<html> This is in response to Mike Spalding's tactful posting on Thu, 16 Jan 2003 07:57:34 -0600 .   Yes, I confess to shamelessly promoting the February State Conference in sunny California, the one that is advertised on page 37 of the January Journal.  However, I need to correct any unnecessary concerns expressed about "those of us who live out of range" .  The Conference is open to EVERYONE and the $79.00 room rate puts it in range of most budgets.  Also, I regret any impression that my promotional postings are comparable to SPAM (indeed), and frankly I think they contributed more to this list than some of the frivolous banter and repartee we have to wade through.   Nevertheless,  I hereby promise that my future postings to this august list will continue to include practical advice on the service of pianos.      For example, I draw your attention to an excellent labor-saving device I submitted to the PTG Journal in April 1994, page 17.  I have invented (and discarded) may innovations over the years, but my "regulating mirror for uprights" has stood the test of time and I encourage you, my colleagues, to copy or adapt the idea as you see fit. Carman Gentile RPT 2003 CA Conference Institute Director </html>