So What?
About Me
My Approach
My Approach
I am just a regular Joe Shmoe. I have had the same wonderful wife for fifty years. We raised two beautiful and successful daughters. We have two hard working sons-in-law and three perfect grandchildren. I must have done something right. I served five years as an Air Force officer. I met my wife in the Air Force, also an officer. I have worked as an editor, a parts professional and procurement specialist for three different companies. I have a dual master's degree, journalism and business management.
In my roles with one state government agency and three private enterprises, I wrote training materials. I read and edited many hundreds of documents. I have a decent command of the English language both spoken and written.
I have been a "gear head" since I first discovered automobiles. I have restored automobiles from the ground up. I once owned a restoration business. I have a far greater knowledge of automobiles than the average person.
My brother and I built two airplanes together, so I know few things about airplanes.
I am a lousy photographer, but I have a respectable collection of high quality film cameras.
My Approach
My Approach
My Approach
I believe that how we behave and how we treat others make us better and more successful people and citizens. I take a holistic approach to that end. Table manners, consideration for others, behavior in public, how you treat others, driving like you have some sense, and proper English or whatever language one speaks to name a few things. I hope to provide a variety of content. But who am I to say you ask? See "About Me."
My Mission
My Approach
Behavior in Public
I want people to bring out the best in themselves. Unless you are the most powerful, richest person alive, you are going to have to make a good impression on someone.
In my professional career, I interviewed many
people for possible employment. I read hundreds of resumes. I could tell if a person was hirable for ANYTHING the minute he or she stepped into my office door. I learned many things about people, much of which I did not want to know.
I read articles in publications and online that contain grammatical errors written by paid journalists. People make grammatical errors when speaking. When I was in school, we were taught proper grammar, both written and spoken. We were taught good behavior at school and at home. We were taught to respect others. I don't think that is happening anymore.
As like most of us, I drive an automobile. We have all seen poor behavior behind the wheel. We all think we are the world's best driver. Every day I see drivers make mistakes. Mistakes that could cause injury or death.
When eating out your behavior gets noticed. You may not believe it or think it matters. If you are interviewing for a bar tender's job, maybe not so much. But interviewing with a bank, a law or accounting firm, it matters.
The way we behave in public says things about us.
Behavior in Public
Proper Grammar (Regardless of preferred language)
Behavior in Public
When in public you must consider other people. While I am no prude. I like a tiny bikini as well as the next man but there are places like the lady's outfit above that have a place. But this a grocery store. I took it just to use to illustrate this point. I have seen women showing far too much cleavage in inappropriate places. Some young men wear their pants below their butts with their underwear fully in view. it is offensive. If you want to look stupid that is the way to go.
Cell phones are a great invention. They can save one's life. They have built in GPS. They can access the Internet. But they can be a public annoyance. I don't want to be included in your telephone conversation. Keep your damn telephone conversations to yourself. It is rude to use one of those hands off telephone gizmos while in public and having a business meeting out loud. I don't want to be involved.
Smoking is not only deleterious to your health but also to the health of others. If you smoke, please make sure it is not bothering anyone else. Tossing cigarette butts is one of the grossest forms of pollution. Cigarette smoke and cigarette butts are the responsibility of the smoker.
Be responsible for your own trash. The world is not a trash can.
Loud exhausts on trucks, automobiles and motorcycles are a public nuisance. it is illegal in most states to have excessively loud exhaust. It may be music to your ears but not to others. I know automobiles. I once owned an automobile restoration shop. I built high performance engines for customers, but I never put loud exhausts on them. A loud exhaust is not necessary to make a powerful engine.
Loud automobile radios. Others may not like your brand of music. Even if others like the same music it is not necessary to impose it them. Also why do some gas stations have to have music blaring while I refuel my car?
Speaking unnecessarily loudly is more prevalent than ever. The sound level in many restaurants is deafening. People are nearly screaming at each other. When I was growing up my mother would have knocked me off of my chair for speaking too as loudly as many people do in public. I have a friend who owns several night spots. He says people buy more drinks when it is too loud to be easily heard while speaking. I think people THINK they are having more fun if the club is very loud. I have been in places that have a live band or singer that is so loud conversation is impossible. I leave when that is the case. I want to have dinner and normal conversation when going out to eat.
How you handle yourself around others including fellow employees makes a big difference in how others see you. Including your supervisors. Respect your fellow employees.
I don't believe we have a worker problem. We have a management problem. I was being interviewed for a managerial position a decade or two ago. I was asked several questions about my management style. One question I was asked was, "What did I consider to be my weaknesses" Or something like that. I answered, "I know I have weaknesses but I don't dwell on them." I turned the question around a bit and told him, "As a manager I manage strengths not weaknesses." He seemed to like the answer. I was hired.
And another thing. Never assume the working person you are keeping tied up on the phone with your life story isn't busy.
Avoid engaging counter people and cashiers in prolonged conversations about your life story. Other people may be waiting in line.
Waitresses and Waiters
Proper Grammar (Regardless of preferred language)
Proper Grammar (Regardless of preferred language)
Waitresses and waiters have my respect. As one who was involved in the interviewing and hiring for three different companies. I have learned things about people. One of those things is that wait staff generally make very good employees. Especially if the job requires interaction with the public. They know how to handle customers who act badly. And believe me they sometimes do.
But there are some pieces of advice I can give waiters and waitresses. So many of them respond, "No problem" when asked something. I didn't think there was a problem. Another phrase I hear too often is them addressing customers as, "You guys." My wife is not a guy. Another I hear is "Can (May) I take this out of your way?" referring to my plate. It isn't in my way. A few times I have seen them they snatch your plate before you are finished. One time my wife bent over to get something from her purse and at the speed of light, the waitress asked if she could take the plate and before either of us could reply the plate was gone and she was not finished eating! My suggestion is to ask, "May I take your plate?"
betimes a waitress or more often a waiter will squat down so he or she is more at eye level.
I wish they wouldn't. One comment I often heard from applicants is, "I like to work with people." My thought was either the person was lying or had never worked with people. I never heard that from previous waitresses or waiters. They had realistic expectations about working with people.
Some waitresses and waiters and some counter people and check out people after handed a credit card will return it by placing it on the table or counter. A card should always be placed in the hand of the owner. They are too easy for an unscrupulous person to snatch. I have seen it happen on a couple of occasions. Cash should be handled the same way. By both the customer and the employee.
Both of my daughters worked as waitresses between college semesters. It was hard work with long hours and low pay but they learned from it.
This advice is not to do with waiters or waitresses but for restaurants in general. I would very much like to see restaurants offer optional portions. Most restaurants serve portions that are far too large. I don't always want to take any home, but I hate wasting it. Restaurants could save money and waste. Customers would too.
Proper Grammar (Regardless of preferred language)
Proper Grammar (Regardless of preferred language)
Proper Grammar (Regardless of preferred language)
I am not saying one has to speak the same English as the Queen of England, but a good command of the English language will serve you well in life. Both written and spoken. I have read Hundreds of resumes and business letters. It makes me wince to read poorly written professional documents. Poor written and spoken English can have a deleterious effect on your job or career.
One very annoying verbal habit is use of the word, "like." So many people, mostly younger people interlace the word "like" in seemingly every sentence. "I'm like who is this guy?" Or "It's like cold in here."
There are so many annoying phrases that crept into our language. I have seen many of them pop up in my lifetime. I know many will disagree particularly younger people. Has anyone noticed the frequent use the phrase "looking to." How about, "Wrap my head around?" It's old and worn out.
"Look at chew" instead of "look at you."
"Kick in." What did we used to say before? I consider it lazy English. Why not, "Takes effect?"
People have troubles with plurality. An example is "People doing their job," "People" is plural. "Job" is singular. The correct phrasing is, "People doing their jobs."
Have you heard or read the phrase "whose job it is to do XXX?" Wouldn't "whose job IS to do XXX" is more correct.
The words, "they, "them" and "their" are the most misused words in the English language. These words are plural. How often do hear someone say, "He came to pick up their dog?" If you know the dog's owner is a man, the correct phrasing is, "He came to pick up his dog." "I just saw them leave." Referring to one individual is incorrect.
I have nothing against the LGBTQ community. They are allowed every right as every other American citizen. I am liable to catch some flack for saying this, but "they, "them" and "their" are already taken. They are the plural pronouns for the singular, "his/her, "him/her" and "he/she." those in that community need to find another set of pronouns or identify as male or female.
When did people start "going missing?" How about "turned up missing." "See if I can't do it." shouldn't it be "see if I can?" "Where are you located at?" How about "Where are you?" Never end a sentence with the word "at." What did we say before "looking to" entered our lexicon? "Want to?"
Have you heard people refer to a sledge hammer as a "sludge" hammer?
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Cars, Rides and Automobiles.
Automobile trends that need to away.
Automobile trends that need to away.
Many people buy an automobile on impulse. A friend who worked at an automobile dealership told me that most people who came into the dealership didn't know he or she was going to buy an automobile that day.
ADVICE NUMBER ONE.
Consider carefully if you need a new or newer automobile. It may make more sense financially to keep your current one. You can buy a huge amount of gasoline for the price of a new car.
ADVICE NUMBER TWO.
Consider your mission. Do you only drive locally? Do you drive primarily on longer trips? Is fuel mileage important? Do you really need a huge SUV? Don't buy something like a Jeep Wrangler unless you seriously intend to drive it off road. It is noisy, rough riding and gets lousy fuel mileage.
ADVICE NUMBER THREE.
A vehicle is not an extension of your wardrobe. Too often people buy an automobile because they think it will make them get noticed. They may notice the car but not you.
Automobile trends that need to away.
Automobile trends that need to away.
Automobile trends that need to away.
We are in a rut car styling-wise. What is up with those phony vents on the front of almost every car made? there is one in front of each front wheel. Some cars have them behind each rear wheel. And huge grills. If you look closely at one you will see that very little of it is actually functional. Toyota and Lexus take the cake. They look like they have cow catchers on them. Toyota has redefined ugly. I think automobile stylists are running out of ideas. It seems odd but German automobile manufacturers seem to have just gotten started on the phony vents and huge grills just as some Japanese manufacturers look like they might be backing away from them.
What is up with exhaust outlets? Even the most mundane vehicle has these large, chrome exhaust tips. Some are actually fake.
Drive like you have some sense
Automobile trends that need to away.
Drive like you have some sense
I have conducted my own studies of safe driving. I know. We all think are the world's best driver and everyone else is a lousy driver. Guess what?
I know everyone has seen those ridiculous signs that some people put on the backs of their cars that proclaim, "Baby on Board." What the heck does that mean? I think the owners of those vehicles with that sign think that if other drivers read that sign, they will drive more carefully. But each of us already believe that he or she is the best driver alive. From what I've seen, it looks like the driver is referring to herself or himself.
Do you know that more accidents are caused by eating and drinking non-alcoholic beverages while driving than texting and talking on cell phones? Which is also very dangerous.
You probably won't believe this but failing to use turn signals cause more than two million accidents a year in this country. Please signal every time there is a choice between turning right or turning left or when changing lanes.
How you drive can bring on a serious change in your life or the lived of others. There are almost as many traffic accident deaths per year in this country as there are deaths by gunshot. More than half of those are suicides. Even though close to 50,000 people die in traffic accidents per year it takes about 6,000,000 accidents to do it. You may find this difficult to believe but the single greatest cause of traffic accidents are caused by improper use of turn signals, mostly not using them. See above.
A very bad habit many drivers have is changing lanes while turning onto a two or more-lane road. On more than half a dozen occasions I have been waiting on a two-lane road waiting for the traffic light to change to turn right or left onto another two (or more) lane road. and the driver on the inside of me swings out to the far lane regardless of the fact that I am in that lane. It has happened to me multiple times. Once I was run into a parking lot that, fortunately, happen to be there.
And another thing. STOP means STOP! It does not mean slow down slightly and take a quick look.
Have you ever been sitting at a stop when another driver starts directing traffic from the driver's seat waving for you to turn or proceed? One problem with that is you are now paying more attention to him or her than you are to traffic. YOU are the only one who should be making your driving decisions. Let the rules of the prevail and keep your hand signals to yourself. Sometimes you may have to gesture for another driver to turn or proceed as in cases where you or another driver is towing a long trailer.
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