blog.ptoone.com

I moved the blog to WordPress (ptoone.com)

noreply@blogger.com (ptoone.com) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:45:00 +0000

This blog is now no longer updated as over the past four months I have completely adopted wordpress for all my blogs. To continue reading this blog, click the link below

http://ptoone.com

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Create Your Own Desktop Wallpaper Background in Illustrator

noreply@blogger.com (ptoone.com) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 21:54:00 +0000

1. Create a gradient background box
Create a rectangular box to fit the size of your canvas and fill it with blue gradient.

2. Create multiple screen gradient paths
Create another path to go in the corner with a nice curve on one side, you can match the colours or change them slightly and make them slightly more transparent than your background rectangle. You can repeat this step to create as many paths as you please.

3. Create wavy abstract lines
Now the fun part, draw two wavy/curvy lines with the pencil tool (N). Make then both white.

4. Blend the stroke lines
Go to Object > Blend > Blend Options, enter Specified Steps = 20. Then select your two stroke white lines you made with the pencil and go to Object > Blend > Make or press Ctrl+Alt+B. This will blend 2 white strokes and add random lines giving the two much greater depth and visual amusement.
You can also blend two lines that are different colours to achieve a gradient blend for added depth. Go crazy and blend two very different lines to see what effects you get.
You can repeat these steps to create as many blended lines as you desire and when finished you will have your very professional desktop background.

Click here to read this article on Associated Content

Paypal troubleshooting: Add to cart button

noreply@blogger.com (ptoone.com) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 03:47:00 +0000



© Photographer: Ptoone | Agency: Dreamstime.com

Paypal offers web masters a fast, secure and free service to add a full e-commerce shopping cart to your site. Sometimes when you implement a paypal add to cart button on your online store the link takes you directly to the home page of paypal and not to your online shopping cart where it should be.

For a solution you do not need to change the button, just slightly change the source code. This is a common problem with Dreamweaver CS3 and involves taking away the number next to the "cmd values" and the "hosted_botton_id." Once you have located the words "cmd" and "hosted_button_id" in your code editor, look to see if there is a numeric number directly after each word. It could be a 2, 3 or 5. If you see a number next to both words - simply delete and refresh/save the html.

By doing this you will not be editing the paypal code which is not recommended by paypal, you are simply deleted two numeric characters that shouldn't be there. For some reason Dreamweaver seems to add the digits when the html code is pasted in to the site.

Read this article on Associated Content.

How to fix a broken rocking chair

noreply@blogger.com (ptoone.com) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:27:00 +0000

Before you part ways with your broken but beloved rocking chair, read this and learn how easy it can be to repair the chair yourself and enjoy many more years of rocking.

Glue and clamp

To repair a broken rocker, lay the rocking chair face down and gently clean the break by scraping the old away. Spread an thin layer of carpenters glue inside the break, then press the sections together by hand and wipe away any excess with a clean damp cloth. To make a splint, place waxed paper and a thin, flat piece of wood along each side of the break. Secure the break with adequate pressure with a pair of C clamps for 4 hours. When the time is right, remove the clamps and splint and you can now reinforce to the break.

Drilling a dowel hole

To determine the depth of the dowel hole, measure along the side of the rocker; the dowel will be inserted two thirds of the way into the rocker. Mark the hole position an awl. Fit a power drill with a bit the same size as the dowel and wrap masking tape around the bit to indicate depth of the hole. Brace the chair against a wall and drill a hole at the mark, stopping when the tape touches the rocker.

Inserting the dowel

Cut a dowel one inch longer than the depth of the hole and bevel one end slightly with coarse sandpaper. Draw the dowel through the jaws of pliers to score its side; this will allow excess glue and air to escape as the dowel is forced into the hole. Spread a thin layer of white or yellow glue on the dowel and in the hole. Set the beveled end of the dowel in the hole and tap it in with a rubber mallet. Wipe away excess glue with a clean, damp cloth. Let the glue set for 24 hours. With a coping saw, cut the dowel flush with surface of the rocker. Use medium then fine grit sandpaper to sand the dowel smooth.

Click here to read full article.

VOTE NOW! ptoone floral threadless.com tee design

noreply@blogger.com (ptoone.com) — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 05:11:00 +0000

Please quickly score my design! My tee-shirt design is being scored by an open vote on threadless.com. The higher my design scores the higher the payout so please also be kind and give it a high score! In 6 days from now we will know how the design squares up to the rest. Remember to check back to this blog for the latest as I break the news next week.

Click here to vote and score my design.

Once there you can click on a number to score the design.

No registration required.

Meet James Olive

noreply@blogger.com (ptoone.com) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 18:22:00 +0000

Description:
Meet James Olive, he loves to be in the kitchen where he creates his crazy dishes. He's so crazy.
Click here to download.

Google to launch operating system

noreply@blogger.com (ptoone.com) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 22:45:00 +0000

In a sudden announcement earlier this week google said that later this year it will releasing it's own operating system. It will be the first open source operating system, competing with Apple's Mac OS X, Microsoft's Windows and Linux.

The linux based platform called "Google Chrome OS" is designed to be lightweight and fast with preference given for web apps. Simplicity and security are also key aspects of the new OS.

Will Chrome be designed to push google applications like Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Docs, Sketch up etc? Or will Google make more of an effort in pumping up the compatibility of the system.

Many Windows were upset last a couple of years ago when vista was released. When customer purchased and upgraded to Windows Vista they realized that software, hardware, printers and other devices they had grown to rely on, were no longer compatible with the new version.

Although most fixes have been improved in Windows 7 released earlier this year. Compatibility remains and key issue for consumers, and Google must ensure the system works with as much existing apps, hardware and software to ensure success and a larger piece of the pie, which is currently dominated over 90% by Microsoft.

As Microsoft continues to disappoint users, Google's fresh insight and ideas could reshape the industry by offering simple solutions to companies. According to Google 1.75 million firms already use Google applications.

Free image of the month "Tropical Sunset"

noreply@blogger.com (ptoone.com) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:51:00 +0000

TROPICAL SUNSET
© Ptoone | Dreamstime.com

Description:
A sunset beech view of Israel taken from Jordan.

ID: 8642952
Resolution: 3264x2176 pixels (7.1 MP)
Print size: 10.9" x 7.3"@300 dpi

Visit http://port.ptoone.com to download for free or click here.

House of Cards Greeting Cards go on sale at Pride

noreply@blogger.com (ptoone.com) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:03:00 +0000

A picture of the beautifully decorated 'house of cards' stand at this year's Toronto Pride Parade. For more info and to check out the designs, please view the house of cards website by clicking here or pasting http://www.thehouseofcards.ca in your browser box. A big thanks to everyone that took part!

How to install a Favicon on your website

noreply@blogger.com (ptoone.com) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:54:00 +0000

A favicon is the little icon that appears on the left of the domain on your browser window. All well known websites have one and here are four quick and easy steps to ensure you can have one too. You can see ptoone.com uses a black and white "pto one" icon.

1. Make an image that is 16 pixels by 16 pixels exactly.

2. Save it as or rename it favicon.ico.

3. Upload it to your server in the same directory as your main index page.

4. Edit the code of your index page, somewhere between the and tags, insert the line , and remember to put your own domain name in.

Done! you may have to refresh or clear your cache and then your little icon will appera next to your domain. It will also be saved whenever someone bookmarks your site.

I assume the name 'favicon' come from putting 'favorite' and icon together. Some other names for the favicon include; website icon, shortcut icon, url icon, or bookmark icon.

The Man In The Panama Hat

noreply@blogger.com (ptoone.com) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 01:21:00 +0000

This young man in a Panama hat and silk suit, likes the way he looks, but knows better that to think it matters. Fully scalable vector illustration. Click here to view or buy image rights.

ptoone announces greeting card line

noreply@blogger.com (ptoone.com) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 22:06:00 +0000

ptoone is thrilled to introduce a new line of greetings cards called "House of cards," which aims to fill the void in the marketplace for greeting cards, saying it how it really is with a bittersweet edge. Each with an exclusive, expressive visual from the flourishing archives of the ptoone image portfolio.

Based in Toronto, Canada the House of Cards are getting set to initiate the launch at the 2009 Toronto Gay Pride Festival. Come and check us out and get the first glimpse of our new designs, cards, stickers and all round good time. Otherwise the website (thehouseofcards.ca) will be going online later this month.

Links

House of Cards website

Pride Festival

Map to Festival

Date: June 27th and 28th, All day, FREE

ptoone books get picked up by Amazon.com

noreply@blogger.com (ptoone.com) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 20:09:00 +0000

Good news for me and the millions of book buyers that use Amazon.com. As requested by Amazon ptoone books will soon be appearing in the vast international marketplace of the amazon domain. To see the current book list to be included click here.

As revenue from paid content continues to rise, more ptoone content will be available free of charge. These items will not be appearing on Amazon.

Off Topic: My Week Of Glory

noreply@blogger.com (ptoone.com) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:37:00 +0000

My Week Of Glory

To any confirmed smoker, the thought of stopping the dependency of nicotine scares them to half to death. "Will I ever be the same again?" It is as if the poor smoker fears quitting like losing a limb. I was the same as I would regularly confess my love for the precious weed.

For the last few years I have been telling myself "I need to quit," and being told the same thing by friends and family. The only question in my mind was choosing the right time. A time that I envisioned zero stress in my life and plenty of fun activities to keep the nicotine monster out of my brain.

That time didn't seem to come. My time came randomly when looking at the books on a friends bookshelf and picking up a book called, "The EASYWAY to stop smoking" by Allen Carr. A fascinating read for any smoker, x-smoker or even non-smoker.

While reading the book I soon realized this was my time to quit and the best part about reading the book is that you are encouraged by the author to chain smoke while reading. So I picked up a couple packs and went with my book to just about the last place you are allowed to actually smoke in a urban public environment, the park.

While reading I began to encounter greater confidence in myself that this was it. I was going to last far longer than any previous attempt to stop. I credit the certainty that I could quit my heavy smoking of 11 years cold turkey to the knowledge and understanding I accumulated from Allen's book and information found online.

I could not wait to finish the book and while reading the final page, I consciously smoked my last cigarette, taking deep puff's to ensure I got my fair share of all of the cigarettes precious ingredients like; ammonia, formaldehyde, arsenic, butane, hydrogen cyanide, lead, mercury, vinyl chloride, methane, carbon monoxide and of course nicotine. I felt excited to begin my journey becoming a non-smoker, allowing my body to begin the amazing healing process from knowingly poisoning myself for eleven years.

The first day was the hardest. As you would expect when going from smoking 30 a day to 0 overnight. As I had done my research and read the great book by Allen Carr, I was prepared and knew exactly what to expect. I was surprised when I found the whole thing a lot easier than I expected. The craving's seemed more mild than all previous attempts and I barely suffered any physical withdrawal symptoms.

When day two eventually arrived (day one felt like a month), things dramatically improved. My breathing improved, energy levels increased, my happiness and well-being doubled, I felt fantastic and continue to get higher than any high I could get from smoking.

After 72 hours the worst is over and I continue to look forward to every day as a non-smoker, richer, healthier, faster, fitter, happier, more free, better smelling, better tasting almost as though I was born into a new body. The feeling of this new found freedom from the weed excites like I am a child again.

I can now only pity my ex-fellow smoking pals and urge them to take the same leap. You have nothing to fear and so much to gain. I hope reading this blog plants the seed. I have included several links to sites that I found of paramount importance in my journey.

Leading web site for advice on quitting.

Allen Carr has helped millions butt out for good.

Watch 64 free video quit smoking lessons.

A message from Bryan

Some facts.

Quit smoking article.

© Photographer: Ptoone | Agency: Dreamstime.com

Free vector of the month "Wild Boy"

noreply@blogger.com (ptoone.com) — Fri, 29 May 2009 01:49:00 +0000

Free download with royalty free license courtesy of ptoone and Dreamstime.

Resolution: 8333x8333 pixels (69.4 MP)

Print size: 27.8" x 27.8"@300 dp

Click here to download.

The Importance of Keywords

noreply@blogger.com (ptoone.com) — Wed, 27 May 2009 03:20:00 +0000

Electronic Props And The Wooden Laptop Computer

noreply@blogger.com (ptoone.com) — Fri, 22 May 2009 18:12:00 +0000

When using modern day electronics in a photo it is always important to remember not to include a brand or logo. They can be hidden, covered, cropped or photo-shoped, so they will no longer be recognized as a specific brand.

I however went down a different path and made use of my wood finishing skills, to build a custom unbranded modern day consumer electronic prop. This laptop does not work like it should, but then again it is made from solid wood. Bevelled rounded corners and edges, inspired by a computer company named after a fruit. The details were to be essential to ensure the wooden shell looks like plastic.

When using wood in photography or film, it is best to shoot wood that is flat matte with as little glossy shine as possible. The sheen will otherwise cause a reflection. To avoid mirror like gloss, I used a custom mix of less than ten percent sheen flat matte lacquer. I tinted the lacquer and built up the finish, finally applying some clear coats for added depth and lustre. I rubbed and smoothed the finish with wet and dry auto finishing paper in between coats to remove any unwanted blemishes.

With a veneered walnut trackpad and twenty six solid walnut round buttons from a cabinet maker friend it was then ready to be hinged together by a custom sized piano hinge. Two little clear rubber stoppers were aligned in each corner of the screen to prevent wood touching.

After many days (and some nights) of work, I finally had a laptop appropriate for commercial purposes. And some thing to take with me on the go and write a blog like this.

Free iPhone/iPod Touch Icon Set Download

noreply@blogger.com (ptoone.com) — Wed, 13 May 2009 19:07:00 +0000

FREE IPHONE ICON SET
A set of 15 different icons designed specifically for iphone and ipod touch. Sized at exatcly 57 pixels by 57 pixels. They are saved in PNG file format without glossy glare and rounded box as that is applied automatically by apple.

free download by ptoone.

http://www.ptoone.com/iphone_icons.html

Where to host your website

noreply@blogger.com (ptoone.com) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 19:35:00 +0000

Web Hosting Pad

Many people have been asking where to host their website. Look no further:

Best value and most reliable web hosting on the internet. No need to buy a new domain as you receive a domain name for free for life when you sign up. Unlimited email accounts and bandwidth. Very easy to update your site with little html knowledge. Use this link to sign up and receive special discounts and promotional coupons: http://www.webhostingpad.com/743.html

Over 500 approved images as ptoone goes exclusive on Dreamstime

noreply@blogger.com (ptoone.com) — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 17:11:00 +0000

With over 500 approved images and new images every week. The vector illustration versions of ptoone art is available exclusively on Dreamstime.com

The Alphabetic (And Some What Poetic) Gist Of 'Ology' Jobs

noreply@blogger.com (ptoone.com) — Fri, 23 May 2008 18:06:00 +0000

eBook and soft cover available only from ptoone.com. Release sometime next week!

A guide to the best stock photography/illustration sites to buy and sell top quality images.

noreply@blogger.com (ptoone.com) — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 15:53:00 +0000

Developer Stock Photo's & Illustration's.

StockXpert

ShutterStock

Stock Vectors

Xomba

123 RF

Fotolia

Website Redesign at ptoone.com

noreply@blogger.com (ptoone.com) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 15:45:00 +0000

For those that check back to the ptoone.com site regularly, you may have noticed some bigger changes in the last update, Yes finally a fresh start. All content is the same as before. The design was inspired by a few comments from visitors informing that the old site design was difficult to navigate. The new design is far more consistent through out with simple larger icons in the tool bar. This makes navigating pages on a Handheld/PDA device more accessible. Enjoy the new features...More on the way.

Saving eBook's on the iPod Touch/iPhone

noreply@blogger.com (ptoone.com) — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 19:14:00 +0000

There's no doubt that the iPhone and iPod Touch are fun and elegant toys to own. While there has been some criticism on saving documents that don't originate from itunes. There are numerous ways to import your documents to itunes, iphoto and mail.

A major factor into purchasing the iPod touch was its ability to display eBook's (pdf's). While it is not quite that simple as there is no PDF software available and no way of saving the document.

The solution to saving eBook's on the iPod Touch:

When you are viewing a PDF document on your computer (Adobe reader/Preview etc).

Click > Print.

At the bottom left of the print screen you will see a 'PDF' box. Click on the box and a list of options for saving the document as a pdf come up.

Somewhere down the list you will see the option to 'Save as PDF for iPhoto.'

It will take a short time to convert, meanwhile you can open iPhoto.

When converted a small box will come up from iPhoto asking you to import your PDF and where. Create a separate folder for each PDF you upload otherwise they will all save together.

When you next sync your iPod Touch, upload the chosen folder from iPhoto and bingo you have an eBook saved on your iPod!

Could the itablet be the next iPod gem for apple?

noreply@blogger.com (ptoone.com) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 16:47:00 +0000

eBooks...I for one foresee this phase to be as big as the ipod/mp3 boom, may be larger. The hold up has lasted many years with technology firms unable to reach the masses with an accessible and user friendly device. Some big names in the technology have tried and miserably failed to produced a low light, e-ink screen to display ebook's. It may seem hard to believe in 2008 as companies invest billions into getting in the mind of the consumer. How can they miss what is important in an eBook reader?

The first problem with many big name readers such the Amazon's Kindle and Sony's long list of failed eBook readers is ACCESSIBILITY. People do not want to pay $300 for a reader, plus cost of the content (e.g. eBook) and an additional usage cost for each time you download, save or move your already paid for content around. The added and hidden costs only deter people from investing in a new age of media. Especially a new age of media in desperate need of a kick-start.

Accessibility and ease of use is number one to reach full market potential. CEO's are already foreseeing this as the next big earner, a way to earn huge profits from doing very little - restrict the market. It is a shame these companies have been so blinded by greed before they even do the research or hit the drawing board.

Alike communist dictator's, these CEO's are so worried about how people use these readers. They are restricting them to only open a particular file of eBook. One that has to be converted, at a cost. The cost is then past on to the consumer as they are now locked into reading only what the company allows them to read. Each time paying a fee for downloading, saving and converting the file. Three steps that are unnecessary and preventing a lot of people (myself included) from investing in the industry.

Some small publishing firms have foreseen which way the wind is blowing and developed their own reader with no restrictions. Hardly brain surgery you might think, others have gone further into implementing the much loved and easy to use 'SD card," as a way of saving and transferring files. This is the same chip you may find in your digital camera, it can securely save video clips, music, pdf's and any other document. A step forward for moving information from your phone/camera to your computer.

Once companies get over their restrictive greed, you can be certain some will fail over the next hurdle...The internet. Nothing new on a hand held device although only one company that I know provides free wifi on a hand held and that is the much loved/hated 'Apple.' The new ipod touch does just that offers users a free wireless internet once they have purchased and set up the ipod touch. While the speed of the service reminds us all what dial up was like during business hours, the quality of video' on sites such as YouTube is unmatchable. After testing the device I was impressed and only one factor prevented me from acting on impulse the ipod touch is not geared towards eBooks.
It does everything else well, but lacks an 'e-ink' screen that allow people to read text from a screen without the strain on the eye.

In recent months speculation over the release of eBook reader by apple has been growing over the web. The timing for this much desired product couldn't be better. An who better than Apple to reap the rewards of several years of failure in a industry that was set from the get-go. The iTablet or so it has been rumored to be named has been much anticipated. I for one was disappointed to not see it released in January 2008. An insider has also been rumored to suggest that there have been unforeseen problems with launching the revolutionary product.

I for one, am hopeful and holding my breath for Apple's eBook reader. For everyone else in the world like me, this could be the device we have anticipated for years.