Customer Reviews

Right now I'm working on adding a section to our product ads that will allow customers to leave product ratings and reviews. Working on this really got me thinking about how I use product reviews. When I buy online, I always look for customer reviews and ratings, but I've never left any reviews or ratings of my own. It's not that I don't want to leave helpful reviews for other customers. I just forget. I pick out the item I want, pay for it, wait for it to be delivered and then use it. Once I've left the computer the thought of getting back on to review the product, or seller, never crosses my mind. I feel kinda bad. I've decided that I'm going to start leaving both product and seller reviews when I buy online. I know it'll help my fellow eShoppers and I'm sure any company would love a review, especially a nice one :)

I don't quite have the product reviews setup on our site yet, but I plan on sending out a newsletter once they're ready to go. If you're interested, you can sign up on the right. Oh, and we always appreciate customer reviews about our site, products and service. If you're bored you can hop over to our ResellerRatings page and leave us a review.

That's all for now,
Shala

Dog Days of Summer

Fall us upon us, but it still feels like summer here in Colorado. I figure one of these weeks it's going to start cooling down so I'd better get out and finish doing some of things I wanted to this summer.  Last Friday it was National Dog Day, so in celebration I decided to take my two dogs along with my friend Lauren's new puppy to  one of the biggest local dog parks - Chatfield State Park.  The Chatfield dog park has an off-leash area that is 69 acres of open space including two ponds and miles of paved and unpaved walking trails.  My Goldendoodle Charlie aka."Chuckernugger" loves the water and I practically had to jump in with him to get him out when it was time to go.  Sophie, Lauren's Swissy also took her first dip ever into the water and a few minutes later she was swimming like a champ. My other dog, Iggy the Chihuahua doesn't like the water...actually, he really doesn't like much of anything other than soft blankets and laying in the sun. So, he laid on the bank of the water most of the day and meditated.  All in all, it was an excellent way to spend the afternoon and great exercise for the dogs and us.

~Allison~

I Hate The Heat

I absolutely, positively, can't stand, hate more than anything, the heat that summer brings. I realize that I don't live in the hottest climate, however the last two months has just demolished me. This July, Colorado averaged a max temperature at 89.2 degrees f. with an average low of 60.9 degrees f. So with this hot summer coming to a very slow end, I'm looking forward to a nice cold and snowy winter. With that in mind I just got blasted with some horrible news. The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center came out with its seasonal outlooks. The NWS is predicting an enhanced probability of above normal temperatures for the Southwestern US through the Great Plains to the Great Lakes. The precipitation isn't looking any better. The NWS is predicting below average winter for the Southwestern US eastward to Mississippi. They're also predicting just a slight chance of above average precipitation in the Northern Plains. To me, it looks as though Denver is just going to be boring and warm this winter.

We need a blizzard!

Trevor

Tough Decisions..

Hi,

Well, a while back, I bought a 1977 Chevy Nova for a project car. I have been waiting patiently for a clear title (and do not feel like paying $400 for lost title on a heap of metal) but have not yet received one. So the first tough decision is whether to pull off all the body panels, clean them up and sell them (along with any other parts that can be salvaged), or just get the whole thing crushed and pocket some quick easy cash.

My next tough decision is for a car to replace it. I really like old muscle cars and I have all the tools and can do most of the work, but have a very limited space, so a frame off restoration just isn't likely to occur on my property. I think the best bet is to just purchase something already in good shape. Something I could just clean up and drive. Of course I would still throw in a bigger motor eventually and clean up the body, paint, and interior. I'm thinking maybe a 1986 Monte Carlo SS, or a 4x4 Chevy Pickup.

My current plan is to pick up an old 350 Chevy block and a crank out of a 400 small block and throw together a solid, high compression 383 and rebuild either a T5 manual, or a TH400 automatic transmission to mate to it and let those sit in my garage until the perfect project finds me. Most everything fancy on Craigslist is missing both anyway.

Bye,

Ruben

A Garden Next Spring?

I love gardens! With the right preparation and care, gardens will provide you with food at a fraction of what the grocery stores charge and, usually, you have plenty fruits and veggies to share with friends and family. You don't have to worry about pesticides, you don't have to think about people feeling all over the fruits and vegetables when shopping and you are pretty much guaranteed freshness. I have wanted to start a garden in my backyard for the past three years. Each time, something different has come up, but this year I'm determined. I've already started plans for beds, I've already bought the seeds, I've even decided that I am going to get everything ready this Fall for planting in the Spring. I'm working on plans for an irrigation system and compost heap and I'm even studying up on canning and freezing. I'm so excited to get started.

If you have any planting tips, canning and freezing advice or if you know of anything that grows really well here in Colorado, let me know!


-Shala

Smartphones

Well I have had an iPhone for quite some time now and I must say I don't know how I lived without it. The smartphone has simply made life better for me. To anyone who doesn't have a smartphone I would highly recommend getting one real soon. You can watch videos, browse websites from your phone, talk and text of course and they have so many different apps. They have navigation apps, fishing apps, game apps etc which helps pass time on road trips and at other boring times. So go out and get you a smartphone if you haven't already. You'll be happy you did.

Dale

Da Broncos

Okay, so this week I was going write about how much of a bind the world is in with the looming water shortage. However, that topic requires a little bit more time than I currently have to write. So we'll talk about the next thing that is on my mind. The great Denver Broncos, who seem to have a curse of bad coaches. Now it may be a little bit early to call John Fox a bad coach. Especially since the coach is ranked 3rd among active coaches in the win category. Lets go with the fact that Kayle Orton was just named the starting QB for the Bronco's season opener. And that Brandi Quinn seems to have moved up to 2nd string even though we're not going to name a 2nd or 3rd stringer this year. How can you put Orton or Quinn before the greatest college quarterback of all time, or arguably the greatest college player of all time. Only a blind coach would make this mistake. Just last year the great Orton completed only 43% of red zone passes, down from his 2010 average of 58.8%. Another interesting choke stat is in the 4th quarter within 7, Ortons completion percentage drops to 49.3%. I remember this from last year, we'd drive down the field like champions and KO would choke in the red zone. Oh, but he's our number one! John Fox needs to get in the right mind set. Yes, by the numbers Tebow should not start, but that's only if you leave out the major point that Tebow has not had a chance to put up any numbers in the NFL. Bottom line is that Tebow will replace KO as the starting QB this season, as soon as John Fox realizes his mistake.

T-Rev

Need to Vent?

Hi All,

I was on my way to work this morning and heard about a pretty hilarious website on the radio. The website is http://www.annoyingcoworker.com/, and it's a place where you can vent totally anonymously about co-workers in your office.   I think this is a great idea, not to mention it is pure entertainment to read.  Of course, I would never use this site because I don't have anything bad to say about my co-workers....


Enjoy,
Allison

Homonym

I heard a commercial the other day where they mention that the sayings "slim chance" and "fat chance" mean the same thing but "wise guy" and "wise man" have two different meanings. I never really thought of it but there are many words that have different meanings depending on how they are used and most are called Homonyms:

hom·o·nym (hm-nm, hm-)
n.
1. One of two or more words that have the same sound and often the same spelling but differ in meaning, such as bank (embankment) and bank (place where money is kept).
2.
a. A word used to designate several different things.
b. A namesake.
3. Biology A taxonomic name identical to one previously applied to a different species or genus and therefore unacceptable in its new use.

Happy Friday,
Dale

Road Trippin'

Well, today after work my two favorite allies and I are going to be road trippin'. The car is fully loaded and we have snacks and supplies. Although we are, once again, making the trip for less than desirable reasons, I am happy I will get to see some of my family and friends that I just don't see anymore. Plus, Colorado does not have Braums, Phil's BBQ, or the Flamingo.

Now for the important part. When going on a road trip, it is important to have a checklist and to stick to it. Most importantly, your vehicle should be ready for the trip. First things first, if your vehicle isn't running right, you should get it checked out. Read and understand your owners manual. This will make intimidating vehicle checks very simple. Check your tire pressure. And do not air up your tires to the psi limit printed on your sidewall. That is the max the tire your can handle. You want to run the pressure suggested by the car maker. They choose a specific pressure for your car based on vehicle curb weight and performance testing. If you run what they suggest you will get optimal handling, ride quality, and gas mileage. This value is usually printed in your drivers side door jam (door open). Don't forget to check the spare tire and tools for changing the tire if necessary. Check your fluid levels, tire tread wear, exterior lights, and any important electronic devices such as windshield wipers (operational and blade condition), fog lights (if equipped [and only use them if it's foggy. Seriously.]) I also recommend a map or printed directions. Check the weather (and pack accordingly) and highway status. Also, bring some extra cash and anything else that you might need.

Drive safe,

Ruben

Growing, Growing, Gone

Ruben and I were watching a movie last night and, to my surprise, so was The Toddler. It wasn't even a little kid movie, but she was totally into it. I remember when trying to watch a movie with her around was impossible and now she watches them with us. I didn't realize how much she had grown until last night. When we moved into our house last November she wasn't even walking, and now she won't sit still. She runs everywhere, she can talk*, she plays by herself, she even helps me do laundry (yay!). It seems like yesterday she was an eight pound baby and tomorrow she'll be grown up and out of the house. Don't get me wrong, I love that she can tell me what she wants, can feed herself and all that good stuff. It just amazes me how fast time flies by when you're grown, (except when you're waiting in line at a smelly store**). Remember when it seemed like an eternity for Christmas to come around?

I sure am going to miss The Toddler's squishy, puffy cheeks when she outgrows them.


-Shala

*I'm pretty sure she's learned a second language because whatever she is saying most of the time is totally not English. She does have a Russian teacher so you never know.

**For whatever reason, the Wal Mart by our house always smells bad.

Untapped Resources - The Public Library

Hi All,

The past week I've been struggling to get my school work down before the wee hours of the night.  Why? Distractions! I decided I'm perfectly cut out for online classes, but I just can't do them at home.  Home is a place for winding down and relaxing with loved ones, and it presents too many opportunities for me to stray away from my assignments.  In my current class, I have what seems to be endless amounts of reading and three written assignments due each week.   And not only do I procrastinate while at home, but it really doesn't help that the weather continues to be hot and I don't have air conditioning.  It's super hard to focus on reading when all you can think about is Popsicles and swimming pools.  Luckily, I discovered the perfect solution to all my problems - The Public Library.  I pass it nearly every day and never thought I had a good reason to stop in and check it out until now.  Well, the library is awesome. It's cool, it's comfortable, it's quiet, and it's full of resources to help me accomplish everything I need to do.  My town of Aurora, CO actually has three public libraries in total.  The best part about the library is, it's FREE! I always knew a library card was free (unless you don't bring stuff back on time), but I never realized how many other things a public library has to offer.  The Aurora library offers free weekly computer classes on things like mastering word and excel, using the Internet, e-mail, and searching for jobs online.  They even offer free practice tests for the ACT, SAT, and GMAT.  Not to mention all the cute activities for kids like story times and fun educational programs.  So, take the time to rediscover your public library, I promise you won't be disappointed.

To find your local public library go here: http://www.publiclibraries.com/

To easy reading,
Allison

Office Ergonomics

Hey folks,

Are you molded into an office chair for 8+ hours a day? If so you may be feeling some back pain, swelling, numbness, and fatigue in multiple parts of your body. I myself can start feeling some back pain late in the day, half the time I think it's due to my wallet when I forget to remove it, however I've also been known to have some pretty bad posture. So if you are having some of those symptoms listed above, continue reading, I've put in some good tips for your computer workstation ergonomics from OSHA.

• Hands, wrists, and forearms are straight, in-line and roughly parallel to the floor.
• Head is level or bent slightly forward, forward facing, and balanced. Generally it is in-line with the torso.
• Shoulders are relaxed and upper arms hang normally at the side of the body.
• Elbows stay in close to the body and are bent between 90 and 120 degrees.
• Feet are fully supported by the floor or a footrest may be used if the desk height is not adjustable.
• Back is fully supported with appropriate lumbar support when sitting vertical or leaning back slightly.
• Thighs and hips are supported by a well-padded seat and generally parallel to the floor.
• Knees are about the same height as the hips with the feet slightly forward.

Of course there is a ton of information on this topic. If you would like to read further just click the link below and you're all set.

http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/index.html

Have a great day,

Trevor

The New Ohaus Explorer Analytical And Precision Balances

Hi all!

I was so excited about these new Explorer scales from Ohaus, I thought I would tell you about how awesome they are. Ohaus recently released their completely re-imagined Explorer series. The analytical and precision scales in this series rise to a whole new level offering a full-color touch screen display, programmable touchless sensors, modular design, automatic internal calibration and so much more.

My favorite feature has to be the color touchscreen display. It's very easy on the eyes and the display's SmarText™ software guides you through setup and weighing applications with the ability to work in 11 different languages. The on screen prompts and icons make working with the scale super easy and, since it's a touchscreen, it can offer a full QWERTY keyboard for easy data entry. You can use your finger or a stylus to operate the scale. Can't beat it.

Another really cool thing about this scale is the modular design. Ohaus designed the display "terminal" to separate from the base of the scale allowing you to mount it on a wall or the optional display mounting tower. Of course you don't have to mount it; you can just pull it closer to you for easy operation and viewing. The terminal is connected to the base with a cable that allows the base and terminal to communicate. It's awesome. Ohaus even has an optional extension cable to give you up to 10 feet of distance between the display and the base.




Ohaus also included their new favorite feature; touchless sensors. Just like the Ohaus Navigators, the Explorers have touchless sensors that you can program to fit your needs. There are two sensors on the base and two sensors on the display (awesome if you're using the display away from the base) that can each be programmed to perform a different action. These sensors will come in handy, especially if you work with materials that you don't want contaminating the display. Faster weighing, no residue transfer, minimizes contamination. This is an excellent feature for a lab balance.

Speaking of lab balances, did you know that even the tiniest breeze can interfere with weight readings and weighing applications? That's why all analytical and high precision balances come with draftshields. Most draftshields consist of a rectangular plastic or metal frame with sliding glass panes...not the new Explorer. The new Ohaus Explorer balances with 0.001 gram or finer resolution come with intelligently designed draftshields. These shields are frameless, which means you have super easy access to the weighing platform. You don't have to ease your way between frames to work with your samples, you have full access. It doesn't stop there. These draftshields have antistatic coated glass panes, a flip top and a chamber light.

Another excellent feature to mention is AutoCal™ automatic internal calibration. All analytical and precision lab balances require calibration. To calibrate a scale, you need calibration weights which can get pretty expensive depending on the scale's requirements. Calibration weights need to be kept clean and should only be used while wearing gloves, (to prevent natural skin oils from interfering with the mass) and, if you have enough of them, they can start to get in the way. Why am I telling you this? Because the new Ohaus Explorers don't require external calibration weights. Seriously. Ohaus designed these analytical and precision balances to include AutoCal™. What is AutoCal™? It's internal calibration that automatically re calibrates the balance every 11 hours or when it senses a significant change in temperature. Buying the Explorer is like buying a scale and the exact calibration weights it requires...what a deal!

The Ohaus Explorer series includes 13 models with a range of capacities and resolutions to fit your needs. Each balance has 21 weighing units, 14 weighing applications (basic weighing, percent weighing, dynamic weighing, totalization, differential weighing, peak hold, parts counting, pipette adjustment, checkweighing, filling, formulation, density determination, ingredient costing and statistical quality control), new QuadraStance™ thumbwheels for easily adjusting the scale's stability and much more. We have all of the new Ohaus Explorer scales on our site if you want to take a look or if you want to learn more about each feature.

- Shala

99 Days

The next 99 days will be incredibly busy for me, how about you? I'm estimating in the next 99 days to spend 639 hours at work. And of course I have to get to work, that will be roughly 71 hours. Of those 71 hours, dropping off the kid in the morning and picking them up in the evening is thankfully included. However, before I can drop the kid off in the morning I have to get ready for the day, there goes another 74 hours.

So, what about you? According to United States Department of Labor, the average American, in the next 99 days will spend 270 hours watching TV. Watching that much TV will of course leave very little time for volunteering, about 14 hours. I'm glad this next number is low, only 20 hours of yard work. 74 Hours will be spent purchasing goods, I'm sure this number has gone down a bit this year. Food preparation coming in at 55 hours, I'm curious to know how much time is spent eating? Saving the best for last, 30 hours are spent working out or doing sports and such.

The last statistic is the purpose of this blog. I need this number quadrupled in the coming 99 days. In 99 days, November 16, 2011, Winter Park will open for the season. So if you're a skier or snowboarder, you'd better start getting ready. I can think of a couple of guys who will not be able to keep up this coming season...

Happy carving,

T-rev

Ahhh, Nuts!

This week's topic in my Organizational Management class is "Social Responsibility."  Social Responsibility refers to a business's duty to society and community, although it's debated that there is even such a thing.  Well, I certainly agree with the way business today is changing, and I do think we owe it to society to innovate and create programs that encourage sustainability.  So, it got me thinking; what can we do here at OldWillKnottScales to make a positive impact on society?   Upon my initial examination, there really wasn't much...and then it hit me. I stare right at a huge pile of Styrofoam peanuts everyday.   Now, I wouldn't consider myself a super tree hugger, but I do know that Styrofoam is not exactly an environmentally friendly material.  So, I did some research for recyclable packaging materials and discovered two alternatives.  There is such a thing as Eco-foam peanuts, which are made from starch and other food-based products.  Eco-foam peanuts are heavier, water soluble, non-toxic, and non-static, but far more costly.  The other alternative is PaperNuts, and you guessed it - they are made from 100% recycled material.  Paper peanuts are tough enough to provide the cushion we need to keep your products safe, and they're static free, clean, safe, non-polluting, and low in particulates.  To my surprise, customers actually prefer paper peanuts as well; check out this case study I found.  Of course I have more research to do on cost and availability, but tell me what you think - Should OldWill switch to PaperNuts?


Happy Recycling,
Allison

Life on Mars?

Well evidently scientists have found hints of water on the planet Mars. So scientists believe that it is likely that there is some form of life on Mars. What do you think? Is there life beyond the planet Earth? I am sure all of us have pondered that question. For me, I am 100% sure there is some sort of life form out there. The world is just too big to not have something else out there. I await the day that contact is made. Hopefully I will be able to witness ET other than the one from the movie.

Happy Friday
Dale

Improve Your Memory By Brushing Your Teeth

Tonight when you're brushing your teeth, try using your non-dominant hand. You will probably feel (and look) goofy while doing this, but you will also be building new pathways in your brain. Using your non-dominant hand for simple tasks like brushing your teeth, opening doors and holding your phone may improve your overall memory. By working with the opposite hand, arm or leg you normally use, you're training your brain to use it's non-dominant side resulting in new synapses between hemispheres and increased brain function. With enough practice, you could even use your left hand, (or right hand if you're a lefty) just as well as your dominant hand. Cool, right?


-Shala

Listen and Learn

Anyone into listening to podcasts?  Don't ask me who, but people are saying podcasts are the future of talk radio.  Well, I know I certainly like them.  I'm always looking for different things to listen to while at home, in the car, or at work because let's face it, even Pandora gets a little old.  Recently, I discovered Stitcher radio.  Stitcher streams podcasts on demand, and it's amazing.  The content ranges from public and local radio shows to BBC and world news, to comedy and entertainment.  You can even search for podcasts by category such as; business and industry, society and culture, education, games and hobbies, science and technology, religion, etc. Needless to say, I think it will be awhile before I'm bored of Stitcher.  Check out some of the latest press about Stitcher below and visit them at http://www.stitcher.com .

Stitcher Makes Old Radio More Relevant - http://launch.is/blog/stitcher-streams-podcasts-on-demand-to-make-old-radio-even-m.html
Stitcher CEO Discusses Definition of 'Talk'- http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/-1533919.htm
Ford's AppLink includes Stitcher - http://ua.stitcher.com/press/SYNC_AppLink2011.pdf

Your Fellow Listener,
Allison

What would Trevor do?

I've got some family in town for a little over a week which got me thinking, what would I do for a week in Colorado if I had the time off? One day is already locked up with a Colorado Rockies game. That's some pretty standard fun for Colorado. So with six days left, I'll head west to Rocky Mountain National Park. I've been there a hundred times but I still enjoy going. Some camping would be in store, maybe Timber Creek campground. With five days to go, I'd do the tour of the ski cities. Aspen and Breckenridge would be on the list, the drive alone would make for a good scenic day. Only four days left on the Tour de Colorado, let's stop at Strawberry Park outside Steamboat Springs. Strawberry Park is a cool (hot) little hot springs with some cabins right next to the springs. Three days to go and I'm heading down to Durango and Mesa Verde. I've never been to SW Colorado so that would be interesting. The trip is almost over, two more days and I'm going camping at the Pinyon Flats Campground that has awesome views of the sand dunes and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. My last day would be spent at the top of Pikes Peak. Pikes Peak and the whole area around Pikes Peak have tons of things to do. So that concludes my little hypothetical week long adventure in Colorado.

What would you do?

Trevor