Date: October 18, 2004
Vol. VIII, No. 20

Printer Version

TABLE OF CONTENTS

COMMENTARY: COMMUNICATING TO CONSUMERS

In the last issue I published a letter from a friend who is creative, crafty, has lots of industry experience and boxes-full of photographs – and no interest in scrapbooking. I published her letter and invited readers to tell me how do we get this woman scrapping. Because if scrapbooking is going to continue to grow, we need to attract consumers like her.

The readers' answers in the Memory, Paper & Stamps column are savvy, thoughtful, and full of sound strategies for enticing our friend into scrapbooking. But there's something missing. If she walks into an independent's store or in a chain's scrapbook department and sees this wealth of products, she will assume that scrapbooking is complicated, time-consuming, and expensive. She takes one look, then turns around and walks out.

Now, we all KNOW scrapbooking needn't be those things, and if the industry pros who contributed to the Memory column could sit down and talk face to face with my friend, they could probably convince her. But we can't rely on face-to-face conversations with every potential scrapper to grow the industry.

So the question becomes, how to we communicate to those millions of non-scrappers that scrapbooking can be quick, simple, and inexpensive?

Send me your thoughts (call 309-925-5593 or email mike@clnonline.com).

Memory, Paper & Stamps. Strategies for turning a crafter into a scrapbooker.

Category Reports. A first-hand view of the astonishingly successful Knit-Out & Crochet 2004 events in New York and around the country. (Note: This should be of particular interest to needlework, painting, and floral vendors as an example of how vendors can work together to promote their category.)

Scene & Heard. Ellie Joos reports on the Premiere Vision Fall/Winter show, a huge fabric show in Paris. Crafters and sewers will find it easy to be fashionable.

Legal Q. & A. Who owns a copyright, the first person to file for a slogan, or the first person to use it? An interesting case with plenty of implications for our industry.

Note. To read the columns, click on the title in the left-hand column. If you surf to a column and it's an "old" column. Click on your "Refresh" or "Reload" button on your browser.

Time to vote for President! We asked the question a few months ago, and are asking again now; then we'll compare results with the earlier Poll to see what effect the campaign and changes in Iraq and the economy have had on the results. To vote, click on Industry Polls. And vote for real on Nov. 2. Remember, as novelist E.L. Doctorow wrote, "The president we get is the country we get."

Our unscientific poll of exhibitors' and buyers' views of last month's Memory Trends show revealed some interesting attitudes. Thirty-seven percent of the exhibitor-respondents thought the traffic/orders were much less than expected; 26% said somewhat less; 21% thought the show met their expectations; 5% said it somewhat surpassed expectations; and 11% said the show was much better than expected.

Buyers, on the other hand, were happier. Twenty-nine percent of the buyers were extremely pleased with the new products unveiled at the show; another 21% were very pleased; 36% thought the products met their expectations; and only 14% were somewhat disappointed. No one was very disappointed. Regarding classes and workshops, 38% were extremely pleased; 25% were very pleased; 12% thought they met expectations; and a fourth were somewhat disappointed. No one was very disappointed.

Apparently the underlying mood was somewhat somber, too. Only 13% of all respondents (exhibitors and buyers) were extremely optimistic about the 2004 holiday season and 2005; 25% were somewhat optimistic; 29% thought the season and 2005 would be about the same; and 33% were somewhat pessimistic. No one was very pessimistic. (For more on the Memory Trends show, see below.)

Janlynn has acquired Stamps Happen of Fullerton, CA. The acquisition is part of Janlynn's continued expansion strategy. "By adding the powerful Stamps Happen brand to the base of products already found in Janlynn's Moments 'n Memories and Sanook Paper collection, we continue to offer the stamping and scrapbook industry an exciting, full-line assortment," said Janlynn President/CEO John Kozub.

Stamps Happen specializes in the design and manufacturing of rubber stamps, supplies, and accessories. "This partnership was formed with Janlynn to help Stamps Happen broaden its retail distribution channel in North America and around the globe," commented Stamps Happen CEO Thom Breslin, who will become a member of the Janlynn board of directors.

Janlynn will begin shipping Stamps Happen products in December from its Chicopee, MA location and will unveil new Stamps Happen collections at the 2005 CHA show in Atlanta. To learn more about Stamps Happen products, visit www.stampshappen.com. For more on Janlynn, visit www.janlynn.com.

A new holiday buying survey by the NPD Group, a market research group, says nine of 10 consumers will spend the same or less this holiday season, Reuters reported. Among the findings:

1. Americans will spend an average of $655.

2. Spending plans vary with age groups. The 18- to 24-year-olds plan to increase their spending to $537 this year from $366 a year ago, but the 25- to 34-year olds will cut their spending by 21%.

3. Discounters will dominate. Seventy-two percent of respondents plan to shop in discount stores such as Target and Wal-Mart.

4. More than half will comparison-shop before buying; a third will wait for sales. Only about 27% had already started shopping compared to 31% who had started this time a year ago.

Meanwhile, the latest tally in Retail Forward's Index of Future Spending agrees with the NDP study. The index slipped from 102.7 in September to 100.7 in October.

 "The softer pace of sales expected this month is the result of moderating spending plans among Middle and Down Market households, offsetting a further strengthening among those in the Up Market," said Steve Spiwak, an economist with Retail Forward. "The result should be healthy sales at high-end retailers in October, while discount retailers should see sales continue to grow at a modest pace as the holiday shopping season approaches."

The Craft & Hobby Assn.'s Board of Directors elected James Bremer, President of Tall Mouse Arts & Crafts, as Chief Governance Officer starting in February of 2005. Other elected officers who will serve one-year terms are: Jim Scatena, President/CEO of FloraCraft, Vice Chair; and Emma Gebo, owner of Crafts, Inc., Secretary.

CHA’s Nominating Committee has submitted a list of nominees for reelection as Association directors for three-year terms. Nominated to a first three-year term after serving served the two years remaining of Tim Valentyn’s resigned term is: Ron LaRosa, President/CEO of Delta. Nominated to serve second three-year terms are Mike Hartnett, Publisher of Creative Leisure News; independent retailer Jane Marski, owner of Hannah’s Home Accents; and Mike McCooey, President/CEO of Plaid.

CHA members will confirm the reelection of new directors during annual meeting at the trade show in Atlanta in February.

The CHA Board also elected Marski as Chair, plus Terri Clair (EK Success) and Craig Curtis (Petersen-Arne), to the 2005 Nominating Committee. Alternates elected are Jane Anne Davis (Duncan) and Ted Hesemann (Herrschner’s).

Three others will be elected to the 2005 Committee at the annual meeting. Members may nominate themselves or another eligible member by completing the online submission form on the members-only section of www.craftandhobby.org, or by submitting the form in the Early Fall issue of CHA Horizons. The deadline is Oct. 31.

Dotty Grexa, VP/Fabric Division General Merchandise Manager, of Jo-Ann's, was elected President of the Board of Directors of the Home Sewing Assn. Grexa, a 24-year industry veteran, will assume the role immediately and will serve through Fall 2006.

Grexa succeeds Stephanie Dell’Olio, President, Retail Division of Marcus Bros. Textiles, who will continue to serve on the Executive Committee.

HSA also announced the appointment of Michael Fuss, President/CEO of Wm. Wright, and Lucille Tatulli-Strang of General Fabrics and a past president of the Board of Retail Associates (RAG Club), to the Board.

Arts and crafts for schools and how to capitalize on trends will be the major topics for the keynote speakers at the Craft & Hobby Assn. show in Atlanta, Feb. 12-15.

On Sat., Feb. 12 (7:30- 9:00 am), Henry Winkler will speak on the importance of keeping the arts alive in schools. Winkler is a celebrated actor, producer, director, author, and children's advocate. With his wife, Stacey, he is a founder of The Children's Action Network and United Friends of the Children, and for years has co-hosted the United Cerebral Palsy telethons. For his efforts, he has been awarded the United Nations Peace Prize, B'nai B'rith Champion of Youth Award, and the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Artes et Lettres, France's highest civilian honor.

On Sun., Feb. 13 (7:30 - 9:00 am), Robyn Waters, President of RW Trend LLC and the former VP/Trend Design and Product Development for Target, will discuss her belief that anyone can learn how to track trends and translate that knowledge into sales and profits. Robyn has 25+ years in retail and is the author of A Trend Master's Guide From A-Z. She'll explain how trends, when identified early, can act as signposts to society's values – and when translated and applied relevantly give insight into the "why" of "why we buy." She will explain how to simplify the trend-tracking process so all can predict trends and turn them into profit.

For more, visit www.chashow.org.

A.C. MOORE: WHO NEEDS A ROOF?

 Sales for the third quarter ended Sept. 30 rose 9.2% to $107.7 million and same-store sales increased 0.3%, despite the collapse of the roof in the company's former warehouse in July.

For the nine months ended Sept. 30, sales are up 12.7% to $320.4 million and same-store sales are up 3%.

The company is estimating its third-quarter earnings to be $0.04-$0.05/share, which includes a charge of $0.03 for an accounting change. Included in the results is an estimate of the insurance claim recovery for lost merchandise and other expenses related to the roof collapse of approximately $0.04. Officials said the company insures its warehouse inventory at retail value and therefore anticipates collection on their insurance claim at amounts significantly in excess of cost. The insurance proceeds are an offset to the lost sales.

CEO Jack Parker stated, "Third quarter sales were off to a good start in July until we suffered the roof collapse. At the time of the incident, we had been in the process of moving into a new distribution center in Winslow Township, NJ. The roof collapse in our then-existing distribution center was a major disruption to our business. We lost the ability to ship any merchandise from our warehouses for one week. During the next seven weeks, over $7 million in merchandise at cost was unavailable to be shipped to the stores as we had to relocate the merchandise to the new distribution center and ensure that the merchandise was salable."

Parker added "The effort of recovering from the roof collapse resulted in delaying our ability to bring our new facility up to the level of operation that we had anticipated. We did not ship merchandise to stores in our customary manner. We lost a great deal of imported fall ribbon, flags, fall seasonal, and basic floral merchandise that could not be replaced domestically. As we could not ensure merchandise availability, we reduced two key promotions in August and September. We estimate the unavailability of merchandise and the reduction in promotional events negatively impacted third quarter sales in excess of $4 million. The events surrounding the roof collapse also required us to add to staff and will delay our ability to achieve the productivity we anticipated in the new facility in the fourth quarter. However, we believe that our store shipments will be back to normal within two weeks and we are still confident that we will achieve the expected productivity going forward."

Despite the roof, Parker re-affirmed the earnings guidance for the year of $0.94-$0.97.

CLN is usually pretty cynical when retailers blame the weather for poor sales. A few years ago when Ames, a discount chain in the northeast, was sliding into bankruptcy, the company continued to blame declining sales on snowstorms. Funny how it never seemed to snow on A.C. Moore or Wal-Mart.

But this time we'll accept the excuse. Consequently we do not think the September sales, which were mediocre at best, are the typical barometer of consumer spending or necessarily an omen of things to come. There are other signs of concern for the future (lower consumer confidence and rising gas prices), but the following sales figures aren't necessarily one of them.

Michaels. Same-store sales dropped 4%. Most of that (3%) was due to lower custom frame deliveries because of changes in the timing of promotions quarter relative to last year. Customer traffic was flat and average ticket was down 1%. Year-to-date sales are up 9% to $1.928 billion and same-store sales are up 4%.

President/CEO Michael Rouleau also blamed the three hurricanes – Michaels has 150+ stores in the southeast. Same-store sales in that zone declined almost 13%, lowering overall same-store sales results by approximately 2%. A later-than-usual Labor Day holiday and a planned reduction in the number of promotional events hurt sales, too.

Rouleau added, "Our sales of regular priced merchandise showed strong increases in September, but those increases were more than offset by year-over-year declines in promotional and clearance sales. Our best performing departments were Needlework & Yarn, Impulse & Party, Candles & Bakeware, and Books, and our strongest zones were the Pacific, mid-Atlantic, and Central.

Execs' expectations: Same-store sales growth in October to be 4-5% ... Same-store sales for the quarter to be flat to +2% ... Diluted earnings/share for the quarter to be $0.58-$0.62 – analysts had expected $0.64, according to CBS MarketWatch ... Same-store sales growth in the fourth quarter to be 3%-5% ... Earnings for the fourth quarter to be $1.48-$1.52 ... Earnings for the year to be $2.86-$2.94.

All earnings estimates are on a pre-split basis. Last month the company announced a two-for-one stock split payable Oct. 12 to stockholders of record on Sept. 27.

Jo-Ann's. Same-store sales were flat and overall sales rose 3.2% to $167.3 million. Through the first nine weeks of the quarter, sales were $287.8 million versus $288 million a year ago, and same-store sales decreased 1.3%. The major causes were the hurricanes, reduced customer traffic (5%), and not repeating the 60th anniversary promotion held a year ago.

Year-to-date net sales increased 4.1% to $1.064 billion. Same-store sales increased 3.2%.

The company lowered its guidance for the quarter from $0.47-$0.52 to $0.30-$0.35, and for the year from $2.25-$2.30 to $2.05 to $2.15.

Garden Ridge. The company, still in bankruptcy, saw same-store sales decline 1.6% as the hurricanes hurt sales in three stores. Gross margins improved though, officials said. The company has 35 stores in 13 states.

Hancock. The bad news continues. Same-store sales fell 8.7% and overall sales declined 8.5%. For the first two months of the third quarter, total sales are down 4.8% and same-store sales are down 5.1%. Year-to-date, sales are $265.6 million, down 4.5% and same-store sales are down 4.9%.

Higher Sales. Costco, +8.0% ... Nordstrom, +6.2% ... Costco, +6.2% ... Target, +5.6% ... Sam's Club, +4.5% ... Dollar General, +4.2% ... Wal-Mart, +2.4% ... J. C. Penney, +2.0% ... Family Dollar Stores, +1.5% ... Duckwall-Alco, +1.1% ... Federated, +0.1.

Lower Sales. ShopKo, -1.2% ... Factory Card & Party Outlet, -1.2% ... Kohl's, -1.3% ... Big Lots, -2.1% ... Sears, -3.2% ... Pier 1, -3.9% ... Saks, -4.0% ... Bombay, -20.0%.

The National NeedleArts Assn. is sponsoring Stitch To Win Against Breast Cancer, a major promotion-fund-raiser at the Mall of America in Minneapolis this Saturday from 11am to 7pm.

For a small donation, attendees can take a lesson in knitting, needlepoint, crochet, embroidery, or cross-stitch and receive a free beginner's kit donated by industry manufacturers – or stitch an inch or a row in one or all of five 4'x6' wall hangings which are designed to replicate the Breast Cancer Research Stamp. When completed, these five will be auctioned off to raise additional funds.

There will also be demos; a visit by Shay Pendray, host of the PBS series Needle Arts Studio; a kid's corner where children will be introduced to needlework using licorice and other unconventional material; a "Scarf Tasting" where attendees can try working with a variety of fun fibers on sample scarves; and fashion shows.

The fundraiser is part of the Jubilee Campaign, a two-year campaign sponsored by TNNA to promote needlework and raise $200,000+ for WIN Against Breast Cancer. For more on the Campaign, call Sherry Mulne at 614-237-0700 or email bdirect@columbus.rr.com. For more on TNNA, call 740-455-6773, email tnna.info@offinger.com, or visit www.tnna.org.

(Comment: An event like this is how the Craft Yarn Council of America started the avalanche of positive publicity that has made yarn one of the industry's hottest categories. To read what a cooperative effort can achieve, click on Category Reports to read about the CYCA's Knit-Out & Crochet 2004 events.)

1. In case you're puzzled by Memory Trends increasing attendance by 20% and yet 37% of the exhibitors were disappointed with the crowd, here's why: the show was on two floors and there were more exhibitors. So the show was spread out more and therefore didn't "feel" as crowded. I bet if the show was all in one place with narrower aisles exhibitors' evaluation would be more positive. The more crowded the aisles, the more upbeat the feeling, regardless of the size of the crowd.

2. Periodically, I have helped companies buy or sell other companies, but here's a first: There is an established company, currently inactive, which has amassed 90+ exhibitor points with CHA by exhibiting through the years. (The more points a company has, the better booth location it can request and receive.) The owner has maintained company membership, so the points are still valid. The owner wants to sell. The company has no debts and no other assets. In effect, he's selling the company's points, its priority in booth location.

For future and recent CHA exhibitors, buying this "company," assures you 90+ points that took years to accumulate. If that's more points than you currently have, you could use them instead of your current points to improve your location at the next show. (It's probably too late for the 2005 show in Atlanta unless someone cancels. It’s not too late for the 2006 show in Las Vegas.) For more info, call me at 309-925-5593 or email mike@clnonline.com.

3. In case you're wondering why some companies had products mentioned on The Today Show, here's why: someone called the CHA office explaining what they were looking for. CHA sent a blast email to manufacturer members. Some companies responded and ended up receiving invaluable publicity on the show.

CHA receives requests like this from time to time, so the moral of the story is: pay attention to those blast emails and respond quickly when you have appropriate products.

SHOWS. The Memory Trends show in Las Vegas continues to grow. Buyer attendance was up 20% to 2007 ... Total non-exhibitor attendance (media, mfr reps, etc.) was up 22% to 2479 ... Total attendance was 5203 compared to 3792 last year ... There were 885 booths this year in two halls, compared to 500 last year in one hall ... Number of exhibitors rose 15% to 385 exhibitors. The 2005 show will move to the Las Vegas Convention Center but will be held later in the year – Oct. 11-13. For info, email info@memorytrends.com.

SCRAPBOOKING. Add the CVS drug chain to the growing list of non-industry retailers adding scrapbook supplies to their inventory.

EXPO. Despite the hurricane damage in Florida, 6,177 people from 10 countries attended the Memory Expo in Orlando earlier this month. They shopped in 180 booths sponsored by 94 companies. This Expo was sponsored by Better Homes & Gardens’ Scrapbook Etc. magazine and Michaels. There were 147 classes, 46 of which sold out, and 765 attended evening crop parties. Look for seven Expos in 2005: Las Vegas, Apr. 1-2; Somerset, NJ, Apr. 29-30; St. Charles, IL, May 20-21; Columbus, OH, June 17-18; Pasadena, Sept. 9-10; Orlando Oct. 6-8; and Denver, Nov. 11-12. For info, email memories@offinger.com or call 740-452-4541.

WAL-MART. The mega-retailer plans to open or expand 40-45 discount stores, 240-250 Supercenters, 30-40 Sam's Clubs, and 25-30 Neighborhood Market stores; add three merchandise distribution centers and three food distribution centers; and remodel 360 stores and clubs in the U.S. Outside the U.S., Wal-Mart expects to open or remodel 155-165 stores. All in one fiscal year, beginning Feb. 1. That's about 55 MILLION sq. ft. of new retail space, an 8% increase.

WAL-MART. In a speech to stock analysts, CEO Lee Scott hinted that the discounter might not price so many products so low because of criticism that the super-low prices cut into profits. Lee promised shareholders they'd receive "the return they deserve," Reuters reported. Another report indicated Wal-Mart would not price toys so low this season, now that they are the #1 toy seller and driven key competitors into bankruptcy.

HALLOWEEN. According to a survey conducted last month by the National Retail Federation, Spiderman is the top selling costume, followed in order by Princess, Witch, Vampire, Monster, SpongeBob, Ninja, Athlete, Ghost, and Power Rangers. The price for a Spiderman costume ranges from $17 to (gulp!) $70, the Associated Press reported.

DOLLMAKING. Reuters reported toy analysts are predicting a big resurgence in the popularity of Cabbage Patch Kids. A shortage of Kids when they first were introduced set off a huge dollmaking trend in our industry in the 1980s.

TV. Last Wednesday NBC's The Today Show highlighted products that were ergonomically designed for senior citizens and featured products by Coats & Clark, Daylight Company, Fiskars, Loew-Cornell, Miracle Point, and Ott-Lite Technology. To see the products, visit www.savvysenior.org.

TV. Longtime HGTV personality Carol Duvall signed an exclusive, multi-year agreement with Shop At Home that includes merchandising and product development. Carol will appear regularly on Shop At Home, where she will offer expert advice and focus primarily on product demonstrations. Down the road, look for Carol to launch her own private-label brand that Shop At Home would sell exclusively. Other terms included in the agreement are promotional elements, such as short-form programming and a syndicated column. Carol has taped 1,000+ episodes of The Carol Duvall Show which will remain part of the HGTV and DIY programming lineup for the forseeable future.

PEOPLE. Garden Ridge promoted Jack Lewis to board chair and Steve Higgins to president.

ACQUISITION. Party America, a 124-store chain of party supplies, acquired Party Concepts, the third largest party retailer with 170 units in 35 states, for $16 million dollars. Party Concepts operates under the names Great Party!, Paper Factory, and Paper Outlet. The purchase makes Party America the second largest party supply chain in the United States with 230+ and 60 franchise locations in 48 states. A year ago Party America had purchased Paper Warehouse.

LOOKING TO BUY. Industry company is looking for acquisitions. Must have a strong brand and be either #1 or #2 in market share in its category. Would prefer company with $25+ million in sales. For more info, call Mike Hartnett at 309-925-5593 or email mike@clnonline.com.

CROCHET. Lily Chin defended her title as the World's Fastest Crocheter at the Knitting and Stitching show in London. At a press conference afterwards, Lily crocheted blindfolded, behind her back, and between her legs – and was wearing her crocheted cowgirl outfit complete with a holster for her crochet hooks. Last year Chin appeared on the David Letterman show demonstrating her talents. Kate Brady from New Hampshire was representing the U.S. in the Fastest Knitter competition as CLN was going online.

LEGISLATION. Congress passed H.R. 4306, which gives retailers the option of electronically processing and storing I-9 employment verification forms. Currently, employers must complete a form for each employee to show that they have verified that the employee is eligible to work in the U.S. The employer must then retain the Form I-9 on paper or microfilm/microfiche for at least three years and make it available for inspection by Immigration, Justice, and Labor departments. The law will take effect no later than 180 days after President Bush signs it.

JOB OPENING. C-Thru Ruler is looking for a National Sales Manager (Key Accounts

Gift-Craft-Specialty Stores). Requirements: five years experience in selling national accounts and a minimum of two years in sales management, BA or BS, ability to travel, etc. To apply, email a resume with salary requirements to careers@cthruruler.com.

SCHOLARSHIPS. The National NeedleArts Assn. awarded $1,000 college scholarships to Lydia Stone whose mother, Sharon, owns the Three Stitchers retail store in Clovis, NM, and to Ashley Dillon, whose parents, Ted and Liz, own Tapestry Tent Designs in Windsor, CO. For more, info on future awards, call 740-455-6773, email tnna.info@offinger.com, or visit www.tnna.org ... Winsor & Newton awarded its $2,500 Wendell Upchurch Memorial Scholarship (for students studying fine art and science) to Lisa Krannichfeld, a double major in fine art and biology at Colorado College. For more on the scholarship, call David Pyle at 800-445-4278 or email dpyle@colartusa.com.

NEEDLEWORK. The Buyer Registration Brochure for the TNNA show in Long Beach Jan. 22-24 has been mailed. You can also print the brochure from the website at www.tnna.org/winter_show.php?sess_id=. Education begins Jan. 20.

SCRAPBOOKS. The Kansas University hospital offered a class to employees on scrapbooking as therapy. Attendees were offered ways scrapbooking can help Alzheimer and dementia patients and their families, families dealing with grief, and children and teens.

Note: CLN will profile one company per issue, which will remain online for at least a year. A Profile is a perfect way for a new company to let itself be known to the industry, or for an established company to enhance its reputation by showing the industry its history, diversity of products, personnel, etc. For more information on how your company can be profiled, call Mike Hartnett at 309-925-5593 or email mike@clnonline.com.

To read about the latest job openings, click on Jobs in the left-hand column or click HERE.

A. C. Moore (ACMR). Last*: 24.21 ... Change**: -0.41
Hancock Fabrics (HKF). Last*: 10.20 ... Change**: -1.73
Jo-Ann Stores (JAS). Last*: 24.21 ... Change**: -4.25
Michaels (MIK). Last*: 27.42 ... Change**: -4.74
Rag Shops (RAGS). Last*: 4.27 ... Change**: +0.01
Wal-Mart (WMT). Last*: 52.53 ... Change**: -0.60
CLN Retail Index. Last*: 170.25***. Change**: -.6.4%
Dow Jones Index. Last*: 9933.38 ... Change**: -2.5%

*Oct. 15 ** from Oct. 1 Prices are exclusive of dividends ***Adjusted for Michaels' stock split

(Note: This was emailed by a subscriber, who reports the author is unknown.)

There is no egg in eggplant nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple. English muffins weren't invented in England.

Quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square, and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig.

Writers write but fingers don't fing, grocers don't groce, and hammers don't ham?

Why can you can make amends but not one amend? If teachers taught, why didn't preachers praught? If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat?

In what other language do people recite at a play and play at a recital? Ship by truck and send cargo by ship? Have noses that run and feet that smell? How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites?

How can your house burn up as it burns down? Why can you fill in a form by filling it out? Why does an alarm go off by going on? If Dad is Pop, how come Mom isn't Mop?

1. For more information on how your business can be the subject of a "Business Profile" call Mike Hartnett at 309-925-5593 or email mike@clnonline.com.

2. If you want a hard-copy of this issue, click on "Printer Friendly version".

3. If your company is a paid subscriber, everyone in the main office is welcome to register, free. Just click on "Current Subscribers Click Here To Register."

4. If you want to recommend CLN to a friend, use the "Tell Your Friends" box on the home page.

5. Creative Leisure News is published the first and third Mondays of each month. Your next issue will be Monday, November 1.

[ Home ] [ Business-Wise ] [ Kate's Collage ] [ "Vinny Da Vendor" ] [ "Benny Da Buyer" ] [ Newsbriefs ] [ Memory, Paper & Stamps ] [ Category Reports ] [ Designing Perspectives ] [ Subscribe to CLN ] [ Legal Q & A ] [ Scene & Heard ] [ Jobs ] [ Tech Topics ] [ Industry Research ] [ Store Layout/Design Tips ]

©Copyright 2008 by Creative Leisure Communications
(Reproduction or re-transmission without permission is prohibited.)