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Iteration Is A Strategy July 1, 2013Posted by David Dirks in business strategy, Dealing with change, Solving Business Problems, Strategy.
Tags: business growth, business planning, business strategies, business strategy, David Dirks, dirks on strategy, growing a business, iteration
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Does the Facebook of today look like the Facebook when it was first launched in 2004? Did Amazon perfect its business model of today in 1994 when Jeff Bezos founded it? Is the IBM of today the same as the IBM of say 40 years ago? Here's another question for you: How many businesses hit a genuine business model home run where sales and profits start cranking out right from the start?
The answers to the above questions are "n0", "no" and "once in a blue moon – if ever." To iterate is to keep trying – keep pushing your business model forward. It's tinkering with the engine until it sounds like all cylinders are working smoothly. In some cases, it's challenging the very dream we have hold so dear in our business – the very vision we have might not be the vision that produces the life blood of any business – greater sales, growing profits and cash flow.
Iteration is a process that should be integrated into the culture of most any organization but rarely is. Here are some thoughts on the process of iteration:
- Don't get married to your vision or dream. What? How can we achieve greatness without a vision we can steadfastly commit to? It's not easy – if it was then iteration would be a breeze and everyone would be doing it. They aren't – which is just one reason why many organizations fail within five years or less.
- Business plans are like war plans. Everything changes when the bullets start to fly. Yes, I know you spent a ton of time working and toiling over your business plan and it's a great starting point but…when the reality of the business environment hits it, it's over. Competitors don't play nice or according to the plan. Customers are more finicky than the business plan sales projections call for. Things have to change when the bullets fly.
- Not everything has to change. Sometimes iteration means tweaking only what needs to be tweaked. Keep testing, changing, moving forward – throwing out what isn't working and keeping what does.
- Challenge yourself to iterate on purpose. When you realize that iteration is a part of your business life if you want to succeed for the long run.
When you build a business…it's about the long run isn't it?
Driving Foot Traffic: Woolworth's Style December 14, 2012Posted by David Dirks in Driving Store Traffic, Retailer Store Strategies, Sales Strategy/Tactics, Solving Business Problems, Strategy.
Tags: business strategy, David Dirks, David E Dirks, dirks on strategy, driving store traffic, market differentiation, sales strategy, store traffic
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It took the latest issue of Businessweek to remind of that oftentimes what is new is old. Case in point: the Woolworth's food counter. Remember (for those of you who are old enough to) the days when you local Woolworth's store had a lunch counter where great, cheap hamburgers, fries and a great milkshake where just across from those square product bins that checkered the store? Woolworth's was a pioneer in creating a way to drive foot traffic with something that had nothing directly connected to the products they sold. By having a soda fountain style lunch counter, there sales per square foot where for a long time better than average.
The lunch counter couldn't save Woolworth's from going out of business after decades of success but the idea of driving traffic by providing food lives on. Nordstrom operates about 200 restaurants of one kind or another, including coffee bars. Barnes & Noble developed its coffee bar concept to drive traffic and create a reason for people to hang around the store longer. You'll also notice that the coffee bar is a place where people meet to socialize. They know what Woolworth's long understood: The longer they stay, the more chance they will buy.
So am I suggesting that brick & mortar store owner rig up the BBQ and serve up some burgers? Not exactly. What I am suggesting is that in the battle of driving foot traffic it might be that food or drink (coffee bar?) might just do the trick. As I always say, there is no magic bullet for creating foot traffic – only hard work and great execution wins the day.
What can you do to create ways for people to want to come to your store and stay a bit longer? Think about it.
"Impossible" Is Just An Opinion December 6, 2012Posted by David Dirks in business strategy, Solving Business Problems.
Tags: business strategy, David Dirks, dirks on strategy, innovation, strategy, success
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Impossible. The word that has closed more minds, doors and opportunities than any other I can think of. "Impossible" is often a frame of mind and an easy, convenient door stop for shutting just about any challenge, idea, project or thought down. Cold.
Of course, it was impossible for us to think of anything replacing the horse and buggy. It was impossible that candles or whale oil could be replaced. Impossible it was to think that man or woman could fly from one point to another. Impossible that much medicine could actually fix a bad heart. Impossible that a man could compete in the Olympics with mechanical legs. Just lot's of impossibilities out there.
Did you know that Margaret Mitchell was turned down 38 times before a publisher said yes to her manuscript for Gone with the Wind? Or the more recent Chicken Soup for the Soul was rejected 140 times before getting a publisher? Steven King was turned down 30 times when he was trying to publish a manuscript titled as Carrie? The great artist, Monet, had his artwork ridiculed in his day.
At what point do you think that any of these people thought it was going to be "impossible" to get that book published? The first rejection or the 140th? The answer is clear. They didn't see impossible at the first or last point of rejection. What they saw in their minds was this:
What the mind can conceive, man can achieve.
Earl Nightingale
We can be thankful that there a few people in every organization that see beyond what many of us see as great, impenetrable walls of impossibility. Next time you hear someone use the word "impossible", just remember that what they really told you was that it is possible.
The App in Brick & Mortar Retail Warfare May 8, 2011Posted by David Dirks in Solving Business Problems, Strategy.
Tags: business strategy, David Dirks, dirks on strategy, marketing, marketing strategy, strategy
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While online sales continue to grow at a healthy pace each year, they still only account for a fraction of total retail sales. Is brick & mortar retail on a march to eventual oblivion? Is there something to be said for the in-store buying experience? Is there any hope for traditional brick & mortar retailers in an increasingly online world?
Smart retailers have long learned to integrate their online strategy with their brick & mortar strategy. They use the websites to drive traffic into their stores using the flexibility and the quick cycle times it takes to implement new sales program on the web.
However, the real ringer for brick & mortar retailers is the rise of mobile applications. Mall owners are just now focusing their digital efforts on creating apps that can steer shoppers to their tenant stores. They are basically welding a Groupon-like strategy to the fast moving mobile application world.
Mall owner Simon Properties is currently offering the mobile app Shopkick in many of its malls. Shopkick offers special deals in tenant retailers, some of which are exclusive to Shopkick members. Simon is also considering just buying an mobile application company just to insure they always have access to cutting edge technology. It seems to make sense on a lot of fronts.
It just seems that mall owners, like many others, were slow to grasp the value of mobile applications in their business model but better late then never.
While many associate mobile apps with gaming and clever utility tools, its real value is in providing a more level playing field for brick & mortar retailers who are looking for an edge that drives foot traffic to their stores.
One interesting note about apps is that they are not searchable using engines like Google or Bing. Apps are close-ended and only use the internet to move data around. Not surprising that Google has been investing heavily in the application market (Android anyone?) knowing that increased use of applications cuts into their traditional world wide web search business.
The strategy direction for retailers, large and small, is in mobile applications. Small retailers who are able to utilize apps like Shopkick or develop their own apps will have the advantage over those who continue to ignore the opportunities within mobile applications.
About Business Incubators… November 29, 2010Posted by David Dirks in business strategy, Solving Business Problems.
Tags: business growth, business strategy, David Dirks, differentiation, dirks on strategy, innovation, market differentiation, marketing strategy, small business strategy
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Do business incubators really create jobs in a substantive way? According to the National Business Incubation Association, the answer is a resounding 'yes'. According to the NBIA, nearly 87% of small businesses using a business incubator survive to their fifth year in business versus only 44% of small businesses who didn't use an incubator. Business incubators are once again a hot topic in economic development circles around the country. According to the NBIA, there are about 1,200 active business incubators in the U.S. today. Conceptually, small business incubators make all the sense in the world. By providing low operational costs during the early stages of business development, incubators are placing a bet that by subsidizing some of the operational costs of doing business, these start-ups will have a better chance for survival.
Recently, Syracuse University published an extensive research project that focused on the performance of incubators. Their research tells a different story.
"The findings reveal that the effects of incubation are potentially deleterious to the long-term survival and performance of new ventures. Incubated firms outperform their peers in terms of employment and sales growth but fail sooner…claims that incubators are highly successful and serve a significant number of businesses are overstated. The comprehensive process used in this study to identify the largest possible sample of incubated firms uncovered a fraction of the number of incubated ventures that supporters of incubation claim exist. While improvements are likely possible to the methods used in this study, this study roundly refutes the poorly documented and unpublished studies that cite much larger numbers of incubated firms and much higher levels of performance. The methods and findings of this study showcase that more research is necessary to fully understand the effectiveness of incubation programs. Until then, these findings are instructive in helping and motivating business incubators to improve their past performance."
The truth is, there isn't a lot of substantive and unbiased research on the long term results of small business incubators. If you don't believe me, just look for yourself. Lots of claims of success from the likes of the NBIA, which has an obviously biased interested in promoting the concept of incubation and others.
Are incubators important to economic development (since it's reported that nearly 94% of them are non-profit and sponsored for local economic development)? The short answer is yes. There are certainly success stories of small businesses who have survived the early years and have grown out of incubation. And we know that small business is the engine of job creation in the U.S.
Is public/private subsidized incubation an good long term investment? Here are my thoughts on this based on my own research so far.
1. Tighter vetting of potential applicants for an incubation program is a must. There is no amount of incubation that can fix a badly designed business model. The failure rate of small business is high mostly because people start a business that has an inherent flaw. Like starting a cash-intensive business without proper funding for the first 3-5 years or starting a business because it sounds like a neat idea until we found out that few people are willing to purchase the goods or services. Having a business plan in hand means little if it isn't vetted against the same kind of tough questioning and criteria a venture capitalist would use. You don't just let any business who can show you that they can pay for the incubation services in unless their business plan and model have been deeply vetted. Many incubators are funded with public money and what I'm proposing helps insure that taxpayer dollars are invested in only the best of the start-ups.
2. Even after vetting the best small business opportunities, failure is part of the process. You have to expect to fail to some degree in order to succeed in the long run. If you study the vetting process used by venture capitalists, you find that despite their best efforts, a percentage of their investments will fail. That doesn't mean you should run from the idea of either using or creating a incubator. This just means that failure is an expectation in the early start-up phase.
The key question is: what have we learned from the failures that we can successfully transfer to new participants?
3. Targeted versus generic incubator? Most incubators are general purpose in focus, which means they will entertain any type of start-up for admission into their programs after meeting their criteria. My business sense is that a focused, industry-specific incubator program has the best chance of impacting economic development. For example, if an area was focusing on solar power panels, then creating an incubator program to attract and retain those kinds of firms would be inherently a powerful way to have real impact in business attraction. A industry-focused incubator program would operate on a triad of providing 1) specifically designed space suited to that industry, 2) Access to research & development available in that industry, and 3) access to investment capital be it private angel networks or other investment programs.
For an area that wants to put a stake in the ground that targets a specific industry, having an incubator program that has industry-specific expertise is a winning differentiator.
4. Intellectual capital is just as important as investment capital. The incubator subsidy is surely helpful to a start-up but I believe the quality of the intellectual capital that is made available to these incubator start-ups is even more vital. There is no substitute, especially in the early stages, for providing seasoned and unbiased business professionals who can ask the right questions in their field of expertise. Asking the right questions leads to helping the business owner/manager in their own learning process and education. I believe an incubator has to have only the best available expert talent available to its participants. Those that serve as the intellectual base for an incubator need to be vetted as well.
5. Regular and intensive business reviews of all participants is required. Incubation participants should be prepared to go through an intensive business review process based on performance benchmarks that have been set up as a part of the business plan/model. If a business wants to participate and receive subsidized business services (especially from public money), it should be prepared to undergo a rigorous business review process that does a deep dive on current business performance. This process allows the incubator leadership to assess and help identify resources for areas that need immediate attention…and before they become a real threat to long term success.
6. An incubation program takes long-term vision. Community leadership, both public and private have to have a clear vision for the long-term effort required to create enough success stories to offset the public and/or private investment required for organic business growth.
7. Equity in participating start-ups should be explored. Today, most incubators look to break-even on the services they subsidize to start-up companies in return for the potential for new job creation and tax base expansion. However, I would argue that to qualify for access to a powerful incubator program, start-ups would be required to give a percentage of equity to the incubator. It might be a small percentage (perhaps between 5-10%) but it would at least provide an additional possibility of the incubator program generating more capital to invest back into the program when their equity position was sold. The incubator equity would be in exchange for the subsidy received by the business. In this scenario, incubators would not have to provide any additional funding other than their current program offerings to receive an equity slice. I think that's a fair proposition, especially for incubators that receive funding from public tax dollars.
8. Organic business growth is a key differentiator for economic development. Traditional economic development relies primarily on new business acquisition and current business expansion as a measurement of performance. Developing the infrastructure for becoming a magnet for new start-up business is a way for regions or counties to differentiate themselves from their competitors. A high-performing, fully funded, and well-equipped start-up program tells other potential businesses looking to relocate that the area is truly committed to business expansion and job growth.
Business incubators I believe can play a critical role in long-term organic business growth. The key to incubator success starts with engineering the program to run itself like a for-profit business. An incubator with a strong, well vetted intake process along with a substantive and ongoing business performance/review process, and the best business support resources stands the best chance of creating lasting jobs for any region.
Retail Mega Giant without Brick & Mortar? September 23, 2010Posted by David Dirks in business strategy, Solving Business Problems, Strategy.
Tags: best practices, business strategy, customer service, David Dirks, dirks on strategy, innovation, marketing strategy, strategy
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The era of brick & mortar is being tested by some of the biggest players in brick & mortar stores. Now Wal-Mart, in its drive to capture more urban market share, is experimenting with shipping online purchases for free from its website. Working with Fedex, Wal-Mart is offering free delivery of online purchased products directly to a Fedex location.
So, without having to invest in urban brick & mortar locations, Wal-Mart gets a chance to sell product to those mostly younger buyers who are not inhibited to make online purchases. This is also a smart move for Fedex who gets to develop the same distribution service for other large retailers as well.
I like this on several levels. First, it proves that you can weld an idea from common elements. Merging online selling with the distribution power of your delivery service is great example of this. Secondly, it proves that even big dogs like Wal-Mart can think out of the box to solve key challenges. Third, It once again proves that there are other ways to conduct business than by investing in retail structure.
Wal-Mart and Fedex are thinking beyond the usual in looking for ways to grow their businesses. So should we.
Another Lost Opportunity for a Sale May 3, 2010Posted by David Dirks in business strategy, Keeping Your Customers, Sales Strategy/Tactics, Sales Tactics, Solving Business Problems.
Tags: customer service, sales strategy, service sales
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There are times when you realize that it's the little things that count more often than not. That's no less true when it comes to businesses who miss an opportunity to capture or in this case, recapture a sale. Let me explain. A few weeks ago, I made an appointment to take my car into the dealer for service that it really needed. For whatever reason, I was not able to make the appointment. Worse yet, I forgot to make a call to let them know that I wasn't going to be there.
Here's the service opportunity lost: no one from the dealer bothered to call me back to find out if I needed to reschedule. It's happened before with the same dealership. The service manager there would find comfort in taking a page from the sales & service book of my dentist, who handles this transaction entirely differently.
If I make an appointment for dental work, the office calls me a few days before to remind me of my appointment. If I should miss it, you can count on the dental office calling me the next day to find out when I want to reschedule. Then I do and I go for the dental work. In effect, the dentist has recaptured a sales opportunity that would be otherwise lost if they didn't bother to call me back.
The service manager at the car dealer is missing out on a lot of business over the course of a year just simply by NOT calling customers back if they miss an appointment. Recapturing that service sales should be just as disciplined a process as we see from the dental office.
If you're in a service business that books customers by appointment, make sure your have a mechanism in place to recapture those of us who forget to make the first appointment. Don't count on customers to call you back and reschedule.
Can the iPad Change the Newspaper Business? March 29, 2010Posted by David Dirks in business strategy, Dealing with change, Dealing With Competitors, Solving Business Problems.
Tags: apple iPad, business strategy, growing subscribers, marketing strategy, newspaper strategy, newspapers, subscription base, subscriptions
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Among all the things we ponder about the new iPad, one of the most talk about and debated issues is whether or not an iPad-like device can impact the newspaper business. My answer, now that we know the capabilities (and that more will be coming soon in terms of software for the iPad), is a resounding 'YES'. More than anything, iPad devices will change the economics of the business in a positive way.
We're so wedded to the printed page that it sounds crazy to suggest that any paper can afford to go totally online with a PAID subscriber base. But it can be done.
How? By allowing newspapers to cut costs dramatically.
Let me first explain what I'd do. First, I'd offer only an online version of the paper and price it competitively. That means eliminating the printed version, which accounts for a substantial percentage of operational costs. Second, for subscribers that signed up for extended subscriptions, like 3 to 5-years or more, I'd also offer to sell them the device for a major price reduction. Yup. Just give it to them for far less than if they bought the device from Apple or some other producer. Or, if they don't want an iPad, give them a netbook instead.
I thought you'd ask that question. For one thing, if I can lock a subscriber in for a long term period by enticing them with a device they can use to read the paper and do other things, I'm all for it. But there's a far bigger reason for doing this: going online means you'll take out substantial costs that are currently embedded into your publishing business. Like printing each daily edition and the total production costs involved in doing that.
If you can take out major costs in your business but still deliver a valuable product everyday (via online instead of printed paper), you can improve your profitability dramatically.
How will subscribers react?
At first, there will be some short term gnashing of teeth and discomfort but only for those who are technologically slow-adapters. Change has a way of doing that. However, by reducing your production costs dramatically, you can offer subscribers a better subscription rate to entice them to the online version…or throw in a netbook or an iPad device for subscribers who are willing to lock-in their rate by extending it to 3-5 years. Think bigger and longer here.
Improve the Subscriber Experience
I'd also make sure that the online version offers the ability to customize it to the readers needs. You input the content and organize it then let readers determine how they want to see it online. Wouldn't be great if I could tag an article or column so that I'd get an RSS feed when new content on that subject is posted again? Let's find out how readers like to see and consume their information and re-engineer the online experience for them. We need to move the online 'wow' factor up a few notches here.
Here's another twist on enhancing the subscriber experience:
Combining the Best of Print/Digital/TV/Radio
If you're not engaging your reader on a constant basis, then what's the point? Instead of having a shelf life of day, a digitally accessed version of the paper breathes life into the content. What a platform like an iPad really does is gives newspapers a chance to give local TV and radio a run for their money. If you can embed an online news channel (via digital video feeds) with a radio platform (like podcasting), with an online print version of your paper, you've got the makings of an advertisers dream.
Of course, you see video along with podcasting embedded today with stories. One of the best-in-class examples of this is the Wall Street Journal Online edition. Not only that, but they charge for the online version too. Media-driven tools like the iPad will allow publishers to move deeper into the value they can provide their subscribers. With a digitally-focused product, publishers will be able to embed other types of media into columns and stories to make them come alive. Adding additional content like pdf files that provide additional information for the reader who wants more info will be key.
The embedded video is something everyone seems to do these days. However, what if you created an online, LIVE video webcast…with newsroom that looks the one on TV? For local news and information, nothing beats my local paper, The Times Herald Record (full disclosure: I write weekly columns for the paper…but that doesn't make it any less great!). A live video webcast is the answer for providing real time updates of news events as they happen? Or live interviews?
The iPad also serves as a way to more effectively repurpose the great content that is created by daily newspapers. Special online 'books' of specific local information can be developed and then accessed by all those paid subscribers. Normally, after a story or column is printed, it seems lost forever. Why not look for opportunities to create information books for local and regional issues that can be read on a iPad? Two issues here: repurposing content for revenue generation and organizing previous content so that it is easily found by subscribers. How about links to previous related stories? You could just go on and on.
For those who insist on reading hard copies of stories or want a copy for 'old time sake', they can print as many stories as they have paper for.
Say no to page count restrictions!
Today, section editors are restricted to daily page count restrictions. Let's unshackle journalism with this old-school financial measurement. Content to advertising revenues…it's a good financial measurement but what if you didn't have the cost of printing paper anymore? What if your only limitation was server space? There's no reason for having page counts when
How would advertisers react?
Of course, nothing gets done in publishing if we don't have advertisers. I'm sure at first, there will be more than a few who will not know what to do or say if they can't see or touch their ad on anything but printed paper. However, remember that our goal would be to reduce production costs (no printed paper!) as more than an offset for any temporary reduction in advertising revenues.
If newspapers stay focused on growing and retaining their subscriber base online by creating great and dynamic content that keeps them engaged on a 24/7 basis, the advertisers will be there.
Making Online Publishing More Effective for Advertiser's
Think about this. What if advertisers had their ads place next to topics in the paper directly related to their business? In addition to random ad placement, advertisers could also get the extra benefit of multiple ads in different sections for one price? The digital online platform gives advertisers the ability to pay an incremental amount above their 1st ad in order to place their ad in several different sections of the online 'newspaper'. In other words, the higher the reader 'views' on one section of the paper, the higher the price you pay for your ad to be there or some variation therein. Special 'instant coupon' sections that make it easy for customers to download and print coupons.
My point: focus on building your market share with long term subscribers by creating engaging content that readers want and you needn't worry about advertisers. Advertisers will follow their customers. Keep their customers engaged in your online content either in a PC or an iPad-like device and you'll win.
Investing in More Journalism
At the end of the day, we want to preserve our heritage of professional journalism. So let's take some of the savings from not having to print an hard copy edition and invest in more journalism talent or work to retain the assets we have. Give journalists the tools like the laptops and video camera's they'll need to capture the local news wherever & whenever it happens.
Cutting out the printed edition of a paper is a gut-wrenching experience for sure. However, with media-centric and consumer friendly tools like the iPad, it's only a matter of time before printed editions will be just too expensive to produce. Besides, readers like me, who are loyal and pay the subscription fee aren't too pleased to see all the freeloaders getting the same content online that we pay for. I pay for the privilege of getting a printed paper delivered to our door even though I (and those who pay nothing) can get the same content online for free. Who's the crazy one here?
What's Your Profit Strategy? November 27, 2009Posted by David Dirks in business strategy, Management, Solving Business Problems.
Tags: business strategy, David E Dirks, dirks on strategy, Management, managing expenses, profit strategy, profitability, small business strategy
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The headline from a recent article in the Wall Street Journal: "PSA Chief Unviels Profit Strategy". It seems that PSA Peugeot (the car maker), reeling from the car industry woes, is about six percentage points below the average operating margins of five of its best competitors. The new CEO has declared that 55% of his project increase in profits over his 3 year plan will come from general cost cutting. The balance of his estimated increase in profits will be generated by increased sales in high growth markets and better sales performance in Europe.
I noted a couple of simple things. When a business is in dire trouble from a profit point of view, the 911 is on creating a 'profit strategy' that is designed to get a business back on the right track.
How does that profit strategy take shape? If you study profit strategies of companies seeking to climb out of losses and into the green of profitability, you begin to see a few basic ideas:
1. Wringing excess out of the overall cost structure of a business wherever possible. This is typically where the bulk of profit improvement generally comes from. The responses to this strategy run the gamut. Some businesses undertake a slash and burn process without much thought to the what, why, when, where, and how of cost cutting. That results in sometimes creating more weakness in the business by cutting out things that are critical to operational effectiveness the real excess.
The other side of the equation are those businesses that are slow to make the needed cuts that gives them the ability to redirect resources to other key areas of their business. That slow response to incrementally reducing costs over time can lead to a sudden rush to implement draconian cost-cutting measures of all shapes and sizes.
There is no easy answer to how to approach cost cutting as a strategy for managing a business. If you think about it, shouldn't we always be looking for opportunities to wring the waste from our businesses wherever possible? Companies like Walmart have created a culture of making sure that expenses are always measured and alternatives can be generated to reduce them.
Unfortunately, that's not how many businesses operate. I was once told that profitability can cover a lot of mistakes. True enough, when times are good and cash flow is everywhere (the good old days!), we can be much more liberal in our overall spend. Sometimes, our businesses can suffer from 'cost structure creep'. One day you wake up and wonder how you ended up with such bloated pockets of expenses.
If there are any redeeming values for an economic downturn is that it creates an opportunity to manage expenses like we should have done anyway.
2. Selling assets to pay down debt & refinancing short term debt. AB InBev, the firm that bought the mega American beer maker Anheuser-Busch did just that after the merger and the economy created a drag on profits. That strategy lead to a healthy increase in overall profitability despite a decline in overall sales of about 10% worldwide. Getting rid of assets that are not essential and/or central to the core business you are in is always a great way to reduce expenses and, most importantly, re-direct resources to those areas of the business that need it most. In the case of AB InBev, the need to increase sales volume and protect its most valuable brands, like Becks, Bud, and Stella Artois is going to take some additional investment…investment that will come from the increase in profits that can be redeployed for those efforts.
3. Cost cutting is never a substitute for investing in your core business. AB InBev has opportunities to sell more of its Budweiser branded beers in different markets where they have an already well-established marketing and distribution platform. They are also introducing some new beer products like Bud Select 55 and Bud Light Golden Wheat. Those are key strategies and initiatives that require investment in their core business and brands.
Another example would be Chrysler. There is a company that could probably cut costs all day long and never approach profitability. Aside from their auto industry and economy woes, Chrysler forgot (or perhaps it's last owners, Mercerdes Benz, 'forgot') to invest in new products to help it stabilize and maintain market share. Instead, Chrysler now has the least amount of product coming through its business compared to just about any other competitor. Cutting investment in their core business and reducing the percentage of their car line that they replace over time with newer models was clearly not an effective cost cutting tool for them. The result is continual bleeding of profits and loss of market share in an already troubled industry.
4. In times of peace, prepare for war. In times of war, prepare for peace. I'm not sure who said this statement but I didn't create it. However, it does have immense implications for how we deal with economic upturns and downturns. In times of robust economic growth, particular focus needs to be paid to how we manage our expense structure and how we allocate investments in our core business. When the economy turns sour and if we have been diligent in managing our costs, we'll have the ability to invest in our core business (creating new products, expanding into new or emerging markets, buying additional market share through acquisition, etc.) when everybody else is scurrying to cut out or drastically reduce costs and investments into the core business.
We're quick to focus a lot of our energies on the usual suspects of strategy: product, competitive, marketing, sales, and operation. I would also include making an investment in a 'profit strategy' as well as an overall guiding influence over all other strategies. A profit strategy should answer to basic questions:
- Where are we going to wring out excess in our business and why?
- What areas of our business deserve additional investment to help us meet our profitability targets?
Both of these questions have implications for the short, intermediate, and long term health of our business.
Shifting Your Business Strategy – 3 August 24, 2009Posted by David Dirks in business strategy, Solving Business Problems.
Tags: business growth, business strategy, growing revenues, market strategy, sales growth, shifting business strategy
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Waiting for things to 'get better' is not a strategy. Or least, it's not a winning strategy. Waiting for things to 'get back to normal' is just an opportunity for someone else to eat your lunch. I hear too often from business owners who echo those sentiments. Whatever the outcome of any economic cycle, the high performing Big Dogz who grow through them are the ones who win longevity.
It's quite natural for a business owner to want to hunker down, close the hatches, and wait the economic storm out. Some businesses will survive and others will not. Let me ask you: who wants to be just a 'survivor' when you can do better?
How many do you know that own a business that are using the 'wait and see' approach as an excuse to hide in the bunker until the shelling stops? Probably more than you and I know of.
The good news is that you can take advantage of this or any other times of great uncertainty by looking for opportunities that you can leverage to grow your business. I'm just scratching the surface here but some things to consider:
- Work harder to find ways to free up cash that can be deployed to expand your business. The common response in tougher times is to free up cash and then hoard it until the good times come again. Obviously not entirely out of order to keep some cash in reserve but many businesses just hoard it. By the time anyone realizes the good times are back again, it's too late for you to find opportunities to invest some of that hoard.
What to invest in during tough business climates?
- Upgrade to more efficient and powerful equipment. The right investments could reduce your costs on a product or service line is one possibility if it makes your business provide services faster, better, and cheaper.
- You could take advantage of a weak competitor in a nearby geography that you currently don't serve and hire additional sales firepower to build business there.
- Buying a competitor when it makes sense and the price is right.
- Develop & expand your product and services lines. We're often quick to prune the losers (or at least we should be) and much too slow to replace with products/services that could keep revenues moving forward.
- Upgrading customer services. Too often this is left in place or cut back. High performing companies make sure that any customer touchpoints are responsive and best-in-class.
- Establish a strategic partnership(s) with other businesses that are complimentary and have high potential to drive revenue growth. Hunkering down can blind us to opportunities that are staring us right in the face if you only took the time to look.
None of this is easy to do. That said, what it does take to do this well is 1) constant and deep scanning of our business environment to find and connect with opportunities and 2) the internal ability to move on those opportunities that won't be there if you wait for the 'good times' to come back again.


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CSS border radius allows you to curve the corners of page elements to give them a nice rounded effect without having to use images. Border radiuses can be applied to all corners or individually to each corner.
Here's an example of a 10px border radius for the top left corner:
The coveloping border radius generator tool allows you to apply separate border radiuses to each corner of a div element with easy to use sliders. The tool also features a 'styling' tab that allows you to make changes to the appearance of the div, namely the border, width, height and colours.
You can also adjust the background and border colour.
Border radius can be applied to a single corner or to all four and you can see a live preview of the changes you make to the element.
Join Coveloping membership from $4.99 a month and get your first month free, cancel at any time
Need help with your website? Hire a coveloping freelancer - fill out our quick form with your requirements and we'll get back to you with an estimate and availabilty. Find out more...

subset: commoncrawl


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Did you know that you can give us your own materials to create your ring? Yea, really! If there's an old tree that you grew up with, a rock you found on a hike, or maybe even a baseball bat. Send it to us, we'll make a ring for you!
We find that using provided materials is always a nice surprise. Each piece of wood is different, and special. It's exciting to see how it turns out!
We don't need too much material to make a ring, if you have a piece that is 2″ by 2″ by 12″, with the grain of the wood running the longest length, that is enough for us to make a ring!
For inlays we need a piece that is roughly a pen blank, or a table spoon, depending on the material.
So let us know what you have to use for your ring!


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In a no-brainer, a single-member Panel with the National Arbitration Forum has ordered several YouTube typo domain names be transferred to Google. The domain names disputed in the case were: youtbe.com, youtub.com, youtue.com, youube.com, and yutube.com. The respondent, who filed no response … [Read more...]
Google wins dispute over YouTube typo domains, names ordered transferred
January 6, 2012 by
Google going after YouTube typo domains that lead to survey scams
November 23, 2011 by
Google is going after several popular typos of the web address YouTube.com, all owned by the same person. Each typo domain leads unsuspecting users to a site that looks confusingly similar to the official YouTube site (as shown in the picture above of YouTub.com - minus the 'e'). Instead of … [Read more...]


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Tips for Generating Fast Cash While Avoiding Payday Loan Debt
While some people turn to payday loans for fast cash, others sell things on popular sites such as eBay or craigslist to generate fast cash. Still others, however, shop at garage sales when they need money fast. They have found ways to turn people's unwanted items into fast cash while avoiding payday debt. With a bit of planning and creativity, you too can generate fast cash when you need it the most.
For example, when you spot a gently used quality item, visualize its potential. Could someone use it if you painted, upholstered, or simply cleaned it? Many times, that's all you need to transform a chair or a table into a functional piece. Here are some examples of what to look for to get your creativity flowing and start generating fast cash.
Tip # 1 for Getting Fast Cash
Turn lamps into fast cash. Often, all you have to do is add a fringe braid, which you can buy at any craftingstore, to the shade. To add the fringe braid, apply glue along the edge of the bottom of the shade. Carefully affix the fringe braid over the glue along the edge. The result will be a traditional lamp that you can sell to get some fast cash.
Tip #2 for Making Fast Cash
Chairs - Turn wooden chairs into fast cash. Chairs have a lot of potential. Almost any chair can be sanded and either painted or stained. Afterward, simply add a coat of clear coating. You may want to upholster the seat. All you have to do is buy a small piece of tapestry, or use an old drape to upholster it. You can sell it for three times as much as you paid for it, if not more. Solid-wood furniture is worth money.
Most people don't like to paint wood. However, for people that like the cottage, shabby chick, or French style, painted furniture is perfect. Those that like country decor can also incorporate painted furniture into their cozy environment.
End Tables - End tables are a third way to generate fast cash. Once again, all you have to do is sand it, stain it, and clear coat it. Use an oak-color stain if you want a country look. If it's a traditional table, you can use a dark stain like cherry or mahogany.
Another option is to clean the table and sand it in strategic areas only. Don't sand it all the way down to the wood, only the high traffic areas. The result is a distressed table. The fact that people often pay money for distressed items gives you an opportunity get fast cash.
Additionally, a faux finish is a good alternative to use on wooden tables. You can find faux-finish kits at craft stores. It may seem expensive to do this, especially when you need fast cash, but you can use one kit on multiple items.
Dressers - A marble or granite faux finish on a dresser will turn into cash. If you prefer, you can use a stencil to turn the item into a French piece of furniture. You can find a stenciling kit at your local craft store.
Tip #3 for Generating Fast Cash
Look for mirrors with ceramic or wooden frames. Clean them, spray them with a dark color (green, black, or dark red). Apply gold leaf to it for an antique and traditional look. You may apply this same procedure to vases, pots, candleholders, picture frames, and numerous other items. The procedure is simple and does not take much time. You can turn the item into fast cash in a matter of minutes.
Tip #4 for Turning Items Into Fast Cash
Wrought iron items such as candleholders, picture frames, and wall decorations don't require much work. They are an easy way to generate fast cash. All you have to do is clean the item and paint it with black or sea-foam green spray paint. Wrought iron decorations fit in well with French, Italian, and Tuscany décor.
Once you have a number of refinished items, you can sell them to generate fast cash. Have a tag sale. Put a tag with the price on each item. Advertise it the same way you would advertise a garage sale. Computer savvy individuals may want to list the items online.
These are just a few ideas to get help you generate fast cash. Be creative, and use your imagination. It may seem expensive to apply some of these money-making ideas, but if you pay very little or nothing for the item, you can afford to do it. It's a practical way to multiply your investment.
In summary, with hard work, you can generate enough fast cash to put food on the table, pay a bill, or get you out of a tight situation. However, that's not all. Some people have turned similar money-making ideas into personal businesses, which helps them to continue getting fast cash. Best of all, their creativity and initiative has kept them out of payday loan debt, while generating the cash they need.
Copyright © 2011 Ana Jackson. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part constitutes plagiarism, is illegal and strictly prohibited.


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Italian laboratory Osmotech and their Scentroid SS600 is recognized as one of the most accurate odour laboratories in this year's Interlabratory Proficiency Testing of Olfactometry.
The interlabratory test, conducted by Odournet group, measured accuracy and repeatability of 39 laboratories in the world. Odour samples were sent to each laboratory to be analyzed and compared to their true odour value.
Osmotech Srl obtained an accuracy of 0.115 and precision of 0.198, the 3rd highest in the world!
We would like to extend our congratulations and admiration for this efficient and hard working laboratory. Our team is proud of the performance of the Scentroid SS600which Osmotech has ran more than 5000 samples non-stop in the last 2 years.
Below you will find an email from the president of Osmotech, Dr. Maurizio Benzo:


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No products
Impregnated cowhide leather motorcycle tank belt is lined with soft foam underneath to protect the tank from scratches. Price includes a belt pocket. The end of the strip is inserted between the seat and tank / no need for further fixing / front part is fixed with leather straps.
Easy straightforward fitting.
Very nice motorcycle accessory, also protects tank from scratching.
Can be also made without studs.
Made in EU.


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Efforts to offer free public Wi-Fi in US cities have hit problems: the operator has abandoned one city project, while technical glitches have been revealed at an earlier pioneer.
MobilePro has pulled out of a contract to provide Wi-Fi in Sacramento, claiming that the city council changed the terms. Meanwhile, the former IT manager of Chaska, Minnesota has admitted that the pioneering Wi-Fi network there didn't actually work very well.
Instead of signing as an "anchor tenant", paying for its own Wi-Fi use, Sacramento city council demanded that the free wireless network for its citizens be supported by advertising revenue, says MobilePro, according to a report in Unstrung. As well as the money, speed is at issue, with MobilePro offering 56 kbit/s to the poorer residents, and the city asking for 300 kbit/s.
"We can't spend millions on a citywide deployment, plus annual operating costs of possibly millions more, and not make any type of returns except on advertising," says Jerry Sullivan, in a story in Unstrung.
The city, which already has a pilot network in Cesar Chavez Plaza Park, built by Mobile Pro with Strix equipment, claims it is just asking to update the contract in line with the one signed in May at Philadelphia, or San Francisco, where Google and Earthlink expect to fund a free 300 kbit/s network form advertising. With MobilePro out of the picture, it will issue a new RFP.
Meanwhile, Bradley Mayer, who was IT manager of Chaska, Minnesota, has revealed that Chaska's public Wi-Fi network, which was often cited as a pioneer, didn't actually work at the time.
"It took about a year and a half before we felt we really had a good handle on the network," said Mayer, in an article in the Chicago Tribune. Apparently, the speed was poor and subscribers had trouble getting onto the network, until it moved to a newer version of the Tropos hardware in the network.
"However good they claim things are now, it certainly looks like it was a disaster until just recently," wireless analyst Derek Kerton, and long term sceptic of municipal networks based on Wi-Fi, comments in Techdirt.
Chaska ran into trouble with issues like Wi-Fi absorption in wet leafy trees, and stucco walls - issues which were well known years ago, according to Glenn Fleishman, in the WiFi Net News blog.
These difficulties and delays may work in favour of public Wi-Fi in the end, says Fleishman, by allowing cities to get more up-to-date networks and avoid re-inventing the wheel.
"With public funds involved, there should be plenty of time for review and for critique of business plans, some of which seemed too enthusiastic to start with," says Fleishman. "Even when public funds aren't used to build the network, public dollars will be used to pay for telecom services contracted with a winning bidder."
Technology is changing fast too. "Building a network in 2006 may not make as much sense as having built it in 2004 or 2005," says Fleishman, warning that going too soon might cut out benefits from WiMax, MIMO or 802.11n.
"Now it seems that the pace of government wins over the pace of technology in the end," says Fleishman. "That could be a good thing. Enough delays could give time for plans to be revised to incorporate 21st century technology instead of good old last century's 802.11a, b, and g."


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Valentine's 2015
It's almost here!!February 14th is Valentine's Day and the weather will be beautiful in DFW. There are many places to go in Big D.
Here are a few recommendation for this enchanted weekend:
Special Valentine's items include oysters, tomato soup, langostine risotto, butter-poached lobster and filet, and for dessert, heart-shaped chocolate cupcake.
Prix fixe menu with filet mignon and lobster accompanied by white truffle butter and garlic whipped potatoes. Also available, imperial topped sea bass—seasoned and stuffed with a range of freshly caught shellfish, lemon caper butter and steamed asparagus. $29. February 9-15. 817-421-3263.
Dallas Museum of Art
The DMA is doing an artful version of dinner and a show: access to Between Action and the Unknown: The Art of Kazuo Shiraga and Sadamasa Motonaga, and a four-course dinner with dishes such as Green Valley pea soup, hickory-smoked sea bass, and vanilla panna cotta. 6-10 pm. $90 per person or $75 for DMA Partners; wine package is an additional $40 per person. Reserve online or call 214-922-1818.
Don't forget to book your taxi for this especial weekend, just relax and enjoy yourself, we will take care of the rest!


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&optional random-state → random-number
Returns a pseudo-random number that is a non-negative number less than limit and of the same type as limit.
The random-state, which is modified by this function, encodes the internal state maintained by the random number generator.
An approximately uniform choice distribution is used. If limit is an integer, each of the possible results occurs with (approximate) probability
(<= 0 (random 1000) 1000)
(let ((state1 (make-random-state)) (state2 (make-random-state))) (= (random 1000 state1) (random 1000 state2)))
The random-state is modified.
See Common Lisp the Language for information about generating random numbers.
Do not use this sidebar - nothing is linked here yet.


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XStream series Filters
Hayward XStream series Filter Systems complete with pool pump, base and hoses
XStream size for an XStream Clean. Once you see the new XStream filtration from Hayward, you'll be hooked. Its massive size and incredible performance mean years of trouble-free filtration. It has an extra large capacity for dirt and debris and a quick-release, high-capacity air relief valve. But size isn't the only thing this filter's big on. The Xstream Filtration makes daily operation and servicing more convenient than ever before... Convenience where it counts.
Hayward XStream Filtration System with Power-Flo Matrix 1 HP pump, hoses and Unions
Product ID : CC10092S
Price: $495.00
Hayward XStream Filtration System with Power-Flo Matrix 1.5 HP pump, hoses and Unions
Product ID : CC15093S
Price: $545.00


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Try the most cost-effective way to send parcels
We know the importance of every cent to a business. Which is why we provide you value for money on every single shipment.
No hidden cost
Our upfront pricing for door-to-door delivery makes your cost predictable and easy to manage.
Ease of use
Ship with our easy to use tools, worldwide coverage and transparent rates.
On-time delivery
Relax with on-time delivery and our seamless customs expertise anywhere in the world.
Online shipping
Electronically prepare and track your shipments every step of the way. You can even book online!


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U.S. Copyright Office Finally Embraces Electronic Signatures
March 23, 2018
The U.S. Copyright Office Will Now Accept Copyright Assignments & Other Documents With Electronic Signatures
The U.S. Copyright Office is finally abandoning its requirement for a handwritten, signature. The agency will now accept copyright assignments and other documents with electronic signatures for recordation.
Enforcement of Electronic Signatures
When it comes to executing business contracts, electronic signatures are generally considered valid. Under the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN), which went into effect in 2000, digital and electronic signatures are just as legal as their paper and ink counterparts for transactions in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce. It specifically provides that a contract or signature "may not be denied legal effect, validity, or enforceability solely because it is in electronic form."
The E-Sign Act defines an e-signature as "an electronic sound, symbol, process attached to or logically associated with a contract or other record and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign the record and be legally bound." It allows the use of electronic records to satisfy any statute, regulation, or rule of law requiring that such information be provided in writing, if the consumer has affirmatively consented to such use and has not withdrawn such consent.
New Copyright Regulation
As with many federal regulations, there are a few notable exceptions. Up until recently, documents recorded with the U.S. Copyright Office required a "wet" signature. As opposed to an electronic signature, a "wet" signature is created when a person physically marks a document, a nod to the process of waiting for ink to dry.
Pursuant to 17 U.S.C. § 205(a), which establishes the conditions under which the Copyright Office can record transfers and other documents:
Any transfer of copyright ownership or other document pertaining to a copyright may be recorded in the Copyright Office if the document filed for recordation bears the actual signature of the person who executed it, or if it is accompanied by a sworn or official certification that it is a true copy of the original, signed document. A sworn or official certification may be submitted to the Copyright Office electronically, pursuant to regulations established by the Register of Copyrights.
The Copyright Office previously interpreted the above-provision to mean that where a submitted document lacks a handwritten, wet signature (such as when it is signed electronically), the document is a "copy," which must be accompanied by a sworn or official certification. In an attempt to further modernize its operations, the Copyright office recently implemented new rules for the recordation of transfers of copyright ownership, other documents pertaining to a copyright, and notices of termination.
The copyright regulations now define ''actual signature'' as any legally binding signature, including an electronic signature as defined by the E-Sign Act. They also require that where an actual signature is not a handwritten or typewritten name, such as when an individual clicks a button on a Web site or application to indicate agreement to contractual terms, the remitter should be required to submit evidence demonstrating the existence of the signature, such as by appending a database entry or confirmation email to a copy of the terms showing that a particular user agreed to them by clicking ''yes'' on a particular date. The Copyright Office will not evaluate the evidence submitted in such cases, but will presume that the signature requirement has been satisfied and record the document (if all other requirements for recordation have been met). The regulations provide, however, that this presumption is without prejudice to any party claiming that the document was not signed, including in court.
Next Steps for Businesses
Given the proliferation of online clickwrap agreements, the new regulations provide much-needed clarity that e-signatures can be used to satisfy the written signature requirements of the Copyright Act. To determine how the elimination of the "wet" signature requirement may impact your company's operations, we recommend consulting with an experienced IP attorney.
Do you have any questions? Would you like to discuss the matter further? If so, please contact me, David Einhorn, at 201-806-3364.


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Friday, July 31, 2009
Cool Flex API for AGS Samples
Linear Grid: This app shows a linear grid distance (miles, km etc) on a geographic map. Zoom In; pan north and south;change the number of grids;etc. Notice the grid width displayed. Also change the units.
Graticule: This app shows a Lat/Lon graticule in a web Mercator map. Zoom in continually. Notice how the graticule adjusts.
SimpleGraticule: This app shows a Lat/Lon graticule in a Geographic map. Zoom in continually. Notice how the graticule adjusts.
Quad Tree: This app shows a quad tree component that can index and search points in a client app. Add a bunch of points (Pick add 10K points). Drag the mouse to search. Try adding 10K more. Search again. The app shows you how the indexing is done.
Polynomial transformation: This app shows how to warp any image and overlay it on a map. (polynomial transformation) Press show resulting image. Change the order to 2. The user selects common points from both left and right. I've preloaded the app with a bunch of common points.
Normal Contours: Click to add elevation points. Pick a few points with elevation 100. Change the elevation to 105 pick a few more. Etc. Turn off the triangles to see only contours. (similar to the 3d app…except just contours)
And last my 3D app. It's similar to using the contouring app.
MGRS: For the MGRS app, pan around the map by dragging your mouse. Of particular interest is the north pole, as most people leave off these zones, and they don't draw curves.
If you zoom out, the scale dependency of the MGRS Layer turns off the finer grids. (MGRSLayer is implemented by extending Layer and implementing updateLayer()). The curves are drawn by doing the following algorithm: I don't brute force it and add a trillion points and then project. To draw a line I project the 2 endpoints to pixel locations, and then project the mid point to its pixel location. I then compare the mid point's projected pixel location to its pixel location by averaging the two endpoints. If the locations differ by more then one pixel…I do this to both halfs. This algorithm is done "logically" recursively…but I set a limit as to how many midpoints I add.
10 comments:
- Faridur R Choudhury said...
Hi Mansour
Nice work!
Is it possible to get WFS features coming from an WFS server, say GeoServer/MapServer, to be drawn using the Flex API? I could get the WMS layers from GeoServer to overlay perfectly. Any pointers to drawing WFS features will be of great help.
Have written some tips on using AGS Flex API with Bing Maps and WMS in my blog
- July 31, 2009 at 11:23 PM
- ThunderHead said...
U can write your own layer that consumes WFS based on the Layer class and my shp viewer - do not think we have plans to support it out of the box :-(
- August 3, 2009 at 1:41 PM
- DCAKen said...
I like the Graticule examples. Is there any chance of getting the code for these samples?
- August 5, 2009 at 11:36 AM
- ThunderHead said...
Let me see what I can do....
- August 6, 2009 at 4:50 AM
- Rabbit said...
These now use AGS1.2 Flex API
- August 13, 2009 at 1:22 PM
- brian said...
- August 24, 2009 at 8:05 PM
- ThunderHead said...
Sorry, cannot share code :-( as this is "paid" work.
- August 28, 2009 at 11:07 AM
- Michael Haggerty said...
Any updates on supporting WFS from the Flex API? Have you come across anybody who has extended the GraphicsLayer object to do this? You made mention of your shape viewer...where is this found?
- March 15, 2011 at 5:43 PM
- ThunderHead said...
No WFS - only WMS support
- March 16, 2011 at 10:11 AM
- MarcG_NZ said...
Hi, your MGRS sample is excellent, and is functionality many organisations would find very valuable.
Are you able to provide a compiled widget for Flex Viewer for users that are unable to compile their own version.
Again, this is a tool that would make many peoples lives much easier.
- February 4, 2012 at 12:15 AM


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EMG was selected as a key project management and software provider as Walgreens sought to promote its "Well Experience" by transforming the pharmacies and the customers' shopping experience. In 2012, Walgreens launched an initiative to transform the shopping experience in their signature stores nationwide. The program involved complete renovation and reconstruction of interior and exterior of the building, and a focus on the "Well Experience." Walgreens had never outsourced Project Management before.
After considering several options and viewing demonstrations of each, Walgreens chose ProTrack for program-wide (not just EMG's projects) reporting over each site's 12-week duration of renovation. The stores were required to remain open 24 hours a day. We put an embedded Project Manager in their offices for centralized program support, and provided field support, showing depth of expertise. Projects were finished on time and within budget. Data on a 700-line schedule was managed and reported in real time. EMG was selected to have an expanded role in the years since then, as the program grows and evolves.


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Hygiene and safety is our number one priority. Imagine if you go into a department store and you can buy underwear that was returned. It is very gross and unhygienic.
If you are experiencing any problems with the product, please read the manufacture's user manual that is included in the box. After you have done the trouble shooting and the problem persists, we will gladly assist you with the returns procedure.
Products that are faulty must be returned to VFS within 30 days of delivery containing all extra parts included in the original package. VFS will replace the faulty product or, should the product be unavailable, refund you of the original purchase price
If you have any questions regarding the Returns Policy, feel free to contact us here Please visit our "Terms and Conditions" page for further information.


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Moss like this always makes me think of Zoe :)
Look carefully to spot two kids at the TOP of this giant tree
Ravine exploring
Short section of one of Amelia's stories where a dog chews up a cord and cuts the signal to a satellite overhead, I love the expressions
Skying with grandma and nico!
Radio tower walk with Amelia with a stop at the water tower
Amelia brought Poppy for share / show n tell at school
Boss baby
With Silas and Evan
Throwing shade at Beauty and the Beast
Radio tower pose. Kids trying out their wetsuits in the Sound for the first time
Officially part of the Notorious Alki Swimmers now, kids!
Amelia goes for it
Water temp about 47-48
People on the beach wondering wtf
Conner legs
Unfortunate misspelling right there on the brand new sign they were installing
Dress like a book character day at school. Connor's Amulet cape and pendant
Amelia went as El Deafo (see next pic for character we were going for)
El Deafo and Amulet
Playdate with Ian and skunk cabbage
Kids told me they discovered a "mine cart" in the ravine. Turns out it's an old fridge with no door, still full of bottles
Meanwhile Peter finds bones and an old retaining wall from what some older residents say belonged to a cabin that once stood down there. The dig continues.
Another Sunday


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Robert Glasper has long kept one foot planted firmly in jazz and the other in hip-hop and R&B. He's worked extensively with Q-Tip, playing keyboards on the rapper's 2008 album The Renaissance and co-writing the album single "Life Is Better" which featured his label mate Norah Jones. Glasper also serves as the music director in yasiin bey's touring band, and has toured with the multi-platinum R&B singer Maxwell.
The Los Angeles Times once wrote that "it's a short list of jazz pianists who have the wherewithal to drop a J Dilla reference into a Thelonious Monk cover, but not many jazz pianists are Robert Glasper," adding that "he's equally comfortable in the worlds of hip-hop and jazz," and praising the organic way in which he "builds a bridge between his two musical touchstones."


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Just as its name implies, a rice cooker is a kitchen appliance that's main function is to cook rice. Some models even steam vegetables, make porridge or cook beans. Cooking rice on the stove top can be rather tricky. It can turn out sticky, mushy, hard or burned. Using a rice cooker can practically guarantee a perfect batch every time. As with other appliances, you can have problems using it. There are several things you can troubleshoot and fix yourself on a rice cooker.
Step 1
Check the rice at the end of the cooking cycle. If it's not fluffy and cooked right, carefully remove the inner pot with hot pads. Look for dents and other deformities. If the pot has been dropped or otherwise damaged, it won't sit on the heater plate correctly. Look for rice grains and other debris on the heater plate that might interfere with the heating; wipe it off.
Step 2
Look at the display on the rice cooker. If it shows all zeros, the lithium battery needs to be replaced. You probably won't be able to use all of the features until it's replaced. Replacement is basically opening the battery compartment, removing the old battery and installing a new one.
Step 3
Notice that the "Keep Warm" function after the rice is done cooking doesn't work. After the water has evaporated, the appliance should automatically kick into the warm mode. If it doesn't, make sure you cooked more rice than the minimum amount the instructions specify. If there's too small of an amount of rice, the temperature will lower. A temperature lower than 140 degrees Fahrenheit will cause the rice to spoil. The temperature needs to remain above 140 degrees F to prevent bacteria from forming.
Step 4
Inspect the power cord if the rice cooker won't operate at all, or if the cord is hot. Make sure the cord is the one that came with the rice cooker. Make sure the appliance is plugged into a working, standard electrical outlet that's not higher than 120 volts or 10 amps. Wipe dust off the cord with a dry cloth. If the cord is damaged in any way, replace it.


text: Smooth Velvet Radio Now on Streema Posted by Smooth Velvet Radio on 2 August 2016 Posted in: Admin, How To Listen. Tagged: Streema. Smooth Velvet Radio is now available on Streema.com http://streema.com/radios/Smooth_Velvet_Radio Share this:TwitterFacebook Posts navigation ← Those Were The Days – 1969 Is Hiddleswift on the rocks? Taylor Swift and Tom Hiddleston appear to cool public romance →


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Subscribe To When And Where Star Wars: Rogue One Will Reveal New Details Updates
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So far, this year has already proven itself to be one of the absolute best years for major blockbuster movies in recent memory. However, we are so far from done with 2016 and all of the movies it has in store. One of the movies that has us incredibly excited also happens to have us incredibly perplexed. We know so much about the backstory behind Star Wars: Rogue One, but we still know so very little about actual the movie itself. Luckily, we can expect that more information about Rogue One will be divulged later this summer.
We've just learned that the folks behind Rogue One plan to have a serious presence at Star Wars Celebration Europe this summer in London. On July 15, Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy, Rogue One director Gareth Edwards and a serious of other surprise guests will take the stage for a panel concerning anything and everything related to what we love about Star Wars. Additionally, the website for the celebration mentions that Mark Hamill will also make an appearance at the event, but we can likely rule out him having any real involvement with Rogue One due to the film's status as a prequel. Although the announcement doesn't provide a great deal of information about what they will specifically discuss on this panel, at this point we will take anything that we can get.
It's been quite a while since we've seen a movie produced with the same level of secrecy as Star Wars: Rogue One. The production of the upcoming A New Hope prequel experienced almost as much security and concealment as the actual Death Star plans. Considering how little we know about the movie, this particular venue seems like a prime opportunity for Lucasfilm and Disney to unveil another trailer for the film, so a reveal of that nature most certainly seems within the realm of possibility. Keep your fingers firmly crossed.
At this point all we really have to go on is the sole trailer for the upcoming adventure in a galaxy far, far away. Check it out below to see for yourself:
So, Star Wars fans, it looks as though we are potentially going to have an incredibly interesting summer when it comes to learning more about Rogue One. We will likely have more updates once Kathleen Kennedy and Gareth Edwards take the stage on July 15, and we will get to see Rogue One in all its glory when it finally hits theaters on December 16.


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Need a reminder?
"Girls were not allowed to attend school when the Taliban controlled most of Afghanistan. The group was ousted from power in the 2001 U.S.-led invasion."
Need a remind of why the Talib need to be forced to quit the fight or be killed? They stand for this:
"In one of the most chilling attacks, men on motorbikes sprayed acid from squirt guns and water bottles onto 15 schoolgirls and teachers in 2008 as they walked to a girls school in Kandahar, the southern city that is the spiritual birthplace of the militant movement."
Host Al Queda attackers, savage the people inside their own borders... these bastards need to be beaten. Completely.


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One of a kind, beautifully furnished home with 2 1/2 baths. Enjoy beautiful lake view from tropical pool area. This home offers a unique versatile lay-out. Master down, 2nd bedroom and large loft (for 3rd bedroom) is located up stairs with views of pool and lake. Roof is only 8 years old and flat roof was just replaced. Large eat in kitchen was redone. The furniture is of highest quality and you can move right in. Property has a well for lawn maintenance. Water bills are quite low. Take advantage of this beautiful home!! Membership optional.
Cable, Common Areas, Lawn Care, Security
Gate - Manned, Security Sys-Owned
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Spanish River Community High School
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Sylvain Roy
Roy is Vice President for Programs, CNFA.
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Top 5 Infojunkies Sites
PCMag reviews products independently, but we may earn affiliate commissions from buying links on this page. Terms of use.
1. American Demographics www.americandemographics.com
2. Ex Libris http://marylaine.com/exlibris
3. InfoMine Scholarly Internet Resource Collections http://infomine.ucr.edu
4. The Internet Public Library www.ipl.org
5. Librarians' Index to the Internet www.lii.org


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While Thanksgiving commands the most attention as November's top holiday, this year it shares a day with a long-standing tradition. According to Holiday Insights, Red Planet Day is observed annually on November 28. The date was chosen because it is the anniversary of the day the Spacecraft Mariner 4 was launched in 1964. The craft came within 6,118 miles of Mars in only 228 days, the closest any manmade structure had been up to that point.
The public's fascination with Mars has shifted over the years. Recently, consumers have been highly interested in the planet as NASA's Curiosity rover has been exploring new areas and taking pictures for further study.
Mars' popularity makes Red Planet Day a perfect opportunity for small business owners to incorporate intergalactic themes into their marketing campaigns. Promotional items can be emblazoned with interstellar imagery, such as planets, comets and aliens. Celebrating the Mariner 4's launch can help local companies stand apart from competitors who are only focused on Thanksgiving, Christmas and other major holidays during the fourth quarter. Martian promotional products shows that an enterprise is willing to have fun.


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Dr. Afshar is a graduate of SBU School of Dentistry. He has 15 years experience in general and cosmetic dentistry and has been through several post graduate courses in different fields of dentistry since receiving his D.D.S. degree in 1991. His emphasis on patient comfort as well as keeping up-to-date with the latest advancements in dentistry enable him to provide his patients with the best quality of care in the field.
Dr. Afshar and his associates have a wide range of experience in different areas of dentistry, from cosmetic and restorative dentistry to surgical treatments and root canal treatments. His approach to your treatment starts with patiently listening to you. Then, after a complete and thorough examination, he reviews and discusses the diagnosis and treatment options with you.
"I am proud to provide my patients with the best in dental technology, treatment options and patient comfort. It is my pleasure to address all your questions and concerns." - Dr. Siamak Afshar
-Member of American Dental Association
-Member of California Dental Association
-Member of Punjabi Dental Society


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Good mood inspires healthy food choices
In January 2014 American pshychologists (M. Gardenr etc) published results of their study that analyzed peoples' food choices. Study analyzed when people are focused on lovely flavor, when are they considering their health and wish to be active and healthy in older age, and make better food choices because of that.
As result of this study pshychologists concluded that choice of menu is strongly connected to a person's mood. When people are in a good mood, they make healthier food choices. When in bad mood, people tend to choose sweet and fatty food - chips, wine and sweet drinks. Therefore it's important to consider that mood and emotional state have strong influence on food choices.
Positive attitude and good mood brings the wish to keep your health, so that there are less health problems in older age. Happy mood makes people think of the future.
Another important factor is time - when people have time, they think more about food's health benefits and choose better recipes and prepare healtier meals.
(Your FigureFriends)


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How do I use Skanect Pro with the Structure Sensor line? (ST01 and ST02A)
Using the Structure Sensor with Skanect makes it incredibly easy for nearly anyone to capture, refine and share high-quality 3D scans of people and objects. Here's how to get started:
First, download and install Skanect on your Mac or Windows PC.
Next, choose how you will transmit 3D data from your Structure Sensor to your Mac or Windows PC running Skanect. You can use the USB Hacker Cable to connect your Structure Sensor directly (however, you will only receive monochromatic scans), or you can connect your Structure Sensor to an Apple iPad to stream 3D data wirelessly. We recommend using a compatible Apple iPad to enable wireless streaming of 3D data with color textures.
Option 1: Wireless Streaming Using an Apple iPad and the Uplink Feature
Before you begin: You'll need a compatible Apple iPad. You'll need to download the Structure app to your iPad from the App Store. If you want to enable color scanning, you will also need to download the Structure Sensor Calibrator app. Finally, you'll need to make sure that your iPad and the Mac or PC you use for Skanect are on the same WiFi network. For best results, we recommend using a 5Ghz router and selecting a channel with little or no competing network traffic.
Using Uplink wireless streaming with the Structure Sensor, Apple iPad and Skanect:
- If you want to enable color scanning, launch the Calibrator app on your iPad to calibrate your Structure Sensor with the iPad color camera. This step is only needed the first time, or if you detect that depth/color alignment is getting bad (e.g. after removing/reinserting the bracket several times, or if the bracket moved during transportation).
- Launch Skanect on your PC or Mac
- Launch the Structure app on your iPad and swipe up on the right hand menu to find and press 'Uplink'
- Find a suitable object or person to scan, and press the "Rec" button on the iPad's touchscreen
- You'll now see that what you're capturing on your iPad will be mirrored in the Skanect interface on your Mac or PC
- Walk around the object you are scanning until you have completed capturing all of it
- Press the "Stop" button on the iPad's touchscreen
- You can now refine, save and export your 3D scan in Skanect
- For more tips on using Skanect, visit http://skanect.occipital.com/support/
- For more tips on 3D scanning using the Structure Sensor, visit http://structure.io/getstarted.
Option 2: Wired Connection with USB Hacker Cable (Monochromatic 3D Scans)
Apple Mac (OS X):
- Connect the Structure Sensor to your Mac using the USB Hacker Cable
- Launch Skanect on your Mac
Windows PC:
- Install the correct OpenNI drivers
- Connect the Structure Sensor to your Windows PC using the USB Hacker Cable
- Launch Skanect on your Windows PC


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Works great. Install was super easy. There was an issue getting a Verizon SIM as Verizon doesn't list this as a known device. So it took a strong Verizon rep to figure out how to program. Other than that, absolutely great device.
This communication, including attachments, is confidential, may be subject to legal privileges, and is intended for the sole use of the addressee. Any use, duplication, disclosure or dissemination of this communication, other than by the addressee, is prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete or destroy this communication and all copies.


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Winona Ryder, who met Depp met Depp on the set of Tim Burton's Edward Scissor hands and dated him for four years was asked about the allegations against him.
Winona was 17 when they had dated and 19 when they had gotten engaged. They broke up however in 1992. Winona still had better things to say about her long ago ex-boyfriend.
She said in an interview with Time that out of her own experience, Johnny was never, never that way towards me. Never abusive at all towards me.' She added that, I only know him as a really good, loving, caring guy who is very, very protective of the people that he loves.'
Read more details on I4U News.


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December 11, 2019
Organizer: Social Venture Network
Date: 04.25.13, 03:30PM – 04.28.13, 02:00PM ET
Location:Paradise Point Hotel & Resort, San Diego, California
Sponsor:Social Venture Network
Social Venture Network (SVN) is a community of the world's leading social entrepreneurs working together to create transformational innovation, growth and impact.
Join us for SVN's 2013 Spring Conference, April 25-28 at Paradise Point in San Diego, CA. Throughout the three-day event, world-changing business leaders will engage in courageous conversations to explore the future of socially responsible business.
Speakers include: Rich Fernandez, Google Joan Blades, MoveOn.org and MomsRising.org Doug Rauch, Trader Joe's Company and Conscious Capitalism, Inc. Errol Schweizer, Whole Foods Dolores Huerta, Dolores Huerta Foundation and United Farm Workers Greg Steltenpohl, Odwalla and Califia Farms Michael Kieschnick, CREDO Mobile Cheryl Contee, Fission Strategy and Jack and Jill Politics and many more!
Please visit www.svn.org/spring2013 or call (415) 561-6501 for more information.
For more information, please contact:


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Generally, the Federal Courts Rules distinguish between originating documents and non-originating documents. An originating document is a document that starts the process going, like a notice of appeal. Originating documents need to be served "personally".
The rules dealing with personal service can be found at rules 127 to 137.
A non-originating document refers to all the other documents that are not originating documents. Generally, they need not be served personally.
The rules dealing with non-personal service can be found at rules 138 to 145.
Once a document is served, the person who served the document must show that he indeed served the document. This is referred to as "proof of service." The Federal Courts Rules specify how service can be proven at rules 146 to 148. Except for originating documents, the Registry will generally not accept a document unless it is accompanied by a proof of service showing that the document was served within the time and in the manner provided for under the rules.
Last updated: November 4, 2015


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Barnett Investment Group, Inc.
1601 Springhill Drive
Sylacauga, AL 35150
Phone: (256) 208-0822
Fax: (256) 208-8820
USPAP Compliant Aircraft Field Appraisals
We travel to the aircraft, review all logs and records, check history including reports, determine condition and value of entire aircraft including all avionics, equipment and features. Next, we research the competitive market, valuate your aircraft using the comparables, Aircraft Bluebook, Vref Price Index and our own software to assign a certified value. Our appraisals are accepted by banks, courts and others.
USPAP Compliant Desktop Appraisals
A Desktop Appraisal is made from the office, usually with the assistance of third-party information thus reducing travel expenses. You can still expect a review
of all available logs, records, avionics, equipment and features plus history report and we research the market. Next, your aircraft is evaluated using the comparables, Aircraft Bluebook, Vref Price Index and our own software to assign an expected value.
Aircraft Market Opinion
An Aircraft Market Opinion is made from our office based upon the information you supply and occasionally information from others. This is NOT a simple book evaluation. We determine as much as possible regarding condition, history, avionics, equipment and features. Next, we research the competitive market, then a value range opinion at a much reduced cost to you. This service is not a USPAP Compliant Report and is only recommended for buyers and sellers just wanting a value estimate
Other Services
We can obtain 337 search information (modifications and repairs), Accident / Incident Reports, Chain of Ownership and other services if you request them. You may wish to find forms for buying, selling and registrations on or Forms Page. Also, check out our links page for valuable information. You should go to the Tell Us About Your Aircraft Form to send information about your aircraft if have already ordered an appraisal on to ask for a quote.
You can contact us by entering your information into the form below or by using the information located above.


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Suggest a Library Purchase
If the FDU Library does not own a particular item (book, journal, or media) in which you are interested, please recommend it to the library for purchase. Purchase requests must be made with sufficient time to order and catalog the materials before the start of the semester. This means at least 2 weeks notice.
"Suggest a Library Purchase" is available to members of the FDU community only.
To expedite your request, please enter as much information as possible.
The collection development librarian will consider your request and will notify you when the item has been ordered and/or received.


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- Back to Top
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- FeaturesJump to Features
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- ReviewsJump to Reviews
Yamaha Vintage Series Snare Drum
14 x 6 Vintage Natural
- Write a Review
- Questions & Answers
- 482464 000650872 482464000650872
Flexible Financing
Free Shipping
Lowest Price
45-Day Returns
6-Month* financing available.
- Free Shipping (48 Contiguous U.S. States)
The Vintage Series 6" x 14" 4-ply maple shell with 6-ply reinforcing rings is modeled after some of the most popular vintage snare drums. The bearing...Click To Read More About This Product
Vintage tone, looks and feel.
The Vintage Series 6" x 14" 4-ply maple shell with 6-ply reinforcing rings is modeled after some of the most popular vintage snare drums. The bearing edges are 60 with a rounded profile for maximum contact with the head. This gives the drum a warm and woody tone, with great sustain. The snare beds are 2.7mm deep for wide dynamic response, allowing the snares to be very loose for that classic wet, funky sound or tightened up for a crisp, dry snare sound.
This Vintage Series snare drum is fitted with 8-lug, 1.6mm steel hoops to minimize the amount of metal on the shell and give the drum a soft feel. The lugs are the small, single-bolt design used on the Oak Custom series drums.
- Shell: 6" x 14" maple, 4-ply with 6-ply reinforcing rings
- Bearing Edges: 60 with round profile
- Snare Beds: 2.7mm
- Lugs: Single-bolt, chrome-plated Oak Custom style
- Hoops: 8-lug 1.6mm steel triple-flanged
- Strainer: H-type (Absolute)
- Snares: 20-strand hi-carbon
Authentic maple tone and classic vintage looks! Call or click now!
Musician's Friend Gold Coverage
Gold Coverage goes above and beyond the manufacturer's warranty to protect your gear from unexpected breakdowns, accidental damage from handling and failures. This plan covers your product for one, two, three or up to five years from your date of purchase, costs just pennies per day and gives you a complete "no-worry" solution for protecting your investment.
Gold Coverage Includes:
- Unexpected and unintentional spills, drops and cracks
- Normal wear and tear
- Power surges
- Dust, internal heat and humidity
Other plan features include:
- For products over $200, No Lemon Policy applies. If it fails for the same defect 3 times, it is replaced on the 4th breakdown. (Does not apply to failures due to drops, spills, and cracks)
- For products under $200 experiencing the above failures, a Musician's Friend gift card will be issued for the full price of the product + tax.
- Shipping fees covered if required for repair or replacement
- Plans are transferable in the event merchandise is sold
- Plans are renewable on new gear
*Limitations and exclusions apply. See terms and conditions (Opens in new window) for program details
Term for New Gear begins on date of purchase but does not replace the store return policy or manufacturer coverage.


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Epic simile is an extended simile, in some cases running to fifteen or twenty lines, in which the comparisons made, are elaborated in considerable detail. It is a common feature of epic poetry, but is found in other kinds as well.
In an epic poem similes are used for the purpose of illustration, but they serve also to decorate the epic theme or character.
Epic similes are also given the name of Homeric similes because Homer elaborated his similes in such a way that a particular kind of dignity and beauty was created in his poetry and since then it became the tradition of epic poetry.
Milton has brought in a number of such similes in the Book I of 'Paradise Lost'.
In the first simile he compares the huge form of Satan sprawling on the lake of fire to the fabled sea-beast called Leviathan. It was a kind of big whale of such great size that when it came to the surface, it occupied many miles and gave the impression of an island in mid-ocean. In this simile though the dominant impression is size but the other impressions are also produced. The Leviathan is dangerous and tricky so is Satan.
The second epic simile is where he compares the shield of Satan to the appearance of the moon as it was observed by Galileo through his newly invented telescope. Although this is an anachronism in one sense, it helps us to form some idea of the magnificence of Satan's shield.
With a view to give us an idea of the countless hosts of fallen angels, Milton compares their dense masses to the autumnal leaves in Vallambrosa in Italy. In autumn all deciduous trees shed their leaves and the forest would be thickly carpeted with them. This is not so much an epic simile as a complete parallelism.
Joseph Addison is of the view that
'The resemblance does not, perhaps, last above a line or two, but the poet runs on with the hint until he has raised out of it some glorious image or sentiment, proper to inflame the mind of the reader, and to give it that sublime kind of entertainment which is suitable to the nature of a heroic poem.'


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On August 21, 2017, a witness was watching the eclipse in Hendersonville, Sumner County, Tennessee. During this astronomical event, he caught a photo of a white triangular-shaped UFO.
Eyewitness report:
"Following photographing the Eclipse from Hendersonville, Tennessee, vantage point, I downloaded the photos and noticed an unknown object in one of the photos as can be seen in the report emailed photos.
Camera: Hand held Kodak C473, 7.1 MP.
Resizing: Microsoft Paint program."


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The Inbox keeps you posted with what's going on in your organization grouped by the cards those activities take place in.
You can view details of each activity by just clicking on it. Also, you can access the card directly from its update in the inbox. You can even comment on a card from the Inbox view.
Inbox provides different 'inbox types' so you can group messages and filter, to get you the most relevant updates quickly.
Filtering: You can filter activities per Tags. For example: If tag is selected as 'urgent' then all and only the activities having the "urgent" tag will be displayed.
Group Messages By:
Workspace: This option will group activities in Workspaces. For example: Workspace 1, Workspace 2…
Labels: You can group your messages by labels and activities respective to labels. The messages will display under each label separately.
Read/Unread: On selecting this option, activities will be displayed under Read and Unread categories.
Select & Delete (within a category): You can select any activity and Delete it from the list.
Select All and Delete: You can Select all activities across the inbox by clicking on the Select All checkbox and then hitting the Delete button. This will make your inbox empty.


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This uses the same params as "Ocean Classic" but combines two fractals with a "sky" background. The post processing (and there was lots of it) was done in PSP.
The large version can be seen at the preceding link.
Today's Gratitude Item: Feeling whole again!! Israeli dance class is back and I had not realised how much I missed it. Dancing again was like finding a piece of myself that had been missing for a long time.


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A DETECTIVE was convicted of theft after stealing hundreds of pounds from a police evidence safe, it has emerged.
The Fife Constabulary officer took more than £600 that had been confiscated from an arrested man.
The theft, at Kirkcaldy police station, only came to light when officers tried to return the money to its rightful owner.
The outraged victim then hit back at the force by displaying a poster in the window of his home revealing a police officer had stolen from him.
He then complained to the Police Complaints Commission for Scotland (PCCS), claiming that officers visited him on numerous occasions to try to force him to remove the poster.
The man was eventually compensated out of police funds, and received an apology from a superintendent.
The chain of events is revealed in a report by the PCCS, which investigated several complaints by the unnamed man against Fife Constabulary.
The report said the man's home was raided on April 9, 2009 and £605 seized.Later the following month, prosecutors ordered that the money be returned to the man, who was convicted of an offence.
The report continued: "On 26 May 2009 the property custodian at the police office discovered that the money was missing from the safe.
"It was later established that the money had been stolen by a police officer who was not involved in the case against the applicant.
"The officer was subsequently convicted of theft and is no longer in the police service."
The victim of the theft then stuck a poster in his window which read: "A CID Officer stole a large amount of money from me. He got the sack and I got the dole."
According to the report, the man claimed police visited his house 11 times, telling him to take the poster down.
The man said in his complaint to the PCCS: "I haven't broken any laws with my protest so why are you lot breaching my human rights, I have freedom of speech."
The PCCS report rejected three of the four complaints but upheld the man's complaint about a delay in returning the money.
John McNeill, the commissioner of the PCCS, said: "The manner in which this complaint was dealt with by Fife Constabulary was not reasonable."
A Fife Constabulary spokesman said: "The Force respects the findings of the PCC report. An officer resigned from the Force and was later convicted of theft."


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Join The Club Today … And Start Boating Tomorrow!
Imagine watching your children get up on water skis or a wakeboard for the first time, or their smiles and laughter while riding in a tube pulled behind your boat. Maybe you just want to relax and enjoy cruising around the lake. Whatever your pleasure, boating is a great way to spend quality time with your family and friends.
How The Boat Club Works
Beginning Boaters…Previous Boat Owners…
Nashville Boat Club is ideally suited for beginning boaters who want to learn how to properly and safely operate our boats. Membership includes a quick course in boating safety plus personalized boating instruction on the water. We will stay with you until you are comfortable operating the boat.
For previous boat owners' it's hassle free-valet boating. You simply call and reserve your boat. When you arrive at the dock your boat is clean, fueled and loaded with the water toys you requested. No waiting in line at the boat ramp or spending hours getting your boat ready. All our boats are in the water and ready to use. Now just go out and have fun boating. Our valet service takes the hassle out of boating so you can enjoy your day on the water.
The Club owns the boats and pays all of the slip rent, maintenance, cleaning, licensing, and boat insurance expenses.
- Unlimited use of the fleet of new boats with guaranteed reservations (97% boat availability)
- Safety training & gear
- Life jackets in all sizes
- Wakeboards, skis, tubes, kneeboards
- Invited guests are welcome
- Reciprocal guest priviledges at other Boating Country Clubs ®
- Loan Payments
- Insurance Payments
- Towing & Launching
- Slip Fees
- Registration Fees
- Maintenance & Cleaning
- Repairs
- Depreciation
Club Boats can be reserved the same day or up to 30 days in advance!
Ask about our variety of membership packages including Platinum, Gold and Adult Leisure with options for corporate and shared memberships with family and friends—all with unlimited use.