If there is one thing that I cannot stand to deal with in fellow human beings it is this: the never-ending victim syndrome. You know those people, the ones who like to go on and on about their problems and their troubles without ever really looking for a practical solution. Those people who seem to thrive upon the attention that they are given when others listen to how tough everything is for them. Those individuals who whine about how their struggles – even the struggles that appear to be direct consequences of their actions – have been inflicted upon them by others. At some point, it just comes down to this: find a solution to the problem, find a way out of the situation or just shut up. Period.
Despite my opinion on the needlessness of YouTube.com, I was recently asked to watch a video entitled “A Vision of Students Today.” (Check it out here) The video, supposedly made by a teacher and a group of students at Kansas State University (but who can be sure?), surveyed at least 200 college students and then compiled their opinions on the classroom environment and learning experience. The video, which is filmed in its entirety in a lecture-style classroom, starts out with statements like “If these walls could talk…” and “What are they learning sitting here?” But rather than making me focus on the level of education truly being given to today’s university students in the United States, it simply pointed out the blatant victim mentality that so many young people seem to be grasping onto these days. Excuse me while I plug my ears. Or in this case, cover my eyes. I just can’t take it anymore.
One student held up a paper that said that she (or those surveyed) completes 49 percent of the reading assigned to her. And then another student showed a laptop screen that read “I buy hundred dollar textbooks that I never open.” Now I as a college student can understand that textbooks are expensive and seem to be getting more expensive by the semester. And I can relate to the random class in which an expensive book is rarely used. But am I supposed to feel bad when seeing that some students complete 49 percent of the reading assigned to them? That is there choice. Their prerogative. If they truly wanted to get their money out of the books they had purchased than they would have read that which was assigned to them. Period.
And sure, I get that college students are busy. But really, does being busy stop after graduation? No. It’s life. Get used to it. And those in the video who indirectly complain about being too busy to do their assignments will certainly get no sympathy from me when holding up papers that say “I read 8 books a year and 2,300 web pages” and “I Facebook through most of my classes.” That is nothing more than poor time management. Perhaps you should put down the mouse and pick up a required text a little more often. And if your class is so easy that you have time to Facebook through the entire lecture, maybe you could use that time to do something productive on your laptop. Oh, buy wait, I bet those time management skills that you are lacking can be directly traced to an incompetent elementary or high school teacher, right? Heaven forbid it be your fault!
So while these above comments were enough to make me growl with frustration, it was this next section that really got my blood boiling. One student held up a paper that said, “Over 1 billion people make less than $1 a day.” Then another, when referring to jobs, held up a scantron that said, “Filling out one of these won’t help me get there...” And then another held up a page that said, “I did not create the problems, but they are my problems.” Who are you trying to fool? Seriously. If you want to talk about the distribution of wealth, than making a comment about poor wages around the world is a valid point. But please, tell me how it is relevant to this survey. And sure, when you fail the tests that you take on scantrons, they surely will not help you in the future. But if you read, study and pay attention in class, perhaps you would find some sort of relevance in those tiny pencil-filled bubbles. And finally, am I really suppose to buy the idea that all of these problems were created by someone else? Get over yourself. And get over being the victim.
It’s about time that people stop whining about their circumstances and do something to change them. Don’t expect me – or anyone else for that matter – to feel sorry for the fact that you have the opportunity to study and earn a degree. Either take advantage of the opportunity that you are given, or leave. I am willing to bet that any one of those billion workers currently receiving less than $1 a day would be more than happy to take your place. And they would do their assigned reading…
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Get caffeinated with True Love…
Tired of the same old coffeehouse scene? Looking for a new place to hang out with friends? Then True Love Coffeehouse is just what you are looking for. Located in Midtown Sacramento (see box for details), True Love provides a relaxed environment where young people can socialize and get caffeinated.
Preparing to park at True Love may require a little extra work. While there is a private parking lot, it is not very conveniently located. But there are plenty of spots to be found on the surrounding streets. But expert parallel parking skills are required. So practice up. But, consider the practice time a trade-off for scrounging around for quarters. The spots directly across the street from True Love feature free two-hour parking.
When entering True Love, coffee lovers must first pass through the outdoor seating area. But then one step past the threshold leads them to the drink and food-ordering area. That’s right, like many other coffee houses in Sacramento, True Love has its customers purchase their food at the front end of the visit. It keeps staff requirements down and allows customers to hem and haw over their choices without an impatient server waiting to write down their order. But speaking of staff, the young woman who takes orders on Monday nights could leave some
customers rubbed slightly the wrong way. While friendly in her own way, her personality could come off as somewhat abrasive. So be warned.
In addition to choosing from a huge selection of very reasonably-priced coffee drinks, customers can also choose from an odd assortment of food. Meatless by design, True Love offers easy-to-plate options such as nachos, humus, falafel and a veggie panini. And while the prices don’t give your pocketbook a reason to complain, the food does leave a little something to be desired… like maybe more quality and more selection. But perhaps, that’s just the omnivore speaking…
After receiving their orders from the pick-up window, customers can choose to head back out front for a people-watching session in the outdoor seating area, head to a slightly more intimate table for two in one of the small indoor rooms or sit with a larger group out in the covered outdoor area in the back (which is heated to a comfortable temperature). Each area is decorated with a funky twist, some brightly-colored twinkle lights adding a festive touch. And adding to the fun feel of the coffeehouse are the stacks of card and board games available in the entryway. Customers are free to take the games to their tables. Thanks to True Love you can say goodbye to awkward small talk and hello to “Uno.” And for those slightly less-social customers, free WiFi is also available…
After finishing the yummy-tasting beverages and mediocre food, customers are asked to clear their own tables by throwing away their garbage and stacking their red, plastic food baskets (which were lined with paper) in the designated area.
True Love Coffeehouse, although not the best place to meet for dinner, is a local take on the corporate coffeehouse. Aimed at the city’s younger inhabitants, True Love is the ideal meeting place for intellectual conversations, catching up on life or even testing your pop culture knowledge with a round of Trivial Pursuit…
Preparing to park at True Love may require a little extra work. While there is a private parking lot, it is not very conveniently located. But there are plenty of spots to be found on the surrounding streets. But expert parallel parking skills are required. So practice up. But, consider the practice time a trade-off for scrounging around for quarters. The spots directly across the street from True Love feature free two-hour parking.
When entering True Love, coffee lovers must first pass through the outdoor seating area. But then one step past the threshold leads them to the drink and food-ordering area. That’s right, like many other coffee houses in Sacramento, True Love has its customers purchase their food at the front end of the visit. It keeps staff requirements down and allows customers to hem and haw over their choices without an impatient server waiting to write down their order. But speaking of staff, the young woman who takes orders on Monday nights could leave some
customers rubbed slightly the wrong way. While friendly in her own way, her personality could come off as somewhat abrasive. So be warned.In addition to choosing from a huge selection of very reasonably-priced coffee drinks, customers can also choose from an odd assortment of food. Meatless by design, True Love offers easy-to-plate options such as nachos, humus, falafel and a veggie panini. And while the prices don’t give your pocketbook a reason to complain, the food does leave a little something to be desired… like maybe more quality and more selection. But perhaps, that’s just the omnivore speaking…
After receiving their orders from the pick-up window, customers can choose to head back out front for a people-watching session in the outdoor seating area, head to a slightly more intimate table for two in one of the small indoor rooms or sit with a larger group out in the covered outdoor area in the back (which is heated to a comfortable temperature). Each area is decorated with a funky twist, some brightly-colored twinkle lights adding a festive touch. And adding to the fun feel of the coffeehouse are the stacks of card and board games available in the entryway. Customers are free to take the games to their tables. Thanks to True Love you can say goodbye to awkward small talk and hello to “Uno.” And for those slightly less-social customers, free WiFi is also available…
After finishing the yummy-tasting beverages and mediocre food, customers are asked to clear their own tables by throwing away their garbage and stacking their red, plastic food baskets (which were lined with paper) in the designated area.
True Love Coffeehouse, although not the best place to meet for dinner, is a local take on the corporate coffeehouse. Aimed at the city’s younger inhabitants, True Love is the ideal meeting place for intellectual conversations, catching up on life or even testing your pop culture knowledge with a round of Trivial Pursuit…
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
An Ode to Christmas
Christmas fanatics. We all know at least one. You know the kind. Getting their decorations out of storage at some horridly-early hour of the morning the day after Thanksgiving. The ones who would hike for hours to get the perfect tree for their living room. The ones who have the Clark Griswold-style of twinkle lights on their houses. The ones who seem to thrive on anything related to Christmas.
But then there are the rest of us Christmas lovers. Sure, we may not run around wearing blinking earrings or vests clad with Rudolf and pals. But we, too, appreciate the holiday and everything that it stands for. So for us:
An Ode to Christmas.
Christmas. A season of wonderful music. Whether it be “Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer” or Handel’s “Messiah,” the songs of Christmas seem to have a way of bringing a smile to the faces of those who hear them. Of course, some department stores start to play the jazzy version of the most popular Christmas carols the day after Halloween. But even so, there is something about hearing those songs that can put a little spring into a shopper’s step. It’s the first sign of the wonderful season to come.
Christmas. An excuse to put a light bulb on any and all inanimate objects. It’s the one time of year when energy-saving consumers throw frugality out the window and use watt upon watt to light up the eaves of their homes. It’s the time when trees twinkle to the beat of “Jingle Bells” and “Frosty the Snowman.” And although some people may take the use of lights to the extreme- like those houses with 25 different blow-up characters and seven different colors and shapes of lights hanging on one porch- it is great to drive through a neighborhood and see the Christmas spirit brightly shining through the strands upon strands of glistening bulbs.
Christmas. A season of goodwill to all. Have you ever noticed the lack of attention paid to those who collect money in April, July or even October? But put a guy in a Santa suit to raise money for the same good cause and people come out of the woodwork to donate. Or collect coats and food for the less fortunate families in the area and the goodwill that Christmas brings will be apparent. There is something about the season that gets people to open not only their pocket books, but also their hearts, in ways not seen during any other time of the year.
Christmas. A time for families and traditions. While Christmas get-togethers may be stressful for the host or hostess, they are the times when extended families can put aside their differences and come together to celebrate and have a good time. A time for meal-time traditions. A time for reminiscing about past get-togethers and experiences. A time of celebrating the season and each other.
Christmas. A time to celebrate Christ’s birth. Despite what department stores and toy manufacturers try to tell us, Christmas is really a celebration of the birth of Christ. And while yes, December 25 is not the actual date on which he was born, it is a time when the miracle of his arrival can be celebrated by all. It is this very celebration that truly makes Christmas the best season of all. There are advent candles that are lit in anticipation of Christmas day. There are nativity scenes that represent the humble place and people who took part in the first Christmas. And there are special songs like “O Holy Night” and “Joy to the World” that so wonderfully tell of that night in Bethlehem.
So here’s to you Christmas fanatics and silent Christmas-lovers alike. With your pine-scented trees, fancily-wrapped gifts and sweet-smelling baked goods. May you truly enjoy the upcoming Christmas season and remember all that it represents.
But then there are the rest of us Christmas lovers. Sure, we may not run around wearing blinking earrings or vests clad with Rudolf and pals. But we, too, appreciate the holiday and everything that it stands for. So for us:
An Ode to Christmas.
Christmas. A season of wonderful music. Whether it be “Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer” or Handel’s “Messiah,” the songs of Christmas seem to have a way of bringing a smile to the faces of those who hear them. Of course, some department stores start to play the jazzy version of the most popular Christmas carols the day after Halloween. But even so, there is something about hearing those songs that can put a little spring into a shopper’s step. It’s the first sign of the wonderful season to come.
Christmas. An excuse to put a light bulb on any and all inanimate objects. It’s the one time of year when energy-saving consumers throw frugality out the window and use watt upon watt to light up the eaves of their homes. It’s the time when trees twinkle to the beat of “Jingle Bells” and “Frosty the Snowman.” And although some people may take the use of lights to the extreme- like those houses with 25 different blow-up characters and seven different colors and shapes of lights hanging on one porch- it is great to drive through a neighborhood and see the Christmas spirit brightly shining through the strands upon strands of glistening bulbs.
Christmas. A season of goodwill to all. Have you ever noticed the lack of attention paid to those who collect money in April, July or even October? But put a guy in a Santa suit to raise money for the same good cause and people come out of the woodwork to donate. Or collect coats and food for the less fortunate families in the area and the goodwill that Christmas brings will be apparent. There is something about the season that gets people to open not only their pocket books, but also their hearts, in ways not seen during any other time of the year.
Christmas. A time for families and traditions. While Christmas get-togethers may be stressful for the host or hostess, they are the times when extended families can put aside their differences and come together to celebrate and have a good time. A time for meal-time traditions. A time for reminiscing about past get-togethers and experiences. A time of celebrating the season and each other.
Christmas. A time to celebrate Christ’s birth. Despite what department stores and toy manufacturers try to tell us, Christmas is really a celebration of the birth of Christ. And while yes, December 25 is not the actual date on which he was born, it is a time when the miracle of his arrival can be celebrated by all. It is this very celebration that truly makes Christmas the best season of all. There are advent candles that are lit in anticipation of Christmas day. There are nativity scenes that represent the humble place and people who took part in the first Christmas. And there are special songs like “O Holy Night” and “Joy to the World” that so wonderfully tell of that night in Bethlehem.
So here’s to you Christmas fanatics and silent Christmas-lovers alike. With your pine-scented trees, fancily-wrapped gifts and sweet-smelling baked goods. May you truly enjoy the upcoming Christmas season and remember all that it represents.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
YouTube: What’s the point?
It’s a Tuesday night and you are bored out of your mind. So you sit down at the computer, open your Internet browser and head over to youtube.com. Because really, what could be better than watching poor-quality videos that have been uploaded by random strangers from around the world?
Oh yeah, that’s right- about a million things.
For those who have been living under a rock for last couple of years, YouTube is a website that allows basically anyone to upload videos that can then be viewed by people around the world. The site, created in 2005 by former PayPal employees, has search engines that allow the viewer to look for videos on any subject imaginable. Well, even the unimaginable. And by signing in, viewers are able to post comments about the videos they view, mark certain videos as their favorites and even email videos to their friends.
But really, what’s the point?
Anyone who has ever spent any time searching the YouTube website can plainly see that not all posted videos are quality work. And not all posted videos are original work. Sure, there are original videos of people dancing to embarrassing songs, dogs that can make sounds that resemble human words, and even babies that have cute laughs. But couldn’t we find the same thing- in a condensed version- by watching America’s Funniest Home Videos?
And what about all the videos that are composed of less-than original material? By simply typing in the name of a favorite television show, viewers can find clips of their favorite episodes, interviews with actors and even “best-of” montages. But aren’t these clips copyrighted by the creators and networks that produce them? Sure, YouTube states that copyrighted material should not be posted, but really, other than receiving complaints by those whose product is being stolen, how can they monitor the material being uploaded and viewed? Obviously they can’t. Or they simply choose not to. But perhaps instead of watching the fuzzy frames of our favorite television characters on YouTube, we could do the legal- and ethical- thing and avoid missing our favorite programs by using a DVR. Still looking for commentaries and addition information? Buy the entire season on DVD- you’ll actually be able to see the actors and clearly understand their words. What a novel idea!
Some amateur video makers use YouTube as a place to show off their talent. And while some wannabe singers should stick to the shower, others, like Esmée Denters, have found fame- and record deals- by posting videos of themselves singing online. But is YouTube really the best way to make it big in the music or movie industry? Couldn’t a talented person make an even bigger splash and more of a reputable name for him or herself by participating on shows like American Idol, America’s Got Talent, On the Lot or America’s Next Producer?
And of course YouTube is full of countless videos of already-famous people doing stupid things. But must we reward their bad behavior by watching clips of their antics over and over again? The only thing worse than Michael Richards making racially-inappropriate comments is the fact that millions of people have repeatedly watched him do so on YouTube. And really, who has time to watch clip after clip of Paris Hilton being released from jail? Come on people, bad publicity is still publicity.
So the next time you feel yourself getting bored, go watch some paint dry. It’s just as productive as watching YouTube…
Oh yeah, that’s right- about a million things.
For those who have been living under a rock for last couple of years, YouTube is a website that allows basically anyone to upload videos that can then be viewed by people around the world. The site, created in 2005 by former PayPal employees, has search engines that allow the viewer to look for videos on any subject imaginable. Well, even the unimaginable. And by signing in, viewers are able to post comments about the videos they view, mark certain videos as their favorites and even email videos to their friends.
But really, what’s the point?
Anyone who has ever spent any time searching the YouTube website can plainly see that not all posted videos are quality work. And not all posted videos are original work. Sure, there are original videos of people dancing to embarrassing songs, dogs that can make sounds that resemble human words, and even babies that have cute laughs. But couldn’t we find the same thing- in a condensed version- by watching America’s Funniest Home Videos?
And what about all the videos that are composed of less-than original material? By simply typing in the name of a favorite television show, viewers can find clips of their favorite episodes, interviews with actors and even “best-of” montages. But aren’t these clips copyrighted by the creators and networks that produce them? Sure, YouTube states that copyrighted material should not be posted, but really, other than receiving complaints by those whose product is being stolen, how can they monitor the material being uploaded and viewed? Obviously they can’t. Or they simply choose not to. But perhaps instead of watching the fuzzy frames of our favorite television characters on YouTube, we could do the legal- and ethical- thing and avoid missing our favorite programs by using a DVR. Still looking for commentaries and addition information? Buy the entire season on DVD- you’ll actually be able to see the actors and clearly understand their words. What a novel idea!
Some amateur video makers use YouTube as a place to show off their talent. And while some wannabe singers should stick to the shower, others, like Esmée Denters, have found fame- and record deals- by posting videos of themselves singing online. But is YouTube really the best way to make it big in the music or movie industry? Couldn’t a talented person make an even bigger splash and more of a reputable name for him or herself by participating on shows like American Idol, America’s Got Talent, On the Lot or America’s Next Producer?
And of course YouTube is full of countless videos of already-famous people doing stupid things. But must we reward their bad behavior by watching clips of their antics over and over again? The only thing worse than Michael Richards making racially-inappropriate comments is the fact that millions of people have repeatedly watched him do so on YouTube. And really, who has time to watch clip after clip of Paris Hilton being released from jail? Come on people, bad publicity is still publicity.
So the next time you feel yourself getting bored, go watch some paint dry. It’s just as productive as watching YouTube…
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Opinion: David Hinckley's Got It
Opinion. It’s that one ingredient that can make or break a column. We don’t always agree with the opinions expressed in the columns that we read, but isn’t that half the fun? What’s better than reading a column and disagreeing so much with an opinion that your blood begins to boil? Or reading a column and thinking, “Finally, someone agrees with me!”
Perhaps it is this love of opinions that leads so many to read David Hinckley’s columns on a regular basis. A staff writer for the New York Daily News, David Hinckley is anything but subtle in his attempt to comment on entertainment and popular culture.
Hinckley began his position at the Daily News in 1980 and “for the last dozen years has been critic-at-large.” While he does use a good portion of his column to review and comment on various television programs, his views can also be found in the Gossip and Lifestyle sections.
Although Hinckley’s subject matter may be somewhat diverse, his writing style is a constant. And what to some may seem like mere bluntness, upon further review, could be described as well-planned, and at times subtle, sarcasm. A sarcasm that leaves the reader with the dilemma of simply grinning or giving in and laughing out loud.
Take for example Hinckley’s review-style column on the television program Brothers & Sisters. Giving it one and a half stars, he complains about the program’s lack of a constant villain-like character. As he explains, each character takes a turn doing something mean. He then writes, “The trouble is, it never lasts. Someone is accused of being a jerk; he or she agrees and then repents. So the show is never more than 10 minutes from the next really gooey group hug, which may be great in real life, but on TV is mostly just annoying.” Hinckley’s sarcasm then shines through when he writes, “… a piece of potentially bad Justin news comes in and - wait, oh, darn, they've already had the hug.”
In addition to having a set writing style, David Hinckley is often very firm in his opinions of shows. Take for example his obvious appreciation for the show Friday Night Lights. Not only did Hinckley give more than his two cents regarding the show’s participation in this year’s Emmy Awards (they were non-existent), but he dedicated an entire column to the new program, praising its actors, writers and overall performance. So in addition to having strong opinions he is consistent.
But as previously mentioned, Hinckley does not focus solely on television. When embarrassing photographs of Vanessa Hudgens appeared online, Hinckley wrote a tongue-in-cheek “letter” to the young actress urging her to learn from the mistakes of Britney Spears. He ended his column/letter with:
“Ask Britney Spears. She's a Disney grad, too, and not long ago she was America's wholesome role model for tweens. Now she's our national celebrity from hell. I don't mean that because you posed for one picture, tomorrow you'll chop off your hair, check into rehab and only put half your clothes on. But next time you're tempted to strike a pose, you might want to pop in a DVD of Sunday night's Video Music Awards and fast-forward to Britney. She's the puffy one who loses all interest halfway through her own song. I'm just sayin'.”
So whether you are looking for a good laugh at the goings-on in Hollywood or the review of a television show, David Hinckley is guaranteed to be a good read. His sarcasm and opinions are sure to please.
Read some of David Hinckley's work here...
Perhaps it is this love of opinions that leads so many to read David Hinckley’s columns on a regular basis. A staff writer for the New York Daily News, David Hinckley is anything but subtle in his attempt to comment on entertainment and popular culture.
Hinckley began his position at the Daily News in 1980 and “for the last dozen years has been critic-at-large.” While he does use a good portion of his column to review and comment on various television programs, his views can also be found in the Gossip and Lifestyle sections.Although Hinckley’s subject matter may be somewhat diverse, his writing style is a constant. And what to some may seem like mere bluntness, upon further review, could be described as well-planned, and at times subtle, sarcasm. A sarcasm that leaves the reader with the dilemma of simply grinning or giving in and laughing out loud.
Take for example Hinckley’s review-style column on the television program Brothers & Sisters. Giving it one and a half stars, he complains about the program’s lack of a constant villain-like character. As he explains, each character takes a turn doing something mean. He then writes, “The trouble is, it never lasts. Someone is accused of being a jerk; he or she agrees and then repents. So the show is never more than 10 minutes from the next really gooey group hug, which may be great in real life, but on TV is mostly just annoying.” Hinckley’s sarcasm then shines through when he writes, “… a piece of potentially bad Justin news comes in and - wait, oh, darn, they've already had the hug.”
In addition to having a set writing style, David Hinckley is often very firm in his opinions of shows. Take for example his obvious appreciation for the show Friday Night Lights. Not only did Hinckley give more than his two cents regarding the show’s participation in this year’s Emmy Awards (they were non-existent), but he dedicated an entire column to the new program, praising its actors, writers and overall performance. So in addition to having strong opinions he is consistent.
But as previously mentioned, Hinckley does not focus solely on television. When embarrassing photographs of Vanessa Hudgens appeared online, Hinckley wrote a tongue-in-cheek “letter” to the young actress urging her to learn from the mistakes of Britney Spears. He ended his column/letter with:
“Ask Britney Spears. She's a Disney grad, too, and not long ago she was America's wholesome role model for tweens. Now she's our national celebrity from hell. I don't mean that because you posed for one picture, tomorrow you'll chop off your hair, check into rehab and only put half your clothes on. But next time you're tempted to strike a pose, you might want to pop in a DVD of Sunday night's Video Music Awards and fast-forward to Britney. She's the puffy one who loses all interest halfway through her own song. I'm just sayin'.”
So whether you are looking for a good laugh at the goings-on in Hollywood or the review of a television show, David Hinckley is guaranteed to be a good read. His sarcasm and opinions are sure to please.
Read some of David Hinckley's work here...
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Experience Counts…
Imagine this: It’s a hot summer day. There you are standing on the deck of a boat in some exotic, clear-watered location. You wiggle into your wet suit, your dive buddy helping you with the zipper. You pick up your 30-pound “backpack” that includes your air tank, buoyancy control and integrated weight system. You pull the mask over your face and place the snorkel firming between your lips. You and your buddy scissor-step into the water. You begin your descent by letting the air out of your buoyancy control. And then it hits you… This is your first instructor-free scuba dive. Suddenly those few short hours of certification training just don’t seem sufficient. Sure, you passed the skills test in the water. You even studied and aced the written exam. But the reality that each of those simultaneously-performed skills is the only thing keeping you alive quickly becomes overwhelming…
Ok, so maybe you aren’t an actual scuba diver, but you certainly can relate to the situation. If nothing else, imagine what it was like when you first learned to drive a car. Sure, there are some “natural” drivers that just seem to pick up the skills, but for most of us, it took some practice. It wasn’t that each individual action was difficult in and of itself. But rather, it was the simultaneous use of each of them that took a little getting used to.
For this very reason, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed Senate Bill 33 earlier this month. SB 33 will affect all California drivers and states that no one will be permitted to drive a motor vehicle “while using a wireless telephone, unless that telephone is designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking operation.” The bill also “prohibits[s] a person under the age of 18 years from driving a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone, even if equipped with a hands-free device.” Those who are in violation of the new law will be fined 20 dollars the first time and 50 dollars each time thereafter.
Many Californians have known about the first portion of this bill for months. It is slowly becoming common knowledge that the days of driving a car and talking with a cell phone plastered to you ear are soon coming to an end. But the portion of the bill prohibiting people under the age of 18 from using any sort of cell phone, including hands-free devices, may be a little less publicized. And while many- most likely all of those who fit into this age category- may feel that this type of separation between older and younger drivers is unfair and even unnecessary, perhaps it will do California some good.
While being young does not equal driving poorly, it certainly does mean less behind-the-wheel experience. And let’s face it: we will live in an experience-based society. Jobs are often given to those who have had experience in a field over those who are new to the workforce. Why? Because an experienced employee has proven him or herself to be competent and trustworthy. Getting behind the wheel should be no different.
And while age discrimination is something that should not be tolerated, taking steps toward protecting the next generation of Californians is a step in the right direction. According to a press release from the governor’s office, “drivers age 16 to 19 have a fatality rate that is four times the rate of drivers ages 25 to 69.”
Of course, there are responsible young drivers. Just as there are irresponsible experienced drivers. But as Governor Schwarzenegger said, “Teenage drivers are more easily distracted. We want to eliminate any extra distractions so they can focus on paying attention to the road and being good drivers.”
Let’s face it. Having good drivers on the road is something that affects each of us. And while some of us may not think that talking on a cell phone is that big of a distraction, try adding it to the already long list of recently-acquired skills that a new driver is faced with...
It would be just as unsafe as a new scuba diver trying to navigate uncharted waters and locate a sunken ship… let’s leave that for those with a little more experience…
Ok, so maybe you aren’t an actual scuba diver, but you certainly can relate to the situation. If nothing else, imagine what it was like when you first learned to drive a car. Sure, there are some “natural” drivers that just seem to pick up the skills, but for most of us, it took some practice. It wasn’t that each individual action was difficult in and of itself. But rather, it was the simultaneous use of each of them that took a little getting used to.
For this very reason, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed Senate Bill 33 earlier this month. SB 33 will affect all California drivers and states that no one will be permitted to drive a motor vehicle “while using a wireless telephone, unless that telephone is designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking operation.” The bill also “prohibits[s] a person under the age of 18 years from driving a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone, even if equipped with a hands-free device.” Those who are in violation of the new law will be fined 20 dollars the first time and 50 dollars each time thereafter.
Many Californians have known about the first portion of this bill for months. It is slowly becoming common knowledge that the days of driving a car and talking with a cell phone plastered to you ear are soon coming to an end. But the portion of the bill prohibiting people under the age of 18 from using any sort of cell phone, including hands-free devices, may be a little less publicized. And while many- most likely all of those who fit into this age category- may feel that this type of separation between older and younger drivers is unfair and even unnecessary, perhaps it will do California some good.
While being young does not equal driving poorly, it certainly does mean less behind-the-wheel experience. And let’s face it: we will live in an experience-based society. Jobs are often given to those who have had experience in a field over those who are new to the workforce. Why? Because an experienced employee has proven him or herself to be competent and trustworthy. Getting behind the wheel should be no different.
And while age discrimination is something that should not be tolerated, taking steps toward protecting the next generation of Californians is a step in the right direction. According to a press release from the governor’s office, “drivers age 16 to 19 have a fatality rate that is four times the rate of drivers ages 25 to 69.”
Of course, there are responsible young drivers. Just as there are irresponsible experienced drivers. But as Governor Schwarzenegger said, “Teenage drivers are more easily distracted. We want to eliminate any extra distractions so they can focus on paying attention to the road and being good drivers.”
Let’s face it. Having good drivers on the road is something that affects each of us. And while some of us may not think that talking on a cell phone is that big of a distraction, try adding it to the already long list of recently-acquired skills that a new driver is faced with...
It would be just as unsafe as a new scuba diver trying to navigate uncharted waters and locate a sunken ship… let’s leave that for those with a little more experience…
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
The Customer Is Always Right?
We’ve all heard the phrase “The customer is always right.” But how often do we actually see that adage put into practice? Sure, there is the occasional customer that oversteps the boundaries – we’ll get to that soon- and needs to be dealt with in a slightly more creative manner, but what about the rest of us? We wait in line. We say “please” and “thank you.” So why are we so often treated badly by the very people that expect to receive our hard-earned cash?
Picture this: There you are standing in line at your favorite movie rental establishment. You’ve spent twenty minutes combing through the picked-over DVDs, finally settling on two movies you don’t have much desire to see. But not wanting to leave empty-handed, you wait your turn and then head to the counter, membership card in hand. The employee glances in your direction and mumbles something about needing your card as you hand it to him. He is mid-scan when the phone rings. You hold your breath, hoping to hear him end his customary greeting with, “Can you please hold?” But no, of course not. Instead he asks, “How can I help you?” You stand there in silence as he ignores your transaction and begins telling the caller all about the newest releases, the store’s rental policies and hours of operation. Your frustration grows as he sets down the phone after saying the much-dreaded words “I’ll go check.” You consider leaving, but he has placed your card just out of reach. You’re stuck. You are forced to wait…
But really, why should you have to wait? You are a paying customer. You are not calling the store for random information that could probably be found online. You have come to the store to do your own legwork and are prepared to pay actual money for a product. Sure, the caller is being resourceful and using the telephone instead of gasoline, but does that mean he deserves priority treatment? No! Whatever happened to the ol’ “First come, first serve” mentality? By all means, let the video store employee earn his wages by running around to see if certain videos are in-stock. But he can do so after helping the customers who are waiting in line. And who knows? Maybe one of those customers, after being treated nicely, will let him know that the fancy screen in front of him can be used to look up the availability of every movie in the store.
But what about those times when you are the only customer in the store? The times you walk right up to the register with your one item in hand? You know that your transaction should take less than a minute to complete. Yet you stand there waiting for the only visible employee as she talks on the phone. You know full well that it is not a work-related conversation. As you stand there staring at the worker, repeatedly clearing your throat loudly, you learn from her side of the conversation that a new movie is coming out this weekend. But as you make a mental note to put it on your must-see list, you become more and more aware of the time you are loosing by standing there. She finally gets tired of your throat clearing, hangs up and begrudgingly does her job by taking your money and stuffing your item in a plastic bag. You leave and vow to never return to that store. But after using the experience as a humorous anecdote, you forget all about it… until you are once again made to feel bad about giving the same store your business a month later.
Now obviously not all customers are model examples of how to treat store employees. Some enter stores with a certain sense of entitlement that leads them to act badly. And others return merchandise that has obviously been used, causing a fuss when the employee asks questions. But just as those customers are the exception to the rule of somewhat courteous shoppers, shouldn’t the employees that offer bad service be just as few and far between?
Anyone having worked in a retail environment knows that it can be a fast-paced, stressful and thank-less job. That having been said, perhaps customer service-related jobs aren’t for everyone. Yes, people need to make a living. And yes, even employees have bad days. But by choosing to work with people you are – or should be- agreeing to represent your company well by adequately servicing its patrons.
So maybe in today’s society the customer isn’t always right…
But shouldn’t we at least be more than tolerated?
Picture this: There you are standing in line at your favorite movie rental establishment. You’ve spent twenty minutes combing through the picked-over DVDs, finally settling on two movies you don’t have much desire to see. But not wanting to leave empty-handed, you wait your turn and then head to the counter, membership card in hand. The employee glances in your direction and mumbles something about needing your card as you hand it to him. He is mid-scan when the phone rings. You hold your breath, hoping to hear him end his customary greeting with, “Can you please hold?” But no, of course not. Instead he asks, “How can I help you?” You stand there in silence as he ignores your transaction and begins telling the caller all about the newest releases, the store’s rental policies and hours of operation. Your frustration grows as he sets down the phone after saying the much-dreaded words “I’ll go check.” You consider leaving, but he has placed your card just out of reach. You’re stuck. You are forced to wait…
But really, why should you have to wait? You are a paying customer. You are not calling the store for random information that could probably be found online. You have come to the store to do your own legwork and are prepared to pay actual money for a product. Sure, the caller is being resourceful and using the telephone instead of gasoline, but does that mean he deserves priority treatment? No! Whatever happened to the ol’ “First come, first serve” mentality? By all means, let the video store employee earn his wages by running around to see if certain videos are in-stock. But he can do so after helping the customers who are waiting in line. And who knows? Maybe one of those customers, after being treated nicely, will let him know that the fancy screen in front of him can be used to look up the availability of every movie in the store.
But what about those times when you are the only customer in the store? The times you walk right up to the register with your one item in hand? You know that your transaction should take less than a minute to complete. Yet you stand there waiting for the only visible employee as she talks on the phone. You know full well that it is not a work-related conversation. As you stand there staring at the worker, repeatedly clearing your throat loudly, you learn from her side of the conversation that a new movie is coming out this weekend. But as you make a mental note to put it on your must-see list, you become more and more aware of the time you are loosing by standing there. She finally gets tired of your throat clearing, hangs up and begrudgingly does her job by taking your money and stuffing your item in a plastic bag. You leave and vow to never return to that store. But after using the experience as a humorous anecdote, you forget all about it… until you are once again made to feel bad about giving the same store your business a month later.
Now obviously not all customers are model examples of how to treat store employees. Some enter stores with a certain sense of entitlement that leads them to act badly. And others return merchandise that has obviously been used, causing a fuss when the employee asks questions. But just as those customers are the exception to the rule of somewhat courteous shoppers, shouldn’t the employees that offer bad service be just as few and far between?
Anyone having worked in a retail environment knows that it can be a fast-paced, stressful and thank-less job. That having been said, perhaps customer service-related jobs aren’t for everyone. Yes, people need to make a living. And yes, even employees have bad days. But by choosing to work with people you are – or should be- agreeing to represent your company well by adequately servicing its patrons.
So maybe in today’s society the customer isn’t always right…
But shouldn’t we at least be more than tolerated?
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