Twins for the Aging Affluent

Multiple births are no longer chance occurrences. Fertility drugs are guaranteeing pregnancies and often times more than one egg is fertilized. Result? Twins. Julia Roberts, Jennifer Lopez, Angelina Jolie, Rebecca Romijin, Geena Davis, Nancy Grace and now Lisa Marie Presley are among just a few. The only point to my blog is that having twins used to be a more rare occurrence and has now been mainstreamed by those well-to-do folks that can throw down the big bucks to produce their offspring and the "medical procedure" usually results in twins. No act of God or some divine intervention at work here. Just more of the rich buying what they want and cheapening the entire experience which once was more natural and special.

Memories of Crocodile Dundee

Paul Hogan: from Malone to Millionaire - Features

When I first spoke with Paul Hogan on the telephone, I was under the complete misapprehension that he was THE Paul Hogan, aka Crocodile Dundee and I WAS EXCITED. After all, my family and I were on our way to Malone to stay at his Bed and Breakfast. It was an easy mistake to make when you consider he has the same name AND an Australian accent. I figure him to be about the same age, also.

When we got there, I was surprised and a little disappointed to see it was not the actor. He took our luggage in, and that always makes a great story...or it did back when Joe Millionaire was popular on television. I loved to say how the "brandy sipping TV Butler" carried my bags.

Forgiveness

Finally, a place on the web that has value.

Just ignore me, please

I don't want to hear it. When I sneeze, I would rather not be blessed by friends and especially not by strangers. First off, I was never raised in a home where anyone blessed anyone else for bodily functions. A simple "Excuse me" from the offender was sufficient and expected.

It is a superstitious based custom that I do not partake. I don't exactly relish being coerced into joining the crowd.

I've been at work and one single person sneezes and four or five other associates sing out "Bless you." Distracting and comical. They must think they are being polite. They sound like mindless sheep.

I don't want any involuntary noises I may make acknowledged by others. Can't we just pretend it didn't happen? Why bring attention to it?

And what if the person sneezing has not one but a series of them, as if in a fit? How many "Bless you's" are appropriate? How many shout outs are they entitled to? I have seen those afflicted with numerous spasmodic episode become embarrassed as if, well, they are uncomfortable to be causing a disturbance. Well, of course! It is compounded by the recognition of innocent bystanders. Wouldn't it be less awkward if we all just kept any responses to a minimum? Or just gave no reaction as if the person passed gas? Why not bless other involuntary sounds we make? Burps. Farts. Coughs. Hiccups. Grumbling stomachs. Creaky bones.

In the case for sneezing, if anything, others should be concerned for their own health with all the saliva spewing about.

How bout a "Cover your mouth when you sneeze" for kids instead of sanctifying them? They are more interested in teaching them custom than cleanliness.

Gesundheit, while not a blessing per say, is still an acknowledgment. Let's just sneeze, say "excuse me" and end it.

You're Welcome

When did people stop saying "You're welcome"?

I know when. It was just about the time they adopted the popular term "No problem" or the even more annoying "Not a problem."

Maybe I'm old school, or, just plain old, but I am not going to join the crowd on this one. It sounds tacky and crude. I'm certainly not part of the Hoidy Toidy set, but I'm not willing to let these simpletons undermine the fabric of society by replacing our basic customs and have good manners fall by the wayside.

I don't imagine "You're welcome" will completely fade away when it can still be used sarcastically when someone omits the still fashionable "Thank you." Let us hope not anyhow.

Phone Greetings

Sometimes, it's the little things that matter


When creating your phone greeting, it is always better to be assertive than to be apologetic while still being polite.

Example:

• Good greeting: You have reached ###. I am not available at the moment. Please leave a message and I will return your call. Thank you.

• Poor greeting: You have reached ###. I'm sorry I'm not available to take your call. Please leave a message and I will return your call. Thank you.

Do you see the difference? Are you going to give your control away that easily?

When you let the caller know you are sorry, you give away power. Others will at once think themselves superior, even albeit subconsciously. This is unacceptable. I would never wish to appear weak when giving a first impression which may be what is occurring for this unknown caller who is not familiar with you. You may be the CEO of a major corporation, but they will be left with the impression that it's time for a regime change as you are ripe to be overthrown.

STOP HANDING OVER YOUR POWER. TODAY.