Sikkens Translucent vs Semi-Transparent

I couldn't find this info anywhere on the web, so I'm laying it out for you here, for posterity's sake: you can see more underlying wood through Sikkens Translucent than through Sikkens Semi-transparent.  To put it another way, Semi-Transparent Sikkens blocks more light, so you can't see the wood grain as easily through it.  Home Depot had finished pieces of wood in the 3 finishes Sikkens offers there (Translucent, Semi-transparent, Solid).

American Craftsman Windows: you wouldn't believe how junky they are

But I'm gonna try to convince you of it anyway.  Consider the hopper window:

• plastic handle, and only 1 of them
• handle doesn't get incrementally tighter as you crank it into it's well
• no overlapping of the sash & the frame, so wind just pours through these babys
• they can't hit their measurement numbers
• what's worse they only build to the nearest 1/4"

Go with any other manufacturer, and I guarantee you that you'll get a better product.  I installed 5 hoppers in my basement, and really regret not trying any other hopper vendor.  It seriously could only get better.

"Managing Up" by Harvard Business Press

Full of common sense platitudes & tips like "Tip: Make your manager look good by achieving or exceeding goals". Is that the sort of profound insight I'd expect from a Harvard publication, or is that just common sense? It doesn't even touch on hard issues that we could use guidance on: how to tell you manager that you expect more compensation for exceeding goals. Suppose your boss is an ass & doesn't negotiate towards a "mutually beneficial outcome"? How do you handle a boss that is dishonest or a yes-man to his/her superiors? 

I've never been so underwhelmed by a book before.

8thStreet.com : Retarded, or Just Lazy?

I recently attempted to replace a PA speaker that Peavey had discontinued. Only 2 vendors online claimed to have it in inventory. I called 8thStreet.com in Philly, explained the situation on these particular speakers, and asked them to physically check their stock before committing to my order. I waited for 2 minutes while the clerk checked his stock, and was assured that they had 2 left. I ordered 1, but noticed that a tracking number wasn't issued after 3 days. I called to check status. "Oh yeah, what happened was that we don't have any of those speakers." I explained that I'd been assured by their flunky clerk that they had 2. Nope, they don't. I wonder when they were going to get around to calling or emailing me & explaining that they couldn't fill my order.

8thStreet.com, you're shaming my old Philly stomping grounds. Get your shit together.

Palladium, Worcester, MA: Sound? Deplorable.

The tin ear sound crew at the Palladium wrecked an otherwise promising show in a fantastic looking venue on Friday, Sept 19th. The bill consisted of Opeth, High on Fire, and Nachtmystium, and each band was mixed by a different soundman. The PA appeared to either be damaged, or incorrectly set up. There were absolutely no mid-frequences coming from the FOH system. I'm guessing the mid-band of their crossover was either blown, or had no speakers hooked up to it. Mid-frequences are where the articulation of guitars lie, so without them, it was an evening of mush, plus gut-shaking lows and ear scorching hi's.

I brought up my suspicion to the house soundman, both at the beginning of the night, and at the end. He wasn't interested.

Touring bands: a fine Massachusetts alternative to the Palladium is the Middle East Downstairs. Outstanding ears behind their gear. A good sounding Boston venue closer to the size of the Palladium is the Paradise.