Posted by Carl on Oct 27, 2009 in
Good Going
So, it’s time for another season of American Idol. And it’s love/hate for me this season. Here’s why…
So, I love the show. I love the format…for the most part. But I was never exactly in love with Paula’s performance. Apparently, neither were the show’s producers. So, what do they do? They bring in Kara. For me, she’s the better judge (because she actually gives real, actionable feedback. Paula usually avoided the uncomfortable by focusing on the contestant’s appearance.)
But…as refreshing as Kara is, the 4 judge system has never worked (for those of you who remember Season 2).
When I heard that Paula was leaving the show because the producers lowballed her, I got excited again. Too bad my excitement lasted for about 10 minutes. My heart sunk when I found out that Ellen would be joining the cast at the judges table.
What are they thinking?
Having 3 judges at the table is better, almost magically correct number for two big reasons. 1) It gives each judge more time to comment. And 2) it’s exciting to hear that Randy doesn’t care for the performance, while Paula does. And then it’s up to Simon to split the vote.
My other big beef with Ellen is Ellen. What is she really bringing to the table? Viewers? I don’t think so.
Is Idol really hurting for viewers? No. (And I doubt Ellen can bring in an audience that doesn’t already exist at this point.)
Does the show need comic relief? No. And I think we all remember the Nick/Norman Gentle fiasco last season.
And–above all else–other than singing “just keep swimming” in Finding Nemo, what credentials does Ellen have?
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Posted by Carl on Oct 27, 2009 in
Good Going
Kohler is a name that immediately comes to mind for many folks when speaking of unsurpassed quality and value at reasonable prices. For more than 80 years, Kohler kitchen faucets and the brand of Kohler have been an industry institution.
Kohler’s business is literally ‘in-the-toilet,’ you could say. In reality, their business is not only in the toilet but also in top-quality lavatory faucets, kitchen faucets, bathroom accessories, showerheads, and all kinds of sinks. The refined, premium quality products of Kohler are produced under a variety of names including Hytec, Sterling, and of course, Kohler. In addition, Kohler also manufactures furniture under such brand names as McGuire and Baker, as well as Ann Sacks for stone, ceramic and mosaic tile.
Sales are mostly driven by demand from construction, telecommunications, electrical distribution and hardware retailing for Kohler’s manufacturing of kitchen faucets, lavatory and sink faucets, among a host of other plumbing supplies.
Kohler’s ability in being profitable is largely attributed to their efficient use of inventory management and their ability and skill in merchandising. Small operators, according to Hoovers.com, are able to compete in Kohler’s space through their efforts in stocking specialty products, delivering top-level service or by ensuring they stock all the inventory required by their customers. A highly-automated industry, the avvnual average revenue per employee averages around $450,000.
Lesser known activities such as Kohler’s development of generators, small engines and power supplies ffor both consumer and industrial applications are part of Kohler’s product line development. Kohler also invests in real estate operations, including a Wisconsin resort called ‘Destination Kohler, and the ‘Old Course Hotel Golf Resort and Spa located in Scotland.
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Posted by Carl on Oct 27, 2009 in
Good Going
You may have seen in the news recently that Midland Heart Housing Association has become one of the latest UK organisations to choose an 03 phone number as its main contact line.
The housing body is one of the top 10 housing and regeneration groups in the England and joins a growing list of housing associations that are now using 03 numbers, including Walsall Housing Group, Accord Housing Association and Broadland Housing Association.
There are a variety of reasons why housing associations, like Midland Heart, are choosing 03 numbers as their main point of contact for residents. Here are 10 of them:
1) 03 numbers cost residents the same to call as regular landline (01/02 numbers) even from a mobile phone (44.5% of all UK calls are now made from mobiles – Ofcom 2009). This makes them ethical phone numbers that are not subject to any negative publicity (which is of particular importance to publically funded bodies).
2) Like all non-geographic numbers, 03 numbers enable organisations to smarten up the way they deal with calls with intelligent features like introduction messages (“Thank you for calling Midland Heart Housing Association”) and options menus (e.g. Press 1 for general enquiries, 2 for bill payment etc.)
3) Organisations can handpick a highly memorable number that their callers will recall easily.
4) Calls to 03 numbers can be easily recorded for training purposes.
5) 03 numbers simply ‘sit’ on top of any landline or mobile number. No additional equipment or hardware is needed.
6) Callers can be queued, meaning that all important calls will be answered.
7) 03 numbers can easily move with an organisation if it relocates – they simply get ‘pointed’ at the new landline/mobile accordingly.
03 numbers can be inexpensive to run if you seek out the provider with the most competitive offering on the market (e.g. 30,000 free inbound minutes per month and once they have been used 0.5 pence per minute for all calls received after that).
9) It’s possible to see the geographic location of callers and the busy periods of the organisation using online call statistics packages.
10) 03 numbers and their features are fully controlled online. No additional hardware or equipment is needed and settings can be changed at any time and from anywhere with an internet connection.
Posted by Carl on Oct 27, 2009 in
Good Going
Before buying a wooden porch swing, it’s important to make sure that the swing you are buying meets a number of important criteria. Here is a list of what you should look for in a swing, along with some reasons why it’s critical.
Hand Made – A hand made swing is certainly a must when buying a porch swing. This is because each piece is individually crafted, ensuring better cuts and a smoother finish.
Cypress – Cypress has been called the “eternal wood” because of its ability to stand up to the elements. A cypress swing is as durable as teak, while being as little as one-tenth the price! Don’t buy a swing made from exotic woods only to watch it rot on your porch.
Size – Be sure that the porch swing you choose is the correct size to fit on your porch, and to fit the number of people you expect to be swinging on it.
Accessories – Would you like your swing to have a cup holder? An interesting question, perhaps, but certainly something to think about. What will you want with you while on your porch swing? Keep that in mind when looking at what’s available.
The Porch Swings I Love Most
Of course, I have a very strong preference in porch swings. There is one particular artisan who builds beautiful, durable porch swings from Cypress. His name is Ted Leger (pronounced Lay-shay), and he’s based in Louisiana (where a lot of cypress trees grow). All of his swings are hand made, and he can ship anywhere in the USA.
I strongly recommend you view the variety of wooden porch swings he has available.
Mywealthtel