allisonhester

I'm going to try this again since you (Rick) basically shared a lot of what I wrote -- and lost -- last night. We claim we all have equal rights, but we are not starting from an equal playing field. History, socioeconomics, cultural issues all come into play. And to ignore these things is not being realistic. However, to exploit them with every opportunity -- crying "racism" at every turn -- is not the answer either. The people who so desperately want to end racism are too often going about it wrong, in turn driving a deeper wedge between the races. In the words of Nelson Mandela, "If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner."

I stayed up until 1:30 last night writing out a well crafted, deeply thought out response to this. Then when I went to post I realized I was no longer logged in to TGS and I lost the whole thing. So, I'm following my gut and sticking to my mantra of not talking politics. (But you have a legitimate point. I tend to see both sides of situations, so I get where they are coming from as well.)

We own enough guns to share with every one of you! Remember, my husband builds them for a living. It's been quite a change for me since I grew up in a household with zero guns. But now we have closets full. None are loaded and the ammunition is stored elsewhere. I'm not even sure where, and I prefer it that way... . As for the Zimmerman case, I honestly stopped following it very early on. It's one of those things where I realized I would never know the full story, so to have a strong opinion about who was right and who was wrong didn't make sense to me. A friend posted something on Facebook that I appreciated, although I didn't fully agree with: "None of us have enough context on the George Zimmerman case to waste one electron volt's worth of emotional energy on it. It is time to spend more time/energy on our own lives: developing our own character; exploring the depths of God's Grace and loving those around us deeper each day and trust God with the rest." I don't agree that it's "wasting" emotional energy to "mourn" over the case. A child died. Racial tension is growing. Our nation is dividing. I believe that God, even in His sovereignty over the situation, is still mourning the situation.

This is Puggles, our Shnoodle (or that's what we think she is...Schnauzer/poodle mix). In 2009, my daughter Abby -- who was 4 -- wanted a dog more than anything in the world. We were on our way to Petco one day just to look at the animals when she asked me when we could get a dog. I told her probably when Michael (my husband) returned from Afghanistan. We entered Petco to immediately hear an elderly man talking with one of the clerks. He had found the dog that was with him about a week ago, and could not find the owner. He didn't want to put her into a shelter, but was about to start dialysis and couldn't keep her. Next thing I knew, I had a dog. The thing was, I had a dog without Mike's blessing, and I had a dog despite the fact that my son, Ethan -- who has autism -- was TERRIFIED of dogs. Mike was livid when I emailed him about what I'd done. Ethan cried and locked himself in the house away from Puggles. So she stayed outside for several months. Mike returned home, met Puggles in person, fell in LOVE with her. (I can't believe how much he adores her considering how he was with our previous dogs). Ethan remained afraid of her...until one magical moment. He wanted to play on the swingset in the backyard but was afraid because Puggles was there. Mike told him to just go on in the yard with the dog, and for some reason, Ethan did. From that moment on, Ethan loved Puggles -- and all dogs. He even goes with us to the dog park and plays with all the dogs now! Puggles sleeps on my feet every night (something I NEVER thought Mike would allow), cuddles on my lap while I work, and so on. She is the sweetest, good-for-nothing but cuddles and companionship dog I've ever met. Not very bright. Not very observant. Not very tough. But she LOVES her family, and we all love our Puggles!

No. I just looked it up. His name is Al Harris, former corrections officer in Long Island. He got X'd (i.e., gonged if it was the old Gong Show). I just thought of you when I saw him because I thought you might know him. http://thecomicscomic.com/2013/07/10/al-harris-prop-comic-auditions-on-americas-got-talent-2013/

Funny part was that you and I won, but Rob lost quite a bit! I think I head to Vegas in September for CETA. Won't be the same without you guys though...unless ya'll wanna come too! That'd be fun! Hey, I was going to email you about this, but might as well ask you here. Did you know the Long Island police guy/comedian that was on America's Got Talent the other night?

After struggling with some technical glitches last night, the new magazine is online and appears to be in good working order. (Please let me know if you experience problems!) The full issue for subscribers will be up sometime tomorrow. Subscribers will receive an email with info on that. http://www.pwcmag.com/

What is GP? Can't for the life of me figure it out.

Hey guys. I'm thinking of writing an article for the next eClean Magazine that talks about cleaning/restoring wooden docks (on the water). I assume they present some unique challenges? If you have ideas about what this needs to be covered in this piece, if you want to be interviewed, if you have photos or if you'd be interested in writing this article instead of me, please let me know ASAP. You can reply here, or email me at allison214@live.com. Thank you!

Thanks guys! Adrian, I will email you some questions over the weekend and then maybe we can talk next week? You can let me know when a good time is for you. I can always talk evenings/weekends. Whatever it takes. Rick, great photos. Thank you! If you want to be interviewed, let me know.

Complaint against roof cleaner picked up by local "Consumer Watchdog"Is giving your customers instructions to care for their plants after roof cleaning enough to protect you from liability? That's the debate in a recent newspaper column by a "consumer watchdog." A reputable roof washing company was recently targeted by an unhappy customer who complained that his roof-cleaning chemicals killed $600 worth of plants. The customer was so unhappy, in fact, that he wrote a local columnist who picked up the case. The headline: "Clean Kills Green." Note: the article mentions the roof cleaner has been in business for over 10 years and the customer said he was very happy with the roof cleaning itself.) The contractor admitted that the cleaning solutions possibly killed one plant and likely damaged the others, but states that the homeowner did not follow his instructions for caring for his plants after the cleaning. The columnist wrote: "My suggestion to (contractor's name) was that he print those instructions so customers know what to do. If they ignore the advice, it’s their own fault and (he) can’t be held accountable." Good advice, but a little too late. The columnist points out that she believes the contractor is at fault. The question now is which is more expensive...the $600 for new landscaping, or the price of negative press.

Wondering what's happening in the world of mobile cleaning? eClean Magazine's new blog page will keep you up to date with the latest industry news, tips, and articles. We've also moved the popular "Cleaning in the News" page to our blog section. (You can find these blogs under the "Cleaning in the News" section of our article categories list on the right-hand side of our site as well.) This week alone we reported on New York kitchen workers being fined for cleaning on a sidewalk, Denver's 40-foot blue bear needing a pressure washing bath, and the Arkansas oil spill cleanup. All of these updates are also posted on our Facebook page and our Twitter page, so be sure to "like" us there as well.

If you really want to do a blog, you can set up a free blog on Wordpress easily. www.wordpress.com/blogspot. Don't make it connect to your business and your customers likely won't see it.

I'll take photos and post them so you don't have to. I get in around 9 LV time tomorrow night.

My kids watch Netflix on it.

I bought my iPad used and I had to set it up with AT&T. It's about $30 a month for 3 GB or $50 for 5 GB. There was no contract. Works great, although we go over our limit a lot of the time. I switch to Wi-Fi whenever it's available.

Praying for you Jim! I want you to get well for a host of reasons, but selfishly I'm really looking forward to finally meeting you in person in Vegas!

Michael (my husband) was an athiest until he was around 26. He started doing calligraphy when he was teaching sniper school, and got hold of a King James Bible -- the ones they give the military -- so he practiced his calligraphy by writing scripture from it. Didn't even really pay attention to what he was writing, but in a few short months, he went from an athiest to believing in God, then soon after belieiving in Jesus as Lord and Savior.

(accidentally repeated post)

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 Isaiah 49:13 Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For theLord comfs orthis people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. "I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security." - Jeremiah 33:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. -- Phillipians 4:6-7 (And finally, these next two are my favorites as a mommy) He tends His flock like a shepherd, He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads those that have young. -- Isaiah 40:11 He grants SLEEP to those He loves. -- Psalm 127:2

Flying to a cleaning industry event this year? A new MSN study found that the best time to make your flight reservations is seven weeks before you travel. That's when you'll pay the lowest fares. Traveling in Spring and Fall also saves you money. The most expensive reservations? You got it. The day before. Actually, starting about 11 days out, you'll start paying more each day you wait. So plan early...seven weeks early to be exact. (Subscribe to eClean Magazine for free, www.eCleanMag.com, the professional cleaning contractor's online resource!)

Thanks all. Just flew back from IWCA a little bit ago. Kids had a party waiting for me, complete with presents, cake, (too many) candles and even party games.

We are planning our 2013 schedule and we need your help! Please take a few minutes to complete this short survey telling us what you’d like to see in eClean Magazine next year. By participating, you will be automatically added to our random drawing for a $50 Visa giftcard. Deadline is midnight, December 23.

Today we’re going to examine an option that is strongly encouraged by blogging experts: using other people’s words rather than your own. Guest bloggers are good for offering variety as well as for SEO. Often other professionals are looking for ways to get their names/companies in front of new customers, as well as adding to their backlinks for SEO, so offering them a blog spot on your site, along with a short bio and a link to their site, is good for them and for you. Examples: A Realtor could write on the importance of cleaning a home’s exterior to keep the resale value up An insurance agent or roofer could write on the damage caused by roof algae A fire marshal could write on the need to keep kitchen exhaust systems clean A police officer could write on the dangers of keeping graffiti on a building And the list goes on. There are some sites where you can register, such as MyBlogGuest.com, where you can see articles by bloggers looking to be posted on blog sites. However, fair warning: you will be bombarded by emails if you sign up for notifications, and registering on the site is kind of pain. Still, there are some decent articles available if you have the time to dig.

When you can’t come up with ideas – or hopefully before you run out of ideas – host a contest. This is a fun way to drive traffic to your site, but remember, it will only be as good as you make it. You must promote your contest – put it on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and tell everyone you come in contact with about it. If no one knows about it, no one will participate. Before starting a contest, be sure to do the following: Pick your prize. Since you offer cleaning services, some sort of free cleaning seems to be the natural choice. This might even lead to additional work from your prizewinner. For instance, if you offer a free house wash, you may end up getting them to pay to have the driveway or roof cleaned too. Pick your method of entry. Are you going to have a form to fill out on your website? Do they simply send you an email? Maybe you could create a survey? Do they have to answer a question – e.g., a topic they’d like to see you write on. Determine how the winner will be chosen. Is it going to be a random drawing or will you choose who has the best entry? (E.g., a photo contest or a blog idea question) Set the time limit. What is the deadline for entering the contest? Set any restrictions. For instance, if you are offering a free house wash, is there going to be a limit on the size of the house? How far you’re willing to travel? While you can always do a simple fill-out-the-form-to-win contest, you can also get creative. To see 10 examples that other cleaning companies have done, read the full article on our website.