3, 2, 1, Happy New Year! 2010

Happy New Year

Happy New Year
Originally uploaded by Patrick Hoesly

Happy New Year Everyone!!! I hope 2010 will bring prosperity, peace and happiness to all of you. Lets all ring in the new year with positive thoughts and warm wishes to our friends, family and everyone who downloads and uses these textures. We (Everyone here at ZooBoing Illustrations) want to pray for the people who serve to protect our freedom and peace throughout the world. To you, we say a warm Thank You, God Bless and please remain safe!

Now.... where did I put all those noise makers?

This seamless texture was created by Patrick Hoesly, and is released under the Creative Commons Attribution license. You may download and use this texture as you like. All I ask, is for you to give credit to myself and a link back to my website at www.zooboing.com

Free Christmas Music

Well, I didn't get this post out before christmas, yet tuck it away for next year. HERE is a link to over 250 Creative Commons License versions of Christmas music. Most are good. Give them a try next year and enjoy the 10 months of Christmas music free radio. LOL.

I want a Podsafe Christmas Song

Well, I missed getting this out before Christmas, however.... for next year..... go to Jonathan Coulton's blog to download his 'Podsafe Christmas Song'. It's a bit dated, however funny for anyone who was listening to podcasts just a few short years ago.

Pentel 8 Color Retractable Pencil

This year for Christmas I received the new Pentel 8 color retractable pencil. It is a modern version of the old 'large lead' 2mm pencil. This really reminds me of the pencils I started off using in my drafting classes. So the use of the Pentel is simple: rotate the pocket clip to the desired color; push down on the top of the pen to release the lead; allow the lead to slide out as far as desired; use pencil. Simple.

The only problem I have with the pencil is that it is too fat to fit in my manual lead sharpener. Ah well, this is more of a fun sketching pencil rather than a precision tool... though the price says otherwise.

All in all, I have to say I like this pencil. The lead is smooth, and the pencil features are nice. It definitely will get a place in my briefcase.

Photo-a-Day: Ginger

Ginger
Originally uploaded by reitveld

Ginger the jack russell terrier.
I took this photo with my iPhone and applied this cool filter-app called 'Photo Sketch' to the original photo. It did a very nice job! I Like!

Photo-a-Day: Ginger

Ginger
Originally uploaded by reitveld

Ginger is my niece's jack russell terrier. She is a sweet!

Photo taken by Patrick Hoesly and is part of the Photo-a-Day Journal.

Photo-a-Day: Christmas Tree at Legends Shopping Center

Christmas Tree at Legends Shopping Center
Originally uploaded by reitveld

Starting to get icy here in KC. We were at the Legends shopping center and it started to get slippery. Time to travel back north to our home.

This is the tree at the center of the shopping center.

Photo taken by Patrick Hoesly and is part of the Photo-a-Day Journal.

Photo-a-Day: KU vs Cal game

KU vs Cal game
Originally uploaded by reitveld

45 min to go til the game. My Sister and Brother-in-Law got some nice seats to watch the Basketball game between Cal and KU. (KU won!!!)

Photo-A-Day - Santa Claws

Santa Claws
Originally uploaded by reitveld

Cat in Lawrence Kansas

Dressed up cat in one of the stores in Lawrence Kansas. This cat was really laid back and didn't mind all the people walking around it. It even let some of the customers pick him up and love on him. Good Kitty!

Photo taken by Patrick Hoesly and is part of my Photo-a-Day Journal. Check back every day to see a new aspect of my creative life. Also take a look at my website, www.zooboing.com/ to learn more about me, my work and my watercolor books.

Photo-a-Day - Shriner Hospital Christmas Ornament

Shriner Hospital Christmas Ornament
Originally uploaded by reitveld

This year my wife and I proudly hang the new Shriner Hospital Christmas Ornament from our Christmas Tree. It represents all the good philanthropic work that the Shriners do for the good of mankind and the children.

If your child has been burned, or is suffering from Orthopaedic problems, Spinal Cord Injury, or Cleft Lip / Palate then please contact me (or your local Shrine Temple). I can get you in contact with the right people who can in turn help your child.
Remember there is no cost for you or your child.... ever.

Photo taken by Patrick Hoesly and is part of my Photo-a-Day Journal. Check back every day to see a new aspect of my creative life. Also take a look at my website, www.zooboing.com/ to learn more about me, my work and my watercolor books.
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Horse and Border Collie Say Hello

Horse and Border Collie Say Hello
Originally uploaded by reitveld

I took my Border Collie (Shala) on a walk today and she decided to stop to say hi to the neighbor's horse... the horse returned the hello with a deep sniff. It was just way too cute for words.... so I grabbed my camera (iPhone 3G) and took several photos.

Photos-a-Day Journal - Horse

Neighbors Horse
Originally uploaded by reitveld

One of my pics from my Photos-a-Day Journal. This horse just walked over to check me out. Very calm and beautiful horse. I took a few steps back, framed the photo and took the pic. Soon afterward the dogs ran over and started playing with the horse... and the horse with the dogs.

Check out my Photos-a-Day Journal over on Flickr.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/zooboing/sets/72157622701472799/

Seamless Texture - Deep Green Wrapping Paper

452-Deep Green Wrapping Paper
Originally uploaded by reitveld

Seamless Christmas Wrapping Paper

This seamless texture was created by Patrick Hoesly, and is released under the Creative Commons Attribution license. You may download and use this texture as you like. All I ask, is for you to give credit to myself and a link back to my website at www.zooboing.com

Please support my work by purchasing one of my two watercolor books:

* Words in Watercolor: ISBN - 978-0-557-08819-5
* Quotes in Watercolor: ISBN - 978-0-615-32153-0

21 Free Christmas Songs from iTunes

For a limited time get 21 Christmas Holiday music from iTunes.... Free!

You Can Negotiate Anything

The three crucial variables for negotiating anything.

In every negotiation, Cohen says, there are three crucial variables: power, time, and information. You can hold the best hand at the table, but if you lack these three things, you’re still going to lose.

• Power is the ability to get things done. If you can generate competition, for example, you’ll have more power during negotiations. Power also comes from perceived expertise or legitimacy (”she’s a famous financial guru, so she must be right”), empathy (understanding the other person’s side), precedence (”this is how it’s always been done”), persistence, attitude, and persuasion. Your side can gain negotiating power through unity — by having every participant committed to the same goal. Most of all, you gain power when you’re willing to take calculated risks (not stupid risks).
• Time also plays a role. In negotiations, the side with the most time generally has an advantage. Patience pays. No matter how pressed you are, you should always keep your cool, maintaining an appearance of calm. “Your deadline is of your own making,” Cohen writes. Don’t ignore deadlines, but don’t follow them blindly, either.
• Information is the third crucial variable in negotiations. The more you know, the better your position. Do your research before negotiations begin. And during negotiations, act on whatever new info comes to light. Cohen is especially keen on picking up unintentional cues from the other side. Their responses, their questions, and their attitude all convey valuable information.

Free Photoshop Brushes and Patterns

Nice collection of Photoshop brushes, large wallpaper, and patterns over at StarWalt Design.

How a Website Goes Down the Tubes

This has got to be the funnest and truest things I've seen.

A must read for all designers.

Create Halftones in seconds with Photoshop.

Create Halftone images in seconds with Photoshop.

1. Use the gradient tool to create a gradient from dark to light (black to white).
   
2. Filter > Pixelate > Color Haftone.
3. Set the Max Radius to the size of circle desired.
4. Set all other values (channels) to zero.
5. Click OK, enjoy, go get a sandwich.
   

Photo-a-Day - Patrick's Journal

More updates to my 'Photo-a-Day' journal over on Flickr It is my photo journal of things I saw or experienced during the day.

See me ring the Salvation Army Bell, rant about staircases, and swerve from certain death on the highway (not really... well kinda).