Southern Four Wheel Drive Association's 2012 Dixie Run... What an awesome event.

Lining up at the lunch tent provided by one of SFWDA's clubs
A little fun for the kids at the Dixie Run
Recod attendance... this is at the pavilion where they hold the dinner and raffle
Roger Theurer's righteous 60 series Land Cruiser (My host and ride for the weekend) And for you LC experts, yes it is a 60. Roger just likes the square twins up front so exchanged in the 62 grille and lights. And, oh by the way, among a host of other handbuilt extras, he also exchanged in a turbo diesel for a little sumpin, sumpin under the hood.

The people showed up to the Dixie Run this year in droves. In fact, I was told it was the largest they have had since 2006. I believe it. The crowd gathered at the pavilion for the dinner and raffle was HUGE!

The Dixie Run was first held in Tellico, but has since been moved to a private park called Golden Mountain. This event has something for everyone and is very well organized. In addition to the very challenging trails offered at the park, there are kids games (including a large bouncing house castle), clubs of the SFWDA providing breakfast and lunches, catered dinner, a raffle second to none I've seen, and a generally festive atmosphere. Some described the event as the "Disneyland of Off-Roading." People had a great time.

While I was there, I had the opportunity to talk with a lot of enthusiasts about their concerns on issues and suggestions for BRC. The discussion was often centered on the obvious loss in Tellico, but they are equally concerned on many other issues. This event draws people from all around the US, although most are from the surrounding states which is the demographic of SFWDA.

The people of SFWDA are gracious to welcome you readily at their campfire and almost always offer you some food or refreshments. I was reminded again of how wrongly motorized recreationists are portrayed and vilified. I met and talked with businessmen, engineers, doctors, lawyers, educators, blue and white collar workers, mothers and fathers, teens and children, all who just want to enjoy their chosen form of recreation responsibly together. Every meal, including the catered dinner and raffle are started with a prayer.

I walked away from this event with more than just input for the Tour. I walked away with hope.

I want to thank my companion and host for the weekend, Roger Theurer. Roger is past or current president of about everything in the southeast, incredible resource of knowledge, and all around great guy. Thanks Roger for letting me share your campsite, sharing your lawn chairs with me, taking me out on the trail, and introducing me to everyone.

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jaybird's picture

SFWDA - Dixie Run

Thanks for making the trip to SFWDA's Dixie run. It was good to get caught back up and look forward to helping out Blue Ribbon in the near future.

Jay Bird AKA the Ice Cream Man

Employee Time Tracking 559892

Time tracking is the act of tracing out the time spent on each activity in a particular period of time. With so much pressure on time these days, time tracking and management has become absolutely necessary. Though time tracking was initially just a method for keeping track of the way employees use their time, today it is a major program that is used for several other things like: payroll processing, employee productivity, revenue management, client management, invoicing, database management and project management.page

Employee time tracking was first done using simple time cards or punch cards. Employees had to punch in their cards, when they came in or out, into a machine that would record the time. The timings were later copied onto spreadsheets and analyzed manually to determine how much time an employee spent in the office. This simple mechanism was sufficient in the days when there was not too much stress on the productivity of employees. However, with technological diversions like the Internet, e-mails, and phones, it has become very important to track the exact time the employee spends working. Besides, some enterprises have thousands of employees located at different locations across the world, working in different time zones, which make employee time tracking even more important. There are several advantages of employee time tracking: it makes payroll processing easier by tracking the exact hours an employee worked, increases revenues by correct invoicing, and makes database management easier. There are also some disadvantages: employees do not appreciate it they feel too much pressure for showing results for every minute; or the information may not be used properly.

Employee Time Tracking 559892

Time tracking is the act of tracing out the time spent on each activity in a particular period of time. With so much pressure on time these days, time tracking and management has become absolutely necessary. Though time tracking was initially just a method for keeping track of the way employees use their time, today it is a major program that is used for several other things like: payroll processing, employee productivity, revenue management, client management, invoicing, database management and project management.page

Employee time tracking was first done using simple time cards or punch cards. Employees had to punch in their cards, when they came in or out, into a machine that would record the time. The timings were later copied onto spreadsheets and analyzed manually to determine how much time an employee spent in the office. This simple mechanism was sufficient in the days when there was not too much stress on the productivity of employees. However, with technological diversions like the Internet, e-mails, and phones, it has become very important to track the exact time the employee spends working. Besides, some enterprises have thousands of employees located at different locations across the world, working in different time zones, which make employee time tracking even more important. There are several advantages of employee time tracking: it makes payroll processing easier by tracking the exact hours an employee worked, increases revenues by correct invoicing, and makes database management easier. There are also some disadvantages: employees do not appreciate it they feel too much pressure for showing results for every minute; or the information may not be used properly.

How to Decorate Your Kitchen 527640

Kitchen's can be one of the most expensive rooms in the house to remodel and decorate. However, there is a way to do this without spending tons of money. You can decorate your kitchen on a shoestring budget!

With patience, persistence, and a little time, there is one place to find decorative items for mere pennies. Where is this "magic" place? Yard sales! Granted, this will take much more effort than walking into a "Kirkland's? or "Country Treasues's" store at the local mall, but the money spent will be so much less. Plus, some really interesting and unique pieces will be added to your house.page

It is amazing what items can be found at yard sales that will go with any kitchen décor under the sun. If you love a country style kitchen, search for baskets, pitchers, and pottery. These items can be placed above cabinets, as centerpieces for the kitchen table, or filled with fresh fruit or wildflowers and then placed on the counter.

If you love the retro style kitchen, yard sales are fantastic shopping spots. It is easy to find many kitchen items from the 1960's-1970's in good condition. While some are excellent collectible pieces, others can be purchased for sheer fun! Some cool pieces to look for old breadboxes, canister sets, and wall clocks.

How to Get More Space in the Garage 127092

It doesn't seem to matter how big your garage is: you can always fill it up with stuff. Sure, you can hire some professional organizer to come help you clear a path to the car doors, but that costs money. How about I just give you some tips instead? You don't even need to pay me $100 an hour, or whatever it is de-clutter-ganizers are making these days. So, without further ado, here are five ways to clear up space in the garage:page

1. Hang things from the ceiling.

Garages usually have plenty of headroom, so that leaves many cubic feet of space you can exploit. Is your family full of sports fanatics? You can buy ceiling-mounted racks designed specifically for outdoor recreational equipment, everything from snowboards and bicycles to canoes and kayaks. You can also get platforms that go up and down with a crank of a lever. These allow you to tuck hundreds of pounds of junk--er, valuable family heirlooms--up amongst the rafters.

2. Make use of wall space.

You've probably got at least one pegboard in the tool area of your garage, but there's no reason to limit yourself. You can attach your own homemade brackets, nails, and pegboards, or you can buy special panels designed to support hooks, baskets, and shelves.

Catering For Your Party 251501

Dealing with catering service providers is part of planning a successful party. A caterer normally provides food and beverages and they have an important role in your party. If you have experience with caterers, you are in luck. But if you have never hired a caterer before, don’t worry.

If the party venue offers this service, it is also possible that you don’t need to worry about hiring a third party caterer. articleEven if catering is not provided by the party location, they may be able to recommend some to you. If your party site manager, recommends a caterer you should still do your homework. Just like any other vendor, a caterer should be able to provide you with several references. You should always contact the references.

You should ask about reliability, trustworthiness, quality, and related issues. Never assume that a caterer recommended by someone if surely the best possible solution for your event. One caterer may work great for one event, but be insufficient for others. A caterer may be experienced in smaller parties, but not experienced with parties with two hundred invited guests.

Catering For Your Party 251501

Dealing with catering service providers is part of planning a successful party. A caterer normally provides food and beverages and they have an important role in your party. If you have experience with caterers, you are in luck. But if you have never hired a caterer before, don’t worry.

If the party venue offers this service, it is also possible that you don’t need to worry about hiring a third party caterer. articleEven if catering is not provided by the party location, they may be able to recommend some to you. If your party site manager, recommends a caterer you should still do your homework. Just like any other vendor, a caterer should be able to provide you with several references. You should always contact the references.

You should ask about reliability, trustworthiness, quality, and related issues. Never assume that a caterer recommended by someone if surely the best possible solution for your event. One caterer may work great for one event, but be insufficient for others. A caterer may be experienced in smaller parties, but not experienced with parties with two hundred invited guests.

Safety Program for Small Business

The purpose of a safety program is to involve employees in achieving and maintaining a safe, healthful workplace. This program will have a safety committee that will discuss and find solutions to problems that can cause accidents, injuries, and illnesses. Fewer accidents, injuries, and illnesses will lower your workers’ compensation costs and insurance premium rates and can increase your profit.page

There are steps that must be taken for a safety committee and program to be an effective one. These steps will include:

In holding weekly safety meetings and if your business has 10 or fewer employees, it would be beneficial to have employees attend safety committee meetings. Low-hazard workplaces such as office settings may substitute monthly meetings for weekly meetings. Discuss what everyone can do to achieve or maintain a safe, healthful workplace. Focus on just one important topic, such as controlling an existing hazard or identifying an unsafe work practice. If you have a construction business, discuss hazards at the site with the general contractor before you begin a job. Then meet regularly with your crew during the job to discuss any new hazards they may encounter and how to control them.

Safety Program for Small Business

The purpose of a safety program is to involve employees in achieving and maintaining a safe, healthful workplace. This program will have a safety committee that will discuss and find solutions to problems that can cause accidents, injuries, and illnesses. Fewer accidents, injuries, and illnesses will lower your workers’ compensation costs and insurance premium rates and can increase your profit.page

There are steps that must be taken for a safety committee and program to be an effective one. These steps will include:

In holding weekly safety meetings and if your business has 10 or fewer employees, it would be beneficial to have employees attend safety committee meetings. Low-hazard workplaces such as office settings may substitute monthly meetings for weekly meetings. Discuss what everyone can do to achieve or maintain a safe, healthful workplace. Focus on just one important topic, such as controlling an existing hazard or identifying an unsafe work practice. If you have a construction business, discuss hazards at the site with the general contractor before you begin a job. Then meet regularly with your crew during the job to discuss any new hazards they may encounter and how to control them.