Oh Say Can You See…

I think I was in Junior High when I really read the poem that had become our National Anthem. The first stanza is dripping with imagery that pierces my heart. Imagine for a moment Francis Scott Key was standing before you asking the questions which have echoed through the decades. Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light, what so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight, or the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming? And the rocket’s red glare; the bombs bursting in air gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say, does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave over the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Forgive me for being what some may consider sappy, but for me the final question – the one I have put in red – is the one I ask myself when the fireworks are exploding in the sky. Fireworks are, after all, our reenactment of that fateful battle (and the other battles that have secured our freedom) which inspired this timeless this poem.

Martin Luther King, Jr., called the Declaration of Independence a Promissory Note. Every Fourth, while the “ramparts are gallantly streaming” I am humbled by the realization that I am a beneficiary of that Promise. I am humbled by the sacrifice of the people who daily get up and defend what that Star-Spangled-Banner represents. I understand our Nation is polarized right now. We have ideological differences that create deep chasms where reconciliation and understanding have gone to die. Yet, I still cling to the Promise that we have “unalienable rights endowed to us by our Creator.” I hold on to the objective penned in the Preamble of the Constitution, which states: “We the People, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” What a mission statement!

This Fourth of July is the 233rd anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It isn’t more spectacular than last years’ Fourth. It isn’t less important than next years’ Fourth. It is amazingly wonderful every year because this experiment we call the United States of America is amazingly wonderful. So, when you are watching fireworks this year, in between the ooohs and aaahs, perhaps you will consider what those explosions in the sky represent. And, as the National Anthem is being sung and that last question asks if the flag still waves, perhaps you will be inclined to answer with resounding glee, “You bet it does!”

True Confessions of a Marketing Manager

As the Marketing Manager, I am charged with the task of coming up with creative, innovative and unique ideas that will make you, the consumer, want to buy our products. Is it working?

This recession is making it difficult for all companies. We are all hungry for sales and vying for your attention. While things have perked up in recent weeks, industry experts tell us we will see dramatic ups and downs in the months to come. Pardon me while I wince and sigh. I don't know about you, but I am growing tired - physically and emotionally tired - of this (uh-hmm) economy. So, in my capacity as Marketing Manager of Grace Engineered Products, I have just one thing to ask: Will you just buy our products already?!

I know this direct and somewhat temper-tantrum-ish plea may cause some to think me unprofessional. To tell the truth, I am not really the "professional" type. Much of the time that is unnecessary pretense aimed at making others think we are better and more equipped than we actually are (you don’t know anyone like that, do you?). It's a lot of PR, people. I prefer to operate in an authentic reality. I'm not into smoke and mirrors. So, my reality consists, in part, of these three things: our products are great, they are what people need, and they save you money. Seriously.

So, I implore you. Please take a serious look at our products. You can find them on our website at www.graceport.com. In the mean time, I vow to hold up my end of the bargain. I will continue to come up with funny, thought-provoking and interesting marketing campaigns that will woo you. All I ask is you do me one favor. Just buy our products already! =)

Application Stories, Please

Did you know we are always looking for application stories? If you use our products...send me some pictures and tell me how you use the product. If I use your story, I will send you a Visa Gift Card for $100! Contact me at brandib@grace-eng.com!

Computer Problems

Grrr..computer problems. Is there a soul on earth who has a PC and not had a computer problem? I’d wager a week’s worth of recession-tainted pay that answer is no. Any takers?

This week, all of last week, and much of the week before I have been struggling with - you guessed it - computer problems. It seems I wandered onto some inconspicuous website and unsuspectingly picked up spy ware that has wreaked havoc with my operating system. Graphics I’ve been working on have vanished and my epileptic computer can’t stop seizing long enough to do much more than send an email. There have been at least two times I have been reduced to tears because of this virus-infested contraption with a keyboard. Enough is enough. Because of my technological turmoil these past few weeks, like any other jilted woman, I have decided to cut from me that which fuels my fury – at least for the time being.

Here are a few fun ways you can ‘unplug’ too:

Read a book - not a Blog.
Play a game. A real one with pieces.
Play solitaire without a mouse.
Stand in line instead getting online.
Meet people... in real life.
Chat with your mouth and not your fingers.

Have fun!

Did you know...

Here are a couple "did you know?" facts about arc flash:

Did you know that temperatures as high as 36,000 degrees Fahrenheit have been recorded in arc flashes?

Did you know that 36,000 degrees Fahrenheit is more than 3 times the temperature of the surface of the sun?

Did you know that the pressure from the blast of an arc flash has a force of up to 1000 pounds?

Did you know that the intense heat of an arc flash can melt electrical components and the molten droplets can be propelled into the air by the blast turning them into fiery shrapnel-like pieces that impale victims and ignite their clothing?

Did you know that burns on your arms, chest/torso, and face would account for 40% of your body?

Did you know that if you are 51 and have burns on 40% of your body your survival rate is only 50%?

Clearly arc flash burns are life threatening. Are you doing everything you can to protect yourself or your employees? Visit http://www.graceport.com/ to find thru-door electrical safety products that increase safety and employee productivity.

Making the Human Race Stronger

Not too long ago, an employee of mine was calling prospective customers to tell them about the latest and greatest in electrical safety devices. In the midst of typical calls, the employee encountered a man with an interesting perspective. The man, a manager of an engineering company, didn't think electrical safety devices were important. He said, "If someone is stupid enough to go into a hot panel, well, then that just makes the human race stronger."

While I hope not all people share his sentiment, it does bring up a thought-provoking question. Is the function of electrical safety devices solely to keep people safe? One may think so, I mean, they are called electrical safety devices for a reason. But, as you may have suspected, it is a trick question. The truth of the matter is these devices, while the key objective is to keep people safe, really do a lot more. Not only can these devices help with following NFPA guidelines, but they can increase employee productivity. With the weakening dollar and the faltering economy, increasing productivity can be the difference between a successful quarter and going in the red.

As the owner of a company that manufactures products, I know manufacturers are either making money or losing money every minute of every day. When their machines are up and running, the company makes money. When they are down, they lose money. Incorporating devices that reduce the number of minutes machines are down just makes good business sense. Using devices that increase safety and productivity is a smart thing to do. And, as that manager pointed out, being smart does make the human race stronger. It just so happens it makes a profit, too.

-Phil Allen, President
Grace Engineered Products
philallen@grace-eng.com

Back to Basics

There is a book called Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of the American Community by Robert Putnam. It is a horrendously long book chalk full of statistics, but an interesting read nonetheless. The gist of his book is this: Before cars were common, people walked everywhere and when they did they ran into their neighbors and talked. Before television was common, people would sit on the front porch after dinner and when they did the neighbors would join them. Now, we drive by our neighbors and at most wave hello and no one is on the porch after dinner anymore because we are in our homes watching television or on the computer. Basically, the author puts forth the theory that technology has eroded human interaction, or what he calls social capital, and it is having a devastating effect on our communities.

As summer approaches and the uncertainty of the economy lingers, maybe you are like some of us and you’re looking for a less expensive version of your life. We thought it might be fun (and cheap) to take a cue from Robert Putnam. We've comprised a list of 25 things to do this summer that will help you save a buck while investing in your social capital. Just remember to add the words, “and invite your neighbors” to the end of each suggestion! Let us know how it works out!

1. Get a ball and play Spud with your kids!
2. Invite some friends over and have a pot-luck.
3. Get out a deck of cards or a board game.
4. Build a fire in the back yard and roast marshmallows.
5. Go hiking in a park.
6. Have water balloon fights (or squirt gun fights) with the kids.
7. Organize a scavenger hunt.
8. Go on a picnic.
9. Go to the library.
10. Check out a community calendar and attend free events.
11. Learn how to juggle (or teach someone).
12. Try a new recipe.
13. Play kickball with the neighborhood kids.
14. Start a compost bin.
15. Have a yard sale.
16. Make homemade greeting cards (Birthday, Christmas, etc)
17. Turn on the water sprinkler!
18. Start a book club.
19. Volunteer on a political campaign.
20. Go disc golfing.
21. Attend a free community class.
22. Do amateur star gazing.
23. Ride a bicycle.
24. Help some kids start a lemonade stand.
25. Sit on the porch after dinner.