I used to go to the National Air Duct Cleaner's Association's annual trade show on a regular basis when I owned my duct cleaning business and I used to sit a lot of trade shows when I was in the telecommunications industry. To my knowledge, there are no Hot Dog Vendor Trade shows. If there were, I'd attend; maybe someone should get one going!
Trade shows are used to introduce potential clients and customers to new products and services. Sometimes sales are made at trade shows. The most successful exhibitors at trade shows typically have dynamic Trade Show Displays that draw show attendees to their booth.
The Godfrey Group sells and manufactures Trade Show Displays for all sorts of businesses. They offer a "lowest price guarantee" on their displays and they'll work with you down to the smallest detail on your Trade Show Displays to make sure it's exactly what you want.
Since they're a family run business, you can expect pride in their workmanship and an owner's attention to detail you may not find from other suppliers of Trade Show Displays.
We Need a Hot Dog Trade Show
Progress Report
Business at the "new" location has been brisk, with the exception of this past Monday when it was pouring rain most of the day.
I am only at the new spot until December 21 when I'll pack it in for the season. I wouldn't mind staying where I am, but the property owners don't want the traffic.
At least I get to finish the season in the vicinity. Moving too far away would have been a pain and probably would have impacted business.
Tuna salad and Chicken salad are all done for the season. It gets too cold at night and the mayonaisse freezes, even in the refrigerator.
This will be the first winter I'll be closed since 2004-2005!
Fun Free Screen Savers
I have a whole bunch of screen savers on my computer. They are all Free Screensavers (I'm way too cheap to pay for something like THAT).
I like cool screen savers. Sometimes I stare at my Aquarium Screensaver for a long time. It's a lot easier than taking care of my REAL aquarium.
Now that the holidays are upon us, I may switch to one of my Christmas Screensavers until after the new year. They just make my desk top so much more festive. A quality Winter Screensaver can be good for Christmas too.
While a good screensaver isn't a neccessity, it can be a lot of fun, especially if its one of those free screensavers.
RELOCATED!!!!
I have relocated until the end of the season (December 21) about 300 yards south on route 30 in the parking area of Bartolini Construction, Next to Northern Corp. WATCH FOR THE SIGNS!
OPEN 10:30 AM-3 PM
Picture This Gift
When you just don't know what to get someone for Christmas, a gift card can be the perfect gift. Then they can get what they want. A Visa gift card is the best because it can be used anywhere.
The bad thing about a gift card is it can be a tad impersonal. Sure you can write a nice note with the gift card, but it's still just a piece of plastic.
Now you can create a personalized gift card with a cool picture or graphic design so it's not so impersonal. You show your love for the gift recipient by giving them something you "made" yourself and they get whatever they want!
A gift card makes a great stocking stuffer too!
Basic Instructions
I take a peek at a site called Basic Instructions now and again for "advice" on everyday matters. I am a big "there's something on your shirt" guy- I am always getting my kids- so I really liked this strip.
When I try this gag on my oldest, I get her about 75% of the time. My son has a near 100% success rate. My 10 year old won't look down in my presence at all, even if I'm not trying the gag!
The good news is I have a three year old to continue this gag with, at least for a few more years....
Blog Your Blessing Sunday XXXIV
Psalm 95; 2:
Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.
Chief Santa
Christmas is coming and the lists are piling up!
My wife wants a new digital camera, the kids want cell phones, iPod accesories, video games and, of course, new clothes. The dog gets a bunch of bones from the butcher at the supermarket-she's also fond of (ulp) pig's ears. Since I'll be doing much of my Christmas shopping soon, I'll be checking out Coupon Chief to get coupons to my favorite stores so I can save some dough.
I can get great deals on the electronic gifts at Best Buy. They have lots of digital cameras and MP3 players. I can even buy video games there.
Of course the Gap will be a stop, I can get everyone the same sweater so we can all match on Christmas Day!
Coupon Chief is great because I can get coupons to lots of major retailers and use them to save money on stuff I'd be buying anyway.
More Phunny Photos
Yum. That's a BIG BIRD...
You wonder what makes the little ones tick sometimes.
Simplified math
A very bad idea
This explains a lot
Economics visualized
He can only be up to no good!
A Sign for the Truck
I have two identical signs I put out at the side of the road to let folks know I'm open. It's especially important now since I moved down the street. People pass my old spot and wonder where I am until they see the
signs announcing my presence at the new spot.
When I get a new location in the spring, I'll need new signs for the truck and the roadside. I may drop the dime on some new signs and I'll probably make them myself at buildasign.com because I can get a professional looking sign on the cheap. They have all kinds of signs from yard signs to parking signs, banners to magnetic truck signs. Since I design them myself online, I save big bucks.
I know I need signage, but I am, after all, a cheap bastard! Getting a nice sign for the Hot Dog Truck is important without breaking the bank! I've always said: "a business without a sign is a sign of no business!"
Thanksgiving Football
If you like money with your Turkey, be sure to check out Winning Football Picks for the Thanksgiving Day Plays.
We're up over 30 UNITS so far this season.
We're winning $$$, SO SHOULD YOU!!
Backgammon Masters Launches Live Customer Support
Backgammon Masters is at it again. The innovative online game site which provides a platform for playing backgammon, poker and blackjack online for real money has launched their live customer support service.
The site's traffic has exploded in recent months due to the popularity of their online tournaments and their terrific customer service. With rapid growth comes an increased need for quality customer service and they actually decided to do something about it. Now you can actually click a button on your screen and speak with an operator live while you're playing your game. Backgammon Masters is all about keeping their customers happy and they have a rather old fashioned belief that if the customer is cared for, it's good for their business.
Live support is only available in English now, but they'll be rolling out live support for the 11 other languages they support soon.
Backgammon Masters offers other benefits to their customers too. You can brush up on your blackjack basic strategy on their "How to Play" page. They offer a free blackjack download and they have a platform to play free blackjack too.
You can access all their games from the All-in-One Game Lobby. Whether you like poker, blackjack or backgammon, Backgammon Masters is THE place to play.
Potato, Potahto
On Thanksgiving, the Turkey gets all the publicity and notoriety. Many of us fail to honor another Thanksgiving staple: the Potato.
I have been given the chore honor of making the mashed potatoes for the Thanksgiving meal at my parents' house this year.
My grandmother LOVES my mashed potatoes, so I got the nod.
I use boiled, mashed potatoes mixed with some instant potatoes, cream, cheese, butter, garlic and pepper. I whip them up so they're creamy and smooth, but properly "goopy."
They're Oh So Good!
UK Used Cars
My wife's cousin from England is a real car nut. Whenever he visits us, he watches the Speed Channel show "American Muscle." His favorite car is the 1972 Chevelle Super Sport (one of my favs too). There aren't many used cars in the UK that can match the 1972 Chevelle Super Sport.
I went to Netcars, a UK used cars website and found a fair amount of American cars, but no Chevelle SS.
It's a great site though. In addition to thousands of ads for used cars, there are many other resources. You can arrange for car loans, car insurance-you can even check vanity plate availability. There isn't one particular thing that is better than the other, the sheer fact that you can do one stop used car shopping is enough of a benefit in my book.
If I had to chose one thing about the site that sets it apart, it would be the reviews from consumers. It's nice to know what others have experienced with a dealership or particular brand of vehicle. You can sometimes save yourself some trouble by doing a bit of research. Having that information readily available on the same site that is advertising used cars saves a lot of time.
Snow Biz
I always get depressed at the first sign of snow. You'll get no sentimental claptrap about "how pretty it is" from me.
Snow sucks. It's cold. It's wet. It's bad for business.
Snow is a four letter word. When it snows, I don't sell as many hot dogs at the Hot Dog Truck.
It snowed TODAY.
Thank God it's going to be in the 60's tomorrow. Aint New England grand?
Steppin IN
I love taking a bath. I don't think I've taken one in several years though. We want to get one of those Step In Tubs because they take up a lot less space.
Sure, Step In Tubs have great options for folks concerned with safety, but it's small footprint is what appeals to me. These tubs actually have a door in them to get in and out of the tub-just make sure you drain the water before opening the door! Actually, the door has a heavy duty hinge and a hydro-static locking door to make sure the water stays in.
Step In Tubs also have a built in seats so you won't slip in the tub. A seated bath sounds fun. Soaking in a nice warm bath is very relaxing. The floor surface of Step In Tubs is slip resistant and there are even handy grab bars to make sure you can get in and out safely.
Step In Tubs are designed for folks with mobility problems so they can safely enjoy the healthy benefits of a nice bath, but they seem cool to me too. I just need to find my rubber duckie....
Monday Night Football
I have posted my Monday Night Football Plays for tonight on Winning Football Picks. We had another MONSTER SUNDAY with the site earning 10.2 UNITS bringing the season total to PLUS 36.1 UNITS! We pick every game against the spread each week and we publish our "plays" (games we like) every Sunday too.
If you like money, you should be playing along with us!
Freeze your Pain
This is a picture of me, the Hotdogman. I suffer from chronic back pain. Back in the mid 90's, when I owned my duct cleaning business, I injured my back by pulling just about every muscle you can possibly pull in the lower back. Since that time, I've had intermittent bouts with excruciating back pain. I've also had some shoulder issues, mostly due to throwing 8 gajillion baseballs to my teams over the years.
My back is what I'd call "tricky." I can go for months without pain. I can move huge pieces of furniture or push a car around and experience no ill effects. I can also simply sneeze and throw my back out for two weeks!
The shoulder is easier to predict. It hurts during baseball season. I ice it regularly and put all sorts of balms and ointments on it to ease the pain.
There's a new product I recently became aware of called Freeze It Gel that says it can help me with my ailments. Freeze It Gel eases back, neck and shoulder pain plus pain associated with exercise. It's made from camphor, menthol, aloe, vitamin E and something called ILEX which is an extract from a South American Holly shrub. All you need to do to ease your pain is rub some Freeze It Gel on the affected area and let the stuff do its magic. Sounds like Ben Gay on steroids to me! You can watch their commercial here:
Another good use for Freeze It Gel is to kill any muscle pain before bed. If you're too stiff and achy to sleep, you can rub it on before bed to ease the pain and help you sleep.
Freeze It Gel is having a blog contest (in which I'm entered by virtue of writing this post) where they'll give away a year's supply of the stuff to the winner. I could definitely use this! After every baseball practice I'd be rubbing it on my shoulder to prevent pain and stiffness. I'd also use it before bed if I was feeling "creaky" and it would certainly be nice to have around for when my back acts up (and it WILL act up).
The next time I'm achy or my back is acting up, I'm not just going to ease my pain, I'm going to Freeze It!
Check Your Google Page Rank
I found this cool Google Page Rank Checker Site over at Ian's Blog.
I have been reading about many bloggers who've lost page rank in recent months due to selling text link ads and other things. One blogger buddy claims he's lost page rank due to his participation in a variety of link exchanges with other bloggers, myself included.
I have been holding steady at PR 4 for about 5-6 months now, but I still check my PR regularly. The tool here checks the PR at different Google data centers, so you get a better idea of where you are at. It's also fun to check the PR of others sites.
Who knows how Google figures out page rank, I've read a bunch of different explanations and the only conclusion I can come to is there's a room full of evil Google Page Rank elves somewhere and they just make it up as they go along!
Boot this
I need new boots. I want to get some good quality hiking boots or Hunting Boots with good arch support.
Since I hate shopping, I need to find a good online place to get my boots. I am looking at getting some Hi-Tech boots. I've had them before and they fit the bill for what I want.
Finding an online store with a big selection of Hunting Boots was easy. I went to MetBoots.com and saw thy have a HUGE selection of boots from dozens of different manufacturers. They also offer free shipping.
I'm hoping to get new boots for Christmas. Boots make a great gift. You can even get gift certificates for hiking boots for someone who might need some boots.
(Please email this post to my wife)
More funny Pics
If you don't do well in school, you'll end up with a job like this.
What many folks would LOVE to do.
He works in mysterious ways.
The iDrink.
Eye sew want to vizit thiss plase!
Now THAT is a deterrent!
Go Green, get LED
The future of lighting is here. Retail giants like Wal Mart are seriously planning to stop selling incandescent light bulbs in the near future because they are such energy wasters. Compact fluorescent bulbs use less energy than incandescents and have come down in price in recent years, but they contain Mercury which isn't good for the environment.
LED lights are clearly the future of lighting. LED is short for "light emitting diode." LED lighting doesn't waste energy on producing heat, so it is far more efficient than incandescents. LED lights actually use only 10% of the energy as an incandescent light. They also last 5 times longer than incandescents and, unlike Compact fluorescent, they contain no Mercury.
Whether you are looking for light bulbs for your home or Christmas LED mini lights, using LED lighting will save you money and help our environment too.
Blog Your Blessing Sunday XXXIII
Today I think of what is important to me and to those in my charge. I woke up at 5:30 to get to an 8AM soccer game for a tournament the team I'm helping to coach was playing in. This was to be the final game of our season. Seeing a group of 10 & 11 year old girls having so much fun under such "early" conditions is one of my true riches.
Luke 16: 10,11
Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?
Old Folks Phone
My parents are, "tecnically speaking," senior citizens (they'll KILL me if they read this). People of their generation are hysterical when it comes to cell phones.
Both my folks have cell phones. They NEVER turn them on.
I always ask them why they even bother having the phone if they never turn it on.
"Well, it's nice to have for emergencies," they always say.
I classify an "emergency" as: they forgot something at our house that they could turn around and grab when we realize they've left it 5 minutes after they've left for home. A simple call would do the trick.
If their cell phone was on, they could turn around and get it rather than make another three hour round trip the next day. Maybe that's not an emergency, but it sure is a heck of a lot more convenient!
Another complaint I hear from folks of their generation is that "cell phones are too damn complicated." I've heard them say "why can't they make a cell phone that's just a PHONE?" Many seniors can't deal with the multi function phones of today. They just want to dial and talk-nothing else. Whoever figures out senior cell phones will be a bazillionaire.
There are new cell phones that would make great gifts for senior citizens. The Jitterbug is one of the best cell phones for senior citizens because it's JUST A PHONE. It has big buttons and all it does is make phone calls.
My parents would love it, but I'll bet they'd still never turn it on!
Evading Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is coming! That means by about 4PM next Thursday, millions of people will be passed out on a couch from the effects of a hearty Turkey Dinner. Turkeys have it tough this time of year, but these guys might make it until next year.
Spa Covers
I lived in an apartment once that had a hot tub on the deck. It was a pretty nifty amenity. We didn't have the hot tub cover on it much in the summer as it was used nearly every day (we didn't heat it in the summer). In the winter, we used it a lot but the hot tub covers were kept locked on tight to keep the heat in.
A good spa cover will allow the least amount of heat loss on the coldest night. Spa covers also need to lock tight so some wayward child won't fall into the hot tub and drown.
You can find Spa Covers of Superior Quality at HotTubWorks.com. You can get a spa cover for any kind of hot tub out there. Their hot tub covers are the Cadillac of the industry. They're priced better than most, have the best warranty in the business and their service is second to none. Best of all, you can do all your business with them ONLINE.
Link Love Thursday XII
This week's Link Love goes out to:
Floyd, his Floyd's Secrets of the World Blog is pretty cool, plus he hands out Floyd's Best Blogger Awards every month. Guess who won one a few months back?
Don't forget to check out the Link Love Group on Blog Catalog and the Day in the Life Community on Bumpzee and REMEMBER TO SHARE THE LOVE!
Financing A Business
The recent hassles with my current location have forced me to look into alternative sites. While I have been looking at alternatives, several new opportunities have surfaced and I am considering all of them. I could end up with multiple sites for Hot Dog Trucks AND a brick and mortar restaurant. If I go the multiple location route, I'll need a Business Loan to fund expansion.
I have a few months over the winter to wrap up the locations for Hot Dog Trucks, but I'll need to move quickly on the brick and mortar restaurant. The location I'm scouting is turn key and I'll need to move fast if it becomes available since there are three or four others interested in it. Working with a lender who offers a Business Loan with Easy Processing,Fast Funding and Great Service will be important.
If all falls into place, I'll need a new hot dog truck or trailer, a hot dog cart and some money for inventory on the restaurant. I've got SOME cash lying around, but I'll most likely be looking into EZUnsecured.com for my Business Loan needs.
Funny Stumble Pics
I have all kinds of soda at the Hot Dog Truck. I also have water and Gatorade. I'm thinking I might add this product. It could be a nice new revenue stream for me.
Maybe my landlord should take this advice.
Esoteric, but effective nontheless.
LOL.
A useful warning label.
Have you ever been...
What I see after a few martinis.
Need a new car?
Get an online car loan BEFORE you go shopping so you'll know exactly what you have to spend. If you have bad credit, don't just jump on the first Bad Credit Car Loan the dealer throws at you. It's better to have your financing wrapped up BEFORE you sit at the desk with your friendly and helpful used car salesman. Otherwise they'll steer you to their product which MAY mean they'll need to tack on a warranty that you don't need in order to qualify for the "house" Bad Credit Car Loan. It's a fairly common practice in the used car financing game.
BasicCarLoans.com has great rates for folks with bad credit. You can walk onto the car lot and not have to worry about the dealer blowing you out the door or sticking you with a crummy loan or a crummy car or BOTH. Unless you're going for some 0% financing deal, have financing in place and if you want, you can see if the dealer will give you a better deal. Then you can get the car you want NOW.
How to Build a Playmate
One of the benefits of having 5 kids in the house is there's always someone to play with. Whether its a video game tournament on a rainy day, a pick up basketball or soccer game, a whiffle ball game or even a game of four square, there's never the complaint "I have no one to play with." The kid in this video isn't so lucky-but he decides to do something about it. This is a very clever and funny video!
Wikinvest
The Hotdogman likes to keep abreast of developments in the financial world. I still receive many email newsletters about the mortgage industry and I like to read the Wall Street Journal and Investor's Business Daily. Now I have a new source of financial and investment information: Wikinvest.com. Granted, I can't roll it up and read it at the Hot Dog Truck, but there is a ton of information there. I can learn all about the publicly traded companies or just read up on subjects like renewable energy or the housing market.
I looked up Starbucks (SBUX) since it's a stock I own. I can't believe that company! I didn't realize they were over 12,000 stores. They only had 166 stores when they went public in 1992-that's exponentially phenomenal growth. I'm sitting on 400 shares I bought in 1994 for around 10 bucks a share-it's trading around 24 bucks now, and that's way off the yearly high. Starbucks (SBUX) has been a great stock for me.
I pretty much knew everything that Wikinvest told me about Starbucks (SBUX) (except the part about 12,000 stores) but the article was well laid out and informative and in the familiar "wiki" format. I poked around the site and looked at some other companies I was less familiar with and found the information I was looking for easily. I really think the site will do well with folks looking for investment info, although most big brokerage firms offer similar information to their clients. The "wiki" brand and good SEO will undoubtedly drive many readers to the site.
Cell Phone Returned to Ref
If you saw the Pats vs. Colts game (which my Patriots WON), you'll get a kick out of this one:
According to Bob Ryan of the Boston Globe, as the teams were leaving the field
after last Sunday's game, Randy Moss found a cell phone on the floor of the tunnel to the visitor's locker room at the RCA Dome.
He immediately recognized it and returned to the field to give the phone to rookie
referee John Parry.
Parry was grateful to get his phone back, but inquired of Moss how he had known who the phone belonged to.
"Easy," Moss told him, "I just looked at the display. It said, 'Nine Missed Calls.' Figured it had to be yours..."
Flintstones get Healthy
We saw Fred and Barney puffing away the other day. The 'Stones did quite a few promos when they were in prime time. Here's an ad for regular cancer check-ups. Maybe the Doctor should tell them to lay off the Winstons....
Bring the Dog
When we go to the beach in the summer, we bring the dog. She's part of the family after all and she LOVES the beach. She usually rides in the back and falls asleep on one of the kids. She's not too crazy about being in the car, but she likes it when we get there. It's easy to take her to the beach because we have a house to stay at.
When we go away somewhere where we need to stay in a hotel, we leave the dog at home and my brother watches her. It might be nice to bring her along sometimes, but we'd need to find Pet Friendly Hotels.
I remember the first time we took her to Canada with us. She needed more paperwork than we did! You need to have proof that the dog has had all its shots to cross the border. She kind of embarrassed me because she kept barking and growling at the customs guy. At least he didn't keep us long. Coming home was the same way-more paperwork and more growling. We stayed with family so we didn't need to worry about Pet Friendly Hotels.
She had a nice time in Canada. My wife's aunt has one of those "toy" dogs and Bailey had a ball chasing it around and knocking it all over the place. She was a bit more subdued around another aunt's doberman pinscher. We were staying in HIS house and he let Bailey know he was boss. I think she was glad to get out of there.
Sometimes it might be fun to bring the dog on a vacation, but then it might not seem like a vacation. The last time we were in Maine, we stayed in a Pet Friendly Bed and Breakfast and our neighbors had a big American Bulldog. We shared a porch and the first time we went in and saw him there, he gave me a start. Turns out he was a pussycat. When I saw the other couple dealing with their dog as we went off for a night of carousing, I was glad we didn't bring our dog!
Hot Dog Diet
As the owner and operator of a Hot Dog Truck, I'm probably not the best person to be getting diet advice from. I'm not overweight, but if I ate hot dogs at every meal, I would be! I usually have one hot dog a day when I work-I call it my quality control check or, sometimes, LUNCH.
If you need to diet, pre-packaged diet plans are a good way to get started. Before you start such a diet, you should compare Medifast, Nutrisystem, Weight Watchers and other diet plans to see which one is going to work best for you. The biggest part of dieting is disciplining yourself to NOT eat all the "good" stuff that's going to make you fat. Pre-packaged meals are a good way to start building that discipline.
If you want to achieve permanent weight loss, you need to make some "foodstyle" changes. Giving up on soda and other high calorie drinks is a top priority-drink water instead. Soda has a ton of empty calories and many sodas have caffeine which actually makes you feel hungry. You also need to give up on junk food-have a piece of fruit instead. Eat good foods like lean meats and fish, vegetables and fruits, that way you get a nutritious meal and feel full so you won't need to snack on junk.
Exercise is important too. One of the reasons why diets fail so often is that people don't get exercise while they diet. You don't need to power lift, jog 8 miles or do pilates- a simple walk can do the trick. Walking for a half an hour three or four times a week will get the blood pumping and burn those pounds right off before you know it.
With the right approach and the right information, your diet can be a success. Just make sure you work a hot dog or two into the mix every week!
What's Next
The Hot Dog Truck will be closing for the season at the end of the month and reopening in March (weather will dictate exactly when). This will be my first winter NOT being open in two years. Winter has not been good for business. From mid March through Thanksgiving, the Hot Dog Truck is ROCKIN and busy. During the winter it's cold, lonely and not very profitable. It would be nice to find an indoor location, that seems like the next logical step. I think with my current following, I'd do OK.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Words to live by...
Stumbled on HERE.
Words to live by...
THESE ARE GREAT Sayings
1. Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either. Just pretty much leave me the hell alone.
2. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt and leaky tire.
3. It's always darkest before dawn. So if you're going to steal your neighbor's newspaper, that's the time to do it.
4. Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.
5. Always remember that you're unique. Just like everyone else.
6. Never test the depth of the water with both feet.
7. If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of car payments.
8. Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.
9. If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you.
10. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.
11. If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.
12. If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.
13. Some days you're the bug; some days you're the windshield.
14. Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.
15. The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put it back in your pocket.
16. A closed mouth gathers no foot.
17. Duct tape is like 'The Force'. It has a light side and a dark side, and it holds the universe together.
18. There are two theories to arguing with women. Neither one works.
19. Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your lips are moving.
20. Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.
21. Never miss a good chance to shut up.
22. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night
Hell Hath No Fury
Buying or selling a car is always a difficult process, particularly if you're buying from a private party. With used cars, you're never sure of what you're getting. This one particular ad for the car pictured here was pretty clear however.
Recently, there was a great deal on a Cheap Jaguar in the UK. It seems a pissed off wife dumped red paint all over her husband's Jaguar S-type V8 R Supercharged 4.2. Her hubby was running around in the car with his mistress and the wife posted the picture of the car with her "for sale" ad. The car was registered in her name so she posted this very funny ad to get back at her wayward spouse. Not only did she out her cheating husband in a very public and embarrassing manner, she sold his car for half of what it was worth! I'd hate to be that guy if she gets a killer divorce lawyer!
When you can find a practically new car for such a cheap price, you should do whatever it takes to buy it, even if it takes a car loan to get the deal done.
Most folks won't go to such extremes to sell a used car, but it's fun to find such a good deal with such a funny story.
Upside Down or uʍop ǝpısdn
People, you can have some fun with this one! I Stumbled on a site that allows you to flip your text upside down. There is no redeeming social value to this site, but it sure is fun. I sent a couple of upside down emails today and got a couple of WTFs for a reply. Check it out HERE.
Here's what it looks like:
.ʎ1dǝɹ ɐ ɹoɟ sɟʇʍ ɟo ǝ1dnoɔ ɐ ʇob puɐ ʎɐpoʇ s1ıɐɯǝ uʍop ǝpısdn ɟo ǝ1dnoɔ ɐ ʇuǝs ı .unɟ sı ǝɹns ʇı ʇnq 'ǝʇıs sıɥʇ oʇ ǝn1ɐʌ 1ɐıɔos buıɯǝǝpǝɹ ou sı ǝɹǝɥʇ .uʍop ǝpısdn ʇxǝʇ ɹnoʎ dı1ɟ oʇ noʎ sʍo11ɐ ʇɐɥʇ ǝʇıs ɐ uo pǝ1qɯnʇs ı ¡ǝuo sıɥʇ ɥʇıʍ unɟ ǝɯos ǝʌɐɥ uɐɔ noʎ 'ǝ1doǝd
What's On The Floor?
Every industry has a trade association. I like to look at the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council homepage every once in a while to keep abreast of developments in the hot dog business. When I was in the air duct cleaning business, I belonged to the National Air Duct Cleaner's Association. I believe businesses that belong to their respective trade associations are demonstrating their commitment to their industry.
I recently became aware of the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA), the trade association for folks in the flooring business. The WFCA helps its members develop the highest standards for the flooring industry.
They also have a lot of good information for consumers. Their website gives a consumer unbiased information about the benefits, proper installation and pitfalls of different flooring options. They've got a very good virtual room designer decorating tool. You can punch up different flooring solutions to see what they'd look like with different color schemes. It is quite possibly the best online decorating tool I've ever used. You pick what kind of room you want to decorate, choose the flooring type, wall color, ceiling color and trim color. You can get a really good idea of what colors go with different kinds of flooring. That's half the battle right there, if you know what I mean.
If you're thinking about new flooring for your home, the WFCA Homepage is a perfect starting point. They'll even direct you to local retailers once you've figured out what kind of flooring you want.
Blog Your Blessing Sunday XXXII
This verse is read at a LOT of weddings. It was read at both of mine! Wife #1 didn't take these words to heart-she delighted in evil (and still does to this day) too much! It's good, timeless advice.
1 Corinthians 13; 4-7:
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
And on a lighter note, I found this sign rather amusing and appropriate for BYB:
Car Insurance in UK and Europe
If you have a car, you have car insurance. It's a necessary evil. Cheap Car Insurance is what everyone wants. I've always said buying car insurance is a bad bet. If you buy the insurance and don't use it, your out all that money, so you lose. If you have an accident, you still pay for the insurance (rates will probably go up) AND you've been in an accident so you lose there too.
At least in the US, if you're insured in one state, you're covered anywhere you can drive. If you're from the UK and want to travel through Europe by car, you've got a whole host of things you need to be concerned about. Different countries have different rules about driving-even about how cars are equipped.
For instance, in Italy Hungary, Finland and Spain, you need to have an International Driving permit in addition to the driver's license for your home country. Italy even requires the permit be in Italian. In Germany, EVERY ACCIDENT needs to be reported to the police, even a minor fender bender, or you can be arrested! Different countries have different rules about headlights and how they're aimed. Until fairly recently, ALL headlights in France needed to be yellow. You also need to know which side of the road to drive on!
It's also important to have all documentation regarding your vehicle and your insurance with you at all times. Proof of insurance is required in many countries as well. Most insurers in Europe will have coverage that specifies compliance with international auto insurance requirements, but if you're travelling it's best to check with your insurance company.
If you plan on driving in different countries in Europe, you can get an informative Foreign Travel Handbook that will tell you everything you need to know about travel in different European countries. Happy motoring!
600th Post!
This is my 600th Post on the Hot Dog Truck! Since my 500th post:
The Red Sox Won the World Series!
I have been forced to close the Hot Dog Truck a bit early for the season.
We got new curtains.
I added a Hot Dog Truck, Cart and Trailers for Sale page.
Halloween came and went.
My customers are making me feel appreciated.
I got photos of Sox on a Plane.
I've done a bunch of PayPerPosts.
I have continued to do weekly Link Love posts with members of the Link Love Group on Blog Catalog and the Day in the Life Community on Bumpzee.
We continued to rake in the profits on my Winning Football Picks site.
The Hot Dog Truck may be closing for the winter soon, but the blog will continue! Thanks to everyone who reads this little bit of internet levity and please continue to visit!
Landscape LED
I have been discussing the benefits of LED lighting the past few weeks. They include 90% greater energy efficiency, reduced heat emissions, longer lasting bulbs and an ability to create light in all colors of the spectrum. More and more lighting manufacturers are moving towards LED lighting as the sole source of lighting. Many experts predict LED lighting will completely eliminate incandescent lighting in the next 5-10 years. The reason? They're simply far less expensive to operate because they use a lot less energy.
One area where LED lighting is making an impact right now is in landscape lighting. Outdoor lighting needs to be longer lasting so you aren't constantly changing bulbs. Reduced heat prevents bulbs from breaking when wet and subsequently reduces fire and short circuit risks. Saving money on electricity for your landscape lighting doesn't hurt either.
They also look nice! Quality landscape lighting enhances any yard and being able to customize the colors is a great big plus.
When laying out your landscape lighting, THINK LED!!
Fred and Barney Smoking
My how times have changed! Remember a few years back when everyone was freaking out about the "Joe Camel" ads that consumer advocates felt were targeted towards kids? They felt the cartoon character made smoking look acceptable to kids and that just wouldn't fly. Camel pulled the ad campaign under a lot of pressure.
I wonder what would happen if they tried to air THIS AD today?
No Fire Lights
The Christmas Holidays are supposed to be a time of joy. Unfortunately, every year some people have their Christmas destroyed by fire. Many fires are caused by burning Christmas trees. The combination of a dry tree and hot, incandescent Christmas lights can lead to tragedy. Electrical fires can also start in the home when strings of incandescent Christmas lights overload a circuit and short out.
Christmas lights aren't supposed to start fires-that's not the kind of lighting folks need at Christmas! New LED Christmas lights are a much better option for a couple of reasons.
LED Christmas lights are far more energy efficient. LED lighting is the wave of the future. In the next five years, GE, Sylvania and other major light bulb manufacturers are going to have more LED lighting options available for homeowners. Incandescent bulbs are on the way out and LED bulbs are on the way in. LED lighting simply makes more economic sense. Even at $50 per bulb (approximate cost today), the longer life and energy savings make them virtually pay for themselves. The same thing goes for LED Christmas lights.
Give your family the gift of safety and energy efficiency this Christmas with new LED Christmas lights.
LED Christmas lights are also much safer than their incandescent counterparts. They draw far less electricity so overloading a circuit is next to impossible. No overloaded circuit, no short outs, no fires. They also stay cool to the touch. Since they don't emit as much heat as incandescent Christmas lights, they won't torch that underwatered, dry tree in the living room.
Football Profits
If you followed the advice on Winning Football Picks, you'd be up BIG BUCKS! We've won 28.2 "UNITS" (that's $2820.00 for a hundred dollar bettor, $28,200.00 for a thousand dollar bettor)!
If you like money, you should follow our picks.
Every week during the NFL season, we post our picks for FREE. You can chronicle our results over the course of the season. We hide NOTHING, we charge NOTHING! You too can win BIG MONEY simply by playing along with us.
Check out Winning Football Picks NOW!
Ink the Deal
It's happened to everyone. You click "print" on your computer screen and the paper comes out nearly blank; YOU'RE OUT OF INK! This always happens at the worst possible time-like the night before a paper is due-and you need to rush out to the office supply store for a new ink cartridge for your printer. Unfortunately, ink cartridges are expensive and you end up dropping $40 for a new cartridge.
I always feel violated when I'm expected to pay big dollars for an ink cartridge for my printer. Finding a good source for Discount Ink Cartridges became a mission for me!
One way to save on ink cartridges is to buy Generic and Re-manufactured Cartridges. The printer manufacturers will lead you to believe going this route will destroy your printer, make a mess of your work and make you a poorer writer. I think they work just fine. I've never had a problem with generic or re-manufactured cartridges.
Another way to save is to try to save ink. Follow these Seven Tips for Saving Ink and you're sure to extend your cartridge life. You should also try Troubleshooting Inkjet Printers to make sure it's working properly.
No matter what you do, you'll still need to actually BUY an inkjet cartridge at some point, unless you have a cartridge tree in your backyard! When that time comes, you should visit Inkjet Deals to see how you can save. They have Discount Ink Cartridge Coupons for lots of different online Discount Inkjet Cartridge sellers. You can save up to 80% on brand name cartridges and even more on Generic and Re-manufactured Cartridges.
You know you need the ink. You probably need to save some money too. Why fight it, get your Discount Ink Cartridges NOW!
Temporary Relocation
NOTE TO ALL HOT DOG TRUCK CUSTOMERS
I am still open- I have moved to the other side of the parking lot while they install the storm drain.
SO COME ON DOWN!!!
Greatpricedfurniture.com
If you're the type who likes to "get something for the house" at Christmastime, keep reading. Maybe you need a new bedroom set to spruce up your home. You could go to a bunch of furniture stores or just buy your bedroom furniture online. These days it's easier than ever to find what you want online.
Greatpricedfurniture.com is a web retailer with lots of new furniture items on sale. They have 0% financing and offer quick delivery. They're headquartered in the heart of "furniture country" in Central North Carolina. Most of the furniture sold in the US is made within a 200 mile radius of their store. The furniture for sale on the site is GORGEOUS and it comes in all styles to suit all tastes. We're talking real luxury furniture for a lot less money than you might expect.
So if you're thinking of "getting something for the house" this holiday season, check out Greatpricedfurniture.com.
A Sign for All Times
I stumbled on this sign at Tip O' the Day.
I've been accused of being a bit slow at times by some of my more "sensitive" customers. The reason there is a short wait for your dogs at the Hot Dog Truck is the grilled bun. A properly grilled bun is a key ingredient to a delicious hot dog. Each individually crafted dog takes time. So I'd say the service at the Hot Dog Truck tends to be in line with the first example in this sign.
It's All About the BUNS!!
Wild About Harry
There are people all over the internet who would be delighted to share their methods for making money, usually for a price. Harry Schechter's new blog on Micro-ISVs and start-ups is a freebie. He basically tells you how he started his own ISV (an independent software vendor with just one software developer) and how he brings his product to market.
Now I'm not an overly technical person-hot dogs are a decidedly low tech business- but I found his blog very informative. There are many "nuts and bolts" articles on how to succeed as an ISV, there are also good articles on general business practices that would help any online entrepreneur.
His brief article Bootstrapping for Early Sales: Imitate then Innovate could apply to any online business-he even quotes T.S. Eliot!
A more in depth article titled Profit in 90 Days: Crucial Accounting Information for Start-ups gives solid advice on what new business owners need to think about when setting up their books. HIRE AN ACCOUNTANT is one bit of advice Harry gives. He is so right. A good accountant is worth about 10 times what you pay them. Getting off to a good start with the bookkeeping is tantamount to success in any business.
If you're a person who wants to succeed selling software or if you want some solid, common sense advice on business building, you should give Harry Schechter's new blog on Micro-ISVs and start-ups a read. You'll be glad you did.
Link Love Thursday XI
This week's Link Love goes to the following members of the Link Love Group on Blog Catalog:
Raivyn's Idiot's Guide to Blogging. This blog is a must read for all you idiots out there.
MommySpeak's Working Mom blog. She's a mom and she works, get the picture?
Plus some Link Love for a few new members of the Day in the Life Community on Bumpzee:
bethchelle's Ramblings of an Undisturbed Mind She claims she's "not disturbed. Just irregular." Does that mean I can buy her at a big discount?
Angelika1972's Angelika: the Life Experiences of an Insomniac This is a topic I'd rather READ ABOUT than experience.
Anne Glamore's My Tiny Kingdom She doesn't blog, she writes a "column on the internet." All I can say is "Bow chicka wow wow."
Smiler's From Smiler, With Love She looks sexy in the bath tub-I have a soft spot for any honest to God Flower Child.
Don't forget to check out the Link Love Group on Blog Catalog and the Day in the Life Community on Bumpzee and REMEMBER TO SHARE THE LOVE!
A REAL Green Christmas
Christmas shopping season is almost upon us. I love Christmas, but some of the waste generated is just ridiculous. Over the years, we've done different things to minimize the environmental impact of our Christmas celebrations. Using energy efficient LED Christmas lights, using an artificial tree, recycling gift bags and avoiding products with excess packaging are all things we've done to help our family have a green Christmas.
One of my favorite things we've done is buy a live Christmas tree. One year, we went and got live hemlock tree and brought it into the house-root ball and all. We had a special container to keep it in while it served as our Christmas tree. Like every other tree before it, it was decorated with our wide variety of ornaments and LED String lighting .
Previous to getting the tree, we'd picked a spot in the yard and dug a suitable hole to plant the tree in. We prepped the soil and purchased some hay. On New Years day we "undecorated" the tree and placed it into its hole. The hay was stuffed all around the root ball as it nestled in its new home. Once spring rolled around, we gave the tree a proper planting. It's in the same spot to this day and every Christmas it gets decorated with Outdoor LED Christmas lights.
It is a daily reminder of the joys of Christmas and the benefits of having a "green" Christmas.
Hot Dog Cart and Trailer FOR SALE
As a new feature on the Hot Dog Truck, I am listing used hot dog trucks, carts and trailers for sale. Listings are FREE- email hotdogman@thehotdogtruck.com to set up YOUR FREE LISTING if you'd like to post your hot dog truck, cart or trailer for sale.
OLD LISTINGS
HOT DOG / LUNCH TRUCK FOR SALE
Ocean Gate, NJ
$ 11,900.00
TRUCK OFFERS: Outdoor accessible Coffee Maker
Warming Oven
Griddle and BBQ Grill
Hot Dog Station and Condiment Warmers (steam station)
Refrigerator (floor unit)
Two Large Serving Windows
Two outer Accessible Shelves for Snacks & Sandwiches etc.
Large Built-In Cooler Outside under Shelves
Two Sky Lights and Vent Hood over Grill
Three Sinks and Built-In Water Tank with Supply Lines to Sinks & Coffee Unit
Built-In Propane Tank underneath Truck
Stainless Steel Interior Counters and Shelves.
INCLUDED:
A Frame Road Sign
Cash Draw
Utensils, Two Cutting Boards, Coffee Pot & Filters, Coffee Cups & Lids.
50 ft Potable Water Hoses.
Full Tank of Propane
Email me for more pictures, or to come see the truck!
SOLD!
YOUR CART, TRAILER OR TRUCK COULD BE ADVERTISED HERE FOR FREE! EMAIL your ad to hotdogman@thehotdogtruck.com
Learn HOW TO START A HOT DOG BUSINESS or
START YOUR OWN HOT DOG BUSINESS TODAY
Curtain Call
I wrote about my wife's "secret" installation ofcurtain rods in our bedroom a while back. She installed some new curtain rods and didn't tell me. I didn't even notice they were there until one day I went to bed and she'd put up the curtains. The curtain rods were in our bedroom for a week before she hung the curtains and I didn't even notice- I am still catching major grief for that little faux pas!
Our new curtain rods look like this one:The curtain rods in the living room look like this one: I like them-not too fancy so I'd hardly notice them (I didn't after all).
I'll have to admit, I'm not big on curtains, I'd prefer simple blinds with no window treatment at all- a clean uncluttered look. My wife has different tastes and ideas however and, like most men, I'm forced willing to compromise on such issues. Having curtains in the boudoir gives her an enhanced sense of "security" when we're using it for things other than sleeping, if you know what I mean.
The thing that kills me most about accessorizing the home is the "decision process." This usually involves traipsing around from store to store looking at and offering opinions on things that really don't matter too much to me. I'd much rather she pick curtain rods and other similar items out on her own, even if I don't notice them for a week and catch a load of crap for it. After all, even if I DO go from store to store with her, she'll ultimately pick out what she wants and I, smart guy that I am, will capitulate to her wishes and compliment her on her wonderful taste and flair.
The next time she has a whim and wants to get new curtain rods, I'm sending her to Wrought Iron Haven to do her shopping. It's an online store for all sorts of home decorating accessories, including curtain rods. This works out great for me. She can browse around and find the things she likes and I can compliment her on her wonderful taste and flair without leaving the house! Maybe then we can have a little more time to draw the curtains in the boudoir, if you know what I mean.
I can even show her a secret on the website that will save us some money. She's as much of a cheap bastard as me, bless her heart. If you want to get a special discount on curtain rods (or anything else they sell), all you have to do is go to the homepage halfway down and click on the comma in the line that reads “Our Store now has over 1,300 home & garden items for you to choose from!” So we save money AND time. I like that.
Let's review: I am oblivious. My wife delights in goofing on me. She has flair and style. I could care less. I hate shopping. We're both cheap bastards. We can save money on home decorating accessories at Wrought Iron Haven. I'd rather retire to the boudoir, if you know what I mean, than agonize over curtain rods.
Got it?
Good.
Plan Ball!
With the Major League baseball season over, winter about to begin and Little League opening day 170 days away, what do you think I'll be doing for the next two weeks?
If you guessed "sitting on a beach in the Caribbean sipping Pina Coladas," YOU'RE WRONG!
I'll be attending meetings designed to improve our town's youth baseball programs. We argue about review rules, argue about coordinate field times, argue about determine team roster sizes, argue about plan fund raising campaigns and argue about recommend coaching positions.
It's an important time of year. We need to get all our ducks in line now to assure a smooth season. Even though we're half a year away from opening day, we'll invariably find ourselves under the gun to finish everything in time for the season to start.
I went to a meeting tonight and it was productive. We came to some real decisions about rule changes and coaching expectations that will ultimately make the games move along a bit faster-that's always good for the kids (and their parents). It was also fun to talk about baseball with a group of people who love the game.
I love my Red Sox, but I love the Little League even more.
Did I mention it was 170 days until opening day?
Independent Music
I know this gal, Dawn, from the Blogosphere who used to have a really funny blog. She shut it down and doesn't post anything anymore. She literally quit blogging.
WHY? Because she started a band, called Kittywhip. The band takes up all of her free time that she used to spend blogging. They're having some success and are playing out nearly every weekend. They've even written a song or two of their own. From what I understand, Kittywhip is doing very well. I'm sure it doesn't hurt that there are 3 totally hot babes in the band!
Kittywhip is like a lot of bands out there. Most bands have their small, local following and, while they may make very good music, they play on in relative obscurity. Back when I was a kid, bands dreamt of being "discovered" by a major record label, making an album (remember those?), going on tour and making millions of dollars. Many bands have the same dream today, but the internet has leveled the playing field.
I live in the Boston area and Boston has always had a pretty vibrant local music scene. I knew a lot of the local unsigned bands in my younger days and used to go to clubs to see the bands perform. I still go out to a local Blues club once or twice a month to hear live music. The problem is, if there was a really good band in Altoona or something, I'd never have known about them. Now, with the aid of the internet, I can "discover" those independent bands for myself.
There's a website called unsigned bands that has thousands of bands listed by musical genre. You can go there and poke around and listen to music produced by independent bands. If you like their tunes, you can send them money for their CD or download some of their songs. It takes the middleman (the record companies) right out of the picture.
I know from experience that for every crappy, "top 40" band out there, there are hundreds of better unsigned bands that will NEVER get serious airplay. Now there's a place to find them. It's a win/win. The music consumer can get access to thousands of independent bands (that they'd never hear on mainstream radio)from all over the world and the artists have their own distribution channel for their work.
This is the kind of stuff that makes the internet so cool! ROCK ON!
PC Cartoon
"Politically Correct" is ruining lots of things. You can't speak your mind without offending someone these days it seems. It even extends to kids; one misplaced remark, forgotten item or silly cartoon can get a kid suspended from school! While I don't think we should all run around hurling slurs at each other, the PC movement is getting a little out of hand. It is a trend in which I have chosen not to participate in.
In yet another late night stumbling session, I came across this cartoon which kind of sums it all up.
New Faucet for Me
I need a new kitchen faucet. Our old one is leaking and it's driving me NUTS. I want one like the one in the picture here. This is a Moen faucet with a pull out spray feature, this makes for easy rinsing. I also like the high profile that lets me get a big pot into the sink for filling up.
Plus it looks pretty cool, as faucets go. Moen is a good brand name for faucets too so I know I'll be getting a quality product and not some cheap piece of crap.
Of course the Hotdogman HATES shopping, so I'll be ordering my Moen faucet online from Faucet.com. They have a HUGE selection, great prices, free shipping on many items and I can get it delivered by the weekend!
Sox on a Plane
My wife got these pictures on her email at work. They're photos of the Red Sox returning on their plane from Game Four in Colorado. Enjoy this rare glimpse into the unseen world of Sox on a Plane!
Here's Mike Lowell with his MVP Trophy and the World Series Trophy. Hasn't Mike ever heard of stowing stuff in the overhead bins?
Tom Werner, John Henry and Larry Lucchino with the hardware.
Kevin Youkilis catching some Z's.
Big Papi and some of the guys get a card game going.
Youkilis doesn't want to play.
Julio Lugo snuggles with his wife.
Big Papi carries the trophy off the plane.
Jonathon Papelbon and others follow.
Jacoby Ellsbury shows off a signed souvenir shirt.
Curt Schilling working the video cam.
