Here is a tutorial on how to create fancy looking text on a nice base and a background. One can use this technique for things like advertisements or layouts, or to just simply grow their Photoshop skills!

If you have any questions, suggestions, or comments in general, don't hesitate to post in the comments.

View the tutorial after the jump!

I went to the MoMa (Museum of Modern Art) for the first time a couple of days ago, and it was great! I spent most of my time on the 3rd floor where all the photography and architecture & design areas were. Naturally, I was impressed, so when it was time to leave, I spent a few more minutes in the design store where I chose to purchase this book over the others.

Everything from the Post-it note to the Condom is covered in this book. With short historical descriptions of how each product came about, you learn about the fact that almost everything we use on a daily basis today was invented within the last century. If you're ever in the need of starting a conversation, you'll get plenty of ideas from this book. Everybody loves interesting facts - why else did the Snapple Facts under the caps become such a success?

Featuring 100 different items, this book is definitely something every designer and non-designer should own for the reason that you learn to appreciate it all in a whole new way. Come on, who wouldn't want to know that the amount of wire used to make Slinkys since 1943 could wrap around the earth 126 times (and growing)? More after the jump...

I recently read an article in the AFT (American Federation of Teachers) newsletter that discussed a very interesting topic; should students be paid for good test scores?

To get down to the point, I have some mixed thoughts about all of this. Paying students can be both detrimental and beneficial depending on the situation. From this, children can learn the value of work = money, but may effect how much energy they put into actually learning the material without forgetting it the next day. More after the jump...

In the first part of this article, I discussed things including creativity, technical skill & knowledge, and the business aspect of design. Now, I will cover gaining work experience, finding a good job after graduating, and staying productive as you go about your journey towards design success.

First, I want to start off by saying that succeeding in any field can be difficult without determination and love for what you do. I have seen all too many times people getting degrees in whatever field that and end up doing something completely different. If you're young and still in the decisive stage, good. This is the perfect time to figure out what career path to choose, and what's right for you. The Design field is very competitive. It requires lots of communication, ongoing desire to learn, and the ability to push yourself to new limits. More after the jump...

Most people, if not everyone, procrastinates at some point and at some level. Personally, I think I get it pretty bad myself, and I'm definitely not okay with it. I have too many endeavors and goals that I need to meet to procrastinate, and I'm sure everyone else does too. There are things people can do to increase productivity and never have to miss deadlines and such because of it.

Procrastination is like an addictive drug; once you get a hang of it and start getting comfortable, it's very hard to lose the habit. There are many bright people out there that have minds of gold, but this just gets the worst of all of us. Positive and negative influences are all around us. Work, family members, and even food and media effect us all!

Nobody likes being weak, so what should one do to get off their rear-end and soar towards success? More after the jump...

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.

It's surprising to me to see how many people actually don't keep a calendar, or at least some form of it. I don't mean iCal or some other calendar application on your computer, but rather, something in print, or at least on your Smartphone/PDA. I own an iPhone that I use to keep track of to-dos, events, meetings, and birthdays, but even that can't help me if I need to keep my long-term goals in tact.

When 2008 hit, I did something I've never done before; a long hand written list of tasks and goals to be achieved and accomplished all throughout the magnificent year. I have over 30 items on my list, mixed of both long term goals like improving my photography portfolio and my gadgets loot, and short term goals like obtaining my driver's license and purchasing a new computer. I stuck this list on the wall right above my 24 inch iMac, and I look at it every time I am on the computer, wake up, and go to bed just to remind me that I have work to do, and I better be on it!

I can happily say that I have slowly but progressively been checking off things as I go along, one of which was me launching this very blog, One Fused Life, once and for all! Staying on track is not an easy task - we humans aren't exactly built to be working machines right off the back. Here are a few tips on how to plan for things and not forget by periodically reminding yourself. More after the jump...

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...

With today's world going super hi-tech and technological, it's good to see that nature-dwellers and adventure seekers are still out there! A recent article on Inhabitat.com talked about FINCA BELLAVISTA, a sustainable rainforest community preserving around 300 acres of rainforest. What's more perfect than this for those individuals who are ecologically minded that love to live in sustainable environments?

So yea, these guys have a pretty neat sustainable energy use going on by using natural sources of energy, hydroelectric and solar power being some of them. Building a house here requires you to have a few things that aren't really optional like a system to capture rainwater, and a system to manage human waste. There's a power grid system that delivers energy to these houses through underground cables and such, virtually eliminating all electric costs for citizens of FINCA BELLAVISTA. Now you've probably got a few questions in your head. More after the jump...