Barn fires are devestating. A rabbitry owner had converted his garage to a rabbit barn, and early one morning found it in flames. A goat breeder lost 150 head, many of them babies, when a young kid knocked down a heat lamp. A barn of draft horses perished from heat buildup of a manure pile. Thousands of horses lose their lives every year trapped in barns that people cannot get to. Insurance often doesn’t cover the entire cost. And insurance buys things but doesn’t replace that special animal lost forever. Champion Thoroughbreds like Favorite Trick and Saratoga Six lost their lives as well as 43 head of Thoroughbreds and Quarter horses, most just two year olds, killed in February 2006 in a fire at Eureka Downs in Eureka Kansas.
Fire is a thief. It often happens hours from the time the last person leaves the barn - meaning it’s left smouldering for hours undetected. An Oregon riding academy housing 75 horses ravaged by fire undetected until the following morning when instead of feeding the barn was found in ashes with dead and dying horses in burned out stalls. Race tracks have had fires and many famous and not so famous horses have been victims to fire. It doesn’t care if the horse is a youngster with promise or an old champion or a much loved family member. A fire that starts in a horse’s stall is severe enough that the horse has usually less than 30 seconds to be rescued before suffering fatal smoke inhalation burns. In less than 2 minutes a burning bed of straw generates more heat than a pool of gasoline. And with so much to burn - wood, bedding, hay - the fires spread quickly. Those things which don’t burn - plastic based buckets for example - melt. When the fire gets to the tackroom there’s blankets, grooming supplies, saddle oils and many aerosol cans which explode and send the fire even more rapidly raging through the barn. If the fire isn’t noticed for 10 minutes - many horses will already be gone while others, sensing what is coming and unable to escape, cringe, terrified, in the corner of their stall.
Several years ago I had a new extension cord, a heavy one, plugged into a heat lamp securely over a nest box. My Anatolian shepherd began creating a fuss and when I went out to investigate there were sparks and flames coming from the connection of the cord. Next to a mobile home this could have been a devestating fire had I not been home or had a dog smart enough to sense the danger.
Take steps today to reduce the risk of fire. A report indicates summer fires are generally due to lightning or hay; winter fires to hay, electrical shorts or heaters. By one estimate more than 4,500 barn fires break out annually - most are preventable!! An article by Carolyn Burch, “Fire Season in Horse Country - a Prevention Guide” - most horses that die come down to common ground reasons: Hard to catch horses Absence of halters and leadropes or insufficient quantities of either People who are not around enough to notice the first signs of danger Lack of smoke detectors and/or fire sprinkler systems Highly flammable materials stored in and near barns and horse sheds, high brush Lack of trailer or trailers sufficient to remove horses Difficult to load horses
Common sense says - a halter and lead for each horse, horses that are easy to catch, trailer access and horses eager to load and prevention will save most horses from ever being in a fire or increase his chances of surviving one. Remember in a crisis situation *you* may not be the one trying to halter the horse - he’ll be facing strangers trying to help him. Even babies should be trained to be caught as part of early training.
Keep a working phone in the barn, with written EXACT directions above it so that anyone can read off directions and direct emergency workers to the barn. In a crisis minutes count!! A five minute delay in looking for the barn entrance can mean the difference between getting horses out or not or, in some cases, saving the barn or not. Move manure piles away from the barn - convenience can be deadly. Composting manure piles generate a large amount of heat. Post NO SMOKING signs and mean it - no smoking in or near the barn. If you have a dryer in the barn take the time to clean the vents regularly. If you need more plug-in space get it rewired and eliminate the extension cords. Secure heat lamps better. Keep no more than a few days worth of hay in the barn where horses and equipment is. Have a place for the farrier that is solid floored with NO chance of a spark hitting bedding, hay or other flammable things. Keep portable heaters to a minimum and turn them off when not in the barn. Oily rags, farm chemicals, paint, fertilizer and extra lumber needs a storage place away from the barn. Thread wire through conduit for extra protection. Keep operational fire extinguishers accessible in the barn. Keep dust and cobwebs to a minimum. Keep electrical boxes especially clean and maintained.
Train horses so all can be caught quickly. Skittish horses should be stalled near the ends for faster evacuation. A halter and lead rope for each horse should be on the stall door.
Some fire departments will evaluate your premesis with safety suggestions and attend for fire drills, which should be done to practice emergency evacuations. Have fire alarms, smoke alarms and a sprinkler system available. Move the electrical panels to the driest place possible. Have dust and moisture resistent covers over flourescent lights and sealed covers over light bulbs with a cage to prevent breakage. Motors - including for fans - should have moisture and dust proof switches and keep them over 18 inches from any hay or bedding. Place electric fence units outside the barn - use UL listed units and place them in an enclosed weather-proof structure 10′ from buildings. All appliances used in the barn should be grounded. Do not use portable heaters unattended - those listed that will turn off when tipped over aren’t good enough - the unit will still be hot. Any heater cords or heat tapes should be protected and all cords should be protected from animal mouths.
Have exit doors clearly marked. Keep aisles clear! Keep them raked/swept and keep materials clear so as to make evacuation possible if need be. Keep weeds and trash picked up and mowed. When new hay comes in make sure adequate ventilation is provided. Pay attention to hay baled too wet. Keep a long reinforcing rod near the hay pile - drive it down into the hay and leave it for a while. Pull it out and check it - if it’s too hot to touch deal with it now!! It CAN IGNITE.
Keep vehicles stored outside the building - hot tailpipes, motors, gasoline tanks all contribute to fires. Have properly installed and grounded lightning rods installed on buildings. Have the driveway clearly and distinctly marked. Have the 911 address obvious and clearly lit at night. Modify your electrical system to allow the water pumps on while power to the rest of the buildings is off. Regularly inspect electrical boxes and wiring - this can’t be stressed enough!
Have all your important papers - coggins sheets, pedigrees and other records - stored outside the barn office or have copies at another location.
Keep heat lamps for kids, pigs, etc SECURELY suspended. This means no twine string or frayed rope - chain and snaps, and a secure electrical box to plug in to. Keep these cords out of reach of mouths - I know of someone who lost a champion Saanen doe because she chewed in to a cord and was electrocuted. That was tragic but the bedding and about 30 feet away 20′ high stack of hay could have meant a disaster of major proportions. A fire started by a heat lamp too close to hay at another barn killed several goats as well as several horses and destroyed a 200X100′ pole barn when adding to the difficulty of lots of fuel to burn firefighters had to transport water to the scene - there was not sufficient water source.
Look at your barn with new eyes. Don’t put off needed maintenance!! Tomorrow will be too late if your barn and animals burn tonight.
If you are in business on the Internet or in the real world you need to advertise and promote your business. Most small and medium size businesses don’t understand the importance of getting their name out there. In my years of calling on business owners I have seen small businesses start-up and spend thousands of dollars on build-outs improvements and equipment, but fail to spend any money on promoting their business. They just sit there and wait for people to show up and most often it never happens the way the business owner envisioned because no money was spent on advertising.
Some business owners have the illusion that if they open-up and hang a shingle on a busy street their business will prosper. This is far from the truth! You must advertise your business or your business will die or worse case scenario your business will make just enough to pay the bills and that is like being trapped in a dead end low paying job. You just keeping hoping the business will turn the corner and progress to the next level but it never does because you don’t advertise.
Small Business owners have many excuses why they don’t advertise. “I don’t advertise because I have more business than I can handle, I don’t need to advertise, It’s to expensive, or it’s doesn’t work.”
Large corporations devote entire departments to promoting their business. They spend a large percentage of their profits, usually 10-15% promoting their business either through agencies or in-house advert departments. Either way Big Businesses understand the importance of advertising and promoting their product or service. As a small or medium size business you should adopt the same philosophy.
DEVELOP A MARKETING PLAN Usually, Small Businesses don’t have the financial capital or resources to advertise like big businesses, but they can promote their business with almost the same results. A marketing plan does not have to be elaborate but it does need to be complete. Marketing plans serve as a road map to navigate promotional plans for your business. A good marketing plan will help you to get to know your business better and help you realize your business potentials and limitations. There are many elements to a full marketing plan but I am only covering what I think are the most important three elements. Before beginning, visit your local library, bookstore or do a online search on the subject.
1.Ways to advertise (even if you don’t use all of them you need to list every possible way you can promote your business) Here is a hierarchal list of ways to advertise and promote your business; Radio, TV, Newspapers, Magazines, Internet, Direct Mail, Specialty Products, Other (Billboards & taxi-tops) Newsletters and Community Involvement. Make a resource list under each of these categories. The list will realistic help determine the best ways to advertise.
2.The cost for each advertising venue. (Prices help to establish a more realistic budget and determine which advertisers offer the best competitive pricing) When talking to advertisers ask for a copy of their rate card. If they avoid giving you prices or tell you that they don’t have a rate card, simply don’t do business with them.
3.Frequency and time slots to advertise (How many times and when your adverts will run). When advertising on the radio, morning & evening drive times are the best times to advertise but it is the most expensive. If you have the budget I strongly recommend drive time slots for radio advertising. Also, if there is a popular radio show (morning, noon, or evening times) I strongly recommend exploring a sponsorship opportunity with the show owner.
Primetime TV is a good time to advertise on TV and Cable Networks but it’s very expensive. If your budget is not large enough for primetime you might consider late night TV. Also, like radio if there is a popular local TV show you should consider a sponsorship on that show.
Late night TV is also a great time to advertise and it’s less expensive. Your message is more likely to be heard because viewers are less likely to change the channel during commercials or walk away like they so often do during primetime viewing.
From my experience I suggest that you start out running ads in any of the mediums once or twice a week. Don’t over saturate your advertising especially on Radio and TV. It will have the same effect of a celebrity being over saturated. People get tired of hearing the same commercials over and over again. Usually Thursday through Saturday is the best times to run ads in any medium. People feel better about themselves and they are more likely to have more expendable cash on hands after hump day because it is closer to payday and the weekend.
If you are using your local newspaper run your ads on Wednesday and Sunday. On Wednesday run the largest ad that you can, this will increase you chances of being noticed. Wednesday is usually the smallest paper of the week and Sunday is the largest. Run your ad in the most popular area of the paper on Sunday.
If you do decide to use Radio and TV I strongly suggest, if you budget permits, hiring a professional video company to produce custom videos are voice over jingles for you. The radio or TV Station will offer to produce your spots for you at a fraction of the cost of what it would cost for an outside source.
The problem with Radio and TV doing your spots is that they often times use the same format and the same talent that they use for all the commercial they produce. On the air it is hard for the listeners to determine where one commercial ends and where another one begins when you use their resources.
After you have determined these three key factors. Next you should establish a monthly, weekly or annual budget based on your research and what ever fits your particular needs and your cash flow
Co-Op Direct mail is probably the least expensive way to start out if you have a small budget. To keep your cost down you should contact a direct mail coupons company like ValPak . Direct mail can be expensive if you try it on your own. Companies like Valpak help small businesses get into the direct mail arena at a very low cost. They provide the printing, postage and packaging at a very low cost, cheaper than if you attempted it on your own. Also, your message stands the chance of not ending up in the consumers “file 13″ (trash can). That is because ValPak is a trusted brand name for delivering offers to consumers they want, need and can use.
GET YOUR MESSAGE RIGHT, CHOOSE THE RIGHT ADVERT MEDIUM AND TARGET THE RIGHT AUDIENCE. Next sit down and figure out exactly what message you intend to relay to readers, listeners or viewers of your message. Your message should be precise and too the point. NO GIMMICKS! Consumers hate gimmicks. They see gimmicks as the advertisers way of attempting to be dishonest and misleading. Avoid FREE if it’s not free. Remember, in the consumer’s world, it’s always about the money. So always make your offer as attractive as possible and include precise contact information.
As a former producer and director for a nationwide advertising and promotional company that produced Radio and TV commercials for the automotive and mobile home industry, I can tell you first hand that getting your message right the first time is very important. If you fail to relay the right message to consumers, you can spend thousands of dollars on advertising that does not work.
Next you should make sure that your advertising targets the right audience. If you own a food service, dry cleaners or other types of consumer services business, primarily you should target consumers in a 15 minute or 15 mile radius of your business. It does not do you any good to advertise to consumer who live 2 hours away if you have no way of servicing them or they have no intentions of driving to your business.
Make sure that you understand your target audience. If your business has what I like to call “wide commercial appeal” and you can get the product or service out to anybody anywhere, you should broaden your target to reach a wider audience. All of this should be clearly explained in your Market Plan. If you have the resources you should make it a habit to ask every customer who comes in to your business the why-what-when-how questions. Asking customers questions as a new business will help to better understand you customer, your market and relay a positive message to your customers that you really are concerned about giving them the best possible service.
If you are using Radio ask to see the station’s Arbitron Ratings (www.arbitron.com) . If it is Television ask to see the stations or Cable Network’s Nielsen Rating (www.nielson.com). If its print or direct mail media, you should ask to see their “Affidavit of Circulation and Qualifications”. If you are using the Internet, you should ask to see the companies website activity report. By checking these things you have a better idea of what to expect on the Return On Your Investment (ROI).
Arbitron Ratings help you choose the right Radio station in your market area, Nielsen Ratings help you choose the right stations within the TV or Cable network to advertise on. Affidavit of Circulation and Qualifications let you know that the print or direct mail media you are considering has the circulation it claims to have. Internet Websites Activity Reports give you a good idea of what type of audience you will reach. If you are selling women clothing, you wouldn’t want to spend money on a website that largely has children or male visitors. An Internet activity report shows you the websites unique visitors, hits and what types of surfers view their site. Websites are a very cost effective way to advertise your business. Websites like Yahoo and Google offer pay-per-click advertising. Pay-per-click guarantees you’re your website will come up in the top three search and you only pay when a customers clicks on your link. Local Newspapers, TV, and Radio Station websites are also great websites to advertise on, because the very existence of their primary business helps drive traffic to their sites.
GET A WEBSITE I strongly recommend that every business establish a website. Websites serve several useful purposes. Most business owners think that a website is only for selling things. Websites not only allow a business to expand their scope of selling their product or service, websites also serve the purpose of extending your business card and advertising message. Websites make your information available to potential customers 24/7. Websites are a great way to cut overhead cost and get paid on invoices quicker, especially if you can establish an online billing system. Just think of how much money you can save in printing, labor, and postage. Websites are a great way to simply communicate with your existing customers through email and monthly newsletters. It always puzzles me as I am driving, I see trucks with everything on the side of the truck except for their company’s URL listing. Some companies don’t understand the power of the Internet and the importance of having a website.
GETTING THE BEST DEAL With radio and TV, it’s usually cheaper if you can afford to buy your time in one-hour blocks. When negotiating with TV or Cable Companies inquire and insist on free 30 or 60-second promo spots on other channels other than the one you are contracting to advertising on. You can usually get these promo spots if you buy time in one-hour blocks. Remember that time slots are always limited and they usually go fast during the busy seasons. If you plan to advertising on radio or TV you should try and make a decision as soon as possible to avoid not getting the slots you want.
If it’s Print or Internet advertising it is cheaper to establish a monthly or annual contract. Always try and negotiate a better price than what they offer. What I have found is that if the representative knows that you are interested, but don’t like the price the rep will work with you to earn your business.
MEDIA BUYERS Media buying companies are good at getting you a better bang for your advertising bucks. They buy large quantities of Radio and TV time, print and Internet space and resell it. If your business is the type that has wide commercial appeal Media Buyers might be right for you. For example, instead of being in one newspaper or magazine at a price your advert is in several different print mediums for almost the same price.
BRAND YOUR ADVERTISING AND BUSINESS Branding your business is making your product or service unique and recognizable to consumers. One thing most small businesses fail to do or fail to understand is the importance of branding their business. Branding your business should be a high priority in your marketing plan right down to the color of ink you use for printing. Your entire marketing process should be uniformed. Your logo should be recognizable by consumers even if they don’t see your business name attached to it. Companies like UPS, Starbucks and ATT all have excellent branding. You can see their logos and or colors without their name being attached and it makes you think of their brand.
One of their secrets besides a great logo, is what I like to call “uniformity in advertising. Smart businesses use PMS (Pantone Matching System) colors in their advert mediums. There are many different shades of any color. By using PMS colors you will get your company’s color right every time and be well on your way to properly branding your company’s image. A great example of a company using it’s colors is UPS, commercial “What Can Brown Do For You?”
GET INVOLVED IN YOUR COMMUNITY I know you have heard this before, “being involved in your local community is good for your business bottom line”. This is true however; most small businesses fail to get involved in their local community. Think about it, you can always promote a sell-sell-sell-image to the public through paid advertising. But you have to pay dearly out the nose for that image. But consumers like to see another image and another side of a business. Showing the benevolent side of your business, by getting involved in community affairs, makes your company appear human to potential clients and this type of exposure is priceless.
When your business is involved in the local community consumers are more likely to think of your business the next time they need the products or services you offer as the company involved in getting the neighborhood playground constructed.
Another great way to get involved in the community is to join your local Better Business Bureau (BBB) and or Chamber of Commerce (COC). These organizations help you to network your business with other local business owners and eventually help your business bottom line through B2B sales. Also, these organizations are involved with the consumer part of the local community and by association your company will gain valuable “street cred” through the association of being a member of these organizations. However, don’t be a silent member, get involved, attend meetings no matter what.
Also you can get involved in your community by sponsoring events at your local Schools. When you really think about it, the people you’re reaching through the school system actually are the same people you’re trying to reach through Radio, TV, Print or Internet advertising. By reaching them through the school systems your company now takes on the appearance and image of contributing to their kids education and your company actually establishes a more loyal and captive audience. You might not see the results immediately but, in the long run you will get great results through word of mouth and your company’s image will be of one that cares about the community. Large companies like Dell and Microsoft dedicated entire departments to community involvement through schools, because they understand the power of the community and the local PTA. Wal-Mart is a great example of a company being involved in the communities they serve. Bill Gates gave away Billions of dollars to the world community and so did Ted Turner of Turner Broadcasting Fame. Companies and CEO Founders understand the importance of giving back and how it helps their company’s image and bottom line.
As a whole, consumer trust of companies big or small is not that stellar. By getting involved in your local neighborhood you will greatly help to dispel the distrust that your potential clients initially have of your business.
APPRECIATE YOUR EXISTING CUSTOMERS One more thing on my list is that you should establish some sort of customer appreciation system for existing customers. Specialty Advertising Products such as calendars, T-shirts are great ways to explore and take advantage of showing your customers you care.
When I worked in the automotive industry salesman and dealerships would send out greeting cards to former buyers wishing them a Merry Christmas or Happy Birthday. The message would also offer them a referral fee for anyone they referred to them or a discount on their next service visit or automotive purchase. Remember your best customer is always the one that comes from a referral because they come in the door trusting your company because their best friend sent them. So don’t forget to say thanks, It’s that important.
Establishing a marketing plan for your business should be a fun an exciting time for you. Don’t forget to involve as many in-house personnel as possible. Your employee’s opinions and input really does matter as they deal with the customers and their particular job responsibilities every day. If you plan on doing your own plan make sure you ask plenty of questions, read as many resources as you can and keep plenty of notes. If you hire a company get involved in structuring the plan. Remember you should know your business better than anyone. Good Luck!
There’s a lot of misconceptions out there about mobile home parks from folks who live in the city. The stereotype is often seen in the movies of the “poor white trash” that live in run-down “trailer parks.” Or the gypsy-like nomads that live in a trailer and pack up and get out of town at the first sign of trouble.
Years ago, I purchased a mobile home in a park about 30 miles outside of St. Louis. I was young and liked living out in the country and the thought of having “my own place” for about $10,000 appealed to me. Of course by the time I paid the pad rent at the park and the payment on the trailer, I probably could have rented a small house at the time for about the same amount of money.
But even so, I had my own place with a small patch of yard, a driveway to park the car in, and for the first time in my life, my own washer and dryer and a spare bedroom, even though it was about the size of a large closet.
There were a few drawbacks to living in the mobile home though. The model I had was an older model and it was kind of long and narrow: 12′x72′. At times it was hard to fit through the hallway if you were carrying a basket of clothes, for example. And the thing was cold and drafty in the wintertime. The walls consisted of a covering of tin, about an inch of some kind of paper material, and the interior paneling. That was it. It cost a fortune to heat.
And sometimes the skirting would blow off and the water pipes would freeze over. The electricity was supplied by a large plug that snake out from underneath the trailer and plugged into a pole in the back. Sometimes the kids who lived in the park would sneak by and unplug the wire and you’d end up in the dark.
The floors were made out of particle board and sagged in some places and the gas water heater was in a compartment outside and the pilot light would blow out whenever there was a storm. And during a storm, that trailer was the last place that you’d want to be.
Even though it was tied down, it rocked and swayed enough to keep you awake at night when there was a really fierce wind. And a fireman friend of mine told me that it had aluminum wiring that was a fire hazard and if the thing caught fire it could go up in about 3 minutes. But despite all of the hazards and the cost, I ended up staying there for almost five years.
But mobile home parks and trailers have come a long way since the time that I owned one. According to the St. Louis Post Dispatch, (www.stltoday.com), high-end mobile home parks have become a lifeline for people who still want their own place, but can’t afford to live in a regular home.
Mobile homes sales tanked when it was easier to get a brick and mortar home, but the sinking economy and frozen credit of today has sparked a new interest in the homes. In 2008, the number of FHA insured mobile homes jumped 14 percent.
Mobile homes are now being called “manufactured housing” and the new double-wides are sometimes difficult to distinguish from a small house. I have a friend who recently bought one that has a hot tub, fireplace, deck, and a built-in stereo system throughout the house.
On the outskirts of the city there’s a tiny little mobile home park with all kinds of new luxury housing built around it. There’s been talk of removing it for years, but the way things are going, the mobile homes there might just become prime real estate.
As the tornado sirens blared through Mountain Home, Arkansas, on the evening of February 5th, I couldn’t help but to think back at the bizarre weather that the week has produced. Snow accumulations one day, seventy degree weather a few days later, followed by storms and a deadly tornado the very same day. It is not uncommon for the area to have tornado like weather, but we usually don’t expect it until spring. This was a pretty big shock to all of us.
Gassville, now under a dusk-to-dawn curfew due to looting, is almost completely gone. The Sunny Slope Mobile Home park was completely destroyed. A resident of the park, Betty Fisher, 77, was killed. Several gas stations and restaurant establishments were also damaged or completely destroyed. All of the electricity was wiped out on Tuesday. Gas lines were cracked, ruptured which could have lead to possible explosions throughout the town. The utilities have also been turned off until everyone can be accounted for. There are many people that are still considered missing.
In my 22 years in the Mountain Home area, I haven’t experienced a tragedy to this level. Although we have tornadoes yearly, I don’t remember any severe damage as a direct result of a tornado. There is more damage in the area than I have ever personally witnessed. One man I spoke with, who was passing through the area, described what he thought was hail hitting his car as the storm rolled through. After stopping close to a nearby gas station and personally seeing parts of the building being destroyed, he quickly realized that this was no winter storm.
I also spoke to two ambulance drivers who were transporting a patient from Mountain View, Arkansas to Baxter Regional Hospital in Mountain Home. 13 people are known dead in Arkansas alone, 54 deaths total in the southern United States.
The American Red Cross has declared Gassville a national emergency, meaning anyone in the nation can donate money to help people in the Gassville area. Until the utilities are turned back on, the town will continue to enforce a curfew due to some looting on Tuesday night.
Gov. Mike Beebe said President George W. Bush has promised federal help to Arkansas, as the death toll continues to rise. Beebe declared disaster in 10 different counties yesterday.
Authorities in the area strongly advise that sightseers avoid the area, as relief efforts will continue. Volunteer work is encouraged, as hundreds have offered time, support and money to the efforts. I’ve witnessed it myself, speaking to many people who have spent time today knocking on doors and going through the rubble. One thing that the people of Baxter County can be proud of is their willingness to help the people of their community.
I was sitting around yesterday trying to do some writing just for me, or to share with you all but not to sell. I decided I would write about the first thing I saw on TV when I turned it on. Lucky me! It was a Jenny Craig commercial with raspy ol’ Kirstie Alley and new spokesactress Valerie Bertinelli. Kirstie was on the phone with JC telling her about Valerie; she described America’s seventies sitcom sweetheart as “fat” and the former Mrs VH said, “standing right here.” (That’s a total sitcom punchline, isn’t it?) Anyway, Kirstie amended her original statement by saying, “she’s not as fat as I was.”
It occurred to me that what Kirstie has done for us, besides hawking overpriced diet food, is reclaim the word “fat.” Her show was titled “Fat Actress.” Now she’s calling her former self fat and implicating cute little Valerie, who has about thirty pounds to lose. I prefer to refer to myself as “fat” as well. Any other term seems so undignified. I’ve seen clothing manufacturers refer to me as “Today’s Woman,” “Extra Cool” and “Plus.” Using any of these phrases for me would belie my cool exterior and make we feel like a panderer.
Don’t get me wrong; I’m not complaining about “political correctness.” In fact I’m quite sure that scornful term was coined by some asshat who is bitter because he can’t call black people by the n word anymore. What I’m complaining about is marketing speak.
Think about it: even the term “marketing” used to be “advertising.” “Advertising” evokes someone who is trying to sell you something you don’t want, don’t need and can’t afford to profit for themselves. “Marketing” sounds like the poor marketing execs are selling you produce in some medieval outdoor market in exchange for a chicken so that you both (you and the marketer, probably not the chicken) can survive. Buy this car from me or I’ll starve.
I figure dumb words live about ten years, since I’ve seen them in cycles of threes and I’m thirtyish. For someone who loves language as I do, it’s fascinating in a Sunday afternoon car crash way. The beautician who cut my waist length hair into a mullet in 1984 became a cosmetologist and is now a stylist. The home I live in was a trailer, then a mobile home and now is a manufactured home. I was a housewife, then a homemaker and now I work from home, although I am sitting in the coffee shop again because I’m so 1994 hip.
And as I take another sip of my large, not venti, iced chai latte, I’m glad that at least my ass is allowed to be what it is again: fat. What are you allowed to be?
For a more relaxing and comfortable camping experience, you need not invest in a costly travel-trailer, pop-up camper or mobile home. A few inexpensive items that are easy to come by can make your tent a more enjoyable home away from home.
* Maximize Sleeping Accommodations: Either before you leave home or as soon as you arrive at your destination, purchase an inflatable air mat at the nearest superstore, convenience store or trading post for each person in your group. The 20 to 30 minutes it takes to blow it up will be well spent as you reap countless hours of peaceful sleep without noticing the bumpy roots, pinecones, stones and twigs below you.
Furthermore, these air mats double as a raft (their true purpose), but in the sense that if some unexpected water seeps into your tent during the night, you remain dry! Use as many blankets and sleeping bags as you like, and when the vacation is over, your couple-dollars’ investment will have been well worth it. Dispose of the air mat prior to returning home or keep it with your camping gear for next time.
* Maximize Cooking and Meal Choices: Tired of the traditional hotdogs and s’mores over a campfire? With the right tools and food selections, you can cook just about anything your heart desires, from french fries to macaroni and cheese or Ramen noodles. Just follow this quick, easy and inexpensive checklist:
To diversify cooking, bring these items: - Mini Charcoal Grill - Charcoal - Lighter Fluid - Matches - An Old Pot or Pan - Tinfoil
Small charcoal grills can be purchased for as little as $10 or sometimes even less. With the grate that comes with the grill, you can make hamburgers, chicken, fish, baked potatoes and much more. Grill a muffin toast a bagel for breakfast.
Having a pot or pan in your inventory allows you to boil water for coffee, tea or hot chocolate, make soup, cook noodles and so forth. Place the pot directly on top of the grill, but realize that the flames may discolor its original shine and may also leave an ashy residue. Be sure to bring a spoon and potholders or an oven mitt to avoid burning yourself.
Though it is great for storing leftovers, tinfoil can help you cook smaller items, such as french fries, chicken nuggets or roasted veggies. Cover your grill top with it to reduce the mess made when cooking meats and other meals directly on top of the grill.
Be creative and all of your cravings can be satisfied with the right cooking tools and equipment.
Other items to bring: - Skewers (or gather sticks once you reach your campsite) - Paper plates - Insulated mugs to keep hot drinks warm and cold ones chilled - Utensils - Grill tools, such as tongs, large fork, flipper, etc. - Paper towels - Trash bags
* Maximize Your Living Space: - Staying Dry: Put a tarp below your tent prior to pitching it to help prevent water on the ground from seeping into your living quarters.
- Also, try to rig a tarp above your tent by suspending it from the trees with rope so that rainfall is diverted away from your tent. Those inflatable air mats you use for better sleeping will also keep you dry in case of a leak (unless it is right on top of you!).
- Keep all open food items sealed inside a cooler to avoid encounters with wildlife.
- Also, hang your trash bags from a tree branch to keep it away from wildlife.
* Make Your Tent a Home: - Put up indoor/outdoor lights/lanterns to help you and others quickly identify and locate your tent in the dark. A string of small, fun-shaped lanterns would work well—especially when they stand out from those anyone else might use.
- Bring a CD player or radio so you and your tentmates can enjoy some music.
Don’t forget to bring your own creative additions to make the most of your camping vacation!
Whether it’s an apartment, a town house, mobile home, or a house, renters have rights. Whether rent is paid weekly, monthly, or by the terms of a lease, both landlords and renters have responsibilities as well as rights. Whether the renter is a first time college student or a senior citizen, it’s wise to know exactly what the law requires.
Once the deposit and rent has been paid, a rental home is private. Landlords are required by law to honor that privacy. Entry is allowed to make necessary repairs to the property and in some cases, entry is permitted to judge if repairs or maintenance are necessary. Tenant laws vary from state to state but in many places, advance notice and permission are required. Advance notice can range from 24 to 48 hours. Some states allow entry if the renter is absent for an extended period of time defined as seven days or more. Still, entry is to be gained for the sole purpose of repair work or to see if repairs are needed. Landlords are not allowed to enter any rented space to learn about tenant’s habits or other personal areas. Nor are landlords allowed to look through any renter’s possessions for any reason.
In the event of a valid emergency - fire, major water leak, natural gas leak - landlords have the right to enter even if the renter is not at home. In most states, such emergencies are the only time in which landlords can enter rental premises without permission.
Renters pay for the privilege to live in a space owned by someone else. In exchange for that rent, tenants are entitled by law to have basic needs met. Landlords must provide the minimum requirements for light, ventilation, and electrical wiring. All of these must conform to local codes and standards. In most places, landlords are also required to provide working smoke detectors and basic security measures (i.e. a lock and key). Heat, water, and electricity must be available. Rental premises must be clean, sanitary, and structurally sound. Renters uncertain of what code requirements exist in the area can contact the local building authority, housing authority, health department or even the fire department. And, all renters, must have access to water, electricity, and heat.
Tenants are required to maintain rental space in the same clean, sanitary fashion. Most are expected to report any hazards that require repair. Renters who fail to maintain premises in a clean manner that attracts pests such as ants, roaches, or rodents (if these are not present in the building or surrounding apartments) can be liable for the cost of extermination. The landlords can have the services performed by a professional then send the bill to the renter or ask that the renter have the services done.
When repairs or maintenance is needed but a landlord fails to provide these, renters have several options. The first is to perform what’s necessary and then deduct the cost from the next rent payment. Another is to withhold rent until the problem has been corrected or to pay less rent until repairs have been made. Tenants are free to contact the local building or housing authority to report the landlord’s failure to comply with housing laws. And, it’s possible to move out without owing any further rent - even with a lease when repairs or maintenance is not performed as needed.
Keep communication lines open and strive for a good relationship with a landlord. Ask for repairs as needed and suggest normal maintenance. Allow a reasonable time before taking additional action. Remember that a rental agreement - whether or not it involves a lease - is an equal partnership and that both parties have rights under current housing laws. Never allow a landlord to invade private space without a valid reason or to withhold necessary utilities such as water or electricity.
When in doubt, consult a local authority or an attorney.
It’s been more than three months since Haleigh Cummings went missing from her mobile home in Satsuma, Florida, but her father, Ronald Cummings, is still searching. This past week, he released a video on FindHaleighNow.com, a website set up pro bono by the law firm of Kimball and Snider, where he asked for information about his missing daughter.
Ronald Cummings said, “It’s been a long time, but she’s still out there somewhere, and the one tip you think might be nothing might be the one that brings her home. And we still need her to come home.”
He added, “Haleigh, if you are watching, baby I love you, and we are still looking for you.”
Haleigh Cummings, 5, disappeared sometime between 10 p.m. on February 10 and 3 a.m. on February 11 from her home. She was last seen by her babysitter, Ronald Cummings live-in girlfriend, Misty Croslin, at 10 p.m. when she went to bed in the same bedroom. When she arose at around 3 a.m. the next morning to go to the bathroom, she noticed that Haleigh was missing from the little pallet bed.
The bed was only four feet away from where Misty Croslin slept.
Less than a half hour later, after Ronald Cummings arrived home from work and after Misty Croslin searched the trailer for her 5-year-old charge, Ronald Cummings called 911. In just in a few hours, the police began treating the investigation not just as a missing person case but as an abduction.
The FindHaleighNow.com website has been set up as a place for the “dissemination of information and press releases.” The authors of the site add that it is not a place for, nor do they ask for, donations. In large type in the middle of the screen: “Please keep Haleigh and her family in your prayers.”
There is a picture of a laughing Haleigh Cummings below a description of the missing child and a link to Crimestoppers of Northeast Florida for those having information about the case. Tipsters can remain anonymous and there is also a reward involved as well. Besides the standard $1000 Crimestoppers reward, there is an additional $35,000 being offered as well.
At the top of the site’s home page, one can roll their mouse over links to press releases, pictures of Haleigh Cummings, information about the reward, and ways to contact the law firm, which is representing Ronald Cummings.
Ronald Cummings’ video where he speaks about finding his missing daughter can be accessed from the website.
Have you been renting an apartment for the past several years and now want to own your won home? Are you thinking that there’s just no way you could get real estate financing due to your credit or just a lack of a big down payment?
Years ago, buying a new home usually involved putting down 15% - 20% in order to get financed on any home mortgage. Today, you have many different choices and options in securing real estate financing. Here are 10 different ideas to help you in your search.
1. FHA home loan - With an FHA, Federal Home Administration, loan, you can get up to 97% of the home price in financing. They have several different programs available including ones for people with less than perfect credit. The FHA guarantees the mortgage for the bank and isn’t the actual lender. This program has been going strong since 1934.
2. VA home loan - Are you a current or retired member of our nation’s military? If so, and you are employed and have a little bit of money saved for a home, you can easily get a VA home loan. This program has helped countless thousands over the years.
3. No-Doc loan - A no-doc or low-doc, loan is one that requires little or no documentation to get the loan. These home loans work well for people who have bad credit, but have 20% - 25% for a down payment.
4. State housing loan - If you’re a low income buyer your state may be able to help you secure financing. All states have programs that loan money for home mortgages, or back home loans with a guarantee.
5. Gifting - Depending on what part of the country you live in, there are builders fund foundations that will “gift” you a chunk of your down payment in order to get a home loan. You may only need to come up with 3% of your own money.
6. Contract for deed - This is a great way for people who may not be able to qualify for a home mortgage with a bank to still buy a home. With this type of deal you’ll work out an agreement with the seller and pay them directly. You’ll work out the agreement on a down payment, interest rate, and length of the loan. Be sure to get everything in writing.
7. Manufactured housing loan - Are you thinking of buying a modular, or mobile home? Many home manufacturers have loan programs in place that allow home buyers to have 5% or less for a down payment.
8. Seller second mortgage - If you don’t have enough of a down payment you may be able to negotiate a seller carried second mortgage for the balance.
9. Family loan - A parent or relative may be able to loan you the money for a home. If they have money just sitting in a savings account they may be able to help you.
10. Borrowing from credit cards - If you need the money, you might consider a cash advance on your credit cards. It would only work in cases where you have a low interest rate on your cards and you can pay it back quickly. This method will work with buying a home with seller financing, as banks would normally not allow such a transaction.
These are just 10 ideas to help you with home financing ideas. There are many others, and with a little effort on your part you’ll be able to secure financing no matter what your situation.
If you are looking for a vacation from city life, then you must visit Hamilton Lake in Hamilton Indiana. The fourth largest lake in Indiana. Whether your looking for a weekend retreat or a summer home it is a great place. Hamilton has so much to offer for your getaway. Great food, family fun, nature, and romantic nights.
When you come to Hamilton you can rent or buy a Lake Home, bring your RV and park it at Circle Park Mobile Home Home Estates, or stay at our oldest & still operating Cold Springs Resort & Golf Course.
Cold Springs Resort is open from April to September. The resort offers a relaxing environment for your getaway vacations plus recreation and entertainment. The hotel opened in 1899 and has been remodeled many times over the years. All rooms overlook Hamilton Lake. Dine with a panoramic view of the sun setting over the Lake enjoying entees of the finest steaks & seafood around. Or you may go downstairs to the lounge to enjoy more casual dining with famous basket meals. Enjoy Dancing on Saturday nights in the Dance Hall with live bands from the area. Cold Springs Golf Course overlooks Hamilton Lake. The hilly terrain offers the avid golfer a real challenge while it is also forgiving providing fun for any golfer.
For this being such a small town there sure are alot of dining choices which include Pier 32, Rogers Harvest House, Hamilton House, Portside Galley & Pub, Baby Boomers, Lakers, Rose Bros Pizza, and Subway. The famous Baby Boomers have waitresses that dress like they did in the 50’s. The food served at all of these establishments is of the finest quality. You can even park your boat at the dock by Hamilton House to go and enjoy some delicious food.
Hamilton lake covers a land area of 802 acres and has a maximum depth of around 77 feet. Hamilton Lake has numerous large bays known as Mill Pond, Fee Lake, Muskrat Bay, and the Head. Fishing of the lake offers blue gill, small mouth bass, and muskie. You can launch your boat at the areas marinas or at the public launch site.
For the nature enthusiast there several great places to view the local wildlife. You van find many species of birds, deer, raccoons, squirrels, beavers and more. There is a small nature preserve in the area, as well as a hiking trail.
There are many area attractions within 30 miles. In Angola Indiana there is the Pokagon State Park with many hiking trails, swimming, basketball, and horseback rides. Fun Spot Amusement Park & Zoo also located in Angola. Jellystone Campground & waterpark located in Freemont. And of couse for those who love to shop the Freemont Outlet Mall.
Hamilton is home to many wonderful places to visit. Whether your looking for a quiet drink for two or dancing the night away you can find it here.
