Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Simple Thank You


I made a quick dash to a small neighborhood community market this morning. I usually stop by this particular market about 3 times a month as their loss leader of bananas are consumed rapidly in my household. The prices on produce is amazingly low, although quality does suffer. The personnel at this store are not normally friendly (so it it is not always an enjoyable shopping experience). However, I wanted to purchase some milk and some inexpensive produce and avoid the long lines at the traditional grocery stores on the morning before Thanksgiving. After putting the produce in the car trunk I pushed the grocery cart back to the corral. The owner of the store happened to be outside and said, "Thank You." I left feeling much better about my shopping experience. Have you thanked YOUR customers? These two words are very important.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Monday, November 24, 2008

100,000 Miles


Last week my 13-year old car odometer hit that magic number of 100,000 miles. Most cars residing in California would have reached that magical number years ago. I was hoping to buy a new car soon. I keep holding on for improved gas mileage and new electric car options. I hope they'll be more standardized in a few years. Can I hold on that long? Will my car fall apart? Luckily, my car is a Subaru and I'm pretty sure it will hold up. Now, if I had a car manufactured by those auto-makers who had their tin cans out last week I would have less hope.

Friday, November 07, 2008

Veterans Day


Tuesday, November 11, is a day to honor all the men and women who have served in America’s armed forces. As an American, I thank them for that service. Veterans Day is observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. Veterans Day should be a celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first Armistice Day with the following words:

"To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

The Library of Congress is working on a Veteran's History Project (VHP). Veterans of wars and U.S. citizen civilians who were actively involved in supporting war efforts (such as war industry workers, USO workers, flight instructors, medical volunteers, etc.) are invited to share their valuable stories. These collections of first-hand accounts are being archived in the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress for use by researchers and will serve as an inspiration for generations.