Friday Martini Time!
Notice: If you’re new to this “business” blog, Fridays are when I write about anything - including “non-business” topics in politics and religion because - think about it - we really can’t separate the three. And, this week’s ‘tooni ramble is long, with lots of links - so pour the libation of your choice, get comfy and follow along if you wish. 
Where to start? Each week brings so much silly, sad, and/or serious stuff on which I could comment. (Yes, things can be silly, sad, and serious and funny - all at the same time. See “b.” in the following sentence.) I’ll start by simply saying, TG it’s Friday and that it’s a. BattleStar time again; b. The campaign commercials will end soon; c. Somebody invented martinis. (For more on the meanest, the dumbest, and the funniest campaign commercials, click on over to MSNBC.)
Two New Blog Recommendations:
Via Maria Palma’s Bathroom BlogFest post:
Flooring the Consumer
Customer Experience Crossroads “Bathrooms???” Well, we all use ‘em and these have some great points to make about customer service. And, while we’re here, here’s a great post from a local Albuquerque web developer, Andrew Hedges, on Usability of Toilet Paper. (Who I found through a Duke City Fix link to his post, “Albuquerque: Austin for Families.” Very cool how this blogville connection stuff works, isn’t it?)
More re Politicians and Technology: Last Friday, I noted the startling news that “Politicians Have Poor Grasp of Technology.” This week, we’ve got CNET’s “Technology Voter Guide 2006″ Another example of how politicos can be “good” for one industry, sector, or group - yet be a terrible choice for the overall well-being of our country and world. This also speaks to one of my pet peeves - small business owners chanting the mantra that the GOP is “good for business” - regardless of who is in control of the party or what they are really doing. (1)
Hmmm, come to think of it, I bet Darth Vader would have a really high score on technology! And, he’d also be all over the religious angle - likely be a regular on his universe’s equivalent of the 700 Club. Ditto the Cylons. So there ya go.
Inquiring Minds Want Know:
1. Just what are “San Francisco” values? (Here’s what that funster Bill O’Reilly says and he doesn’t even know he’s being funny! Or, hmmmm, maybe he does know it’s all a “goof” and it sure pays well!)
2. Why do they post those “employee handwashing signs?”
3. Why is it so hard for some companies to understand the beauty (and profitability) of simplicity and commitment? For example:
“Give customers the freshest, highest quality foods you can buy and provide them with friendly service in a sparkling clean environment.” That’s In-N-Out Burger.
They also:
“start all our new Associates at a minimum of $9.50 an hour for one simple reason…you are important to us! And our commitment to a higher starting wage is just one of the ways in which we show it. Another way is through offering excellent benefits like flexible schedules to accommodate school and other activities, paid vacations, free meals, comprehensive training, and a 401k plan. For our full time Associates, we provide a benefits package that also includes medical, dental, vision, life and travel insurance coverage.”
I’ve heard and read so much about In-N-Out - I’m hoping they come to Albuquerque. And, I’ve not eaten a burger in over 20 years. For them, I’ll fall off the vegetarian wagon for a day.
(1) Despite what you might think, I’m not inherently anti-GOP or down on conservatives. Some of my best friends and clients are good Republicans. Until recently, I had a tremendous amount of respect for Senator McCain. I’m very conservative on things like fiscal responsibility. Further, some of the best people I know are fundamentalist Christians who (normally) vote GOP. But, c’mon, folks. Let’s look at results and voting records. Are we really better, safer, happier these days? And, wouldn’t it be great if our elected leaders and legislators acted like responsible, accountable adults instead of whiney toddlers fighting in a sandbox?
Have a great weekend! I’m off to vote (I hear, however, the early voting lines are very long - so I’ll be taking some work with me.)
Related Posts:
Silly Versus Serious
I’m Sick and Tired.
Five Lessons for Friday
It’s True! I’m an Alien!
Why Sci-Fi is Relevant to Business (and Life)
TGIF Martini Musings
Friday Fantasies & Follies
A Friday Visit to Bizarro Land
It’s Martini Time!
Tags: Battlestar Galactica, Mary Schmidt , politics, religion, Star Wars, John McCain, customer service, campaign commercials
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