Christmas Tree Reflections

Years ago, when I was first writing creatively, I did a few short Christmas pieces.  They were published in small press outlets.

A couple of them dealt with the Christmas tree itself.  In one, an Aesop type fable comes about through anthropomorphization of the ornaments on the tree.  In another, a letter to a friend, it explores the Christmas tree in terms of the “how’ the ornaments represent.  A friend who gave me an ornaments that aligned with a theme important to me at that time.  An aunt and uncle. . . the only ones in our family willing to ‘waste’ money on special package garnishments for gifts . . . wisely.  They chose sturdy ones which the family [mostly me] converted to tree trim ornaments that in some cased graced the tree for years . . . even decades . . . afterwards.

Where I now live, I’ve never had sufficient storage to dismantle the artificial Christmas tree I put up probably the second year in residence.  So, I’ve simply left the tree in place and stopped lighting it after a certain date each year.  In good years, since I have more trims than I can use at once on this size tree, I’d sometimes dismantle it around Thanksgiving so I could re-trim it in a different way, but I haven’t done that for a few years now.  Traditionally, our family’s tree trimming schedule was the third weekend in Advent:  the weekend of anticipatory joy where in the Catholic church the priestly vestments are rose or pink rather than the penitentiary purple or violet of the other three weekends of Advent.

The date I stop lighting the tree varies depending on circumstance.  Perhaps around January 6^th.  Perhaps Candlemas [February 2^nd].  I know one year, though I’m not sure that it was in this location or in a prior residence, when Lent came quite early that year, I actually continued to light an artificial tree until the day before Ash Wednesday.

Last year was an especially tough year at Christmas.  To my best recollection, I never lit the tree or played Christmas music except, perhaps, a part of the Christmas Day program on my favored radio station.

I was between cars at that time, so I didn’t even hear the Christmas music I normally would be forced to hear while driving around on errands.

Which set of circumstances overall means that this year, as I light the tree even though it has been up in the same form for at least a couple years, I see it with fresh eyes.

And I see both continuation and progress.  So much heritage.

In our family, a focus on the authentic meaning of Christmas in tree trimming always had priority.

Our tree was, as it were, double-themed.

The first theme involved the Nativity.

I inherited many family ornaments, but not our Nativity ornament.  It was a glass globe with the Holy Child in a manger.  But, one year, not long after leaving home, I was fortunate to find a similar piece in a Christmas shop.  This one has Mary and Joseph, also, inside the glass globe. 

Eventually, we built the entire tee around this ornament;  adding the various other symbols of the Nativity as we had the ornaments to do so:  stars, angels, stable animals, birds.

Hand crafted pieces figured prominently in the overall scene:  from waxed paper stars to embroidered angels on a felt backing.

This general Nativity theme centered the tree, with the glass globe ornament at eye level and radiated outward over both the vertical and horizontal center of the front of the tree.

The second sub-theme was all the secular motifs associated with Christmas.  Crafts, here, were also of importance.

The secular theme radiated outwards from the sacred, more towards the top, bottom, sides, and rear of the Christmas tree.  Bridging the two themes, as it were, were such ornaments as music scrolls with Christmas sheet music displayed.

When I gazed on the tree after the first time I lit it, I was again struck by the “who” the ornamentation on this tree represented.  These include people long passed away, as well as people I lost touch with over time such as church youth group members I had volunteered with and who had sold crafted ornaments at church bazaars during various years.

I was once again struck by the theme I had focused one of those early short stories around:  that for me, in many ways the tree trims on this tree more make for “who” is on the tree than for “what” is on it in terms of its ornamentation.

Rather a nice sentiment for the Christmas season.

Fiat 500 Vehicle line -- 2012

One of the most notable aspects of the Fiat 500 line involves that it is a part of Fiat’s program for re-entering the United States automobile market after several years of absence.  As such, the Fiat 500 as sold within the United States has features and design elements that differ from the form in which this vehicle line is sold in Italy, where the line originates. 

Another notable aspect involves appearance although consumer reviews have potential purchasers falling into the ‘you love it or you hate it’ type classification on that score.  I would categorize the look as “trendy,” however, at least a few consumer reviews commented they find the appearance ‘in person’ less outstanding than the photographs they had viewed.

This vehicle is definitely a targeted market car, although there’s some contention among beholders as to the target market’s precise demographic.  The line has basic commuting vehicle as its overall purpose.

The Fiat 500 comes in three model types.  The basic level is the Fiat 500 Pop.  The mid-range is the Fiat 500 Sport.  The top range is the Fiat 500 Lounge.  The Lounge incorporates an automatic transmission.  Automatic transmission is also available on both the Pop and the Sport as an option, but adds a thousand dollars onto the price tag.  Automatic transmission availability, indeed, is one of the distinctions between Fiat 500s as sold in the United States and in Europe.

In terms of technical aspects, the professional reviewer at Car and Driver found the Fiat 500’s suspension well-matched to the car with the result of maneuverability and good road handling. 

This same reviewer also found the front seat surprisingly roomy for a car in its size and price range categories.  Rear seat spaciousness did not get as positive reports almost anywhere, although some commentators did find the rear seat space adequate when the passengers for that seat are children.  Even with regard to the space levels of the front seat, the reviewer cautioned that if that is on an individual’s desirability list, then one needs to stick with the hardtop model and forego the available glass roof.  Apparently, that feature removes inches worth of head room.

One concern reviewers mentioned involves that as a commuting vehicle with a four-cylinder engine, the Fiat 500 has a limited power delivery.  Depending on exactly where one is commuting, this may or may not pose a problem.  In particular, reviewers mentioned that those who live in an area where they have a lot of uphill/downhill driving to incorporate in their commute, the Fiat 500 may not be the best choice.

However, overall in consumer reviews by owners or those who had driven a Fiat 500 at some point as a rented vehicle, consumers on the whole were more positive than negative about Fiat 500 vehicles.

For Fiat 500s in Philadelphia, Reedman Toll Fiat, including year-end specials on 2012 models.   Part of Fiat’s strategy in re-entering the United States market involves limiting the quantity of Fiat outlets. 

References:

2012 Fiat 500 U.S.-Spec, Car and Driver, http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2012-fiat-500-drive-fiat-500-review

Review: 2012 Fiat 500 Lounge (BCAS Edition), The Truth About Cars, Michael Karesh, http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2011/10/review-2012-fiat-500-lounge/

2011 Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry falls into the category of an affordable mid-sized car.  Clearly, the Camry is a popular model within the United States market for those looking for a practical, family-type car and an affordable model.  With fairly recent models, such as the 2011, now coming into the market as pre-owned vehicles, it is worth looking at some of the reasons for the popularity of this particular vehicle model.

It’s almost surprising to start to see pre-owned models of Toyota sedans as recent as the 2011 on the market already.  Owners of Toyotas have a tendency to hang onto the cars for many years:  as anyone who has tried to obtain certain types of replacement parts for can attest.  While I’ve not had to do that with a Camry, I had to awhile back with a Corolla and it can take a week or more for a service shop to locate and get delivery on such a part.

What makes the Camry so popular in its class for United States purchasers?

Apart from the price in comparison with vehicles in luxury or luxury sports car categories of car, there are some particularly attractive aspects of the Camry.

Overall, the reviewers at U. S. News rate the Camry third out of nineteen vehicle models in its overall class.

However, the Camry outperforms other models in the class in certain elements important to purchasers in this vehicle category.

One consideration is the Camry’s fuel economy ratings.  In this category, for fully gasoline-powered engine vehicles, the Camry has the most economical fuel performance.  Only hybrids and diesel-powered vehicles outperform in this vehicle class in terms of fuel economy.

Secondly, this vehicle model has a very high safety ranking from both the national safety testing organizations.  Both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the federal government’s safety testing programs rate the Camry at a 5-star level for safety.  Since this vehicle model often serves as a family car, this can make for an essential consideration for some potential purchasers.

The Camry also offers what many consider advantages of front-wheel drive and many individual models available with an automatic transmission. The base model does incorporate a standard transmission; however, several other models of the 2011 Camry come equipped with automatic transmission.  It is also a four-door sedan, which in a family vehicle many consider also an advantage in comparison to a two-door or a hatchback.

Reviewers use words like “dependable” and “comfortable ride” to describe the Camry.  The Camry has models that incorporate both inline four cylinder and V-6 engine types.  Some reviewers, however, have expressed concerns about safety issues that did arise in model years just prior to the 2011 Camry model, although these issues do not get much, if any coverage, with specific reference to the 2011 Camry model year.

Currently, those in the Pennsylvania area can find a special on the 2011 Camry when they check to Find new and used cars in Langhorne

References:   

2011 Toyota Camry, Edmunds, http://www.edmunds.com/toyota/camry/2011/

2011 Toyota Camry, U. S. News, http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Toyota_Camry/

Spiritual Seasons

In younger days, I never liked them.  Well, at least not the ones dictated by someone else’s calendar.

We all – those of us of faith – of course, have them.

We have times when our exploration of spiritual truths are deeper, more heartfelt, richer.

This year, I have been exceedingly grateful for Advent.  For Catholic believers, Advent is --- or at least should be – penitential but yet also joyfully anticipatory.  A season of active waiting.

I don’t know what our parish would have done without that kind of spiritual posture after the horrific events in Newtown, Connecticut which seemed to have affected many profoundly.  And now, with the more recent news that scammers have sought to take advantage of this tragedy.  It just boggles the mind.

It so happened that I had decided I wanted to do some serious spiritual exploration during Advent even before the Season began.  I am working several spiritual studies, keeping in balance with my regular professional and personal activities.

This has also enriched my writing life in some ways:  giving new purpose and direction to some of my activities in that area.

Advent, this year at least, is to me a reflection of the flow of life:  as Ecclesiastes has it:  “a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.”

It is a perspective very much needed in these deeply troubled times.

An American Classic, 2012 edition – Chevrolet Corvette

Though I’ve never had one, this vehicle is still a bit nostalgic for me.  Probably except other writers who had an interest back in that era, few remember a short-lived television series from the early 70s called The Magician.  I was an ardent fan of that show, and in fact in a sense cut my writing teeth on ‘fanzine’ type material based on it. 

The title character, Tony, drove a white corvette in that series.  A sleek, elegant vehicle that gave a sense both of classic line even back then and serious road-handling power.

According to multiple reviewers, those essentials haven’t changed at all in the more than thirty years since that show ran for about two seasons in the early 1970s.

The Corvette falls into the “luxury sports car” category.  U. S. News rates it as the second best vehicle (out of six) in that class:  beat out only by the Porsche Cayman.  That’s no mean accomplishment for an American-made sports car.  Particularly as the vehicles U. S. News rate the Corvette as ranking better than include not only a Mercedes, a BMW, and an Audi, but another Porsche:  the Boxster.

Technically speaking, the Corvette is the only vehicle in the luxury sports car category that comes equipped with a V-8 engine.  The 2012 is available in either a hatchback coupe model or in a convertible style.

The standard Corvette incorporates a six-speed standard transmission, however, a six-speed automatic can be had on all but high-performance models. 

The base Corvette model engine delivers 430 horsepower, however, a higher performance model – the ZR1 – incorporates a 638 horsepower engine.

In driving tests, at least one professional reviewer rated the Corvette’s braking capabilities as exceptional for a sports category vehicle.

The 2012 Corvette models come equipped with numerous safety features, including:

• Traction Control

• Xenon high intensity headlights

• Stability control

• Anti-theft alarm system

And

• Day time running lights

among others.

Where reviewers, generally speaking, seem to find the Corvette lacking has nothing to do with performance or technological capability.  Such faults as professional reviewers find with this vehicle seem to fall in the category of looks and of design elements, such as interior contours and headroom, that can affect the comfort of the vehicle occupants.  They categorize its style or general looks as less elegant and-or impressive than European models in the same category.

Those concerns are probably far lesser to someone who is in the market for the performance aspects of a luxury sports car, however.  Especially since to my mind while the Corvette does fall in that ‘combined’ category of automobile, by intent and design from the very outset the Corvette is more “sports car” than it is luxury vehicle.

Overall, professional reviewers seem in general agreement that for this category of vehicle, the Corvette is a superb value.

You can take a closer look at the value the 2012 Corvette offers the purchaser of a sports luxury vehicle when you View our Lancaster Chevy Buick website.

References:

2012 Corvette – Features and Specs, Edmunds,

http://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/corvette/2012/features-specs.html

2012 Corvette, U. S. News, http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Chevrolet_Corvette/

Luxury Car – 2012 Jaguar XF

According to multiple reviews, the 2012 Jaguar XF is a strong performer in the luxury sedan category of automobile.

U. S. News ranks this vehicle as 5^th among a field of 15 cars in this class, and some reviewers seem even more taken with the vehicle than that.   It would appear in the U. S. News review that elements taken into account to keep this model from getting above 5^th place include the availability of other models in this class in all-wheel drive and a lack of safety testing of this model.  Another reviewer also notes that Jaguars in general have had reliability issues in the past.

While the Jaguar XF has not been crash tested by either of the two automobile safety testing organizations in the United States, it does come loaded with safety features comparable to other vehicles in this class.

Decidedly, it is not a vehicle for those who are not in the market for a luxury car, with a starting price of about $53,000 new.

However, the 2012 Jaguar XF is, at that price, rated a value by reviewers because of what the vehicle has to offer. 

The Jaguar XF’s features attractive to the potential buyer of this vehicle include:

• Xenon and LED headlights, for superior illumination while driving in dark or inclement conditions

• Keyless entry system

• Keyless ignition system

• Heated leather seats

• A 385 horsepower, 5.0 liter V-8 engine which offers more power than some other vehicles in this class; and at a similar cost to some vehicles [such as BMW 535i] with lesser engine power.

• Standard equipment includes interior technological tools, such as navigation and Bluetooth features.

• Fuel economy of up to 23 miles per gallon [highway]

Multiple reviewers have reported being impressed with the changes made by Jaguar to the XF model between the 2011 and 2012 editions of this vehicle model.  The changes made by Jaguar to the vehicle model are subtle, but overall according to multiple reviewers these small changes add considerably either to the technical capabilities of the car such as acceleration and cornering capabilities, or to the “style” or “look” of the car that buyers in the luxury car market so covet. 

Further, for those in the market for even more power, in addition to the base XF model, a “supercharged” model that delivers 470 horsepower is also available on the market.

Generally, the Jaguar XF is rated an overall excellent value in its vehicle category by multiple reviewers. 

To learn more about this vehicle model, See specials at Reedman Toll

Jaguar in Langhorne

References:

2012 Jaguar SF Review, David Thomas, http://www.cars.com/jaguar/xf/2012/expert-reviews/

Jaguar XF Review, U. S. News and World Report, http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Jaguar_XF/

2012 Jaguar XF review, Motor Authority, http://www.motorauthority.com/overview/jaguar_xf_2012

Minis

This review will look at the Mini Cooper, in part made more widely known by its use in a Dick Francis mystery novel as a shared or “community property” vehicle jointly owned by two jockeys.

This vehicle is a perfect illustration of the principle that it truly depends either on what you want, or on what you might want but are limited by what you can afford.  Technically, the car has much to recommend it and even for its size, it has good value at its price.   The price, new, ranges from $16,850 to $19,850 depending on exact model.  Presumably, with a used model you can get a mini-Cooper for a lower price still.

One thing that seems to apply in this case is that the standard, or base, model, is a better value than upgraded models.  The upgrades available appear to do little or nothing to enhance either the performance or the comfort level of the ride.

So, if you are buying new or have the option of multiple used models to choose from, you will want to stick as close as possible to the no-frills model of mini-Cooper.

The mini-Cooper’s two best features are its excellent cornering abilities and the extent of some serious headroom for a “mini.”  Although per some reviews, the “headroom” appears to apply to the front seats only and is more limited for rear seat passengers.

The mini-Cooper comes in two models:  a Coupe and a Convertible.  The standard Coupe delivers 115 horsepower, and the Convertible 163 horsepower.

In a sense, the mini-Cooper is also a status car.

Safety ratings aren’t the best for this model, that is one drawback.  They range, depending on the precise national safety test, from “good” to “acceptable.”  One of the “acceptable” tests is roof impact, which is unlikely to be a concern in most cases.  However the other is “side impact,” which would presumably be a concern if your son or daughter is riding in the suicide [front passenger] seat. 

On front and rear crash test results, however, the mini-Cooper came up as having “good” results, which is a plus.

Why is the mini-Cooper a status car?   In part because of a number of innovations and also that more than one manufacturer has at times been involved in its manufacture over time. 

The mini-Cooper has only recently resurfaced in the U.S. market, which again makes it somewhat of a status car.  The mini-Cooper was taken out of the U.S. market during 1968, for failure to meet either safety or emissions standards set into place in that year.

Most recently, however, improvements to this vehicle have given the manufacturers the capacity to re-introduce this model into the U.S. market once again. 

If you would like to explore the status of owning such an unusual vehicle in the United States automotive market, check out availability at a dealership such as DC's top dealership: MINI of Baltimore.

References:  U. S. News, http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/MINI_Cooper/Safety/

Tradition

Tradition.

I had to think of it this weekend.

Tradition is a marvelous thing.

Yet, we must realize that one thing about tradition is that it isn’t permanent; it does indeed change.

It doesn’t as a rule change in a “revolutionary” way, of overthrowing all that has gone before, but an “evolutionary” way, of adding or taking away from past traditions.  Changing as the household changes, in fact.

As children grow up and meet those of other traditions; and bring those into the home; or marry and the couple mixes traditions, then things alter in a natural confluence of life forces.

Why am I off on this?

Well, this past weekend is what used to be called Gaudette Sunday.  The third weekend in Advent; when we pause in penitential observance for anticipatory joy.

I won’t get into my present circumstances that have kept me from packing up an artificial Christmas tree for quite some time; but per family tradition I lit up the tree for the first time this weekend [in a “normal” year, were there such a thing, I’d  have trimmed it from the start this weekend.]

I wrote a short story, once, that talked about “who” is on the tree.  Which referred to people associated with certain trims or ornaments on the tree who have gone before and are no longer of this world.

And . . . I didn’t light the tree last year for very personal reasons, so though it is well trimmed, it is two years since I saw it lit.

And . . . as I gazed at it on Sunday, the first day I lit the tree; that is again what I saw.

A cherished ornament from a long-deceased friend; crafts from others long gone; inherited family ornaments; crafts from various church bazaars I’ve patronized; some of my own crafts from days when I had both more energy and more leisure.

Ways of setting up the tree, so that Jesus’s Incarnation and Nativity are “front and center.”

These things struck me on Gaudette Sunday as I gazed at the lit up Christmas tree.

This was our tradition in my family as I grew up.  It was on this weekend:  Gaudette, that we began the celebration.  We would procure the tree [sometimes artificial; but more often a real tree], set it up, and begin the trimming --- and the listening to Christmas music by choice on our own tapes or records versus the radio’s dictates --- on this weekend.

In a way, I have carried forth that same tradition.  And that is to cherish.

Happy Gaudette to all who read this.

Holt Chrysler Jeep Dodge – Website Review

This Texas car dealership website demonstrates some excellent design principles.  The principles they use particularly stand out because it’s an unusual approach within the automotive industry.

For the most part, the designer or designers of the website used a base of dark, neutral colors.  In a reverse psychological kind of way, this effectively makes the site “pop.”  Most of the background is a dark gray color, with many of the navigation tabs across the top of the website pages being presented in black as is the font color black.   This could have been problematic, since a gray background can make an overlaying black font difficult to read.  However, in this case the gray, though a dark shade of gray, is just light enough that the text the website visitor can read the text readily enough.

The design incorporates just a judicious touch of color for particular links worthy of a potential consumer’s attention:  such as a deep red for searching and for links to detailed offers, and coupon-like navigation buttons f or service-related coupons.

The strategy works excellently well in this instance, since it’s an unusual and therefore unexpected approach within the automotive industry which tends towards flamboyance in its presentation of itself towards the consumer.

This strategy of website design works well for two reasons.  One of them is from the design perspective of how the visitor experiences the website.  Additionally, though, it works well from a customer-facing, marketing perspective.  The general design gives an immediate sense of “quietness” to the website visitor.  In advertising, the use of such a presentation design also gives the consumer the sense of “what you see is what you get,” or of the company behind the website having nothing to hide.  And that is a very valuable message to accomplish in an industry where some vendors are not always aboveboard.

The site is easy to navigate.  The website also incorporates the opportunity for live chat, and the dealership’s staff is pro-active in reaching out through the chat facility as soon as someone first visits the website.

One element of the dealership’s unique value proposition is clearly stated in the first paragraph of the website’s home page.  That is that this dealership guarantees the lowest prices for vehicles throughout the north Texas area.  The second element of the UVP involves the Holt Chrysler Jeep Dodge’s standing as a truck headquarters automotive dealership.

Customer testimonials back up the general sense of quality that the website design conveys to visitors to the site at http://www.holtchryslerjeepdodge.com   about Holt DCJ - a Dallas car dealership.  Again, the website uses these customer testimonies judiciously, maintaining the “soft sell” of the website’s overall design.  Such a presentation inspires confidence in potential customers about a likelihood they will have a positive experience when patronizing Holt Chrysler Jeep Dodge.

Reference: 

Conrad Holt, owner – on the Unique Value Proposition

Creativity feeding Creativity

Most writers I know are highly creative people.  Of course, the act of writing in itself is creative, in most if not all its forms even to some degree the dry, factual manuals of technical writing.

Yet, many of the writers I know exercise their creativity in at least one, and often more, forms of expression.

Many of the female writers I know are talented needlework crafters in one, and sometimes several forms of needle crafts.  Crocheting, knitting, embroidery, sometimes all three, and the odd writer here and there that works a weaving loom.

Others are creative in the kitchen:  designing imaginative pot luck meals for community or work-related events.

The”guys” or “dudes” I know who are writers are often handy with mechanical things, and can tear down and rebuild a car.  Or, they are skilled in woodworking or carpentry more generally.

This is another place to look when one faces a stubborn writer’s block:  to other areas of creativity to feed the writing spirit.

This is on my mind right now because with an inevitable relocation coming up sometime within the next few months, I’m trying to get rather creative with meals.  Over time, I’ve collected quite an assemblage of nonperishable foods.  Knowing I need to use many up before too long, I’ve begun looking at my cookbooks – especially those such as ones for making up casseroles – specifically looking to use up items in my stores.

This is inspiring in terms of ideas for writing, as well.

So, another strategy for writer’s block is to apply your creativity elsewhere for a time, and let that inspire your ideas for your writing.

If you apply your creativity to your food preparation, you can literally feed your creative spirit, pointing you back to your writing passion with fresh, fun ideas.

www.kristawriter.com

 Reedman Toll

Local Reputation

Reedman Toll has a two-part Unique Value Proposition.  The first element is “local reputation.”

This, upon reading the information, seems more than justified.  But as to the website itself, the web master could do a bit better organizing job.  When you click on the link to “customer reviews” you don’t get any. You get the dealership’s own analysis and evaluation.

Yet, those reviews ARE available, under a different tab on the website. 

If you go under “About Us” and Under “Testimonials” and-or under “A Woman’s View” you will get customer reviews and testimonials.

Yet, it is a drawback that you cannot get to these by clicking on “Read Customer Reviews” from the home page.

Part of the local reputation is that Reedman Toll involves itself in community [and wider] issues; and posts informative articles on those matters on its site.  For example, one dealing with pregnant women and seat belts.  It was excellent; and even to me [who am not pregnant] very revealing as to how seat belts ought to be positioned for maximum safety and so on. 

Superb article, and this kind of thing is just the ticket that makes for a company’s local positive reputation.

Inventory

The second part of Reedman Toll’s Unique Value Proposition is inventory, which their Internet sales manager refers to as “second to none.”

This is a good thing for consumers:  economy of scale.   On an economy of scale, such a dealership can offer you a much reduced price over other dealerships with a lesser inventory.  Their inventory presumably changes daily, if not even minute-to-minute; but is impressive overall.

Of particular note:  those looking for used cars, the website for Reedman Toll has a special category for “under $10,000” cars, starting at about $3,800 [today, December 6, 2012]  Presumably, the lowest prices will change as inventory is sold.

Definitely a go-to dealership.

“A Woman’s View”

It’s reverse sexist, I know, but I really liked the fact that Reedman Toll has a section on their website called “A Woman’s View.”  Certainly, there are practical things, like pregnant women and seat belts, that apply.  Yet, there are also women who are on two opposite sides of the car-related scale:  those who know nothing at all and rely on such posts, and those who know enough to be female mechanics but are not respected.  [And a few in between, who know some basics but not enough to be mechanics.] 

[Blog author smiles and waves:  that last is me.  Learned what I needed to when I needed to.  Not really technically competent.  But I have left mechanics open-mouthed at times at my instinctive “this is what is wrong, isn’t it?” response.]

That is a great “pull” for potential customers.  Reedman Toll Caters to this kind of consumer, but makes it look like they aren’t “babying.”  Good P.R. all around.

If you’d like to take advantage of some of Reedman Toll’s public information articles, please visit their newsletter page at:  http://m5.tm00.com/tmsubscribe.net/current.aspx?n=20&pid=%20&pgid=926&m=

To prove out the first element of the unique value proposition, start by visiting the website at
http://www.reedmantollmazda.com .  See our inventory at Reedman Toll Mazda.

2013 Fiat Panda 4x4

2013 Fiat Panda 4x4

 Driving devotees in the United States, particularly those who follow developments in the category of four wheel drive, off-road capable vehicles are avidly interested in a 2013 European car model unlikely to become available in the United States.  And they take such notice with good reason.

Enthusiasts find much to recommend the 2013 Fiat Panda 4x4.  They take stock in observing the developments in this particular vehicle in hopes that a manufacturer – most likely the Jeep line – will introduce a similar model vehicle into the United States market in the upcoming years.  This particular vehicle model combines a variety of design elements that provide a wide range of attractions for those who find it preferable to use a four-wheel drive vehicle.  The appealing elements of this vehicle involve both elements of the style or appearance of and of functionality.  Style elements include improvements on exterior presentation and interior features of the 2013 model year in comparison with the prior model year.

The Fiat company introduced the 2013 Panda 4x4 at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.  The 2013 model incorporates several improvements over the design of the prior model year of this vehicle.

Most of the design improvements address functionality elements, but the manufacturer also introduced two new colors into the available color choices for the body of the vehicle and some interior changes.

The Fiat Panda 4x4, categorized as a mini-SUV, has a look that combines a sense of sportiness with a sense of elegance.   As a mini-SUV, it is a relatively affordable vehicle for the SUV class.  This sizing also adds better fuel economy than typical for the SUV category of vehicles as another advantage.

The Panda is a 5-door vehicle, about the size as a standard compact car.  The vehicle incorporates a permanent 4-wheel drive. 

One substantial improvement involves a lighter rear-wheel base suspension which provides for a more comfortable ride, and also reduces road noise.

Other improvements in the design of 2013 design aspects of the Fiat Panda 4x4 afford more efficiency in the model’s ability to handle off-road or slippery condition driving situations, providing for greater traction that compares well with larger 4x4 SUV vehicles.  Improved tailpipe placement also gives this vehicle model more structural integrity than the previous model year of the Panda 4x4.

The 2013 Panda has a six-speed transmission.  Fiat also offers a choice with the 4x4 model of two engine types:  a Twin-Air turbo and a diesel engine model.

With so much going for the 2013 Panda Fiat, available only on the European market, many 4x4 devotees and professional car reviewers are watching the roll-out of this mini-SUV model carefully in hopes that a manufacturer such as Jeep will come up with a similar model mini-SUV for release into the United States market as promptly as practicable.

You’ll likely see more write-ups on this solely European market vehicle model in the near future. For more information you can read it at FIAT of Hurst, your Texas car dealer.

References:

2013 Fiat Panda 4xf is ‘go anywhere’ in a small package, Jeffrey N. Ross, http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/2013-fiat-panda-4x4-paris-2012/

Fiat Panda 4x4 (2013), http://www.netcarsho.com/fiat/2013-panda_4x4/

Huge Gallery of Fiata’s New 2014 4x4 and Panda Trekking, http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/10/huge-galler-of-fiat-new-2013-panda-4x4.html

Five Ways to Beat Writer's Block

Here are five tips to curtail writer's block:


1.   Write about the pen or pencil you are holding.  This works
especially well if you get a souvenir pen from a tourist area with
peices that slide around inside.  Now you have both the slider and the
tourist location to write about!


2.    Use a Scripture study guidebook to give you a writing prompt, and
write your response to it.


3.    Write a little about the last book you read:  a book review or a
contemplation.


4.    Write an unsent letter to a friend.  Even better, write an unsent
letter to an enemy [real or imagined.]

5.    Write a letter to a (real or imagined) confessor:  write about
what has gone wrong in your life.





Hopefully, I can do more of these types entries in the days coming up,
also.

American Icons – Jeep® Vehicles

Jeep® producers have a unique and distinct history in the American automobile production industry.

Starting at the very outset, the engineering of the Jeep® models came about based upon meeting or exceeding specific United States Army requirements.  The Jeep® line has gone through a diverse range of players and owners starting out from its very beginning, when the first Army-approved model had some input from at least three different automobile producer companies.

With the U. S. Army requiring a production of a sufficient number of vehicles of the selected model out of three prototypes in a relatively short time, necessity dictated cooperation between two manufacturers using the same design.  Yet a third company, the American Bantam company, had actually produced an original design.  However, when the U. S. Army became concerned about the already bankrupt American Bantam company’s inadequate size in terms of meeting the contract, the Army arranged for transfer of the original design to two other manufacturers with the directive to make their own design changes. 

At this point, the Willys Overland and Ford companies became involved, each producing prototypes.   The Army chose the Jeep® Willys Quad as the successful prototype, and this became the first Jeep® vehicle to actually go on the market:  marketed exclusively to the Army, starting in 1941.  Apart from the now popular four-wheel drive, the original Jeep® prototype incorporated an even more powerful engine than that which the Army had specified.

While one does get a certain sense of that nostalgic feel of looking over a classic or antique car from certain of the Willys Quad’s lines in photographs, in other ways the look of certain contemporary Jeep® models, such as the Jeep® Wrangler, remains remarkably similar to this earliest full-production model.

The manufacturers supplied the Army with two full-production models based on the original Willys Quad prototype:  The Willys MA and the Willys MB.

It took little time, partially influenced by the perceptions of servicemen who used the Jeep®s during the war, for the general population to realize the need for broadening the Jeep® market into the general population.  With additional post-war modifications to adapt for uses like agricultural applications, this led to the next generation of Jeep® vehicles, the CJ – or Civilian Jeep® – line by 1945.

The CJ line, as used in civilian applications, contributed significantly to the post-World War II restoration of prosperity in the United States.

Additionally, between the two, the original Jeep® Willys and the Jeep® CJ 2A models became the basis for a variety of other, later developed, four-wheel drive vehicles and the entire Sport Utility category of vehicles. 

Later Jeep® models would continue to innovate in various ways, maintaining the heritage of solid design and adapting the line so as to supply models suited to a variety of specific uses.

The heritage of the Jeep® line, therefore, offers valuable lessons both on the design innovation and the marketing adaptability categories of automotive production that other industry players could do well to learn from.

For those readers interested in more contemporary Jeep® models, you can find reviews on many models at the Dewey Dodge dealer of Des Moines website at
 www.deweydodgejeep.com.

References:

Jeep Heritage:  Multiple Blogs:    http://blog.jeep.com/category/heritage/page/3/

Jeep.   Wikopedia:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeep

2013 BMW 1-series review

Since that’s what I know, I’m going to consider the BMW-1 series of cars from the perspective of a potential purchaser.

According to at least one automotive reviewer who generally rates this series of cars highly, the BMW-1 series does have the drawback of being somewhat cramped in terms of space.  This issue applies particularly to the rear seats of the vehicle.

An advantage to this series of vehicles, however, is that the model line incorporates the ability to upgrade features after initial purchase.

As with many European cars, the consumer also has the assurance by reputation of a general standard of reliability of the vehicle.

The 2013 BMW-1 series of cars has a design geared specifically to people who enjoy driving for its own sake.  People who look for high-power, high-performance cars when purchasing a vehicle.  Yet, at the same time, people who look for a car that comes closer to a luxury type vehicle sort of driving experience [and riding experience] than a devoted driver interested in the more rough-and-ready type of ride of something like an SUV or ATV.

Clearly, also, being a BMW, this model series is designed for buyers for whom the price point of the vehicles poses no object.

So, what is the profile of consumers for whom this is likely not the car to consider?

Firstly, since all models incorporate a six-speed, manual transmission, this model series is not the right car choice for anyone who either does not know how to drive a manual shift vehicle or does know how but has physical restraints that make clutch operation difficult or impossible.  Even some manual shift proficient drivers who have only driven a three or perhaps four-speed shift may hesitate about choosing this model.

As a car that provides a driving experience somewhat similar to a luxury car but also somewhat similar to a sports car, people who have experienced difficulties with driving a car with the kind of “feel” of a sports car may also prefer to shun this model.  Some medical conditions such as inner ear issues can cause dizziness and perception problems in the sufferer when operating a car with the driving “feel” of a sports car.

People who prefer, or need, a more practical vehicle such as a mini-van, SUV, or even a traditional sedan or station wagon also may prefer another vehicle choice.

Finally, those whose car buying budget forbids consideration of the price points of this series will not make viable consumer candidates for a model in this series. 

But, in a way, even the categories of potential buyers excluded offers a pro on this type of vehicle series:  it reflects a closely targeted market that contributes to the cachet that owners of these vehicles covet.

Coupe models available in three “package” options:  premium, cold-weather and technology packages.  Convertible models available in two package types:  cold-weather and technology – with “cold weather” package seeming an odd option for a convertible model automobile.

For those of you who are ready to pursuit that dream of owning a BMW 1 Series you can visit Baltimore's BMW store - BMW of Towson.

Reference:

2013 BMW 135is Coupe and Convertible Announced, http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=691753

What has this to do with Writings?

I'm preparing to start a new series of posts on the blog sometime soon.

I wanted to  introduce that series, as I did with the one adult learner language learning issues.

In this case, I also want to make brief commentary on the relationship between the topic -- vehicular articles -- and Writing(s).

In my mind, there are relationships in a few different ways.

To start out, certain well-known authors -- notably Julia Cameron but she's not alone in this -- have observed that during drive time is a productive creative "think time" for many of us.

Secondly, as I have commented in earlier entries, there is the nostalgia factor of classic and antique cars which can also foster our creative and writerly minds.

Writing product descriptions or product reviews is also a viable freelancing option for some writers.

There are also the consumer aspects which are involved in purchasing a vehicle;  probably the most significant purchase decision after a home that most people make.

And, finally, good writers always benefit from stretching their skills and experimenting with writing on new and unfamiliar topics.

So, I will soon be putting some blog posts on the site dealing with different topics related, in one form or another, to vehicles.

Oops!

Deleted inadvertent, semi-duplicate post.


www.kristawriter.com

Christian -- Perhaps Not So

I am a faith-filled person.

I have situations in my life that I would like upheld in prayer.

It astounds me, at times.  "The more things change, the more they
remain the same."

I started to sign on to a site for prayer.  I backed away when they
required a credit card and minimum $9.00 payment to enact such a
request.

A huge impetous in the Protestant Reformation was a contention that the
Catholic Church in effect "sold" prayer:  particularly plenary
indulgences [for those unfamiliar with the term, it means that if you
paid a set fee and said so many particular prayers, you would receive a
level of forgiveness for sins.]  Some felt this very un-Godlike,
and it was a leading edge in the Protestant Reformation.

Today, nearly ALL of the "new" Christian groups, who reject Catholicism
on various terms, have revived this philosophy of "if you can pay for
prayer, you can have prayer.  But if you can't even afford to pay for
the prayers, then you have no right to expect them."

How anti-Christ-like can that possibly be?  It was those to whom prayer
and other resources were MOST unaffordable that Jesus reached out.

These groups represent themselves as Christian, rejecting the Roman
church [which by the way does more charitable work than almost any other
organization in the world, so some request for financing is justifiable
there], but they charge indiscriminately [therefore even the starving]
a minimum of $9.00 to even have prayers said.

It's a shameful state of affairs.  They reject the Roman church but
practice EXACTLY the sorts of abuses that the original Reformation
Protestants rejected.

And while I believe profoundly in the power of prayer, I don't believe
there is any kind of "power" in any form of prayer which one, in effect,
has to "purchase" with money.

The more things change, the more they remain the same.  These more
"modern" versions of Christianity reject Catholicism [the original, along
with Orthodoxy before the schism] form of Christianity:  yet
they practice precisely those things that could legitimately
get called into question as the source of "protest" against
Catholicism.

We never once, in Scripture, see Jesus "charge" people for prayer.

Doing so is simply wrong, and incompatible with genuine Christianity.

Hopefully, I will have better luck with formatting for this post.  I
write my posts offline, and they don't always convert well when copied
and pasted.  This time I set very wide margins at the outset in
Notepad, so perhaps this will work.

Now, on to the meat of the next post.

Technically, spirituality and in particular Christianity are not among
my claimed "niche" writing areas.

However, I regard them as subcategories of my niche areas.  I do, after
all, try to write some Christian fiction.  And when I put together a
set of samples in a particular copywriting area about a year ago, I
chose Christian-themed material for two of my listed niches:  books,
and games and toys for children.

So, I want to put up an entry on that at this juncture.

This past Friday, we had our first of this session of faith sharing
groups.

This is a relatively new concept within the practice of the Catholic
version of Christianity.  Or perhaps it is better said that it is an
ancient practice that existed in the earliest "house churches" and then
died out for many centuries, and only began to be reinstated in the
most recent several years.

This began perhaps six years or so ago.  And I do not know that all
dioceses and archdioceses have involved themselves in this initiative.

But at that time, the Archdiocese of Boston declared that all its
parishes would involve themselves in a faith sharing program that would
meet in small groups in homes of people willing to host the programs;
and a few groups who could not find such a hosting home met somewhere
on the parish grounds.

"Arise" involved a series of six week long faith sharing programs, with
an overall program of five such six-week programs over the course of
two and a half years.  The programs generally were set up for one
program in the Spring and one in the Autumn.

In these programs, small groups used a guidebook put out by the Renew
International organization.

The original "Arise" program was mandated by the Archdiocese.  But
since then, the Archdiocese has not stepped in.  But some individual
parishes have continued the general spirit of this activity.

Our particular parish at this time has chosen to organize another such
program called "Why Catholic?" which our pastor has often emphasised
can also be viewed, in terms of content, as "Why Christian?"

Due to work commitments, I was unable to attend the first session last
Spring [the Spring sessions are often timed in some way to tie in with
Lenten observances].

We had our first Autumn session last Friay, and it was a joy.  It
happens that, unlike my Arise sessions, all our participants were
women.  We sat around the hostess's dining room table, followed our
guidebook, and did some very meaningful sharing about our prayer
experiences during the course of our life times.

It was an inspiring and heartening time.

To understand the enormity of this trend in modern Catholicism, you
would need to understand the nature of the Catholic church
approximately since the New Testament became codified into written
form.  It has been the nature of the clerical class within the Catholic
church to keep control of what went on within the perspectives of the
laity.  That unsupervised laity should meet together to discuss
Scripture and-or doctrine would have been unthinkable even the year or
two before these programs began.

For faith-filled people, this suggests very much so the work of the
Holy Spirit's guidance.  I also cannot envision that so many would,
even a few years before, have been willing to host the programs.
Yet, we had many groups meeting in homes throughout
these faith sharing initiatives.

Does this tie into writing?

Indeed it does.  Some of my own expressions of how my individual prayer
life worked involved that while I often don't see it that way, indeed,
some of the spiritually related writing I do effectively constitutes a
kind of "prayer time."

In those times, I listen for guidance and follow where that leads.

And that is a very profound, surrendering, and fulfilling experience.




Krista

www.kristawriter.com