Pitt Bull Blog
Recent Entries
• Why computers sell themselves
• Doesn't the new website look rad?
• MAY Contest : Design a Nerdy T-Shirt
• Fine. We are terrible at updating our blog.
• 'Tis the Season
• My homage to the Cannizzaro's
• Declare War on Germs!
• "Casual Fridays" Will Debut … Sometime this Year.
• "Good" Behavior
• The Three C's of Web Design
Archives
• July 2010
• June 2010
• May 2010
• April 2010
• March 2010
• February 2010
• January 2010
• December 2009
• November 2009
• October 2009
• September 2009
• August 2009
• July 2009
• June 2009
Categories
• Graphic Design
• Website Basics
• General
• Office Politics
• Viral Video
• Sanitation
• Techonomics
General
Doesn't the new website look rad?
Written on June 2, 2010 by Lipstick NerdSo, we remodeled our website. What do you think? Would you say "rad" describes it well? Or would you use a better, less retro term? Like "gnarly".
The site doesn't just look better. There's tons of information available now that wasn't around before. The amount and quality of content triples, nay, quadruples that of the old site. And each section has a set of sub-sections, which we think will help visitors better understand the range of our services.
Go to the Company section to learn more about Pitt Bull. The FAQ's page has about a bajillion questions and answers. Also see a brief list of some of our valued clients.
The Promotions portion includes our sales and specials, a sign up form for our brand new eNewsletter, and info about our monthly contests plus a form for you to use to make a submission right on the website.
The Web Design portion elaborates on all of our web-related services. Some you might not have been aware of, like online marketing. You can also request a quote for a website using our straightforward online form. And finally, visit our portfolio to see how Pitt Bull helped to accomplish the goals of our web clients.
We added the Software section because we have some talented developers and great products.. but not many people knew that Pitt Bull designed software!
Coming soon:
- Online security questionnaire
- Virus warnings / alerts
- Glossary of Terms
- Training documents / downloads
- Product catalog
Filed under General
Fine. We are terrible at updating our blog.
Written on April 7, 2010 by Lipstick Nerd
Yes, we are having trouble updating our blog. A, we're quite busy. And B, we can't think of any topics that are interesting without possibly being offensive in some way. So, to hold you over until we think of something not-boring-but-also-not-inappropriate to write about, here is a photo of Jill's dog, which is remarkably cute. Her name is Hildie. Marvel at her fluffiness!!
Filed under General
'Tis the Season
Written on December 16, 2009 by MooseyOne of my favorite times of the year are the days leading into Christmas, following Thanksgiving (minus Black Friday). Snow begins to fall; decorations are hauled out of the attic; and we seemingly eat turkey and other gourmet specialties for a month straight. I don't know about you, but a dynamic shift overcomes me during this time period.
My perspectives change on every day life. I'm more up-beat than usual (if that's even possible) and if a Christmas carol bursts onto the radio... look out. But with as much cheerfulness that accompanies the holidays, somebody always has to be a "Negative Nancy" about some minuscule, mundane detail. And it's irritating as all hell.
Within the last 5-10 years, there have been major movements preaching that we need to be more mindful to others' religions, belief systems, and more when wishing people the best during this festive month. Which is absolutely correct. Although, this should not come at the price of hiding our own pride and values. Note: I am doing my best not to become too political or religious; I swear this will have a positive spin.
The feeling I receive is that I am to accept whatever holiday greeting a fellow man offers me, but, if mine should differ, I cannot reciprocate by offering my traditional holiday greeting. Which makes no sense. If we are to be concerned as to whether or not we are offending a stranger, how do we communicate good will? By offering a believed spiritual greeting does not mean we are inflicting harm onto someone of another belief system.
In the simples form, all religions and belief systems are based off of a similar, key concept. Where the differences lay is that a couple people chose to either believe or not to believe in certain details and decided to branch off. I consider the basic principle of all belief systems is showing good will towards others.
Isn't that what the holidays are about? Getting together with friends and family. Putting aside the petty squabbles and all of the random crap that consumes each of our lives. It's time to focus on what is really important to us and not being too concerned whether or not you are offending someone by putting a menorah in your window, setting up the nativity scene in your front yard, or by wishing them good will by way of your own belief system.
In America, we are supposed to be tolerant and supportive of others. Our country was built upon establishing a place where everyone is welcome and not to fear persecution. Our founding fathers did not like a couple things that the British were doing and decided to separate and create their own way of doing things. So why be intolerant to another human being?
I know where my priorities are this holiday season, and it is not looking down upon another person because our belief systems differ. Being different is what makes this world more interesting, and better off.
On behalf of team Pitt Bull, we wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season, a strong finish to 2009, and an outstanding 2010.
Filed under General
Top 10 Songs for Summer
Written on June 18, 2009 by Moosey“Summer, summer, summertime… time to sit back and unwind.” A classic intro to such an amazing song. Before Will Smith became this multi-gazillionaire movie star, he was subtly dubbed the “Fresh Prince”. The “Prince” (no relation to Prince himself, the “artist formerly known as”, or that sign he finger painted) and his sidekick, Jazzy Jeff, put together the unofficial anthem for summer. Once the nice weather breaks, I immediately go to my iPod, put on the head phones and turn that baby to maximum volume (mine goes to 11).
This song made me think and I went digging through my vast, yet limited, music library to see what other songs were a perfect fit for this time of the year. As I was researching, I realized what effect music has on us in different ways (at least on me). It seems every year that a tune is released during the summer, and will be grossly overplayed. We’ll hear it again years later and we can’t help but be reminisce about those times “back in the day.” Some are literally about summer; others have that vibe that makes us want to drive down the highway, windows down and the speakers thumpin’.
What makes a great summer song? Some tracks remind us of that special someone, spark nostalgia, or embedded with a particular event. Whatever the reason, I would like to share my Top 10 Songs for the Summer:
10. Sublime – Doin’ Time
9. Van Halen - Dreams
8. Dr. Dre and 2pac – California Love
7. Stone Temple Pilots – Sex Type Thing
6. Aerosmith – Sweet Emotions
5. Alice Cooper – School’s Out/No More Mr. Nice Guy
4. Lil’ Rob – Summer Nights
3. Don Henley – Boys of Summer
2. Bryan Adams – Summer of ‘69
1. Will Smith - Summertime
Honorable Mentions: The Outfield – Your Love; Rolling Stones – Gimme Shelter; Tom Petty – American Girl; Bananarama – Cruel Summer; Smashing Pumpkins - 1979
Do you remember where you were when the Pittsburgh Penguins won the 2009 Stanley Cup finals? With the Steelers winning the Super Bowl, the Pens taking the Cup from Detroit, do you think if the Pirates had a .500 season, do you think Pittsburgh could be considered the city of champions for 2009?
Until next time, Hibbleton!
Filed under General
Ads that make me LOL for the wrong reasons
Written on June 15, 2009 by Lipstick Nerd1. AXE Operation Dance Trap
This spot features a roomful of young whippersnappers dancing in a club. One guy in particular is dancing around with large, popcorn-sized pieces of what apparently is supposed to be dandruff on his head and shoulders.
Two ladies come up to him and pretend to start dancing with him. Suddenly, the girls throw Johnny Flakes to the floor, dump a bucket of water on his head, and wash his hair with Axe Anti-Dandruff shampoo forecfully against his will.
This is the part that makes me LOL. A girl walks up to the microphone on stage and announces: “Listen up everyone! 85% of girls agree that dandruff on a guy is a turn-off.”
Only 85%? LOL. Who are these remaining 15% who think dandruff is irresistible?
When filling out a questionnaire about whether or not dandruff was a turn-off, did they actually mark the check box that said: “No, I love dandruff” ?
You may have seen some Axe Hair Crisis Relief commercials between your regularly scheduled programs, and all in all I think they are decent ads. But this one in particular made me LOL for the wrong reasons.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_4c9YDX4bM
2. Any Commercial Featuring Ozzy Osbourne
Why is it that lately everyone wants Ozzy Osbourne as their spokesperson? Correct me if I am wrong, but he is quite infamous for his heavy, uh… “rock star” lifestyle and his lack of motor skills as a result of it. What made these marketing execs decide this was a good idea? I would’ve liked to be at their meetings.
Tom: OK guys, we are in desperate need of a spokesperson for our popular computer game, World of Warcraft.
Hank: Yes. We need someone who captures the very essence of this game. Someone dangerous. Someone epic. Someone… dark.
Tom: Not only that, but we need to choose someone appropriate for our target audience. We don’t want teenagers to be influenced by someone with a long history of alcohol, drug and animal abuse.
Greg: You’re right. But who, Tom? Who?
Hank: I got it. Ozzy Osbourne.
Tom: Brilliant! Hank, you are going places, my friend. You have a future in this company, that’s for certain.
Hank: He’s the Prince of Darkness, you know. Plus, he curses a lot and it’s funny to hear all the beep sounds.
Tom: Haha! You’re right! That is funny!
Hank: We should have him yell “Sharon” at the end of the commercial, too. That’s always hilarious.
Greg: Wait… Ozzy Osbourne? That doesn’t seem right.
Tom: Quiet, Greg. You’re a burden to this team.
Greg: No, really. Ozzy Osbourne? That guy from Black Sabbath? You can barely understand him when he talks. How would he be a good spokesperson for World of Warcraft? Or anything, for that matter?
Hank: What‘s a Black Sabbath?
Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m sure Ozzy has straightened up since his glory days. After all, he raised three children and helps take care of like 600 pets. And by “help” I mean forget their names and yell indecipherably at them. But the point is, the fact that people use Ozzy Osborne’s image to represent their products makes me LOL for the wrong reasons.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OgYWLSrmlI
3. Denny’s “Nannerpuss”
Actually, this one is supposed to be funny but doesn’t make me laugh. Why? Because I don’t see what’s so wrong with the Nannerpuss. You’ve got a stack of pancakes with a banana on top. So what? Pancakes are delicious, and bananas are good for you. They contain generous amounts of potassium.
Not only are bananas good for you, but the Nannerpuss banana (or as I like to call him, Professor Nanner) has a little handlebar mustache, making the meal all the more classy. What’s wrong with adding a little class to your breakfast?
If you ask me, I’d take Nannerpuss over steak and eggs any day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kK6F7t-x6E
Filed under General
Today is Tuesday
Written on June 9, 2009 by MooseyIt's noon, and I'm sitting at my desk overly stuffed from my super-sized breakfast. Here's a tip: do not eat pancakes before work. I believe they have the same chemical as turkey, only more powerful. Can you OD on pancakes? I wouldn't want to find out. Watch Jim Gaffigan's "Beyond the Pale" stand-up, he goes on a nice rant about pancakes.
I thought that since this will be my first ever blog, I'm going to ease into with a few little rants and tidbits of information that I thought are interesting:
I think central PA is a wonderful place to live. Seriously. My only ache is the extreme weather we receive. December 26th, 2008, it was like almost 80 degrees. Are you serious? But at the same time I was happy for it because that was the day I was moving back to the area from Pittsburgh. And then in April we get subfreezing temps. Our meteorologists do the best they can, but start packing for every weather possibility.
I miss playing summer baseball. I had a good glove, wasn't that great at the plate, but a pretty good bunter. I was picked for an all-star team one year, and hit third in line-up, which was weird because I normally set up shop in the bottom third of the order. Anyways, the reasoning behind me hitting in the heart of the lineup was of the possibility of the first two batters reaching base, I would bunt them over. I didn't understand it. Normally the best hitter bats third and has the chance to drive in more runs. We were giving up an out. Needless to say we didn't make it too far in the tourney. I can't be blamed: no one got on base for me to advance.
I will end this with what I am most excited about for this summer: (drum roll) Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen. I was never into Transformers as a child, it was Ninja Turtles or nothing. Upon seeing the first one, I realized I missed out on something great. Apparently the sequel is going to be bigger, badder, and darker.
I don't understand why action/comic book movies don't go for more of a darker tone. If the movie is beefed up with storylines, character development/relationships, you won't need to overload the movie with special effects or slapstick humor (see The Dark Knight). I understand they want to appeal to all audiences and the child demographic is a cash cow. But there is something to say about movies like this that head down a darker path. I am not a movie critic, or did not go to school for anything like this. These movies based on comics originally had a darker, real world tone to them. There is the source material and where the movie should be derived from.
Game 6 tonight of the Stanley Cup Finals - GO PENS!!!Filed under General