Christmas - HUMBUG!

The way Christmas is being forced upon us by the retail industry has my innards in an uproar. I usually get in the spirit of the Christmas season by the second week in December. But when I start seeing Christmas displays in stores in August - THIS BITES!

Radio stations are beginning to play Christmas music just after Halloween, if not before. GIVE ME A BREAK!

I understand that in our present economy (Thank You "King George"!) retailers are trying to wring whatever profit they can to generate positive sales figures, that's capitalism at its best. The Free Enterprise System.

But all this 'holiday hype' is turning me into Scrooge. HUMBUG!

Notre Dame football - 2007

I AM a die hard Fighting Irish football fan! I will not back down on my support of this great school. I naturally took this on as my Dad was a member of the class of 1942. I wasn't able to be accepted by that great university, as I had waaaaay too much fun in high school (and the grades proved it).

However, I will always support the team - no matter what. 2007 wasn't a great year for the team, as they lost many excellent players when they graduated in the spring. This years team had the opportunity to learn and prepare for 2008.

Notre Dame focuses their priority on academics first, everything else follows.

So, GO IRISH! 2008 and beyond.

(And yes, this year we were 3 and 9)

Freedom of Speech

Being as we live in a democratic society where freedom of speech is a right and privilege, I welcome any and all comments and replies to my rantings and ravings. Please feel free to respond. I respect and value all viewpoints. I do not claim to be the end-all of opinions, so please share with me (and all of us) your feelings.

I thank you for doing so.

News REPORTING

During my career in radio broadcasting, I had the opportunity to be News Director at several radio stations in West Michigan. I reported and delivered the news in a professional and ethical fashion. Being a news junkie, I try to stay in touch with the pulse of the world wherever I travel. I have observed the news delivered in various ways in different locations, which will vary from poor to excellent presentations.

When I watch or listen to the news, I want to hear "just the facts" and nothing more; not joking, not commenting, not 'down home' style, nor sensationalized. I especially cannot tolerate it if the reporter either creates a story or places themselves into the story.

PLEASE, just report the news - just like they do at the network level. And please . . . . take a breath and slow down your delivery.

Thank you!

Thanksgiving - Why is it just one day?

Why do we set aside just one day to give thanks, when we should be thankful EVERY DAY for what we have. We are approaching the holiday season of Christmas when we focus on cheerfulness, sharing, family and giving (not necessarily in that order).

I try to find at least one reason every day to thank God. We are richly blessed in this country, and we should be grateful.

After 1 1/2 years in Vietnam and another two weeks in Haiti, I have come to appreciate even more the lap of luxury we have: pure running water, electricity, shelter, heat, food plus the other gifts bestowed upon us.

Let us give thanks every day for these blessings, and never forget those of us who are lacking in the bare necessities of life.

Customer Service - It's a losing battle

With nearly a quarter-century in communications and customer service, one of my greatest pet peeves is POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE!

And it seems that good customer service is becoming a rarity. I am constantly encountering customer service representatives (CSRs) who could care less if they honor my requests or act upon an issue I have. Outsourcing this 'service' to third world countries even intensifies the poor quality of getting your scenario resolved.

I am being worn down by this losing battle with CSRs. It seems that every time I call to rectify an error by a vendor, I have to climb the 'chain of command' to speak with anyone who cares about the issue, or even has the authority to make a decision. Why do I have to spend 30 minutes or more on the phone arguing with a drone, whose day I appear to be interrupting with my petty problem.

I saw a book the other day titled "Customer Service 101" (really!) and wanted to buy hundreds of copies so I could send them off to these uncaring peons I am always warring with.

I feel defeated in my quest for accuracy and resolution.

Television viewing opportunities

Television - "A Vast Wasteland."

I am sooooo glad I have Satellite TV. I have 200 channels of video to select from (plus numerous digital music channels as well). This means I don't have to watch much of the garbage foisted upon us by "The Networks."

I can make intelligent viewing choices from sources like Discovery, History, A&E, USA and the Sci-Fi channel. I don't have to watch "Kid Nation" "Notes from the Underbelly" Entertainment Tonight" "The Bachelor" "Biggest Loser" and the like.

And every time I find an intelligent and entertaining show, it is cancelled. Probably because it isn't fodder for the mindless masses.

Thank goodness, I also have lots of reading material and good music.

Book "Fair Game" by Valerie Plame (Wilson)

This book is written by Valerie Plame, a former CIA operative, who was "outed" by the Bush Administration in revenge for an Op-Ed article in the New York Times by her husband, former Ambassador, Joseph Wilson.

He wrote a piece about what he didn't see on a trip to Niger (Nigeria) and the sale of 'yellowcake' uranium to Iraq. The Bush Administration mislead the Citizens of the United States about the regime of Saddam Hussien and took us to war in Iraq.

We have enough reasons to be enraged over the Imperialistic Presidency of "King George" but this book will lend credence to even more reasons to be outraged over what he has done to our country.

I encourage you to read it. It should be available at your local library - support your library!

Michigan's Upper Peninsula

I average one trip a month to the Upper Peninsula of the beautiful state of Michigan. I especially enjoy the Straits of Mackinac and the "Mighty Mac" bridge. Everytime I head up north, I always see something new, even though I drive the same route each time.

If you haven't visited the U.P. and interacted with "Yoopers" you should make it a point to do so. There is so much to see and enjoy the entire year. However much I enjoy it, I (personally) wouldn't want to reside there. I prefer to be not more than 10 minutes away from a national fast-food chain or a bookstore. I also like to see my next door neighbor's house (within 100 feet). I respect anyone who chooses that lifestyle, but it is NOT for me!

But do make it a point, if possible, to visit the north country.

Mondays

Mondays were the beginning of the work week, but in retirement it's just another day. But it is now a day where I can make contact with businesses who aren't open on the weekends. Or, I can just 'play hooky' from any projects I might have and take a nice, long nap or watch reruns of Stargate SG-1.

Wow, what a life. I never knew it could be so good. Sure beats working!