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The Technology – Payment Maturity Matrix has been conceptualized to indicate and infer the potential risks associated with an emerging payment innovation
Technology Maturity refers to the stage of evolution and maturity of the technology.
Payment Solution Maturity refers to the 'newness' of a payment solution and how much time is required for the solution to become stable and be widely accepted.
From the above matrix, it is evident that the risks associated with a new payment solution based on a new technology are very high. The nascency of a technology only increases the risks associated with the commercialization of a payment solution. On the other hand, if a payment innovation utilizes an existing stable technology; the associated risks would be lower. Combining an existing payment solution with an existing technology so as to cater to a specific customer need (speed for example) has a low level of risk
Extracted from the paper "Retail Payment Systems" published by the author under the guidance of Prof. P.C.Narayan


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I started this blog when I was in the second year of my undergraduate degree for some good old student procrastinating. Now I am doing my masters and am back to it. This time I want to pose questions and talk about more philosophical issues, as these have been on my mind recently. Questions like: can we be in a relationship but still have the freedom to be truly ourselves?
I am going travelling at the end of the year without my boyfriend for just under three months, and it got me thinking. Will I come back changed so much from the growth that travel gives that we may change in response? It's very possible it will be a positive change, but can travellers come back to people who they no longer relate to? Even friends and family?
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Friday, November 13, 2009
Between the Covers
Dexter, Fight Club, The Lovely Bones, Love the One Your With and New Moon (Cant wait for the movie!!!)
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Red Lips
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Ice Cream Pastels
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In love with the Indie band from Sydney Bridezilla. One song I can't stop playing is 'Beaches'. Not only is their music awesome, they also have a killer fashion sense to match.
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Friday, September 18, 2009
Love this shot and also the girl trying to hide on the right with all her magnificent colours
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Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Willow vs Rodarte
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subset: commoncrawl


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For many of us, Monday morning is the start of the work week – the fun of the weekend put on hold til Friday. I am, and will most likely always be, a daydreamer. I long to travel. Monday morning is a time for getting back into work mode – so I have decided that, since I enjoy looking at other people's amazing travel pictures, I would try to share some of my random shots from around the world – photos that inspire me or remind me of a favourite place. It is always better to turn the email on Monday morning, looking forward to a great picture rather than a huge email from the boss with a list a mile long of tasks to do by 10am!!! Here's to easing into the morning….one photo at a time!
Photo take at sunset at Rick's Cafe, Negril, Jamaica. Photo part of the Jamaica series – An Afternoon in Negril.
Happy Monday morning.


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As far as I know, Dad never told me anything about his maternal grandfather. I don't think I had ever heard his name. However, once I started asking questions, Dad was more than happy to tell me all about the story of his grandfather and his grandfather's death.
The Meyer family had moved to Chicago because my great grandfather had gotten a job working for his brother's company. I was told that Fred Meyer fell off a train and then "lingered" for a while. His family (siblings) wouldn't allow a doctor to be called because they belonged to a "weird religion" (my grandmother's words) and didn't believe in doctors and/or medicine. He was "talking out of his mind" after his injury. Finally, Amelia (Fred's wife and my great grandmother) was able to sneak out of the house and get a doctor. According to the family story, my great grandfather died on the operating table. As if that weren't enough, his brother wanted to adopt Grandma Ada. He and his wife didn't want to adopt Grandma's 2 brothers or her baby sister. Just Grandma. I was told that Grandma got very upset, Amelia was having none of that nonsense from her husband's family, and she took her 4 kids and immediately moved back to Covington.
Al, Ada, and Walter Meyer--Not in the photo, Nona Meyer
Where to start? I knew his name, and I knew that he died between 1902 (when his youngest child was born) and 1910 (when Amelia was listed as a widow on the US Census). I first tried to look for Cook County death certificates for a "Frederick Meyer" who was killed by or on a train. Honestly, how many Fred Meyers could've been killed by trains in Chicago during those years? As it turns out, at least 2 others were killed that way. Moral of the story? Don't go near a train or its tracks if your name is Fred Meyer. However, my great grandfather's death certificate was not one of the ones I found.
I also looked at cemetery records, newspaper obituaries, and the Chicago city directory. And I was getting more and more frustrated. I was used to looking for uncommon names like "Kerkhoff" and "Vodde." Fred Meyer was kicking my butt.
I put this particular branch "away." But then, I would come back to it and get frustrated again. The brick wall was overwhelming, and I couldn't figure out how to scale it.
And then I flew with my friend Cindy. She has been doing this genealogy thing for decades and is a master. She asked me what brick wall I was up against, and I told her the tale of Frederick Meyer. She asked me some questions (where did my great grandparents meet, get married, where did Amelia's family live, etc.) and then told me, "Oh, they'd have an article about his death in the Covington paper." EUREKA! That made perfect sense and hadn't occurred to me. I was focusing and obsessing on the Chicago connection, but I had completely ignored the Covington aspect of it.
We also had a SLC layover (the reason why we had both bid the trip) and immediately headed over to the genealogy library when we got to the hotel. My dad had mentioned Covington's St. Aloysius Catholic church many times to me, so I decided to pull that microfilm and see if I came across anything.
St. Aloysius Catholic Church
Looking at Catholic sacramental records on microfilm can be quite a task. They're normally organized into Baptisms, Marriages, and Deaths for a specific time frame. And then you scroll into Baptisms, Marriages, and Deaths for another specific time frame. For me, my eyes start to glaze over as I slowly look at microfilm. One record leads to another and another and another. You get the idea. Especially if you don't have a specific document that you're looking for. And I was just looking for any name that was familiar (Meyer or Heger).
I thought I was still looking at Marriage documents when I stumbled across a document for Frederick Meyer. I saw his father's name, too (John Meyer--He's been another stumbling block for me). But I didn't see my great grandmother's name. I saw another woman's name! Had Fred Meyer been married before he married Amelia?? What was going on? I was trying to focus on the document, but I couldn't seem to make heads nor tails of it.
I walked over to Cindy and asked her for a new set of eyes. I'm sure she thought I was nuts since she knew exactly what it was as soon as she looked at it. It was his Baptismal record. Amelia made him convert before she married him! Yep, that sounds like a woman in my family. :) However, it had a notation which stated that this was a conditional baptism. Apparently, he couldn't provide proof of his baptism or didn't know if he had been baptized.
Conditional Baptism
I also found their sacramental marriage record. They got married the day after his conversion to the Catholic church. I have to chuckle at my great grandmother's "strong arm."
The HUGE piece of info on this fabulous Catholic document was the name "Catherine Seip." I now knew the name of my great, great grandmother!
It's amazing how one "little" piece of information can knock down a huge chunk of that brick wall. Armed with this new name, I found three of Frederick Meyer's siblings on Ancestry.com. I found Cook County death certificates for two brothers and a sister. SCORE! I also found the 1880 US Census that told me that my great grandfather lived with his sister, Anna Mary Meyer Eisengart, and her husband, William Eisengart. And the Covington city directory listed my great grandfather as a tinner. And wouldn't you know, Mr. Eisengart was also a tinner.
I started to put 2 and 2 together. Perhaps Grandpa Fred didn't work for his brother but actually worked for his brother-in-law. That made sense.
During this part of my investigation, I followed up on Cindy's idea that there would be a mention of his death in a Covington newspaper. The Kenton Co. library's genealogy department is fabulous. And they came through for me again with an online newspaper headline index.
Kenton County Newspaper Headline Index
I typed in my great grandfather's name and found this:
Updated to add: I found an article in a Chicago paper about his accident.
Once again, I used Google and looked for information on his siblings. And I wasn't prepared for what I found.
His sister, Anna Mary, was a deaconess in a religion called the Christian Catholic Apostolic Church. Using Google, I quickly discovered that this was the religion my Grandma Ada told her kids about. In the early 1900's, this religion's leaders and followers didn't believe in the use of medicine or doctors. Another piece of the puzzle was in place. Online, I read as much as I could about this religion and its founder, John Alexander Dowie. BTW, this religion has nothing to do with the Catholic faith.
Wikipedia--Christian Catholic Apostolic Church
Wikipedia--John Alexander Dowie
After reading numerous things about this religion and its founder, I could only imagine what my great grandmother must have gone through. She was raised Catholic in a very Catholic city, and the closest "weird religion" she must have come into contact with was if she met a Lutheran (her husband). :)
She left her extended family behind to take her four children up to Chicago with her husband so he could take a job with his brother-in-law. I assume she must have been terribly homesick. I know that Aunt Nona was born in Covington in late 1902, and Grandpa had his accident in November, 1903. So they weren't in Chicago for an extended period of time. The only family she had in Chicago was her Meyer in-laws.
From what I've heard, Grandma Millie (Amelia) was a devout Catholic. I can't imagine what she went through after her husband's accident. She had four small children up in a city she wasn't familiar with, and her sister-in-law (if not others) was, according to the family story, keeping a medical doctor away from her husband. If I were her, I wouldn't be comfortable leaving my children with these people so that I could go and try to find a doctor in a city I didn't know. I also assume that she was not allowed to bring a Catholic priest to him so that he could receive the Sacrament of the Sick. As a Catholic, my great grandfather was entitled to that and should have received it. I get pretty angry as I think of the pain my great grandmother must have gone through during this. I get pretty angry as I think of a priest being kept away from him (I don't have proof that this happened, but I think it's a logical assumption). BTW, I made sure that he hadn't converted to his sister's religion. I e-mailed someone at the current church and asked if they could find any record of his conversion. The nice woman replied and told me that the only record they had was for Maria Anna Eisengart's conversion.
Did Amelia's family finally get up to Chicago to help? Remember, this was November and December in Chicago. Weather was probably crappy. And her parents and/or siblings would have had to travel through that.
Ultimately, did she sneak out (as the family story says she did) and get a doctor? Did one of her family members find one? I don't know.
I do have a copy of the coroner's inquest of his death. My great grandmother was one of the witnesses. Imagine having to give a statement concerning your husband's death while you and your four children are grieving. Another logical assumption, I believe, is that she must have been one hell of a woman.
I had solved almost the entire mystery concerning his death. I knew the circumstances, the date, the place, the religion, etc. But where was he buried? That missing detail seemed to bother my dad. He didn't know where his grandfather was. I felt a need to solve this last mystery for him.
The task seemed daunting. Do you have any idea how many cemeteries there are in Chicago? Do you have any idea how common the name "Frederick Meyer" is? I grabbed another beer and started googling again. Logically, I tried to figure out where he would have been buried. I remembered that I had read that Mr. Dowie had bought a town in Illinois named "Zion." Would his sister have buried him there? It was worth a shot.
Zion, IL
Mt. Olivet Cemetery--Zion, IL
Was this "my" Frederick Meyer? The date seemed to match with his death in late December, 1903.
Frederick Meyer Burial Information
There was only one way to find out. I e-mailed the cemetery, gave them as much information as I had (each cemetery is different regarding what type of information they keep on the deceased) and hit "Send." A few days later, I had another fabulous cemetery worker to add to my "Favorites" list. She responded and told me that she had no information on Frederick Meyer except that his plot was bought by "W. L. Eisengart."
I had found him. My dad now knew where his grandpa was buried. This may seem like a small thing, but for me, it was huge. To give this gift of knowledge to my dad is one of the reasons I'm addicted to genealogy.
Dad asked me if his grandpa had a tombstone, and if so, what it said. I e-mailed the cemetery worker and asked her. She was darling and responded that he did have a marker, but she didn't know what it had engraved on it. However, she told me that she'd send the groundskeeper out to take a photo of it. She sent it to me the next day.
If any cemetery worker is reading this, please accept my thanks for your dedication and love for your job. Your enthusiasm and dedication are incredibly appreciated. I wouldn't have nearly the information I have for my ancestors if not for you.
Amelia Heger Meyer immediately moved back to Northern Kentucky after her husband died (she's listed in the 1904 Newport city directory) and raised her family. She suffered further heartbreak. Her young son, Walter, died in 1911 at the age of 12.
Her father died in 1912, and her mom died in 1921.
And then, Fred and Amelia's eldest child and son, Al, died a the age of 33.
Dad loved and loves his Grandma Millie very much. He describes her as a "grandma's grandma." She suffered much in her life, but it didn't beat her.


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- Read blogs by other students to see how they cope with studying and life at Sydney University. You may pick up some handy hints and tips.


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I intentionally choose not to write about celebrity gossip or rumors, but this is one rumor I'm sure many same gender loving brothers wouldn't mind being true. Take it as pure entertainment. Loldarian.com favorite Braylon Edwards has the internet message boards buzzing regarding his alleged homosexuality.
Via Outsports:
This is not a new rumor, but the latest "evidence" was this post Monday on a Browns message board affiliated with Fox Sports. Edwards had been the subject of trade talks with the New York Giants that never went anywhere:
First of all, let me start out with the fact that I think this is ridiculous. I have a friend who is inside the NY Giants and this morning I talked to him about the draft and the subject of Edwards came up.
No lie, he said that there was a big concern how he would fit in the locker room because a lot of people thought he was gay. He said that for some reason a good deal of the players believe that Braylon is gay and that is why he wants to go to New York (because it is a better atmosphere for homosexuals) and this has actually come up as a concern within the Giants in trading for him.
And of course no gay rumor is complete without the help of the infamous gossip site Media Take Out.com . Pictures posted last May of Edwards in a "compromising position" with a hot male friend only added fuel to the fire.
So is Braylon Edwards gay? Who knows, but I sure wouldn't mind if he had a soft spot for the fellas.


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Ochi Gallery
119 Lewis Street
Ketchum, ID 83340
July 2 – August 6, 2016
Opening reception: July 7, 4-7pm
Ochi Gallery is pleased to present Shadows, an exhibition in our project space of photographic works by Alexandra Grant. The work will be on view July 7th through August 6th with an opening reception Thursday, July 7th from 4-7 pm.
For this series Grant collaborated with actor and writer Keanu Reeves, The Lapis Press and Steidl Publishing to produce a striking collection of images that explore the concept of the shadow. Through a series of dramatic photographs, Grant captures Reeves' silhouette in a sequence of movements where his figure often blurs beyond the point of recognition, causing the final images to border on abstraction. After the shoots with Reeves, Grant manipulated the images to invert the images black for white, making the shadow itself the source of light. Despite their mysterious and elegant qualities, the images are narrative and figurative, supported by Reeves's poetic texts in the titles and accompanying book. Hauntingly beautiful, the images are also playful, allowing the viewer to sense the intimacy and exchange in the collaborative relationship between subject and artist.
Printed at a large scale on velour paper at Steidl Publishing in Germany, the photos possess a remarkable surface. Also published by Steidl is a book of Grant's photos accompanied by texts written by Reeves. Additionally, The Lapis Press produced a suite of smaller scale, limited edition color prints.
"Only a Shadow," Big Life Magazine http://www.biglifemag.com/only-a-shadow/
Image: Shadow (2), after Keanu Reeves's "I can't say all I wish to say," 2016. Acrylic pigment printed on Arches velour paper rough, 60" x 40". Edition of 2 with 1 AP. Printed in Germany by Gerhard Steidl.


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Lieut. Gilbert Steingart
U.S.S. Ocelot, F.P.O. San Francisco
Thursday 28 June 1945, 7:20 PMDearest Eleanor,
Hello my Sweet. Just as usual, here I am. Had quite a busy morning with several emergencies and also saw three patients this afternoon. Then I made up another bracelet and will send it to Ethyl. I don't have a clasp but I'm sure Doc will be able to put one on. Then I showered and changed for chow. After eating I played cribbage with the captain and two other officers.
In a letter I received a couple of days ago, you asked me a question that I forgot to answer. The commodore is the commander of the flag aboard our ship or I should say "was" until he was recently relieved by a rear-admiral.
I received two letters and a card from you dated the 19th and 20th of June. Not bad service.
I agree with you. Linda's drawings are excellent and show real talent. I'll save them. You mention a photo proof that is enclosed but no photo. Guess you forgot to enclose it.
I'm sorry you are feeling blue again. It does seem like you feel like that periodically concurrent with you periods. Would you like me to rub your back? When I come home, I promise to do that for you any time you wish.
Don't worry about me falling down ladders or hatches. I never get that tight. I'm very careful and quite agile (for an old man).
Tomorrow, if I can get a boat for my own use, I'll run over to see Sol again. It's quite a way from here and it'll mean tying up the boat for a whole afternoon.
That is all for now so I'll sign off. Oh yes the movie is another oldie, "Lucky Jordan" with Alan Ladd, but I'll go to see it anyway.
Goodnight my darling until tomorrow, I am still
Your loving husband,


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Hillary's Bias Problems Have Deep Cultural Roots
By Elizabeth L. Keathley – WeNews commentator
(WOMENSENEWS)–Earlier in the primary contest, when comedian Chris Rock quipped on "Saturday Night Live" that Barack Obama was more disadvantaged than Hillary Clinton because "everyone loves white women . . . except other white women," he might have been channelling the mid-20th century philosopher Simone de Beauvoir.
Beauvoir famously argued that women had difficulty uniting and supporting each other because their livelihood and status depended on a "good" marriage. Their competition for husbands engendered envy and hindered female bonding.
Although Chris Rock's joke sparks a laugh of recognition, we should acknowledge that white women are actually the ones showing Hillary the greatest love at the ballot box, voting for her in primary after primary.
That suggests that other women are not the enemy of Hillary nor, for that matter, of all other women. Rather, the enemy is culture and history.
The socio-economic changes of 19th-century Europe and America gave momentum to the international women's movement. Urbanization stripped unmarried women of their traditional, agrarian occupations, while numerous wars depleted the population of available husbands to support them. Women sought traditionally male occupations and civil rights, but these "first wave" feminists of the late 19th century reaped opprobrium and physical abuse for violating the ideals of domesticity, humility and deference to men.
Two centuries later, the ideal of separate spheres for men and women still holds sway in the public imagination and fuels the petty media criticism of Hillary that gets so much attention.
…Hillary's double bind plays out for women across this country. I see it in my own experience as a college professor as well as that of my female colleagues. Even though professional competence should matter most, we are excoriated for failures of femininity. Students, for instance, expect us to be more nurturing and indulgent. When we hold them to academic standards–in other words, when we do our jobs–we are often labelled harsh.
Interviewing Hillary after the New Hampshire primary, Katie Couric–a woman who should understand the double bind–pressed Hillary to be more "humble" about her chances to win the Democratic nomination. But similar bravado by male candidates has gone unquestioned. The cultural code is clear: The confidence of the public campaign is masculine; women should stick to the humility of traditional femininity.
Gender, of course, also inflects the perception of age. In spite of decades of criticism of this practice, the visual delectation of female bodies remains the dominant pop-culture lens for viewing women: Age is a liability for women, an asset for men.
This perception of middle-aged women as hopelessly out of date assists the media's easy dismissal of Clinton after every setback, most notably her loss at the Iowa caucuses.
Pundits rationalized their wrong predictions in several ways, but the idea of Hillary as a has-been was preconditioned by a long tradition of late-night television jokes about her putative lack of sex appeal. For example, last week David Letterman remarked sarcastically that Hillary's pantsuits make her look "even hotter."


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Back in 1963 Paul McCartney told NME that his ambition was to have his picture in The Dandy.
Upon hearing the news that the comic would cease printing on its 75th birthday, Sir Paul wrote to bosses saying: "The Dandy was a favourite comic of mine when growing up in Liverpool and each week I would look forward to the exploits of Desperate Dan... I feel a little sadness that I see its final issue is appearing in December.
"In 1963, in the NME, when asked what my personal ambition was, I replied – to have my picture in The Dandy! I hope it's not too late!"
The Dandy's print editor, Craig Graham, responded, saying: 'When the decision was taken to stop printing The Dandy and take it online earlier this year, it really was a case of now or never.
'Sir Paul wrote a lovely letter to us, wishing The Dandy well and hoping it wasn't too late to make an appearance. How could we refuse?'
The last print issue of The Dandy will go on sale on Tuesday and will feature McCartney starring alongside Desperate Dan as well as a host of other famous characters in a farewell sing-along.


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OK, just one more Bouchercon-related post. Because this follows up on something Ali Karim mentioned in his fine coverage of that event.
During the convention's opening-night ceremonies, there was shown a six-minute video montage of clips from classic crime films set in San Francisco. That montage was assembled by Serena Bramble, and was just posted by blogger-editor Janet Rudolph. Since it's such a splendid piece, we thought it deserved placement in The Rap Sheet as well.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Blood on the Bay
Posted by J. Kingston Pierce at 8:40 PM
Labels: Bouchercon 2010, Videos
1 comment:
- Paul D. Brazill said...
It is great. Serena did a guest blog at You Would Say That Wouldn't You ? recently:
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Dial is at it again! As a Purex Insider I was able to try out their NEW Deep Cleansing Hand Soap in both water blossoms (blue) and coconut lime verbena (green). I came up with this list!
4 Things To Love About Dial's New Deep Cleansing Hand Soap
1. It is available in three vibrant scents and colors - water blossoms (blue), coconut lime verbena (green) and yellow raspberry & black sugar (yellow).
Love the design and colors
Clean and Soft Hands
Easy to use
Ready for a giveaway? Three readers will win a Free Product coupon to try Dial Deep Cleansing Hand Soap for themselves (Maximum Value $3.00 and coupon expires 3/31/14). Enter the giveaway below and good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure: The Dial brand provided me with a sample of Dial Deep Cleansing Hand Soap in exchange for a product review. All opinions expressed here are my own. As part of this campaign I am eligible to receive prizes.


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Enter a search term such as "mobile analytics" or browse our content using the filters above.
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Glasgow based clothing retailer Quiz starting selling online in 2005, and has recently launched a completely redesigned version of its website.
According to Lost Ferret, the company behind the redesign, results are promising so far, with a doubling of conversion rates over the past month.
I've been having a closer look at the Quiz website from a user experience perspective...
Homepage / navigation
The homepage is nice and clear, and relatively uncluttered and well laid out, while things like the latest trends, footwear and jewellery ranges are given prominent promotion.
Navigation options are clear, you can head straight into the various product ranges by choosing from the menu heading at the top, or through the site search function, though the site search box could perhaps be made a little clearer, as it tends to blend in a little with the background.
One nice touch is the ability to search for all items by colour from the homepage:
Product search / filtering
Whether you choose the colour selector, search by keyword, or browse through the site, you will have the same filtered navigation options to help users narrow down their product selection.
The ability to filter by size, category, colour and price is enough to narrow most searches down to a manageable level, and the fact the number of products in each filter is shown helps users to avoid returning no results at all:
The site search works well enough too, and seemed to pick up on most misspellings I tested, suggesting sensible alternatives. The key is to avoid returning no results and leaving shoppers at a dead end, but this only happens if you enter random letters.
A nice touch on the product results is the 'quick look' option which allows you to click on a particular item and zoom in for more information about the item, which also includes the ability to select size and add to basket. This means that shoppers can view more items without having to visit each product page.
Product pages
These are clear and manage to get across all the information that customers will want to see before they decide on a purchase; product description, size information, returns policies etc. My only major criticism is that the photos could be better, showing clothes from more angles for instance.
It gives shoppers a push by making it clear that they can have next day delivery if they order within a certain number of hours, always a good idea to appeal to people who want the item as soon as possible.
Elsewhere, further useful information, such as a size guide, and detailed delivery charges are presented on pop outs:
Basket / checkout
The shopping basket page is pretty good, laying out selected products and total charges clearly, while also providing all the necessary information on payment options, site security, while a clear contact number and the offer of assistance should customers need it is a great idea at this stage.
It even provides a basket reference number so customers can get straight to the point if they do decide to call customer services.
This clear contact number, along with the Verisign sybol, and privacy information, all serve to reassure customers and help them to trust the site with their payment details.
I also like the fact that PayPal is offered alongside the usual card payment methods (I'm told that Google Checkout will also be added shortly). Surveys have suggested that customers want alternative payment options, and it certainly makes sense for retailers to make it easy for as many customers as possible to shop on the site.
Like The Book Depository, Quiz clothing has gone for a one page checkout process, making the progression from shopping basket to the confirm order button as smooth as possible.
If shoppers use the postcode lookup tool, they will have the minimum of data to input before making the purchase, which makes a lot of sense.
As with the basket page, reassurance is provide in the form of a clear contact number, as well as a useful summary of the order on the right of the page, while the process is enclosed to concentrate users' minds.
Quiz takes an interesting approach to the issue of registration, not even giving customers the option to register before checkout, thus removing a potential obstacle.
There is some debate over the best way to handle registration on e-commerce sites, but this seems like a good way to do it, and users have the option of registering simply by entering a password before they confirm the order:
According to Lost Ferret, less than 50% of shoppers have chosen to register so far, so perhaps it is something that most users prefer not to do. There is the point that registration can make repeat purchases easier by avoiding the need to re-enter address details, but when the process is as smooth as it is here, this may not be a problem.
There are some great examples of e-commerce best practice in the Quiz redesign, things like the display of a clear contact number throughout the site and delivery details can do a lot to reassure customers about shopping with a particular retailer.
The checkout process is impressive, and with the removal of compulsory registration and a one-page checkout, couldn't be much smoother. It would be interesting to know what effect this has on conversion rates.
Comments (8)
Just to clarify; the option to register after checkout is something we offer right across the board, all our client sites use the same checkout format and we still only see a 50% uptake. Proof, we feel, that to make registration compulsory and especially to place it before the checkout process is a big factor in abandonment.
A large percentage of repeat shoppers choose not to register either, feeling there's little need when the process is made so simple.
Also, the basket reference contains tracking data, so even phone orders can be assigned to a source.
It looks good, let's hope it avoids the kind of sporadic errors the site threw in the past, gobblydegook like:
Fatal error: Call to a member function init() on a non-object in /var/www/vhosts/quizclothing.co.uk/lib/shop.php on line 319
The site is still setting PHP cookies, so maybe it's still on a PHP codebase that's not so far from the old platform?
Actually, it's ashame that www.quizclothing.com doesn't go to their site... nor www.quiz-clothing.com.
Shame about the dropped SEO; google has a bunch of links that are 404'ed, such as:
Which could easily have been 302'ed to the new page:
Maybe my eye-sight, or screen but the Search text box (black on black) was invisible - I saw and clicked the Search button, and the screen refreshed but it was the same homepage... - so looked like the button was broken... Maybe better with some javascript in the page, to warn the user they didn't type anything in the box?
<feeling a sad nerd... as monitoring womens clothes sites is becoming a habit as it's part of the day job ... Boden (a tough act to follow) et al>
I am not familiar with the old site for Quizclothing, but I did like what I seen. I think the vibrant colors are great, I like the easy to use toolbars wth the individual items, or the option to search by color. I had no problem wiith finding the search box, it helped that the word SEARCH was in a fuchsia colored box next to it, otherwise yes, I agree it would have been lost. The only thing I was going to suggest was an option to shop by price, but then I realized they had included that feature one you go into a category (i.e. shoes) they allow you to sort goods by price.
So, all in all, great job.
Thanks very much for the feedback, Deri. That's a pretty good idea on the 302 suggestion, so I'll look into the logs to see whether it would actually make sense, as they might have a lot of random pages where people will end up seeing something obscure instead.
<salesplug>The new site is, however, built on a completely new platform called Aurora that we've been working on for the last 9 months, so is nothign related to the old site </salesplug>
Nice work Ferrets. It looks really good.
Tom, best wishes with the new platform -as it happens Aurora is also the new name for the fashion group Coast/Mosaic/Karen Millen: (one of our clients), so hope your Aurora platform doesnt confuse folks over the same name!
Diş ağrısına ne iyi gelir thank you good
I really having problems i cannot access the quiz site i been trying all day FRUSTRATED!!


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Tuesday, January 31, 2006
A Job Well Done
I spent a lot of this past weekend cleaning out our shed. A little noticed, neglected building in the backyard whose doors only get opened to take Drama Queen's play Jeep in and out. The shelves were half-empty while old bottles, tools, leaves, and loose change cluttered the floor. I'm hoping the extra space can house some overflow from our garage.
I say I spent a lot of the weekend, but it was probably only about 4.5 hours cumulative. Of course, it seemed a lot longer what with having to stop and make sure the kids were okay, answer the phone, fix lunch, stop Little Man from eating sand in the sand box, give baths after the trip to the sand box, put everyone down for a nap.....ad nauseum. You get the picture. But by Sunday afternoon I could look around the new organized and swept space with pride.
Unfortunately, there was no one else to really care. All that hard work and no one would really see the results. Only little old me. And, to tell you the truth, that took a little of the satisfaction out of the job.
This past week, I was disappointed to receive a rejection from an editor. Disappointed because I felt like this story was really good. Frustrated because it left me unsure whether to target that line again. But everyone assured me it was a "good" rejection. It doesn't always soothe the ego to hear that, even though it is true. Instead of a bad photocopy saying "Thank you for submitting," this lovely letter detailing the editor's take on my story's strengths and weaknesses graced nice beige stationery. Having received the former, I definitely appreciate the latter.
What does this have to do with my weekend endeavors? As pre-published writers, we often work long hours with many interruptions to produce those prized manuscripts. And as proud as we are of that stack of pristine pages, there isn't always someone there waiting to appreciate our work. A simple "Job well done" can fuel our writing journey for miles and miles.
So to the editor that rejected my proposal this past week: Thank You. I appreciate your words of advice and will certainly take them to heart. Even more, I appreciate your expressed pleasure in my writing style. It helps to know my hard work has not gone unnoticed.
4 comments:
- Problem Child said...
First off, will you come work on my garage?
I'm very envious of your rejection letter. At least you know a REAL editor thinks you can write. And you know why that book didn't sell this time. (Just hang onto it--once you do sell, you can trot it back out and send it around again!)
- Playground Monitor said...
Will you come help my husband put together the storage cabinets he bought for our garage??? I hate assembling things with him.
As much as that rejection stings, you do have that nice beige stationery that gives you a lot of information. Who knows, with the recent changes, maybe that line isn't right for you. I've heard of several authors who are going to target a different line because they think their writing will better fit somewhere else now. But tides change and in a few years the pendulum may swing back to where it was before.
By the way, while cleaning out my office closet I found a bunch of round colored stickers, some with prices pre-printed on them. Would you like them for your garage sale?
- Smarty Pants said...
Where was your DH during all this? Every time I try to tackle something like this, he's lurking around, digging stuff out of the trash that I've thrown away. I can't even throw out my own stuff!
Enough of that...I know it doesn't take all the sting of an R away, but it was a great letter to get if you couldn't get one with a contract attached. Maybe a couple of tweaks and a new target like is all it needs to sell one day.
- Instigator said...
I seriously need to get moving on my storage buildings. Ugh! I think I'll wait for spring.
And the rest of the playmates are absolutely correct about the R. I know it doesn't take much of the sting away right now but you definitely got a good rejection (an oxymoron if ever I've heard one). You have an excellent plan of attack and a wonderful new book to work on as well. You're gonna take NY by storm sooner than you think!


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26 February 2012
Grungy Jar Update
Don't ask......... Plain wooden thrift store find $2.00. Afterwords priceless, think I'll use it as a flower box
23 February 2012
Grungy jar help
Once again, I'm asking all my primnastic blogging friends for help. I tried awhile back to grungy jars/cans what am I doing wrong? I have tried the modge podge method, spray paint then sprinkling on stuff, the only thing I found that works is the textured rustolium paint (but that costly). I think I will try again this weekend with the modge podge and let dry good in between coats. It was quite awhile ago I tried and don't think I let them dry. That's the only thing I can think of,this shouldn't be this complicated. Any tips anyone?
19 February 2012
The wonderful team is at again, with a chance to win 33 prizes. Amazing. Please click on the link on my sidebar to get entered. You don't want to miss out.
12 February 2012
new Blog Header
Hi everyone, please check out my new blog header from Prim Doodles, She was great walking me through how to do it, I told her what I liked and it was Perferct. Thanks a million and more its PRIMNASTIC.
05 February 2012
More Redos
A simple stained stool cost 3.00 at Salvation Army transformed with Primmy stencil.
First Sewing attempt
Didn't really follow Samanthas pattern but it inspired me, this is what my version of her Kleenex holder is, I simplified it. Not bad for my first try I wish the apron was higher and don't really like how the arms are attached. Another thing is the doll doesn't really sit that good on the kleenexbottom not sure how to fix it but overall I'm pleased.
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Complete Guide to T7-01 Customizations
T7-01 is one of my favorite companions, not only because he was my first companion but because he is a droid with a cool attitude! This little guy can take a real beating and he has some of the coolest comebacks in your story that you will come across! I so wish I could have given him a lightsaber and made him a Jedi when he asked.
T7-01 has seven looks available, although customization 5 requires you to have the Collector's Edition and customization 6 requires you to have a security key attached to your account. With the variety of colors available, T7-01 can be decked out to match your favorite outfit. Wearing red today? No problems, customization 3 will have you looking like a team. Just got some gold PvP gear? Not an issue - T7-01's default look will look awesome right beside you. Read on to see where you can purchase all of the customizations from.
Customization 6 is available on The Republic Fleet Station from the Security key reward vendor, Tamin.
You can find customization number 5 on The Republic Fleet Station from the Collector's Edition Vendor called Jhaffus.
Don't forget to check out similar posts:
Our full list of companions and gifts
The Many Looks of Elara Dorne
The Many Looks of Kira Carsen
The Many Looks of Vette
The Many Looks of Mako
The Many Looks of Risha
The Many Looks of Nadia Grell
For information on customization options for other companions check out the other 'Many Looks of ... ' posts on SWTORFace.


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First of all: Context.
I don't know that this is going to make any sense. I don't know that this is going to be anything but word salad. But there is so much welled up in me right now, boiling and melting and freezing and raging and crying, that I have to let it out. To keep it in would be insane. To try to write it out would be, perhaps, equally insane. But here I am nevertheless.
I am not the best person to tell you what Terry Pratchett was like. That would probably be Neil Gaiman, or Terry's daughter Rihanna, both of whom are writers better at the craft than my pale imaginings will ever make me. All I can tell you is what Terry Pratchett did for me.
Terry Pratchett made me better.
Terry's books found me in my early 30s, and what they found was an angry, cynical, bitter ball of a man. They took that man and made him laugh, and made him see that there is hope, that love is worthwhile, that faith can be a fiction and still be necessary, that there is someone out there for each and every one of us, and that even a dragon needs a good shag once in a while. And they did not do this by being syrupy affirmations of the goodness of humankind; no. That would be the easy way, and I would not have responded to that.
They did it the hard way. They did it the hard way by being hard. By acknowledging the cynicism, the bitterness, the anger, not denying them--and then using them to confound themselves, by showing their characters putting aside the bitterness, overcoming the anger, moving past the cynicism, and rising above to become the better people they always could have been. And that is the mark of genius.
Think about it. The man humanized Death, for God's sakes, and made him a relatable, understandable, beloved character. That takes a level of talent that is beyond my ken to describe.
It was Terry who showed me--or maybe just reminded me, which is just as good--that men and women could rise above their baser selves, be more like unto the angels we like to imagine ourselves as being--closer to that point where the falling angel meets the rising ape, to use Terry's beautiful, indelible phrase. It was Terry who showed me (or reminded me) that you could be angry all you wanted--it was what you did with that anger that counted. It was Terry who reminded me (or showed me) that as unpleasant as human beings can be, there are always particles of joy and hope and caring tucked away inside us all, and that it is our job to nudge those particles together and turn them into something more.
I never laughed harder than I did when reading Terry. I never cried for more reason than I did when reading Terry Pratchett. I never felt angrier than I did when Terry was angry in one of his books. And I never left one of his books feeling cheated or let down.
And Terry made me better. He made a lot of us, better I think. And that is why losing him now, as we have, hurts so much. Because we need him now, more than ever. To help us be better. To find the falling angel within us, to give wings to us poor little apes, trying so hard to rise above. To make us laugh. To help us cry. To give us joy.
And now he's gone, to whatever reward awaits a genius who touched millions. And those millions are left behind wondering what is next.
Well, I'll tell you.
We do what Terry would have wanted us to do.
We keep rising.
Goodbye Terry. We'll see you when we get there. We send our love and our smiles with you as a last, nourishing gift as you cross that long, black desert with your good friend the Reaper Man.
Thank you, Sir. Thank you.


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Chestertown, MD, October 26, 2005 — Washington College's Department of English, Department of Philosophy, and Philosophy Club, with help from the Sophie Kerr Commitee, present "The State of the Postmodern Ego," a lecture by Dr. John Hurley, Thursday, November 3, at 4:30 p.m. at the Rose O'Neill Literary House. The event is free, and the public is invited to attend.
A professor of philosophy at the University of Hartford, Hurley will discuss the four well-known themes in the postmodern movement—its interdisciplinary structure, its dearth of grand narratives, the absence of a logocentric deus ex machina, and the virtual status of the human body—as they relate to literary criticism. He will also relay his belief that the underlying state of the postmodern ego embraces the full implication of the cogito in all of its forms.
Hurley is the author of two philosophy-focused novels, Diary of the Attending Rays (Potes & Poets Press, 1999) and Those Brownsville Blues (Potes & Poets Press, 2001).
The talk is sponsored by the Sophie Kerr Committee, which works to carry on the legacy of the late Sophie Kerr, a writer from Denton, Md., whose generosity has done so much to enrich Washington College's literary culture. When she died in 1965, Kerr left the bulk of her estate to the College, specifying that one half of the income from her bequest be awarded every year to the senior showing the most "ability and promise for future fulfillment in the field of literary endeavor" and the other half be used to bring visiting writers to campus, to fund scholarships, and to help defray the costs of student publications.


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I must clean up my workspace. I can't start a new project with it such a mess. I have so many ideas. I have been forcing myself to do the necessary work. Getting my files in order. Making a few graphics that I will need for this new house. Now it is time to go to bed and do the thinking before I go to sleep. I plan my projects in this time. Do any of you do that? I lay there and think of colors, dimension's, structure, putting things together and making a process simpler.
My eyes are closing. It is time. I'll see you tomorrow.
Take care
The grass is gone. Now I have to learn to format.
- The Garden Shed
The Miss Mouse Tea Pot House


text: Evel Knievel Dead at 69 Motorcycle daredevil and '70s showman had been in failing health By Caroline Miller, Newser Staff Posted Nov 30, 2007 4:35 PM CST 0 comments Comments Evel Knievel is shown in his rocket on Sept. 8, 1974, before his failed attempt at a highly promoted 3/4-mile leap across Snake River Canyon in Idaho. Knievel, the hard-living motorcycle daredevil whose... (Associated Press) View 4 more images (Newser) – Evel Knievel, the motorcycle daredevil who never saw a canyon—or a row of vehicles—he didn't want to jump, died today at 69. He was known for his spectacular failures as well as successes, including an attempt to jump the fountains at Caesar's Palace that put him in a coma, and an effort to jump the Snake River Canyon on a rocket-powered "skycycle" that ended on the riverbank below. The star-spangled showman had broken nearly 40 bones before he retired, the AP reports."No king or prince has lived a better life," he said in a May 2006 interview. "You're looking at a guy who's really done it all." Knievel retired from stunting in 1976 after sustaining a serious injury jumping a shark tank, and made a good living off of autographs and endorsements. View 4 more images


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sandwiched between eleven and smoke
My daughter, the middle one, C-Ling, has a part in a play, 'A Pirate's Life for Me' that they performed yesterday for their school and are performing this evening to a general audience made up mostly of parents and family.
I asked her yesterday evening how the first show had gone. She said it went terribly - many of the main actors forgot lines, the singing was out of tune, actors came on or off the stage not at their cue times and movement on the stage wasn't as it should have been. She said that during their most recent rehearsals it had gone much more smoothly.
Hopefully the show will go better tonight.
In other news the NHL playoffs begin this evening for my home team, the Canadiens are playing the Rangers.


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Was it a single mouse, acting alone? A so-called lone wolf mouse? Was it a Moroccan mouse, or an illegal migrant? Where were the security cats at the time?
Back during Ramadan, The View From Fez reported on the stampede in the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca - the chaos caused by a mouse. Unfortunately eighty-one people sustained minor injuries.
Now it appears that there is much more to the story. There also may have been more than one mouse.
According to reports in the local media the prefectural services of the Casablanca judicial police have arrested three individuals suspected of being responsible for the stampede during the vigil of Laylat al-Qadr the "Night of Destiny".
|The beautiful Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca seen from the ocean
Last Monday they arrested a parking attendant from a parking area near the mosque. It is alleged that he could have dropped mice in the wing reserved for women just before the Al Fajr prayer (the Islamic dawn prayer). The three people arrested so far have been interviewed by the metropolitan police who say that further inquiries are expected to be carried out.
If the story is true, it raises the question of what the motivation was for releasing a mouse or mice in the mosque. Was it a spur of the moment prank? "Hey, I have a mouse in my pocket, what shall we do with it?" Or was it a well planned mouse attack with the mouse prepared well in advance? As one sceptic told The View From Fez, " I smell a rat! I don't know about you, but I hardly every carry a mouse in my pocket."
|Prayers inside Hassan II Mosque on Laylat al-Qadr
Despite extensive inquiries the fate of the mouse (or mice) is still undetermined
The mouse incident has captured the imagination of many Moroccans and already the "mouse in the mosque" jokes are being told. There is also an animated music video by Khalid Benz, which has been viewed almost forty thousand times. It depicts the mouse, that caused the stampede and tells the story from his point of view.


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Tuesday, August 25, 2009
The Firehouse Lounge
The three flights of carpeted stairs leading up to this place are crooked. As I climb them, it occurs to me how difficult it will be to walk back down them later, when I'm hammered. I will need to be careful when that time comes. The lounge is on the third floor of this building and I have no idea what's on the other floors. Don't care. The front of the lounge is comprised of three enormous, arched windows. The sun isn't completely down yet, and it's flooding the place with a warm pink glow. I feel like I'm standing inside a giant, gaping, square vagina. The bar is top notch, like everything here, other than the corny paintings of palm trees on the wall. No idea what that's about. Everything else is great. Couches everywhere. Big cushions. Excellent interior design decisions abound. Everybody dressed nicely, except me. I don't belong here. Fortunately for me, I don't give a shit. Impressing corny, vain jackasses is not an aspiration of mine. It's my friend Dana's birthday and I will be drinking…a lot. Our waitress is stunning. She's a black girl, about 5'7." She's got a nose ring hanging in the center of her face like a door knocker. Normally that looks bad on girls, but it's cute on her. She's got dreadlocks, about two feet long. Some are dyed pink or bleached white. There are lots of nice tattoos on her arms. They're not overcrowded with them, just spaced out tastefully. The DJ is spinning nothing but funk, soul, and R&B hits of the '60s, '70s, and '80s. Everywhere our waitress walks, she's dancing and smiling. I don't know if it's a strategy to get tips or if it's a sincere expression of joy. I don't care. She is amazing. She can rotate her hips like a belly dancer, and smile like it's all she knows how to do. There are lots of other girls here but she stands out. My wife is talking with Dana and I'm making small talk with various other people. I don't really know them all that well but we've got friends in common. It's a good night. The gym will be closed tomorrow morning, so I don't have to wake up and go there. I can stay out later than usual and drink more than usual. I just need to be able to make it down those crooked fucking stairs.
Posted by Michael Scuro at 7:47 AM No comments:
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I know most people will think I am crazy to say I wish my kids were twins but I do. You see, I am a twin and so is my husband. My kids are 2 years apart and they get along very well but I feel like something is missing.
I want them to be best friends the way I am with my twin and my husband is with his. I want them to be able to go to each other to confide in and I want them to protect each other from this big big world.
I want them to know each others thoughts, to want to hang out with each other when they are older and talk to each other daily. I want them to have that special twin bond.
I always had a built in best friend. I always had someone to sit next to on the bus and someone to eat my lunch with at school. Throughout high school we were even in most of the same classes together. I always had someone just there for me no matter what. We often got asked the same question throughout our life... "What is it like being a twin?" I don't know what it's like to NOT have a twin so I can't answer that. We also dealt with some more frustrating questions like, does your sister feel this when I pinch you? Ow, and no. Why are your arms hairy and hers aren't? How come you have braces and she doesn't? Seriously!
We were so close that we new what was always going on with the other one.
My sister and I are fraternal twins and Anthony and his twin are identical... obviously:
My beautiful sister-in-law and Anthony's twin with us at a wedding a few years ago {we are the couple on the right}
Anthony gets it when my sister and I do "twin" things. Like showing up to every event in the same outfit, unplanned. Or needing to talk to each other daily, well, several times a day. And I get it when we go places and people confuse him for his brother. I love that this is something we share.
I am secretly wishing for my daughter to have twins ;) How great that would be!


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Mum told ourwoofselves that the first Welsh corgi she ever saw was when she was taken to the theatre to see an Elvis movie called Blue Hawaii.
Mum sez she had been too little to understand the silly movie let alone know what a corgi was. In dog-honest-fact, sez Mum, herself didn't remember the movie or the corgi till Blue Hawaii was on TV a couple of years back.
Doo you think Mum could have been left with a subliminal corgi image from very early childhood? Is the image what caused her pawsitive response when she saw a corgi again years later? . . . Who does know.
Anyhowl this is youtube of the corgi scene in Blue Hawaii.
That corgi was a smart fella eh!


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The Loch Ness Monster Turns 80 ... Has New Rival In Lake Foyle Monster?
Written By: Ken Hulsey
Though the legend of the Loch Ness Monster dates back to the middle ages the creature was really not known outside of Scotland until 1933 when a report of a sighting made international headlines.
On this date in 1933 the Inverness Courier ran a story about George Spicer and his wife who had been taking a leisurely drive around the Loch when the spotted something strange on the water. According to Spicer (it was) "the nearest approach to a dragon or pre-historic animal that I have ever seen in my life." The IC story was the first time that Nessie had been called a "monster" hence the title "Loch Ness Monster" was born.
The wire services quickly picked up on the story and soon the Loch Ness Monster was making headlines around the globe. The popularity of the piece prompted others who had reportedly seen the creature to come forward and before long the Inverness Courier was overwhelmed with stories and alleged sightings.
(More After The Break)
Within a year the first photo of Nessie taken by Hugh Gray (on December 6th 1933) and the famous Surgeon's Photograph (taken the following April), which has been now proven fake, were published spawning even more interest in the legendary beast.
"Bigfoot! He's real! I knew it! The Loch Ness Monster's book was right!"
Now, however the old girl may have a new rival in the newly filmed Lake Foyle Monster in Ireland!
Check this out!
The footage was taken by student Conall Melarkey when he was out on the water shooting a short film called 'Fishing With David Lynch' for college when the 'beast' broke through the surface of the water and swam past. - TMT Magazine
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Vera Farmiga has opened up about her role in the upcoming "Godzilla: King of Monsters" revealing that her character may have a ...
They had better hurry up because Harrison Ford isn't getting any younger! Here are some possible titles for the upcoming Geriatric J...
From BOOM! Studios BOOM! Studios is proud to continue The Road to San Diego, a ten-day spotlight on the most exciting comic book and gra...


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Who would have thought that a silly song made up on a long road trip over fifteen years ago would become the theme song for a children's CD in 2010?
Targeting kids from pre-school through Kindergarten, all 18 songs on the new CD were written by Lisa although she boats her oldest son was the originator of the tune "My Little Brother".
Lisa started singing at youth camps when she was 16. To this day she is still know by many as La-La Lisa.
What fun catchy tunes!
This is a new favorite at our house. The upbeat and silly songs are fun to dance to!
It will keep us plenty entertained on a long trip planned for later this year!
Though it is geared toward pre-school to Kindergarten age, even my 2nd and 3rd graders had great fun and enjoyed the tunes!
WARNING TO PARENTS: These tunes WILL get stuck in your head!
Take a listen here!
The Legal Stuff: This book was provided by Gina Adams @ Adams Group PR.


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Hey Baseball Card Guru's.
I've lost touch with my inner blogger... basically life has happened and I haven't had the time to sit down and get in touch.
My little girl is 16 months old now and basically takes up all my free time... and baseball card money. Fortunately I still have money for postage and have been very busy pulling off trades.
I know this is kinda anti climactic but I got another LOST CARD back!
I was able to acquire the Juan Marichal card in exchange for a Ray Lewis signed 8x10 framed and matted. It was a sweet item in my cave, but this Lost Card was particularly hard to find so I had to jump on the chance when I saw it pop up. In fact it's print run is limited to 90 so I knew it wouldn't be easy to find.
So that leaves only the 2009 Sweet Spot Derek Jeter auto and I've gotten all of my Lost Cards back!
In the meantime I've also cleaned up in my quest for Lineage relics and have now gotten a total of 70! The checklist includes 98 players, but 4 of them have both a jersey and bat relic and a lot of them have variations of jersey swatches. I've decided to just make it an even 100 as I plan to display them in a framed type of set up and it helps make it work... so that being said... just 30 left to go!
Check out my link for the Lineage project and the relic section will be up to date.
In other news I was at the ALDS game 2 for the Baltimore Orioles and watched them kick some more 8th inning ass again! It's been a magical year and I really feel like its a team of destiny. So bring on the third Cy Young winner in a row... I'm fairly certain this team can beat him too.
I'll carve some time out in the future to detail the new cards I've gotten and the ones i've shipped away. Or not... WHO KNOWS!
Not me anyways...


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More than one-third of American households experience income volatility in a year's time, according to Pew Charitable Trusts' 2015 Survey of American Family Finances. Pew defines volatility as a year-over-year change in annual household income of at least 25 percent. Here are the percentages who experienced volatility by generation...
Households with at least a 25% change in income, 2014-15 (and % gaining or losing)
Millennials: 43% (26% gain; 17% loss)
Gen Xers: 31% (18% gain; 13% loss)
Boomers: 31% (15% gain; 16% loss)
Silent: 31% (15% gain; 16% loss)
Income volatility is a hardship says Pew, and survey findings bear this out. The 34 percent of households experiencing income volatility between 2014 and 2015 were more likely than those with stable incomes to have experienced financial shortfalls in the past year. They were less likely to have savings or the ability to come up with $2,000 to pay for unexpected expenses. Households with a financial loss of 25 percent or more had median savings of just $1,550. Those with a financial gain of 25 percent or more had savings of $3,000. Those with stable incomes had median savings of $5,500.
The most commonly cited reason for income volatility is an irregular work schedule, says Pew.
Source: The Pew Charitable Trusts, How Income Volatility Interacts with American Families' Financial Security


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The voice is a powerful instrument
that only gets better with practice
Whether you're aiming for a career as a musician, preparing for a big audition, planning to enter a competition, or want to be the best singer in your church choir, voice lessons can help you on your path to excellence.
At Nine Muses Studio we believe anyone can be a musician. If you have a passion for music and a willingness to learn, you can become a great singer.
If you'd like to learn more about Nine Muses Studio, click the Lessons tab above, or click the Contact tab and submit the form to request more information.


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Firefighting was ranked as the most challenging job in the year 2015 followed closely by being recruited in the military; originally the profession entailed so much pressure from the devastating fire fighting scenes. Much improvement though has been in the offing following different building styles and materials used these days. Huge fires were the characteristics of the earlier days in most governments and jurisdictions, modern equipment's and improved systems are the order of the day these days. The job still is very demanding to call for firefighter training, experience and high qualifications.
What does firefighting involve?
As a firefighter you are always on standby 24/7 just like any other emergency demanding job, you have to be prepared always to be called upon at short or no notice at all to go to fight fires. Though sometimes the real task may not be fire, but the type of responsibility involved is very high since you may be called upon for any rescue mission at any time. Tackling any emergency situation requires you to have problems solving and emergency skills and being calm, in any region of the nation such emergencies do occur more often than before at short notice. The work entails fighting emergency fire, rescuing people who are trapped in buildings as a result of fire or any other menace, Road Traffic Collisions (R.T.C) and similar cases.
Training and Development:
Basically firefighting jobs requires a basic education coupled with professional training, to be a qualified fire fighter you will need to arm yourself with the following qualifications depending on which location;
a) Basic Diploma or a Degree related to disaster management, it will depend on which position you are required for.
b) Firefighter certification.
c) A basic paramedic and first aid training by recognized institutions.
d) Military trained firefighters are mostly preferred.
e) Firefighting license training depending on the locality.
f) Fire EMS Electronics Management System experience.
g) Other certifications depending on the level of jobs.
Common jobs in firefighting:
Here is a list of main positions in firefighter jobs:
b) Reserve Firefighter.
c) Fire Engineer.
d) Fire Inspector
e) Fire Technician
f) Shift Qualified Reserve.
g) Firefighter/Paramedic.
h) Fire-medic
it depends on where there is a job opening for firefighter jobs, but the above are the main general requirements in the industry. Firefighter jobs pay well since they are highly sensitive and stressful kind of work, but every government has its own requirements and the pay rate, though in most parts of US the terms are almost similar.


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If we all had a dime for every time a friend, family member or ourselves "talked fat...." What do you say, the end to the recession?? Quite possibly. :) I know from personal experience how tough it can be to turn negative self talk around, but it's well worth the efforts.
Tri-Delta is sponsoring National Friends Don't Let Friends Talk Fat Week and it's going on right now! Whether you partake for a day, a few hours or the entire week, it's bound to be a powerful thing in your life and those you speak to about it. The idea is simple -- aim to cut down on your own "fat talk" and/or call others out on theirs.
Lots more information and suggestions on ways to participate can be found at: www.endfattalk.com. Would love to hear your thoughts on this campaign...and those of you who are courageous and/or spectacular enough to try it, please share your experiences!
Lots of love and health and happiness always...
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Friends Don't Let Friends Talk Fat Week
Posted by August at 7:55 PM
3 comments:
- Lynn Vannucci said...
We all do do this, don't we? Your post was a whack on the side of the head: don't talk about it, DO something about it.
- October 29, 2009 at 3:14 PM
Food nutrition facts whic are essential to know. Here I have created some concise flashcards, hope you find them useful.
- November 14, 2009 at 6:45 AM
- August said...
Thank you, Lynn! And you're right -- we all have room to improve as well as the means... :)
- December 1, 2009 at 8:52 PM
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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Viktor and Rolf RTW Fall 2008
Their collection was simply divine (as with the rest of the collections of Fall 2008). As you can see, The clothes were de-constructed using stamples (genius, it is a modern take on 70s punk rock rebellion).
Fast foward to Fall 2009 which turned out special, especially in Milan wherein Prada and Marni showed two of the few best collections
Prada RTW Fall 2009
Marni RTW Fall 2009
Prada paid no homage to the fairly recent decade of the 80s where many (as in many) designers try to bring back. Arent they nauseated of repeating the 80s for far to long? or did they forget that Balmain already singlehandedly brought the eighties back 2-3 seasons ago with the ripped denim skinny pants, the Over-the-side-dramatic-kinda-like-shoulderpads-but-not-really-Shoulders and ultra short party dresses.Together with Prada, Marni stayed true to their design philosphy injecting eccentricity in their clothes without making it overly styled.
My favorite shows were Prada, Rodarte, Marni, Chloe, Chanel, YSL, Lanvin, Nina Ricci and Balenciaga. Hands Down the best shows of Fall 2009
This blog entry is fairly easy to understand, I am forecasting the next possible color trend that we will all see after the heatwave we are experiencing here in the Philippines. I hope im right :)
If im right it, Red (rustic wine like velvety red - and red with a tinge of violet) will be the color of Fall 2009. As seen in collections of Dries Van Noten, Fendi, Prada, Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana and MORE.
Dries van Noten RTW Fall 2009
Fendi RTW Fall 2009
Gucci RTW Fall 2009
Akris RTW Fall 2009
Sonia Rykiel RTW Fall 2009
Dolce and Gabbana RTW Fall 2009
Enough said with the color choice.
Here are the trends to look out for this Summer and the next colder months
* Chainmail Like Clothing (best exemplified by the Stella McCartney chainmail dresses 2 seasons ago, but Roberto Cavalli and Prada showed edgier versions of it in thier dresses and pants)Roberto Cavalli RTW Fall 2009
Prada RTW Fall 2009
* 80s revival (you name it trash and vaudeville, squared off shoulders, ripped damaged bleached jeans, grudge-out on the night party girls-disco dresses,color splash, short cocktail dresses, iridescent clothing, max Accessories, and the list goes on)
Balmain RTW Spring 2009
* Maximalism! bold accessories (not just necklaces, but hats, shoes, bags etc). In this recession, why become a boring depressed person! put on all the accessories in your wardrobe and be happy with it lolDries van Noten RTW Spring 2009
Diane von Furstenberg RTW Fall 2009
* Remember the Boyfriend Jacket? I dont know if it reached here, but we've seen some hollywood celebs wear them. I think they'll stay until Fall 2009 together with the Skinned Harem Pants, Dropped Jhodpurs and Ripped Denim Daisy Dukes and Pants which are the key trends this Summer. Think the Marrakech Express + Denim Galore + Trash and Vaudeville 80s sensibilities + a whole lot of attitude = a great spring/summer look.
Dries van Noten RTW Spring 2009Rag and Bone RTW Spring 2009
Givenchy RTW Spring 2009
William Rast RTW Spring 2009
Ralph Lauren RTW Spring 2009
* As we all know if there is RED, BLUE would be present. Just in case im wrong with the color for Fall, try on Blue which was showed in some shows around milan, new york and london (i havent seen paris fashion week yet)
* Have you seen Rachel Zoe channeling Paramore frontwoman Haley? not with the crazy RED hair ofcourse but with the oversized beanie+bonnnet+beret like headpiece. Dries Van Noten Spring 2009 had a collection full of headpieces. I love them. WEAR them :) bummer i cant find a decent picture of the oversized beanie she wore.Rachel Zoe @ Carolina Herrera Fall 2009
Rachel Zoe @ Matthew Williamson Fall 2009
I recommend you to see the collections of Chanel, Chloe, Yves Saint Laurent, Alexander Mcqueen, Nina Ricci, Christopher Kane, Jaeger London, Christian Lacroix, Dries Van Noten, Prada, Marni, Gucci, Karl Lagerfeld, Givenchy, Marc Jacobs, Anne Demeulemeester and Rodarte for future references
visit http://www.style.com/ for more fashion.
I know im getting ahead of myself because most of the Fall 2009 concepts will probably be introduced here in the Philippines in August or September, but still its better to be informed than to not know at all.
Hope this will inspire you to recreate and BUY more stuff! who cares if theres a recession! right? :)


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Obey by the rule Less is More, these 06 items I personally pick are the ones that will give you a minimum of 5 different looks when you mix match with the tops in my previous entry. I hope this second topic will help you discover new pieces to the big puzzle in which we're on our way completing.
- Skinny jeans: a very basic but trendy item for various occasions i.e outdoor activities, casual hangout, dates, etc... If you have a slim body, every type of skinny jeans looks good on you. However, if your body is a little bit too curvy, avoid light colors.
- Legging: in your wardrobe you MUST HAVE at least one printed legging. On a beautiful day, if you feel like you want a little revolution, wear it. Either floral, aztec or abstract pattern, a definite awesome look for an urban chic.
- Baggy pants: a rare item but you will find it very useful and trendy. Need a little SWAG, put it on!
- Shorts: summer will be empty without the shorts! High-waisted shorts give you a vintage hispter look with denim materials or a lovely vintage look with cotton materials. Only choose a leather textile if you have a fairy nice body figure.
- Midi skirt: a classic and never out-trend item for every lady. Choose a floral skirt for downtown romance or a leather one for fashion occasions/night event.
- Pencil skirt: another MUST HAVE item. Not only its provide you a good look while working in the office but it also helps you impress your working partners. Well, didn't you remember the pencil skirt became a HOT DEAL that women were crazy over when Sandra Bullock wore them in lovely romcom The Proposal?
Well, it's 2am in the morning and I bet I have to go to sleep quick. I'd love to continue my 3rd entry 'Your outerwears' on Wednesday but unfortunately it will be impossible for me to do so. I'll be on holiday until Sep 5. I'm gonna do a lot of outdoor activities during my holiday so I promise the 3rd entry will be posted on Sep 7 without any further delay.
I hope you won't mind it.
Thank you


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Friday, October 8, 2010
F by Buffalo Kitchens
11 comments:
Do you like strong cheese?ReplyDelete
Heard about this through one of my creatives. Buffalo is a cookware brand venture out into the f&b scene. Would love to try the Wagyu Beef Cheek :)ReplyDelete
Wow (at Augustdiners' comment)!Though I admit tht the word "buffalo" got me thinkin of tht cookware brand too.ReplyDelete
Everyone & every brand ventureing into the F&B scene eh?
so it's Buffalo + Daikanyama venture ;p ..
michelle: i do! and i just had good, strong cheese yesterday! :DReplyDelete
augustdiners: their e-store does seem kinda interesting! everything from pressure cookers to ozone food sterilizers. too bad i can't cook! :D
tng: heheh, collaboration is the key to success? in this case, let's hope it'll be a long and successful partnership! :D
i can see that it's an open kitchen concept. i hope they have a good ventilation system.ReplyDelete
eiling: ventilation was good! i think they use special cooking equipment too, to help minimize any problems with the heat...ReplyDelete
I wonder what the F stands for...ReplyDelete
lfb: food? friends? fun? all of the above? heheh :DReplyDelete
Notty ol' me was actually thinking of... Farts? :PReplyDelete
lfb: hmmmmm ... that begs the question of what channels u've been watching on your pay-per-view hotel room tv :PReplyDelete
Buffalo has a long history spanning for nearly half a century. Equipped with the most advanced technology and highest standard production plant in Asia, our multiply stainless steel cookware business flourished internationally.ReplyDelete
buffalo kitchens


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Ok, sorry for the corny title, but I had to do it (never again. promise.)
As you can probably infer from my amazing, exciting, witty, "punny" title, I completed my FIRST TRIATHLON EVER today!
I've had the idea of triathlon in the back of my mind for 0ver a year but never had the time, willingness, etc. to actually train for and compete in a triathlon. When I first started cycling and joined a racing club, my high school soccer coach asked, "can you swim?", subsequently predicting that I would eventually compete in triathlons. Today, her prediction came true.
Because the race had an 8 AM start, and because the instructions in the race packet said so, I planned on getting to the site at 6:30 AM. The race coordinators said to get there early, and they weren't joking. I rolled in around 6:45 AM thinking I was doing well, but as I drove past the bike racks, they were rapidly filling up.
In a panicky furry, I spun my car into a parking spot, hopped out, grabbed my bike and snagged the first open spot I saw on the rack. With my heart rate settling back to normal, I walked (trying to look like I knew what I was doing) back to register and finish setting up my stuff.
Fast forward through my measly warm-up (need to work on getting in a better one!) and I was at the start of the swim. At this point, I was thinking three things:
1.) Why did I sign up for this?
2.) I really wish I had a wetsuit like EVERY OTHER PERSON HERE.
3.) I hope I don't drown.
And we were off.
Despite the fact that had read plenty of books and articles mandating practice swims in open water, this was my first "real" open water swim. Yes, I knowingly went against all rational advice I have every received.
1.) I drank A LOT of salt water.
2.) I got kicked and hit by a lot of people and I kicked and hit a lot of people, but I knew it was going to happen, so it didn't have any adverse effects on my performance.
3.) My goggles fogged
4.) I had a hard time catching my breath. Luckily, despite my not-so-great swimming abilities, I'm pretty comfortable in the water, so I wasn't scared. Its just an observation.
5.) Swimming is not my strong point. I was glad to get it out of the way, but it seemed so freaking long! I was really happy when it was over.
6.) Next time…wetsuit.
T-1 wasn't bad. I had my shoes open (I might try having them already clipped in next time), threw on a jersey, helmet, socks and I was good to go!
1.) My strongest event! I made up a lot of time and was able to pass a lot of people.
2.) I'd like to see if aero bars make a big difference. I don't have them now, but I'm considering getting some.
3.) I've ridden the route many times before, so I was really comfortable.
T-2, again, OK. Got off the bike, took off helmet and put on sneaks (which were already untied) and went.
1.) It was sunny and hot by this time and I was definitely feeling it.
2.) My legs, surprisingly, felt great going from bike to run! Usually they feel super heavy but I think the adrenaline dampened the pain a bit.
3.) I pretty much just had to push myself through the run and kept giving myself pep-talks and motivating myself by challenging myself to pass runners ahead of me.
Overall it was really exciting! My family came to cheer me on and I was so happy and felt really accomplished after finishing. It felt so different from the bike races I'm used to doing, but it was awesome! I see more triathlon in my future. I ended up winning my age group and placed 20th of the women. I had a goal time of 1:30:00 and ended up finishing the 1/2 mile swim, 14.4 mile bike and 3.1 mile run in 1:23:19.
I'll discuss how I trained in a future post!


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Glen Mills Senior Living
Glen Mills Senior Living is an assisted living community in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania. Our senior housing community is nestled in an upscale neighborhood, yet is quite accessible on Route 1. We are also within minutes of major medical facilities, restaurants and shopping locations are within minutes of our community, as well as historical and local attractions, including the Brandywine Battlefield, Longwood Gardens, and Media Theatre.
Our dedicated staff promote a spirit of family and strive to provide a high quality of life for those needing assisted living or short-term/respite care options within our beautiful senior living community.
Housing Type
Assisted Living, Respite/Short Term
Payment Options
Private Pay
Minimum Monthly Rate
$3,550/ month


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While Mammoths roamed North America and Eurasia, and while giant Ground Sloths wandered about South America, Diprotodon made all of Australia its home. Also called "the Giant Wombat," Diprotodon was the largest Marsupial to have ever lived. These Wombat relatives were the size of a Hippopotamus!
Like most Megafauna, we aren't totally sure why the Diprotodon went extinct. It may have been a climate shift, but it may also have been human involvement. The time of their extinction coincides with the expansion of humans onto the continent, and tool marks have been found on some fossils. In all likelihood though, multiple causes led to the downfall of the world's largest marsupial. Wombats and Koalas carry on their legacy.. albeit in a much, much smaller form.
Status : Extinct for around 45,000 years
Location : Australia
Size : Shoulder height 6.5ft (2m), weight 6,000lbs (2,700kg)
Classification : Phylum : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Infraclass : Marsupialia
Order : Diprotodontia -- Family : †Diprotodontidae -- Genus : †Diprotodon


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despite an arty hand-made cross on the wall of every room--
despite the bus schedule copied down on the back of an envelope--
the wind blows
in January, in Detroit,
the wind blows
as if it knew you before you knew yourself,
like a too-loud aunt resurrected from childhood.
The wind blows
as if it knows you by name, by predilection--
the wind blows
as if it knows and has a problem with you.
Here in Detroit,
we are almost Canadian;
despite the MKZ's in the circular drives of Oakland County,
we are mutts;
we are donut-heads and hockey-hearted Janes.
Look, I'm not proud.
I pick my way through the slush and into the Dollar General,
happy as a skunk at midnight.
I put on no airs--
I like Randall and the honey badger every bit as much as Rimbaud,
and I would kiss a French trapper right on the lips,
right through his six months' beard,
if I could ever find one.
Despite tenacious hope,
despite the redeeming power of toll house cookies,
the wind blows
in January, in Detroit,
the wind blows
and carries me into another afternoon,
as smoothly as delirium rolling
off the cold, competent assembly line
of winter time double shift Motown dreams.
I really do have an "arty hand-made cross on the wall of (almost) every room". I brought them home with me from San Antonio.
...and, a song to go with, which references "south Detroit". They play it at the Red Wings' games and everybody shouts that part. But anyone who lives here knows that there is no "south Detroit." There is "downriver", and there is *in* the river. Take a look at the shape of the mitten, and you'll see what I mean.


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A couple crappy snapshots. It's getting to the final-ish stage, finally. Though there's about another 10 pounds of junk to load in there.
When I design/layout the thing, I always use the camera; either look through the LCD viewfinder, or bring snaphots into Photoshop and draw on them. I drew the stack of stretcher frames before I built them. It's kind of funny - the set actually looks a bit dumb in real life. Strange placement of furniture, and tiny little piles of props in a huge set. But when you turn the camera on the thing, it looks good. Must be doing it right, I suppose.


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Christmas is around the corner, I still remember an article which I read in 2009 December.
After reading the article, I wrote in my blog & I wish to repost it here:
Yesterday, I read an article "Christmas is for everyone" by Rusdi Mustapha in Malay Mail. It helps me to recall how I spent Christmas with my children when they were young little kids.
First of all, my children and I are not Christians, but my Filipino maid is a Catholic. Initially, my maid and I will decorate the tree while my children happily helping with the decorative items. As my kids grow older, they help their "sister" decorate the tree; the "sister" has been with us for 12 years. (Now 15 years)
I have Christmas tree in my house for 3 reasons:
1st To let my maid feel at home and teach my kids to respect other's religion,
2nd The twinkle lights on Christmas tree help to create festival mood in the family,
3rd Decorating Christmas tree is a project lead by the maid and assist by the kids.
The maid is a part of the family.
1st To let my maid feel at home and teach my kids to respect other's religion,
2nd The twinkle lights on Christmas tree help to create festival mood in the family,
3rd Decorating Christmas tree is a project lead by the maid and assist by the kids.
The maid is a part of the family.
A comment posted to the article "Christmas is for everyone" : ....It reminds me of a story I heard 2weeks ago in Manado. My guide told me a story that the Indonesian PM visited a mosque there and an official made a request for a full grown pine tree within the mosque to be chopped down, on the account that it is a Christian tree! The PM asked when did the old pine tree convert to Christianity?
The comment tickles me but also make me ponder : Why must one be so narrow minded? Why can't we respect each other? I have a WISH: Let's 2010 be a GOOD year for everyone. ( The over jealous action or implementation of an official will jeopardize the policy and wishes of Leaders)
(Article from Malay Mail)
SERI MENANTI: Christmas is for everyone!
Rusdi MustaphaMonday, December 28th, 2009 11:05:00
ONCE upon a time, almost in the age of enlightenment in this country in the early 90s, I wrote in a newspaper column about roasting turkey for Christmas for friends.
The following week, I received a letter from a Pas Youth leader asking me to repent for I had deviated from the true path of Islam or so he had surmised just from what appeared to be my derring-do attitude for making a roast turkey dinner!
He said as roasting turkey has always been associated with the Christian religion, I as a Muslim, should stick to "our own" traditional culinary delights (lemang, rendang?).
And that I had succumbed to Christian ideology which he claimed was so so subtle, like roasting turkeys, and that Muslims would be easily influenced.
I sighed and laughed it off as being one of those quirks in life! This guy from Kelantan had probably never tasted roast turkey with cranberry sauce in his life, and yet he condemned the turkey as being heretic!
Like any other year, this year is no different when it comes to Dec 25; the world, and Malaysians included, celebrate Christmas. Like any other festival, it is celebrated in the true spirit of friendship, brotherhood, love and giving and most of all forgiving! And lots of turkey dinners, yum! And egg-nag, Christmas pudding and sweet potatoes!
Personally for me and my family, Christmas has always been a festival of happiness and a celebration of light.
From those days when we were in Canada and until now in Malaysia, except for this year, we have always had a small pine tree, namely a Douglas fir, in our living room that my wife and I, and our daughter when she was around, decorated.
Christmas in Canada was also fun. I had a lot of good memories, plus the snow AND the brutal wind-chill factor outside, and there will be a lot of presents under the tree for all of us.
Forget the religious connotations being associated with Christmas, this joyous celebration must be celebrated not only by Christians, but by Malaysians of all creed, colour and religion.
During my wandering days around the world, I had spent many Christmases with many groups, such as the most memorable one with a group of gypsies of Thessaloniki in Greece.
Here is the thing, gypsies are not even Christians and yet they find a reason to have fun. In their campsite they will make stew and they will be drinking a peculiar Greek drink called retsina, a type of wine that tastes like pine resin.
It tastes awful but after a while they forget the taste and start to spin and dance.
Come to think of it, I have celebrated Christmas with Ukrainians, Kurdish, Turkish, Indians, Albanians, Croatians, Chinese, Bosnians, Germans, Indonesians, Dutch, Slovaks and many, many more unique tribes of the world, and they all have one thing in common — they all celebrate Christmas with such joy, gusto and happiness!
It is a universal thing.
Did you know that the late PLO leader Yasser Arafat attended Christmas mass with his wife Seha who is a Catholic? In the Middle East, not all Arabs are Muslims and not all Muslims are also Arabs. They celebrate one another's religious celebration as Arabs. Even the sermon is in the Arabic language.
I have a good friend from Sarawak whose multi-religious family lives under one roof. As I know it, Evelyn and her sister Joyce are Christians, and the other three siblings are Muslims; they love one another and no religion can separate them. They live under the true concept of 1 Family, no matter what their religion is.
I know I am rambling, but it takes a lot of energy writing this column, knowing three of my most important persons — my wife, my daughter and my grand-daughter — are celebrating Christmas with friends and relatives over in Canada.
For the record, my only granddaughter, she is 10 months old, celebrated her first Christmas on this Planet Water, in Canada with her grandma-Uwan, her mummy and her daddy, and her daddy's relatives and I can only imagine how joyous it must be, and sadly I am not there.
So here goes, Merry Christmas and May God or Allah, bless us all! Especially to my "keepers" and those I dearly love!


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Ryan Beatty Goes Barefoot For 'One Day Without Shoes' Movement
Ryan Beatty rides a bike barefoot while holding a SpongeBob popsicle for Toms' "One Day Without Shoes" on Tuesday (April 16).
The 17-year-old singer joined the global movement to raise awareness for children's health and education, and shared his adventures via social media.
PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Ryan Beatty
"wish I could be barefoot everyday everywhere," he later tweeted. "flying back to Los Angeles, my phone is at 16% and I am going to have nothing to do for 6 hours. but I went all day barefoot so that's cool."
Watch Ryan walk around barefoot all day in the short video below!
Bigger pics inside…
Posted to: Ryan Beatty


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Monday, September 12, 2011
Cool Japanese Thing #99: Capsule Hotels
So, I spent this weekend visiting my old haunt, Kawagoe. It's a pretty big city, roughly twice the size of my home, Salem. While staying there, I had to make sleeping accomodations, and ended up staying at one of the oft-spoken of Capsule Hotels that litter Japan. These hotel rooms are really nothing more than coffin-shaped boxes with mattresses inside. You can see from the photo above that they are quite small. That may be part of why the price tag is only $40 per night.
For my $40, I received one "bedroom," pictured above, in addition to access to a communal bathroom and sauna. There, I was able to wash away the sweat and dirt clinging to me. Hours of walking in 90-degree, humid weather will do that to the most stalwart of men.
There are no doors, and privacy comes with a pull-down screen that protects against visitors and noise. The screen hooks at the bottom of the entrance so that it can only be lifted from the inside. On the upper right is a television, and the speaker is near the head of the bedroom, so you can hear the program without disturbing adjacent capsules.
I set my alarm for 9am so that I could spend extra time in the sauna and still meet the 10am check-out deadline. The hotel has a common room with leather couches and a wide-screen television, so I watched the news before gathering my things and taking off. One thing I found particularly interesting is that the hotel takes your shoes when you arrive. I assume that's to prevent you from skipping out on your bill, but it might just be a strange habit of this type of establishment.
Sleeping at the Capsule Inn was a pleasant, relaxing experience and I would definitely use of these businesses again if I was visiting somewhere in Japan for a short time.
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