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