for purchase. Mostly humorous and fun, they are worth, i think, a look. If you have any ideas for a poster that you'd like to see, send it along to bladimz@dejazzd.com. I'll oblidge if i can. (Here's where i'd insert a sample, but.... well, you know about my graphics computer...)


Summer is finally over, and i'm glad of it. Too many, far too many, are complaining of Summer's end, but i think it's that they are more upset that it means going back to school/teaching than loosing out on more of the "hot and sweaty". This is the doorway that leads us toward holiday after holiday after holiday. The cooler and the best time of the year. And that means gifts for others and maybe one or two for yourself. Stop by, browse, shop; i'd offer you some coffee, if i could. I have, over the last few years, built up an eclectic array of designs for holidays, birthdays, and just for-fun days.


It's been too long between entries, and i'd probably keep at it more if there were more of you following along. But, for those of you who are, and you know who you are, thanks for checking in. Please be safe, take care of your family, your loved ones and those around you, if you can.

Shame.

Shame. It's a powerful thing. A terrible thing to have to live with. And i've been living with it without even realizing it.

It's shame that has me posting today. Which works out well, because the source of my shame is the fact that i've not offered anything here since last November. Here it is the middle of February, the snow still hanging around, but slowly fading, and i'm waiting for... what?

Bakktalk on the one hand, is not really, offering anything new, except for ever-more new and exciting designs. We've been, however, foraying into some poster designs, primarily inspirational or "un-inspirational" posters. You've seen them around. Check ours out; they're fresh, they're unique and just as clever as can be. Here's a sample, in case, like me, you're just lazy enough to not bother looking for them.

We'll be adding new posters to the list going forward, and will attempt to create an eclectic array, making it

easier to find one that suits your need.

Like every other design on this site, these posters make perfect gifts for birthdays, weddings, holidays; and for fellow employees or even the boss. Maybe.

It's nice to offer another new product line here, especially since the price is right and the quality of the printing is unmatched! If anyone here has any special ideas for a poster design, feel free to send it along to bladimz@gmail.com. If you have any questions, send them along as well. I'm sure there's someone here smart enough to be able to answer it.

I feel the weight of my shame lifting from my shoulders; it was good to get this off of my chest! Meanwhile, keep in mind the holidays moving in on us and browse our impressive variety of designs. If you find one you like, and you purchase it, you will love the product and the printing and i'll be happy too!

I'm about 3 months away from being a grandfather for the very first time, but that's for another post... I wish you all good health and good times until shame once again taps me on the shoulder. Carps Di Yum!

Holiday Shopping and You!

I'm going to say something that isn't too much of a surprise here. The holidays are riding roughshod already, and there's nowhere to hide. And since that's the case, you'll fare better if you have gifts waiting for them when they come for you. I make this sound a little scary for a reason. Fear has a way of lighting a fire under... well... you know.

I don't have anything clever to say (do i ever?), nor exciting to announce. I'm just here, adding my two cents to the blog-o-sphere. And what i want to say is that, although i have nothing mind-boggling to share, i have been working steadily, daily, on creating and adding new, unique designs. Some ribald, others uproariously funny, still others thought-provoking. And i do it just for you, my faithful audience.

Here is where i need to announce once more that i also offer digital photo restoration and repair for a wonderful price. Old photos, or newer, damaged, dog-eared, cracked, split, scraped, faded, etc. can be professionally restored. You need more information? Please go to my (very basic) website. It gives you, i think, most of the information you might need. It includes samples, some background information, and some interesting ideas, too. Don't be afraid to try it, at least.

My holiday blog wouldn't be complete without wishing all of you and yours a very, very meaningful and enjoyable season. I know that's not possible for everyone, and i wish them the best that the season can offer. The holidays will come and go faster than anyone can imagine, and soon we will be looking 2011 straight in the eye. The good thing is that, even if the holidays will be gone, my designs and the products they are printed on will always be good gifts, and fun ideas for the entire year. In the meantime, please stay safe. And buy my stuff!

Bill

Warming Up to Summer!

I stick my head into the designing mode, and the next thing i know, it's the middle of June and the birds outside are laughing at the old man at the window (that's me.) What happened to Spring? A lot of rain and wind and even some late snow, but it came and went so fast! I know i'll be saying the same kind of thing this Autumn, but i'll worry about that then.

First, there's not a lot of changes here at Bakktalk, which i suppose has its good & bad points. Just more and more designing as usual. Hopefully, they are improving as we attempt to

improve ourselves. We are, though, creating a new website that'll blow your sox off once it's done. And i have no idea when that's going to happen, since i'm not the one working that item.

One thing that i do want to direct your attention to is a little promotional video that i produced and posted on YouTube. It's

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cAI0Wx7t_8,

more commonly known as "Bakktalk on YouTube". It's short and sweet; just the way i like them. I hope you take a minute to watch it. It's had very few views since we put it up; surprising when you consider that it's only one of about a billion other vids there *sigh* If you have any suggestions or comments, please pass them on. We always appreciate your input.

I personally very much hate the hot and humid weather, but Summer comes either way. I do enjoy that which comes with Summer; baseball, picnics, cool breezes, the song of the tree frogs at night, water battles, etc. I hope that you enjoy the pleasures that Summer brings to you and that you focus your attention on the here and now. And enjoy it as much as you can. Time goes too forward fast (PA Dutch) for one to ignore the present.

Until the next time, here's hoping that you all stay safe!

Bill

Shameless Advertising...

Happy New Year to you all; my adoring readers, and may the best of 2010 land in your collective lap. How many times have you've been involved in such a wish? Ok... you think about that while i take this time and space to hawk the availability (to buy) of a sweet little upstate NY mountain getaway/home/cabin. I won't say much here except to direct you to my YouTube link here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83Te8jLXevI. It's not the prettiest or most professional piece ever done, but it get's the point across.

What the heck. If some of you aren't interested in any of the products here at Bakktalk Online Gifts, maybe some of you will be interested in a nice snug cabin and a sweet little deal to boot. What i'd really like for the new year is for the sale of this property to happen and for the buyer to fill it with a ton of my shop items. Yes... it's true. I can dream, can't i.

There it is: my shameless unabashed property advertisement.

That's really the extent of this post, other than the standard request that all of you continue to scan my shop on a weekly basis for new designs and even some new products, which i will probably post a blog about soon.

May you all enjoy your winter from the warm comfort of your snug comfortable home. And if that's not happening, please take a second look at the link... Seriously, here's hoping that all of you enjoy good health and good will toward your fellow man. Until next time.

Not Just Another Pretty Face...

Bakktalk Online Gifts is growing steadily with more designs being added weekly. If i were you, (imagine that...) i'd stop in on a fairly regular basis. I've just begun a "Lobbyist" design series . A lobbyist is a person who tries to influence legislation on behalf of a special interest, like the oil or tobacco or corn industry. My series presents a humorous twist on the subject of lobbyists. For instance, would you like to be an Ice Cream Lobbyist, or how about a Meatloaf Lobbyist, or a Lima Bean Lobbyist. Ok... Some ideas are better than others, but you get the idea. And, speaking of ideas, e-mail me with an idea for a lobbyist design. Feel free to e-mail me at bladimz@dejazzd.com with your suggestions; if your design is used in the series, you will receive a design of your choice.

So, one of the other things i wanted to pass on to you, dear reader, is that i am announcing my new Photo Restoration Website, complete with many samples, pricing, and other pertinent information. And since you asked, the link to that site is:

http://sites.google.com/site/mypicphix/

It's certainly not the prettiest site (i'm not a web designer...) but i hope it makes my point. And the point is that my image restoration services are always available. Just e-mail me at the above address with any questions you may have. I'm here 24/7!

Please have a very safe and memorable Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season. It can be a very intense time for some, a very sad time for others and an extremely demanding time for others still. Treat each other with a little extra compassion and understanding at this time of year. It may well be the best gift that person receives this season.

Later!

June, and the days are heating up!

Hi from Bakktalk Online Gifts.com!

I hope you all are doing well and surviving the economic downturn to this point. My wishes for a better tomorrow go out to all of those whose lives have suffered damage as a result. Things here at Bakktalk are ok, but not immune to the general state of things. We have recently opened an additional online store, www.printfection.com/amazingsox, that offers a much wider array of apparel, with the same quality printing as you've come to expect from our current store. I want to invite you to check in and view the product line at this new store; let me know if you have any comments or ideas by e-mailing me at bladimz@dejazzd.com. I'd be happy to hear from you.

For those of you who are curious, the name of new store, Amazing Sox, was inspired by my YouTube character, The Amazing Sox, whose videos you can see by searching Amazing Sox.

Go to YouTube and watch him sing some of classics and not so well-known songs, obviously all for fun. We hope you enjoy the silliness of it all. His popularity, such as it is, has spawned a line of Amazing Sox gear, viewable at www.cafepress.com/AmazingSox. He's a fun guy, (not fungi) and has more videos on the slate.


Ok, well, i think i covered all that i wanted to pass on to you. But if i think of anything more, well, i'll just have to throw it into the next post.

Please stay healthy and happy until next post. Wishing you the best with whatever you do.

billy

April's on it's Way Out...

And May is soon here with all that it promises. Warmer weather, more sunlight, things getting greener. Fawns, bunnies, and all new life all over the place. Mother's Day; Father's Day, Memorial Day. For a lot it's the best time of the year, and i hope you all get the most out of it that you can.

As for me, i've been really remiss in posting the introduction one of my new associates. He's been with me for a few months and has developed a small following on YouTube with a number of short videos, suitable for the whole family. The Amazing Sox has been wowing his audience with one extraordinary effort after another, and loves doing it. Below is a sample, one of his more recent entries:

Sox' following has been slowing growing, as he continues his mission: to give a simple, easy smile to his viewers.

Some people have found The Amazing Sox so enjoyable that i have now made available (for purchase of course) a variety of Amazing Sox gear. T-shirts, sweat shirts, mugs, buttons, magnets, note cards, etc. You can browse them here. They are exclusive, and even if you don't buy them, i'd appreciate any feedback or suggestions.

There are approximately 10 videos at this point. Watch them all and let me know if you want to see more. My e-mail is: bladimz@dejazzd.com.

Not much in other news. Keep in mind, though, that Bakktalk Gifts is still grinding out new designs regularly. Check in now and then for the latest offerings. Again, suggestions are always welcome. Profanity isn't.

Hope everyone enjoys this great time of year and is ready for the coming of a wonderful summer. I know i plan to. Until next time, Happy Trails!

billy

A cold and snowy February...

Has anyone else felt the "whoooosh"? I can't believe that we've already blown through a month of 2009!

Things at Bakktalk Gifts have been moving along well. A number of new designs have been dutifully added and i invite you to check them out at your convenience. I will always appreciate your visits and hope that you find something in the shop that's just right for you or a friend, family member, etc.

Ever since i purchased my Flip Mino HD camcorder, available here in the store, i've been creating and posting a series of videos featuring, get this, "The Amazing Sox". In each video, Sox performs a different song in his own unique style. Below is a sample of one of his latest videos. We hope you enjoy it. Let us know what you think.

Sox is currently building somewhat of a fan base, and very likely soon will be featuring his own gear, and, possibly his own site. Time will tell. At this point it's one project at a time.

I should mention that this past December was my most successful month ever at Bakktalk Gifts. I am pleased with, and very thankful for, the steady growth, and look forward to more successes, including Sox, as time moves forward.

The state of our economy just now certainly shaky. We here at Bakktalk sincerely expect that wisdom and capability come together at this very tenuous time to work to minimize damages to our nation; indeed all nations. We hope that those with the power to do, use it to the best interests of all of us.

That said, please stay well, stop back at Bakktalk as you can and check out the current designs. Contact me, Bill, at bladimz@dejazzd.com if you have any thoughts or concerns. Stay good until next time.

Only Three Days To Go!

It's cold, crisp and, today at least, clear. Making it feel just right for Christmas and the Winter Holidays. Keep in mind, gift giving doesn't have to stop on Christmas Day. Good gifts are welcomed at all times of the year; even in January!

I just wanted to follow up on my last entry concerning the Flip Mino cameras that Cafe Press and i are now offering. I mentioned that i was going to purchase one. I did, and i am really glad that i did! The last camcorder i bought was an analogue monster from, like, 1993. I probably have not used it in 4 years. The Flip that i bought was the HD version and i am very pleased with it. Recording is almost too simple, and the included software makes it just as easy to upload to your computer and, if desired, to the web.

This video is one of the first ones i made using my new Flip HD camcorder. It's simple, and light. But the picture clarity is very nice. Publishing it to YouTube was a snap! As for "Sox", i have him contracted to do an additional number of shorts for me, and will be using the Flip to do them all.

As for this holiday shopping season, i must say that i am a little surprised at how successful my shop has been this year. The economic state of the nation is no secret. I did expect only modest sales; but am enjoying a better season this year than last! One of the most successful items from my shop this season has been the Sarah Claus design. Almost all purchases were done as ornaments. Thank you, Sarah. You would have made a pretty bad VP, but you sure know how to sell!

Ok. That's really about it for now. There's so much to be done yet before the big day, and i am in big trouble already. We here at Bakktalk Online Gifts wish all of you, whoever you are, a warm, pleasant and memorable holiday season. Enjoy and be safe, all of you.

See you in 2009!

Something New at Bakktalk...

Well, i do have something really interesting to pass on this time, and it's pretty much the only reason that i'm even posting right now...

The Flip Mino Digital Camcorder!

The wildly popular and handy Flip Mino digital camcorder has become a new addition to my product line. It is displayed here with a blank white front. But, if you go to my Flip Mino section, click on either of the two boxes and you'll see the customized designs that are available so far here at section Bakktalk Online Gifts. The design possibilities are endless and add a slice of creativity to the product. Unique designs for a unique and creative product, these Flips are available in regular and, now, HD versions.

For those of you who want the skinny on the technical info, this info should fill the bill. And for those of you who are just interested in some general information, this should help you out.

In my humble opinion, these are truly a great gift idea for just about anybody. Compact (pocket-sized), portable and easy to use, they can go anywhere to capture those unexpected (or expected) moments that would be otherwise lost.

Check out the info available for this item and see if you don't know someone who wouldn't just love to get their paws on one of these. I know i'm going to order one!

If anyone reading this has a request for a personalized design that they'd like to have done for themselves, please e-mail me at www.bladimz@dejazzd.com. Remember, there's only one you and who wouldn't want their Flip to reflect them?

Until next time, be smart, be safe and be good. Just like me.

billy

November 6th and we've got a new President...

Although i followed the campaigns this cycle more closely than ever before, i (along with so many others) are glad that it is over. Finally. I think that this is one election that few will forget, and i hope that America's ship now sales in a better direction.

This victory for Barack Obama follows closely on the heels of the Philadelphia Phillies' first World Series Championship since 1980! For the first time in a long time it is great to be a Phillies fan. What a year 2008 is winding up to be!

My wife, Eileen, has been shooting photos faster than i can process them. One she took while we were in the Adirondacks. She was trained on a shot down through some trees onto the river below when our dog, Scarlett, stepped into the frame at the last second. The result was rather captivating, and i've added the image to the Beanscapes section in our Bakktalk Online Gifts shop.

This is the image as it appears on the coaster tile, and it is available as a print in several sizes. Available also on mugs, the keepsake box, the pillow, note cards, greeting cards and more.

Scarlett is a special dog for Eileen and i. She came to us as a rescued dog at the age of 7. Severely undernourished and desperate for attention and love, she bonded immediately with Eileen, and then, with me. It's been a little more than a year now since she's been with us, and i can't imagine not having her with us. She is a pro at catching frisbee, and is an excellent defensive soccer player. She's been well trained somewhere along the line, but more recently suffered some hard times. Taking Scarlett into the family has been as good for us as it has been for her.

I rattle on sometimes, but dogs have always been a part of my life...

Anyway, the holiday season is banging at the front door and i have been busy adding new designs almost daily. I haven't concentrated on holiday designs specifically; i feel that a lot of the designs i am creating will serve as excellent gifts for friends and loved ones. Browse around the shop. There is something for just about everyone. And take a look at one of the newest additions to the product line: the Flip Mino video camera. At this point i've only created two designs for this item. One is for Long Beach Island fans, the other is more generic in nature.

I know that this will be one of the hardest shopping seasons for many of us with the current national economic problems we are experiencing. I can only hope that it lasts a short time and that we get back on track as a nation very soon.

Please have a safe and pleasant holiday season. And remember that what really counts is family and friends. Not things.

Billy

Autumn at Bakktalk Online Gifts

Greetings!

It's somehow already the middle of October, the leaves are doing their thing right on schedule, the air has since yesterday turned crisp, sharp and we all are flying headlong, like it or not, into the 2008 elections, the holiday season(s), not to mention Winter.


We've been busy since the last posting and we hope that our variety of new designs reflects that. Just to make you all aware, we are introducing a new set of what we describe as faux team sports names, like this one:


As far as i know, there really isn't any organized sports team called the Rocket Scientists. And if there is, i'm sorry to hear it. But the name is one that would reflect a team with many members, and that's the concept here.

So far this is the only design offering in this category, but there will be many more available in the near future. To be clear, all designs will be featured on so much more than just shirts & hats. Faux team names for all kinds of groups, hopefully, that will catch the eye of shoppers looking for a unique gift for a friend or family member who might just be a perfect "team member" for that group. And, if any of you have a suggestion for one that you'd like to see, just e-mail your suggestion to me at bladimz@dejazzd.com. I will consider all entries; try to keep them at least PG rated, please.

I have been stallling on the idea of opening a second shop for some reason. I guess it's just not the right time for that move. Anyway, I will remember to announce that at the proper time.

Bakktalk Online Gifts, to remind you, does offer a dazzling array of holiday designs for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas for gifting again this season. Of course, everyone is pretty aware of the current economic ditch we find our collective selves in. We can only hope that things begin to improve sooner rather than later. And with that in mind, i urge you to spend carefully at this time. Mostly at our store, of course.

I've been paying close attention to the debates and the campaigns have not disappointed anyone who might have been watching for it all to get nasty. We only hope that all of what has been said, analyzed, and reviewed leads to an historic election that will serve this country's best interests in the years to come. God bless us all!

Stay healthy, strong and positive until next time!

Bill Adams

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

Memorial Day Weekend is Upon Us...

...But that's not what i want to talk about today. I'm leaving for a nice 3-day weekend in the Adirondacks tomorrow and that's all i have to say about that!

If you've been nosing around Bakktalk lately, you might have noticed a new section at the bottom of the home page called "Special Projects".
I have created many designs for products dedicated to specific events. Things like family, college and sports-related reunions, special birthdays, life achievement events. These products are made available to that group through this section of Bakktalk, so they are not really intended for sale to the general shopping public. So why did i make the "Special Projects" section viewable to you, my gentle browser/shopper? Merely to illustrate what Bakktalk Online Gifts can do to enhance a similar event that you or your group may be planning. Such projects like this can serve as fund raisers for your group, through special arrangements with Bakktalk. If you are interested in finding out more about this service, please contact me at bladimz@dejazzd.com for more information. Designing is what i do most and best, and you probably are already aware of the many different products that are available here. You choose the ones that will best suit your event needs. It's really pretty simple.

Depending on when you might visit the "Special Projects" section, there may or may not be anything currently on display, depending on whether or not that event is current, or if the client requests to have it closed once the event is over.

That's about it. I just wanted to explain what that new section is all about. Like i said, if there are any questions that you might have, just contact me at the e-mail address above. I will answer you. Just not this weekend. I'll be in the Adirondacks. Sweet!

Have a safe and relaxing holiday, all of you.

billy

April 25th at Bakktalk Online Gifts...

Greetings, faithful readers/browsers/shoppers.

This is just a short note to make you all aware that the offerings have grown once again! This time, we've added "Outdoor Banners" to the list of fine products available to you, our valued shopper. Want to make a message for all to see? Shout your statement with a custom banner. Support a cause, rally your election pick, celebrate a big birthday, advertise your business, … or just have fun with it. Weather-resistant construction for indoor/outdoor use. This sweet item:

• Measures 44" x 30"
• 13 oz. flexible vinyl is weather-resistant
• Four metal grommets for hanging
• Design is printed on one side
• Can be used horizontally or vertically.

This is an example of a banner design. This particular one happens to be available in my shop now. Obviously, it has a strong patriotic theme, and could be used in a great variety of situations. Most obviously, political events; but also Independence Day gatherings and even family reunions come to mind. I personally think that the Banners are a great addition to the list and hope to build a good inventory as time does its thing. If you'd like to have a banner custom designed just for you, contact me at bladimz@dejazzd.com.

Stop in every so often. And leave a comment, just to let me know that someone is out there. Somewhere....

Bakk at it,

Bill

Announcing...

... Bakktalk has its own website. It went live as of yesterday, April 8th: www.bakktalkgifts.com. I honestly know very little about website construction and have finally enlisted the services of a local young web designer to get me up and running. I thank Gary for the time and hard work he has put into it so far.

This is kind of a big deal for me and Bakktalk. I spend the majority of my time working on the next new design to make available (looking for that one special "cash cow" graphic...), and at this point have by my count, almost 400 unique designs available for your browsing pleasure and purchase. Now my next step is to start advertising the site in every way that i can. Like even here on my Blog...

I understand that having my own site and domain can only benefit the efforts put forth here at Bakktalk, and i can only hope that, with some work, Bakktalk Online Gifts grows in customer popularity and, of course, in sales.

I'd really like to get some feedback from you dear readers on the site. Please take a minute to check the site out and shoot me a comment. If nothing else, i will at least know that someone is reading these posts. Besides the government, that is.

As always keep an eye out for new designs on a regular basis. One of these days you're gonna find one that's just right for you!

More about photo retouching (yes....)

Hey...

I wanted to add this to my blog of yesterday concerning my current obsession: Digital Photo Retouching. I've included a sample of one of my most recent requests to make the point. Check it out, while i espouse the point... (click on the image to get a better look)

The original scan is of a printed fold-out page in an old book about Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The page size was about 19" wide by about 3" high. As you can see, the page folds are quite obvious, but otherwise the image is in fairly good shape. The client simply wanted the folds "cleaned up" so that he could have a large poster made for members of his family, formerly of Pittsburgh. It may not seem like a big deal at first, but simply removing the folds adds a great sense of continuity to the print. Once i had completed that request, i simply bumped the contrast slightly and sharpened the image. The result was something that even surprised me, which is why i'm blabbing about it here.

The point, dear readers, is that even small distractions (like folds, scrapes, stains) can reduce the visual pleasure that a clean, well kept photo can offer. The above retouch cost the client approximately $50.00 (not including the scan work and the CD burn of the finished work). If you are not the customer with a personal interest in that photo, you might think that $50.00 is outrageously expensive. But now that client not only has his retouch completed, but also a digital file that can be used to output any number of clean sharp prints at any size he wishes. He was pleased.

If i sound like i'm trying to drum up more of the same kind of work, well, i am. And i think that most of you can think of at least one special photo that you would consider for retouching. And, i think that you should contact me to have it done. It's just as simple as that.

And remember... once i've completed a retouch, it's very very simple to add that image to any one of the products that are available in Bakktalk Online Gifts (BOG). Shirts, mugs, magnets, calendars, postcards, greeting cards, note cards, journals, etc. are all great gifts when enhanced with that cool, new, cleaned up photo. Think about it. I'm just sayin'.

bladimz@dejazzd.com.

Back at it,
bill

2007 Reflections...

First, i must wish all of you dear readers a happy, healthy, safe and productive new year. There are a few things you can count on. There will, again, be 12 months involved, beginning with January and ending with December. That kind of thing. The rest is all "work in progress".

Before i can welcome in the new year, i need to kiss 2007 adieu. It was, without a doubt, the best year that Bakktalk has enjoyed since opening it's shop in early 2006. I know; it's not much of a history, but we here at BOG (Bakktalk Online Gifts) have been very pleased with the relative successes enjoyed in 2007. Sales -- the bottom line -- grew steadily throughout the year, with December and the Holiday Season finishing the year with a flourish.

Designs were constantly being added at the rate of 4 per week, building BOG's inventory to well over 1,000 unique ideas and original designs. What began as a single-idea kind of shop has grown to a shop with a vast variety of designs. I can say that BOG's 2007 experiences have been educational, enjoyable and rewarding.

2008 looks to be a second year of growth, with another store in the works. That store will be built using ideas supplied by my family members... that's the initial idea, anyway. It sounds like a good idea right now. Time will tell on that one.

Photo Retouching... I am also continuing to work with photo restoration requests. It is a particularly rewarding avocation for me. It is something that i find very challenging and interesting. And i do like the positive feedback from my clients. If any of you dear readers suddenly decide that you'd like to have a damaged, stained, faded photo digitally restored, please at least contact me at bladimz@dejazzd.com. I would love to work with you on your project, and will be happy to at least discuss it with you.

Ok... that's it for me for now. I just wanted to get these thoughts out to you before the new year learns to crawl. Please stay with me and Bakktalk Online Gifts; we're going places!! Again, wishing you and your family a wonderful 2008. May we all regularly consider and appreciate all that we do have, no matter how much or how little.

Back at it,

Bill