• Painting from Photograph
    Graphic Art

    Paintings from Pictures: Establishing the Artistic Vision

    The distinct link between photography and painting has been a subject of discussion since the invention of the former in 1839. Many painting enthusiasts were convinced that photography was putting painting out of business and lamented a loss prematurely. Photographers feared that the painters did not perceive them as serious artists. The two arts have competed over the years, each trying to outdo the other. However, painting and photography are quickly becoming complementary and the artists realize that each can enhance the other. Photography has been elevated as an art by the understanding of painting. Photography was originally focused only on realism which represents the subjects truthfully without artistic conventions…

  • Man with Google Glass photo by Karlis Dambrans. License: CC BY 2.0.
    Internet

    Google CIO Ben Fried: "Data Is Incredibly Important"

    Tech companies tend to focus on creating the next new and shiny big thing. Space-age gadgets and ingenious apps might get the headlines, but according to Google CIO Ben Fried, their importance pales in comparison to data. “People think about the next app or the next little bit of technology to solve the next problem,” Fried said recently in a Daily Telegraph interview, “but really the long-term benefits come from thinking about the importance of data, securing it, sharing it and governing it.” Fried’s philosophy certainly sheds light on why Google has become such a data mining powerhouse. Tools like Google Analytics are helping smaller companies understand who their customers are,…

  • Cookie Dough Fundraisers. Photo by Brian Richardson. License: CC BY 2.0
    Finance

    5 Things to Expect with Cookie Dough Fundraisers

    One of the most popular forms of fundraising for school organizations, Girl Scout troupes, and even sports teams is selling cookies. Everyone likes cookies, and cookie dough is easy to bake because it is pre-mixed and molder, ready for the oven. However, like any other fundraising, there are some expectations which can be eye openers. Understanding how to raise funds through selling cookies is one way to ensure success. Here are five things to expect with cookie dough fundraisers: Not all cookies are created equal. People like cookies, but different people like different cookies. In the same way, not all chocolate chip cookies are the same. Finding good cookie dough…

  • Office Furniture. Photo by bfi Business Furniture Inc. License: CC BY-SA 2.0.
    Management

    How to Furnish an Office When You’re Starting from Scratch

    When you first launch a startup you’re unlikely to have your own office. Some people may be lucky enough to gain enough funding that they can have an office straight away. But more often than not founders of small companies begin working at home or using co-working spaces. When it’s time to move into your own space, you’re tasked with furnishing and decorating your office so that it’s both functional and good looking. Eventually, you’ll want your office to reflect your brand and work ethos, but to begin with you probably just want to focus on its functionality. Before Buying Before you buy any office furniture there are some things…

  • Office Environment
    Management

    5 Essentials for Encouraging Good Manners in the Office

    Manners aren’t what they used to be, and while it’s a relief for men not to have to stand up every time a woman enters the room — for both genders — some of the old social norms really did keep things feeling more kind, civilized, and stress-free. Not too long ago, there was a very agreed-upon set of rules and decorum that almost everyone followed anytime they were at work, a church potluck, or any other social gathering. However, things have changed, and they’ve done so in a very short amount of time, which means that knowing the best way to act in a work environment is oftentimes not…

  • Venture Capitalist
    Finance

    Pitching a VC? Don’t Make this Mistake

    Ask any millionaire for the secret to their success, and they will probably tell you that entrepreneurship helped them reach their financial goals. However, starting a business takes money. While it's possible to launch a successful enterprise on a shoestring, many businesses require an influx of capital in order to get off the ground, and that money often comes from venture capitalists (or VCs).

  • Handshake
    Marketing

    A Digital Dilemma: Building Powerful Offline Connections

    In a time wherein everyone seems to go crazy over digital, how can you ensure that the quality of connections (or more deeply, relationships) is not compromised? The answer is so simple: the non-digital channel. When we say non-digital channel, this is anything offline. If you have exhausted the digital channel, perhaps, now is the perfect time to go back to our core where in-person network is prioritized more than digital networking. Logically, your concern might be how can you build offline connections effectively. Below are the steps in building powerful and valuable connections and turning them into quality relationships. 1. Leverage your social media presence Your LinkedIn connections and Twitter and…

  • Torch Blackout
    Gadget

    Protect Your Home from Sudden Black Outs with Emergency Lights

    Only when we face the actual event of a blackout or power outage do we really pay very much attention just how much our lives are dependent upon electric power. No matter what time of year that power is lost in a home, it can be incredibly uncomfortable and sometimes even dangerous for the residents of the house to suddenly be left in the dark. Digging to find a flashlight or emergency lantern can be a dangerous proposition if you are in pitch dark. Keeping children, the elderly, and the entire family safe and secure during a power outage is of primary importance. One way to solve this important safety…

  • Sick Dog
    Animals

    Sick Dog? Important Reasons Your Dog Is Vomiting

    When your dog vomits, you might worry about the cause. Many people spend more time worrying about what is wrong with their dog than trying to tackle the problem. If your dog has been sick and you’re not sure why, you might find the experience scary. You want your dog to be healthy and happy. There is no way that you want your dog to get ill. Since your dog can’t tell you what is wrong with him or her, you’re going to have to become a detective. There are many things that can cause dogs to vomit. These things range from minor problems to severe health issues. You need…

  • Lunar eclipse April 15 2014
    Astronomy,  News

    Monthly Stargazing Calendar for October 2014

    On October 8 we will witness a total lunar eclipse. Such an eclipse occurs when the Moon passes completely through the Earth's dark shadow, or umbra. The Moon will gradually get darker and then take on a rusty or blood red color. The eclipse will be visible throughout most of North America, South America, eastern Asia, and Australia.

  • Digital Signage
    Marketing

    Tips for Choosing the Best Digital Signage Templates

    In addition to giving your brand visual identity, using the best digital signage templates communicates your products to your clientele. You achieve this by optimizing your signage for the best readability through various design elements such as colors, structure, orientation, and text among others. Note that designing digital signage templates is a task best left to professionals, and it is advisable to hire a good designer for the best results. The following are some guidelines used in designing digital signage templates: 1. Structure your template using rows, columns and categories Structured menu content is easily understood by customers, making it is easy for them to decide what to order. For…