I have decided that it is time for me to start charging a Stupid Fee. Anytime someone does something stupid, it will be added to their tab. I know that some of them will rack up the fees at a pretty good clip. Everyday, I run into the same old stupidity from people that are supposed to be intelligent, sophisticated, modern-era people. What is happening out there that is causing this lack of smarts to be as rampant as the Swine Flu? Several examples from today congealed in my mind that it was time for the application of this fee.
First off is the continuing reaction to the above mentioned Swine Flu. I read that Egypt has ordered the slaughter of all of the pigs in that country to prevent the spread of the disease even though there are no confirmed cases of it in the whole country! The disease is spread from human to human, not from pig to human. Sometime in the recent past, the virus mutated and was able to infect a human. It's still porcine in origin, but it's now a human disease. I personally think that there is a lot of over reaction to this disease. I am by no means discounting the severity of the disease as attested by the many deaths in Mexico, but the fact remains that there is a lot of hype in these types of circumstances and Egypt needs to be charged with the new Stupid Fee.
Secondly, today was a really bad day for stupid drivers. If I had my ticket book already printed, I would have been handing them out left and right. How about the one that was halfway parallel parked on Blount Street at Moore Square? Or just a few feet away, the guy with the passenger door open into the oncoming traffic during rush hour? Or the two Dodge pickups parallel driving down Highway 70 at a speed of about 1 mph while having a conversation ?
Lastly, today had to have been National Stupid Question Day at work. I am convinced it must have been written on someone's calender because the I-D-10-Ts were out in full force. One guy wanted to have a computer flashed at the place that only rebuilds them. Another guy didn't have the sense to look in all his spark plug catalogs to find the one for a Kubota tractor. And still another thought that the DC should pay for the express shipping for a part that did not meet the minimum order total from a particular supplier. Sometimes I feel like the Pied Piper trying to lead the Three Blind Mice out of Hamelin.
So today's blog is a fair warning. If you do or say something stupid and I hear about it, you will most assuredly be slapped with a hefty Stupid Fee. Don't argue with the fact. Just learn from it and next time think before you speak or act.
And as always, prompt payment is appreciated and expected!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Where Am I?????
Today's telephone conversation with a customer was a little jaw-dropping for me. He had left me a message on my voice mail last night. Since he is located in the Central Time Zone, I took care of some early matters before calling him around 9 am Eastern time. I will paraphrase the conversation below because I didn't record it.
Me: "Hello. This is Kevin from Raleigh returning your call."
Customer: "Oh, hello. I didn't expect your call this early. What time is it there in the East?"
Me: "9 am."
Customer: "Oh, it's 8 am here."
Me (thinking): "Duh!"
Customer: "I thought that the East was an hour behind us here in Kansas."
Me (thinking): "An hour behind Kansas?? What is he thinking? Doesn't he know the sun rises in the EAST???? Where did he go to school??"
After my initial shock, I answered the man's questions and quickly hung up the phone. I just couldn't get over the fact that he was so ignorant about such common knowledge! I realize that most Americans are very ignorant about geography, but for a person to not even have a general knowledge of the time zones in his own country seems out of whack to me. What has happened to real education? Are we so focused on the latest gadget and gizmo, that we are missing the basics? I know that the location of the Pamir Mountains (Tajikistan) or the capital of Tuvalu (Funafuti) will not be general knowledge for Americans (most can't even find their own state on a map!), but ALL should know what time zone they are in and where it is in relation to the other 5 zones the USA has.
I believe it's time to get back to some basics early and make sure there is a complete understanding of such knowledge before moving on to more "exciting" and "modern" topics.
Until next time, here's a reminder--Kansas is in the Central Time Zone, which is an hour later than Raleigh in the Eastern Time Zone!
Me: "Hello. This is Kevin from Raleigh returning your call."
Customer: "Oh, hello. I didn't expect your call this early. What time is it there in the East?"
Me: "9 am."
Customer: "Oh, it's 8 am here."
Me (thinking): "Duh!"
Customer: "I thought that the East was an hour behind us here in Kansas."
Me (thinking): "An hour behind Kansas?? What is he thinking? Doesn't he know the sun rises in the EAST???? Where did he go to school??"
After my initial shock, I answered the man's questions and quickly hung up the phone. I just couldn't get over the fact that he was so ignorant about such common knowledge! I realize that most Americans are very ignorant about geography, but for a person to not even have a general knowledge of the time zones in his own country seems out of whack to me. What has happened to real education? Are we so focused on the latest gadget and gizmo, that we are missing the basics? I know that the location of the Pamir Mountains (Tajikistan) or the capital of Tuvalu (Funafuti) will not be general knowledge for Americans (most can't even find their own state on a map!), but ALL should know what time zone they are in and where it is in relation to the other 5 zones the USA has.
I believe it's time to get back to some basics early and make sure there is a complete understanding of such knowledge before moving on to more "exciting" and "modern" topics.
Until next time, here's a reminder--Kansas is in the Central Time Zone, which is an hour later than Raleigh in the Eastern Time Zone!
Monday, April 20, 2009
The Heron and the Goose, Part 2
During lunch today, I was a witness to round 2 in the seemingly ongoing struggle between two feathered species. I was watching the goings and comings around the pond again when I noticed a lone goose standing on one foot on a rock near the edge of the pond. I have seen him do this stance on several occasions before. Usually the rock is partially submerged, but today after the rain, it was totally underwater. This goose just stands there on one foot (apparently because there is not enough room for both feet.) and surveys the surrounding pond. After a while, he slips off the rock and glides across the water to some destination known only to him.
Today, however, was different. Unbeknown to me, he had spotted the "enemy" and, in an apparent attempt to act coy, he slips off the rock and starts paddling slowly towards the bank about 150 yards away. After a short swim, he suddenly takes off with wings beating strongly and feet slapping the surface of the water and makes a beeline (or should I say "gooseline"?) towards the bank. I followed his flight and realized that he had seen the heron wading at the shoreline and decided to teach him a lesson in politeness! The heron immediately took flight and winged his way to a more secluded part of the pond away from the crazy goose. The goose then calmed down and started on his meandering through the water as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. It was another funny interaction between these two species.
I realize that I am putting a lot of anthropomorphic thoughts and feelings on each species, but I believe that there is some dislike between these two. Maybe it's the local equivalent of the same interaction between the Lion (Panthera leo) and the Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta) in Africa. These two species just can't seem to get along. Isn't that like some of us? We try our best to at least be civil to another person, but just can't seem to accomplish that goal. There is something about that other person that just infects our most visceral being and produces some shocking actions and reactions. Believe me, I know it's hard, but what we really need to do is turn the person and the situation over to the Lord and let Him remove the negative thoughts. If we see them person through His eyes, maybe our reactions would be a lot different.
Until next time, see if you can witness a natural interaction. You just might learn something!
Today, however, was different. Unbeknown to me, he had spotted the "enemy" and, in an apparent attempt to act coy, he slips off the rock and starts paddling slowly towards the bank about 150 yards away. After a short swim, he suddenly takes off with wings beating strongly and feet slapping the surface of the water and makes a beeline (or should I say "gooseline"?) towards the bank. I followed his flight and realized that he had seen the heron wading at the shoreline and decided to teach him a lesson in politeness! The heron immediately took flight and winged his way to a more secluded part of the pond away from the crazy goose. The goose then calmed down and started on his meandering through the water as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. It was another funny interaction between these two species.
I realize that I am putting a lot of anthropomorphic thoughts and feelings on each species, but I believe that there is some dislike between these two. Maybe it's the local equivalent of the same interaction between the Lion (Panthera leo) and the Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta) in Africa. These two species just can't seem to get along. Isn't that like some of us? We try our best to at least be civil to another person, but just can't seem to accomplish that goal. There is something about that other person that just infects our most visceral being and produces some shocking actions and reactions. Believe me, I know it's hard, but what we really need to do is turn the person and the situation over to the Lord and let Him remove the negative thoughts. If we see them person through His eyes, maybe our reactions would be a lot different.
Until next time, see if you can witness a natural interaction. You just might learn something!
Friday, April 17, 2009
The Heron and the Goose
This morning as I was sitting in my vehicle before going into work, I witnessed an amusing natural vignette that took place in the pond beside the parking lot. A Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) was briskly making his way long the water's edge searching for his morning meal. He caught my attention because he was moving at a much faster pace than is normal for this species. He must have really been famished! As he was strolling along, a Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) swam quickly up behind him minding his own business and occasionally grabing a tasty morsel from the water's surface.
Suddenly, the heron realized he was not alone and quickly twisted his long, sinuous neck around to get a look at this invader of his personal space. The goose abruptly came to a complete stop and both birds stared at each other for a few seconds. The heron, with his speak-like beak, looked as if he was eyeing the goose hard and telling him in no uncertain terms to back off. The goose lowered his neck slightly and looked as if he wanted to sink below the surface of the water and hide from the menacing stare. After a few short moments, the heron resumed his stride up the pond on his non-stop search for a fish or frog. The goose remained where he had stopped and just seemed to ponder on what had just happened. I really enjoyed watching the interaction!
Another scenario that was happening at the same time involved the people arriving to work. The parking lot was busy with people parking cars and scurrying from there to work. They didn't even notice the mini drama taking place right in front of their eyes! It took place right out in the open unlike most natural scenes and the people didn't even take time to notice because they were so wrapped up within their own small world. What a shame! Perhaps if people paid more attention to their surroundings, they would find that the world isn't so hurry-scurry all the time.
Until next time, take a moment to see the world around you!
Suddenly, the heron realized he was not alone and quickly twisted his long, sinuous neck around to get a look at this invader of his personal space. The goose abruptly came to a complete stop and both birds stared at each other for a few seconds. The heron, with his speak-like beak, looked as if he was eyeing the goose hard and telling him in no uncertain terms to back off. The goose lowered his neck slightly and looked as if he wanted to sink below the surface of the water and hide from the menacing stare. After a few short moments, the heron resumed his stride up the pond on his non-stop search for a fish or frog. The goose remained where he had stopped and just seemed to ponder on what had just happened. I really enjoyed watching the interaction!
Another scenario that was happening at the same time involved the people arriving to work. The parking lot was busy with people parking cars and scurrying from there to work. They didn't even notice the mini drama taking place right in front of their eyes! It took place right out in the open unlike most natural scenes and the people didn't even take time to notice because they were so wrapped up within their own small world. What a shame! Perhaps if people paid more attention to their surroundings, they would find that the world isn't so hurry-scurry all the time.
Until next time, take a moment to see the world around you!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Procreating
During this time of the year, many people complain with stuffy heads, watery eyes, sneezing and other conditions of allergies. And, naturally, their blame falls on all of the pollen that is wafting on the breezes of the season, a process known as anemophily ("wind-loving"). But I am here to share a different look at the floating bundles of plant DNA that color our world each spring.
I prefer to think of it as the plants "making love". God designed them in such a way that they use the wind as the vehicle by which to form the next generation. Since the wind is capricious and does not contain a direct path from male to female, the male flowers/cones produce copious amounts of pollen that they cast upon the airy "sea" with "hopes" of some of them finding their mark with a female flower/cone. Below are some facts about spring pollination that most people don't take time to consider.
1) Spring is a breezy/windy time of the year because of the change from winter to summer. It's a perfect time of the year for releasing pollen.
2) The catkins of hardwood trees make their appearance long before the leaves being to shoot out. If the leaves were first, the pollen would become entangled in the new growth and would not have a good chance of finding a female flower. Likewise, the needles of the evergreens make this same process possible because of their shape.
3) The catkins/cones of anemophilous plants are inconspicuous because they don't need to attract any pollinators to their lairs. All they need to do is produce the pollen and to not get in the way when it's time for the pollen to fly. Have you ever noticed how similar in shape a gymnospermic male cone and a angiospermic male catkin are to each other? Yes, that's right...another ponderable.
Of course, all the evolutionists wonder how such a mechanism is possible. The probabilities alone are almost impossible that such a means of love making would produce the next generation. But of course, each year, the "impossible" happens. Why? Because God designed it. Even in this flawed condition, creation works in amazing ways and points back to the Creator.
The next time you sneeze from a pollen "attack", watch your car color change overnight, or see small rivulets of yellow water running across your path, think on these ideas and understand that this time of the year only lasts for a short time. This is the plant's time for making love and we should allow them their time without complaint. After all, this world would be much less richer without anemophily.
I prefer to think of it as the plants "making love". God designed them in such a way that they use the wind as the vehicle by which to form the next generation. Since the wind is capricious and does not contain a direct path from male to female, the male flowers/cones produce copious amounts of pollen that they cast upon the airy "sea" with "hopes" of some of them finding their mark with a female flower/cone. Below are some facts about spring pollination that most people don't take time to consider.
1) Spring is a breezy/windy time of the year because of the change from winter to summer. It's a perfect time of the year for releasing pollen.
2) The catkins of hardwood trees make their appearance long before the leaves being to shoot out. If the leaves were first, the pollen would become entangled in the new growth and would not have a good chance of finding a female flower. Likewise, the needles of the evergreens make this same process possible because of their shape.
3) The catkins/cones of anemophilous plants are inconspicuous because they don't need to attract any pollinators to their lairs. All they need to do is produce the pollen and to not get in the way when it's time for the pollen to fly. Have you ever noticed how similar in shape a gymnospermic male cone and a angiospermic male catkin are to each other? Yes, that's right...another ponderable.
Of course, all the evolutionists wonder how such a mechanism is possible. The probabilities alone are almost impossible that such a means of love making would produce the next generation. But of course, each year, the "impossible" happens. Why? Because God designed it. Even in this flawed condition, creation works in amazing ways and points back to the Creator.
The next time you sneeze from a pollen "attack", watch your car color change overnight, or see small rivulets of yellow water running across your path, think on these ideas and understand that this time of the year only lasts for a short time. This is the plant's time for making love and we should allow them their time without complaint. After all, this world would be much less richer without anemophily.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Risen!!
Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o'er His foes.
He arose a victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!
Praise the Lord above that we will not have to worry about sin, death, and hell forever. Jesus conquered all of His foes with one fell swoop and those that have put their faith in His finished work on the cross will live forever with Him in Glory! What a blessed hope to have while we wait for His return!
Happy Easter!
With a mighty triumph o'er His foes.
He arose a victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!
Praise the Lord above that we will not have to worry about sin, death, and hell forever. Jesus conquered all of His foes with one fell swoop and those that have put their faith in His finished work on the cross will live forever with Him in Glory! What a blessed hope to have while we wait for His return!
Happy Easter!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Whatever!
I found out today that the bosses are considering hiring one more person to help us with the special orders. The only reason it's being considered is because of one individual. He is a whiny individual and doesn't feel that he's getting enough attention. He keeps calling in to complain that he isn't getting call backs quickly enough and it's taking to long for him to get answers.
Personally, I think we are doing a good job. We help each other out and call back the customers in a reasonable amount of time. At times it does get hectic and we feel like we're swimming in orders, but we manage to get them taken care of. What really chaps my hide is that fact that he complains all the time. The last time I had a question from him, I had to wait on a tech person from a particular company for the answer. The guy took a while to call me back and I kept the customer informed that as soon as I had his answer, I would call him back. I didn't get the answer until the next day and immediately called him. He told me not to worry about it because he had already called someone else and had the part on the way! I wanted to crawl through the phone lines and give his jaw a good, swift slap! He is one of those customers that expects instant service (something that can't always be accomplished!) and will whine and complain when he doesn't get his way.
We have received no other major complaints from anyone else. When someone does call in with a concern, we immediately try to correct the problem. I don't understand why he's the only one that can't be pleased. It seems foolish to hire another person just to take care of one man. But then again, maybe the new guy would be the one to solely deal with Mr. Whiner! That would be OK with me!!
Until next time, please keep the whining down to a low roar!
Personally, I think we are doing a good job. We help each other out and call back the customers in a reasonable amount of time. At times it does get hectic and we feel like we're swimming in orders, but we manage to get them taken care of. What really chaps my hide is that fact that he complains all the time. The last time I had a question from him, I had to wait on a tech person from a particular company for the answer. The guy took a while to call me back and I kept the customer informed that as soon as I had his answer, I would call him back. I didn't get the answer until the next day and immediately called him. He told me not to worry about it because he had already called someone else and had the part on the way! I wanted to crawl through the phone lines and give his jaw a good, swift slap! He is one of those customers that expects instant service (something that can't always be accomplished!) and will whine and complain when he doesn't get his way.
We have received no other major complaints from anyone else. When someone does call in with a concern, we immediately try to correct the problem. I don't understand why he's the only one that can't be pleased. It seems foolish to hire another person just to take care of one man. But then again, maybe the new guy would be the one to solely deal with Mr. Whiner! That would be OK with me!!
Until next time, please keep the whining down to a low roar!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Wwwwiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
Sorry for the lengthy delay in posting! I didn't realize it had been quite so long since my last post. I guess I just wasn't feeling it! hahaha
Tonight we celebrated the twins' birthday as a family. The twins had the chance to decide what they wanted to do and Mikayla won the coin toss. She chose to go eat at Sweet Tomatoes which is her favorite restaurant. After a filling meal there (I do recommend the Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup!), we returned to their house for presents-and-cake time. They opened their presents and were excited over the latest American Girl doll and tractors/plows and clothes. After a slice of cake, it was time to learn the Wii!
They had received the Wii on their official birthday from Steve and Kellie. Now, I will admit that I am not much into video games, but I have been intrigued about this one since first hearing about it. Tonight was my night to play! We, of course, had to create the Miis first! I must say that it does bare somewhat of a resemblance (if you squint hard enough and are very tired!) to me. Our first Wii game was bowling. Dad, Mom, and I played a game together. It was fun to learn how to bowl with the remote.
The most fun of the night was when Mom had her turns at bowling. For a little background here, Mom tried real-life bowling when she and Dad were first married. She made a few strikes and then started throwing gutter balls all the time. She has never picked up a bowling ball since. To see her bowling was a real treat for the family. What was the most fun of all was that she actually beat both Dad and myself! After bowling, we tried tennis. Dad, Wesley, Mikayla, and myself played couples. Let's just say that I need to practice tennis a little more because I kept losing the ball when it came my way!
I must say that I did enjoy playing Wii! I think I might have a case of the Wii-bug!
Until next time, have a blessed day!
Tonight we celebrated the twins' birthday as a family. The twins had the chance to decide what they wanted to do and Mikayla won the coin toss. She chose to go eat at Sweet Tomatoes which is her favorite restaurant. After a filling meal there (I do recommend the Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup!), we returned to their house for presents-and-cake time. They opened their presents and were excited over the latest American Girl doll and tractors/plows and clothes. After a slice of cake, it was time to learn the Wii!
They had received the Wii on their official birthday from Steve and Kellie. Now, I will admit that I am not much into video games, but I have been intrigued about this one since first hearing about it. Tonight was my night to play! We, of course, had to create the Miis first! I must say that it does bare somewhat of a resemblance (if you squint hard enough and are very tired!) to me. Our first Wii game was bowling. Dad, Mom, and I played a game together. It was fun to learn how to bowl with the remote.
The most fun of the night was when Mom had her turns at bowling. For a little background here, Mom tried real-life bowling when she and Dad were first married. She made a few strikes and then started throwing gutter balls all the time. She has never picked up a bowling ball since. To see her bowling was a real treat for the family. What was the most fun of all was that she actually beat both Dad and myself! After bowling, we tried tennis. Dad, Wesley, Mikayla, and myself played couples. Let's just say that I need to practice tennis a little more because I kept losing the ball when it came my way!
I must say that I did enjoy playing Wii! I think I might have a case of the Wii-bug!
Until next time, have a blessed day!
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