Nick Davis's Blog, page 26

Let Me Tell You A Story About A Friend Of Mine

They say evil flourishes when good people do nothing, nothing is more true than the times we are living in and the escalating degree of hatred towards the Muslim religion that is rising around us. I am a good person, or at least work hard at trying to be one and I want to tell you a story about a friend of mine who helped me in one of the darkest times in my life, for no other reason than he does good, for the sake of just doing good.

On November 24th 2010 I lost my State Job, not through negligence, or cut backs, but because my Employment Authorization Document (EAD) had expired and the United States Custom and Immigration Service (USCIS) would not renew it. Early that year I had fallen out of legal status due to my ex-wife filing divorce before I could adjust to permanent status (Oddly enough I was a K1 visa recipient). I had spent the year fighting to regain my status, but I was for all sense and purpose an illegal immigrant and I just run out of time to turn the judgement around.

The State could no longer keep me employed and I was put into administrative leave to a view for final termination (which they flubbed big time). I had no savings and without an EAD I couldn’t even claim unemployment. Penniless before Christmas, unable to get a job and facing deportation, is not where a family man wants himself to be. It was one of the darkest moments of my life. I felt I had lost everything and was pushed to the wall. I was about to lose everything I worked towards for the last ten years.

I tried to rally, but every step forward was met with two or three set backs, it was really looking like I was going to have to leave the USA and my children behind. I put out an to help and to my surprise a lot of folk did… And I thank you all for giving me the chance to fight back, to re-file my adjustment petition. But I want to talk about a friend who did something really amazing.

This friend called me out of the blue to visit him in a coffee shop in the city and gave me $500 cash, he told me he and his wife talked about my situation and they felt God would want them to help me. He asked me if I needed more, and even though I kept refusing the cash, he told me this was the right thing to do and to not be ashamed to receive help. He also sat with me into the evening talking me down and out of my depressed mental state. He was certain that everyone is part of God’s plan and he was sure God had a good one for me… He helped more than I can ever say. Eventually I found my way, however, it was that talk, that moment that helped me to start finding my feet.

This is the story of my friend, the kindest man I have ever met outside my own Father… My Friend was from India and a Muslim.

Not that his faith ever made any difference to me… Growing up in the UK you live in a multi-cultural melting pot and exposed to many different cultures and folk. For me it isn’t your faith that makes you a good person, it is who you are, to me he was just a great chap.

The year previous we talked about many things at lunch and after work, our kids, our dreams, our thoughts about some of the crazier things in the USA at the time, you know all that stuff regular folk talk about when shooting the breeze. We made fun of tech support call lines and how he used to ask them how the weather was in New Delhi.

We also talked about religion; he was devout, prayed three times a day, but like me questioned faith. He was sure with all the single deity religions that there was a common theme that predated his religion, my religion, all religions that bound us together. that these tales in our holy books are just that, written to connect us to a truth that has passed and that we may never know this source of creation.. Of who God is. We talked about 9/11 and the tribulations he went through at the time and how ashamed I felt he had to endure all that anger just because of his belief.

I still owe my Friend the $500 and will one day pay it back to him if I ever really find my feet. While I many not be flush with money, I try to do little things that help folk and follow his example of generally trying to be excellent to everyone. I miss our talks and his friendship as life drifted us apart. He is no doubt as embarrassed as heck that I am talking about him. I wont betray his modesty by naming him… But he deserves better than what the USA is currently changing into… All this hate… It is poisoning our souls.

And for that I am sorry my friend.

Evil does indeed flourish when good men do nothing, I am not sure what I can do, but I won’t silently stand by and let darkness and hate take out adopted home. I hope you join me my friends, stand up and speak out…

Thank you.

Video Walk Through Of The Cuddly Defender Comic: Out Of The Attic 2 #spoilers

Hey Teddy Bear Fans, on Saturday I got the proof of the new Tristan & The Cuddly Defenders Comic Book: Out Of The Attic 2 after reviewing it I have cleared it to print and expect deliver around December 20th. I’ve posted a video walk-through of the new comic (after the jump) which you watch below at your own peril… Because it will contain spoilers!

If you are interested in ordering Out Of The Attic 2 please click here.

So How Did I Do In My #Daily10 Challenge? Win? Or Bust? The Answer Is Not What You Expected… #Fit10

Hello, it has been 30 days since I started my #Daily10 challenge, where I challenged myself to low-impact exercise and a calorie limit. The idea being what change could I effect over a 30 day period with a ripple effect – after all ripples eventually become waves, right? So, how did I do?

30 Days Ago

I started the #Daily10 weighing 261lbs, the low-impact exercise, (due to niggling injuries of my youth) of a 10 minute walk at lunch, (#Daily10) and a more low impact exercise after work, like walking the dog etc. I coupled this with lower calorie intake of about 1800 a day, the math was simple burn more calories than I was consuming and weight loss will happen. I wasn’t expecting huge changes, or to regain the body of my youth, but a change in attitude and I posted my progress on Twitter.

How Did I do?

Well, here I stand 30 days later and here are the scores on the boards.

Weight on 11/01/2015: 261lbs
Weight on 11/30/2015: 247lbs

And I’ve gone down two pant sizes!!!

Yay!!!

All I did was increase my exercise (just more walking), dropped snacking and kept to a rough 1800 calorie count (not strictly enforced), ate three times a day and didn’t drastically change my diet. I’ve lost 14lbs just by this low-impact #Daily10 change and this is during a month with a Feast Day built-in.

I am very happy with myself

I feel thinner, a little fitter, not so tubby, very happy and I am fitting back into my old pants (as is the wife.)

What Now?

Well, I mentioned at the start of my #Daily10 Challenge I stated I had a target weight in mind and I am two-thirds there and confident I will hit it, so the #Daily10 is going to extend into December and might bring some other changes. Not with a huge revolution, but in incremental 0.01% changes. If I can do this… Then what is your excuse?

Take up the #Daily10, it really does work and start making ripples my friends

The TEDDY20 Thanksgiving Black Friday Cyber Monday Extravaganza Sale!!!

For the next FIVE DAYS the Alt World Shop will be running a Thanksgiving Black Friday All Weekend Cyber Monday Extravaganza Sale. Everything in the shop or on the Alt World websites will be 20% off… Just type in TEDDY20 at checkout!!!

That means…

The Fabula Zero Graphic Novel – the superhero comic not about superheroes
The Wonder Tale Books – original once upon a time adventures in the Ninth Kingdom
The Teddy Bear Tales – illustrated Teddy Bear adventure stories
The Cuddly Defenders Comics – Full color action comic books
The Cuddly Defender Teddy Bears – custom Teddy Bears made in the USA
Anything I post to the Alt World Shop!!!

ARE ALL 20% OFF

Code TEDDY20 at checkout… FIVE DAYS ONLY!!!

TELL YOUR FRIENDS!!!

Check Out The Alt World Shop Here>>

The Alt World Publishing Wish List For 2016

We are a month away from finishing our crazy 2015 race around the sun and I am finishing the year with the publication of the Cuddly Defenders Comic: Out Of The Attic 2. Not a bad finish for an Indie Creator with limited funds and resources… And now with 2016 not to far what will this new year bring?

Publishing wise 2015 has been a good year, so I think I can do much more in 2016, but before I announce those crazy plans let’s see what I managed in.

The (Mostly) Published Alt World Books Of 2015

Cuddly Defenders Comic: Out Of The Attic 1
Cuddly Defenders Comic: Out Of The Attic 2
Hero Ted Web Comic
Reissuing and reformatting The Wonder Tales Vol One & Two (edited, series unifying covers)
Reissuing and reformatting Tristan the Teddy Bear Goes To the Moon (new covers, reformatted for print and kindle)
Reformatting Fabula Zero, Teddy Bear Tales and Cuddly Defender: Friends in a Kindle friendly format

Plus I’ve opened a new publishing channel by getting the Out Of The Attic comics up on Comixolgy and made a significant push onto the Kindle with reformatting my more distinct works like the Wonder Tales and Fabula. I’m pretty happy with my publishing achievements this year.

The Alt World Publishing Wish List For 2016

Cuddly Defenders Comic: Out Of the Attic 3
Cuddly Defenders Comic: Out Of The Attic 4
Cuddly Defenders Graphic Novel: Out Of The Attic
Cuddly Defenders Graphic Novel: Big Time Heroes (starring Forrest & Scout)
Adventures Of Hero Ted Comic Book
The Cuddly Ninjas Short Book
Mr Button The Teddy Bear One-Shot Comic
Imagination Adventure Web Comic: Tristan the Teddy Bear Goes Under The Sea
Teddy Bear Tales Christmas Book: Herby The Snowman (and the strange snow day)
The Wonder Tales Vol Three (The Princess Archer Saga continues)

Quite a list, eh? Along with this schedule I have other plans such as developing the Searchers and trying to push my properties out into other media. Plus I have a couple of super-secret squirrel projects which I cannot reveal yet.

Is My 2016 Target Ambitious?

Yes it is… it is a daunting list for a medium size operation and I frankly would be embarrassed to call myself even small, maybe minnow. After all most of the time it is just me, my broken laptop and never quite enough hours in the day.

However, the target is attainable and I will tell you why.

We are already halfway there with the Out Of The Attic mini-series. I plan to complete the last two books through 2016; which will feed the Cuddly Defender Graphic Novel and the Forrest & Scout book.

The Adventures Of Hero Ted is currently running as a web comic on the Teddy Bear Tales, which when I finish the current story , I will start the Cuddly Ninja shorts which will be collected with Hero Ted into a 24 page comic book; ticking that box off.

See, we are five books, (six projects,) down already…

The Teddy Bear Tales Christmas Book: Herby The Snowman is half-written and I will be tapping Keir Knikia Lyles to do the art throughout 2016 on it. The plan is to get one or two pages completed a month with a target of Winter 2016 release.

I plan to develop Mr Button the same piece meal way with an eye to a Fall 2016 release. I’ve not tapped an artist yet, I know who I would like to draw it I just have to figure out how to make it happen.

So… Seven books down, (eight projects lined up like ducks.)

This leaves the Imagination Adventure which will be Tristan Going Under The Sea to either save Sea Horses or round-up Jelly Fish to save them from the Jelly Monster (no plot just rough notes). I plan to tackle this like the last imagination adventure Tristan The Teddy Bear Goes To The Moon as a weekly web comic, with the aim to collect into a book.

And to finish off The Wonder Tales Vol Three are fun stories to write, which now I’ve got myself back into the saddle of these stories and found a great new look for the series, I hope to kick the next book out by Spring 2016, (fingers crossed.)

All doable, and all able to fill that hour or two of spare time I get in the evening with nothing better to do than watch TV… So let’s be productive! You never get anything done unless you start doing.

How Can I Help?

If you want to help then support your local Indie Creator, we are all very busy people trying to bring you the best and original stories that we can. Check out my work in the Alt World Shop.

Thank y’all for listening.

 

 

 

 

England And France Reveal The Stunning Secret To Defeating the Terrorists Daeseh

With the News Media here in the USA unable to report the recent Terrorist attacks in Paris, (forgetting about the attacks in Beirut and Kenya,) without sensationalize it. Watching the Newscasters trying to find ways to make us feel afraid, spreading anything they hear about the Terrorist like they are reporting on the Kardashians, this desperate race to grab ratings over these events is equally sad and pathetic to watch. What they forget to do is report the positive things that have happened that give the finger to the Terrorist and is the secret to defeating Daesh. 

Sadly in Germany today they had to call a Football (soccer) game off because of a concrete Terrorist threat and the USA News Media was all over this… Because it spreads more fear.

But they forget to report this amazing moment… ( I guess because it didn’t fit the fear narrative)

Today in the United Kingdom showed the world the secret to defeating Terrorists, while the USA News Media were trying (and succeeding in some cases) to make everyone afraid and hide in the basement, and blame refugees for everything, English and French Football fans gathered to watch a game at Wembley, London. A friendly international between England and France… The entire stadium sang the French national anthem it was amazing to listen too… A pure act of defiance in the face of the Daesh asshats.

By keeping calm and carrying on, showing we are not afraid and living our life is the way to defeat Daesh. They want us to be afraid and by living our life you are showing you are not, that they have no power over you and they will never ever win.

This is the secret to defeating Daesh… #United

Be careful with the world now

Cuddly A Snowman For The Holidays! Custom Made In The USA

Hey Teddy Bear Fans! I have something really cool for you here. Dot from DotsBears who custom makes the Cuddly Defender Toys has come up with a brand new Cuddy Toy – The Snowman.

Cuddly Snowman – Hand Made In The USA From $27.99

The Cuddly Snowman is the perfect seasonal gift for any loved one. The Snowmen are hand-made in the USA and are available in three sizes 18″, 24″ & 27″ with five points of articulation, soft white fur, blue eyes and carrot nose. The Snowman comes complete with three coal buttons and a top hat.You can add a scarf for extra color in red, green or blue as an optional $2 extra. Get your orders in now to arrive in time for the Holiday Season!!!

18 Inch Cuddly Snowman – $27.99

24 Inch Cuddly Snowman – $32.99

27 Inch Cuddly Snowman – $37.99

View The Entire Range Of Cuddly Defender Toys Here>>

Do You Want To Cuddly A Snowman? Limited Time Snowman Sale!!!

Hey Teddy Bear Fans! I have something really cool for you here. Dot from DotsBears who custom makes the Cuddly Defender Toys has come up with a brand new Cuddy Toy – The Snowman.

The Cuddly Snowman is the perfect seasonal gift for any loved one. The Snowmen are hand-made in the USA and are available in three sizes 18″, 24″ & 27″ with five points of articulation, soft white fur, blue eyes and carrot nose. The Snowman comes complete with three coal buttons and a top hat.

This is a Limited Time Sale!!! I will be placing the order with Dot for the Cuddly Snowman on Saturday, November 21. So get your orders in now!!!

Select Your Snowman Size


18inch Cuddly Snowman $29.99 USD24inch Cuddly Snowman $34.99 USD27inch Cuddly Snowman $39.99 USD

Add A Scarf?

If you would like to give your Cuddly Snowman a scarf, they are available as an optional extra in three colors red, green & blue.

Select Your Scarf Color ($5 extra)


Blue Scarf $5.00 USDRed Scarf $5.00 USDGreen Scarf $5.00 USD

View The Entire Range Of Cuddly Defender Toys Here>>

What Is #Daily10? It Is A Ripple… But Ripples Turn To Waves… #fit10 #lunch10

Something clicked in my head during inktober month… If I could produce 31 sketch card pieces in 10 minutes a day, could I affect another change? While I am not making excuses, the last three years have been hard and I’ve not been taking care of myself as I should have been.

My job as a Web Designer, and my after work hobby as an Indie Creator, Writer, Publisher, Artist all lead to a more sedentary lifestyle. Which means the most exercise I get is moving from desk chair, to well… desk chair.

I am as they say suffering from Shatner spread, I am overweight and things I used to find easy I now find harder to do. I get overheated quicker, my blood pressure ain’t great and my back starts hurting if I stand for longer than 10 minute at a time… It is time to change this, and that is what #daily10 is about.

Ripples Not Waves

I’m in an odd place, I’ve blown both my knees (with the left worse than the right) and I have a narrowing of the spine – so I have to watch the impact level of exercise or I could quite literally find myself on my back unable to move for two to three days. This is why I choose a moderate-form of fitness impact by walking.

The recommend level of exercise (or cardio movement) is 30 minutes a day, my #daily10 is a third of that straight away. We burn about 1500 calories a day just sitting around and anything we burn on top of that with movement etc is a bonus. Because in the end the secret of weight-loss is regular exercise and burning more calories than you eat. (I now tick both boxes)

My #daily10 is a ripple… I walk the dog at night which adds another 30 minutes on top of that, in the average day I move around the Office another 20 minutes which means I break the recommend 30 and add another 30 on top of that (which Google Fit recommends I do)

This isn’t about drastic change, but about increments of improvement… 0.01% adds up.

My Weight As Of November 3, 2015 Is 260lbs

To see how the #daily10 works through the month I am making a record of my weight in this blog, which is 260lbs (not good, eh?), at the end of November I hope to see some improvement on this (I will just have to be smart about Thanksgiving choices).

Evolution Not Revolution

I am aware that I will never have the body of my youth, but I want to be around a little longer to see my kids grown up, and well have kids (I hope). The decision to make that happen though is down to me and moderate exercising is a good choice to make this happen. I hope you join me on the #daily10, #fit10 or #lunch10 (what ever you want to call it) challenge. Lets get fitter together!

Onwards!

A Pile Of Sketch Cards, Faber-Castell Pitt Pens And Thirty-One Days Of Inktober

I did it!!! I did it!!! With a pile of sketch cards, a set of Faber-Castell Pitt Pens and Thirty One Days of October I took part in the Inktober Challenge.

For those who don’t know what Inktober is here is a quick rundown – there is an annual event for artists of all talents that runs throughout the month of October called Inktober. The idea is you draw one illustration a day with ink, black, brown, blue, red whatever…I took part is the first Inktober in 2014 and successfully finished the event with 31 individual and unique inked illustration. This is a total no prize event, just the satisfaction of crossing the line and with daily drawing practice – which only helps to strengthen your skills.

My Challenge

To give myself a bigger challenge (because drawing 31 unique illustrations in a months wasn’t big enough) I decided I would only use Sketch cards and Pitt Pen, and as the majority would be drawn during my lunch break I gave myself a fifteen minute time limit on each inked drawing. Now, for some artists fifteen minutes may be a huge amount time, but for me it was nothing, so I had to significantly tighten up my game.

31 Day of Art

Enjoy the Gallery… Thank you all for joining me on this ink based adventure