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Ginger Ale
Oct 27, 2007 | 10:13 AM PST
Category:
Entertainment
As I have mentioned in other blogs, I just got back from New England, where I went to see my family on vacation and to take pictures of the foliage. I posted a few of the better ones under the 'weather' section. One of the things I love about traveling up there (and when I go to Pittsburgh) is that most establishments serve Ginger Ale. When I eat a meal, I enjoy a glass or a can of Ginger Ale. If I'm going to drink a soft drink, that's what kind I want. And, even all the Drink Machines and Mini-Marts up there sell Ginger Ale in cans and bottles. Down here, it's hard to find Ginger Ale outside of buying it at the Grocery Store. If you try to order it in a restaurant, odds are they won't have it, or they will give you a concoction of Coke & Sprite mixed together... yuck! Coke & Pepsi are too sweet for me. Sprite will do in a pinch. I enjoy a good Dr. Pepper about once or twice a week, but I want good old fashioned Ginger Ale nine times out of ten, when I want a soft drink. And, I know it is popular, because I fly a lot and my sister is a flight attendant for Continental. Outside of water, Ginger Ale is one of the most popular beverages served. Now, I admit Dr. Pepper up there is not near as popular as it is here. Although, it has really caught on over the past ten years or so. I see it more and more up there. But, I wish more stores, restaurants, and vending machines would provide Ginger Ale. I think they'd be surprised how many people would order it, if it were offered.
Aggravating Restaurants
Oct 12, 2007 | 1:15 AM PST
Category:
Entertainment
I do a lot of eating out. Now I can cook, I just don't want to go through the preparation, cook time, and the clean up. Yes, I'm kind of lazy that way. Now I like to eat at the Mom & Pop type places, but I also do a lot of the National/Local Chains as well. A friend of mine and I decided to eat at one of these chains tonight. Now a lot of times, we will eat at a certain restaurant and know exactly what we want before we eat there. We'd actually decided to eat at this particular place the night before and my friend was waiting with great anticipation to eat what he was going to order. When we got to the restaurant earlier this evening, his excitement quickly turned to deep disappointment as the item he was going to order was no longer on the menu. And, they could not fix it anymore. The same thing happened to me a few weeks ago at another chain. And, even another chain, I will not go to anymore, because their menu changes so much. I can understand introducing new items to a menu. However, when you take items off the menu, especially when they have been featured for a great deal of time, it is very upsetting when you can't get them anymore. Especially, if they were fairly unique and you can't get them anywhere else. My friend's disappointment also turned to anger when he got his meal and his baked potato was way undercooked and his burger was not to his liking.
But, it's not only that. I worked in the restaurant business for five years. My Boss back then instilled a few values in me, fix every meal like you were eating it. Keep the restaurant as clean as you would your own kitchen. And, treat the customer like you would want to be treated. It seems like Restaurants, whether they are nice or whether it is fast food, have forgotten about those values. You're paying more at these restaurants and you're not getting the most for your money. It seems like something is always lacking. I will preface this by saying that since I have worked in a restaurant, I am always kind, courteous, sympathetic, understanding, and I tend to be a generous tipper, when it applies. I realize not everyone is, but that is your job, for better or worse.
The four things that make a restaurant great are cleanliness, quality product, fast-friendly-efficient service, and consistency. If you can acheive these four goals, your restaurant should be an overwhelming success. I go to a few specific restaurants quite a few times a month. My friends and family ask quite a bit, why I go to the same places over and over. My answer is because of those four reasons. If I'm going to pay $10-$25 a meal (and sometimes more), I want to get the most for what I'm paying for. While my meal was fine earlier tonight, I felt bad for my friend, who was looking forward to going there, only to be disappointed and aggravated. Changing a menu is part of consistency. If you are going to change it, you need to be prepared to be able to accomodate the customers who still want the items that you featured before as well. It's not too much to ask.
I remember reading a sign somewhere... "It takes years to win over a customer, and seconds to lose one." Competition is brisk in the restaurant business. It is time for companies to realize that customers have a choice and they need to start teaching their employees good customer service. I would name these restaurants, but I don't wish to give them the advertising. I will say the restaurant we went to tonight, features a bar in which you fix your own hamburgers. You can probably figure it out from there. Anyway, if you have some of the same experiences, feel free to comment.
For most of my life, I have called Texas "Home", and I am proud to do so. I have lived and traveled all over this state. As my bio states, San Antonio is and will always be home, but Houston is definitely a great place to live, work, and have fun. This past weekend, I spent Friday-Monday in Dallas. I caught up with old friends and family and had a good time with them. However, most of the places we went (to eat and otherwise), the people were just so unfriendly. Now, I have been traveling back and forth to Dallas for many years and this is nothing new. The ladies and gentlemen that live in Dallas, don't seem to be as friendly as most folks who call this wonderful state "home". However, I don't want to rope the whole Metroplex into the mix, the fine folks in Arlington and Fort Worth were Texas Friendly. I don't know what it is that makes Dallas residents so bitter and give them that "better than thou" attitude. And, God forbid you make the mistake of mentioning you're from Houston or San Antonio, they get that look on their faces like they swallowed bad milk. Needless to say, as good as it was to see my friends and family, I could not wait until the City of Dallas got smaller and smaller in my rear-view mirror as my car could not sail fast enough down I-45 South. Each "Houston" sign that I saw along the way looked better than the next, as I got closer and closer to the city. When I got to Conroe, I wanted to get out and kiss the ground. I didn't, but I knew I was home in the Houston area, and that's all that mattered. Since Dallas is a big tourist attraction and a lot of the state's industry is based there, someone needs to give them a refresher course in Texas Hospitality, because if they are going to represent all of us, they need to turn on the charm, and turn down the attitude. Even the people in Midland/Odessa are friendly, and they have a right to be irritable. After all, it is Midland/Odessa. So, cheer up Dallas, and put on your happy face. You're making the rest of us look bad, and we already have the President to do that. ;)
I'm a huge fan of music and I listen to a wide variety of music. I can listen to just about anything and be content. I began my broadcasting career in Radio working for R&B/Soul stations in the late 80's, in Northeast Texas. I never made a lot of money, but to go to work and play music and my favorite kind of music, was a dream come true. Not to toot my own horn, but I used to have a good ear for music. I soon took the positions of Music Director and then Program Director. My AM station would continuously beat several FM stations. Things were great until the mid 90's, when the "Urban" (that's what they call R&B/Soul in Radio) format became dominated by Hip-Hop and Rap. I never have understood the appeal of it. As a station that had a three hour Gospel block each day from 9am-12pm, I could not see myself playing anything that contained the kind of lyrics these new Hip-Hoppers/Rappers were putting out. I had a lot of churches and religious groups that were big sponsors of our station. I wasn't about to play anything that I knew was going to offend them, or cause me to lose them as clients. However, I started noticing that all of the R&B music was skewing in that direction. My station started losing more and more listeners, because I refused to give in. I left radio soon after that. Since that time, Rap and Hip-Hop seem to dominate the music scene and I can't understand for the life of me why? Almost 11 years later, I'm still trying to figure out the appeal of it. I've been told by some that "I'm not Black, so I won't understand." That's a cop out. R&B and Soul music was evolved from Gospel and Blues. It is a spiritual format. It is music that comes from your heart and soul. Even when Rap was born in the late 70's in Brooklyn, and it was given legs by Jamaican born DJ Kool Herc, it was music. You could understand it. It wasn't violent. It wasn't dirty. It wasn't about sex or drug use. It was meant to make you feel good, dance and have a good time. It continued with The Sugar Hill Gang, Kurtis Blow, Run DMC, LL Cool J, and others in the 80's. However, somewhere it took a turn for the worse. It no longer became about the music and it became more about the obscene. Luke and the 2-Live Crew was one of the first I remember starting that movement. And, it has escalated. And it continues to go down hill. Rappers like Biggie Smalls and Tupac Shakur have lost their lives, because of this lifestyle. I could list example after example on the negative issues involving Rappers and Hip-Hoppers. Ever since the Imus issue earlier this year, in which shock jock, Don Imus was fired for calling the Rutgers Women's Basketball Team "Nappy Headed Ho's", Black Community Leaders such as Al Sharpton have called for the Rap/Hip-Hop Industry leaders and Music Labels to clean up their acts. Imus cited that the term he used came from a Spike Lee movie, and it was not his terminology. Sharpton most recently organized protests in about 20 different cities, including Houston, to get something done about cleaning up the lyrics. And, I hope that the industry will clean itself up. If it worked for so many years, with 'PG' lyrics and it being about the music, why can't it be that way again? Why must it be about smut or violence or drugs. I always hear the excuse, "Well that's how we grew up. All that ____ was around us." So why then perpetuate the stereotype? Why not Rap about something positive and give the community some hope? Why not make it coherent and understandable? Music should be a positive influence on the youth of America. I'm not saying also that Rap/Hip-Hop is the only format that is guilty of it. There are problems with Rock, Country, and even Pop music. However, it sticks out like a sore thumb with Rap and Hip-Hop and as I said, R&B and Soul has always been my favorite style of music. It has ruined the music that I love. Young men and a lot of young women, don't want to be singers anymore, they want to be Rappers. Not too long ago, I was at the Galleria and some young boys were sitting close to me in the food court. They were listening to their Ipods and Hip-Hop clothes, and they couldn't have been no older than 11 or 12, they were "singing" some of the lyrics, which included many words which should not even be uttered by adults, yet here these kids were happily rapping them out loud for all to hear. And, even the so-called "Radio Versions" that you hear on "The Box" or "Party", they have holes or scrambling where the dirty words are, but you still know what they are saying. Sadly, this is how the Hip-Hop Culture has evolved. Why can't they clean it up? Why can't they see what they are doing is hurting the Youth of America, not helping it? Now, I know Al Sharpton is guilty of promoting his own agenda and it is more about the self-promotion than cleaning up the community, but he's right on this issue and so is Bill Cosby. Like it or not, just like Sports Figures, you, in the Rap and Hip-Hop Community, are role models, too. Kids look up to you and they want to be like you. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't want my son or daughter exposed to that, listening to that, or growing up in that kind of lifestyle. It's time to bring the "feel-good" and positive lyrics and music back to Rap and Hip-Hop. It can be done and you can still make money off of it, and who knows it might actually have some staying power, which most Rap and Hip-Hop doesn't have these days. Feel free to comment, and if you do, don't tell me I don't understand because I'm white. I grew up around mostly Black people and Black music and I understand a lot more than you think. Give me a reason to understand what the appeal is and why I am wrong.
Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, and Paris Hilton... their names seem to dominate the entertainment and hollywood news shows and I can't figure out for the life of me why?! Maybe at one point Britney was a cute girl, who appealed to the junior high circuit and some perverted old men. But let's face it, she's not exactly Streisand when it comes to music and she's not exactly Giselle, when it comes to looks. Then there's Lindsay. Sure she was a cute little girl in movie like the remake of "The Parent Trap", but as she's gotten older, her movie roles have become just as suspect as her driving... "Herbie Fully Loaded?" I'm surprised Volkswagen didn't buy all the copies and have them destroyed. I saw "Mean Girls" on a plane, and that was ok. Not to mention, I'm trying to figure out her appeal, as far as why she is considered attractive?! If you look closely at her, the drinking, drugs, and smoking have taken their toll. Then, you have party princess Paris. The star of such hit shows as "The Simple Life" and "The Simple Life 2", and the show I guess got too big for Fox as it's now on that big cable network "E". Oh, and I forgot about her blockbuster movie, which shows a not-so-simple-life Paris with an ex-boyfriend and let's just say that the video is not meant for all-audiences, well at least those under 18. Besides that and crashing every celeb party in L.A., what has she done? I wished I could say it's her looks with her, but her sister Nikki is much better looking than her, and much classier. My point is what makes these three worthy of all the coverage they get? Why are we so enthralled with what these oversexed, undertalented idiots that can't stay out of trouble? Is it the "wreck" factor? You know what I'm talking about, it's why some people watch NASCAR. They just want to see the wrecks. Are we watching these three just to see how they will "crash and burn" next?! Do you think they keep messing up and doing all the wrong things, because they wouldn't be worthy of the lead stories without acting foolish or getting arrested?! Maybe they would be an after thought, buried in the entertainment news, like the box office figures for the week. With my job, I have to watch Access Hollywood (weekday mornings at 4:30am and if you're not an early riser, weekdays at 12:30pm, after Fox 26 News at noon... there I got in a plug for the company). I can't remember when there was an episode without Britney, Lindsay, and Paris?! I just want to ask the paparazzi, what is so darn interesting about Britney ordering a combo meal at Carls, Jr. (a west coast Whataburger wannabe) or picking up some vitamins at the store? Or. when was the last time US Weekly, People, In Touch, or OK magazine had an issue that didn't have one of these girls in it?! I just want to know, what is it that has everyone who follows the entertainment industry, so wrapped up in the personal lives of these three and why are they so popular? Who put them on the "A" list?! I will give Paris a little credit. She hasn't had another mug shot in awhile. She seems to be keeping a lower profile. But, between Britney's tirades, her make out sessions with college guys, her hit-and-run parking lot debacles, it's been a media circus... "Oops, She Did It Again and Again and Again and Again and... " Then, Lindsay seems to be stuck on the "Robert Downey, Jr. Tour of the finest rehab facilities". Here's my advice to the Hollywood crowd who wants to lead a clean and sober life... get out of Hollywood, quit hanging around with the same circle of friends, and don't hang out places where the serve copious amounts of alcohol and where drug dealers swarm like buzzards over road kill. You have the money. Go get a place in Montana, Delaware, or how about Midland-Odessa. Somewhere where you will not be tempted to "hop off the wagon". It's just amazing how much people are fascinated with these three drama queens and I just want to know "why?"
Michael Moore's SICKO
Jul 7, 2007 | 6:00 PM PST
Category:
Entertainment
I realize when you mention the name Michael Moore, in the heart of Bush Country, you don't always get a good reception. But, I urge everyone regardless of party affiliation, conservative, liberal, moderate... wherever your views lie, to go see "SICKO". It may be a little difficult to find. I only saw it showing at a handful of theatres. I saw it today at the AMC 24 Willowbrook (NW Houston). It is an incredibly moving film. I'm not afraid to say I was moved to tears more than once. But, it really exposes the healthcare crisis in this country, and whether you are for a National Government Controlled Healthcare System or Continued Privatized System, there is a big problem in this country when people that are truly sick and can't afford Healthcare, can't get the treatment and end up dying, especially little children. Like I said, I approached it from a Non-Partisan Standpoint and I urge everyone to watch it. And, even if you don't want to go to the theatre and watch it, rent it or watch it when it comes out on DVD/PPV/Movie Channels. I guarantee if you approach it the same way I did, you will not be disappointed.
I also saw "TRANSFORMERS" last night, which was great if you love a lot of action... and I mean A LOT of action!
