Understanding where we stand now, as historians attest, necessarily demands that we understand the path taken to our present spot. This is as true for our personal situations as it is for companies or nations. Knowing how we arrived where we are is our only hope for illuminating the path ahead.
We don’t arrive at the same place in the same fashion. Sometimes we simply don’t arrive at the same place, regardless how we travel. We can understand where each of us stands only by remembering our own journeys and trying to place ourselves, as it were, in our neighbor’s house.
With the notable exception of a brief time spent living in a small town and attending a small college, I have chosen to spend my life in urban neighborhoods. I belong in an urban setting, and I am committed, as my friend Margie would say, to trying to leave my own small corner of the world a little better than I found it.
When I first arrived in the JCNA 10 years ago, I committed myself to a home, to a business and to a community. I believed I could help run a successful business that would provide a living for us while also being a point of pride for the neighborhood. But there were issues. The house next door to us was filled with college boys and owned by a notorious midtown slumlord. We did battle over the state of that property, including trash removal and tree trimming. We watched as two other owners attempted to improve the property, one while running a meth lab from it and the other without the financial wherewithal needed to renovate a house that’s been condemned. But the house today has owners doing the necessary work and making a commitment to improving both the property and the neighborhood.
When I arrived, the house catty corner to ours had just been purchased, with the plan to convert it back to a single-family dwelling from the apartment house it had been for decades. Santa Monica was in place and was a stable property in the neighborhood. There was another apartment house, which is now being completely remodeled, and The Designers was operating from the house on the corner of 39th & Dodge, which today has just been converted back to a single-family residence.
And then there was the Travel Inn. If you lived close by while the Travel Inn was operating, you need no reminder of what problems it caused. If you didn’t live here then, words alone can scarcely convey the complete picture of how one property can bring down a whole neighborhood. The motel housed criminals fleeing from felony warrants. There were prostitutes and drug dealers running their businesses from the motel and overflowing into the neighborhood. There was a pit bull breeding operation. The police helicopter flew overhead every night at 11 -- and you could literally set your watch by it. No one wandered up and down the block after dark, and we were cautious even during the daylight hours.
Of course, there was also the Joslyn Castle, one of the most remarkable properties in the city and the state. The Castle in those days was always booked on the weekends for weddings and event. You could count on there being an event every Friday, every Saturday, many Sundays and frequently during the week. The Castle’s manager made sure the parties ended at a reasonable time, that the noise did not go on into the wee hours, and that security officers provided an added measure of protection. Those of us who live close by put up with the parking problems and occasional noise issues. We kept watch late at night when no one else was around. We volunteered to help with projects on the grounds and in the building. We raised money for improvements and renovations. We planted trees, picked up trash and kept our dogs on leashes.
We felt then, as we do now, that the Castle belongs to all of us.
And that, my friends, is my point. None of our dwellings exists in a vacuum. What happens with one property either negatively or positively affects each other property -- and by extension, the folks who inhabit that property. Throughout the JCNA neighborhood, we’ve seen remarkable progress in stabilizing the population, in renovating and updating the properties, in creating a community in which neighbors walk their dogs and friends gather to visit. Had one visited 10 years ago and returned now, one would be amazed at what’s been accomplished.
My part in these changes has been small, tiny really. I worked hard to get the Travel Inn closed, but I came late to that effort and take little credit for the final demolition. With others, I worked to keep other group houses from taking over our block and our neighborhood. That some of those properties so attractive for group housing now are single-family homes speaks to the efforts of each property owner and neighbor. Again, while I take great pride in these achievements, I deserve and take little credit for them. I’ve helped raise money for neighborhood projects, but I didn’t work alone. I’ve been an advocate for midtown Omaha, and I learned much about how to do so by watching my neighbors and friends. In each of these undertakings, we accomplished our goals as a community.
Mark and I have spent literally hundreds of thousands of dollars maintaining, updating and restoring our own property. Of course, this is in our best interest. But it also speaks to our belief that even our own home belongs to the larger community. We are fortunate to have been entrusted with its care, and we take that trust to heart.
It is as a community that we must watch over the ongoing revitalization of our neighborhood. It is as a community that we sometimes must ask hard questions and demand public accountability. JCNA and some of us who have long sat on its board sometimes get accused of being difficult to work with or hard to get along with. I look at my neighborhood, and I see an incredible example of what a diverse neighborhood can be. I believe that only a special type of person chooses to live in a neighborhood like ours, that it takes a unique individual or family to make a commitment to one of these big old houses. I believe that it is often when we disagree that we find what’s best in ourselves and in our neighbors.
I know I’ve made some people uncomfortable of late by asking hard questions about the change in ownership of Joslyn Castle. Let me be crystal clear as to why. I have no doubt that the board members and staff of the Joslyn Castle Trust will diligently pursue the ongoing restoration and protection of the Castle and its grounds. I have never doubted their intent or their integrity. But there are difficult days ahead, and there must be a public accounting as to how those days will be managed.
So I ask, on behalf of us all, how the Trust will raise money for administrative costs and overhead. I ask, on behalf of our neighbors, what the strategic plan is for the ongoing use of the building and its grounds. And I ask what might happen in the event the Trust is not able to raise the funds necessary to keep the Castle.
I ask not because I want the Trust to fail but precisely because I want -- I insist that it succeed. The Castle, too, is not an island. What happens at the Castle affects each of us. Each of us owns a small piece of the Castle, each of us is deeply invested in its success.
Perhaps I feel this more personally because my property is so close and my business is directly affected by what happens across the street. Perhaps I feel it more strongly because my nature doesn’t allow me to do otherwise. Perhaps each of you will agree with some part of my belief that should the Trust not be able financially or practically manage this property, we will each pay a much higher cost for that failure than those who serve on that board but do not live in our neighborhood.
I invite you to question my concerns. I encourage you to disagree with my approach. But you must know that I speak passionately about this not because I am a nay-sayer or a rabble rouser or a troublemaker. You may question my tactics but you may never doubt my commitment to my own property, to my neighbors and to my community.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
I miss them all
Through the years, I've lost many friends. I've lost friends to breast cancer and Hodkin's disease, to heart attacks and domestic violence. But today, I'm thinking about the friends I've lost to AIDS.
Starting back in the 1980s, I lost friends to this dreadful disease. Watching someone die from AIDS-related illnesses is nothing short of horrific. Our world is by far the lesser with the loss of so many who had so much to offer.
Trying to grasp the international AIDS crisis is overwhelming. But we can each do something to help. Even if that something is remembering those we've lost -- and honoring their memories.
Today, I honor my friend Bob Quick. You were my closest friend, my dearest ally, the person I fought with most frequently and forgave most quickly. I miss you every single day.
Today, I pray that we find a cure, that by remembering those we've lost we can again focus on those we can save.
Today, I ask each of you to join me in our efforts to support those who live with AIDS and those who die from it. I ask that you join me in demanding that the scientific world, the medical community and the world's governments redouble their efforts to find a cure.
Today, Bob, I celebrate you.
Starting back in the 1980s, I lost friends to this dreadful disease. Watching someone die from AIDS-related illnesses is nothing short of horrific. Our world is by far the lesser with the loss of so many who had so much to offer.
Trying to grasp the international AIDS crisis is overwhelming. But we can each do something to help. Even if that something is remembering those we've lost -- and honoring their memories.
Today, I honor my friend Bob Quick. You were my closest friend, my dearest ally, the person I fought with most frequently and forgave most quickly. I miss you every single day.
Today, I pray that we find a cure, that by remembering those we've lost we can again focus on those we can save.
Today, I ask each of you to join me in our efforts to support those who live with AIDS and those who die from it. I ask that you join me in demanding that the scientific world, the medical community and the world's governments redouble their efforts to find a cure.
Today, Bob, I celebrate you.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Don't miss Small Business Saturday
I don't know what inspired American Express to designate tomorrow as Small Business Saturday, but I hope their inspiration flows to American shoppers for this holiday season. Small businesses can't compete with big box stores for Black Friday-type shopping extravaganzas, but here are a few things we do better than the big chains.
First, for every dollar you spend at a locally owned business, nearly 70 cents stays in your local community. If you spend that same dollar at a big box store or a franchised operation, just over 30 cents stays local. So if you want to do something to boost your local economy, shop locally.
Second, small business owners typically support local groups and causes. They sponsor kids' sports teams, participate in community events, donate to charity drives. They take the overused term "giving something back" and turn it into a way of life.
Third, in an age where every city offers the same chain stores and restaurants and hotels, locally owned businesses add a flair and vibrancy to a city and its culture. In Omaha, one need look no further than the Old Market District to see the veracity of this claim. You can find a Gap or a Cheesecake Factory anywhere. But where else can you find something on par with our Flatiron Cafe or M's Pub? Where else is there a Souq's boutique or a Lotus?
There are times in life when we want the reliability of a chain franchise. Sometimes, you just want to walk through the door and know that you can get exactly what you've gotten before. But for the holidays this year, how about trying something a bit out of the ordinary?
Unchain your life this holiday season; shop locally.
First, for every dollar you spend at a locally owned business, nearly 70 cents stays in your local community. If you spend that same dollar at a big box store or a franchised operation, just over 30 cents stays local. So if you want to do something to boost your local economy, shop locally.
Second, small business owners typically support local groups and causes. They sponsor kids' sports teams, participate in community events, donate to charity drives. They take the overused term "giving something back" and turn it into a way of life.
Third, in an age where every city offers the same chain stores and restaurants and hotels, locally owned businesses add a flair and vibrancy to a city and its culture. In Omaha, one need look no further than the Old Market District to see the veracity of this claim. You can find a Gap or a Cheesecake Factory anywhere. But where else can you find something on par with our Flatiron Cafe or M's Pub? Where else is there a Souq's boutique or a Lotus?
There are times in life when we want the reliability of a chain franchise. Sometimes, you just want to walk through the door and know that you can get exactly what you've gotten before. But for the holidays this year, how about trying something a bit out of the ordinary?
Unchain your life this holiday season; shop locally.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Hiding Behind Children: The most insidious form of hatred
Given the news of late about suicides among gay teens, about gay bashing taken to levels I can hardly imagine, about taunting and bullying young people for something that is outside their control, I have been giving some thought to a precept I hold dear: free speech. Let me start by saying that I freely admit to being a political liberal. I always have been and doubtless always shall be.
I support the rights of those who disgree with me to air their opinions in public. What I find troubling is the hate speech that inflicts irreparable harm to those in its crosshairs. Think about the hate speech of the 1950s and '60s, aimed at people of color and at Vietnam War protestors. While it is not fashionable today to spew vitriol at people of color (although we all know it still happens every single day), it is, however, fashionable in some quarters to fire away at gay men.
As all thinking people do, I abhor the actions of the Fred Phelps' followers who protest at the funerals of servicemen and women. I abhorred them in the 1980s when they protested the funerals of gay men in the Kansas City area. But I'm curious why the Supreme Court is hearing the case against them now, after three decades of horrific behavior aimed at gay men.
Still, protesting in public is as American as the proverbial apple pie. I support the rights of people to protest, to voice their opinions in public. What I do not support is wrapping your bigotry in the blanket of protecting children, like the candidate for New York's governor's office did this weekend. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/11/AR2010101103038.html)
If you are a bigot, then out with it. Spew your hatred, inflict your pain. But don't you dare claim you're just protecting the children.
I support the rights of those who disgree with me to air their opinions in public. What I find troubling is the hate speech that inflicts irreparable harm to those in its crosshairs. Think about the hate speech of the 1950s and '60s, aimed at people of color and at Vietnam War protestors. While it is not fashionable today to spew vitriol at people of color (although we all know it still happens every single day), it is, however, fashionable in some quarters to fire away at gay men.
As all thinking people do, I abhor the actions of the Fred Phelps' followers who protest at the funerals of servicemen and women. I abhorred them in the 1980s when they protested the funerals of gay men in the Kansas City area. But I'm curious why the Supreme Court is hearing the case against them now, after three decades of horrific behavior aimed at gay men.
Still, protesting in public is as American as the proverbial apple pie. I support the rights of people to protest, to voice their opinions in public. What I do not support is wrapping your bigotry in the blanket of protecting children, like the candidate for New York's governor's office did this weekend. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/11/AR2010101103038.html)
If you are a bigot, then out with it. Spew your hatred, inflict your pain. But don't you dare claim you're just protecting the children.
Friday, September 24, 2010
How about an apple muffin?
If you can stand another apple recipe, try this one for apple muffins. It's the best I've found -- especially now that I've tweaked it to my own liking.
3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and diced
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil (or use 1/2 applesauce instead of the oil)
2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp grated nutmet
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup milk (I use half-and-half)
1 large egg, lightly beaten, at room temperature
1/2 c chopped walnuts
Macerate the apples for 45 minutes. (Translation: toss the apples, sugar and oil or applesauce together and let it sit.)
Preheat the oven to 350. Test your oven temperature; some ovens can be as hot as 400 and still bake these perfectly. Mine works best at 350.
Whisk the dry ingredients together.
Using a wooden spoon, stir the milk and egg into the apple mixture until smooth. Then stir in the dry ingredients just until moistened. Add the nuts.
Fill regular or oversized muffin tins three-quarters full. I sprinkle a few chopped walnuts on top before baking. If using regular sized tins, bake for 20-25 minutes. If using oversized tins, bake for 30-35 minutes. These muffins don't get very brown, so test them with your finger or with a toothpick. Be careful not to burn them on the bottom.
Cool on wire racks. And enjoy!
3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and diced
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil (or use 1/2 applesauce instead of the oil)
2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp grated nutmet
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup milk (I use half-and-half)
1 large egg, lightly beaten, at room temperature
1/2 c chopped walnuts
Macerate the apples for 45 minutes. (Translation: toss the apples, sugar and oil or applesauce together and let it sit.)
Preheat the oven to 350. Test your oven temperature; some ovens can be as hot as 400 and still bake these perfectly. Mine works best at 350.
Whisk the dry ingredients together.
Using a wooden spoon, stir the milk and egg into the apple mixture until smooth. Then stir in the dry ingredients just until moistened. Add the nuts.
Fill regular or oversized muffin tins three-quarters full. I sprinkle a few chopped walnuts on top before baking. If using regular sized tins, bake for 20-25 minutes. If using oversized tins, bake for 30-35 minutes. These muffins don't get very brown, so test them with your finger or with a toothpick. Be careful not to burn them on the bottom.
Cool on wire racks. And enjoy!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Apples and cranberries make this recipe great
Today's recipe is for apple cranberry bread. You can use dried cranberries or fresh/frozen. Either work well. The fresh cranberries pack more punch.
Apple Cranberry Bread
2 cups peeled chopped apple (I prefer Granny Smith or Honey Crisp)
3/4 cup sugar
2 Tbsp oil
1 egg
1-1/2 cups flour
1-1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon (I use at least twice this much; I love cinnamon)
1 cup cranberries
1/2 cup walnuts
Preheat over to 350. Grease a standard loaf pan.
Combine apples, sugar and oil. (If you let this sit for about 30 minutes, the apples will be more tender in the batter and more flavorful in the bread.)
Combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Add to apple mixture, mixing just until dry ingredients are moist. Stir in cranberries and walnuts. Spread batter in pan.
Bake for one hour. Makes one loaf.
Apple Cranberry Bread
2 cups peeled chopped apple (I prefer Granny Smith or Honey Crisp)
3/4 cup sugar
2 Tbsp oil
1 egg
1-1/2 cups flour
1-1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon (I use at least twice this much; I love cinnamon)
1 cup cranberries
1/2 cup walnuts
Preheat over to 350. Grease a standard loaf pan.
Combine apples, sugar and oil. (If you let this sit for about 30 minutes, the apples will be more tender in the batter and more flavorful in the bread.)
Combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Add to apple mixture, mixing just until dry ingredients are moist. Stir in cranberries and walnuts. Spread batter in pan.
Bake for one hour. Makes one loaf.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
If it's fall, it must be apple season
Around these parts, we wait all year for locally grown apples. From Nebraska City to Mondamin (Iowa), from Omaha to Hamburg, you can find the best apples on the planet right here. Right now.
So to kick off apple season, how about a few apple recipes. Here's one for today.
Apple Doodles
2/3 cup butter-flavored shortening
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2-1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup finely diced peeled tart apple
3/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
So to kick off apple season, how about a few apple recipes. Here's one for today.
Apple Doodles
2/3 cup butter-flavored shortening
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2-1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup finely diced peeled tart apple
3/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine the dry ingredients. Sir half into the creamed mixture. Stir in the apples and walnuts. Stir in remaining flour mixture.
Drop by heaping teaspoonfuls 3 in. apart onto lightly greased baking sheets. Bake at 375 for 13-15 min or until golden brown. Cool on wire rack.
Drop by heaping teaspoonfuls 3 in. apart onto lightly greased baking sheets. Bake at 375 for 13-15 min or until golden brown. Cool on wire rack.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
It's a dog's life
Sitting on the back porch, watching the world go by. Barking now and again when a neighbor dog walks by. Playing ball, playing tag, chewing on sticks. A fresh drink always close by; someone to open the back door on command.
People stopping by to say hello. BFF dogs coming over. Sure, there's a perimeter that requires patrolling, and there might be a person or two that seem a tad unreliable and who might induce a warning bark. Small price to pay for the joys of a fenced-in backyard.
This is my dogs' life. What could be better than that?
People stopping by to say hello. BFF dogs coming over. Sure, there's a perimeter that requires patrolling, and there might be a person or two that seem a tad unreliable and who might induce a warning bark. Small price to pay for the joys of a fenced-in backyard.
This is my dogs' life. What could be better than that?
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Let's promote small businesses in Midtown
At our meeting last night, several members of the Joslyn Castle Neighborhood Association's board of directors commented that what we need in Midtown Omaha is more retail. The conversation was sparked by talking about a proposed pharmacy just a few blocks away -- and the consensus that with 18+ pharmacies already in the neighborhood, we probably don't need another. But we do need retail.
As a small business owner, I think what we need are retail stores that are locally owned. All we need to do to see an example of how these small businesses can drive an economy is to look at Omaha's Old Market. While there are a couple of chain restaurants in the Old Market, there aren't any chain retail stores (at least, I don't think there are). These small businesses -- and the combination of shopping, dining and entertainment -- help boost the entire city's economy. What could that combination do for Midtown?
We have a number of small businesses in Midtown, of course, but they are primarily service-oriented. Even at the new Midtown Crossing development, most of the commercial space is devoted to service businesses.
What would it take to draw retail to Midtown? How can we encourage small and locally owned retail operations in our neighborhood?
I know the people who stay with us at The Cornerstone would frequent those businesses, just like they frequent our neighborhood restaurants and bars. While that wouldn't be enough business to support a retail store, I think the trend here is clear. People who are attracted to this type of neighborhood clearly want to spend their money as close to home as possible.
There are lots of groups being formed under the banner of a "Buy Local" campaign. So far, I haven't seen any of them do anything significant to encourage small businesses to open their doors and then grow. What can they do to encourage this type of business? What can the city do?
The money is here. Now bring us a way to spend it close to home.
As a small business owner, I think what we need are retail stores that are locally owned. All we need to do to see an example of how these small businesses can drive an economy is to look at Omaha's Old Market. While there are a couple of chain restaurants in the Old Market, there aren't any chain retail stores (at least, I don't think there are). These small businesses -- and the combination of shopping, dining and entertainment -- help boost the entire city's economy. What could that combination do for Midtown?
We have a number of small businesses in Midtown, of course, but they are primarily service-oriented. Even at the new Midtown Crossing development, most of the commercial space is devoted to service businesses.
What would it take to draw retail to Midtown? How can we encourage small and locally owned retail operations in our neighborhood?
I know the people who stay with us at The Cornerstone would frequent those businesses, just like they frequent our neighborhood restaurants and bars. While that wouldn't be enough business to support a retail store, I think the trend here is clear. People who are attracted to this type of neighborhood clearly want to spend their money as close to home as possible.
There are lots of groups being formed under the banner of a "Buy Local" campaign. So far, I haven't seen any of them do anything significant to encourage small businesses to open their doors and then grow. What can they do to encourage this type of business? What can the city do?
The money is here. Now bring us a way to spend it close to home.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Should we welcome big box stores in midtown Omaha?
A major nationwide pharmacy chain store wants to open in the historic Dundee neighborhood of Omaha. This particular chain is trying to establish a footprint in the Omaha market, and apparently this particular property is of extreme interest, the "why" of which is unclear.
Neighbors are opposed for a number of reasons: First, the company would need to tear down existing buildings and four homes to build its store and attendant parking lot. Second, the store would be right on 49th & Dodge, where there is no left turn when approaching from the west; the location is at the crest of a hill, making ingress and egress extremely dangerous onto or off of Dodge Street. Third, there are already 18 pharmacies within a 2-mile radius of this property, some of which are small and locally owned.
But the biggest opposition is to this type of economic development in a historic neighborhood. Neighbors and neighborhood associations are arguing that historic neighborhoods should have economic development in fitting with the character of the existing neighborhood. Like much of the rest of Dundee, that development would include locally owned shops and restaurants, not big bix stores or nationwide chains.
Last week the Omaha City Council, in a four to three vote, rejected the development. Now one of the councilmen is changing his mind and calling for a revote (as if such a word actually existed). He claims that not letting this store build on this location is tantamount to saying that Omaha "is not open for business." The facts notwithstanding, he somehow believes this one decision will set a precedent that the city council will follow.
And well they should, even if I don't believe they will. We should not welcome a big box store on every corner of the city. We should not be open only to big business, as is pretty much the case right now. We should, instead, provide incentives and financial support to small and locally owned businesses, where the bulk of the money spent would stay right here in Omaha.
For me, the question is less whether the city is open for business but rather what the price is for a councilman's vote. Clearly that vote is for sale. I wonder what the pricetag is.
We know the price the neighborhood will pay.
Neighbors are opposed for a number of reasons: First, the company would need to tear down existing buildings and four homes to build its store and attendant parking lot. Second, the store would be right on 49th & Dodge, where there is no left turn when approaching from the west; the location is at the crest of a hill, making ingress and egress extremely dangerous onto or off of Dodge Street. Third, there are already 18 pharmacies within a 2-mile radius of this property, some of which are small and locally owned.
But the biggest opposition is to this type of economic development in a historic neighborhood. Neighbors and neighborhood associations are arguing that historic neighborhoods should have economic development in fitting with the character of the existing neighborhood. Like much of the rest of Dundee, that development would include locally owned shops and restaurants, not big bix stores or nationwide chains.
Last week the Omaha City Council, in a four to three vote, rejected the development. Now one of the councilmen is changing his mind and calling for a revote (as if such a word actually existed). He claims that not letting this store build on this location is tantamount to saying that Omaha "is not open for business." The facts notwithstanding, he somehow believes this one decision will set a precedent that the city council will follow.
And well they should, even if I don't believe they will. We should not welcome a big box store on every corner of the city. We should not be open only to big business, as is pretty much the case right now. We should, instead, provide incentives and financial support to small and locally owned businesses, where the bulk of the money spent would stay right here in Omaha.
For me, the question is less whether the city is open for business but rather what the price is for a councilman's vote. Clearly that vote is for sale. I wonder what the pricetag is.
We know the price the neighborhood will pay.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
But is it good business?
Everybody likes a deal, no question about that. And there are lots of online deals to be had, whether through coupons or via sites like Groupon or Living Social. But are those deep discounts good for the business owner?
My questions to you, dear readers, are these:
1. Have you ever purchased a coupon from Groupon or Living Social?
2. Was it for a restaurant/coffee shop, or was it for a service or hotel room?
3. If you've purchased and used a coupon, have you then returned to that business and paid full price for the item you previously received at a discount?
Because herein lies the rub. If we offer discounts through Living Social, the company insists that we offer our rooms for 50 percent off the regular price. Then of the money that users pay, Living Social keeps an additional 35 percent.
Not being a math whiz, I got out my handy calculator to see what this means in dollars and cents. Here's what I found out. If someone buys a gift certificate (as they call them) for $50, for a room that typically sells for $100, then what I keep from that purchase is $32.50. From that, I have to cover our utilities, mortgage payment, insurance, laundry, housekeeping and, oh yeah, breakfast.
Maybe that makes sense, IF that purchaser then becomes a repeat customer. But does that happen, or do the purchasers then go on to the next deal of the day?
Your thoughts?
My questions to you, dear readers, are these:
1. Have you ever purchased a coupon from Groupon or Living Social?
2. Was it for a restaurant/coffee shop, or was it for a service or hotel room?
3. If you've purchased and used a coupon, have you then returned to that business and paid full price for the item you previously received at a discount?
Because herein lies the rub. If we offer discounts through Living Social, the company insists that we offer our rooms for 50 percent off the regular price. Then of the money that users pay, Living Social keeps an additional 35 percent.
Not being a math whiz, I got out my handy calculator to see what this means in dollars and cents. Here's what I found out. If someone buys a gift certificate (as they call them) for $50, for a room that typically sells for $100, then what I keep from that purchase is $32.50. From that, I have to cover our utilities, mortgage payment, insurance, laundry, housekeeping and, oh yeah, breakfast.
Maybe that makes sense, IF that purchaser then becomes a repeat customer. But does that happen, or do the purchasers then go on to the next deal of the day?
Your thoughts?
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
In search of justice, if not for all, then at least for one
Imagine a young man, a boy really, whose father is killed. And no one is prosecuted. Imagine that several years later, when he is 13, his mother is brutally murdered. And for more than four years, no one is prosecuted.
Imagine that young man at 17 in the courtroom, wearing a uniform from the youth detention center, testifying about events on the weekend of his mother's death.
Imagine what he must think about our justice system. Imagine how lost he must feel in a world without care or compassion for his plight. Imagine how he might feel more powerful in a gang than in a high school classroom.
For this young man, we pray that his mother's killer will be convicted, that he might see that this world holds some justice, even for those who are of color, even for those unable to stand up for themselves, even for a woman desperate to escape an abusive relationship.
For you, Cameron, we pray.
Imagine that young man at 17 in the courtroom, wearing a uniform from the youth detention center, testifying about events on the weekend of his mother's death.
Imagine what he must think about our justice system. Imagine how lost he must feel in a world without care or compassion for his plight. Imagine how he might feel more powerful in a gang than in a high school classroom.
For this young man, we pray that his mother's killer will be convicted, that he might see that this world holds some justice, even for those who are of color, even for those unable to stand up for themselves, even for a woman desperate to escape an abusive relationship.
For you, Cameron, we pray.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Good to get away, and good to be home
Innkeepers share at least one thing: It is tough for us to leave our businesses and get away for a few days. This past weekend, Mark stayed home while I went to Denver to celebrate my friend David's 50th birthday. While Mark entertained our guests, cooked for them and did their laundry, I spent four days with two of my dearest friends, catching up on old times and creating new memories.
After a drive of nearly 9 hours to get home, I'm happy to be back in my own space, with my dogs, my partner and my guests. Nothing feels quite as good as coming home after a trip away.
And we keep that in mind for our guests. We want you to feel as "at home" as possible while you're here in our home. All we ask is that you don't let the dogs out. Oh, and put on some clothes before you come to breakfast.
After a drive of nearly 9 hours to get home, I'm happy to be back in my own space, with my dogs, my partner and my guests. Nothing feels quite as good as coming home after a trip away.
And we keep that in mind for our guests. We want you to feel as "at home" as possible while you're here in our home. All we ask is that you don't let the dogs out. Oh, and put on some clothes before you come to breakfast.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Sometimes you just get lucky
When our phone rings late at night and someone asks if we have a room for the night, we tend to be a bit skeptical. After all, we're inviting these people into our home, and we try to make sure they'll be happy -- and that we will, too.
Last night, our phone rang at about 11, and the caller asked for a room. Mark answered the phone and told the caller that we had a room available. When he hung up, he figured they'd go elsewhere, as they didn't indicate when they'd arrive or confirm that they wanted to stay here.
As luck would have it, the couple arrived just before midnight, and I knew as soon as I answered the door that they would love the house. What I didn't know yet was that I would love them as well.
Judan and Christopher live in Fairfield, Iowa, where they are active with the Mahariji University. Judan told me that they both grew up in Fairfield, and we had a wonderful talk about that town and its incredible approach to welcoming this university and its followers, as well as its unique and effective approach to economic development.
She further told me that she believes Fairfield draws positive energy from the universe because there are literally thousands of people meditating there every day. I think she must be correct.
We spent an hour talking about Fairfield, and about life, this morning while they had breakfast. (Thank you to our neighbors Will and Gary for the freshly picked zucchini and apples, which I baked into apple zucchini bread last night and served for breakfast this morning.) I found their positive outlook and approach to life refreshing and reaffirming.
I wish Judan and Christopher safe travels. I thank them for reminding me of the many ways in which this life draws people together.
Last night, our phone rang at about 11, and the caller asked for a room. Mark answered the phone and told the caller that we had a room available. When he hung up, he figured they'd go elsewhere, as they didn't indicate when they'd arrive or confirm that they wanted to stay here.
As luck would have it, the couple arrived just before midnight, and I knew as soon as I answered the door that they would love the house. What I didn't know yet was that I would love them as well.
Judan and Christopher live in Fairfield, Iowa, where they are active with the Mahariji University. Judan told me that they both grew up in Fairfield, and we had a wonderful talk about that town and its incredible approach to welcoming this university and its followers, as well as its unique and effective approach to economic development.
She further told me that she believes Fairfield draws positive energy from the universe because there are literally thousands of people meditating there every day. I think she must be correct.
We spent an hour talking about Fairfield, and about life, this morning while they had breakfast. (Thank you to our neighbors Will and Gary for the freshly picked zucchini and apples, which I baked into apple zucchini bread last night and served for breakfast this morning.) I found their positive outlook and approach to life refreshing and reaffirming.
I wish Judan and Christopher safe travels. I thank them for reminding me of the many ways in which this life draws people together.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Oh, the questions they ask
Anyone who deals with the public on a daily basis can tell countless stories about the people they deal with. Here are a handful from this week.
- We had an e-mail from a woman who said she is extremely allergic to dogs. My response said that while our dogs don't roam the house and are never allowed in the guestrooms, they do live here with us. She took the time to call us (no doubt on our toll-free line) to say that she won't stay with us because of the dogs. What did she think we would say? That we'll get rid of the dogs so she can spend one night with us?
- A man called earlier this week to ask about a Friday night rate later in the month. Mark told him that the least expensive room available was $125 per night. He replied, "Yeah, good luck with that." And then he slammed down the phone. Really? The rates for that night at the downtown chain hotels range from $139 to $249. Guess we should wish them all good luck with those.
- Another man called a while back to ask what our policy is on letting children stay with us. I told him that we are happy to have children stay, depending on the number and their ages. He responded that he and his wife would like to bring their eight (yes, eight) children to stay with us. He wanted one room, because the kids, after all, can sleep on the floor. When I told him that I didn't have any rooms big enough to accommodate their family, he accused me of hating kids. Don't tell my nieces and nephews; I'm keeping that a secret from them.
- Always a favorite are the people who call and ask if our rooms are nice. Obviously, we think they are, and we recognize that some rooms might be "nicer" than others -- maybe bigger or with more windows or whatever. So what are they expecting to hear? Book any room except that one -- it's not nice.
- And then there are the people who really just want you to do their work for them. They don't want to stay with us but they want us to give them contact information for other hotels, provide information about what's going on around town or, like the caller at 7 this morning, they want you to give them a visual map of the city. They don't want to book a room; they want a tour guide.
Yes, Walt Disney, it is a small world after all
An innkeeper's life gets sidetracked by chores like laundry and cleaning and paperwork. The joy, for me, lies in the guests who grace our business (and our breakfast table).
This morning, three of four guests having breakfast together graduated from Omaha Central High School. So did I; so did my three sisters; so will two of my nieces. We compared notes about teachers and classmates and the pride associated with graduates of this incredible school.
Then we turned our attention to other topics, which is when I found out that one of our guests went to Tarkio College. She was there during my sophomore year. To give you some context, Tarkio was a small school with about 400 students in the early and mid 1970s. So Pamela and I were there, along with our mutual friend Linda Brown, at precisely the same time. Commence more reminiscing, more shared friends.
And then it turns out we all knew Passionetta Prince, who was murdered in Omaha three-and-a-half years ago. And whose killer goes on trial later this month.
And we all knew her because we all are, to one extent or another, involved with the John Beasley Theater.
Just when you think the world is a vast, unimaginably complex place, you find out just how small it really is. I think the moon, the stars and the power that be for putting me in a place where my path can cross with incredible people like those I met today.
This morning, three of four guests having breakfast together graduated from Omaha Central High School. So did I; so did my three sisters; so will two of my nieces. We compared notes about teachers and classmates and the pride associated with graduates of this incredible school.
Then we turned our attention to other topics, which is when I found out that one of our guests went to Tarkio College. She was there during my sophomore year. To give you some context, Tarkio was a small school with about 400 students in the early and mid 1970s. So Pamela and I were there, along with our mutual friend Linda Brown, at precisely the same time. Commence more reminiscing, more shared friends.
And then it turns out we all knew Passionetta Prince, who was murdered in Omaha three-and-a-half years ago. And whose killer goes on trial later this month.
And we all knew her because we all are, to one extent or another, involved with the John Beasley Theater.
Just when you think the world is a vast, unimaginably complex place, you find out just how small it really is. I think the moon, the stars and the power that be for putting me in a place where my path can cross with incredible people like those I met today.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Lessons from a cookie
My mission this past weekend was to bake as many gluten-free dishes and treats as possible. We had three guests who required gluten-free cooking, and all in all, I think it went pretty well.
Until that second batch of peanut butter cookies. Two lessons learned:
First, Jif chunky peanut butter has way more oil in it than Skippy Super Chunk. The extra oil make the cookies spread, looking less appealing. Unless, of course, you're a dog, which leads us to...
Second, if peanut butter cookies are cooling on a wire rack on the butcher block, Lucy will, in fact, find a way to get said rack onto the floor. I don't know how she managed it, but she pulled the cookies onto the floor. She was at least kind enough to share them with Izzy. So we had two dogs with upset tummies. And no cookies for our guests.
All duly noted.
Until that second batch of peanut butter cookies. Two lessons learned:
First, Jif chunky peanut butter has way more oil in it than Skippy Super Chunk. The extra oil make the cookies spread, looking less appealing. Unless, of course, you're a dog, which leads us to...
Second, if peanut butter cookies are cooling on a wire rack on the butcher block, Lucy will, in fact, find a way to get said rack onto the floor. I don't know how she managed it, but she pulled the cookies onto the floor. She was at least kind enough to share them with Izzy. So we had two dogs with upset tummies. And no cookies for our guests.
All duly noted.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
How do you know what's true?
In today's world, anyone with access to the Internet can go about ruining a business's reputation. Review sites are everywhere; oversight is non-existent; abuse often reigns.
In the hospitality industry, many travelers turn to Trip Advisor or to Google pages to read reviews before booking a reservation, whether at a hotel or at a restaurant. And here's the first problem with those reviews: No one has to provide any proof that he or she stayed at the facility or ate in the restaurant. The second problem: The owners have no opportunity to respond to reviews, whether positive or negative.
Here's an example, based on what happened to us yesterday. A potential guest called with a request that we could not honor. He was unhappy with our answer to his (ridiculous) question, and ended his call by telling us that he was going to "go onto Google and write a bunch of bad reviews."
Why shouldn't he? There's no way to prove whether he's telling the truth or not. There are several reviews about our business at Trip Advisor that we know are untrue, a couple of which we also know were written by people who, like yesterday's caller, were unhappy that we either required them to honor the cancellation policy they agreed to or otherwise were unable to meet an unreasonable request.
What I wonder is why people are interested in ruining someone else's reputation. Why go to all that trouble just to cause trouble for someone else? If a business is badly run, it will fail without the assistance of bad reviews. But if it is well run, it may also fail due to those who choose to post dishonest comments.
Small business owners already have their hands full trying to survive in our economy. They don't need this kind of dishonesty also working against them.
In the hospitality industry, many travelers turn to Trip Advisor or to Google pages to read reviews before booking a reservation, whether at a hotel or at a restaurant. And here's the first problem with those reviews: No one has to provide any proof that he or she stayed at the facility or ate in the restaurant. The second problem: The owners have no opportunity to respond to reviews, whether positive or negative.
Here's an example, based on what happened to us yesterday. A potential guest called with a request that we could not honor. He was unhappy with our answer to his (ridiculous) question, and ended his call by telling us that he was going to "go onto Google and write a bunch of bad reviews."
Why shouldn't he? There's no way to prove whether he's telling the truth or not. There are several reviews about our business at Trip Advisor that we know are untrue, a couple of which we also know were written by people who, like yesterday's caller, were unhappy that we either required them to honor the cancellation policy they agreed to or otherwise were unable to meet an unreasonable request.
What I wonder is why people are interested in ruining someone else's reputation. Why go to all that trouble just to cause trouble for someone else? If a business is badly run, it will fail without the assistance of bad reviews. But if it is well run, it may also fail due to those who choose to post dishonest comments.
Small business owners already have their hands full trying to survive in our economy. They don't need this kind of dishonesty also working against them.
Friday, July 16, 2010
The case of the missing teaspoon
Help me, my dear readers, solve a tiny mystery. Why do B&B guests steal teaspoons?
I'm not talking about fancy teaspoons. Nothing silver, nothing monogrammed, just plain old everyday flatware. Teaspoons.
We bought a new set of flatware last week because in our service for 16, we were down to four matching teaspoons. The rest disappeared. I blamed caterers (please forgive me), and I blamed myself sometimes for possibly misplacing them. I occasionally blamed a guest -- and then immediately took that back. I mean, really, why would anyone steal a teaspoon?
But today, after only seven days in use, our new set of flatware is missing a teaspoon. The saddest part? I know which guest pocketed the spoon. What I can't figure out is why.
I'm not talking about fancy teaspoons. Nothing silver, nothing monogrammed, just plain old everyday flatware. Teaspoons.
We bought a new set of flatware last week because in our service for 16, we were down to four matching teaspoons. The rest disappeared. I blamed caterers (please forgive me), and I blamed myself sometimes for possibly misplacing them. I occasionally blamed a guest -- and then immediately took that back. I mean, really, why would anyone steal a teaspoon?
But today, after only seven days in use, our new set of flatware is missing a teaspoon. The saddest part? I know which guest pocketed the spoon. What I can't figure out is why.
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