text:
JORDAN, Minn. — A Minnesota woman says she was shocked when her small dog began caring for an abandoned kitten, then started producing milk and nursing the fuzzy gray stray to health.
Pat Weber says the kitten was days old when her grandson found it in the family's barn in early September in Jordan, about 40 miles southwest of Minneapolis.
She says the 2-inch-long kitten was "ice cold." But she felt it move, so she wrapped the kitten in a warm towel. Then it began meowing - and her 4-year-old Pekingese perked up.
The tawny pooch named Mittens began licking the kitten, who nuzzled in and began suckling. Mittens hadn't had puppies in two years, yet she eventually began producing milk. She's been nursing the kitten ever since.
Weber calls it a miracle.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
by Sune Haugbolle.
So, after months of wrangling, Hariri yesterday finally proposed a cabinet line-up to President Michel Suleiman, and to the whole of Lebanon's fractured political landscape. As expected, the proposal follows the earlier idea of a unity government with a 15-10-5 division of ministries, 15 to March 14, 10 to March 8 and 5 to Suleiman's lot.
The main problem with the proposal is that it was essentially put forward without a prior agreement – since an agreement couldn't be found. Hariri failed to meet Aoun's demand that he get the Interior Ministry, and that his son-in-law, Gibran Bassil, keep the Telecommunications Ministry. Hizbollah, for their part, have refrained from putting pressure on Aoun, and without that happening the old rhino is unlikely to budge. This is to say nothing of Hizbollah's own problems with the proposal, which falls short of meeting their own demands of guarantees.
So, nothing has chnaged really. Perhaps the only thing that should make us wonder is the timing of the announcement. Of course Hariri couldn't stall forever; something had to happen, even if he likely knew that March 8 would reject his cabinet proposal out of hand. On the other side, it is possible that there were regional strategic reasonings behind Hariri's actions. The proposal comes while Syria, March 8's strongest external ally, is caught up in a spat with Iraq over last month's Baghdad bombings, for which Iraq holds Syria partially responsible. (For Danish speakers, here is a link to me talking about the Syria-Iraq controversy on Danish TV DR2 last Tuesday).
Bashar al-Asad has refused to even acknowledge the nature of the problem, and despite Turkish and American attempts to set up a joint committee to investigate the border, Iraq is taking action on its own. Since last week, Iraqi security forces have been gathering on the Syrian border in an attempt to curb infiltration of Ba'athist militants, and Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki is pushing for a UN tribunal to investigate foreign complicity in the bombings.
If Hariri has indeed reacted to these events, which occupy local media quite a bit more than international ones, he may have calculated that Syria's focus on its dispute with Iraq, in addition to increasing domestic and international pressures on Iran, will weaken Hizbollah to the point where it is compelled to accept his cabinet. If this is indeed the case, Hariri has made a mistake: Hizbollah's strength or weakness is not so much relative to regional events, as we have seen before, but primarily an effect of their own perception (which is ever strong and determined). Therefore the most likely outcome of the cabinet proposal is yet more threading water for Lebanon.


text:
The British Geological Survey's Geochemical Baseline Survey of the Environment (G-BASE) project (Johnson et al., 2005) started to systematically collect soils as part of its UK regional geochemical mapping programme in the late 1980s.
Between 1986–1988, over the Chalk of the Yorkshire Wolds, where there was no or poor drainage yielding very few stream sediments, soil samples (standard depth 30–40 cm, i.e. deep soils) were collected from 502 sites at a density of one site per km2 (BGS, 1996).
Similarly, between 1988–1990 in some lowland areas of Lancashire, Cheshire and parts of north-east Wales, 2064 soil sites were sampled (standard depth 30–40 cm, i.e. deep soils) at a density of 1 site per 2 km2 in areas where the low-order drainage was sparse (BGS, 1997). Further soil samples collected from eastern parts of Wales are described in BGS (2000).
Since the 1990s soil samples have become part of the systematic geochemical mapping of the UK both in rural and urban areas at sampling densities of 1 site per 2 km2 and 4 sites per km2, respectively. A standard sampling methodology has been established and is described by Johnson (2005) and summarised below.
Topsoils (5–20 cm) and deep soils (35–50 cm) are routinely collected from every site though generally only the topsoils are analysed for some 50 elements by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRFS). Some geochemical images of a selected number of elements are available in the electronic atlas of central and eastern England.
A summary map of the soil sample sites from England, Scotland and Wales — G-BASE soil sample sites map).
Northern Ireland was systematically sampled using G-BASE methodology (see Smyth, 2007) as part of the Tellus Project 2004–2007. As a result of the Tellus Project, Northern Ireland has the most comprehensive coverage of regional soil geochemical mapping of any nation of the UK and preparation of a geochemical atlas of the Tellus soil data (Northern Ireland) is in progress.
On-going rural sample continues in England around the perimeter of Greater London as part of the London Earth Project and in Scotland as part of the Clyde Basin Urban Super Project (CUSP). During the London Earth Project an additional sample of surface soil (0–2 cm) was collected from the majority of sites though this sample has not been routinely analysed.
From an environmental perspective, the geochemical mapping of urban areas using soils as a sampling medium has become a priority, as exemplified by the London Earth Project. The urban work is described by Fordyce et al. (2005) and more recently by Flight and Scheib (2011).
Urban geochemistry reports based on soil samples can be accessed from G-BASE urban geochemistry.
By the end of 2010 the following urban areas have been sampled: England — Corby, Coventry, Derby, Doncaster, Hull, Ipswich, Leicester, Lincoln, London, Manchester, Mansfield, Northampton, Nottingham, Peterborough, Scunthorpe, Sheffield, Stoke-on-Trent, Telford, Wolverhampton and York; Wales — Cardiff and Swansea; and Scotland - Glasgow. Belfast and Londonderry in Northern Ireland were sampled as part of the Tellus Project.
Soils are collected using a Dutch auger taking 5 subsamples at the corners and centre of a 20 m square. A topsoil (5 to 20 cm) and a deeper sample (35 to 50 cm) are taken at each site. Samples are collected from alternate 1 km grid squares though in urban areas sampling density is increased to four samples every km2. Samples are collected in KraftTM paper bags
The deeper soil samples are dried then sieved to -2 mm and are only routinely analysed in areas where drainage is absent. The topsoil samples are dried and sieved to 2 mm and pulverised in agate ball mills then pelletised for XRFS analyses of a wide range of trace and major elements (Ag, Al, As, Ba, Bi, Br, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Ga, Ge, Hf, I, K, La, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nb, Nd, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Si, Sm, Sn, Sr, Ta, Te, Th, Ti, Tl, U, V, W, Y, Zn and Zr). Loss-on-ignition (450ºC) and pH is also routinely measured.
Geochemical data, including the G-BASE soil results are available under licence from the British Geological Survey. There is a data licencing and handling charge plus a charge of £0.50 per data record (with discount for large numbers).
Some or all of these charges can be waivered for academic use of the data. Contact BGS Enquiries.
The G-BASE data licencing policy is being revised in May 2011 to coincide with the release of the London Earth soil data. The London Earth data will be available free-of-charge but with a fixed data licencing and handling fee of £150.
Excess sample powders have already found use in many research projects. These are archived at the National Geoscience Data Centre (NGDC), British Geological Survey, Keyworth, Nottingham, UK. Information concerning the availability of the Tellus Northern Ireland geochemical data can be found on the Tellus data licensing web page.
BGS data are protected by NERC copyright, Tellus data are protected by Crown Copyright.
BGS. 1996. Regional geochemistry of north-east England. Keyworth, Nottingham. British Geological Survey. ISBN 0 85272 255 9.
BGS. 1997. Regional geochemistry of parts of north-west England and North Wales . Keyworth, Nottingham. British Geological Survey. ISBN 0 85272 307 5.
BGS. 2000. Regional geochemistry of Wales and part of west-central England: stream sediment and soil. Keyworth, Nottingham. British Geological Survey. ISBN 0 85272 378 4.
Flight, D M A, and Scheib, A J. 2011. Soil Geochemical Baselines in UK Urban centres: The G-BASE Project. Chapter 13, 186-206. In: Mapping the Chemical Environment of Urban Areas. Johnson C C, Demetriades, A, Locutura, J. and Ottesen, R T. (Eds.). John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., Chichester, UK.Fordyce, F M, Brown, S E, Ander, E L, Rawlins, B G, O'Donnell, K E, Lister, T R, Breward, N, and Johnson, C C. 2005. GSUE: urban geochemical mapping in Great Britain. Geochemistry: Exploration, Environment, Analysis, 5 (4), 325-336.
Johnson, C C. 2005. 2005 G-BASE field procedures manual. British Geological Survey, 65pp. (IR/05/097) (Unpublished).
Johnson, C C, Breward, N, Ander, E L, and Ault, L. 2005. G-BASE: Baseline geochemical mapping of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Geochemistry: Exploration, Environment, Analysis, 5 (4), 347-357.
Smyth, D. 2007. Methods used in the Tellus Geochemical Mapping of Northern Ireland. British Geological Survey Open Report OR/07/022.


text:
Strange weather in Australia recently: record high winter temperatures, bushfires in spring, hail the size of cricket balls overnight and we woke this morning to an apocalyptic orange glow in Sydney.
Meanwhile our Prime Minister is at the UN for climate change talks and the domestic question is whether we should have our emissions trading scheme ready to go for Copenhagen or wait for the outcome of the Copenhagen talks and a post-Kyoto international agreement.
In today's Sydney Morning Herald, economics editor Ross Gittins has a go at both parties about their complacent approach to climate change and then turns his gaze to population growth and to economists for ignoring the environment.
Even the economists who brought us the emissions trading scheme don't adequately appreciate the problem we've got. They think all we have to do is switch to low-carbon energy sources (ideally by capturing all the carbon emitted by burning coal) and the economy can go on growing as if nothing had happened.
Being economists, they see us as all living in an economy, with this thing at the side called the environment that occasionally causes problems we need to deal with. As usual, wrong model. In reality, the economy exists within the ecosystem, taking natural resources from it, using them and then ejecting wastes, including sewage, garbage, pollution and greenhouse gases.
Not much to disagree with there, but I haven't seen Gittins talk about ecological economics before or what the alternative model might look like. (At the risk of caricaturing his columns, they seem to be, while interesting, a confusing mix of very staid conventional economics one day: 'if the politicians studied a bit of economics they'd realise that people will act in their self-interest and supply and demand will ensure such and such happens' with blanket rejection of economic ideas the next 'if economists studied human psychology, they'd realise that people don't act in their self-interest and so supply and demand can't be counted on' etc).
But perhaps we can look forward to some ecological economic analysis from Gittins in the future.
Photo: View from our front door this morning, photo credit Catherine Page


text:
KAMLOOPS, B.C. - The Kamloops, B.C., man who killed David Holditch because he was flirting with his girlfriend is eligible for full parole just three years after the manslaughter verdict.
A spokesman for the Parole Board of Canada says 26-year-old Steven Roe has had his day parole extended and will continue living at a halfway house in Kamloops.
Patrick Storey says Roe has maintained a positive behaviour and is eligible for full parole while awaiting his statutory release date, set for Nov. 21, 2013.
There's a chance Roe could meet the victim's family because members still live in Kamloops, but Storey says a no-contact order is in place, requiring Roe to leave the area immediately and report the situation to a parole officer.
Roe was originally convicted of second-degree murder in 2007 and was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the Feb. 21, 2006 multiple stabbing of the 18-year-old gas station attendant.
Roe served about one year behind bars when a second trial was ordered which ended in the manslaughter verdict.(CHNL)


text:
May 23, 2019 at 7:36 a.m. (EST-North America).
New article on the Gigantic Kite of Marcel Maillot.
SEARCH the Best-Breezes web site and blog with the search feature.
Chart time line of AG Bell - The Aeronautical Exploration Years available for research (in PDF format)
Francis Rogallo - Inventor of Rogallo Flexible Wing Kite and Father of Hang Gliding.
REVISED - Ver 2.1 of the "Timeline of Kite History" contains a chronological listing of significant events in kite history in both table and graphical format. The historical time line is divided into three sections: Prehistory (1500 AD) to 1800; 1800 to 1900; and 1900 to the Present.
CHECK OUT - Kite History FACT OF THE DAY. Random kite history facts from the Timeline of Kite History are displayed each time you visit this section of the site.
This website is continuously developing. Changes are regularly made to site structure and content. Visit the Best-Breezes Blog section for current information on the world of kiting.
Global Visitor Map
Check out..


text:
CorporateEventBroker.com is the #1 event planning service in New York City. We provide clients with expert advice and planning, all at No Cost. Every venue we work with is examined thoroughly to ensure our clients' objectives are met for any occasion.
CorporateEventBroker.com has been planning New York City corporate events since 2006 and our experienced professionals are experts in events of all sizes. Our capability includes an assortment of corporate events and charity events. CorporateEventBroker.com has experience planning every event from holiday parties, product launches, and fundraisers to presentations, meetings, and client dinners. We take pride in ensuring our clients' success.


text:
Here's an extended, extra-creepy and skin-crawly of the upcoming Scarlett Johansson movie Under the Skin, directed by Sexy Beast tamer Jonathan Glazer and based on the novel by Michel Faber. That really is all we should say about plot because the movie looks weird, lonely, and unnerving in the way a David Lynch face-bending scene is unnerving.
If you haven't read Faber's novel (and you should), it'd be best to know as little about this as possible, even if Species (tenuous Ben Kingsley connection!) was already a thing that happened back in 1995.


text:
I'm all stuck up...
...Ah, ha, ah ha! <--looks nothing like how I said it!
Okay, shoppers, I've been away from frugal, cyber space for a while so thought I would get back into the swing of things by sharing some of those useless tips that change your outlook on life forever!
I use tubes of those 'liquid nails'(TM)-type stuff.
You find them at your local hardware shop in convenient sizes like more than enough to stick a 20 tonne truck back together or nearly enough to reattach false eyelashes.
Invariably, this means you buy the size to do the job and hope you don't have too much left over.
Well, for those of us who do have too much left over, here are a couple of things you may want to try using the glue for.
For those who have never used liquid nail/no more nails or whatever TM names it goes under, it is a special glue in a cartridge and it dries as hard as, erm, nails!
So. When you have finished glue nailing your plasterboard to the bathroom ceiling or whatever, what sort of things can you do with the leftovers?
How about making Doc's knobs of all sizes to suit your knob requirement (sounds rude)?
Big tube/cartridge of leftover Liquid Nails (TM)
Clicky thing to squish said leftover glue -you know what I mean - you have to buy a new one each time because you never remember where you put the old one. I have six at the moment!
Bottle lids of many sizes
Bolts of many sizes to suit your needs
Wooden clothes pegs
Step 1
Get all the stuff together so you can take a neat photo and give people a better idea of what the hell you are on about.
Note the blue clicky thing with the glue cartridge in it.
Step 2
Grab a lid and fill it with the liquid nails glue stuff from your clicky thingy and whack in a bolt.
Step 3
Repeat step 2 as required and whack in another bolt, held securely(ish) with a wooden peg if it won't stand up by itself.
Step 4
When completed, allow to dry (a few days to get hard - fwaar!) then stand back and reflect the important question of life...Why did I do this?
I have arthritic hands (seriously!) and have used these knobs as an aid to help me unscrew bolts from some of my woodwork machines - lathe, drill press, scroll saw and the like.
They dry hard (the glue not my hands) and I find they are easier to grip.
You may think of a multiple of uses for these knobs eg drawers knobs.
If you can think of more than five uses, you probable need to get out more!
We still have not used up all our glue (who'd have thunk it). So what else can we do?
How about a great, easy-to-make, Doc's storage container for all those nice, easy-to-handle knobs you made.
A DVD/CD pack thingy
Hacksaw/sharp knife/good teeth
Some more of that hard as nails glue stuff
The clicky thing that squirts the glue out
Room under a shelf
Step 1
Grab your CD/DVD pack and take apart thusly:
Step 2
Cut the sticking out bit off with the implement of your choice.
Step 3
Under the shelf where you are going to attach the container, apply a couple of dobs of the glue from the clicky thing and stick the base to the underneath of the shelf.
Step 4
Allow to dry - the glue not you -(it wasn't that much hard work) and when dry attach the other part of the CD/DVD pack and fill with useful items such as the knobs we made previously.
Note how the dust already in situ under the shelf remains in place.
Obviously the cleaner had not been into my workshop immediately prior to me taking the photo.
Step 5
Ponder the logic of now having a single container permanently stuck to an area under a shelf that you can not actually get to with ease!
Oh well, somebody might find it a useful tip.
Anyhoo, got to get back to making more toys before I run out of the hard-as-nails stuff.
Doc ;-)


text:
Restaurant Bonding
March 30, 2009 at 7:02 am 124 comments
I like relationships. I even have some. I like to make friends and its fun to talk to people. When strangers come to know each other and become friends, well that's pretty amazing stuff.
But it's not going to happen at my local Outback Steakhouse or the tons of other chains where somebody must have told the wait staff to "bond" with their customers. I'm getting not to like it a lot.
I enjoy good service. I like when people smile at me and are congenial. I know how hard it is to be a server in a restaurant and I hope to make their job as easy as I can. I say please and thank you. I smile. I rarely complain. I try to be a model customer. I think I've sent food back twice in my life and I felt terrible about it. But when the server sits down next to me to take my order, that's just creepy. They're in my space and the first thing that comes to mind is that I'd rather be someplace else.
When they sit down next to Steve he flinches. Noticeably.
Putting coats on the booth bench next to us doesn't help. They slide them over! If they are totally blockaded (coats and shopping bags) then they kneel down, eyes level with the table.
Perhaps they think if our heads are at the same level while we order we're friends. Maybe that equates into a bigger tip? What's next, maintaining the friendship while the food is delivered? Will they be approaching the table, heavy plates in hand, on their knees?!
Personally I don't have a problem with looking up to a waiter or waitress, after all they're standing and I'm sitting. It's OK. We are NOT on equal footing. All I have to do is tell them what I want and eat it. They're doing the heavy lifting.
I'm also getting annoyed with that idiotic announcement, "I'll be taking care of you." Oh good. Now I don't have to purchase that expensive long term care insurance; this nice young woman who just met me is going to take care of me. No she's not. She's going to be bringing me my food, not every day from here on out, just tonight. That's probably about it. And, there's a good chance she's not going to remember the extra lemon.
I can't even remember what people used to say before they started announcing that they would be having a long-term relationship with me as they handed out the menus.
And am I the only one bothered by overly friendly restaurant folks? Am I turning into a curmugeon? Is it time to start cooking again? (Say it ain't so.)
Entry filed under: Miscellaneous Musings.
124 Comments Add your own
No, you're not. I actually have a few restuarants I won't go to anymore because of overly friendly waitstaff. I wish restuarant managers would keep in mind that it is an exchange of business not an opportunity to make a new buddy. It just makes the waitstaff look creepy and desperate.
I understand exactly what you're saying, it creeps me out too. It actually inspires me to tip less.
Not having had the intimate experiences at dinner that you have, I can only say……HEY! YOU get to go out to eat! Taking care of Aged Parent 24/7 means that I don't. Wanna trade?
I totally agree! It creeps me out. Where can you find the right combination of friendliness & deference in a waiter?? The other thing that really bugs me about waiters — referring to me and my husband as "you guys", as in "What can I get you guys tonight?" Hello? Last time I checked I was a woman!!
In my other life I waited tables for over 10 years, went from ice cream to fine dining.
Only time I sat next to someone to take their order was when my family came in.
Once I got to know regular customers, we'd be easier with each other and knew each others names and I could have their coffee or drink on the table as they sat down.
As for saying "I'll take care of you" that's all in the restaurant training so sorry Ami that's something they must say.
I loved waiting tables and got to know lots of interesting people over the years many of whom followed me from restaurant to restaurant.
I enjoyed your blog as usual, and totally agree with you. When the server does that, I want to move over! Of course, there is no where else to go. Sitting down next to you is a big no-no, in my book. Thank you for you comments on this matter.
I'm with you Ami. The other thing that bothers me and also bothered my mother as long as I can remember is when a salesperson calls people "hon" or "dear" or "darling." I'm none of those to that person if I don't know them. That makes me cringe and want to get out of the store as quickly as possible.
Add "what do you guys want today?" (I'm not a "guy") and I'm right there with you. Just the thought of having to cook every day gives me the shivers!
NO! You're not the only one bothered by this idiotic idea. I go to be with the people I chose to be with-not the wait staff! I like it when they ask for my order and don't try to be my friend. I have the friends I want-I also hate when they come pick up the money and ask "Do you need change" When I was waiting tables you took them their change and never asked-I have told the girls at my local restaurants that if they want a tip from me to bring me my change and I'll decide what I'm leaving. So there's my take on this.
Have a great day!
Fergie in WA
OH MY GOODNESS!…..I am thankful that I am not the ONLY person who feels this way!…the WORSE thing???…..when they TOUCH you ( or even WORSE….your spouse!!!) I say…."hands off" and do your job "serving" and quit being so personal!…..WHEW!…thanks for leting me vent with you!….creative blessings….Debbie
PS…..The fact that we do not get a chance to have a "date" together as often as we would like, makes this interference even more bothersome.
Thank you for stating my opinions so thoroughly and pointedly. Going out to a "sit down" restaurant is a special occasion for many people. Yet the wait staff feels they invited to become part of the occasion simply because they have been assigned to "care for you".
Thank you for stating my opinions so thoroughly and pointedly.
i agree!
Have to agree with you – and I can't help but see it as a ploy for a bigger tip. Smile, bring me my food while it's hot, refill my water when it's empty and take my money when I'm ready to pay – that's all that's needed.
I thought I was the only one who was uncomfortable with the close, personal relationship being offered by waiters and waitresses – or is it non-PC to use those names now, too….?
They actually do that? I mean, really? They SIT DOWN next to you?? Eeeewww. No, you're not the only one, Ami, I just didn't know they did that sort of thing, since I live abroad. THAT would totally turn me off to the point that I might have to let the manager know about it, and I would definitely have to tell the waiter/waitress to get off my bench and just take my order. You are not a curmudgeon, these are service people not our friends.
On the other hand, I can't wait to get back to the States to eat out, because at least there, you can get in, get served, and get out! Here, dinner takes a minimum of four hours, when you add up the time to find parking when there is none, walk the mile to the restaurant from the one illegal parking spot you found, get someone to actually take your order, and wait for them to kill and cook whatever it was you ordered and then bring it. Then you get to endure the even longer wait for a check which they won't come and ask if you're ready for and will never bring you until you explicitly tell them to, and you have to get their attention first which sometimes takes an act of the Almighty. TBH, I don't go out much over here, because it's just too painful, not to mention expensive and who has that kind of time to spend eating dinner?
Ami……… Thank you, thank you, thank you for putting this out there. You are going to be surprised at how many people agree with you. I do not eat there…………… period for exactly the same reason!
Ami, I really need to learn that when I get your latest blog page in my in-box I MUST not try to drink anything while I read it! Oh well, perhaps sprayed coffee will catch on as a new type of computer screen cleaner!
Anyways, I can really relate to your feelings about servers. Granted I do not go out to eat all that often anymore, but when I do I am not looking for a new best friend – just a meal I did not have to plan, cook or clean up!
I also think you are a much nicer person than I am since the last time a waitress tried to sit next to me I arched my brow, stared at her and said "Hmmm… your feet must really be hurting for you to so boldly snuggle up to me. Perhaps I should contact the Manager so you can go home and rest?" She jumped to her feet and blushed, and I then told her that while someone may have taught her to do that I found it rude and invasive and she should consider not everyone wanted that much contact with a relative stranger.
Perhaps not the SMARTEST move in hindsight – I wonder just what she might have done to my salad when I wasn't looking …….
Oh, Ami! You have hit the nail on the head on this one! I do not want a relationship with the wait staff. I'm a pretty social person, so I have a rather "full plate" of relationships in my life already – there's my husband, my family, my friends, my co-workers, and even my cat. At this point, while I am still open to forming new friendships, I am somewhat selective about how many new relationships into which I can enter and still maintain the ones already formed. The type of waiter/waitress you describe is becoming all to common – my husband and I have come to refer to this new breed of wait staff as "Graduates of the Eddie Haskell School for Restaurant Wait Staff."
This so similar to what happened to us at "fish" chain a few months ago. Way too friendly waiter. Amazingly, the restaurant closed a few weeks later. Coincidence? Maybe. I know waiting tables is a tough job, but this type of friendship is not needed.
I can't stand this over friendly behavior either! That's why I love Israel! They are not polite! they don't bother you! They don't start with HI! have you been her before? and dive into a canned speech they have said 100 times that day….sometimes I wish they would smile more or check on me more often and sometimes I have to wait a half hour to get the check…but they respect my space and don't bother me or interrupt conversations or try at all to be my friend! I wouldn't trade it for the typical American chain restaurant attitude…
They act like they should…a necessary force that needs to exist in order for the food to get to your table…When I visit the states I'm downright shocked at how annoying American chain waiters can be!
Of course you're being a curmudgeon. All clear thinking people are, or soon become, such. So, I say EMBRACE your curmudgeonliness–revel in it. You've earned it.
Overly friendly food service is annoying. But, you know the harried waitstaff did not conceive of this ploy themselves. It has all the earmarks of "Marketing". I feel sorry for the waitperson who has to slide into MY booth and be chummy….a daunting task. And all for less than minimum wage and the hope of a tip. It's annoying enough to make me email Outback and tell them…..hmm. Because it's going to take way more than that to make me go back to cooking!
Yes! I couldn't agree with you more!
Oh, I do agree! Yes, I like good service, but don't try to carry on this "friendly conversation" with me; we are not friends at this point. I'm probably out for a nice quiet evening with my husband, enjoying HIS conversation. I only want to be interrupted long enough to give my order and return to where I left off.
I have noticed the same thing. I know I was a waitress for a number of years and we never sat down with a customer to take their order and we weren't in a very large town either. Everyone knew each other and we still weren't allowed to do that. Just saying they will be my server is quite enogh. I really don't want a long term relationship with them. Just bring me my meal…do a good job and bring me the check. I"ll do the rest. Thanks for bringing this subjet up.I thought it was only me!!! LOL
I am not at all fond of chain restaurants, there are so many wonderful little local places nearby…but I did have a similar experience recently in Williamsburg, VA, and thought it was just the waiter we happened to have. My husband is very friendly (he'll always be the Human Resources director he once was!) and didn't flinch at all when the fellow sat next to him to take our order. BOTH of us flinched, however (and maybe a bit more than that) when our order was delivered out of order and the hot foods were pretty much chilled. No amount of fake intimacy will compensate for poor service. I hope the waiter laughed off the small tip we left as boisterously as he laughed off our insistance on having our entrees warmed. Another good reason to avoid the chains!
Maybe you should stick with McDonald's or Burger King or Sonic like I do…I can't afford to walk in the door of an Outback, back or front!
Hi Ami,
I was so glad to see your restaurant "best friend" article!! I totally agree with you! I absolutely will not return to a restaurant where the waitress knees down to take my order. Fortunately, I haven't had the experience of one sitting in the seat next to me (and hopefully never will). I'm sure that I would leave without ordering anything!!! I love your blog and please give Madison a nice big hug from me.
I totally agree- we go out to eat to enjoy our company and privacy. Send an email to the head company honcho it you can find it. Creepy is the right word.
No, you're not the only. I agree!!
Sheesh Ami. that last snow storm must have pushed you over the edge. The "sitting next to" part is weird. But I say let them take care of me for a minute, a meal, a lifetime, whatever. Glad to hear that you don't smile 24/7 as suspected. You're human too!
First if you send food back, it isn't a reflection on the server, but rather on the kitchen staff.
If they say they'll be taking care of you, probably the manager has told them to do that. Actually, in regard to that, in looking on line for tennis related gifts for my son, I found a cartoon with a customer seated at a table and the waiter, holding a tennis raquet, says "I'll be your server tonight" which in that case is very funny. (I sent him a mouse pad with that on it).
The ones that irk me are the people — usually the check-out person in the supermarket , who asks "how are you today?" Do you think she really cares how I am if she's probably never seen me before and should I tell her how I really am on that particular day?
Oh Ami, tell me it isn't true. Tell me this is only a one-time thing. I had it happen about 10 years ago here in Wyoming, and I was sure (hopefully) I would never experience it again, but now you have. Creepy is putting it mildly! Maybe that same creepy waiter has moved to Michigan. Maybe only you and I know what this is like. Don't tell me the big chains are going to encourage this bizaaaaar behavior! Carol in Wyoming where we are having a snow day and everything is closed!
Ami…….Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I thought I was the only one bothered by this practice, which, BTW, has been going on far too long!! My parents were both in the restaurant business for many, many years and I know they would be appalled at a server being anything less than totally PROFESSIONAL!
Your blog should be delivered and posted in EVERY chain (and independents that tell the staff to "bond") enough is enough, if they want repeat business, just knock it off!
Oh, Ami! Don't cook at home! You need to save your stove for emergencies! The wait staff will eventually get over this new relationship thing.
Oh How I agree with you! The only time that worked for us was at a restuarant at University Studios Park in California. And that was what they all did, and sang and danced while taking orders. With kids along it was a lot of fun. We have struck up conversations with the wait staff, but only when there were few people in the place and we found the person interesting.
My big gripe is a few minutes into eating being asked: Is everything tasting wonderful? sometimes it is, sometimes I haven't had time to figure that out, and most of the time I am chewing my first bite! have my mouth full! and can't even answer!
Curmugeon? Oh, NO! It's just that, to start with, the servers — KIDS, in my eyes — think nothing of referring to two 75 plus year old ladies as "you guys". They seem to think that that breaks the ice and forms a bond. I have a long memory and, for one thing,remember the definition of guys as being gender specific. The reference to the young servers as KIDS is quite deliberate. My memory tells me that KIDS are baby goats. It is my way of getting even with the use of "guys". If I could afford it,I would only eat where the servers are old enough to know and remember the definitions of these words!
We luv ya. Myrna and Nancy
There was an old restaurant in Boston (Durgan Park) when I lived there 30 years ago. It was well known for having old waitresses (NOT "servers"!) who had worked there forever. They used to pull up a chair and sit while they took your order, but that was quaint and funny. They were even a bit brusque sometimes, but that was their trademark, born of years of schlepping meals. They were taking a load off, being familiar and casual but not trying to act like your new best friend.
I agree with you 100%. Today it's getting to be annoying when a server tries to "friend" the customer. They're almost obsequious. What's wrong with polite, friendly-ish, and just doing the job? In return I will be polite and appreciative, and smile and say please and thank you. And leave a tip.
Ami, send your message to the management at Outback.
Another thing that annoys me is when the server comes over and asks how we "guys are doing" I'm not a guy!
I feel the same way. The first time this happened to us at a restaurant my DH almost jumped up out of his seat. I've been a waitress and a bartender in the past and I would have felt uncomfortable if my boss asked me to sit down with people before taking their order. Not sure if this is a new "modern" way of doing things but I don't like it. Not that wait staff should be our slave, but there are boundries that I think still need to be followed.
Right on, Ami! I don't think it's just Outback, but your's seem to be over-the-top. Maybe we can get business cards printed: "Get outta my space. I'm your job insurance so don't tick me off!!"
Thank goodness, someone finally said out loud what I've been thinking myself, but was ashamed to admit, for fear someone would think I was just an old crab. At one restaurant the server talked to us so much, we felt we had a dinner date with a stranger! We practically ran out of there to the car to get rid of her. I told my husband that I didn't even remember eating – I was too busy responding to her constant comments and questions.
Really, this has got to stop, and it is happening more frequently.
Good heavens, Ami, NO, NO, a thousand times NO! It is not time to start cooking again! Been there, done that about a million zillion times and I'm over it! Now, don't get me wrong, I do cook a "good home cooked meal" for the Sims men about twice a week. More than that just isn't in my repertoire anymore. Between making the Rag Fur Jacket, working on quilting projects, keeping my mixed media journal and going to belly dancing classes there just isn't room for more time in the kitchen. Besides, perfectly healthy grown men should be able to feed themselves! I mean, didn't they used to go out and clobber something with a stick and eat it? I already resigned as general manager of the universe. I think the next big resignation is chief cook and bottle washer. I'm trying to wean them off slowly but I think they're on to me!
As for the waiters whose habits drive you bonkers, either tell them to knock it off or find another place to eat. In these economic times there should be no shortage of restaurants that would be just delighted to have your business!
deb sims
P.S. One of my favorite signs says "Kitchen closed on account of illness–I'm sick of cooking!"
I would NOT like it either! I kinda agree with everything you said and I particularly dislike when the server becomes MY caretaker, MY server, MY anything! Or when they keep interrupting a private dinner with "is everything OK" – "how's the whatever?" etc. etc.
I'm very glad to hear I am not alone, as you are also wondering.
No, you are NOT the only one! I have found this a bit strange myself but since it was Outback, I chalked it up to an Austrailian thing and just smiled politely until they left. I hadn't noticed this happening at other places but then we don't get out much anymore. We moved to a small town in Illiniois that doesn't have such a thing as a large chair restaurant. But when we did I noticed several things better left alone! How about the people at Joe's Crab Shacks (an extremely loud place) who dance and sing on top of tables, or those people at some Steak House chains who line dance and since while snaking through an already crowded floor space? I don't usually go to a restaurant for a floor show or maybe that's a table show!
You are definitely not the only one!
I don't like it when they say "what are WE having tonight". I've asked them what THEY are having, but they never know.
I agree that the sitting with you is creepy. When servers tell me their name I always introduce them to everyone at the table which seems to fluster. I figure it's only fair that we all be on a first name basis!
I often think of commenting on your wonderful blog… This time I have to tell you that I agree with you wholeheartedly! No, let's not start cooking again. Let's just forward this to the owners and managers of chain restaurants! Along with lots of our names!
I'm with you. I don't want to "bond" with those that take my food order or bring me the next size up in those jeans I'm trying to squeeze into. The notion that service with a smile means service with friendship just creeps me out….next they'll want to cut my meat for me…or tell me to eat all my vegetables. ugh!
I agree with you 100%. May I share one of my pet peeves? I hate it when I'm sitting there eating and someone comes over with a broom and a dust pan to sweep the carpet. This is usually in a fast food place. Have you ever seen the particles in the air as they float through a sunbeam? That stuff is landing on my food!! Once I asked the person to wait until I finished eating and I was promptly told that she had to do it because her boss told her to do it.
Ami, of course, I agree with you wholeheartedly.
Please add to that list of annoying traits from wait people (is that politically correct); no problem. Why does that phrase grate on my nerves. I'm not a porblem. I'm a customer and they are there to serve.
you've been to the OUTBACK.
that is one of the reasons we don't eat there!
Yuck….you are not my friend, I brought my own :0).
I agree with you 100%
Hey, I don't care what servers call me or where they sit as long as I don't have to eat my own cooking on a regular basis. The sitting down beside me thing would warrent a motherly arm around the shoulder and statement like "If you wore better shoes your feet wouldn't hurt." I tend to introduce myself by name to my server when they take my order too, but that's just me thinking they care as much about me as I care about them – or maybe NOT.
I have developed quite a few good substitutes for eating out, and they all go into a crock pot but my favorite thing to make is still a reservation.
okay 4 votes and 49 comments?
Who is not voting?
Oh… I also hate loud singing of Happy Birthday with clapping and so much noise you have to stop your conversation.
Like at the OUTBACK…….yeah we don't eat there anymore did I mention that already?
Happy Sewing,
We are doing more cooking at our house ~ while the staff may THINK they are doing better on the customer service front, they ARE NOT. Cute does not equal good.
I absolutely agree. Dean and I went to dinner Friday night… the waitress kept coming by just to chat. Someone from the kitchen brought us our meal, and before we could even pick up the fork, Super Waitress came over and said, "How does it taste?"
Ummmm… we'll let you know. We haven't had a chance to eat yet. Two minutes later, she came back. Then again in another two minutes. Etc.
Yep, that's an annoying bit of classlessness they've taught servers. What really bugs me, though, is when the female servers act flirty with my husband! I know they aren't flirting with him seriously, but it's still obnoxious.
Outback Steakhouse has been doing that for years and yes, I don't care for it either. When I go out to eat with my husband, it is "special time" for the two of us and overly chummy waitstaff takes a bit of that away.
Thank you. I thought it was because I am old and plain looking. I thought maybe they think they are doing an animal rescue commercial.
I agree! And, while we're on this rant, I would prefer to never hear "guys" again!! As in, "Is everything okay for you guys?" "Can I bring you guys anything else?" When did the word "you" become unable to stand alone?!?
I never thought about it, but you're right— esp at outback they do this. It MUST be in the training.
Other places do it too, and this just happened to us over the weekend. We were having an especially bad couple days and went out to eat with three of our 7 kids. This gal wanted to be my best friend, and I just wanted to relax and not worry about my troubles, and was not in the mood for gay banter with the server!
With us, they invariably want to compliment us on our kids, "oh, you have three boys, isn't that nice!' I just say 'yes, it is'. But my hubby usually wants to clarify that we indeed have more kids than that, they just aren't with us. STOP! You don't need to tell her anything! Just agree so she can go away and get our food!
p.s. I like what Holly said (above) about introducing the server to everyone at the table. HAAA! That's great. Although I really DO want to know the servers name in case I have to flag them down for something— I still think that's clever. :) :) :)
Wow, you definitely hit a hot topic–49 responses in less than 4 hours.
You are absolutely right — it's creepy, it's rude, and it's annoying. Especially when they continue to stop by the table — while we are in the middle of our own conversation and they just start talking. Please leave us to enjoy the meal — and keep our glasses full.
NO, you're not a curmudgeon. Just one more reason (other than that we can't afford it) to NOT go to Outback. There may be a cure for it. Sit at a TABLE not a booth. I find it difficult to slide out of booths, so almost always request a table. Maybe Outbacks don't have tables??? If that happened to me, I'd probably give the poor wait person (or whatever they are called nowadays) a withering look. You've expressed my views well Ami.
I absolutely agree with you, Ami! I hate it when the server sits down with me — that's why I tend to sit on the outer edge of the bench if I'm in a booth. I can move over later, when the danger is past. ;) I don't mind a friendly server, but we're not going to be bosom buddies, so the too-personal stuff is out of line.
I am so glad you wrote this! I have stopped going to the local steak house for this very reason! I do not want people in my space that I have not invited to the party.
Loved reading all the comments! About 26 years ago hubby and I (young newlyweds at the time) were having dinner at a chain Mexican restaurant. I didn't finish my entree but when the waitress came to our table I asked her what they had on their dessert menu. She folded her arms and said, "This is just like Mom's. You don't get dessert until you finish your dinner!" I was so embarrassed and appalled at being treated like a child that I don't even remember the rest of the meal. I do, however, remember that we left her a 1 penny tip — hope she enjoyed it.
The first time a waiter sat down next to me I thought it a little quirky as in "isn't he a strange bird?", but when it happened again I didn't like it. But worse is when the staff rushes up to the table & asks "Is everything all right here", then breezes off before you can ask for more water."
I totally agree with everything you said, Ami.
I also agree with those who mind the frequent interruptions. My pet peeve is being asked if everything is OK when I have just taken a bite of food and cannot respond or we must interrupt the thread of a lively conversation to reply to a "team member" who stands insistently waiting for our evaluation of the food. This happens far too frequently. I appreciate their wanting to know how the meal is received, but once per meal should be sufficient, with the question asked at an appropriate time. I join the ranks of curmudgeonhood.
I totally agree!! I haven't been to Outback in ages because of this and don't plan on ever going back. I noticed the last time we went to Applebee's, they're starting to do the same thing. They don't sit down but crouch down so you're actually looking down at them. Creepy!
I hear you. The only person that would be "invited" to sit by me at a restraunt is an old friend who passes by, and then I hope the visit will not last long.
I forgot, Another thing that really bothers me is when the check is brought and cash is layed out, the waiter/ess asks "Do you need change"? They will get a better tip from me if they say "I will be right back with your change". I find Applebee's is really bad about taking forever coming back with the change or coming by in the first place to finish up the transaction. My gripe.
Poor Ami,
Sounds like you're getting a little testy. But you are definitely not a curmugeon!
(which I think I spelled incorrectly)
I too am a little put off by that stuff, but we make a point of hardly ever eating
at one of those type chains, with the exception of Carrabas. Since I really think its
cool to call people on that sort of stuff, how about you nicely ask them if that is what
the management asked them to do and then point out that it makes people uncomfortable.
Things don't change unless the squeaky wheel squeaks!
Love and kisses, (is that too familiar?)
I, too, cannot ABIDE a server squatting and/or sitting at my table. Last time I checked, I was renting the space for the duration of a meal…not so they could sit down!
Another "long ago" skill that seems to have been forgotten is WRITING DOWN MY ORDER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I did NOT order MuShu,
"Tiffanye"….I ordered the shrimp! No, I'm NOT the "frosted beer mug"……I asked for COFFEE!
They're called SERVERS, not DINNER COMPANIONS!
And the whole "Do you need change?" gambit…I reduce my tip by ten percent when they do that. And if they keep the coins and just give me the dollars, I reduce my tip, too.
I have waited tables and I know it's hard. But a waiter is NOT your "friend". And the next one that calls me a GUY as in "you guys" is going to get the rough side of my tongue if this menopause attitude of mine persists.
And just because I'm a woman doesn't mean my husband or companion is paying! Put the check IN THE MIDDLE!
whew. Sorry about that hot flash.
seriously, i need a life.
I agree 100%. I don't want to be their friend. I just want a meal that I don't have to prepare myself. I have a 'point system' It begins with a 20% tip. If the waiter approaches my table and says "how are you guys tonight?" That's an automatic 5% reduction. Another 5% goes off if they sit at the table. An additional 5% is deducted if they take my money and the check and ask "Did you want change?" The waiter/waitress will always get a 5% tip from me, but if they follow 'my rules' they'll get a 20% tip. Of course if they're grumpy or slovenly, I will make an amendment to my point system.
I agree with most of the comments. We have lots of buffet style restaurants here. All the servers do is fill your glass or bring coffee. Maybe you would find inner peace there.
I agree totally that the sitting down waiter is in the wrong. Contact the manger of the store first and then on up the line to the president of the company, if you can get their contact information, with a request to cut out this nonsense. If they want their staff to make the tips they need (since they don't pay them a decent wage to begin with) they will recognize how much this "marketing" behavior puts their valued customers off and hurts their bottom line. A return to professionalism in the service industry is way overdue. It will take a lot of compaints from customers to make it happen.
And another thing….don't come back and fill my coffee cup or my ice tea glass after I have half of it drank. Do you know how long it took me to get the sugar, cream, and lemon just right? It seems like there are more than just one or two of us having some PMS attacks. Thanks, Ami, for giving us a sounding board.
It also annoys me when my server tells me to "enjoy" my meal. Not "I hope you enjoy your meal" just "enjoy".
I agree with all the above comments……..and would like to add another thing that really irks me….false advertising.
I don't kno if it's aired in your neck of the country, but we have an Italian franchise that airs their commercial with….."…when you're here, you're family." The last time I went there I asked the waitress what the manager's name was and later when she brought the bill I told her to give it to him (using his name) since in my house, I don't charge my guests and according to thier ads, we're family! Of course this was said teasingly (sort of) but other than causing my family to study the underside of the table it did give her a moments pause.
I frequent places where the host/hostess is polite, the waitperson introduces him/herself presents the menu and gives us time to make a choice, then after serving us, leaves us alone while observing our progress descretely. (My Mom managed restaurants, having worked her way up, and took pride of presenting good taste in all departments.
This reminds me of one of my college professors (Philosophy) who complained to the class one day that the garbage man had called him by his first name, Milton. Dr. Mayeroff said, "I'm not 'Milton' to him!" I don't think my professor thought he was better than the garbage man, but their relationship was not on a first name basis. I too hate the waiters referring to us as "guys."
That Outback custom is annoying…but with me its only topped by a local steakhouse chain that before they take your order they ask if they may call you by your first name—-I was speechless the first time this happened, luckily my husband jumped in and said " not necessary". I just want them to be polite and bring me my food, I don't want a new best friend. And yes I do want my change back.
If you are a curmudgeon then so am I!! I like pleasant servers but there ARE boundaries… no squatting so their chin is on my table and definitely no sitting down with the family. They are not my family. My family helps or serves me without benefit of salary or tip. Try that one on these chain executives.
Oh golly that made me laugh even while it creeped me out, lol! I haven't been out to eat in so long, I hadn't noticed this new trend. Guess I'll stay home or get take-out!
I haven't had your problem but do wish they would stop by every 5min to ask"is everything Ok?" It can get old especially when you are trying to carry on a conversation.
My biggest peeve is everyone around carrying on a phone conversation whenyou want to talk with who you are with
Right up there along with the chummy servers is another pet peeve — waiting until my mouth is full and then coming by the table to ask if everything is ok. Worse still is asking a question that needs more than a yes or no answer — and I'm sitting there chewing my food unable to answer. Do they teach that in waitress school? Drives me nuts!
But do they thank you when you leave? I mean "Thank you" and not "have a good one"
Sorry to tell you, Ami, but that was my first thought…cook at home…However, what I do…praise DH's efforts at the stove, oven, or BBQ. Let him hear you brag to your friends what a great cook he is, and how spoiled/blessed you are. My DH is in there right now warming up last nite's stuffed bell peppers and Spanish rice. I make a special effort to compliment some part of the dinner he fixes, and thank him for the effort. Then I rub his feet every nite before he goes to bed…Works great for me!
Beyond the eye level contact I can not abide when the wait staff comes to the table and says " how you guys doing?" I am not a guy. I put myself thru grad school by waiting tables. I would never do the eye level thing or call the people at the table "guys". Tip percentage goes way way down.
I agree totally and the think I really hate is the "guys" thing. Last time I looked I was still a female.
Now I have a question: Which one of us who doesn't like the overly friendly wait staff has taken the time to write/call or email the manager or better yet the company president and let him/her know. They must think it's a good thing or they wouldn't train their staff to act this way and if we don't tell them who will?? Just my 2 cents. And Ami, thanks for walking me through this comment maze. I'm sure Madison is more computer literate than I am and worst of all I nevver read the whole screen where it's telling me how to do something! So TH
I really enjoyed your blog entry today. I was in an Outback Restaurant for the first time a couple months ago. When our server sat down next to a friend of mine, I kind of pulled a funny face – like "Is she joining us for dinner tonight?" I felt very uncomfortable having her sit with us. And then to top it off, she messed up our orders…..Grrrr.
I also hate it when these young things call us "you guys". I'm not a guy or ever will be. Sheesh!
Not only does this drive me crazy, the buddy buddy wait staff policy. The other thing is when they ask if you need change, when you pay your bill. Yes, I need change and ,No you can not have it. I love Alice Spring Chicken, so when we go to outback we sit all the way to the end of the booth, so they can't sit next to us. The last visit there we saw on the bill the suggested tip printed on the bill. It was broken down to 10%,15%,and 20%, with the amount printed next to it. Yeah right. I will tip what I want to tip and IF I want to tip.
Yes, they do that to us at the Outback all the time, I hate it! And I also hate when they say "you guys"…..I am not a guy! And I don't look like one either. As for suggested tipping, what!? We always tip more than the "usual" and I get very offended when I see that on a bill.
Well, that's a first. I've never seen a server sit down to take the order. We don't have the Outback chain here in Vancouver, BC. I'm sure if it's a marketing thing it'll show up somewhere.
Years ago while working in a bowling centre, the management decided they wanted us to say 'how may I serve you?' when we answered the phone. I just hated saying that and would only do it if one of the bosses was near. One day I answered the way they wanted us to and when the man on the other end made a rude comment I said ' I said serve you, not service you.' My boss was standing behind me and heard it, I never answered the phone like that again.
I do remember telling the boys that were working with me to stop using the 'guys' slang when they were speaking to one of the ladies leagues. Everytime they did it I could see the ladies cringing.
Now, I'm a bus driver. Watch your step and have a nice day even said a thousand times in a shift will always sound better than how may I serve you?
Ami, thanks for the heads up. The next time I'm south, I might just to find an Outback and go for the experience.
Cher in BC
Wow!!!!! I disagree and I'm obviously the minority in these comments. The good news is that the world is a great big place and the narow minded, puckered butt respondents can all enjoy plenty of fine dining restaurants where the wait-staff/customer relationship is well established and divided. I'll continue to frequent those places where other humans enjoy connecting with each other and don't feel another human who tries their best to make a tip generating connection is unwelcome. Thank goodness they never actually touched you. That would be beyond vile.
Your survey should be submitted to restaurants who encourage their people to sit down with you — particularly Outback! My husband and I sit on the edge of the booth to stop that activity!
I don't go to a restaurant to meet new people or make new friends. I'm usually with my husband or MY friend(s). How RUDE to sit down and excpect to take an order. WHO THOUGHT THIS ONE UP?
I think that same person was in the "App…." chain in Seattle on Monday…. telling the people in the booth near ours that she would be "taking care of them"… I nearly spit out my iced tea when I heard her say that.
The only time I had someone kneel down at the table to take/deliver an order was at the Playboy Club back in the last century. And that was fun for the guys but as the lone female in the group, I was not amused. Well, sort of – it was fun to see the guys make fools of themselves over the bunny! Wow, I haven't thought of that memory for years…. what a hoot that business trip was. But that's another story.
How about "What are WE having tonight?"
Ami, I find your complaint perfectly valid. Relationships are formed over time and this trend of thinking the superficial, shallow connecting of contrived congeniality means something is absurd! I don't think it is narrow minded to want to be allowed to enjoy a meal out with the person you are out with and not have your space invaded. Good service does not require a buddy-buddy relationship with the customer. Good service is paying attention to and writing down the order accurately so the kitchen prepares the food as requested, paying attention to when the order is ready so the food arrives at the table hot, noticing the level of the drinks at the table and asking before refilling drinks to which the customer has or may have added sweetener, cream, and/or lemon. And please do not interrupt conversation. If we need something we would stop the conversation to make a request of you when you come by the table.
As far as the "you guys" comments, I have the opposite complaint. When I'm sewing, knitting, quilting or socializing with a group of women, We are collectively referred to as "ladies" or "women" or (shudder) "gals" without any regard to there being a male human in the gathering.
If I can deal with that for over 25 years (seriously), I think being referred to as "guys" is a very minor complaint. Especially when 80% of quilt shops talk down to men, most knit shops think they know more than men who shop there, and quilt gatherings are impossible to find roommates to split expenses.
So pardon me, but "you guys" have it easy!
I don't generally like a wait staff person to sit down while taking my order; however, I must confess to having frequented one of our Macaroni Grill restaurants that we've become very good friends with a delightful young woman who, when she can, sits down & visits with us – but she's never done that while taking our order.
Bet all this chummy behavior would stop if someone just reached out to touch the wait staff (i.e. put your arm around them, try to hold their hand, tell them how lonely you are, etc.). Maybe then they would get the picture! I was a waitress in a previous life and my job was to stand at the table and take the food/drink orders. Guess if folks who own restaurants think they should be allowed to humiliate their staff, I won't frequent the restaurant.
My husband and I go to the same restaurant on Sunday mornings. When we go, I always ask the host/hostess "Hey, did you miss me?" It makes them laugh!!
…and that is just one of my pet peeves. Another is the young people who say "you guys' I really, really hate that. I don't care if we are guys or girls, young or old, it is not polite. And that is what will bring me back or keep me away from a restaurant.
Forwarding our combined comments to a selection of chain restaurants is a super idea! I especially the one with the (down) sliding scale for tips.
Maybe we all should adopt THAT!
Myrna in West Palm Beach, FL
Please, Please–pass this on to those in the training business that yes wait staff is there to "take care of your needs" NOT be buddies. The hospitality business is quickly going down hill. Many companies have lost the art of hospitality and it is time to join the world of polite service—-NOT—the world of everyone is a friend to cozy up with!!!!!
It's not a simple question for me. I _HATE_ it when the restaurant tells their staff to do it. They do get in your space it is obviously forced. However I have once insisted that a waitress sit down in our booth for 5 min. She had been working a double shift, in a double area (a lot of staff were ill) and another table had just been really horrible to her, she looked ready to drop. She needed to sit and calm down so we cornered her. I nipped off and told her manager what we had done and why (she knew us and understood she just hadn't spotted the problem). So in that case we were very happy to have her there and she was a really nice and interesting person. So it depends, sometimes it's OK, and actually we often got the manager to pull up a chair while she took our order, again just to make her pause a second. Maybe the staff need to be decent first then everyone would invite them to sit?
Are you guys (ha) kidding me? If there's a cute waiter at a very nice restaurant that wants to sit next to me I'm all for it! But NOT at someplace like Outback or Applebee's. Yuck. Sorry about the snow. It's beautiful here in Tucson!
I agree…eeeuuuwwww! I HATE when they do that! The worst, however, that I've ever encountered was when an overly friendly waitress breezily plopped herself down next to our pre-adolescent son, picked up HIS fork, stirred his food around, and chidingly commented about how she was SURE he could eat more if he really tried. We were so flabbergasted we were left open-mouthed speechless, looking at each other. What she didn't realize (among a host of other things) was that he was a fairly accomplished cook for his age, and he didn't like the dish. Even so, what an invasive breach of social etiquette! Next time we went back, we asked to be seated NOT in her section. That raised a few eyebrows…
Are we sure those 6 "yes" votes are not people agreeing with the sentiment expressed by Ami?
Also, I think the "no" category is insufficient to describe my aversion to the "friendly" practice. How about "not in life, so long as I'm paying you"?
I also dislike it when they call me "honey" or "sweetie" or "hon". I am a customer and not their lover, daughter, or best friend.
Probably too late for anyone to read this but I'll send it anyway. I haven't had anyone try to sit next to me to take my order. It would be impossible anyway as my husband insists on a booth and with four of us, those narrow booths are quite cozy as it is.
I do appreciate waitstaff kneeling at table level, we have fewer mistakes that way and it is easier to hear their Q/A above the surrounding din. I never thought of it as "being at my level".
Otherwise I agree, good service is the key, good fellowship is out of order at a restaurant, try church instead.
We have one restaurant where the new waiter actually put his arm on my shoulder. We have not gone back.
Just Monday we were in Applebee's for lunch, and the waitress squatted down beside our table and told us she would "take care of" us!! So, when I had an opportunity to take part in a survey (on the receipt there was a web site listed), in the comments part, I told them pretty much what you said–that maybe we should cancel our long-term care insurance!! Thanks for the idea–and the giggle, Ami!
And on the same vane–i'm tired of feeling like I need an insulin shot for all the "sugar" and "honey" and "sweetie" that gets slobbered all over you!
Worse than that, I am disgusted by waiters & waitresses asking "Would you like your change?" when taking payment. YES I would, thank you – I'll decide how much tip to put down. The first time this happened, the bill was something like $21 & my husband handed over two 20s & the kid said, "Would you like your change?" WHATTTTT????
I must not go out to eat enough, because I've never had the waitperson sit next to me. I probably would sit there in silent shock. I'm not even sure I could order.
It's a business transaction. If they're my "friends", then I don't have to pay for it. I never pay when my friends invite me over for dinner.
We don't eat at Outback cause we can't stand the noise level, and are so tired of that industrial look so popular in restaraunts. When did heating ducts become a decor item. And I do hate that overly friendly service, especially hon and dear.
I work in a doctors office and hear folks say it on the phone to patients, I could scream, these folks are usually seniors, have some respect! Course these gals I work with probably don't respect their own parents.
[…] of a post I wrote at the end of last month that drew a flurry of excellent comments from readers: Restaurant Bonding. I wrote to Outback Steakhouse suggesting they re-think their policy of having wait staff sit down […]
THIS IS WHY THEY KNEEL DOWN: I read a study once that said wait-staff who kneel down to eye level with customers get bigger tips …. big tips are the incentive for all of this odd behavior…
My son works for Outback and his comment is as follows: I don't sit and people who do and get caught get chewed out for awhile. Fun to watch but not fun to experience. Interesting that your Outback seems to have different rules.
I think this subject is so silly. I had a lot written here, but it's going to make too many people upset to post it. I think most of you are being ridiculous. Really? You're THAT upset that a waiter said they were going to "take care of" you? That's you're biggest problem today? The waitress sat next to you and you're totally horrified? Flinching away from them? You never know how your actions are going to affect someone, so think twice before you flinch away from anyone.
Just one of my musings that apparently hit a nerve. I asked for opinions; I got them. I don't think anyone who commented feels this was their biggest problem of the day. Might have been a nice diversion to vent, however. As for the flinching, trust me, that is involuntary.~~ Ami
I also hate it when wait staff validates my selection. I don't need to hear that I made a good choice, or that my selection is the wait person's favorite. I dont need for a wait person to pass judgement on me. I do just fine on my own, thank you.
Leave a Reply
Trackback this post | Subscribe to the comments via RSS Feed


text:
New long-life battery nears
The Oxyride battery, developed by Matsushita Electric Industrial, maintains higher voltage and output longer because its electricity-producing materials can be packed more closely inside the battery's fuel cell.
Matsushita, which makes the Panasonic brand, also developed techniques for stuffing the cell with more electrolyte, a key ingredient that leads to longer battery life.
The growing popularity of digital cameras, portable music players, handheld video game machines and other gadgets is boosting demand for powerful batteries.
The Oxyride battery will be available in the United States and Europe in April, a year after it was first sold in Japan. Matsushita officials said AA and AAA Oxyride batteries will cost about 10 per cent more than conventional alkaline batteries.
Currently, Oxyride batteries comprise about a third of Panasonic AA battery sales, or 7 per cent of Japan's AA battery market.
From AustralianIT


text:
UICalendar is a calendar and scheduling tool that allows users to manage and coordinate appointments, events, and tasks on the web or any CalDav compliant client.
Department calendars, event calendars, room or resource calendars can be created using the UICalendar web utilities.
The use of UICalendar requires a UICalendar account. Faculty and staff can create their UICalendar accounts online. Students must request an account by sending email to email@example.com. Access requires a UIC NetID and password for authentication.
There is no charge for this service.
UICalendar desktop and web clients have extensive built-in help functionality that probably provide more current information than these documents.


text:
készítő: DuBistKomisch
Copyright 2012 DuBistKomisch, gautamchandna Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License"); you may not use this file except in compliance with the License. You may obtain a copy of the License at http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0 Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" BASIS, THOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied. e the License for the specific language governing permissions and mitations under the License.
Olvasd el a licenc teljes szövegét.


text:
MADRID (Reuters) - Public support for Spain's ruling center-right party has slipped following a high-level corruption scandal and ongoing recession, and Spaniards remain pessimistic about the political and economic outlook, a poll showed on Friday.
Half of Spaniards consider the political situation to be "very bad" and ranked corruption as Spain's number two problem behind unemployment, according to a survey by the state-owned Sociological Investigations Centre (CIS), carried out in April.
A record high unemployment rate of 27 percent, political corruption allegations and austerity measures have eroded support for the two main political parties, the ruling People's Party (PP) and socialist PSOE, the survey of 2,482 people showed.
Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's PP would take just 34 percent of the votes if a general election were called now, compared to 35 percent in January and the 44.6 percent the party received in the election in November 2011.
Recession-weary Spaniards were angered by allegations of graft at the heart of the PP earlier this year, though Rajoy has denied any wrongdoing by himself or the party. The survey showed 56 percent of people have "no confidence" in Rajoy.
Street protests have become a common occurrence in Spain, with over a million taking to the streets in May Day protests, according to unions, though such action has had little effect on government policy.
In recent weeks protesters have stepped up demonstrations with gatherings outside politicians' homes known as "escraches", which the PP has strongly condemned.
The PSOE has not fared well from the corruption scandal because of the public perception of politicians as generally corrupt, with parties the least valued public institution in Spain.
The PSOE would take 28.2 percent of the vote in elections, compared to 33.4 percent a year earlier. Its leader, Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba, inspired "no confidence" in 53 percent of respondents.
Smaller centrist party UPyD would receive 7.4 of votes in a general election, up from 3.5 percent a year ago, while other alternative parties like United Left (IU) have also gained support.
Spaniards were also worried about the economy, which has contracted for seven straight quarters. More than half of respondents described the economic situation as "very bad" and 36 percent expected it to be worse in a year's time.
Spain's next general election is due to be held in 2015.
Reporting by Clare Kane; Editing by Angus MacSwan


text:
Police report
June 10: Officers helped serve an eviction notice.
June 11: A subject was reported being at a residence when not allowed to be.
June 12: Officers responded to the baseball field for a lost child; a parent located the child. A driver was ticketed for driving 100 mph on U.S. 56.
June 14: Trespassing was reported. Officers received a report of possible child sexual abuse.
June 15: Officers talked to a victim of theft and warned an adult male about hanging out with a juvenile female.
June 16: Officers took pictures of criminal damage. A harassment report was taken; the suspect was warned to have no contact with victim. A gas skip was reported.
June 17: Officers recovered a runaway juvenile. Officers responded to a report of criminal trespass; the perpetrator left before they arrived.
June 18: A report of a found puppy was taken at the park. Officers escorted a person out of Marion County treasurer's office for unruly behavior. A stolen license plate was located.
June 19: Officers took a report of harassment and stalking. Questionable behavior was reported at the public pool.
June 20: Officers found shelter for bicyclists traveling across the U.S. Officers investigated a possible gas skip case. Officers issued a verbal warning to a suspect in harassment stalking case.
June 21: A report of violation of a protective order was taken. Two reports were of a phone scam coming from a Marion number were taken.
June 23: A report of ATVs trespassing on the flood project was filed; officers were unable to locate drivers.
Last modified June 27, 2013


text:
Innovation is not just a word for us here at Gloria Jean's Coffees; it is at the very core of who we are. Our dedication to quality and innovation drives us every day to do better, continually exciting and delighting our guests.
Whether it is a range of new whole bean coffees, our home espresso machine G-79 Duo, or even our new look coffee house, innovation is our heartland. We love innovating and not a day goes by where a new idea is not considered – be it our coffee, our food, our merchandise or just the way we do business. Why not check out some of our more recent innovations at your local.
We welcome great ideas so please let us know if you have any suggestions or favourite recipes you'd like to see in our coffee houses. We'd love to hear from you, just send your ideas through here.


text:
You have no items in your shopping cart.
By using patronising EZ-Styles, you are agreeing to all of the Terms & Conditions, as may be updated by us from time to time. EZ-Styles reserve the right to withdraw or amend the Terms & Conditions without notice.
to shop
Do take note that items are based on first pay first served basis. Once item is sold out, and payment has already been made for it, we will definitely refund your money back or you may choose alternatively item to replace.
Products Information
EZ-Styles makes every effort to display, as accurately as possible, the colours of our products that appear on our Web site. However, as the actual colours you see depend on the resolution of your monitor screen, we cannot guarantee that your monitors display of any colours will be exactly the same as the colours of our products.
Exchange Policy for items bought at www.ez-styles.com
at EZ-Styles, we strive to make every customer truly
satisfied with their purchase.
We pride ourselves with sending out items that have passed our quality checks. We do not want our customers to receive anything less than that.
So if you feel that the order is faulty or not up to your satisfaction, please email us immediately after item is received and we will allow an exchange for another item or for credits off your next purchase. As soon as your returned parcel reached our office, we will sent you an email notification.
Exchange for item must be done within 14 days of receiving item.
Pls email us at email@example.com
� Your Order Number
� Details / Faults
� Picture of Faults etc.
Do take note that:
1. There may be a 0.5" - 0.8" difference in our given measurements. In such cases the variance may not be considered as a defect.
2. No cash refunds are allowed for all returned goods except for incorrect item sent
3. The returned goods are your responsibility until they reached our office.
We strongly recommend you to opt for a postage service that allows tracking of
All content (images and text) on this site are the copyrighted material of EZ-Styles and may not be reproduced in any manner without the expressed written consent of EZ-Styles. All prices listed are accurate to the best of our ability. In the rare case an item is mislisted, EZ-Styles reserves the right to refuse to sell the item at the listed price.


text:
$50 Spa Gift Card & Tropicana Giveaway
Tropicana has a new line of juices called Trop50
If you have any questions about the product, there's a handy FAQ page
They are also launching the Trop50 True Resolutions campaign, which celebrates the real reasons behind New Year's resolutions.
As a part of this launch, they are giving one lucky reader of mine samples of the new Trop50 product
a $50 Spa & Wellness Gift Card by Spa Week®.
To Enter the Giveaway:
1. Tell me what one of your New Years Resolutions was and how you're doing on it.
Go to the Trop50 site and tell me something interesting or that you learned.
2. For a second entry, Twitter Follow LV&Y and and then tweet the following:
"I entered to win a $50 Spa Giftcard in the @LoveVeggiesYoga @TropicanaOJ Giveaway http://tiny.cc/uqq4r"
3. For extra entries and you must leave a separate comment for each:
Facebook Like Love Veggies & Yoga
Facebook Like Tropicana Trop50
Pinterest Follow Me & Re-Pin Something of Mine
Stumble Follow LV&Y & Stumble This
or post this Giveaway on your blog
Contest ends Monday, January 30, 2012 and winner will randomly be chosen.
Open to continental U.S. readers only. Disclaimer: I am being provided a sample of the products for free and the winner's prize will be provided by Trop50.
Comment below to enter!


text:
major macro economic indicators
|2018 (e)
|2019 (f)
|GDP growth (%)
|Inflation (yearly average, %)
|Budget balance (% GDP)
|Current account balance (% GDP)
|Public debt (% GDP)
(e): Estimate. (f): Forecast.
- Diversified growth drivers
- High levels of savings and investment
- Efficient private sector; notably services
- Moderate level of external debt; comfortable foreign exchange reserves
- High corporate debt and non-performing assets (NPA)
- Net importer of energy resources
- Lack of adequate infrastructure
- Weak public finances
- Bureaucratic red tape
- Uncertainties over the Kashmir issue
Growth is expected to rebound from a low base
Real GDP growth will likely improve during the 2018/19 financial year, albeit from a low base. Activity was supported by strong domestic consumption (60% of GDP), after a slowdown in previous years due to demonetisation (withdrawal of the 500 and 1,000 rupee notes), and the introduction of a harmonised goods and services tax (GST). Household consumption continues to struggle from the residual impact of these measures, as their influence over the informal sector – although difficult to quantify – remains significant. However, improved financial integration of the poorest households should support demand in the long term. Inflation is set to reach 5.3% by the end of FY 2018/19and is expected to stay stable in 2019, thanks to subdued core inflation. Food prices benefited from normal monsoon rains. This will allow the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to pause monetary policy tightening through the first half of 2019, after hiking rates by 75 bps in 2018. Both factors should be supportive of growth, leading to a slight pickup in FY 2019/20.
The Modi government's reforms – aimed at boosting India's manufacturing sector, attracting FDI, and reducing constraints burdening the economy – should benefit the private sector in the long-run. However, some major headwinds emerged in 2018. Non-performing assets (NPAs) in the banking system are at an all-time high of 12%, which has hindered domestic companies' willingness to borrow money and invest, leading to sluggish private investment. Banks also remain cautious following a series of banking scandals in 2017 and 2018. Reforms aimed at cleaning up the banking system have been put into place, but dealing with NPAs will take time. Moreover, RBI could resume tightening in the second half of 2019, which will lead to higher borrowing costs, exerting further downside pressure on private investment.
Public finances to struggle amid headwinds
The fiscal deficit and public debt levels remain high. The most notable attempt at reducing these was the introduction of the GST, which aims to boost fiscal revenues and make the economy more competitive in the long term. In addition, demonetisation should improve budget revenues by reducing the weight of the informal economy. Nevertheless, fiscal consolidation efforts will be hindered by higher energy prices, as India remains a net importer of oil and subsidises this commodity. Public investment might help to offset the decline of private investment ahead of the elections in 2019, but this will also contribute to a widening of the fiscal deficit.
The current account deficit is also expected to increase. Export growth is set to slow, in line with a slowdown in global demand. Faster import growth will also play a role, with domestic consumption remaining strong, while oil prices will stabilise but remain higher than levels of the past years. Rising demand for gold after demonetisation will also play a role. For these reasons, it is expected that the rupee will continue to experience depreciatory pressure in 2019, while remaining vulnerable to a rise in global risk aversion and a faster-than-expected rate of monetary policy tightening in the United States. At the same time, foreign exchange reserves are set to remain at comfortable levels (nine months of imports in September 2018), and FDI and foreign portfolio investments are on an upward trend.
National Democratic Alliance faces some challenges
India's ruling coalition, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), is an alliance of several parties, of which the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) – the party of Prime Minister Narendra Modi – is the most important. The BJP has suffered setbacks recently, such as losing its simple majority in the lower house of Indian parliament in by-elections on May 2018. Although BJP still rules 18 out of 29 Indian states, it lost support in the 2018 state elections (Vidhan Sabhas), which does not bode well for the party ahead of the 17th Lok Sabha, or general election, scheduled to take place in April or May 2019.
Kashmir remains a source of tensions between India and Pakistan. Diplomatic talks were suspended after an attack on an Indian base in Punjab on January 2016, and relations between the two countries have deteriorated since. New tensions emerged after the Indian army shot the leader of the main insurgent movement, Sabzar Ahled Bhat, in Kashmir in May 2017. Further escalation of violence is unlikely as Pakistan and India both have an interest in preserving the status quo.
Last update : February 2018
Due to the increasingly developed banking network in India, SWIFT bank transfers are becoming more popular for both international and domestic transactions.
Standby Letters of Credit constitute a reliable means of payment, as a bank guarantees the debtor's credit quality and repayment abilities. Confirmed Documentary Letters of Credit are also recognised, although these can be more expensive, as the debtor guarantees that a certain amount of money is available to the beneficiary via a bank.
Post-dated cheques, a valid method of payment, also act as a debt recognition title. They allow for the initiation of legal and insolvency proceedings in cases of outstanding payments.
Debt collection
Amicable phase
The practice of amicably settling trade receivables has proven to be one of the most productive solutions, as it allows the parties involved to deal with the underlying issues of the settlement in a more efficient and cost-effective manner. Average payment collection periods vary between 30 to 90 days following the establishment of contact with the debtor. Local working practices mean that debtors pay directly to the creditor, rather than to a collection agency. Indian law does not regulates late payments, or provide for a legal enforceable late payment interest rates. In practice, debtors do not pay interest on overdue amounts.
Major issues in the country currently mean that debtors are facing huge financial difficulties. The situation has deteriorated since demonetisation in November 2016 and the introduction of the GST unified tax structure (the Goods & Service Tax), in July 2017. The other main reason for payment delays is the complexity of payment procedures and approvals by banks for the restructuring plans of major players in the manufacturing sector. India is faced with a severe problem of bad loans and most of them have been declared as NPAs by the banks. This deteriorating asset quality has hit the profitability of banks and eroded their capital, thereby curbing their ability to grant much-needed loans to industries for their restructuring and revitalisation.
Legal proceedings
Indian companies have a preference for amicable recovery methods, as the country's judicial system is both expensive and slow. There is no fixed period for court cases, while the average length is from two to four years. The statute of limitations is three years from the due date of an invoice. The statute of limitations can be extended for an additional three years, if the debtor acknowledges the debt in writing or makes partial payment of the debt.
Legal proceedings are recommended after the amicable phase, if debtor is still operating and in good financial health, is wilfully resisting payment, disputing the claim for insignificant reasons, not honouring payment plans or not providing documentary evidence.
Type of proceedings
Arbitration: Arbitration can be initiated if mentioned in the sales contract - otherwise the case can be sent to the National Company Law Tribunal (the NCLT) for registered companies.
Recovery Suits: Recovery suits tend to become a long, drawn-out battle and are usually regarded as best avoided.
National Company Law Tribunal: The NCLT was created on 1st June, 2016. It has jurisdiction over all aspects of company law concerning registered companies. Its advantages are that it can hear all company affairs in one centralised location and that it offers speedy processes (taking a maximum of 180 days). It also reduces the work load of the High Courts. The NCLT recently enacted a new Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. Decisions of the NCLT may be appealed to the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT). The NCLAT acts as the appellate forum and hears all appeals from the NCLT. Appeals from the NCLAT are heard by the Supreme Court of India.
Enforcement of a Legal Decision
A local judgment can be enforced either by the court that passed it, or by the court to which it is sent for execution (usually where the defendant resides or has property). Common methods of enforcement include delivery, attachment or sale of property, and appointing a receiver. Less common methods include arrest and detention in prison for a period not exceeding three months.
India is not party to any international conventions governing the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments. However, the Indian government has entered into 11 reciprocal arrangements, and judgments from the courts of these reciprocating countries can be executed in India in the same way as local judgments. For judgments from non-reciprocating territories, a suit must be brought in India based on the foreign judgment before it can be enforced.
Insolvency proceedings
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, introduced in 2016, proposes two independent stages:
Insolvency resolution process (IRP)
The IRP provides a collective mechanism for creditors to deal with distressed debtors. A financial creditor (for a financial debt), or an operational creditor (for an unpaid operational debt) can initiate an IRP against a debtor at the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). The Court appoints a Resolution professional to administer the IRP. The Resolution professional takes over the management of the corporate debtor and continues to operate its business. It identifies the financial creditors and holds a creditors committee. Operational creditors above a certain threshold are also allowed to attend meetings, but they do not have voting power. Each decision requires a 75% majority vote. The committee considers proposals for the revival of the debtor and must decide whether to proceed with a revival plan, or to liquidate, within 180 days.
A debtor may be put into liquidation if a 75% majority of the creditors' committee resolves to liquidate it during the IRP, if the committee does not approve a resolution plan within 180 days, or if the NCLT rejects the resolution plan submitted on technical grounds. Upon liquidation, secured creditors can choose to realise their securities and receive proceeds from the sale of the secured assets as a priority.
Under the current Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, the highest priority is given to insolvency resolution process and liquidation costs. Thereafter, proceeds are then allocated to employee compensation and secured creditors, followed by unsecured and government dues.


text:
I asked this on Reddit but didn't get much of a response. So here goes!
I'm looking for low-cost ways to observe the Transit of Venus this summer. Since I'll only be able to see a few hours of it from my location, and it very well may be cloudy, I don't want to spend big bucks on solar filters.
I've been reading though that shade 14 welding glass will block enough light. What I want to know is if it's still safe to view the sun through binoculars after light has passed through the welding glass. Here's how I'm thinking the arrangement would look:
Eyes <- Binoculars <- Shade 14 welding glass <- Sunlight


text:
I've seen a few vids and the trailer, it looks fine and probably will play the best of the three. But that won't matter, I've enjoyed the games enough that I'll be playing through rose-tinted glasses on my first playthrough no matter what.
I rolled a new character in ME that I plan on playing through 1 and 2 in prep for a fresh, set, character for 3. A chaotic-neutral Infiltrator turned Commando. Having a blast and remembering how much I loved these games for all their flaws.
Anybody else with a similar outlook? Or are you Mass Effect'd out?


text:
Last week I played a gig with Muzsikas at the Artist's Valley Festival in Kapolcs, near Veszprém. Luckily, the festival food is a bit better in those parts. The The Técsői Banda from the Ukraine was busy playing at the Katlan Toni village-style catering area, growing fat on free gulyas and rooster ball stew.After leaving Kapolcs we headed back to Veszprém, my Mom's home town, to catch the train back to Budapest. I still have a lot of relatives living here, and it is certainly one of the prettiest towns in Hungary, if only because it isn't flat.
As soon as I get into Bulgaria I'll be posting more: truly disturbing food, flacid pastries, amazing peasant ladies, and those frightening bagpipes - the gaida - that I love almost as much as Transylvanian Gypsy music.


text:
iZook 2.0 – iZook.com is dedicated to providing Suzuki 4x4 owners valuable information, tips & tricks, and travel information to enhance your Suzuki 4x4 experience. iZook.com has over 600 articles chock full of great information, photos, and stories for the Suzuki enthusiast.
All information is now accessible by using the buttons at the top of this page. We are looking to build and expand our services. If you have any ideas or would like to volunteer your time, please contact us - Thank you.
NOTE: All Sections are complete except Travel & Adventure
Samurai On Poison Spider Trail In Moab, UT During The Zukiworld 'Zukfari


text:
Rob---catch you next week
Update.................After a round of strep throat for Hailey and 3 missed days at school, I get a call saying she got her finger hurt. Her hand was behind the big heavy doors when someone knocked into it. Her pinkie was smashed between the wall and the door :( Not broken luckily but I got to see she left a mark on the wall, a legacy!!! Poor kid's had a run of bad luck. I feel like I'm grounded when I have sick kids! But I dyed H
We finally got some snow!!!! Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday :) It was so nice to get out there and play in the snow. I'm quite the princess about the cold. But if there's snow, it's all good. The kids made "snowcones" with strawberry syrup and maple syrup. Chase is finally liking the snow!!! He didn't want to come in. I guess his leg span is a key factor, last year he couldn't walk in more than an inch :) Kayla and Chase lasted hours longer then Hailey and Trent. Trent lasts about a half an hour and says he's cold :( He's OBSESSED with Super Mario Brothers!!! I've taken to hiding the games for the wii. It's bad!!! Kayla went ice skating with a friend. Her butt wasn't too sore :)
I got dolled up with my friends to go Styleweek Providence. We picked Kurt up on the way and got to watch tons of beautiful anorexic girls work that runway!! Good times. As for me.....I started a pretty good workout routine. I'm almost sore all the time :) Sean's sit up app on his iphone is coming in handy for me too. Two days into that, 141 sit ups later!! Hailey's changeover to vegetarian has made us all eat a little bit better. Not that we ate that bad to begin with, but it's easier when I HAVE to focus on healthy. I've already lost a little hip, which is amazing to me. I need to get a scale now to keep track of my progress. I feel empowered!!!!! Goals for the week: continue my new lifestyle, get boys haircuts and get girls haircuts.
Sorry, I'm a little picture happy :)
What DID I do this week. I finished my shoes.
I started working again on my belt...
I've web doing a lot of photo uploading on the app INSTAGRAM....just a fun app to waste time and share art.
This week I really need to FINISH THAT BELT. I actually want to start separating things to be packed. And desperate clothes that I am actually going to wear. Edit my stuff for my moving/travels. My lease is up end of Feb So the new chapter BEGINS!!
The sixth-grade Chinese New Year party was a hit. I wasn't sure 11- and 12-year-olds would have fun playing games--no media. I'm not sure they thought it would be fun either. But it was! It really was fun. I served dim sum and had them start with playing the guess who game. They ran a game of charades and then played a chopsticks game and then twister. They laughed and talked a lot and ended with a somewhat silly game of poker. Only three kids knew how to play sooo....not really very competitive. Mission accomplished. These kids DO have "people" even though middle school can make you feel alone.
I finished Masie Dobbs for book club and am wondering what there is to discuss...I'll have to work on some questions. One of my goals this year is to read more and I've already finished 5 books in the new year. I doubt I can keep it up at that rate but I LOVE to read when it's cold out.
Carrie has inspired me to do better at exercising. I'm walking with Lori again so that's good. Talk about cold though--who-eee. It's been windy here. Sucks. I have the ongoing goal of filing and organizing papers--maybe a once-a-week commitment would help...we'll see. Maybe Thursday...And I NEED to update the blog with Disney and birthday pictures.