Being a frequent passenger of the ever famous NYC Subway system, I've observed and learned quite a few things. To many, travel time underground either means "time for a nap," or "time to get some work done!" For others, it's a session of leisurely time for themselves where they read a book, play their PSP, solve sudoku puzzles, or listen to their iPods. For this entry's sake, I'll be talking about achievements and productivity.

I can't remember how many times I've had so much work to do for school, I could only complete them on my way to class. The typical travel time for me is around 1 hour, and when you're in a rush, trust me, you get more done than you think. I also see people studying for exams, quickly scribbling the day's due assignment, drawing things, and more.

Well, it doesn't exactly "destroy" lives, but definitely causes an inconvenience. Thinking about it, living in New York, there are more Starbucks locations than many other store chains (McDonald's?). I read an article yesterday in the Metro newspaper (cover story) of how Starbucks closed down nearly 7,100 of its U.S. stores for 3 and a half hours to "retrain" its employees.

So, yea, the article expressed how caffeine addicts get annoyed at things like this, but still "life goes on." I guess that means Starbucks hasn't exactly brainwashed its customers to absolute loyalty. Other coffee shops stayed open during that time, and places like Dunkin Donuts and such received a nice rush of customers - for 3.5 hours at least. People are saying that this was more of a marketing act rather than an actual attempt to jump the customer service and satisfaction by making the best espresso you've ever tasted in your life.

I do believe that what Starbucks did was definitely good since it boosts the excitement of its employees, and reassures customers that their coffee will be done just right. I've been to enough meetings and gatherings in the retail world to know about these kinds of things. I don't think a huge corporate like Starbucks would risk losing an ounce of business for 3.5 hours, especially with over 7 thousand stores!

"Starbucks is losing ground every minute of the day. Now they're just another store -- they're like the GAP of coffee. By closing their stores, they're trying to say, 'We're restarting!' But there's got to be a better way than that" says CEO of R.I.M Public Relations, Richard Laermer. I still like my Vanilla Bean Frapuccino, so as long as that's around, they've got my business.

Chances are, if you're a consultant or some kind of a professional offering services, you have a business card. If not, you better be planning on getting/making one sooner than later. Business cards are an essential tool of communication, getting a job, setting a good impression, spreading the awareness of your existence, amongst many other things.

Okay, you may be wondering why the heck I'm writing about the importance of business cards because it's all obvious to you, but apparently, some people just don't get it! Business cards can make or break you. Whether you have one or not, or how good or bad it is, sets the first impression on the person you hand it to. Handing your business card to the other person and shaking hands is the first step of you being acknowledged, and creating a connection. More after the jump...

Lately I've been watching quite a few movies both in and off theater. I was over at a friend's house for a sleepover and we watched The Shawshank Redemption starring Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins. This movie was made in 1994 so it's not exactly the newest one of them all, but definitely a good film. The storyline is quite catchy especially if you like good character development, and a happy ending! I'd strongly recommend you watch this if you haven't (considering it's around 14 years old).

Sleeping late, and sometimes not sleeping at all has been a common doing of mine, but I'm slowly pacing myself and getting into a good sleeping pattern where I don't sleep as late, but get a maximum amount of work done. It's good that I haven't had much to do with design jobs lately, but I still have a few projects I am working on for myself, and some friends. I hope to jump back into design and get some clients for some quick work, but I don't want to put too much on myself. School is turning out to require a lot more time from me than I thought. More after the jump...

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about traveling, and living by it. Imagine having no permanent home, living as a modern nomad - that would be pretty scary and exciting at the same time! Having no permanent job/source of income and shelter can be quite the challenge for many, and I don't think many have the guts to go for something like this.

One type of person that I could see doing this is a Photographer. Traveling and experiencing every corner of the Earth, while capturing beauty, style, culture, nature, and more. There are also different types of "traveling" people where instead of never having a permanent home, they reside in homes for short periods of time. This could be due to having a job that requires a lot of relocating, or if this person just can't stand being in a single environment for a long time. More after the jump...

Well, I've finally made the plunge yesterday and went to the gym in the morning with a friend of mine. We did a couple of miles on the treadmill and the bikes just to get warmed up, and then we practiced some Jiu-Jitsu moves since we've both really into MMA (mixed martial arts) and stuff. It was kind of strange since we practicing on the mats where people usually stretch, but it was awesome nonetheless.

I'm definitely going back tonight after I get back from class! I miss the feeling of being in shape, and feeling strong and confident about myself. This has been a part of the 2008 resolution, so it's one more thing I can scratch off my list, but I must stay consistent! Must not get lazy and give up! More after the jump...

Web Design, Graphic Design, and any other field of "design" can be studied in schools these days, but there lies one question: Will a $30K yearly tuition make a you a better designer than a tuition of $5K? The conclusion of this answer is mixed, and can be somewhat relevant.

These days, everybody knows that going to a prestigious Design School, rather it'd be for fashion, web, print, or multimedia, will probably land you a better job at an agency. Now I am questioning the validity of this "basic knowledge," and exploring how far perseverance can take you, especially in today's quickly advancing world.

Throughout my experience with studying design in school, I have come to a number of conclusions on various ideas, including: Creativity, Jobs after college, Experience vs. Diploma, and Success in general. Basically, it all comes down to who you are, and what kind of a person you develop yourself into. More after the jump...

To start off this entry, I will ask you this question: When you are working on something, whether it be a goal, or project of some sort, or even yourself as a person, do you try to be perfect or excellent?

This idea which was first introduced to me by my English professor 2 semesters ago, has been of particular interest to me as I have been talking with close friends of mine regarding self development, goals, and the future. There are many people in this world that, when trying to do things, they try to do it as perfectly as possible. This usually leads to unnecessary time being wasted, instead of properly progressing through the task, but this is pretty relative to the individual. There's no saying that it's a crime to always try to do things perfectly, but I believe that it would make it so much easier and less stressful to achieve a state where you are totally satisfied, rather than worrying about every last minuscule detail. More after the jump...

This year I set a goal. I told myself that I would start going back to my old tv-watching days and pick up a few season DVDs of the "big" shows; Heroes, Psych, Entourage, and House. I recently started watching some online episodes of Psych on USA Network's website, which I think is pretty cool. A new season of Lost is airing this Thursday, and I'm a HUGE Lost fan! I don't care what people say about the show being dragged on and having little development and all - this show is awesome! I love all the twists and every time it gets me to say "wtf." Back when Heroes premiered, I watched a couple of episodes, but I got carried away with school, work, and a bunch of other things, but this time around, it'll all be good.

For 2008, I also made plans to watch at least 15 to 20 films (good ones!) that I haven't seen yet. In the last year, all the films I've seen were mostly in the theater, and a few at home/dvd/tv. At home we have the whole HBO On-Demand thing that does have quite a few good films that I haven't seen so that's gonna be something I have to make some time for. I recently saw Cloverfield, which I was really looking forward to, and it was GREAT! I've never seen any movie that was shot the way this one was, and the thrill had me on the edge of my seat all the way through!

This is something I've been meaning to do for the longest time, and I hope to do it this time. The new school semester started last Friday, and I have a feeling I won't be enjoying a couple of my classes. Speaking of classes, I need to call my counselor and take care of a mishap before they tell me I have to pay more money. Well, happy times, all! If anyone has any recommendations of some good films, old or new, speak up!

Hello! First, I would like to introduce myself; My name is Lasha Krikheli, and this is my first "real" blog on the internet. I have been blogging on and off periodically for the last 4 years. This, as many may figure, is my first attempt at creating a custom WordPress theme. If you find any bugs or errors, please let me know!

I am a Graphic Designer, amongst many other things by nature. I am passionate about photography, traveling, technology, and the future! I have recently become an environmentalist, and I love hearing about and promoting anything "green." After many days of research and reading, I have come to the conclusion that our planet is in trouble, and our civilization is at stake. As humans, being the dominant species on our beloved land we call "Earth," seriously need to get our act together and change the way we live!

As a child, I was always fascinated by new technology, different cultures, travel, beautiful buildings, and more! This blog has been "in production" for the last 2 years, and I have finally managed to bring the first incarnation of One Fused Life....to life. 🙂

One Fused Life.... You may be wondering what the heck this means, but it's quite simple. Since I couldn't decide on a single topic to write my blog about, I decided to write about everything! Everything from photoshop and current events, to productivity and green technology will be covered. The idea of taking all topics and fusing them into one, makes a damn interesting life!

What to expect:

• A plethora of new projects and endeavors!
• Tips, Tutorials, and How-To's on a regular basis (Photoshop, etc).
• Insights on Photography, Travel, Productivity, Green Life, Current Events, & more!
• Dedication and loyalty towards my readers.

So, with that said, I leave you with the following:
Join me on this adventure of knowledge, and together we will learn, grow, and discover new things, all while having fun doing so.