Dave Potokar Cleveland Creative Designer Blog

I guess the Obamas really are cutting back.......yeah RIGHT!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (davepotokar) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 20:50:00 +0000

July 7, 2009

Dr. Paul L. Williams

"In my own life, in my own small way, I have tried to give back to this country that has given me so much,"
she said. "See, that's why I left a job at a big law firm for a career in public service, " Michelle Obama

No, Michele Obama does not get paid to serve as the First Lady and she doesn't perform any official duties. But this hasn't deterred her from hiring an unprecedented number of staffers to cater to her every whim and to satisfy her every request in the midst of the Great Recession.

Just think Mary Lincoln was taken to task for purchasing china for the White House during the Civil War. And Mamie Eisenhower had to shell out the salary for her personal secretary.

How things have changed! I then come to realize that the benefit package for these servants of Miz Michelle are the same as members of the national security and defense departments and the bill for these assorted lackeys is paid by John Q. Public:

1. $172,2000 - Sher, Susan (Chief Of Staff)

2. $140,000 - Frye, Jocelyn C. (Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Policy And Projects For The First Lady)

3. $113,000 - Rogers, Desiree G. (Special Assistant to the President and White House Social Secretary)

4. $102,000 - Johnston, Camille Y. (Special Assistant to> the President and Director of Communications for the First Lady)

5. $100,000 - Winter, Melissa E. (Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief Of Staff to the First Lady)

6. $90,000 - Medina, David S. (Deputy Chief Of Staff to the> First Lady)
7. $84,000 - Lelyveld, Catherine M. (Director and Press Secretary to the First Lady)
8. $75,000 - Starkey, Frances M. (Director of Scheduling and Advance for the First Lady)
9. $70,000 - Sanders, Trooper (Deputy Director of Policy and Projects for the First Lady)
10. $65,000 - Burnough, Erinn J. (Deputy Director and Deputy Social Secretary)
11. $64,000 - Reinstein, Joseph B. (Deputy Director and Deputy Social Secretary)
12. $62,000 - Goodman, Jennifer R. (Deputy Director of Scheduling and Events Coordinator For The First Lady)

13. $60,000 - Fitts, Alan O. (Deputy Director of Advance and Trip Director for the First Lady)
14. $57,500 - Lewis, Dana M. (Special Assistant and Personal Aide to the First Lady)
15. $52,500 - Mustaphi, Semonti M. (Associate Director and Deputy Press Secretary To The First Lady)

16. $50,000 - Jarvis, Kristen E. (Special Assistant for Scheduling and Traveling Aide To The First Lady)
17. $45,000 - Lechtenberg, Tyler A. (Associate Director of Correspondence For The First Lady)
18. $43,000 - Tubman, Samantha (Deputy Associate Director, Social Office)
19. $40,000 - Boswell, Joseph J. (Executive Assistant to the Chief Of Staff to the First Lady)
20. $36,000 - Armbruster, Sally M. (Staff Assistant to the Social Secretary)
21. $35,000 - Bookey, Natalie (Staff Assistant)
22. $35,000 - Jackson, Deilia A. (Deputy Associate Director of Correspondence for the First Lady)

Total: $1,591,200

There has NEVER been anyone in the White House at any time who has created such an army of staffers whose sole duties are the facilitation of the First Lady's social life.
One wonders why she needs so much help, at taxpayer expense, when even Hillary, only had three; Jackie Kennedy one; Laura Bush one; and prior to Mamie Eisenhower social help came from the President's own pocket.

Note: This does not include makeup artist Ingrid Grimes-Miles, 49, and "First Hairstylist" Johnny
Wright, 31, both of whom traveled aboard Air Force One to Europe.

Copyright 2009 Canada Free Press.Com
canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/12652

Yeh, I know, The Canadian Free Press has to publish this because the USA media is too scared they might be considered racist. Sorry America!

SICKENING.........ISN'T IT

New Names for New Services

noreply@blogger.com (davepotokar) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 21:39:00 +0000

Hello again, been awhile since I've posted. Life is real busy but wanted to give those looking for Marketing a link to the newly named website. You can view it by going to http://www.fusion-multimedia.com. It's basically the exact same content with a new look. We now offer full marketing and PR services as well as the usual multimedia components like video, editing, animation, and web services. check it out.
More to come as I post new client projects, rants and random thoughts.

New Client - New Projects

noreply@blogger.com (davepotokar) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 21:41:00 +0000

Client: AxioMed Spine Corporation

Project: 3D Animation and Video

We just wrapped up a couple videos for our new client, AxioMed Spine Corporation. They specialize in spinal implants (disc replacement) for those with degenerative disc disease (DDD). Our mission was to provide a 3D animated video of their device for use in company Powerpoint presentations. The client read their script over the animation during their presentations in Phase I.

Phase II of the project lead us to implementing footage of actual surgical technique to the existing 3D CGI work. We also included a professional voice over for a stand alone presentation. Look below to view the two phases of production. Thanks for looking. This was a challenging and rewarding project to say the least. 3D is still the best solution for providing accurate imagery of a prototype, product or device where actual film footage cannot be provided. Let us tackle your next prototyping or product highlight for you in glorious 3D animation.

Phase I

Phase II

Jay Leno and some Common Sense

noreply@blogger.com (davepotokar) — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 18:03:00 +0000

I received this email today and I think Jay Leno is on to something!! Have a read. This is an email letter he put out to the American people.

JAY LENO COMMENT -- Jay Leno wrote this; it's the Jay Leno we don't often see....

"The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right?

The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the president. In essence 2/3s of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change.

So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, "What are we so unhappy about?"

Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job? Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?

Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state? Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?

I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.

Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings.

Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes , an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and computers.

How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67 percent of you folks unhappy.

Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. , yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don 't have , and what we hate about the country instead of t hanking the good Lord we live here.

I know, I know. What a bout the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks?

The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me? Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad?

Think about it...... are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the "Media" told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day.

Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go.

They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a "general" discharge, an "other than honorable" discharge or, worst case scenario, a "dishonorable" discharge after a few days in the brig.

So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells , and when criticized, try to defend their actions by "justifying" them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way...... Insane!

Stop buying the negativism you are fed everyday by the media. Shut of f the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad.

We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative."

"With hurricanes, tornadoes, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, "Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?"

Jay Leno

Birthdays

noreply@blogger.com (davepotokar) — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 16:00:00 +0000

Well, I just celebrated the big 39 birthday on October 20th. We celebrated with some friends who's wife was also turning 39 a day after me. We laughed as my wife said, you both aren't 39, you are celebrating your 10 year anniversary of being 29! That's the story I'm sticking with! LOL

Heading off to St. Louis Saturday to watch our Browns beat up on the Rams with 20 or so friends!! thanks for the awesome birthday surprise Christine!! The trip has been planned since summer, and I had accepted the fact that I wasn't going to attend this time. Surprise surprise...I had been booked on the trip by my wonderful wife, with the help of one of my friends, and they kept it secret for months! Looking forward to a great time in a new town. Go Browns!!!!!

Glory Days

noreply@blogger.com (davepotokar) — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 21:09:00 +0000

Well, lo and behold my 20th reunion came and went this passing year and unfortunately I was out of town and missed it. In honor of the old glory days, here's a look at my sophomore year highlight reel I put together for some of my fellow team mates. I started my sophomore career as a DB on the varsity squad...oh what a year that was...tied with my senior year as best of all. I lead the entire Greater Cleveland Conference in interceptions as a lowly soph...not too shabby. BTW, I'm the little 16 year old kid on defense wearing number 12, among a sea of giant seniors. ;) I will post a senior year reel at a later date...1987 seems like forever ago...1984, yikes even longer! BTW, my old team was the Blue and Gold!!! It's a long highlight reel with lots of bad vhs footage, for those that are in it, its still bearable to watch, others might get awful bored trying to make anything out...ha! remember VHS? ;)

Welcome Home

noreply@blogger.com (davepotokar) — Mon, 14 May 2007 20:56:00 +0000

this video is worth a view. May every soldier return home to the same.

Big Brown Box is LIVE!

noreply@blogger.com (davepotokar) — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 18:49:00 +0000

Check out our new viral marketing site at BigBrownBox.com which is powered by AwesomeMillion and partner-in-crime, Jim Kukral, online marketing guru.

If you would like to participate, just simply go to the site and read up on what it's all about. You can fill out a form to see if we want your "goods" before you ever send anyting. It's fun, it's creative, it's a BIG brown box of goodies that will go to some lucky person. Sound interesting, go check it out.

Switch Over Delays

noreply@blogger.com (davepotokar) — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 18:38:00 +0000

Hello everyone.....again.
Been trying to switch over to the new Blogger and finally got it done. Just want to let everyone know to stop by on occasion as I will be blogging again. As you can see, I now have access and all is good to go. Stop by the site for new project updates, case studies (aka portfolio samples) and other humorous rants.

I'm back baby!!

have a great Friday.

Awesome Yet?

noreply@blogger.com (davepotokar) — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 16:09:00 +0000

Are you awesome yet? Want proof?

Go to www.AwesomeMillion.com and make it official. Great fun, makes a great gag gift, or impress someone you love with a silly webpage. Heck, it's free for a basic listing!

More to come....

Check out my Guestbook!

noreply@blogger.com (davepotokar) — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 15:53:00 +0000

Some Words to Live By...

noreply@blogger.com (davepotokar) — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 21:12:00 +0000

A cool video dispensing some good advice for life...

Everyone Must See This! - video powered by Metacafe

Awesome Million Is Live

noreply@blogger.com (davepotokar) — Wed, 23 Aug 2006 19:05:00 +0000

My business partner Jim Kukral and I have launched our own viral marketing site in the wake of the milliondollarhomepage and oneredpaperclip simply called, AwesomeMillion.com At this site you can read aout our online characters Awesome Jim and Awesome Dave, purchase your own really awesome webpage for a buck and become a part of viral marketing internet history.

This venture gives the end user a fun way to advertise for cheap, send a eCard to someone, declare your own awesomeness for either a person, place or thing and on and on. It's limited only by the cutomer's creativity. we have bloggers buying up certificates and they are watching their readership go through the roof. Some are making their children awesome as a gift (kinda like buying a star for someone and naming it after them - ever see that for $29.95??)

We wanted to create something fun, silly, which is "feel-good" for everyone involved. We've injected a good amount of humor (see our recent press page and blog) and are just having a good time with it. Many people are jumping to sign up before all million spots go away and you can even upgrade your order to $5 (which most do) to include a logo, photo, or other graphic AND have a direct link to your company, website or project. Remember you get your own webpage, graphic and URL link for the top tier.

Stop by and see us for some laughs, get a webpage for a buck to send to a friend, a loved one, or just make yourself Really Awesome - and certified at that. LOL

Below is a smattering of samples and some fun links to look at. Enjoy.

Some of my really awesome friends

Vurv is Really Awesome!

Get Found Local is Really Awesome!

Beer is Really Awesome!

More "Out of the mouths of babes"...

noreply@blogger.com (davepotokar) — Wed, 05 Jul 2006 23:32:00 +0000

Every now and again I will be adding the great things that come out of the mouths of my two "innocent" boys.

Todays entry goes EXACTLY like this. I had just made lunch for them and they were sitting at the kitchen table eating when my 3 year old Jack says, "Dad, you're really cool. I think I'll keep you."

I said to him with a chuckle, "Jack, where did you hear that line?" And my son replied confidently, "Nowhere Dad, I just thought of it!" I laughed again and said, "I think I'll keep you too."

That made the rest of my day and week. they never cease to amaze me.

More to come, I'm positive of it...

Pottie Trained... My boy, that is!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (davepotokar) — Wed, 05 Jul 2006 23:22:00 +0000

Over one weekend, I spent 2 1/2 days "shadowing" my 3 year old son to get him started on the ol' pottie training. Boy, for a 3 1/2 year old, he sure gets around. :) Anyhow, Saturday was quite interesting with lots of "accidents". Sunday was even more interesting with lots of wet ankles and shorts, but lots of progress. Well, lo and behold, that next Monday morning he had a revelation and he is now Pottie king!!!

I am quite the proud pappa (take that Dr. Phil!) as it only took 3 days for him to grasp the idea. Now, going number "2", that's another story, but he is diligently working on it... I am happy to say he has been in "big-boy" underwear now for 2 whole weeks. My bank account is growing like one of his old diapers used to...I should own stock in Pampers.

I think my 2 year old is going to be a snap, as he patiently observes the whole process...well enough "pottie-talk" for now, I am just bragging about my boy. Congrats Jack!!

Cleveland Cavaliers

noreply@blogger.com (davepotokar) — Fri, 05 May 2006 22:52:00 +0000

I AM A WITNESS!!

Great Cleveland Restaurant

noreply@blogger.com (davepotokar) — Fri, 14 Apr 2006 14:16:00 +0000

On Wednesday, I visited a new client and had a great lunch at a local authentic Turkish restaraunt named Anatolia. All I can say is wow! Fantastic quisine. I've never eaten at an authentic Turkish cafe and this is one, I highly recommend. I am now in the process of building them a new identity and a new improved website. Their menu consists of all the regional dishes from Turkey which are influenced by middle eastern flavors, greek and others. Humus to kabobs to tabouli to fish. Everything I sampled was top-notch and I will definitley be revisiting the establishment and recommend you do too. While you're at it, ask for a drink called "Lion's Milk" but be forwarned...line up a designated driver!

The Tribe Looked Great!

noreply@blogger.com (davepotokar) — Sat, 08 Apr 2006 17:44:00 +0000

Went to Opening Day yesterday and watched the Indians pound the Twins. Now, I only go to a handful of Indians games every year (I'm a Browns Season Ticket Holder) and I bet that half of those are a day like yesterday, foggy, misty rain and somewhat cold...I think I'm jinxed - or just chalk it up to spring in Cleveland. However, the Tribe wasn't jinxed and we even got some great highlights, like a grandslam by Casey Blake in the 5th inning.

There's something about being in a ballpark (aside from it being in the middle of a business day) to take away the day's worries. It's like time stops and you are a kid again. The Jake is just as beautiful as ever and I always enjoy going to our great stadium. Let's hope the Indians can take it to everone this year like yesterday's official Home Opener. Great job Tribe and thanks for a great start to what should turn out to be a great season...now if my Browns could just get it in gear…but that's another blogging saga.

New Projects Underway

noreply@blogger.com (davepotokar) — Sat, 08 Apr 2006 17:31:00 +0000

I just had three new clients this past week looking for website design. Two are already underway. For anyone else in the market, stay tuned - I am adding comprehensive business packages to my full list of capabilities. It will encompass these main categories: Corporate Identity Kits, Direct Mail and Print Collateral Kits, and Website Kits.

PLUS!!! We now offer website hosting for $20 per month (hard to beat, especially with our 24 hour tech support). Check back in the near future to see how my Business Design Kits can enhance your company's productivity, give you a new look, or even drum up new business/clients for yourself.

Kids In Flight is on their way!

noreply@blogger.com (davepotokar) — Wed, 29 Mar 2006 21:27:00 +0000

We are moving along nicely with Kids In Flight and their associated print materials. While the website is still being developed, please feel free to pop in and browse around. There is a lot of great information to read, games and tons of links for aviation buffs... and while you're at it, make a donation to a truly worthwhile cause. Again, Maria and her incredible foundation can be found at kidsinflight.org

Above is a look at her new business card and her new brochure highlighting KIF and Maria's impressive history. If you would like to be a volunteer for her upcoming Wings Of Wonder annual event in July, please contact Maria directly at 216.287.6565. I know she would greatly appreciate it!

This is one woman whom you will be reading about for years to come. She has accomplished more in her 23 years than many do in a lifetime and is destined for great things. Kudos to Maria Weybrecht and her awesome organization.

A Wonderful Project…

noreply@blogger.com (davepotokar) — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 21:26:00 +0000

We just started the process of creating a new website and identity for an incredible not-for-profit organization called Kids in Flight which can be found appropriately at kidsinflight.org. Started by Cleveland State student, Maria Weybrecht, Kids In Flight plans events and functions for children who are sick, in treatment, or have other serious ailments. They take kids up in small airplanes for the day and give them a chance to experience the wonder of aviation and at the same time, gives them a chance to forget their troubles and illnesses, even if for one day. I am donating my time to build their identity and design their new website, KidsInFlight.org.

Maria is on the fast track to creating an organization that has limitless possibilities in the way of helping children who have had a rough time with their health as well as the families that are their support system. Please check out the site (which is still in the beginning stages of construction) and donate a little something to help a truly worthwhile cause.

Maria has been highlighted in several local magazines with a new article featuring her in an upcoming Cleveland Crain's. Or check out the latest issue of Cleveland State Perspective which features Maria and KIF as the Cover Story.

More to come as this organization unfolds and grows. Stay tuned.

We Have A Winner!! Congratulations RAMTEC!

noreply@blogger.com (davepotokar) — Mon, 06 Feb 2006 22:20:00 +0000

Congratulations to Marybeth Matthews and the company RAMTEC as the winner our first promotional Corporate Identity Giveaway!

Thanks to all those who entered and please stop back for any or all of your graphic design needs.
More great things to come in 2006, so check back often.

Winter Is Back in Cleveland!

noreply@blogger.com (davepotokar) — Wed, 25 Jan 2006 18:26:00 +0000

hello winter agin...goodbye to the fall-like January we had....can't complain though, we are tough here in Cleveland.

Simple Pleasures...

noreply@blogger.com (davepotokar) — Mon, 16 Jan 2006 22:47:00 +0000

So over the holiday break, i was able to go to the movies for the first time in 3 1/2 years! That's right, it's been that long since I've caught a movie at a real movie theater...did I mention I have two boys, 3 years old and 2 years old?? Nonetheless, it sure was nice to get out and see a movie on the big screen...what was the movie? King Kong.

From the reviews, you would think you were in for a boring hour then a couple hours of monkey play...I found it to be 3 solid hours of fantastic entertainment...maybe its just because I haven't been in a theater in so long, but the movie was a non-stop rollercoaster of eye-candy.

If you already were a fan of the 1933 original film as I am, then you'll love this flick. It stays true to the original vision with all the latest and greatest CGI special effects. I can't wait to see this one again to catch all the little things you miss in such a whirlwind of movie action. i highly recommend this movie to anyone with an affinity for cutting edge special effects or if you just like big gorillas.

Harlan McCraney: G.W. Bush's Speech Writer

noreply@blogger.com (davepotokar) — Thu, 12 Jan 2006 23:52:00 +0000

This clip is funny no matter your political affiliation!

Originally airing on Comedy Central, Andy Dick's spoof of Harlan McCraney, "George Dubya's" speech writer, is one to be seen by all. Enjoy.

click image to view

Clip is approximately 4 MB ... It should begin playing immediately, but if not, it's worth the wait.