what is indie

If it's cool, creative and different, it's indie

POSTED: 3:36 p.m. EDT, September 22, 2006

By Catherine Andrews
CNN

(CNN) -- Sean McCabe said he remembers when indie was truly indie.

"I spent my formative years going to record shops and spending hours hunting down obscure things," the 35-year-old art director from New York said with a laugh. "It was indie on every level."

But, McCabe said, things have changed.

The term "indie" traditionally refers to independent art -- music, film, literature or anything that fits under the broad banner of culture -- created outside of the mainstream and without corporate financing.

In music, for example, the term refers to music produced and funded by any band or label not affiliated with the four or five major corporate labels like Sony or Epic. The same holds true generally for the music and film industry.

Eugene Hernandez, editor-in-chief of indieWIRE, a site dedicated to independent movies, said the definition of indie was founded on the virtues of self-publishing and self-releasing books, magazines, tapes, records, and just about everything else from buttons to clothing to posters.

"If you're going to be as strict as possible, the only definition was DIY -- do it yourself," he said, referring to the ethos of the punk bands and labels that flourished in the late 1970s and 1980s.

Ryan Schreiber, the editor and founder of Pitchfork Media, a popular online magazine that chronicles the indie music scene, said the definition also embodies a sense of idealism and an anti-corporate attitude.

"[The term] has also, for years, been sort of the de facto label for an entire subculture of idealistic artists and music fans who place a lot of stock in the idea of making music for yourself or your friends, rather than for profit or popularity," he said.

Richard Nash, who runs New York-based Soft Skull Press, an independent publishing firm, said indie outfits are not necessarily beholden to the same profit-based bottom line and shareholder pressure that most corporations are.

They are, consequently, freer to publish and release products that may not have tremendous commercial appeal. "In our situation, we really do recognize that what we do is not always economically rational," he said.
Indie's meaning evolves

Since the scene's inception in the late 1970s with the advent of punk, some say that the term indie has evolved into something that has far less meaning than the original rebellious, creative, do-it-yourself aesthetic.

"For me indie is convenient to use as a term, but it's hard to actually accept that it actually exists on any meaningful level now," said McCabe, who is best known for his work with Interpol -- a popular band from New York City who, coincidentally, just left their indie label to sign with Capitol, one of the largest major labels around.

According to critics, indie is now nothing more than a branding tool: a highly commercial and money-driven movement, more concerned with marketing a particular image instead of culture with a truly independent nature and passion for its art.

In May, Dave Cool, a Montreal-based filmmaker, released "What is Indie?" -- a documentary that takes a look at indie musicians and attempts to determine what being indie actually means.

With major labels and corporations now handling distribution for some indie record labels and major film studios buying or inking deals with what were once independent film studios, the definition has become "irrelevant at this point," Cool said.

As far as films -- their content and development -- are concerned, indieWIRE's Hernandez has had to relax his definition as the waters of independent film become muddier.

"You just know it when you see it," he said. "An indie movie either sort of feels right or it doesn't. For me, an indie film is one that is made outside of the traditional Hollywood system, typically driven by a filmmaker who is in control of the project."
Corporations catch on

The adoption of indie music by corporations started in the mid-90s, when Nirvana, a fiercely independent rock band from the state of Washington, exploded onto the mainstream. Their success and wildly loyal fan base -- both of which continued to exist after lead singer Kurt Cobain committed suicide in 1994 -- convinced mainstream radio and labels that their kind of music could be popular.

"There's always been this idea that if independent music was given wider exposure that a lot of artists would appeal to a broader audience," Schreiber said.

"The popularity of bands like Nirvana and Sonic Youth in the early '90s proved that to an extent, and we're now beginning to see that again with bands like Modest Mouse, Death Cab for Cutie, and Yeah Yeah Yeahs."

The same happened in the movie industry with the success of films like Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction."

Consequently, the lines have been blurred between the two camps.

For example, smaller music labels, eager for financial success on a wider scale, have adopted business practices of major labels once considered anathema in the scene, like hiring PR firms and street teams to market their records and licensing songs to advertising companies.

Conversely, major labels and film studios now use the indie tag to market authenticity, often slapping an indie label on a piece of art, even if the label isn't necessarily accurate, to attract a hipper, younger demographic eager for original and offbeat entertainment.

"Films by those big companies tend to get a lot more of the attention and sort of get perceived by the mass public as being indie when maybe they aren't really and those films may take attention from the really indie films made for just a few hundred thousand dollars," Hernandez said.

Yet there are many examples that prove simply inking a deal with a corporate entity doesn't mean compromising an idiosyncratic artistic vision.

Bands like Sonic Youth and Built to Spill, who have signed with major labels, and directors like Wes Anderson and Sofia Coppola, who have made films in the major studio system, have largely retained their authenticity and identity.

Meanwhile, many independent hip-hop labels that have distribution deals with larger corporations have developed and promoted acts that never cross over into mainstream pop culture.
Internet fuels indie growth

Another factor that has erased the line between what it means to be indie and what it means to be corporate is emerging technology like the Internet and file-sharing systems that have allowed for more accessibility and better distribution for smaller labels and imprints.

"The Internet is definitely the most significant influence on indie culture at the moment," Schreiber said.

Online outlets such as iTunes and MySpace have made it easier for fans to find original music, or for bands to set up their own sites and distribute their own music. And video uploading sites like YouTube allow aspiring filmmakers to showcase their work to potentially millions of people, without viewers ever having to step inside a movie theater.
story.superchunk.gi.jpg

Mac McCaughan of the band Superchunk co-founded Merge Records in 1989.

"The limits of physical retail don't exist in the digital world," said Glenn Peoples, a popular music blogger and veteran of the entertainment industry.

The Internet has erased the need for a brick and mortar shop, allowing for even the smallest of music labels, clothing boutiques or magazines to become available to the masses.

But technology has also made a prime staple of independent culture -- its exclusivity and autonomous nature -- nearly obsolete, diluting the intimacy that the scene often defines itself by.

"Because independent music sprung up as an antidote to the mainstream, there's probably always going to be an overarching sense of superiority there -- people who believe independent music is inherently better than pop music," Schreiber said. "But elitism exists in every subculture, so I don't know if it's an intrinsically indie attribute."

Susan Shin, who was a DJ at her Wellesley University's independent rock station for four years, was more fervent about the consequences of the increased attention.

"From the perspective of a die-hard hipster from the days of old, publicity for [indie artists] means that more people know about them," she said. "And if everyone likes them, they become a bigger name. I feel it's an affront to me that someone with vapid tastes could be exposed to the stuff that I like.

"But again, that's because I'm a snob."
A culture that's here to stay

Most observers, however, think that, despite big business dipping its toes into indie waters, true independent culture can survive, though the definition might remain ever-changing.

Plenty of indie labels like Dischord Records in Washington, Merge Records in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and Drag City in Chicago, Illinois, are thriving. Independent films often make splashes at prominent film festivals and once in a while even snag an Academy Award. Independent publishing firms, though scarce in number, are slowly gaining more clout.

And even if indie doesn't literally mean independent, do-it-yourself art any longer, that doesn't mean it will ever fall off the radar. "These days indie is more of a philosophy," Cool said. "If you can maintain control and integrity over your art, whether on your own or with a corporation -- that's what's important."

The indie spirit has been commodified and re-envisioned as a marketable lifestyle just like punk, alternative and grunge before it, Pitchfork's Schreiber said. "But those are all permutations of the same very resilient subculture," he said.

"If the last 30 years are any indication, after every last cent has been wrung from it, it'll just burrow back underground and continue on its own terms," he said. "You can't kill the ideal."

CNN's Curt Merrill contributed to this report.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/Music/09/19/indie.overview/index.html

The French bed...

Here is a photo of the French bed I mentioned in my previous post which I bought at Shepton. Isn't it dreamy? We are going to have a hard time finding a mattress and base for it because it is a slightly awkward size, measuring about 3 feet 10 inches wide, but we will eventually sort it out. It is so lovely that I think it will be well worth the effort.

Cant you just picture it all dressed up with vintage linens and quilts?!

Airport Carry-on Update

This is a follow-up to my post on Monday after one full day of implementation of the new TSA carry-on regulations. It appears that all major U.S. Carriers are adopting the TSA regulations without any internal modifications. This is good news as it will cut down on confusion.

Flights on all carriers to international destinations are subject to different requirements. Some of the most restrictive rules concern itineraries where you make a connection in the United Kingdom. Be sure to check with your airline or travel professional if you’re flying internationally. Many foreign flag carriers have not updated their websites to address the new carry-on rules.

One final observation: media reports suggest that many travelers have overlooked the TSA requirement that the small size liquids be packed in a one quart size clear plastic bag. That bag is only slightly larger than a sandwich bag. Don’t show up with a gallon bag – you won’t be allowed through security with it.

buried underground

hi all, i won't be blabbing as much for quite awhile, until the sfw (singapore fashion week) event is over after 5 november.

i'll be away from the internet, except for web shoppe related work stuff, and maybe the posting of some photos, and email replies will be delayed abit here and there. i'll still try to re-stock the shoppe as much as i can, but we now super overwhelmed with stockists' orders pouring in for the year-end holiday season, and also i'm trying to keep stock for the event. if not, i'll have nothing to display!!! hahaha. that would totally blow, wouldn't it. yes.

things back-end are not moving as fast as i wish they could, and for impatient lynda me, this is really bad for my mental health.... i'm "hhmmm" -ing too much everyday.... it's getting crazier... some people still owe me money which i need to pay other people, especially now that i need things to move FASTER. bastards. pay up please. or close down your business.

anyhow, ya all be good. and take good care. and wish moi luck. i'm getting alittle sick of this adult world.... i shall leave you all with my twee little fuwwy snotty birdies, for company, with attitude.



lots of love and hugs

The Myth of Getting Bumped

jetBlue is the IDB champ with only one IDB per 140,629 passengers (Jan. - June 2006).
Photo Credit: Joe Popp

Since I started blogging I’ve taken an interest in reading other travel-themed blogs, especially those that dispense advice. I’ve been surprised to see one topic covered exhaustively: the issue of getting bumped from a flight. The precise term of art is Involuntary Denied Boarding (IDB) and it describes the situation where a passenger holding a ticket for a flight is not allowed to fly (against their wishes) because the airline has overbooked.

The experts go on at great length talking about the airlines’ Contract of Carriage, their obligations under Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations etc. Apparently this is a topic that people are very interested in.

It’s an unreasonable fear. Passengers are seldom denied boarding against their will. It’s never happened to me, my family, my friends, or any of my clients. In fact, because airlines are required to report Involuntary Denied Boardings to the DOT the actual statistics are available for review.

During the first six months of 2006, 1.22 passengers were denied boarding involuntarily for every 10,000 passengers. If that statistic held true in the future, you could fly every day for twenty years before it happened to you. In 2005, the same period resulted in 0.97 IDBs per 10,000 passengers.

We all know that airlines routinely overbook flights – if there’s a problem it’s usually handled through voluntary denied boarding. That’s where passengers volunteer to skip the flight for a later one in return for some kind of compensation like a free ticket or cash. I’m one of those people who hope it will happen so I can get the free ticket. How do you think I took my family on vacation this year anyhow?

So don’t worry about getting bumped, it probably won’t ever happen to you. Worry about something realistic – like weather-related flight delays – but that’s another post…

Alert: TSA Refines Liquid Ban for Air Travel

The Transportation Security Administration announced that they are changing the regulations governing liquids carried onboard aircraft effective tomorrow.

Small size (less than 3 oz.) containers will be allowed if carried in a single, one quart size, clear zip-top bag. Additionally, travelers will be allowed to carry beverages purchased in the secure area of airport terminals onboard.

I think that it's important to point out (and I haven't seen anyone in the media address this) that the ability to board with beverages, indeed with any liquid is at the discretion of each airline. I'll be watching to see what they do. I expect that most will follow the TSA's lead -- but I'm sure that one or two will not.

Visit the TSA website for more details and as always, check with you airline or travel professional before flying.

Top Hotels Make Special Plans For Younger Guests

The Carlyle Hotel Entrance

New York
The Carlyle – This legendary hotel is discreet and jewel-like, conveniently located in a tony neighborhood on the Upper East Side. It was the hotel of choice for President John F. Kennedy, Ingrid Bergman and Diana, Princess of Wales. It’s also been a focus of café society since Composer Richard Rodgers moved in when the hotel opened in 1930. The Café Carlyle has attracted music lovers for years with classy performers like Bobby Short, who headlined at the Carlyle for 37 years.

The Carlyle's Bemelmans Bar

Another of the Carlyle’s famous spaces is the Bemelmans Bar, named for the author and illustrator of the Madeline books, whose murals cover the walls. Children and their parents are invited to come for a Madeline-themed high tea afternoons from Wednesday through Sunday. Special snacks and desserts like Pepito’s crudités and Eiffel Tower Hot Fudge Sundaes help make the experience memorable. Kids may want to study the murals to find where Bemelmans included Madeline and her classmates. Oh, if your name is Madeline – the whole experience is on the house.

The Merrion Hotel's Georgian Door

Dublin
The Merrion – Topping every hotel guide for Dublin is this elegant hotel located between Merrion Square and St. Stephan’s Green. The Merrion is located in four elegant Georgian town homes, including Mornington House, birthplace of the Duke of Wellington. Providing more than luxury lodging, today The Merrion boasts Ireland’s most exclusive spa as well, The Tethra Spa.

Young Travelers can enjoy the comforts of The Merrion with the Miss & Master Merrion program that includes all manner of customized amenities for boys and girls of any age including Frette bathrobes! An exclusive kid’s menu has been created by the chef and a kids-only area is available during the Merrion’s famous Sunday brunch.

The Beverly Hills Hotel

Beverly Hills
The Beverly Hills Hotel – The Pink Palace of Beverly Hills is a grande dame who’s had a lot of work done – by top people. She retains the style and sophistication of a 1912 classic with all the latest comforts and luxuries. Located on Sunset Boulevard in the heart of Beverly Hills and surrounded by gardens that give it a private feel, The Beverly Hills Hotel seems like a private estate.

You can bring your little mogul-in-training to The Beverly Hills Hotel, perhaps to do lunch at the Polo Lounge where you might see Nancy Reagan and Russell Crowe. The exclusive VYV (Very Young VIPs) Program will cater to all the needs of your tyke with hotel Teddy Bears, free drink cards and sports activities. If Mommy and Daddy need some alone time, you can count on the elite babysitting services offered.

The special services offered by these hotels require advance notice or reservations. Contact your travel professional (like me) to arrange them.

Photo Credits:
Carlyle Hotel - Rosewood Hotels
The Merrion - Leading Hotels of the World
Beverly Hills Hotel - Dorchester Group Hotels

British Columbia, Vancouver Aquarium

My daughter loved the Beluga whales at the Vancouver Aquarium. Perhaps the best Aquarium I've ever seen and certainly the best for kids.

Photo Credit: Christopher Gould

Hassle-Free Car Rental Guide Part 1: USA

In my years as a travel counselor, I’ve seen more traveler problems with one segment of the travel business than any other: rental cars. In this article, I will share my tips for a hassle-free car rental. I’ve listed the most likely pitfalls for car renting consumers and how to avoid them. In these recommendations, I have assumed that the renter is a U.S. citizen with valid driver license renting in the United States.

MAKING THE RESERVATION - I recommend using an experienced travel agent or travel consultant to make your arrangements. There’s just no substitute for their experience and insight for helping you avoid problems and getting you the best value.

GIVE COMPLETE AND ACCURATE INFORMATION However you reserve, it’s best to provide as much information to your agent or to the rental car company as possible: your age, your flight number (if you’re arriving by plane), how you want to pay, and any frequent traveler number you’d like to earn miles on. Be sure that you give accurate times for pick up and drop off to ensure that the rental location is open when you need it. Tell how many drivers you’d like to include on the rental and provide their information as well.

LOCATION - Don’t assume that the location is at or near an airport if that’s what you request. Be sure to find out exactly where the location is. For example, if you request Newark Airport (EWR) from Alamo Rent A Car, their system defaults to a location 20 minutes away with no shuttle service.

DEBIT CARDS – Credit Cards are almost always required for a rental. Find out what the terms of payment are if you don’t have a credit card or if you have a debit card only. Often, debit cards are not accepted at the time of rental or they’re only allowed in special circumstances that require additional documents to be given: additional ID, proof of return travel etc.

UNDERSTAND THE RATE – Make sure that you understand the rate. Is it daily or weekly? How does it apply to your rental period? Is mileage included? Look for additional charges that may include: taxes, fees, concession charges, frequent flyer charges, and recovery charges. Make sure that you understand how these apply to your rental and get it in writing.

POOR DRIVING RECORD – If you have a poor driving record be advised that car rental companies are routinely checking driver records in states where it’s legal. If you’ve had more than one moving violation in a two year period before the rental or any serious violations like a DUI, find out in advance how they will handle it. The rental companies may refuse to rent the vehicle or charge you a higher rate. Don’t get surprised at the rental counter.

AT THE RENTAL COUNTER – The car reservation shows that you’ve reserved a certain car class at a particular rate. Well, what does that mean? A car class describes vehicles that share certain specific characteristics: compact, automatic transmission, four doors, and air conditioning, for example. You are not guaranteed a particular model or color, but you can always ask at the counter. If there are no more cars available in the car class you’ve reserved you will usually be offered an upgrade to a more expensive car class for the same rate you’ve reserved. If you’re really watching your budget, be careful -- your fuel bill is going to jump significantly if you’re upgraded from a compact car to an SUV. Choose wisely if fuel economy is a big concern; perhaps even ask if you can move down to a smaller car at a lower rate.

PERSONAL INSURANCE AND LIABILITY – The rental agent will ask if you want to add CDW or LDW and additional insurance coverage. Before you choose, be sure that you understand exactly what type of insurance coverage you already that may apply to rental cars. Contact your insurance provider directly and get the information in writing. Some questions to ask: Do I have coverage while driving a rental? What’s my deductible? What vehicle types are covered? (Often vans and trucks are not covered). Are there restrictions on the length or rental? (Rentals longer than two weeks are frequently not covered). Understand that if there’s a mention of “rental car” on your policy document it most likely refers to rental car charges incurred while having your personal vehicle repaired, not coverage while driving a rental, so ask.

CREDIT CARD INSURANCE – Most major credit cards offer some type of insurance coverage to cardholders if they use the credit card to reserve and pay for a rental car. Coverage varies widely from card to card, call your card issuer and get the details in writing. Ask the same questions as for personal insurance (above) and ask if the insurance is primary or secondary. Secondary coverage requires that you have your own personal coverage.

If you have a debit card with the VISA or MasterCard logo on it, use it as a credit card, do not enter a PIN code. If you use the debit function and enter a PIN, you lose most of the consumer protections that come along with the card, often including the insurance.

CDW/LDW - Rental car companies typically offer an option for protecting renters from excess liability for an additional charge. Loss damage Waiver (LDW) protects if the car is stolen or damaged while you’re renting. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is pretty much the same thing with a different name. These waivers are not insurance, just the rental company’s agreement to limit your liability. Remember that the waivers do not cover loss or damage of your property. LDW and CDW vary from company to company and are not legal in every state. Some companies offer modified LDW/CDW plans that waive liability for smaller dollar amounts to cover the deductible expense for renters using their own insurance.

OTHER INSURANCE – Travel Insurance available from travel agencies and tour operators may offer better coverage for the vehicle, baggage, personal effects and medical services at a competitive price. Talk with your travel professional.

FUEL OPTIONS – Most car rental companies offer the ability to prepay for a full tank of gas at a reasonable market rate price. They’ll explain that they charge a rate three to four times market rate per gallon if you return the car with less than a full tank of gas. Of course, they make out like bandits with the prepay system unless you coast in on fumes. That’s why I don’t recommend the prepay service unless you absolutely want the convenience of not worrying about filling the tank before returning the car.

CHECK OUT THE CAR – When you finally get to the car, take a few minutes to closely inspect its condition, both for safety and to ensure you don’t pay for damage already inflicted on the vehicle. Check the tread and inflation on the tires, try the lights and horn. Be absolutely sure to note the fuel level and every stain, scratch or cosmetic damage to the car (they usually give a form for this) and turn it in to the attendant. Be sure to get a copy with their signature and the date on it. If you don’t do this, the rental agreement states that the car is in perfect condition unless otherwise noted.

DURING THE RENTAL – Keep the rental agreement with the car at all times, it is the legal equivalent of the vehicle registration that you’ll need if you encounter law enforcement. If you have any problems with an accident or breakdown, call the rental company as soon as possible. If there’s an accident, try to take some photos of the scene if you can do so safely. Do not keep the car past the agreed upon rental period. If you need to extend the rental, call the company or your travel professional to arrange this before the initial rental period elapses.

RETURNING THE CAR – If you can get a receipt from an attendant who inspects the vehicle when you return it, you are pretty well protected from surprises later. If you’re returning the vehicle after hours or any time where the vehicle is not inspected, be sure to document the mileage and fuel level. Keep any receipts for fuel you purchased during the rental and take a photo of the car at the return facility if you have a camera. Finally, and this is very important, pay by Credit Card. Don’t pay by cash, check or debit function (using a PIN), or you will lose the powerful consumer protections built into the cards.

AFTER THE RENTAL – From time to time, renters receive some correspondence from a rental car company afterwards, alleging some damage or requesting additional payment. Sometimes an extra charge shows up on a credit card statement. This is why it’s essential to have the proper documentation after the fact, especially if you need to dispute credit card charges through you credit card issuer. Your travel agent or consultant can also be a powerful advocate for you in a situation like this simply because or their experience and ongoing business relationship with the rental company – don’t hesitate to use them.

Watch for my car rental tips for Western Europe.

Photo Credit: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Collection

miniature roof top garden

there's a little squatter apartment housing for more critters below (it's actually a little cubic shelf with cubic compartments) but like i said, it's a squatter now, super messy, i think they love being on top of one another. hmmm. so, no photos of that for now



and i got peppero, handmade by donielle aka comfits! you have to visit her etsy shoppe which is full of her own original critters, mostly one-of-a-kinds. they are fun and funny!! ^_^


"pop!!" his head!!! his head!!!!"
peppero has to be the coolest dude there. his head pops out whenever possible. how cool is that??? can you beat that!!!??? hee

i'm off on my regular island beach trips this weekend... not without my powerbook of course. but working by the beach, with the sea breeze... ah. beats having the air-conditioning everyday. i need to space out less. sorry if i've been spacing out while any form of conversation is going on. spacing out is my way of relieving stress. it means, i'm relaxing. yes. by spacing out. i'm not trying to be rude, oh no no no. sorry if i didn't respond to every single thing you were rambling on about last night, lana. hahahah! rambling...

xoxo!!!!

Cruise Ship Trivia: Maritime Flags

You can tell a lot about a ship, including cruise ships, just by looking at the flags flown on the mast. In my example photo you can you can tell the owner, location and next planned action of the ship. Interestingly, you cannot tell the country where the ship is registered by looking at these flags.

The picture shows the mast of a cruise ship in port. Beginning on the port (left) side: the leftmost flag is called the house flag and represents which shipping line owns the ship, in this case Royal Caribbean International. The blue flag with the white rectangle just to the right of the house flag is called the Blue Peter. It is the signal flag that represents the letter “P” in the International Marine Signal Flag Alphabet. When flown from the mast it indicates the ship’s intention to sail. The two flags flying from the starboard (right) side of the mast are courtesy ensigns flown to represent the country in whose waters the ship is sailing. The captain may display additional courtesy ensigns for a particular port that the ship is visiting. In this case, the flag of the U.S. Virgin Islands and the United States flag is displayed The national flag of the ship itself is flown from the jackstaff at the stern of the vessel.

The mast in the photo belongs to Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas. It was taken just prior to sailing from Long Bay in Charlotte Amalie Harbor, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands in August 2005.

Photo Credit: Christopher Gould

special order service

it's important to me that you have other options to purchase the silk aquarium plants i've designed; that's why special orders are always welcome.

see something you like but the size isn't what you need, not a problem. i can easily design styles that are better suited to fit your personal tank situation.

simply choose any style(s) featured on the aquarium life-style blog and email the request. the email should include the following information: the style #, quantity, and preferred height along with a contact name & email address. also include any other "special requests" or questions, as well. if there are styles you've selected that are currently not in stock, you will be notified via email, shortly after your original request. should you want the design on the "hook" style, please indicate that as well. note some styles are not available on a hook because of restrictions by manufacture; i.e. stem length, bendability; will notify you if that's the case.

special orders do take a few extra days and are available at no additional cost for this service. all other costs and shipping rates apply. free shipping on all orders of $25 or more (U.S. only). shipping rate per item averages about $5 per unit (priority mail U.S.), some rate variations apply. for international orders, please send your request and i will respond back with shipping rates.

you will receive, via email, a final invoice of all items ordered/total amount due, including price and shipping costs before the special order design request is begun. once you agree on the emailed special order & invoiced total amount due, you are responsible for payment in-full of that order. your payment in-full signifies that you agree with all items/amounts invoiced. payment preferred via paypal; invoice emailed with paypal payment link. personal checks are accepted and take about 5-7 business days to clear. once check clears and/or paypal payment is received/posted, the order will then be started. any special order, once paid for, will begin and cannot be changed in any way. an additional $30 service charge for any returned checks applies. all sales are final.

any questions, please email them to me and thanks for your interest.... ron

PayPal eBay's service to make fast, easy, and secure payments for your eBay purchases!

thanks for dinner

my aussie friends, chrissy and jona, popped by singapore for 1 1/2 days last weekend, and we had a wonderful time catching up over a gorgeous and yummy dinner at halia in our lush botanical gardens, the ginger section of course, "halia" being "ginger" in malay. we simply adore the ambience and food, the baby mussels are um! um! yummm! and the duck, pasta, wine, candlelights, greenery, cricket sounds (well, if you have any temperate climate "ang-moh" friends, you'll know they'd die for alfresco... regardless of humidity and mosquitoes... hahaha)

the breakfast is gorgeous too, i had it with b a couple of months back... unforgettable! i know how some people hate fusion food, but i like it. you have to move on after awhile you know, or it'll get kinda boring. thanks to the classy american "asian" restaurants in my chicago college days, which have trained my taste buds for fusion. ha!

definitely try it sometime if you can. it's semi fine dining price though, so prepare your pockets ^_~

he hates the camera nowadays...

Disney’s Magical Express Airport Service Saves the Day

The Rubik's Cube stair tower at Disney's Pop Century Resort.
Photo Credit: Christopher Gould

As a travel professional I have had plenty of opportunities to visit and learn about the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. I’ve been planning client trips there for years, but my latest trip to Disney was the most special, because it was my first as a parent.

I was excited to try out a new service that Disney recently began offering at Walt Disney World – Disney's Magical Express Service. The Magical Express is available to guests that are staying in one of Disney’s own resort hotels. The service is designed to make your arrival at Walt Disney World swift and carefree.

When your plane lands at Orlando Airport you can bypass baggage claim (your checked luggage will be delivered to your hotel room by Disney) and head directly to the Disney Welcome Center where you board luxury motor coaches that will take you to your Disney Resort hotel. During the ride, a short welcome and orientation video is played which really ramps up the excitement and anticipation for kids.

Disney’s Magical Express sounded great, but it turned out even better for my family. We took an afternoon flight from Raleigh to Orlando and arrived just as a thunderstorm began. As we left the aircraft by jetway, a crew member informed us that the airport had declared a “code red” weather alert, which meant that no personnel were allowed to work outside until the storm had passed. That meant no bags would be unloaded until the code red was over.

Our aircraft was a small 50 seat regional jet and we’d gate checked our stroller and our larger carry-on bag. Those items are unloaded first and delivered back to you right on the jetway; except during a code red. As we walked down the concourse towards the Disney Welcome Center, I wondered what would become of those items. Because I expected to handle them as carry-on items, they weren’t tagged with the special Disney tags that would speed them to our hotel room.

At the Welcome Center I gave some information about our gate-checked items to a friendly staff person who told me not to worry. We boarded our bus and were soon at Disney’s Pop Century Resort where we checked into a room in the Eighties-themed building. We had a nice dinner and we returned to our room. After a few minutes, there was a knock at the door, and all our luggage arrived – even the gate-checked stuff.

The next day, I overheard people talking about the previous night’s situation at the airport. The code red lasted for over two hours and huge crowds clogged the baggage claim and ground transportation areas afterwards. Thanks to the Magical Express, our experience was totally different.

Disney is offering Magical Express Service at no charge to Walt Disney World Resort hotel guests through 2006.

Celebrities Aboard: How Queen Mary 2 is Creating a New Golden Age of Travel

Clark Gable enjoys a laugh with a Cunard officer aboard the first Queen Mary.
Photo Credit: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Collection

Travel used to be something glamorous. Press photographers would board every great ocean liner after it entered New York harbor, eager to photograph the famous actors, former kings and statesmen aboard.

Ambitious mothers might scrimp to afford an ocean crossing in First Class, hopeful that their beautiful young daughter would catch the eye of an aristocrat or millionaire. Perhaps you have your own family story of how Aunt Edna was always in the lounge on the Queen Mary so she wouldn't miss rubbing elbows with Clark Gable on a voyage in '49.

It's a wonderful romantic memory that Cunard Line, who had so many of those great liners, has worked hard to recapture. Since the debut of Queen Mary 2 in 2004 it's become apparent to me that the most expensive and ambitious liner in history has successfully enticed the Jet Set to cross the Atlantic in a more civilized manner.

I'll confess, I'm a really big fan of Queen Mary 2 and the experiences of myself and my clients has only caused it to grow. Queen Mary 2 is an ocean liner, not a cruise ship. She's an ocean liner in every sense: engineering, itineraries and ambiance. I will omit the superlatives for today because I want to share some photos that I've gotten a kick out of lately. These pictures show today's glitterati aboard today's most glittering ship. (Click to enlarge photos)


Actor Richard Dreyfuss (R) on the bridge with Commodore Warwick (L).
For this and following photos: Cunard Line (All Rights Reserved)


Actress S. Epatha Merkerson from Law & Order enjoys Manhattan views before setting sail from Cunard's new terminal in Red Hook Brooklyn.


Author Sir Harold Evans and his wife Tina Brown (founding editor of Vanity Fair) enjoy some fresh air on Deck 12 of QM2.


George Lucas accepts an award aboard QM2 from Commodore Warwick during the Cannes Film Festival.


Legendary screen siren Jane Russell sits in the Captain's chair.


Rocker Rod Stewart boards ship in Southampton.


Another Englishman, John Cleese, poses on Queen Mary 2's bridge.


Uma Thurman looks like she's already started to relax.

Full of the joys of Spain

You know those people who wake up every morning uttering inane expressions like 'oh what a beautiful day', when all you see are grey skies and pouring rain? I used to have a friend like that and had prozac been invented at the time, we would have presumed her to be on a very high dosage - after all, there is probably only a few days a year that this saying truly applies.

However, living in Spain and saying the same thing actually means something. Despite being here five years now, I still admire the blue skies, green mountains and sparkling Med, every day thanking my higher conscience for making the decision to move. Friends are always saying 'don't you miss....', but no, I don't. I miss my friends and that's it - nothing else. Why would I? I have a 15 minute drive to work in the morning along the coast road in sunshine and with the sea beside me - as opposed to a 40 minute train journey in the rush hour to Charing X or a long traffic jam on the A2. Although I actually work harder than I did at home, there is plenty of time to enjoy life and if the work doesn't get done, I adhere easily to the typical 'Manana Manana' syndrome - there's always tomorrow. I know only one person who is stressed, whereas in the UK everybody I knew was stressed over something.

I have my problems - who doesn't, but its either the kids or the bank balance that worry me, not if I'm wearing designer clothes, if my make is perfect, whether I can afford a holiday, whether I'm late for work, where I'm going to find time to go shopping, if I'm going to be the victim of a teenage gang attack as one of my friends has been recently, etc. etc.

All in all, a fantastic climate really does make a difference to your whole life - and yes, I wake up every morning thinking 'oh what a beautiful day'.

France, On the Canal du Nivernais

I snapped this photo of a lock-keeper’s house and bicycle while on a canal trip through Burgundy. I wondered why Madame (the lock-keepers were inevitably women) kept her red bicycle alongside the canal. It turned out that she was also responsible for the next lock, perhaps a half mile away. When we were finished at this lock, she rode her bicycle alongside our boat, chatting with my family the whole way.

Photo Credit: Christopher Gould

say hi to james and dustin!

meet james, designer and fashion addict, and her husband, dustin
she likes to play model and he likes to play photographer
they have 2 kids (!) and a pug named moose
aren't they the cutest couple!!

and here's where she hawks her cutest vintage finds!
http://stores.ebay.com/bleubirdvintage

New Device to Make Flying Easier For Parents

If you’ve ever rushed to make a flight connection with bags, child seat, stroller and kid in tow you’d welcome some way to lighten your load, right? A new product called CARES (Child Aviation REStraint) may be just the thing. It’s a lightweight safety harness designed to replace rigid child safety seats on all aircraft types. The FAA approved the device, the first of its kind, last week.

CARES is designed to be used by children under 40 inches tall who weigh between 22 and 44 pounds. It weighs about one pound and can be packed into a six inch stuff sack. You can purchase CARES for $74.95 at the maker’s website.

Interestingly, kids aren’t required to use any safety devices. According to a recent FAA press release, “The agency encourages but does not mandate the use of child safety devices on airplanes because of the increased safety risk to families who, if forced to purchase an extra airline ticket, might choose to drive.”

Because my daughter weighs almost 44 pounds now, I won’t be able to benefit directly from CARES. I remember some trips where I would have paid a considerable amount of money to ensure my child’s safety if only I could have abandoned the car seat in an airport terminal somewhere. Parents with CARES will be able to check their car seats or arrange to reserve one with their rental car. I expect to see CARES in use onboard a flight very soon.

security is my right as citizen

and i am alittle taken aback and alittle disappointed that our government has given in to those (the IMF-World Bank, the CSOs and etc.) who do not understand our small and geographically-challenged and vulnerable country

taken aback only "alittle" because i know it's too much for such a small country like us 4 million peeps to outsay the rest of the world, but still taken aback nonetheless

i do not wish for singapore to "enjoy" protests which hamper, obstruct, or impose any form of unnecessary and unwanted disturbances to singaporean's generally free and safe daily lives. i am free because of the politcal and economic stability which i get to enjoy as a citizen of singapore. i do not need to bribe any civil servants or traffic police here, which i have had to do countless times in my past trips to regional countries who supposedly enjoy their fucking freedom of speech. if i'm a business owner, i will not suffer when some riot breaks out, when there is more often than desired power outtages, when the government decides to not repair, maintain or even build necessary infrastructure because it is too busy dealing with other shit

i think it is just pure plain BULL when A says that he is willing to listen and work things out with B, but only if B protests in a group or do perform various antics and foreplay, that will hopefully engage A's interest and attention, and reactions

Memorable Meals: New York City's Best Hot Dog

Few food topics in New York generate as much furious debate as hot dogs. Pizza maybe, but that’s another post. On our most recent visit to the New York, my wife and I arrived with a comprehensive list of restaurants. We were still a little sketchy on the sightseeing, but every conceivable meal and snack was preplanned. Priorities, priorities.

As evening approached, we hopped the M1 bus uptown, I wanted to check out how the renovation of the Guggenheim was coming along. Instead we walked straight to the corner of 86th Street and Third Avenue for hot dogs from Papaya King. It’s a garishly-colored, neon-lit stand up joint famous for serving hot dogs and tropical juice drinks. There’s another one downtown and a few franchises too, but this one is the 74 year old original.

The dogs themselves, made to Papaya King specs by Sabrett, are cooked on a griddle and served in toasted buns. We both ordered the two dog special with Papaya Drink.

The tiny restaurant itself is not a great place to eat your meal, so we walked the two blocks over to Fifth Avenue and settled on a bench on the Central Park side. The weather was balmy and we enjoyed watching the city go by. It’s a pretty classy neighborhood with some of the most expensive real estate in America.

Right across the avenue at 86th is the Neue Galerie, the museum of Austrian and German Art that’s housed in a Gilded Age mansion. We didn’t go inside to check out Gustav Klimt’s Adele Bloch-Bauer I, which captured the auction sales record in June when it was purchased for $135 million.

Frothy papaya drinks are an excellent accompaniment to the savory meaty dogs, just the right mellow counterpoint. I can’t quite place the special spices in the franks themselves, but garlic is pretty apparent. The perfect, not overdone griddle-top cooking enhances the snap of the natural casing. Topped with a little brown mustard, kraut, onions or Papaya King’s own tropical relish they are, like the slogan says, “tastier than filet mignon.”

I think that they’re the best hot dogs in New York. I can’t wait to hear from those of you who disagree. Remember that disparate foodies like Julia Child and Anthony Bourdain agree with me. Bourdain wrote about perfect meals in the closing chapter of A Cook’s Tour: “Your last Papaya King hot dog takes on golden, even mythic, proportions when remembered from a distance.” How right he is.

Photo Credit: Christopher Gould (click the picture for near life size)

Top Tip Hawaii: Get On the Bus

The City and County of Honolulu, better known as the island of Oahu, is blessed with outstanding public transportation. Oahu Transit Services, or TheBus, carries over 71 Million passengers each year to every area of the island.

Bus routes are concentrated in Honolulu and Waikiki, with a major transfer hub at the Ala Moana Center. Fares are only $2.00 per ride, regardless of distance. If you’re staying in any of these areas, you don’t need a rental car and you can skip the hassle and expense of parking.

For those looking for a little more adventure, head out beyond the city to connect with real Oahu. Try the Circle Isle Route that cuts through the interior of Oahu past pineapple fields and mountains to follow the North Shore around the eastern side of Oahu and back to Honolulu in under four hours. Make a full day trip out of this route and check out some of the attractions along the way:

Dole Pineapple Plantation
See the world’s largest maze and see how pineapples are cultivated.

Haleiwa
Stroll the streets and check out the art galleries in this laid-back surf town.

Waimea Bay and Valley
Check out this perfect crescent of sand immortalized by the Beach Boys and walk in natural splendor at the Waimea Valley Audubon Center.

Turtle Bay Resort
The only major resort hotel on Oahu’s North Shore is a great dining destination with six fantastic restaurants and bars.

Polynesian Cultural Center
Hawaii’s top paid attraction features cultural exhibits from Hawaiian and other Polynesian cultures like Tongan, Samoan, Tahitian, and Maori.

Be sure to pack a windbreaker or light jacket as weather can change unexpectedly in the islands. Once, because I was unprepared, I felt as though I would freeze to death on the Circle Isle bus after a downpour in Haleiwa – as the powerful air conditioning onboard chilled my wet clothes.

Another caveat, this trip is for adventurous travelers who want to see the island like the locals. TheBus isn’t fast, so try to remember that the journey itself is enough of an attraction. You’ll meet great people from the island, visits places that most tourists don’t see and hear the Hawaiian language spoken. Get a current timetable and get on TheBus.

Photo Credit: Kazuhiko Teramoto, skyseeker.net

identity

so, because of the heat i've gotten from my offensive remarks of why i did not use any "local" models... i'll try to be politcally-correct here... the gist of how we decided on using the models we use -

1. must have a good photographer to work with (who doesn't costs a bomb either, you won't believe what some fresh-out-of-school photography grads are charging here) and vice versa, both must have good chemistry and work well together
2. good and pleasant looking in a littleoddforest way (too abstract to explain), understands littleoddforest and able to portray quirkyness, kookiness, a little snotty funky attitude, some child-likeness, and still coming across as being very pleasant all-round
3. creative + enthusiastic + great attitude (i've no secret desire to art direct a dead fish or give photography instructions to a supposedly professional photographer since i am not photography trained)

i would be lying if i said that i do not favor caucasian features. it is also afterall more widely accepted, and marketable, also considering the fact that the bulk of my income comes from outside of singapore. having said this, we do not discriminate in the negative sense of the word, and this factor is a very small percentage of the whole package we look for... i do know it's positive to be able to use some "asian" lookers or singaporean models, but the few we have tried so far has come across as looking even more pretentious than the notion of using a caucasian model, or was simply just too plain-looking... or maybe the photographer sucks... i don't know. ha! they simply could not carry off the look and feel i have in mind... and the whole experience wasn't too great either...

since i happen to know of a ton of caucasian good-lookers who look naturally pretty, have great work attitudes, come with their own photographers, and can portray the look we have in mind, so why not? i know, lucky us!!

somehow, i've never considered myself 100% homegrown in its true essence.... i feel that this term is too loosely used here nowadays...

home‧grown  /ˈhoʊmˈgroʊn/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[hohm-grohn]

–adjective

1.	grown or produced at home or in a particular region for local consumption

2.	native or indigenous to or characteristic of a region: homegrown musicians.

littleoddforest is very un-singaporean. (as my mum has bluntly stated), and i'm not ashamed at all to agree with her. we are not localoddforest or manmadeforest you know. i was really brought up with hans christian anderson, the grimm brothers, lots of fantasy and fairytales...etc. and too much american sitcoms (not that these have anything at all to do with what i do now), none of which really relates to the singaporean culture, which in the first place, doesn't really exist! as pointed out by MM Lee...

i somehow feel that more and more designers out there are trying way too hard to be "singaporean"... and i'm not too crazy about that... i am not willing to alienate the whole world for 4 million people... for instance, making a monster plush speak singlish. hello. which part of singapore culture did the monster plush sprout out from? and hello. do you really speak singlish like that? and a singaporean ghetto??? huh??? and i'm also not too hung up over this because it was the support i got from the overseas indie community non-existant in singapore, that kept me going on when i just started... since it's understandably harder for most singaporeans to accept what i do or understand my style, even if they do buy my stuff.

anyhow, i'm sure there are very nice and good local models and photographers who are inexpensive, but i just haven't found them yet... so feel free to direct them to me if you know of any. i know i haven't really put in much effort into looking either, since i've other options readily available.... or maybe i'm just fussy, ha! so shoot me :p

deleted comments

goodness, the mess i woke up to this morning. sorry i had to delete some comments (sorry lana!), including my own and some annoymous peeps... there was too much verbal diarrhoea about my choice of models.... i started the fire with my blunt comments... ok, my fault! i'm sorry

will rationalise everything in the next post

Luxe Limousines of Asian Hotels

The prestige of staying at one of the world’s best hotels is measured in the details of the experience. Exotic linens, exclusive toiletries, private butlers and five-star dining are de rigueur; many guests also require a car and driver. In Asia, where face is everything, landmark hotels have a long tradition of private limousine service. Tycoons and Tai-Pans have long recognized the value of arriving for a negotiation in the liveried limousine of the best place in town.

The Peninsula Hotel casts a long shadow over its competitors in Hong Kong, not the least because of their legendary fleet of green Rolls-Royce automobiles. The Peninsula’s Rolls fleet, reputedly the largest in the world, recollects the British heritage of the oldest hotel in the former Crown Colony.

I’m amazed by how many times the Peninsula’s limousines find their way into films and novels. James Bond (Roger Moore) shows that he knows the best way to get around Kowloon in the 1974 film The Man With the Golden Gun. James Clavell’s best-selling novel, Noble House, fictionalized Hong Kong’s most famous traders and its most famous hotel with, of course, green Rolls-Royces. One of his characters even muses, “Soon I'm going to have one of these, he thought. A Rolls of my own.”

Anyone who’s visited Tokyo knows that the streets are jammed with little Toyotas and Nissans from Shibuya to Harajuku. Imagine cruising those same streets in a mirror-black Cadillac Stretch Limousine bearing the discreet badge of the Imperial Hotel.

The Imperial is the address for captains of industry. With a dramatic history stretching back 125 years, the Imperial is an institution that has been central to the rise of modern Tokyo. So, wave to the Emperor (across the street) as you pull out of the driveway seated behind your white-gloved driver, confident that you’ve already arrived.

Finally, the ne plus ultra of colonial era hotels in Asia is Singapore’s Raffles Hotel. This bastion of tradition, host to the likes of Kipling, Somerset Maugham and the Queen herself, has just updated their limousine offering. Robert Logan, Raffles Hotel General Manager, announced that they have commissioned a Bentley Continental Flying Spur to act as their limousine and “to create memorable experiences for all our guests.” The vehicle’s body is laser welded in Germany and then hand assembled over three months in Crewe, England.


I think that this particular car is an inspired choice, a 21st Century motorcar from a most traditional marque. Excited by the photos, I phoned Mike McElroy of Bentley Atlanta to find out what it takes to own your own Flying Spur. It’s the fastest sedan in the world, with a 552HP engine that starts at $169,990 base price with plenty of room to go higher for extras, he informed me. Extras like the hotel’s monogram on the interior leather. Nice.

If you’re inspired to try a ride in any of these rides, give me a call. If you want one for yourself later, call Mike.

Photo Credit (Top): The Peninsula Hong Kong

Photo Credit (Bottom): Raffles Hotel, Singapore

your attitude

A good attitude is an asset in personal, professional life
By Jane R. Elgass

If you’ve got a good one, chances are you brighten other people’s day. If you’ve got a bad one, you may be alienating colleagues at work and even your friends. And a bad one may be costing you a promotion or appointment to a new position. It’s all about attitudes.

“Studies have shown that people want to be with those who have a good attitude,” Pam Wyess told participants in her Human Resource Development (HRD) class May 27. “In fact, for some employers, a good attitude is sometimes a more important consideration than skills. You can train for skills, but it’s difficult to work a bad attitude.”

Wyess, who learned a lot about attitudes and how they can affect one’s life during 11 years with the Ann Arbor Police Department, now shares that background with others through the HRD course, “The Choice Is Yours: An Introduction to Attitudes in the Workplace.”

“Attitude has a lot to do with interpersonal communications, self-esteem and your perceptions of others and theirs of you. Yes, you’re going to have bad days, but you should give thought to your attitude and try to focus on the positive,” Wyess said. “A good attitude makes you feel better. Others see this and judge you by that. People want to work in an upbeat environment, and attitudes play an important role in shaping the work environment.”

Your attitude is communicated to others in three ways, Wyess explained—7 percent by words, 38 percent by tone of voice and 55 percent in non-verbal ways, such as posture.

All of us, at one time or another, express the three different types of attitudes: positive, negative and neutral. “Those with a neutral attitude are sometimes the most challenging to deal with,” Wyess noted, defining those individuals as “spectators in the game of life.” We often try to avoid contact with those carrying a negative attitude, “the critics of the game of life.” And we are drawn to those with a positive attitude, “the players of the game of life.”

A positive attitude doesn’t just happen, Wyess noted. “It’s something you have to work at all the time.”

So how do you adjust your attitude toward the positive and maintain that attitude?

“Listen to yourself talk and listen to the voice within,” Wyess said. “You have to pursue happiness. It won’t come knocking. You have to find the good things in each day, and you have to stop shooting yourself, stop berating yourself for something that didn’t work quite right.”

Thomas Edison, once asked what it took to discover the light bulb, said it was a thousand-step process. But he didn’t look at that as a negative, Wyess noted. Something new was learned at each step. Insanity, she added, comes from doing the same thing over and over again, expecting new results but getting the same results.

“Evaluate your ‘should dos’ and translate them to ‘to dos,’” Wyess advised.

To maintain that sunny disposition, try starting each day with a pep talk to yourself; make it a habit to enjoy the good moments; express, rather than suppress, your feelings; and surround yourself with a positive environment, by decorating your home or office with things that give you pleasure.

“You control your attitudes,” Wyess said, citing the familiar, “He makes me so mad!” “No one can make you ‘anything.’ You make the choices.” When a situation arises that prompts this kind of reaction, consider the source and put it in perspective, Wyess advised, adding that you should not “give power to the person who frustrates you. Regardless of what happens to you, it’s what you do that is the issue.”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dealing with attitudes

OK. You’ve mastered maintaining a sunny disposition most of the time. But how do you deal with those around you with negative or neutral attitudes?

“It’s really a matter of determining how much it bothers you,” said Pam Wyess, outlining a five-step process for those attending Human Resource Development’s course on “The Choice Is Yours: An Introduction to Attitudes in the Workplace.”

# Determine your involvement. Is this person important to you? Has this attitude been demonstrated before? Does it bother you? Are you willing to invest time to try for a change? “If you answer ‘no’ to any of these questions, remove yourself from the situation,” Wyess said. “If you answer ‘yes,’ go on to step two.”

# Seek to understand the other person. Try to determine what caused the behavior. Seek that person’s thoughts on the matter and confirm your understanding of them by restating them. Then determine if you want a change in that person’s attitude and behavior. If ‘yes,’ go on to the next step.

# Try to influence the individual’s attitude by acknowledging the behavior that bothers you and discussing it with the person.

# Resolve the problem through mutually defined solutions. “The more the other person contributes to the solutions, the more the likelihood of success,” Wyess noted.

# Recover from the experience. Regain your positive attitude, follow through with commitments you’ve made to the other person, and then be sure to acknowledge changes in that person.

plant base details

the plant base is plastic (blue or clear) and measures 1 inch high, 2 inches wide.
it's weighted down with natural river rock.

some happy news

yes, enough with all that bitching! haha

waffles just had his operation, hopefully he'll be his better snotty playful self soon...

and some exciting sneak peaks! eepp! i'm so happy with the results so far, so happy that i almost peeed in my pants when i saw them.. say hello! to james (model) and dustin (her photographer husband). the sweetest cutest couple ever. forget about whatever celebrity couples. anyhow, more of james and about james later! ^_^

that inner voice

yes oprah, i should have listened to my inner voice

i recently decided to try a supposedly local t-shirt maker, just because i wanted to see how things work outside of my realm of home-cottage industries, not because i needed to.

anyhow, turns out that they are actually a boutique and have their own label as well. turns out that they are not local, and have they stuff made in hongkong. turns out that they don't have it made in hongkong but in mainland china. turns out that they have it made in guangdong, china.

now you see, how the story changes.

so, supposedly, it takes only 2 weeks for me to get a sample. turns out it'll take a little while longer. turns out that it'll take more than a month. turns out that nothing was done at all because the order has been rejected. this i found out only after i emailed to ask them how things were going.

oooh, it gets more exciting.

so it turns out that my order was rejected because it was too small a quantity. i guess any normal person would just feedback to the buyer and let them know so that they can choose to increase their quantity? i guess not. and it took more than a month for them to decide that it was too small a quantity? i guess so.

i requested for my labels and t-shirt sample and everything else returned. i'm told they're all still in china and it will take a while for them to be sent back. i know that normal mail takes 1 week maximum. guess not in this case. she will call me when the items are returned. when? she does not know. so i guess i don't either. will they ever be returned this century? let's wait for the story to unfold.

2 months ago, my aussie pal jess, had a textile design printed in shenzhen, china. we had advised her against it because of some horror copyright tales. but she went ahead anyways. when tc was in hongkong last month, he saw a shop selling her textile design.

we and our itchy backsides.

i'm so thankful for my silkscreen artists and home-based sewers.

Five years on

Words fail,
so just remember.
Never forget,
and resolve
that fear will not change
how you live.


Photo Credit: Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Collection

nine eleven

got a hello phone call from tina today, she has moved to oregon, it's good to hear from you sweetie. we talked about what we were doing during nine eleven.

i still remember it was my third semester at college in chicago. while walking to class that morning around 8-ish, too many people were on the streets even for rush hour, and things looked alittle odd, but nothing registered to us sleepyheads. when we reached school just before 9am when classes would start, everyone was told to head back home or back to our dorms, without any reasons given directly. the mood became very tense and everyone was talking in whispers. we sort of got a murky picture of the reason we were told to evacuate the school building a little while later, and when we coolly walked out of the building, the situation of starkly clear. the street was empty, except for some cops and security guys. no cars. no morning traffic. no one rushing to their offices. empty. all everything was closed or was closing. the remaining few people on the streets were walking very quickly to wherever their homes were.

the dorms were in chaos. some people were crying, some huddling together, there were prayer groups in session, counsellors were busy, the rest of us were glued to the tv, my friends decided that my room was the cosiest to be in (it was this or because they did not have a tv in their own rooms). my parents separately left 6 frantic voice messages in my dorm phone, when they couldn't get me on my cell because i had turned it off for class and forgotten to turn it back on. they had got the news even before i managed to get back to my room. got phone call from tc who lived close enough to the wtc towers to have witnessed the crash, the smoke, the chaos, it was so bad that some of his neighbors across the street were refugees in his apt building.

people were going crazy in the dorms after it was reported that sears towers was a designated target, since it was only right behind our dorm building.

http://attacked911.tripod.com/

United Airlines Introduces New Fast Boarding Technology

A new design jet bridge allows United Airlines to board and deplane passengers simultaneously at their Denver hub. The new product, the Dewbridge DoubleDocker™ is designed to use the forward aircraft door as well as the aft door. United Airlines reports that the new jet bridge allows them to cut the loading and unloading time in half.

Presumably passengers already aboard the aircraft are instructed to exit through the forward door while new passengers board through the rear (or vice versa). United hasn’t said who uses which door. I don’t think that they’d alter the existing paradigm that places their high revenue passengers and those that need assistance up front. I hope that I won’t be telling some of my clients, “you really want to be in the last row next to the bathroom so you’ll be first off the plane.”

United started using the DoubleDocker™ this week at gate B15 at Denver International Airport. If it meets their expectations, they’ll probably buy more, but only if it makes financial sense. According to Alex Marren, Vice President of Operational Services for United Express and Ted, “…because we can board customers faster, we are able to eventually add more flights without adding new aircraft.”

The DoubleDocker™ is designed to be used with narrow body aircraft, like the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 currently used by United. I wonder how many DoubleDockers™ you could buy for the price of one A320?

I think that this is an exciting development. I can’t wait to hear what passengers think and to try it for myself.

Last week there was other aviation news with the first passenger flight of the double deck Airbus A380. I know that new design double deck jet bridges that allow boarding the upper and lower decks simultaneously have been developed specifically for that aircraft.

I wonder if Dewbridge is looking at combining the DoubleDocker™ with the double decker? What would they call it? Double-double? The Quad? Whatever they design, I’m sure that air passengers will be coming and going at the same time.

Photo Credit: Dew Engineering and Development Limited

wholesale pricing

Wholesale pricing details:

You, the reseller, would receive a 30% discount, per item, based on the retail price which is set by the designer. Discounts would also apply to any designs currently listed on my ebay auction (ID rlbeck) site / page

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrppZ25QQsassZrlbeck

The 30% discount comes off the public listed “buy it now” price which is noted on each auction page. You will be invoiced via paypal of the total cost & shipping of your purchase. You are not required to have a paypl account to purchase from ebay, they are just an e-billing service.

Additional designs for resell can also be chosen directly from the blog: http://aquariumlifestyle.blogspot.com/ by emailing the style # and/or the sap or pap #'s and quantity of the design requested. Specific heights or the “hook / clip” design feature can also be requested. Some styles are not available on the “clip / hook” nor a re some styles that are considered “seasonal”. Any changes to the said requests will be addressed via email. Once all the designs are requested, I will then calculate the costs and email a order proposal to the reseller.

Once the reseller reviews the order proposal and emails back an “o.k. proceed with the order” , I will then begin the designing. All wholesale purchases via ebay must be paid in full before shipping. Specific requests from the blog, require a 50 % deposit (based on total purchase price + shipping) before any designing will begin.

Shipping details:

• If a wholesale order totals $49.99 or less, the reseller is responsible for the entire amount; an email of that amount would be provided.

• Orders that total $50 to $99.99, I (the designer) will pay for half the shipping costs; an email of that amount would be provided.

• Orders that total $100 or more, the shipping is free to the reseller; paid by myself, the designer.

All shipping rates are within the United States only, based on the current USPS Parcel Post rates, calculated based on the destination zip code / total weight.

The design process / shipping time can take several days or more once everything is aggred upon, so please be patient. I will keep you posted on the progress of your order and or any other unforeseen situations that may arise.

The blog is updated every time there are new designs / styles available. I also have a database of all my past & present customers that receive a "new designs" email as well. Once you have purchased from me, I will also list your business name / location and logo on the blog with a link to your web site. This service is free as long as you are a current retailer of my designs.

All sales are final.

the mechanics:

i use non toxic products on all my designs and when ever possible try to always first use recycled products (plastics: empty register tape rolls, empty ribbon spools). leaves are always "dip tested" in water that’s 80* to check for colour bleeding before design begins. I'm constantly pursuing other design choices and products; quality and value are a must always. if it’s stale, then it shouldn't go in the tank. I buy from a variety of suppliers both locally and online. since supply and demand are always a constant, when one is out of stock i will then pursue further elsewhere. unfortunately, there are times when i can only get one style from only one supplier; from time to time I'm forced to wait. since each design is done by hand, no one design is exactly like another. for example if you ordered 6 pieces of one particular style#, not all the leaves would point the same direction. the overall quantity of product duplication would be the same though.

The design process / shipping time can take several days or more, so please be patient. I will keep you posted on progress and or any other unforeseen situations that may arise. The blog is updated every time there are new designs available. I also have an email contacts list of past bloggers and ebay buyers that also receive update notices. All sales are final.

I dislike how cold & thoughtless businesses have become over time. therefore, i operate in a very calm, relaxed mode; I don’t rush my art out!. I also have to deal with my multiple sclerosis and its unpredictability on a daily basis, which also takes time away from designing.

if you would like further information, please email your request along with a brief description of your business. email link located on the main blog page top right.

thanks for your interest! ron