One Item for BM a Day (2010-2012)

Questions, answers, tips & tricks for newbies and veterans alike
Locked
User avatar
tamarakay
Posts: 3119
Joined: Fri Oct 22, 2010 6:27 pm
Burning Since: 2011
Camp Name: Dye with Dignity
Location: Texas
Contact:

Re: One Item for BM a Day

Post by tamarakay » Sat Jul 02, 2011 2:32 pm

Completed repairs on the north pole shade structure. Had been putting this off as it looked like it was going to be difficult and i've been knocking down the easy stuff. Turned out to be easy peasy. Ken did the hard part of fabricating the triangular piece that was shattered, now it's made of metal and that sucker is not failing ever again. happy happy! I love my new sewing machine, it didn't even blink at it.
When the only tool you got is a hammer, every problem looks like a hippie.

Mmmmmm I love the smell of Burning Man - Token

Getting overly dramatic about the ticket sale process is so 2012. - Maladroit


http://www.dyewithdignity.com

User avatar
Savannah
Moderator
Posts: 12808
Joined: Mon Sep 01, 2008 8:33 pm
Burning Since: 2025

Re: One Item for BM a Day

Post by Savannah » Sat Jul 02, 2011 3:41 pm

DanusLight wrote:How about just greyhound in general then? or amtrak? i hate delivery sevices .... goes off mumbling to self ...
I love Amtrak. They allow 2 carry-on pieces up to 50 lbs and 28"x22"x14", 3 (FREE) checked pieces up to 50 lbs each and 36"x36"x36", and "up to three additional pieces may be checked upon payment of $10.00 per piece". (I know from experience that their scales are precise/sensitive, so if you're weighing your suitcase at home, pack only 45 lbs, not 50.)

That's 5 pieces free, or 8 pieces for a nominal fee. :shock: They'll even carry bikes. I am not going to try to figure out whether that is in addition to the other pieces, or included in the total of 8 (probably included).

However, getting as far as Reno on Amtrak is indirect for many rail routes, so getting to another town on the way and meeting up with a rideshare can be better than trying a convoluted route to Reno.

User avatar
Fufa
Posts: 520
Joined: Mon Mar 22, 2010 9:12 pm
Burning Since: 2010
Location: New York, USA

Re: One Item for BM a Day

Post by Fufa » Sat Jul 02, 2011 9:35 pm

MyDearFriend wrote: FUFA!!!!!

It is July NOW, go order your stuff!
Done! Two 5ft long Plug&Play units for a backpack and the mister's top hat, 50ft of aqua High Bright for our two bikes, and one colour changing mood necklace.

One another note...

The Mister and I went on a yardsaling adventure today out of town on some farm properties and in a small city in our metro area. We got stuff for our RV, stuff for the house, stuff for costumes, and impulse buys just for fun. Our collective haul includes: a utensil set that serves 12, 7 plastic mugs, an organizing tray for the utensils, BBQ flipper and tongs, a ceramic creamer and sugar bowl set, 2 ceramic mugs, 3 frying pans, 2 pots, 2 baking sheets, 16 plates of various sizes, 5 bowls, a silver creamer and sugar bowl set on a silver tray, 4 round cake pans, a loaf pan, 3 pie tins, a Frank Sinatra record, Micheal Jackson's Thriller record, a chinese paper parasol, a big pretty wooden bowl full of colourful wood beads, the Gladiator on DVD, Clue, Monopoly Canada, and a piggy bank.

Image

All for $40!!!!!!

***edited because I forgot the suede mini poncho
Last edited by Fufa on Sat Jul 02, 2011 10:25 pm, edited 1 time in total.

User avatar
Foxfur
Posts: 2360
Joined: Sat May 14, 2011 6:43 am
Burning Since: 2011
Camp Name: Camp Foxfur/MASH@404: Village Not Found
Location: Oregon
Contact:

Re: One Item for BM a Day

Post by Foxfur » Sat Jul 02, 2011 10:03 pm

Fufa wrote:
MyDearFriend wrote: FUFA!!!!!

It is July NOW, go order your stuff!
Done! Two 5ft long Plug&Play units for a backpack and the mister's top hat, 50ft of aqua High Bright for our two bikes, and one colour changing mood necklace.

One another note...

The Mister and I went on a yardsaling adventure today out of town on some farm properties and in a small city in our metro area. We got stuff for our RV, stuff for the house, stuff for costumes, and impulse buys just for fun. Our collective haul includes: a utensil set that serves 12, 7 plastic mugs, an organizing tray for the utensils, BBQ flipper and tongs, a ceramic creamer and sugar bowl set, 2 ceramic mugs, 3 frying pans, 2 pots, 2 baking sheets, 16 plates of various sizes, 5 bowls, a silver creamer and sugar bowl set on a silver tray, 4 round cake pans, a loaf pan, 3 pie tins, a Frank Sinatra record, Micheal Jackson's Thriller record, a chinese paper parasol, a big pretty wooden bowl full of colourful wood beads, the Gladiator on DVD, Clue, Monopoly Canada, and a piggy bank.

Image

All for $40!!!!!!
FUFA! You are pushing me in a dangerous direction. I was palnning on doing some cleaning tomorrow but instead I think I'll go garage sailing instead.
(Thank you for your inspiration :wink: )
He's a mystery wrapped in a riddle, inside an enigma, painted in hot pants. - Savannah
Propane ToysImage
How to do it wrong:
Image

User avatar
Mr. Flintstone
Posts: 29
Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2010 8:40 pm
Location: Tacoma WA

Re: One Item for BM a Day

Post by Mr. Flintstone » Sat Jul 02, 2011 10:39 pm

12 x 20 shade structure from the guy building "serpent twins" @ http://www.blackrockhardware.com/

User avatar
C.f.M.
Posts: 3610
Joined: Wed Jul 01, 2009 1:28 pm
Burning Since: 2009
Camp Name: Stag Camp 810&D

Re: One Item for BM a Day

Post by C.f.M. » Sun Jul 03, 2011 5:57 am

Savannah wrote:
DanusLight wrote:How about just greyhound in general then? or amtrak? i hate delivery sevices .... goes off mumbling to self ...
I love Amtrak. They allow 2 carry-on pieces up to 50 lbs and 28"x22"x14", 3 (FREE) checked pieces up to 50 lbs each and 36"x36"x36", and "up to three additional pieces may be checked upon payment of $10.00 per piece". (I know from experience that their scales are precise/sensitive, so if you're weighing your suitcase at home, pack only 45 lbs, not 50.)

That's 5 pieces free, or 8 pieces for a nominal fee. :shock: They'll even carry bikes. I am not going to try to figure out whether that is in addition to the other pieces, or included in the total of 8 (probably included).

However, getting as far as Reno on Amtrak is indirect for many rail routes, so getting to another town on the way and meeting up with a rideshare can be better than trying a convoluted route to Reno.
You say two "carry-on pieces," do they take stuff without a person? I'm guessing so, that you have to have a ticket purchased (and that part is NOT cheap!)...I think I'll probably stick with U.S.P.S. (though last night I was tempted to try and make that 100lbs...)

I started the second costume commission last night, thanks Laserfox! Lazerfox? I know your real name now, I forget. :mrgreen:

User avatar
DanusLight
Posts: 174
Joined: Wed Nov 18, 2009 1:18 pm
Burning Since: 2017
Camp Name: Dye with Dignity
Location: Southern Virginia
Contact:

Re: One Item for BM a Day

Post by DanusLight » Sun Jul 03, 2011 6:35 am

C.f.M. wrote:...I think I'll probably stick with U.S.P.S. (though last night I was tempted to try and make that 100lbs...)
Do they care if the package is underweight? If paying their fee is less than the alternative I'd say go for it **shrug**
I don't sit up all night and plot revenge... I just sit back and giggle once Karma takes over!!!

User avatar
C.f.M.
Posts: 3610
Joined: Wed Jul 01, 2009 1:28 pm
Burning Since: 2009
Camp Name: Stag Camp 810&D

Re: One Item for BM a Day

Post by C.f.M. » Sun Jul 03, 2011 6:39 am

DanusLight wrote:
C.f.M. wrote:...I think I'll probably stick with U.S.P.S. (though last night I was tempted to try and make that 100lbs...)
Do they care if the package is underweight? If paying their fee is less than the alternative I'd say go for it **shrug**
The initial busfreight link had a minimum requirement of 100lbs, for $68.

USPS is a pain because it depends on the weight AND the size/shape of the box, but it was about $68 for 70lbs.

My suitcase, last year, was 80lbs. Hence the additional $250 to check it when I flew. And why I'm NOT checking anything this year.

User avatar
DanusLight
Posts: 174
Joined: Wed Nov 18, 2009 1:18 pm
Burning Since: 2017
Camp Name: Dye with Dignity
Location: Southern Virginia
Contact:

Re: One Item for BM a Day

Post by DanusLight » Sun Jul 03, 2011 6:58 am

C.f.M. wrote:
The initial busfreight link had a minimum requirement of 100lbs, for $68.

USPS is a pain because it depends on the weight AND the size/shape of the box, but it was about $68 for 70lbs.

My suitcase, last year, was 80lbs. Hence the additional $250 to check it when I flew. And why I'm NOT checking anything this year.
But, with the busfreight you pay for it online. That's why I'm asking if they care if the package is underweight. From their FAQ:

"What if my shipment comes in less than the purchased weight?

This pre-purchased shipping program does not provide for refunds on weight not utilized. The substantial discounts offered on multiple box shipments through Busfreighter.com are predicated on the box and weights listed for sale. As an fyi, over 70% of shippers exceed the weight allowance purchased."
I don't sit up all night and plot revenge... I just sit back and giggle once Karma takes over!!!

User avatar
C.f.M.
Posts: 3610
Joined: Wed Jul 01, 2009 1:28 pm
Burning Since: 2009
Camp Name: Stag Camp 810&D

Re: One Item for BM a Day

Post by C.f.M. » Sun Jul 03, 2011 7:07 am

DanusLight wrote:
C.f.M. wrote:
The initial busfreight link had a minimum requirement of 100lbs, for $68.

USPS is a pain because it depends on the weight AND the size/shape of the box, but it was about $68 for 70lbs.

My suitcase, last year, was 80lbs. Hence the additional $250 to check it when I flew. And why I'm NOT checking anything this year.
But, with the busfreight you pay for it online. That's why I'm asking if they care if the package is underweight. From their FAQ:

"What if my shipment comes in less than the purchased weight?

This pre-purchased shipping program does not provide for refunds on weight not utilized. The substantial discounts offered on multiple box shipments through Busfreighter.com are predicated on the box and weights listed for sale. As an fyi, over 70% of shippers exceed the weight allowance purchased."
Ah! I never got past the initial "enter weight" quote screen, and 80lbs prompted a "it must be at least 100lbs" message. Fine, I guess I WON'T come up with 100lbs of crap to send Jet and Smashy. :evil:

User avatar
C.f.M.
Posts: 3610
Joined: Wed Jul 01, 2009 1:28 pm
Burning Since: 2009
Camp Name: Stag Camp 810&D

Re: One Item for BM a Day

Post by C.f.M. » Sun Jul 03, 2011 1:20 pm

One group of schwag (I hate that word) for my Raiders finished! I am so going to make that 100lbs after all...

User avatar
Savannah
Moderator
Posts: 12808
Joined: Mon Sep 01, 2008 8:33 pm
Burning Since: 2025

Re: One Item for BM a Day

Post by Savannah » Sun Jul 03, 2011 7:33 pm

C.f.M. wrote:
Savannah wrote:
DanusLight wrote:How about just greyhound in general then? or amtrak? i hate delivery sevices .... goes off mumbling to self ...
I love Amtrak. They allow 2 carry-on pieces up to 50 lbs and 28"x22"x14", 3 (FREE) checked pieces up to 50 lbs each and 36"x36"x36", and "up to three additional pieces may be checked upon payment of $10.00 per piece". (I know from experience that their scales are precise/sensitive, so if you're weighing your suitcase at home, pack only 45 lbs, not 50.)

That's 5 pieces free, or 8 pieces for a nominal fee. :shock: They'll even carry bikes. I am not going to try to figure out whether that is in addition to the other pieces, or included in the total of 8 (probably included).

However, getting as far as Reno on Amtrak is indirect for many rail routes, so getting to another town on the way and meeting up with a rideshare can be better than trying a convoluted route to Reno.
You say two "carry-on pieces," do they take stuff without a person? I'm guessing so, that you have to have a ticket purchased (and that part is NOT cheap!)...I think I'll probably stick with U.S.P.S. (though last night I was tempted to try and make that 100lbs...)

I started the second costume commission last night, thanks Laserfox! Lazerfox? I know your real name now, I forget. :mrgreen:
Yeah, unfortunately you do have to be there with your stuff. :) But I will be happily using it to meet my Rideshare, so I thought I would bring it up for anyone whom it might also benefit.

User avatar
MyDearFriend
Posts: 3760
Joined: Sat Nov 06, 2010 5:22 am
Burning Since: 2011
Camp Name: Barbie Death Camp THIRTEENTH BARBIE
Location: Washington, DC

Re: One Item for BM a Day

Post by MyDearFriend » Sun Jul 03, 2011 10:36 pm

Good luck with your shipping quest, C.f.M.! I am sending my stuff USPS.

Today I made a light to pin on the back of a hoodie or whatever:

Image

I love playing with el-wire... 8)
"BTW I'm not your wife so don't lie to me." -Ratty

User avatar
International Incident
Posts: 1007
Joined: Wed Apr 27, 2011 6:05 am
Burning Since: 2011
Camp Name: P6 - a Barbie Death Village production
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Contact:

Re: One Item for BM a Day

Post by International Incident » Mon Jul 04, 2011 4:08 am

Oooh MDF, I am looking forward to seeing the El-Wire creations!

My effort for today was to try to change my flight from LA to Reno..... only to discover that it costs more to change it than to buy a new flight.

User avatar
MyDearFriend
Posts: 3760
Joined: Sat Nov 06, 2010 5:22 am
Burning Since: 2011
Camp Name: Barbie Death Camp THIRTEENTH BARBIE
Location: Washington, DC

Re: One Item for BM a Day

Post by MyDearFriend » Mon Jul 04, 2011 7:36 am

melaniejane wrote:Oooh MDF, I am looking forward to seeing the El-Wire creations!

My effort for today was to try to change my flight from LA to Reno..... only to discover that it costs more to change it than to buy a new flight.
Oooooooh, that sucks! :evil:

I sent you a PM about El-wire. 8)
"BTW I'm not your wife so don't lie to me." -Ratty

User avatar
Elderberry
Moderator
Posts: 14976
Joined: Tue Jul 17, 2007 10:00 pm
Burning Since: 2007
Camp Name: Camp Kelly
Location: Palm Springs
Contact:

Re: One Item for BM a Day

Post by Elderberry » Mon Jul 04, 2011 8:18 am

This might be an option for mailing stuff to Gerlach for pickup.

Your Name
c/o USPS General Delivery
345 E SUNSET BLVD
GERLACH, NV 89412-9800
(775) 557-2333

(I never was aware of this service, but it might be a viable option. I'd call the post office to make sure that branch offers the service. Though being the only one in Gerlach, I'd guess they do.)
USPS wrote:General Delivery is available for customers if carrier service or a PO Box is not an option. Individual mailpieces will be held for up to 30 days and can be conveniently picked up by presenting identification. This is also a great option if you don’t have a permanent address. To find which office is designated for General Delivery at your location, please contact your local Postmaster.
http://www.usps.com/receive/choicesford ... places.htm
Elderberry

When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle.
Then I realized that the Lord doesn't work that way so I stole one and asked Him to forgive me

User avatar
melodiousdirge
Posts: 688
Joined: Wed Mar 16, 2011 11:29 pm
Burning Since: 2011
Location: Central Coast, CA

Re: One Item for BM a Day

Post by melodiousdirge » Mon Jul 04, 2011 3:31 pm

Flattened, drilled, and deburred all the struts for my dome this weekend. Still need to bend the ends and make the canopy. This is a lot of work; whose idea was this anyway?

Image
Beware teh snarkasm

User avatar
Foxfur
Posts: 2360
Joined: Sat May 14, 2011 6:43 am
Burning Since: 2011
Camp Name: Camp Foxfur/MASH@404: Village Not Found
Location: Oregon
Contact:

Re: One Item for BM a Day

Post by Foxfur » Mon Jul 04, 2011 4:00 pm

melodiousdirge wrote:Flattened, drilled, and deburred all the struts for my dome this weekend. Still need to bend the ends and make the canopy. This is a lot of work; whose idea was this anyway?

Image

Great to see you back!
Gawd I love your name.

Those struts look amazing. You could turn that into a sideline.
If you build it they will come.
He's a mystery wrapped in a riddle, inside an enigma, painted in hot pants. - Savannah
Propane ToysImage
How to do it wrong:
Image

User avatar
melodiousdirge
Posts: 688
Joined: Wed Mar 16, 2011 11:29 pm
Burning Since: 2011
Location: Central Coast, CA

Re: One Item for BM a Day

Post by melodiousdirge » Mon Jul 04, 2011 6:37 pm

Foxfur wrote:Great to see you back!
Gawd I love your name.

Those struts look amazing. You could turn that into a sideline.
If you build it they will come.
Thanks, and thanks!

I was thinking since I have all the fixtures built and so on I could build another one faster... it's still a ton of repetitive labor though. Plus I live in the middle of nowhere so any potential customer would have to pay for shipping 300+ pounds of crap. Building things for people is less fun than it sounds like anyway. I built a few aquariums for people back in the day when building fish tanks was my hobby of the month, and it just wasn't the same as building something because I had an IDEA that I needed to create.
Beware teh snarkasm

User avatar
Foxfur
Posts: 2360
Joined: Sat May 14, 2011 6:43 am
Burning Since: 2011
Camp Name: Camp Foxfur/MASH@404: Village Not Found
Location: Oregon
Contact:

Re: One Item for BM a Day

Post by Foxfur » Mon Jul 04, 2011 9:28 pm

melodiousdirge wrote:
Foxfur wrote:Great to see you back!
Gawd I love your name.

Those struts look amazing. You could turn that into a sideline.
If you build it they will come.
Thanks, and thanks!

I was thinking since I have all the fixtures built and so on I could build another one faster... it's still a ton of repetitive labor though. Plus I live in the middle of nowhere so any potential customer would have to pay for shipping 300+ pounds of crap. Building things for people is less fun than it sounds like anyway. I built a few aquariums for people back in the day when building fish tanks was my hobby of the month, and it just wasn't the same as building something because I had an IDEA that I needed to create.
I hear you there!
Most of the things I build, I would never build again for almost any amount of bread.
Stress, expectations, and delivery times, bleh!
Plus it drains the magic right out.
______________________________________

My item for BM today was a confirmation email from the Dusty Swan asking for my shipping address!
Biner cups are on their way, yay!
He's a mystery wrapped in a riddle, inside an enigma, painted in hot pants. - Savannah
Propane ToysImage
How to do it wrong:
Image

User avatar
jella
Posts: 1823
Joined: Thu Nov 12, 2009 9:01 pm
Burning Since: 2009
Camp Name: Dye with dignity
Location: Escondido, California

Re: One Item for BM a Day

Post by jella » Mon Jul 04, 2011 9:51 pm

Good job melodiousdurge ...kinda rolls off the tongue hehe

well after recovering from my tequilla hangover :roll: . I managed to get a sleeve constructed , man this coat is tedious !
Image
Burning Man isn't about the stuff you see when you get there ....it's about the people that brought that stuff there

User avatar
jella
Posts: 1823
Joined: Thu Nov 12, 2009 9:01 pm
Burning Since: 2009
Camp Name: Dye with dignity
Location: Escondido, California

Re: One Item for BM a Day

Post by jella » Mon Jul 04, 2011 9:57 pm

MyDearFriend wrote:Good luck with your shipping quest, C.f.M.! I am sending my stuff USPS.

Today I made a light to pin on the back of a hoodie or whatever:

Image

I love playing with el-wire... 8)
love it !
Burning Man isn't about the stuff you see when you get there ....it's about the people that brought that stuff there

User avatar
Fufa
Posts: 520
Joined: Mon Mar 22, 2010 9:12 pm
Burning Since: 2010
Location: New York, USA

Re: One Item for BM a Day

Post by Fufa » Mon Jul 04, 2011 10:27 pm

I fixed the mini-radio I bought last week that wasn't actually broken. After struggling to take it apart (stripping some screws in the process), all the wiring looked fine.Then I popped in a fresh set of AAs and realized I initially tested it with dead batteries.... :roll:

User avatar
J/J
Posts: 76
Joined: Tue Mar 15, 2011 8:49 am
Burning Since: 2011
Camp Name: Black Rock City Snowshoe Team

Re: One Item for BM a Day

Post by J/J » Tue Jul 05, 2011 4:42 am

thermal and dust cozys

Image

Image
playa, embrace the dust - eplaya, embrace the snark

User avatar
Drawingablank
Posts: 2595
Joined: Thu Mar 31, 2011 8:46 pm
Camp Name: Barbie Death Camp
Location: NY
Contact:

Re: One Item for BM a Day

Post by Drawingablank » Tue Jul 05, 2011 8:35 am

Picked up 2 rolls of Magenta Zebra Print duck tape.

Nice cooler cozy TB. (as I add yet another thing to my to do list).
Savannah: I don't know what it is, but no thread here escapes alive. You'll get 1 or 2 real answers at minimum, occasionally 10 or 12, and then we flog it until it's unrecognizable and you can't get your deposit back.

Yet Another Crappy Birgin Guide

User avatar
Bounce530
Posts: 1593
Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2008 10:26 am
Burning Since: 2007
Camp Name: BRC Guardian Landing pad
Location: Still stalking BDV

Re: One Item for BM a Day

Post by Bounce530 » Tue Jul 05, 2011 8:48 am

Printed, laminated, and cut out my "What to say to law enforcement" gifts. Couldn't find the hole puncher though, so I'll have to pick one of those up tonight so I can finish them up. Made about twice as many more then I did last year.
What other people think about you is none of your business.

User avatar
Elderberry
Moderator
Posts: 14976
Joined: Tue Jul 17, 2007 10:00 pm
Burning Since: 2007
Camp Name: Camp Kelly
Location: Palm Springs
Contact:

Re: One Item for BM a Day

Post by Elderberry » Tue Jul 05, 2011 8:50 am

Never mind
Elderberry

When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle.
Then I realized that the Lord doesn't work that way so I stole one and asked Him to forgive me

User avatar
Dr Jet Sinister
Posts: 608
Joined: Thu Sep 18, 2008 4:43 pm
Burning Since: 1986
Location: ..

Re: One Item for BM a Day

Post by Dr Jet Sinister » Tue Jul 05, 2011 9:11 am

Bounce530 wrote:Printed, laminated, and cut out my "What to say to law enforcement" gifts. Couldn't find the hole puncher though, so I'll have to pick one of those up tonight so I can finish them up. Made about twice as many more then I did last year.
Oooh! I love that idea. What a great gift!
Suck it.
"They're like a bunch of Honey Badgers in a sea of hippies." -Goathead

User avatar
Foxfur
Posts: 2360
Joined: Sat May 14, 2011 6:43 am
Burning Since: 2011
Camp Name: Camp Foxfur/MASH@404: Village Not Found
Location: Oregon
Contact:

Re: One Item for BM a Day

Post by Foxfur » Tue Jul 05, 2011 9:19 am

tootsybean wrote:thermal and dust cozys

Image

Image
Tootsy!
Are you trying to pull me deeper into love?
It's working!
I can't wait to meet you and your gang!


Fufa,
Ohhh, I know that trick...
Last time I did that was on an ultrasound unit.
Took three hours.
It was the fuse to the mains... :shock:
Told the customer "It was a bit more complicated than I thought but since you've been such a great customer there's no charge for my service..."


Bounce,
You are my hero.
Stick it to the man!
I love you.

Ff
He's a mystery wrapped in a riddle, inside an enigma, painted in hot pants. - Savannah
Propane ToysImage
How to do it wrong:
Image

User avatar
AngelDanger
Posts: 35
Joined: Mon Jun 28, 2010 10:51 am
Location: Olympia WA

Re: One Item for BM a Day

Post by AngelDanger » Tue Jul 05, 2011 9:28 am

Today I decided to finally stop lurking all the time and post something, because I have already read almost all of this thread and I love it. Also, I have been lurking on eplaya for years and my only posts have been unsatisfactory in terms of participation. Also, this will be my 5th year and all in all my biggest problem is being so very tired when I am on playa, which is no fun and makes me a grumpy-pants sometimes. SO the best remedies, I think, are to start eating and sleeping really well now and to build up superhuman stay-awake abilities. Only because I have exhausted (tee-hee) my other options. I will start this today. weeee!

Locked

Return to “Q & A Tips and Tricks”