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Exploring Acadia National Park from the Acacia House Inn
A few years ago, on a very lucky Friday the 13th, we eloped to Maine, specifically to Northeast Harbor, a tiny village at the mouth of Somes Sound, where the ladies in the Town Clerk's office were giddy and gracious in hosting an impromptu wedding for us on just a few days' notice. They served as officiant, witnesses, photographer, and florist, presenting me with a bouquet of fresh-cut daffodils from outside the building. We spent the rest of the weekend exploring the island by bike and foot. When we arrived back home, we sent the Town Hall crew a thank you note with Portsmouth chocolates and our favorite picture from that day. And so began our May tradition of adventuring on Mount Desert Island.
This weekend, we arrived on Friday for four days of hiking, running, writing, sleeping, and eating. Acadia National Park is the frequent site of the first three activities, while the Acacia House Inn is our preferred site for the last two. We've written extensively about our national park adventures at Acadia, but we've been remiss in writing about our favorite B&B, the place we stayed that first spring and almost every year since. Let's correct that right now! (more…)
It's a Marathon, not a Sprint
Since we've started our travel blog, a pattern has emerged with the timing of our posts: First, we hit the road, blogging three to five times per week about our trips. Then, after a few weeks on the road, we return to New England and go quiet for a while. Our silence is usually because our time in New England is filled with chores, errands, and visits with family and friends. It's not all fun and games, though…someone has to wash my stinky running gear!
We followed this same pattern after returning from our last trip to Virginia and Tennessee. Now that we've been back in New England for a couple of weeks, it seemed about time to get back on the wagon and get some new posts published. Of course, we leave for Europe next week, which should make for much more interesting posts than picking up dry cleaning, going to the bank and organizing our gear in storage. Stay tuned!
For now, I wanted to put a little context around an activity that will color all of our upcoming travel for the next few months. Running! I know…I know…how is this different than any other trip? Well, it's time for marathon training! It's almost the end of Week 2 of my 18 week training plan for the Mount Desert Island (MDI) Marathon in Maine. The marathon is Sunday, October 14th, just a couple of days after my birthday, and we'll be spending the weekend in Bar Harbor for the event.
The race is an important milestone for me, since it will be my first marathon since I started running in late 2009. In addition, it takes place in a location that is very important for J and me. We got married on Mount Desert Island in Northeast Harbor in 2011, and (as you may know from some of our prior posts) we returned to the area this year to celebrate our first anniversary. Not only is MDI beautiful, but it carries a huge amount of sentimental value.
Anyone who has run a long race or marathon before knows that you don't just show up to compete. You have to train. And anyone who knows me knows that I like to train hard. It's rare for a race to go by where I haven't set and trained for an aggressive time goal (aggressive for me anyway), and the MDI marathon is no different. I'm pushing to finish the race in under 4 hours, with a target pace of 8:30 to 8:45 per mile. I've run faster than this in prior races, but never anything longer than a half marathon. Also, in addition to being voted the most scenic marathon in America and runner-up for best overall marathon, the MDI marathon is hilly. One blogger who ran the race reported his GPS watch showing 1,700 feet in elevation gain over the 26.2 miles and just as much in elevation loss.
I'm loosely following a Hal Higdon training plan. Higdon is a widely respected runner and author who has been helping runners succeed longer than I've been alive. I chose his Novice 2 plan, since it is a little more aggressive than Novice 1. I've not run a marathon before, so I stayed away from the intermediate training plans. In a nutshell, the plan increases your training mileage and the length of your longest weekly run week-over-week for 18 weeks leading into the race. There are some lower mileage weeks built into the plan for recovery after the longest of the training runs, and a taper period (period of rest and recovery) for the two to three weeks leading into the race. The plan also designates the pace of each run, with several runs being completed at the desired marathon race pace ("at pace"). The longest training run on the plan is 20 miles, and for me it will take place in late September about three weeks before race day.
So far, my adherence to the structure of the training plan has been less than perfect. I have gotten in all of my training, but it has required some substitutions and schedule changes due to travel and other activities. Here's how Weeks 1 and 2 have gone so far, with the yellow representing what's left this week:
I moved my long run up this week because we're running a 5K race on Saturday (part of our goal of running a race per month in 2012). I also substituted some hikes for runs in Week 1 because we were in the White Mountains and the weather was fantastic. I was comfortable with these adjustments in the early weeks of the plan, since the mileage is in my comfort zone of 15 to 25 miles per week. As the plan continues, I need to buckle down. Given the demands of the plan, I don't want to risk injury due to over-training . Also, since the plan is designed to provide enough rest leading into the longest run of the week and enough recovery after, it's important that I stick to the prescribed schedule to avoid getting hurt or falling short on the important long training runs.
This will make for some scenic, interesting and challenging runs in upcoming Weeks 3 and 4, since I'll be traveling in Germany and the Czech Republic! We will be visiting with family and friends for my cousin's wedding before taking the train to Berlin, Leipzig, Dresden and Prague. I'm looking forward to seeing more of Europe, practicing my less-than-stellar German and, of course, logging some international marathon training miles! – M
Milestones and a 20-Miler
It's been a week of milestones: selling the house, hitting 50,000 miles with Sal the Subaru, and today, celebrating our anniversary. Last year, we snuck away to Bar Harbor to get married, and this year, we returned to town to celebrate the conclusion of a crazy first year while kicking off a new one. We're staying in the same room at the same inn, one with delicious breakfasts and cozy beds, and we're enjoying the relative calm of a resort town before the summer season begins. The weather has been perfect these past two days, and since we're expecting rain later this week (while we're camping, of course…), we've been playing outdoors every day. Today's adventure was a 20-mile bike trek across two loops of the carriage roads we hadn't done last year, plus one we had. We left from the Eagle Lake parking lot and headed north around the Witch Hole Pond loop. It was an easy, rolling start to the day, followed by a moderate climb to some fantastic island views. We then cruised back to the start of Aunt Betty Pond loop, a strenuous 6-mile section that managed to be uphill in both directions. After returning via the Eagle Lake loop, we were sitting at 18.3 miles, so we pushed our tired legs a bit more to reach the 20-mile mark. Along the way, I experimented a bit with video of our ride. Maybe someday I'll graduate to a helmet cam, but for now, I'm using a handheld one, which can be a little bumpy (so don't watch if you get dizzy easily…). The first clip was shot along a flat stretch and contains a brief narrative. The second one is a bit longer, with very little narrative, lots of wind and a bit of speed. I had the camera in my right hand, which is also my braking hand, so not my brightest move. Hopefully the video gives a little insight into what it feels like to fly down a gravel mountain at 20-miles per hour… -J
Test Driving Acadia's Carriage Roads
After a five-week break to sort out things on the domestic front, we're pleased to report that our National Park road trip is back on track! This week's destination: Acadia National Park on Mt. Desert Island in Maine. We first visited the park last spring just for a weekend, and we've returned this year for an extended stay. We'll spend four nights at a cozy B&B in downtown Bar Harbor and then an additional four nights at a campground within the park.
Acadia National Park was the first park established east of the Mississippi River. It is also notable for the fact that its designation as a park was spearheaded by local residents, many of whom (like George Dorr and the Rockefellers) were wealthy owners of summer homes on the island. Today, a handful of private residences are still scattered throughout the park, and sections of the famous carriage roads on private land abutting the park are off-limits to bicyclists. I'm not sure of the behind-the-scenes land politics, but as a casual visitor, it seems the public-private boundaries enjoy an easy coexistence.
We hadn't been on our bikes in several months, so before heading out to tackle 20 or 30 (or more!) miles of road, we opted to start with a short 10-mile loop between Northeast Harbor and Jordan Pond. Although there are more than 40 miles of carriage roads to explore, it's pretty hard to get lost. Roads are well-marked with numbered signposts that also include directional signage for popular park destinations like Jordan Pond House or Eagle Lake. The Park Service also provides a carriage road map that indicates mileage between signs.
Those of you who haven't been to Acadia might share my initial romantic vision that carriage roads are pleasant and flat, probably made of packed dirt or maybe even paved. They are not. While they are indeed pleasant, they are the opposite of flat. They are groomed with crushed gravel (which can be loose and slippery under mountain bike tires) and they rise and fall repeatedly, climbing and descending hundreds of feet depending on the route you select.
Today's route was a new stretch of trail for us, and the climb started immediately from the parking lot. Although our legs and lungs are well-conditioned from running, we were winded and weary at the top of some of today's hills, quads burning. But the rewards were worth the effort. We enjoyed sunny skies, sweeping vista, secret streams, and of course…speeding downhill while grinning like kids, trying not to lose complete control of our bikes or eat facefuls of gravel. In that way and many others, the day was a great success. And it's only Day 1! –J.
We and Bobby McGee
"Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose." –Janis Joplin (courtesy Kris Kristofferson, et. al.)
And we now—officially, after months of planning and hoping and maneuvering—have very little left to lose. As of noon today, we sold the house and hit the road without an address. To clarify, we have a P.O. Box where mail will be forwarded, but we do not have a physical address. We are voluntarily homeless (which brings with it a number of sociological issues which J. plans to discuss in a future post, naturally.) (Insert shout out to anyone who has agreed to host us during the next three months…)
Over the past few days, we've both been singing Janis Joplin's version of "Me and Bobby McGee" while working to move our stuff into storage, sell the house, and take the final step toward freedom. During this time, music has been a critical factor in our sanity and our motivation. We've bee-bopped around the house: packing, cleaning, moving, and singing. We've raged and hip-hopped and rocked and sung the blues. Throughout the process, the lyrics of "Me and Bobby McGee" proved to be especially relevant: "Freedom's just another word for / nothing left to lose." They were sung quietly while carrying trash bags to the garage, belted out in the shower while we scrubbed off the basement grime, and hummed while packing boxes of stuff we wondered if we really needed.
Yet Janis isn't the only one who's been keeping us company. Adam Ezra understood why we were "Takin' Off Today." Air Traffic Controller knew that all of the hoops we've been jumping through were "just a test / test 1, 2, 3…" And The Hold Steady explained that "we were young and we were so in love / and I guess we just needed space."
But perhaps Modest Mouse captured it best: "I know that starting over is not what life's about / but my thoughts were so loud I couldn't hear my mouth." It's not often that you change most (or all!) of the key components of your life, but sometimes your thoughts are too loud to ignore. We've changed so much with our physical and professional and personal selves that this financial transition out of the house seemed natural. It was necessary to complete our journey into a place of total flexibility.
We have no idea what the future will bring, but for now, being on the road—traveling, reading, experiencing life and writing—is good enough… "good enough for me and my Bobby McGee." -M&J


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Care Connections is the premier provider of home health care in East Lansing MI. Our elder care services are second to none. Our staff truly cares about the welfare and security of your loved ones and is thoroughly trained in all of the home health care services we provide.
We provide the following home care services:
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- Mobility wellness/Exercise programs
Tri-County Office on Aging
Since 1974 the Tri-County Office on Aging (TCOA) has been the region's one-stop-shop for information and services that older adults, persons with disabilities and their families need to live independently and remain active in their communities.
At TCOA, we are part of the community. We serve our neighbors, friends and family members every day. Our mission is to promote and preserve the independence and dignity of the aging population. To accomplish this mission, we connect people who need help to service providers, volunteers, donors, businesses and governments throughout Eaton, Clinton and Ingham Counties and the Cities of Lansing and East Lansing, Although TCOA's Meals On Wheels is our best-known program our reach goes well beyond providing nourishing meals. Many of our services are provided at no or low-cost or have fees based on a sliding scale.
For more information about home health care in Okemos, East Lansing, and the surrounding areas contact us at 517.381.2433.
- Address – 5303 South Cedar, Suite 1, Lansing, Michigan, 48911-3800
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More Information About East Lansing MI
The settlement of East Lansing began around 1847, the same year nearby Lansing was made the capital of the state of Michigan. Downtown East Lansing was an important junction of two major Native American trails: the Okemah Road, and the Park Lake Trail. By 1850, the Lansing and Howell Plank Road Company was established to connect a toll road to the Detroit and Howell Plank Road, improving travel between Detroit and Lansing, which cut right through what is now East Lansing. The toll road was finished in 1853, and included seven tollhouses between Lansing and Howell.
Michigan State University was founded in 1855 and established in what is now East Lansing in 1857. For the first four decades, the students and faculty lived almost entirely on the College campus. A few commuted from Lansing, and that number increased when a streetcar line was built in the 1890s, but there were few places to live in the then-rural area immediately around the campus.
That started to change in 1887, when professors William J. Beal and Rolla C. Carpenter created Collegeville, along what is now Harrison Road and Center and Beal Streets, north of Michigan Avenue. Few faculty were attracted to the location, and the first residents were "teamsters and laborers".In 1898, the College Delta subdivision (including what is now Delta Street) had the support of the College itself, which provided utilities, and several professors built homes there (one of which survives today at 243 W. Grand River Ave.).[5] Other subdivisions followed.
At that time, the post office address was "Agricultural College, Michigan". A school district encompassing the nascent community was created in 1900. In 1907, incorporation as a city was proposed under the name "College Park"; the legislature approved the charter but changed the name to "East Lansing". The first seven mayors, starting with Clinton D. Smith in 1907 and Warren Babcock in 1908, were professors or employees of the College.
The city charter in 1907 prohibited the possession, sale, or consumption of alcoholic beverages, and East Lansing was a "dry" city until voters modified the charter provision in 1968.

subset: commoncrawl


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Iznik pottery is named after a small town in Anatolia - the eastern half of modern day Turkey. It was originally adapted from Oriental pottery designs, but soon developed it's own special style. There were specific stylized motifs, some of which are represented in this set and identified below. They tended to use a limited color palette, dominated by blues and reds. These designs can be made to look very different by using different color combinations. For example, pastel pinks and lime greens would give a fresh, spring time look. For a softer, more romantic look try them in pale blues and lavender with soft green leaves.
15 Designs each in 3 sizes SML Check Sizes
Thread List
<Free design is the last image on the left.
Free Design - Click to Download
All of our machine embroidery designs will come in any or all of the following hoop sizes: (You will receive links to download the size(s) you purchased and all formats available)Small for 4 x 4 inch hoop, Medium for 5 x 7 inch hoop, Large for 6 x 10 inch hoop, and Jumbo 8 x 12 inch hoop.Each design description above will state the sizes the set comes in: S, M, L, J standing for Small, Medium, Large and Jumbo. These will be written SML, meaning Small, Medium and Large, or perhaps MLJ, meaning Medium Large and Jumbo, or even SMLJ meaning the set comes in all four hoop sizesFormats Available: ART3, ART4, DST, EXP, HUS, JEF, PES, VIP, XXXIf your format is not listed email us. <we can not produce SHV format>
These designs are copyrighted and are the property of Susan Makalinaw and BFC Creations.


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Here are the Classics book group schedules:
Hillsdale Library Classics Pageturners,
Second Saturdays, 3-5 pm
December 14, 2019, Three Sisters and The Cherry Orchard in Anton Chekhov's Selected Plays, by Anton Chekhov
January 11, 2020, Sentimental Education, by Gustave Flaubert
February 8, 2020, The Death of the Heart, by Elizabeth Bowen
March 14, 2020, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, by Samuel Coleridge
April 11, 2020, : The Misanthrope, by Jean Molière
May 9, 2020, Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen
June 13, 2020, The Rubaiyat of Omar Kayyam
Hollywood Library Classics Pageturners,
Third Sundays, 2-4 pm
December 15, 2019, The Log From the Sea of Cortez, by John Steinbeck
January 19, 2020, The Oresteia, by Aeschylus
February 16, 2020, The Moon and Sixpence, by W. Somerset Maugham
March 15, 2020, Cry the Beloved Country, by Alan Paton
April 19, 2020, Selected Stories of Anton Chekov
May 17, 2020, Meditations, by Marcus Aurelius. (This is a different translation than we will be reading.)
June 21, 2020, Man and Superman, by George Bernard Shaw
Capitol Hill Library Quarterly Classics
Second Wednesdays, 1:30 pm, October 2019, January, April & July 2020
January 8, 2020, Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley.
April 8, 2020, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll.
July 8, 2020, Silas Marner, by George Eliot.
read, listen, watch, capitol hill library, hillsdale library, hollywood library, mcl blogs, classics, literary


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He's back
submitted by Sir Nick, London, U.K.
So it was the late 1990s in London. Money brokering was in its heyday. With so many cross currencies to trade the banks of trading desks was absolutely necessary and thus the characters legendary….
One particular week the markets had been volatile and profitable, so the head of the desk had everyone out on a Thursday night. Needless to say, these bunch of fools were happy to drink everything under the sun and deal with the consequences the following day.
Knowing this, the head of the desk had a plan to get everyone in on time for Friday's open:
"Everyone make it in tomorrow and breakfast is on me," he said to a cheering crowd.
The next morning, everyone was on time, the desk was loaded with traders. All slightly less enthusiastic about the time than they had been the previous evening. But the Boss was true to his word and called upon the junior on the desk to get everyone's breakfast order.
"Make sure you get all the orders, and make sure you get yourself something" he said.
The orders were taken, and Junior went off to the breakfast shop with a list of appropriate sandwich's, coffees and teas to be bought, along with a large handful of cash from the boss.
The time passed, and Junior hadn't returned, the desk was restless and the Boss was getting a little agitated as sleep was lacking!!!
Finally, Junior made it back to the desk (albeit a good hour longer than it should have taken) with a perfectly executed order. The breakfasts were suitably given out and naturally the desk was elated with some welcome food and drink.
As the Junior sat down to a round of applause, the Boss turned to him and enquired:
"Well done lad, but where's the change from the money I gave you?"
"There isn't any!" he said
The room went a little quiet….
"Why not?" replied the puzzled Boss
"You said, go get breakfast for everyone and to get myself something." said Junior.
"So, I got myself a Leather Jacket."
The room erupted in laughter and applause, including the Boss…..


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I've been playing this game pretty much non-stop for the past two weeks. Which pretty much tells you what you need to know, since I'm not a completist: I'll bail on a game pronto if I'm bored.
I don't really disagree with Tycho's mixed assessment, but the flaws he names just don't bug me as much as they seemed to bug him. Just knowing that I can walk into a room, look around at whatever dudes happen to be present, and either:
— shock the bejeezus out of them with Force lightning
— use the Force to pick them up by the midi-chlorians and throw them into a wall
— use the Force to pick up something else heavy and maybe explosive and hit them with that
— huck my light-saber at them, watch it slash the aforementioned bejeezus out of them, and have it boomerang back to my hand
— just wade in slashing, executing perfect light-saber-kendo forms till no man or jedi stands against me
is a feeling that I don't think I will ever get tired of. That is the kind of decision I can make all day. Everybody you meet is frightened of you, and they should be, because you're about to kill them. Life is good.
Yes, there are a few bewildering lapses. Some of the boss battles require endless minutes of totally mindless repetitive play, during which you mentally immerse the game designers and their immediate families in boiling oil. And the pursuit of bonus Jedi holocrons — don't ask — requires some pointless box-jumping that I found unfun in the extreme. And the instantly famous money-sequence, in which you use the force to single-handedly pull a Star Destroyer out of the sky, is in actual gameplay totally and irredeemably boring. Somehow the designers turned it into an epic, spreadsheet-like setpiece of repetitive knob-twiddling completely devoid of excitement.
No matter. It's Star Wars and it's dark. I still rate this game an unqualified buy.


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|Just a lil pic of me in, yano, COSMO
Sunday, 5 November 2017
Why Quitting My Job Was The Best Thing I've Ever Done
9 comments:
I'm a firm believer that if a job is making you unhappy it's best to quit, if you can afford to do so. I'm so glad to hear that you've got a fab support network too. Good luck for the internship!ReplyDelete
Steph - www.nourishmeblog.co.uk
YAS GIRL! I'm so happy for you xxxxReplyDelete
Yes Claudia!! So happy for you xxxReplyDelete
Congrats girl, that's great! I hope you enjoy the internship.ReplyDelete
Emily from http://emilyunderworld.co.uk <3
YES GIRL!!! Incredible!!! Everything definitely happens for a reason xxReplyDelete
I did the same thing last month. My work made me feel the same and I'm currently working my notice trying to secure something more in line with me. Life is too short.ReplyDelete
I was surfing the Internet for information and came across your blog. I am impressed by the information you have on this blog. It shows how well you understand this subject.ReplyDelete
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Recruitment in Railway exam is conducted in 2 steps, Within the first step about 17000 vacant content of Goods Officer, ALP, ASM, keyman, lineman plus some other things for mending work.After 1 years Indian Railways Recruitment Plank will conduct most significant online exam in 2018.ReplyDelete
IBPS RRB Recruitment 2018 Notification
IBPS Clerk Syllabus Pdf Download (2018)


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Quebec-based Louis Garneau was founded in 1983 by Olympic cyclist, Louis Garneau. It's the oldest and longest-running custom cycling clothing company in North America. This family-owned company manufactures apparel, helmets and shoes, with products that span a wide spectrum of levels and cycling interests. With manufacturing facilities in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, Louis Garneau is a designer and an actual producer, with numerous patents and industry-leading production designs and techniques.
Louis Garneau styles are designed to ensure fit, durability, performance, and comfort for cycling, incorporated into production techniques, choice of materials, and special features. Whether you are a roadie, mountain biker, cross racer, fat biker, spinner, triathlete or a mix of everything, you'll find Louis Garneau garments and cycling shoes and cycling helmets to fit your lifestyle.
Choose Louis Garneau garments that match the season. There are styles that keep you going, regardless of weather conditions. Bundle up with cycle-specific headwear and outerwear, or go light with vented jerseys, shorts and gloves. Whatever your style, however you cycle, Louis Garneau is the only name you need in cycling wear.
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results matching your search for "Louis Garneau".
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results matching your search for "Louis Garneau".


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Earlier this week I brought you the Sang A River Square Tote, which has become a staple for this flourishing young designer. Sang A is worth talking about and worth the slow growing hype. The Korean-born Sang A did not start out as a designer, though her track in life has been anything but ordinary. Sang A was a popular stage/television actress and singer and release three pop music albums on a major label by age 26. Talk about accomplished. But one of her true loves and passions came from costumes, colors, and styling of her stage outfits, which ultimately lead her to take on design and move to New York City. Her accessories were launched in the Spring of 2006 and since the launch her popularity has shifted from being known as a singer to being known as a designer. Sang A focuses on the art of luxury; using exotic skins that are meticulously treated. The style lines are clean and leave an impression. When speaking about her designs Sang A states, "My design exudes the essence of modern classic with a dose of avant garde". Below are four of my favorite handbags from the Fall/Winter 08 line from Sang A. The colors stand alone, the skins are extravagant, and the designs are the perfect touch of modern. Find more information on the designer at Sang A online. To order call 212-564-4433 or email email@example.com . Also, Vivre sells Sang A and has a great selection!
The classic River Tote is updated with a detailed rosette effect, which gives the perfect texture on this exotic eel skin.
Sang A Violet Jade Ostrich | $2275
A saturated deep hue of purple is combined with supple ostrich skin to make a perfect hand held clutch.
Sang A Black River Large Alligator | $15632
Large, exotic, and in charge! This is the ultimate alligator tote from Sang A
Sang A Lemon Flash Pony hair | $856
The lemon pony hair adds texture to the ultra modern shape of the Flash clutch


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O.V. Wright - I'd Rather Be (Blind, Cripple & Crazy) (Back Beat 628)
I'd Rather Be (Blind, Cripple & Crazy)
Hello out there everybody. How's everything?
I am flying down to Memphis tomorrow to work on the upcoming 'O.V. Wright Night' concert... as posted over on ovwright.org:
O.V. WRIGHT NIGHTThat's right folks, we are going ahead with our plans to hold a very special night of music in Memphis this fall in conjunction with the dedication of the memorial at O.V.'s final resting place. After many months of behind the scenes work, we are pleased to announce that the event will take place at Morgan Freeman's brand new Ground Zero Blues Club downtown on Saturday, November 15th.
NOVEMBER 15th, 8pm
With accompaniment provided by the one and only Hi Rhythm, we will be celebrating the timeless music they helped create with O.V. and Willie Mitchell. We are in the process of working out the rest of the details, and will post more information about the show here as it becomes available.
The concert will serve as the inaugural fundraiser for a new organization called The Soul of Memphis Foundation which, as an outgrowth of our Memorial Fund, will continue to work to protect the unheralded legacy of this unique American art form.
Mark you calendars, and we'll keep you posted!
This positively incredible number we have here illustrates just how killer a combination Poppa Willie, O.V. and the Hodges Brothers were...
There is still a great deal of work to be done to make this concert happen, but I consider it a privilege to be a part of this historic event. I'm going to do my best to make it a night to remember!
Today is my birthday.
This month marks three years that I've been doing this, and I want to thank all of you for sticking with me as the site has expanded to the point where you can now listen to over 400 45s on five different pages. Sometimes, I know, it hasn't been easy putting up with my rambling on, and I know it's been like 'all Lattimore Brown all the time' this summer... but, like I said, that whole thing changed me, and I wanted to make sure it was done right. I felt like I owed him that much...
Now that I've finished that up, it's kind of like 'Where do I go from here?', and I'll be honest with you, I have no idea. As I embark on this mission to Memphis, I'm going to try to remain open as the doors open in front of me, and hope that I have the courage and the wisdom to walk through the right ones.
I'll let you know what happens.
your pal - red


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LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Opening the 2018 Warner Center Marriott Thanksgiving Basketball Classic at CSUN tonight, the Harvard women's basketball team (3-3, 0-0 Ivy) edged Jacksonville St. (2-2, 0-0 OVC), 69-62, in its first game of the weekend tournament.
Led by sophomore Jadyn Bush with 17 points, Rachel Levy and Katie Benzan joined in double figures with 15 and 11, respectively. Levy paced the Crimson's offense with 5-for-8 shooting from the field, while Bush followed closely behind at 60 percent off 6-for-10. Bush led the defensive unit as well, grabbing a team-high eight rebounds, while Benzan and Maria Guramare each tallied seven apiece.
The Crimson began the game with an early 6-2 spread before the Gamecocks used a 5-0 run to grab a 14-6 advantage. Led by Bush with 10 points in the first quarter, Harvard battled back to cut its deficit to three as it capped the opening frame at 20-17. After a triple from Benzan gave Harvard the lead back to start quarter two, the Crimson never looked back, extending its lead to as much as eight and going into halftime up 35-28.
Harvard continued to find its shot in second half, extending its lead to 10 at 43-33 midway through quarter three after four points from Boehm. Strong play by Levy under the basket coupled with a triple from Tess Sussman took the Crimson into the final frame with a 53-44 lead. Harvard's defense sustained the Gamecock's offensive pressure in quarter four, as it held Jacksonville State to 6-for-18 shooting. A balanced attack assisted the Crimson's offense throughout the fourth quarter as Harvard clinched the win at 69-62.
Harvard Highlights
- Bush posted 10 points in the first quarter en route to her team-leading 17 points.
- Two or more players recorded double digit points for third consecutive game.
- The Crimson scored 38 of its points in the paint tonight as well as 14 fast breaks.
Game Notes
- After meeting for the first time in program history, Harvard now holds a 1-0 lead in its all-time series with Jacksonville State.
Up Next
- The Crimson will meet the winner of CSUN


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Parking for Downtown Inner Harbour
Downtown Inner Harbour Parking
Please choose a parking location from the list on the right.
With breath-taking panoramic views of the skyline, including the Baltimore World Trade Center and up-close glimpses of street performances at the Waterfront, this vibrant area has it all. Distinctive dining, shopping and entertainment at Harborplace and The Gallery will keep you busy and entertained for the entirety of your trip.
Take a look at our Baltimore parking coupons, along with our daily and monthly parking incentives, today and make your travels as simple and stress-free as possible.


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I've recently come across this phenomenon of performing "faal". A "faal" is performed when wishing to predict future events, or to see whether a given situation or issue will be beneficial and/or what problems may arise.
I've come across the use of this "faal" in terms of marriage although its application and use isn't restricted to just matrimonial issues. For the purpose of marriage, its often used to decipher on the suitability of a prospective spouse and on the character of his/her immediate family members, such as the mother, father, and siblings.
An example of this:
My family is looking for a girl for my marriage. They are meeting a family these days for this purpose. We took out a faal from Quran. First time we did not get the answer and 2nd time faal turned out to be very good. The approximate translation of the verse was that "it is good for your wealth and for your lives if you understand (or if you think)" (i dont remember the last part of the vesre). Now it looks like there can be some complications in this match and it can happen that this marriage might not be possible. I am a little worried after taking out the faal and finding it as compulsory for me to marry that girl as the faal came out very good. However, there are some issues in my mind as well due to which I am not very comfirtable in marraying that girl. Please help me that what should I do? InshaAllah Allah Ta'ala will reward you for helping me…. [Tuesday, June 29th 2004]
Taken from AskImam.org
I'm not ENTIRELY sure on how its done exactly, but from the little I know I'm assuming the following is how its performed. Keeping the issue in mind that the person wishes to perform faal on, a learned person, usually an alim, or an Imam, (randomly) open the Qur'an and whichever page/verse one stops at that is took as a "sign" and it is then interpretated in light of the issue at hand.
Its a common practise amongst some people of Pakistani descent, and supposedly a few in Iran. However in Iran a "Divane Hafez" is used inplace of the Quran. The following is an example of this:
I read your column religiously. It's fun to listen into what amounts to private gossip. But it's your wise and comforting words that elevates it to real lessons in life. I've been in the U.S. almost 32 years now. I came here to go to college and eventually made America my home. I have few regrets. But I do miss a lot of things about our culture.
One thing I really miss is picking up a Divane Hafez and doing a faal. When I came to this country I didn't expect to be here for the rest of my life and therefore I didn't bring a Divane Hafez with me from Iran. Friends and family ask me what I want from Iran and I always forget to ask for it.
Do you have Divane Hafez? Can I ask for a faal and your interpretation of the verses? I will make a wish. Keep up the excellent work.
Yours truly,
Dear Vahid,
I hear you about not packing for a life time! But fortunately there are Iranian bookshops online and in many cities. You will find a link to one such bookshop on this site.
I do have a Divan-e Hafez edited by Mohammad Ghazvini and Dr. Ghassem Ghani which is to my knowledge the best Farsi edition of Hafez. I have just opened it in your name. I will give you the first two verses, then the shahed or witness verse, and finally my interpretation of the faal:
maa bedin dar na pay-e heshmat-o jaah aamadehim
az bad-e hadesseh injaa be panaah aamadehim
rah roye manzel-e eshghim-o ze sar had-e adam
taa be eghleem-e vojood inhameh raah aamadehim
(We have come to this gate not seeking wealth or fame
we have come here seeking refuge from the misfortune of events
we are the seekers of the house of love and we have come far
from the boarders of nothingness till we reach the land of being)
The shahed or witness verse is:
fatvaa-ye pir moghan daaram-o gholeest ghadeem
keh haraam ast mey aanjaa keh na yaar ast nadeem
I know by authority of wise old man of Moghan and from old sayings
that it is forbidden to drink your wine where there is no friend or beloved
This is an amazing faal coming for someone who has lived so long away from home! You should find the poem and read it in its entirety. Here is how I interpret it. It is a positive one. It suggests that you have come from nothingness of pre-existence to the plenitude of your life now.
But it also stresses that you are a seeker of truth and the immaterial. Khaje Hafez Shirazi seems to be telling you that you should share your cup of wine. So the plenitude that you have reached will be complete once it is shared.
be omid-e movafagheeyat-e shomaa,
Kobra Khanom
Its also suppposedly performed by a group of people referred to as "Gharri" – who are Muslims of African origin. Info here
From what I have read, the practise of this faal is dismissed, and is viewed similarly to fortune telling activities. I dont believe such practises have any basis, the use of omens and wishing to predict the future borders on shirk IMO. There are books on "faal" regarding how to interpret verses, much like "dream interpretation" books you can get:
Question: As salaam alaykum wa rahmatullahe wa barakatahu, I would like to know about the books "Faal nama and Khwaab nama", do you think it is right in accordance to Quran and Sunnat to seek guidance from faal nama? And if yes, is it reliable? what about khawaab nam? is it reliable? I mean things have been generalised in the book, like if you saw clouds it mean this etc? Do you know maybe from hadith or from pious people what are the signs of accepted Haj?
Answer: Dear sir,These are not authentic books,If your heart says my hajj is accepted inshallah it is accepted.
Obviously its quite a good business for those who have a well established reputation, with plenty of people using their services:
Around eight palmists-cum-astrologers-cum-aamils maintain open air offices on the pedestrian bridge near Empress Market. One of them, Muhammad Aslam, claims to be the most adept in his art. However, he was at a loss when asked about the average number of clients he receives daily. "It is hawai rozi," he explained.
These practitioners cater to the lower classes and as such charge nominal rates; Rs 3 for tota faal, Rs 8 for oracle through books, Rs 10 for English faal, Rs 11 for Quranic faal, Rs 25 for specific questions, Rs 15 for hisab abjad, Rs 25 for hisab rimmel, and around Rs 100 for ammals. He says the tota faal is just "a test of the mind", so the prediction could be right or wrong.
The trick of the trade of all the practitioners is to tell their client that he is in dire circumstances and only they can save him. They have a following among people from all walks of life and members of the moneyed class can be seen coming to one palmist who sits near the mazar of Abdullah Shah Ghazi in Clifton.
The usual questions asked are about one's personality, travel, marriage, love life, financial success or a raise. The less usual ones are about success in examinations, health, etc.
But I was wondering if anyone else has come across this phenomenon? What do you make of it? And I wonder where such practises started from?


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In Texas, an instrument conveying land transfers both the surface estate and all minerals and mineral rights, unless the instrument contains a reservation or expresses a contrary intention. In many cases, a person will sell land but will reserve the minerals. That creates two estates, the surface and the mineral estate. I have written about that here.
The mineral estate is comprised of five severable rights: "1) the right to develop, 2) the right to lease, 3) the right to receive bonus payments, 4) the right to receive delay rentals, and 5) the right to receive royalty payments."
The holder of the leasing privilege is the executive-interest holder. The executive enjoys the exclusive right to make and amend mineral leases and, correspondingly, to negotiate for the payment of bonuses, delay rentals, and royalties, subject to a duty of utmost good faith and fair dealing to non-executive interest holders. In Texas, a typical oil and gas lease actually conveys the mineral estate with the possibility that the mineral estate will revert to the owner if the oil company stops producing.
A royalty interest is a nonpossessory interest in minerals. A party possessing a royalty interest that does not include the right to lease the mineral estate, receive delay rentals, or bonus payments is referred to as a non-participating royalty-interest holder. I have written about non-participating interest here.
This article is based on a 2015 decision of the Supreme Court of Texas in a case dealing with the very complicated issue of "fractional royalty interest" versus "fraction of royalty interest." Hysaw v. Dawkins.


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While NVIDIA notes Drive PX 2 delivers 24 DL TOPS (Deep Learning Tera-Ops) of compute performance, Xavier packs 20 DL TOPS of compute performance or a little over 80 percent of the Drive PX 2's computational throughput. However, comprised of some 7 billion transistors and built on 16nm FinFET process technology, a single Xavier chip delivers this level of performance whereas Drive PX 2 requires dual mobile NVIDIA Tegra processors and dual NVIDIA Pascal GPUs. Xavier gets it done on a single chip, and again at massive power savings in a 20 Watt TDP (Drive PX 2 Thermal Design Power is 80 Watts).
Also, what may pique the interest of gamers, as well as self-driving car platform engineers, is that Xavier's GPU engine, a burly 512-core beast, is based on NVIDIA's next gen Volta GPU architecture. Reportedly, Volta is capable of 8K
NVIDIA's Drive PX 2 platform, and eventually systems built on Xavier, are AI-driven supercomputers of sorts on wheels. The platform is connected to a system of cameras that continually monitors the road and its surroundings. From traffic lights and signs to more complex scenarios, like a partially obfuscated pedestrian standing behind a mailbox, these systems will continually learn through image and pattern recognition, all the while uploading what they have learned to a neural network of NVIDIA-powered autonomous vehicle systems all over the world. In this way, each individual NVIDIA Drive system will have the wisdom of the neural network, and what it has learned, behind the wheel of the car at all times.
NVIDIA Xavier-based next generation systems aren't expected to sample to autonomous car makers until Q4 2017, with volume ramp expected in 2018.


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Skipping breakfast could be bad for your heart
If you are thinking about skipping breakfast on your way to work, you may want to think twice.
Doctors say the most important meal of the day could keep you from having a heart attack.
According to a new study from Harvard University, men who skip breakfast have a 27 percent increased risk for heart attack.
It also increases your chances of death from heart disease, compared to men who start the day with a healthy meal.
Men who skipped breakfast were also more likely to smoke, be less physically active and drink more alcohol.


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Many of the hottest names emblazoned on New York City theater marquees today have been around for years: Aeschylus, Euripides, Sophocles, Homer, Shakespeare, Chekhov, Noël Coward, Eugene O'Neill. These masters have never gone out of style, as theatre revivals continue to pay homage, right historical wrongs and—as history has shown—capture numerous Tony Awards. Here's a roundup of shows now opening on Broadway and Off-Broadway that merit a second (or third, or thousandth) look.
The Age of Aquarius dawns again for the first time in more than 30 years in a jubilant new production of Hair, a musical depicting the world-changing cultural movement of the Vietnam era through the eyes of young free spirits searching for love, peace and meaning. The groundbreaking score retains its irresistible message of optimism and provides a euphoric reminder that challenge and hope can defeat intolerance and brutality.
Another revolutionary show with roots in social and cultural turmoil is West Side Story, Jerome Robbins' 1957 musical adaptation of William Shakespeare's tragedy Romeo and Juliet. Though the innocent love between Tony and Maria—and the tragedy uniting the Jets and the Sharks—may be familiar to many, it's interesting to note that Robbins' original story was actually set on the Lower East Side with tensions flaring between Catholics and Jews during Easter and Passover.
One of Noël Coward's biggest successes, 1941's Blithe Spirit, features Rupert Everett as a novelist who unwittingly invokes the ghost of his first wife, played by Christine Ebersole. (His second wife, to complicate matters, is very much alive.) Angela Lansbury plays the eccentric medium. Another mid-century favorite is Guys and Dolls, a romantic musical comedy inspired by short stories by Damon Runyon and centered on the character of Nathan Detroit, the muscle behind an established floating crap game in New York, and his bet with fellow gambler Sky Masterson. Packed with favorite songs—"Luck Be a Lady," "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat"—the new production showcases Oliver Platt as Detroit.
Three classics by one of Russia's greatest dramatists, Anton Chekhov, return this year, portraying his homeland through scattered scenes, seemingly trivial conversations and haphazard glimpses into his characters. Chekhov's plays are filled with tenderness, sympathy and delicate satire, written to evoke laughter rather than tears. Three Sisters, first produced in 1901, explores spiritual paralysis in Russia's privileged class through three sisters (and a brother) who yearn for Moscow's culture and refinement while confronting their receding dreams. Uncle Vanya is another masterpiece of eternal longing—notable not for the theme of regret at two lives wasted but for the tender beauty of Chekhov's words. From 1904, The Cherry Orchard, Chekhov's last play before his death, depicts a modern spirit invading the aimless existence of country life. Tom Stoppard's rich adaptation features the superb acting of Simon Russell Beale and Ethan Hawke. (Brooklyn Academy of Music; now playing.)
Another trilogy of note is Anne Carson's bold translation of An Oresteia. First performed in Greece in 458 BC, the three works remain the great triumvirate of vengeance and passion. This ambitious staging of the fall of the house of Atreus is a watershed combination of Aeschylus' Agamemnon, Sophocles' Electra and Euripides' Orestes; Carson's wit and dazzling morbidity breathe new life into the age-old themes of murder and revenge. Another unparalleled production of murder, obsession and lust is Eugene O' Neill's retelling of the Greek myth Orestes, Mourning Becomes Electra. This epic, set in post–Civil War New England, introduces audiences to General Ezra Mannon and his son, Orin, returning home from the war to a house divided, torn apart by the battle between matriarch Christine Mannon and her daughter, Lavinia. An original jazz score by Grammy Award winner Pat Metheny accompanies superb performances by Lili Taylor, Jena Malone and Joseph Cross. And an innovative production of Homer's Iliad: Book One, the Trojan War epic, is opening at the Lucille Lortel Theatre. The new play blends ritualistic movement, original music and superb acting in a 75-minute production. (The Aquila Theatre Company at the Lucille Lortel Theatre; begins March 31.)
In 1910, a relatively unknown 25-year-old poet named D.H. Lawrence was writing a grim story of desperation: The Widowing of Mrs. Holroyd, a naturalistic drama lauded for its vivid and startling realism. An intense story of a troubled marriage and a wife's wish realized, this play dramatizes a husband trying to escape his wife's scorn and resentment, and his bitter wife trying to make a safe home for her children amid the coarseness of a mining village.
Grover's Corners comes to Barrow Street in Our Town, Thornton Wilder's Pulitzer Prize–winning drama chronicling everyday life through two neighboring families. David Cromer's intimate staging, in which the action occurs among and around those in attendance, creates a personal relationship between actors and audience, and exposes the moral ambiguities and underlying spiritual terror that accompany childhood, marriage and death.
Finally, no list of springtime revivals would be complete without mention of Shakespeare. Those who need their regular fix of the Bard will be satisfied with three innovative productions of Othello, Hamlet and Twelfth Night opening this spring. Othello is a tragedy, filled with racism, love, jealousy and betrayal. (Theatre for a New Audience; begins February 14.) Hamlet, another tragedy, is the story and exploration of a young prince deeply unsettled about his future—and his past. (New York Theatre Workshop; begins March 14.) And Twelfth Night is a sophisticated comedy of mistaken identities and miraculous discoveries. (The Pearl Theatre Company; now playing.)


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No matter the condition from the economy, trading in tangible estate remains a powerful resource inside your portfolio. As long as people and firms need property for his or her specific endeavors, you possess an advantage. Nevertheless, if you are looking at putting money into commercial property, you know it isn't something that needs to be done automatically. You will need to take a look at potential locations and reasons, as well as talk to a lawyer in relation to lease contracts. The more knowledge you have about property law, the best you will be over time.
It isn't uncommon legitimate estate traders to begin with purchasing houses. If you purchase in desirable communities, you may never experience lack of interested families and people searching for a home. While you increase your portfolio, however, commercial property can offer many years of steady earnings. Listed here are a couple of ideas to consider before you go to look for possible opportunities.
1) Don't hurry to purchase property. There's an excellent temptation to leap around the first factor the thing is since the cost is appropriate, or even the location is good. When the property needs repair you might easily dismiss the idea as something can discount. Spend some time during your search, however. You won't want to contract a structure simply to learn later required more work than you really can afford.
2) Consider a number of commercial options. You might be inclined to check out flats for that demand in living area, try not to eliminate other kinds of property. Warehouses, office structures, and stores also have the possibility to usher in quality tenants.
3) Forge associations along with other traders. Some desirable qualities might be from your achieve financially, however it does not mean you have to discount purchasing them and move onto less expensive prospects. You might find other traders desire to connect and purchase along with yourself on specific qualities. Feel the options.
4) Be ready to spend some money. The home can cost you, yes, however, you might be accountable for other costs connected with maintaining your accumulating to code. Before you decide to invest, know precisely what your financial allowance is and how much to pay for.
5) Make certain you've good financing. You shouldn't be caught short when you're ready to help make your obligations. Make certain you've all of the necessary financials so as when you purchase.


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Paris & the Tour de France Finale
Witness the grand finale of what is thought to be one of the most diverse and exciting routes the Tour has seen in years. On this fully escorted coach tour, join us as we journey to the French capital of Paris, and enjoy time in the wonderful 'city of lights'. Why not take a guided tour of the city's many sights, or pay a visit to the lively Latin Quarter. After a day of sightseeing, we relish in a day of immense action, as we experience the grand finale of the Tour de France on the Champs Élysées.
4 days from £339 pp
We offer flexible payment options
Once you have booked your tour either online, or by telephone ( 01709 787 463 ), you have the flexibility of how you pay off the remainder of your balance. You can:
Our contact and online banking payment details will be on your confirmation invoice to remind you of your choices.
Local departure by coach, then to the Paris area for a three-night stay.
Enjoy our included, full day in the 'city of lights'. Paris is the capital of France and covers an area of 105 square km. Paris is renowned for its buildings and history, so why not visit some of them such as the Louvre home of the Mona Lisa painting, the Eiffel Tower which is over 323 metres tall, the Notre Dame Cathedral which features in the famous Victor Hugo novel, the Basilica of Sacré Coeur and the Arc de Triomphe just to name a few. You can explore the city independently or come and join our optional, guided sightseeing tour which is a great way to learn about the major sights. In the evening why not join our optional visit to the Latin Quarter where you can enjoy a meal and drink in one of the many restaurants and bars.
Included Highlights
Optional ExcursionsOur optional excursions are a great addition to enhance your holiday experience and are highly recommended.
The Tour de France consist of 21 day-long segments over a 23-day period and cover around 3,500 kilometres. The race alternates between clockwise and counterclockwise circuits of France which all lead up to the Finale. Today is what all the training and hard work has been about for the riders, as the Finale is here and you can be part of it by supporting your favourite rider. We have a full day in the French capital to witness the climax of Europe's most gruelling race, and savour the excitement of the 'grand finale' on the Champs Élysées.
Return home.
Travel Insurance from £27.00 (4 days) (includes insurance premium tax, prices per person). Single Room Supplement from £129.00 (4 days).
Book online OR call our friendly travel advisers on:
01709 787 463
If you prefer, then you can join the tour at the hotel. To do this, we will require a copy of your passport for identification purposes and you must advise us at the time of booking.
No reduction will be given if you should choose to do this.
We are unable to guarantee that the hotel will be able to meet your dietary requirements. We find that the majority of European countries do not generally cater for vegetarians and that the meal supplied may well be what everyone else is having minus the meat.
We will of course endeavour to arrange for a vegetarian meal at the hotel. We do however suggest that you advise us of your dietary requests at the time of booking and recommend that you speak to the receptionist on arrival with regard to your request.
You will stay for three nights in a minimum 2-star hotel on the outskirts of Paris, such as the The Originals City Le Cardinal Rueil Centre.
From only £40pp you can upgrade to the 4-star Holiday Inn Paris-Versailles-Bougival, located on the western outskirts of Paris. The hotel has a bar, Mediterranean-style restaurant and lift.
Front row seats can be reserved for £15pp (up to 6 days' duration), £24pp (7 & 8 days' duration), £26pp (9, 10 and 11 days' duration) and £30pp (12 days' duration and over) on all European tours. This offer is only available for bookings of two or four persons on the front row and is subject to availability. In addition to this, seats on the second row can be reserved for £8pp (up to 6 days duration), £15pp (7 & 8 days duration), £18pp (9, 10 and 11 days' duration) and £22pp (12 days' duration and over). Guaranteed front/second row seats cannot be reserved on transfer journeys to/from the interchange. Children under 15 years cannot occupy a front row seat due to French Law. Central view seats are free.
Please note: On some coaches the legroom on front seats may be slightly less than that available on other seats due to the presence of a modesty board in front.
If your tour is cancelled for any reason and front/second row seats are not available on your new tour, you will be refunded the supplement. No other compensation will be payable.
Alternatively, we can take seating requests on your booking. However, requests are not guaranteed. All seat numbers are confirmed on travel documents approximately 7-10 days prior to departure.
Transfer coaches are routed approximately 2-3 weeks before departure. The route taken depends on where paassengers are booked to travel from on any particular date as to which route is taken. If you require further detailed information regarding the route to the port you can contact our Customer Service Department on 01709 830333 two weeks before you are due to travel.
With regard to the route taken by the main tour coach, this is determined by the driver.
When it comes to getting you to your destination, Leger Holidays make it easy, with a selection of travel options for you to choose from.
All of our coaches are modern and comfortable, and you can be assured of a high level of service. On selected air holidays, the executive coach may not have an onboard toilet or drinks facilities.
You can join your coach at your nearest joining point – we've hundreds to choose from throughout England, Scotland and Wales. To find your nearest pick up, search using your postcode below.
*Please note pickups are subject to availability.
Why not go the night before your tour for a relaxing start?
You can park for FREE for up to nine days at the Holiday Inn Ashford North and enjoy an overnight stay with English breakfast from just £41.50 per person (Based on 2 sharing a twin/double room on a B&B basis, subject to availability. Single supplements and terms and conditions apply.) We'll then collect you from the hotel on the day of departure and return you there at the end of your holiday.
To book this package, please call the hotel on 01233 713333, select option 1, quoting 'Leger Holidays' and your booking reference. If your holiday is longer than seven days you can pay for additional days' parking. Ask one of our friendly reservations team for more details when you book your holiday
On most holidays if you'd prefer to join your tour coach at Stop 24 services, you can park your car in the car park which is accredited by the Park Mark safer parking scheme and is monitored 24 hours a day by CCTV. Payment for the parking is made on arrival using the self-service machines. Excludes holidays to Ireland and the U.K. and tours travelling via Brittany Ferries.
To book this tour, just give our friendly team a call on 01709 787 463 or book online at www.leger.co.uk


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Hand Cut Dovetails and Ashley Iles MK2
by KelleyCrafts
posted 07-29-2016 07:58 PM
16 replies so far
#1 posted 07-29-2016 08:06 PM
Pine is not a good practice wood I'm my opinion. Cutting doves or any thing in Hardwood is totally different than cutting in pine or other soft woods, You will learn nothing working pine that will help when you switch to hard wood you will have to learn all over again. I'm no expert on chisels and bevels but what I said about pine vs hardwood I know to be fact.
-- "Boy you could get more work done it you quit flapping your pie hole" Grandpa
#2 posted 07-29-2016 08:17 PM
I can agree that it will be different however, I couldn't see it being harder than working in pine. I've worked with hard wood before, not dovetails but have built things. My next project however is a mobile tool chest I am building out of poplar which is soft, and I plan for something like 60 dovetails or more in that project with the inside tills and such. Good practice and a good lightweight tool chest to take with me camping, or up north when I visit relatives and can't go to my shop and build something (it's like crack).
Again, I'm not new to the game but new to hand cut dovetails. I'm definitely interested in thoughts on the bevel but also on the wood now. Thanks for the post jwmalone.
-- Dave - http://kelleycrafts.com/ - pen blanks - knife scales - turning tools
145 posts in 1874 days
#3 posted 07-29-2016 08:31 PM
You are hitting the chisel too hard. You have too much meat you're trying to remove.
When you drive the bevel down in to the wood, it forces itself back against your knifewall. Take much smaller bites, and remove as much waste as possible before finally going after your knifeline.
You can be as exact in your layout as you want; but until this aspect is perfected, there will always be baseline gaps.
#4 posted 07-29-2016 08:41 PM
Thanks Rusty, I have been doing better with that and using the saw to get closer and trying not to take more than 1/16" off at a time (only about 1/8" left at it's thickest anyway). I also started moving the chisel at about 93 degrees toward the line to make the bevel a little more perpendicular with the cut but obviously not completely. I do that for a couple lite taps then move it back to 90 degrees for the final and that seems to help a lot but the pine still seems to compress some. Obviously the sharper I keep an edge on the chisel the better too but chopping down is good practice regardless. I am using some Matsomera (sp?) japanese chisels and love them but they have a decent size edge…I know there is a technical name for that….so something with a thin edge like the ashley iles should help some in the corners.
Thanks for the tips, will definitely keep the taps lite. I will beat this. The dovetails aren't bad, just not awesome in my eyes yet. My wife thinks they are pretty good but she shops with my paycheck so I think she has to say that stuff.
-- Dave - http://kelleycrafts.com/ - pen blanks - knife scales - turning tools
16345 posts in 3229 days
#5 posted 07-29-2016 08:54 PM
Smashing pine fibers (and I did the dovetail-a-day exercise with pine, btw) means your chisel should be sharper. If you can't pare end grain easily, it ain't sharp.
-- Don't anthropomorphize your handplanes. They hate it when you do that. -- OldTools Archive --
#6 posted 07-29-2016 09:00 PM
There is nothing wrong with pine it is a very common wood for drawer sides.
I keep a couple chisels sharpened at 20 degrees for soft wood.
The trick is sneak up on it you can even pare out just a little wood to your scribe line to create a little notch.
Just take off wood till you get to about 1/32 from the line, and you should be able to pare down without a mallet.
Also, a thicker plane is more apt due to mass. Plus you have to look at the side bevel height which is key to clean tails. I recommend sneak up on it and stay with the AL's for your dovetails.
Good luck.
-- Everything is a prototype thats why its one of a kind!!
#7 posted 07-29-2016 09:16 PM
Thanks Smitty and rwe. I think I am on the right track, some good points rwe on the bevel angle. I know my jap chisels are to thick on the side bevel so I have the one Ashley Iles chisel coming tomorrow and I'll keep the lower 25 degree angle on that. I'll still chop the majority of the waste with the jap chisels and final pare with the shley iles. I'm close, just not there completely. Sawing the sides is dead on ALMOST every time so I don't worry about that, just tight bottoms and what guy doesn't like tight bottoms?
-- Dave - http://kelleycrafts.com/ - pen blanks - knife scales - turning tools
#8 posted 07-30-2016 12:16 AM
25 good for softwoods. 30 is good for hardwoods but a sharp chisel will cure most ills.
Don't like pine myself. I'd get some maple scraps. Pine IS a lot more forgiving but when you try the same thing in hardwood you will problems. I think if you can get pretty tails in maple you can get it in just about anything.
-- Shooting down the walls of heartache. Bang bang. I am. The warrior.
#9 posted 07-30-2016 12:29 AM
Chisels I use are either by Butcher, or came from Aldis
I chop from both sides of the board, angling in a bit, to create a hollow in the center. Last chop is right on the knifed line.
These were done in Menard's "Value" boards…
Sooo, how do you saw the lines?
-- A Planer? I'M the planer, this is what I use
#10 posted 07-30-2016 03:14 AM
I use a jap saw for the lines then coping saw to hog out waste then chisel to the line on both sides.
My dovetails are ok. Just not awesome. Honestly I think I just need to sharpen more often as mentioned and then practice more which in doing. I think I do get sloppy in the corners though. My 1/4" chisel isn't beveled on top and my slots aren't wide enough for the 3/8" which is beveled. Of course now I have a 3/8" cabinet mkii on the way that's really thin. I'm just been copying my lines from a single board but will have to draw new ones to fit a larger chisel in the pin holes (tail side). If any of that makes sense.
Mainly I was wondering if I should use the 25 degree angle the Ashley isles chisel will come with. Lol all the help is greatly appreciated though. I want to get good at this.
This was typed on my phone so sorry for any grammar or spelling.
-- Dave - http://kelleycrafts.com/ - pen blanks - knife scales - turning tools
#11 posted 08-02-2016 06:15 PM
Thanks for the tips.
One other question, I cut tails first although it doesn't matter, when I line up to mark pins should I make sure the wood is dead even or should I over/underlap the wood line up to mark my pins? (does that even make sense?) I do find that now the lines are dead square on the bottom and cut to the line, I still seem to get a small even gap along the entire piece when assembled and the piece is flexed a little (could be easily closed when glued). I'm just nitpicking at this point probably.
-- Dave - http://kelleycrafts.com/ - pen blanks - knife scales - turning tools
#12 posted 08-02-2016 06:22 PM
Right on the line. Or I cut a small rabbet on the tails board to the baseline sometimes.
-- Shooting down the walls of heartache. Bang bang. I am. The warrior.
#13 posted 08-02-2016 06:54 PM
Perfect, thanks Fridge.
-- Dave - http://kelleycrafts.com/ - pen blanks - knife scales - turning tools
18 posts in 1290 days
#14 posted 08-10-2016 06:41 PM
You should consider keeping the beveled edge towards the part you are going to cut off. That is first use coping saw for the tapered sides of wood and then chisel away the part with the beveled edge outwards. I hope you get what I am trying to convey.
-- :)
#15 posted 08-10-2016 06:58 PM
I fully understand Marshall. I actually believe it was a chisel issue. My 3/8" Jap chisel doesn't have beveled sides. The one Ashley Iles 3/8" I purchased does and it made all the difference, especially the cutting bevel set to 25 degrees to top it off. Dovetails are good now unless I curve the saw cut a little but that is getting more rare now.
Thanks for chiming in.
-- Dave - http://kelleycrafts.com/ - pen blanks - knife scales - turning tools
18 posts in 1290 days
#16 posted 08-11-2016 09:35 AM
Well that's a good news. Please share the photos once you are done with it and for the chimming in part, I am always happy to discuss such stuff.
-- :)
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On Facebook, Kaxu Haga, East Point Peace Academy Coordinator, posted:
Looking for resources on studying movements that FAILED. We always romanticize current and historical movements that had the best successes, but there's so much to learn from the times that we didn't. Books, websites, articles, anything?
He's received a good number of valuable responses. You might want to review them on Facebook.
The one that most attracted my attention was this recommendation: The End of Protest: A New Playbook for Revolution by Micah White.
Here's my response to his question:
Why Some Movements Succeed And Others Fail by Greg Satell sums it up very well, very briefly. His reference to the book, Join the Club, is well taken. Excellent, important book.
Rachel L. Einwohner makes a distinction between a failed movement, which fails to mobilize people, and a movement failure, which fails to achieve its goal. She argues that even a failed movement may not be fruitless because "failures of some types may lead to other kinds of successes."
"Violence Doesn't Work (Most of the Time)" by Stephen Pinker
"Just think of the failed independence movements in Puerto Rico, Ulster, Quebec, Basque Country, Kurdistan, and Tamil Eelam. The success rate of terrorist movements is, at best, in the single digits."
Algerian Chronicles by Albert Camus
A beautifully written collection of articles and essays about Algeria written by Camus over a 20 year period. Though the Left ostracized him in the 50s, these works have proven eerily prescient. I wonder if Mandela read it while in prison. Many passages could be lifted verbatim and applied to today's reciprocal terrorism. Heart-breaking book.
Any spirited movement will likely include some violence, and we need not waste our time trying to convert the violence-prone. But we need not legitimize it, and we need to learn how to conduct nonviolent demonstrations that are not disrupted by violence.


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Hillary Clinton went before AIPAC yesterday and sounded determined and tough on Iran. It was all very nice rhetoric. And it all means nothing. She talks about "sanctions that bite." Well, we've been talking about such sanctions for years now and still can't get Russia and China to go along. Heck, we can't even get Brazil to go along. Does anyone buy her tough talk?
It's the end of the whole charade of pro-life Democrats. In the end, they chose their party and liberal policies over life. That's fine, but they can give up trying to convince people how deeply they feel your pro-life values. When it came down to it, they chose a sham symbolic gesture.
The WSJ is correct that the passage of this bill demonstrates that the Republicans have reaped some of what they have themselves sown.
The reality is that ObamaCare is the price of two GOP electoral defeats caused by the failure of the DeLay Congress and a dismal Bush second term. The 2003 Medicare prescription drug benefit compromised the GOP on spending and legislative bullying. Republicans had a chance to do better on health care in 2005 but put their chips on Social Security and failed. Mitt Romney also gave Democrats renewed political confidence when he signed a prototype of ObamaCare into law in Massachusetts, though he now claims that these fraternal policy twins aren't related.As a conservative, I can only hope that they have learned from their mistakes. As a student of history, I'm not optimistic.
The Democrats are set to explain the bill's failure - they just didn't spend enough.
You know who should get the credit for health care reform passing? - John Edwards.
The guy who shouted "Baby killer" on the House floor during Bart Stupak's speech was a guy most have never heard of, Texas Representative, Randy Neugebauer. Why can't these guys keep their exclamations of anger to themselves? Whatever they might think of Obama's claims in the State of the Union or Stupak's rationalizations, this is not how they should be behaving on the House floor. If we had a tradition as they do in the British parliament, that would be one thing. But we don't, so they should keep their big mouths shut. And for those who were reportedly shouting racist epithets at the Tea Party gathering on Sunday, don't they realize how that hurts their cause and will become the focus of the news reports? One or two jerks will be taken by the media to represent the entire opposition to ObamaCare. The New York Times already wants to connect opposition to ObamaCare to opposition to civil rights legislation in the 1960s.
Michael Barone links to this blogpost by Peter Peterson of Common Sense about what has happened to a green jobs push in Australia.
In Australia, a hastily assembled $2.7 billion(AUS) plan to insulate over two million homes started in July has led to thousands of lay-offs, the electrocution deaths of four insulation installers, almost 100 house fires, and the demotion of Australia's Environment Minister – former "Midnight Oil" frontman Peter Garrett. It stretches the imagination to think of a national public policy going any more wrong.Read the entire story. It's just amazing.
Jay Cost examines how the health care bill creates an imbalance between winners and losers because the "Democrats crammed a $2 trillion bill into a $1 trillion package."
Alan Reynolds has some more on what a fraud this bill is in its claims for how much is will spend.
The bill could not possibly cost "only" $940 billion unless it contained a sunset provision — repealing the law after 2019.When they have to lie like this to help this monster limp across the finish line, you have to be suspicious.


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Friday, May 22, 2009
PTI Princesses Blogging Group Challenge #3
I am part of a blogging group and every couple of weeks we have a challenge and this time it's my turn to host:) My challenge to you is to make a one layer, no other paper besides the card base, stamps only card! Hope it sounds fun!:)
I love one layer cards, they are usually fast, easy to mail and I love that they focus on purely stamping. For my two cards I pulled out my PIT Wishing You set for the focal images. The first card also uses PTI's Polka Dot Basics and some Sandy Lion border stamps. The second card was even faster than the first and I decided to use the same stamps I already had out. I really like the clean and simple look and am really liking the color combo on the first card of Avacado, Spring Moss, Chocolate, Aqua Mist and Raspberry Fizz.
I hope you all play along! Can't wait to see your one layer wonders!:)
13 comments:
- Snowmanlover said...
darling csrd!!!
- May 22, 2009 at 5:50 AM
- Rose said...
well i think this has changed my mind on flat cards...i love the look :D will try and make one after i pick up my HUGH SU! order that is in YAY!! :D
- May 22, 2009 at 6:37 AM
- Lee said...
This is a great challenge, thanks. I'm looking forward to playing with more of my stamps.
- May 22, 2009 at 6:40 AM
- Cassie said...
I always struggle with one layer cards, but I will give this a shot. You did a fantastic job on it! Love your card ;D
- May 22, 2009 at 7:01 AM
- Unknown said...
Love these cards!!! So beautiful!!!
- May 22, 2009 at 7:37 AM
- BethieJ said...
Leah your cards are BEAUTIFUL!! I will work on this next week! FUN challenge...
- May 22, 2009 at 10:05 AM
- Diana said...
Oooh... superdupercute.
Everything goes SO good!
- May 22, 2009 at 11:07 AM
- Cheryl said...
Great choice for a challenge, and beautiful cards! I'm thinking...
- May 22, 2009 at 12:44 PM
- jacque4u2c said...
I am loving this look!
- May 22, 2009 at 3:54 PM
- B said...
Oh darling! And great challenge! I gotta put my thinking cap on - I definitely struggle with the one layer cards!
- May 22, 2009 at 4:16 PM
- IamDerby said...
great challenge! I will work on it this weekend.
- May 22, 2009 at 7:54 PM
- Diane said...
Wonderful challenge! I still have 1 more project to complete from the last challenge then I'll get going on this one! I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone comes up with!
- May 22, 2009 at 10:43 PM
- Mara Campbell said...
oh boy, this will be a challenge!!! Great one!!
- May 25, 2009 at 4:24 PM


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Latest Post from each Category plugin for WordPress
This plugin displays a list of the latest post from each category of your WordPress installation. It can be added to a post or page, or used directly in a template file. In the plugin's options page you can choose the sort order, show or hide the dates, select the date formatting, show the first X characters of the content, display a link to the comments, and show comment counts, as well as other options.
- Latest Release (For WordPress 2.0 through 2.8+)
- Download the above file, rename it from .txt to .php, and upload it to your plugins directory.
- Enable the plugin.
- Configure the plugin options (under DDLatestFromEach).
There are two ways you can use this plugin.
1) In a post or page, insert the following line:
<!-- ddlastfromeach -->
2) In a template file, insert the following code:
<?php echo dd_last_from_each(); ?>
Change Log
- 07-07-09 Version 1.92 – Slight change to the way the list is displayed.
- 07-06-09 Version 1.91 – You can now choose how many posts per category to display.
- 02-19-09 Version 1.9 – Added option to use only selected categories.
- 08-14-08 Version 1.8 – Tested with WordPress 2.6. Now uses WordPress function for determining date/time to show up to date posts. Added option to exclude categories.
- 09-27-07 Version 1.7 – Updated to support WordPress 2.3. Added 'Load Default Options' button.
- 05-31-07 Version 1.6 – Better support for international date formatting
- 05-16-07 Version 1.5 – Updated for WordPress 2.2
- 02-20-07 Version 1.4 – Updated for WordPress 2.1 (new pages were showing up in the default category)
- 08-09-06 Version 1.3 – Added options to show comment links and counts. Also added an optional limit to the number of links shown, and a few other fixes.
- 06-03-06 Version 1.2 – Added an option to turn category names into links. A bug was also fixed where extra slashes were being shown in the header text.
- 05-31-06 Version 1.1 – You can now choose the sort order of the output, hide password-protected posts, and show the first X characters of the content after each post. A few other fixes have been made as well.
- 05-30-06 Version 1.0 – First release.
Here you can see the plugin in action:
Latest Post From Each Category
- Miscellaneous: How to install Palm Desktop on Windows XP 64 - March 14th, 2006
- PHP Scripts: Secure PHP Form Mailer Script - June 4th, 2018
- Tools and Utilities: Free Text Host - April 16th, 2011
- WordPress Hacks and Info: Show the Intro to Password Protected Posts in WordPress - February 22nd, 2009
- WordPress Plugins and Mods: Secure Form Mailer Plugin For WordPress - June 4th, 2018
Here are the options available in this plugin's options page in the WordPress admin panel.
Header text
This is shown above the list of posts.
Sort order
You can choose to have the data sorted by category or date. You also have the option of ascending or descending on both.
Show link to comments
When enabled, this will add a link to the comments for each post listed.
Include number of comments
This option only applies if Show link to comments is enabled. It adds the number of comments to the comment link.
Include link for posts with no comments
This option only applies if Show link to comments is enabled. It allows you to include or hide the comment link for posts with no comments.
Turn category names into links
Enabling this option will turn category names into links to the categories.
Hide password-protected posts
This prevents password-protected posts from showing up.
Show date after listed posts
This will show the post date after each post in the list.
Date format
If you are showing the date after posts, this will allow you to configure the date format (using the standard PHP date() format)
Show first X characters of posts
This allows you to show a preview of the content under each post in the list.
Number of characters to show
This lets you specify how many characters of the content will be shown, assuming you have the previous option enabled.
Limit list to X categories
This allows you to set a limit on the number of categories that will be shown in the list. Set to 0 for no limit.
Excluded category IDs
This is a comma-separated list of category ID's you want excluded from the list.
Included category IDs
This is a comma-separated list of category ID's you want to use in the list. This option only applies if you are not using the excluded category IDs option.
Max posts per category
If you would like to show more than one post per category, you can change the number here. To display all posts, use 0.


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5G Keyboard Tray by Humanscale
Though this item is long gone, we've curated a few other products that you might also be interested in. Check them out!
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5G Keyboard Tray by Humanscale
The 5G Series is the bestselling keyboarding system on the planet. This system was designed to combine ergonomics, flexibility, and durability- giving you an outstanding ergonomic tool to complement your keyboard and computer.
- 6.25" height adjustability and 0-15 degree tilt to match the optimal position for your hands while keyboarding
- Multiple keyboard platform sizes and mounting track options to fit your keyboard and desk size
- Sliding track allows you to hide your keyboard under your desk when not in use
- Intuitive adjustments let your change the height and angle of your keyboard platform to quickly find the most ergonomic, comfortable position for your hands
- Mouse platforms for left and right-handed users, all adjustable to allow you to change the position of your mouse in seconds
- Foam or gel palm supports with a synthetic leather covering support your hands while typing
- Installation designed for your convenience- light adhesive on the keyboard track fixes to the underside of your desk before you drill any holes
Mouse Pad Options
|Swivel Mouse Platform
The swivel mouse pivots in a motion parallel to your keyboard platform. Available in a left handed, right handed, or dual version (great for multiple users).
Clip Mouse Platform
Also In This Collection
Materials & Measurements
Keyboard and mouse platforms are made of phenolic, a composite made from wood pulp and resin that is durable and easy to clean.
Standard keyboard platform: 19" w x 10.625" d
Compact keyboard platform: 19" w x 8.4" d
Diagonal keyboard platform: 19" w x 12.625" d
Keyboard platform height: 6.25" height adjustable (1.25" above track to 5" below track)
Mouse platform: 8" or 8.5" diameter
Track length: 16", 18", or 21.6" (other track length options are available upon request)
Environmental Information
Installation Instructions
Viewing installation instructions requires Adobe Reader. To download the latest version of Adobe Reader, please click here.
About The Manufacturer
|Humanscale's focus since its inception in 1982 has been providing outstanding ergonomic seating and accessories for the home and the office. Their products, which range from task chairs to keyboard trays to CPU holders, are all geared towards making life simpler, easier, and healthier for anyone who works at a desk. Widely recognized for their line of office seating, Humanscale has done much to advance design in some newer product areas- namely in computer and office accessories such as monitor arms, foot machines, and the ergonomic computer mouse. Winner of numerous design awards, Humanscale continues to deliver groundbreaking office tools that combine simplicity, aesthetics, and ergonomics.
Your Recently Viewed Products
Shipping & Delivery
Free Shipping: Free
Product Q&A
Q: How does this attach to my desk?
A: Humanscale keyboard trays utilize a convenient tape to fix the keyboard track under your desk before securing it to your desk with screws. For detailed instructions, please the Installation Instructions section.
Q: Which size keyboard track should I get?
A: Basically, you want to make sure your desk is deep enough to fit the track with some room to spare. If your desk is at least 24" deep, we recommend the standard 21.6" long track. If your desk is less than 24" deep, you may want to get one of the shorter tracks.
Q: Are there any desk features that are incompatible with this keyboard tray?
A: There are a few things that could prevent the keyboard tray from securing properly to your desk. If you have a pull-out pencil drawer in the front of your desk or structural components protruding from the underside of your desk, for instance, they would interfere with the keyboard tray. Keyboard trays are designed for use with flat surfaces that are void of obstructions. Also, you should make sure the front of your desk is wide enough for the keyboard platform (the smallest available keyboard tray is 19" wide). For example, if you have file cabinets on the side of your desk, check to make sure that the opening for your legs is wide enough to accommodate a keyboard tray.
Humanscale keyboard trays come with a 15-year manufacturer's warranty.


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A guide to using customer data and analytics tools for customer loyalty
After years of collecting customer data, companies have a wealth of information about who their customers are and who's loyal, but finding and managing that data is daunting.
During the recent recession, marketing teams at many organizations have been forced to revisit customer retention tactics and define a clear strategy for customer loyalty. Yet many organizations lack the strong understanding of customer data that is the foundation of a successful customer loyalty program.
In this guide, hear from analysts and experts about recent trends in customer data and learn how winning organizations are truly taking action on analytics. Find out about the challenges that many organizations face when establishing and maintaining customer data management and retention programs and how to meet those challenges head on. Read research and insight from Leslie Ament of Hypatia Research, LLC, who provides tried and true tactics for using analytical tools to take action on customer data and read case studies from organizations who have done this successfully.
Don't miss the other installments in this customer data and analytics guide:
- Leveraging customer data to maintain customer loyalty obvious, not easy
- Marketers missing the boat on customer data
- Tips for using analytical tools to take action on customer data
- Leveraging customer loyalty in a down economy
Marketers who, just a few years ago, were focused squarely on customer acquisition have been forced by the recession to reverse course and ensure that the company is retaining customers.
It's not an easy undertaking.
"Many of these firms are ill-prepared for retention programs," said Suresh Vittal, principal analyst with Forrester Research. "Retention versus acquisition and engendering loyalty requires a far better understanding of your customer than your prospects when acquiring them."
Understanding customers requires an understanding of the data describing them, and that can be particularly difficult.
For most marketers, Vittal said, the discussion starts with customer churn, but even that can be difficult to define. The challenge is determining why customers leave, or in some cases, when it's OK for them to leave one brand but key to retain them for another. It's not a specific answer for many companies.
"Say they get past that hurdle and into loyalty and retention programs, there's another level of challenge here, both with programs themselves and the data -- and that is understanding who is the most valuable," Vittal said. "We want loyalty but we want loyalty from those we determine are most valuable. Customer lifetime value, customer margin, net incremental revenue, products per customer, high margin products per customer. There are all kinds of refined metrics marketers are starting to think about."
For many marketers, according to Vittal, it's not just a matter of accessing and accumulating the data but agreeing on a definition. Many organizations cannot agree on what defines "a customer" or how to determine what each customer means to the organization, particularly for companies with multiple brands and product lines.
Step 1: Find and define customer data
Companies should begin their evaluations of customer data and customer loyalty with a data audit, suggests Jill Dyche, partner and co-founder of Baseline Consulting, based in Sherman Oaks, Calif.
"Get people to just start talking about this. Once you do that, that's when you do data audits," she said. "Is [customer data] inside the enterprise? Is it outside? Can we get at it? What are the challenges intrinsic to the data?"
The challenge is far more difficult than most realize. Not only are there often different definitions of "customer" throughout an organization, and different definitions of what makes a loyal customer and how valuable a loyal customer can be, that data is spread throughout the company.
"There's a naïve view there's a single system of record, and we just need to forklift everything into a data mart and everything's golden," Dyche said. "Then they realize there's not one system of record but dozens, with no single version of the customer. Hard decisions need to be made about which sources are authoritative for which data."
That's leading some organizations to embark on data profiling initiatives, she said, evaluating the data, where it is and what's needed. It can even be a challenge to get customer data from external sources like Dunn & Bradstreet and Axciom and bring it inside the firewall.
Step 2: Share the data – and the customer
Defining and understanding the data is just one step. Ideally, marketing also needs to share the data.
"The loyalty conversation is very much an operational one," Dyche said. "We are segmenting our customers based on their value and treating them differently based on that value. That's where customer service and marketing interlink. It's very rarely the customer service organization that is going to determine lifetime value of the customer. The extent to which we can use that information not only to communicate to customers but also to understand the communications channels and the messaging to support customers is a best practice. That all comes back to the data conversation. The extent to which we can share data across functional areas is the extent to which we can share that customer."
But sharing data across the organization often requires additional investments in data management technology – and that can be a challenge for marketers. Many companies are reluctant to spend on data initiatives, like data quality software, Dyche said, though some companies are willing to spend on business intelligence or data warehousing because they see that as a differentiator.
The extent to which we can share data across functional areas is the extent to which we can share that customer.
Jill Dyche, partner and co-founder, Baseline Consulting
"When companies invest in data quality, it's because something broke," she said. "It's more likely to be the result of an event rather than a strategy, however wrong that is. Very few executives will say, 'We're going to review our loyalty program, and this time our data is going to be good.'"
Worse, the recession has severely limited organizations' willingness to spend, according to Vittal.
"I see very little appetite for tech spend at the moment," he said. "Right now, there is no such thing as a capital expenditure. When they do release funds, you need a bulletproof business case. We need to do the hard work to figure out how to use these technologies we've already invested in. Unless the marketing group can show a direct contribution of these programs to driving revenue to the bottom line, it's very difficult to get funds today."
Step 3: Ask the right questions, in the right channels
Adam Sarner, research director at Stamford, Conn.-based Gartner Inc., suggests marketers leverage their existing investments as much as possible and turn to free or low-cost initiatives like social media to jump-start their loyalty programs.
"The Web 2.0 stuff means there's a lot of potential collaboration from both sides, a potential meeting of minds," Sarner said.
Rather than spending on classic promotions such as implementing a redemption engine where customers who buy nine items can get the tenth free, marketers can get new insight from social media.
"I think the back-and-forth collaboration with things like social media, where you can have that two-way communication, [means] you can understand what a customer wants and needs and how to anticipate them over time," Sarner said.
Web 2.0 means there's a lot of potential collaboration from both sides, a potential meeting of minds.
Adam Sarner, research director, Gartner Inc.
For example, spending a little money to put up a message board and learn from customers what it is they want from a loyalty program can pay off considerably down the line.
In fact, Sarner believes loyalty programs go through swings in popularity, and at the moment they're on the upswing. The problem is most companies never got loyalty right the first time around. Are companies getting it right now?
"No, is the short answer," Sarner said. "They haven't asked the right question. If you look at loyalty programs, it's a big database of points. It's very difficult to understand the ROI. Look at the airlines. There are billions of unclaimed miles, and customers hate the airlines. There's a big disconnect here."
So how do companies figure out what questions to ask – and how to get customers to answer?
According to Sarner, marketers need to determine a hierarchy of needs from the data they want for their customer loyalty programs.
"The first step is to demonstrate a value proposition. Airline are you going to drive me from point A to B?" Sarner said. "Then it's determining customer satisfaction. Customer feedback and customer satisfaction is good, but it's satisfaction -- it's not loyalty. Did you bring me from A to B? Yes, but so can 15 others."
Enticing customers and personalizing the experience is where loyalty comes in, he said. Does a customer prefer free shipping over another perk?
"You're trying to build up the interaction, and you're doing some planning," Sarner said. "We're going to pay people off, but we have a chance to ask people questions about where we're going."
From there, companies can begin to understand things like what decreased defection from a specific customer segment means. In fact, segmentation is often missing from a lot of loyalty programs. Once organizations are listening and asking questions, they can begin to anticipate customers' future needs.
"That's the idea. Loyalty becomes loyalty management," Sarner said. "It's not necessarily a payoff of 'what's in it for us?' but 'what's in it for them?' and it becomes a mutually beneficial relationship."
But beware the common pitfall with this approach, he warned. Too many companies are simply collecting feedback, storing the data somewhere and asking customers the same questions over and over.
"That meeting of the minds is never done, so it falls short," Sarner said. "They don't even extract value from the program. It's awash with problems. That's why these programs fall short and go through pendulum swings."