Customer Service Saves A Marriage
Sometime last week, I was closing out the cash register at Franktuary when the phone rang. I’m never sure whether to answer after hours, given the amount of hang-ups and sales calls we field while we are open, but this particular day I answered the phone. A gentleman on the end of the line asks me if we sell Natrona Bottling Company sodas. I am proud to tell him that we do. He asks me what flavors we have. I list them off. He asks me where we are located. I tell him. He’s in the Strip District and wants to know how long it will take him to get to the shoppe. Well, I’m not sure where he is, but I figure this is a good time to mention that we have now been closed for about half an hour. Sad silence. He is sad. I am sad. Geez, the guy...
Critical Mass
Here in Pittsburgh, you hear about an event called Critical Mass fairly regularly. On the last Friday evening of each month cyclists from around the city converge to form one humongous wall of pedaling power. When I first heard about the concept, I was intrigued. However, once I thought about it I felt differently. By its very nature a CM ride sounds like tons of fun if you’re someone who enjoys cycling. The camaradarie, the cool breezes, the power… it all sounds great. Honestly, I’d like to participate sometime, but I’m too aware that the public road system is a tool for transportation as opposed to my personal playground. You see, the trouble is that if you’re a motorist CM doesn’t sound great at all. I’ve seen...
Numbers Don't Lie
And we’re back after a slightly extended pause. Today’s entry, in three stanzas, is dedicated to numbers. 1) Why is it that when I type the phrase “Feb 07″ into a specific worksheet in Microsoft Excel and then strike the enter key that very same cell reads “39,120″? This really happens. I don’t understand. The cell in question is not linked to anything else. 2) According to the inscription on the 16th Street Bridge, it was built in MDCCCCXXIII. 3) (Word Problem – Interdisciplinary): If Tim leaves his house on his bike at 8:19 am and Megan starts walking to the bus stop at 7:36 am, which proprietor will have the coffee ready for John by 8:31am? How much will John be charged for said caffeinated beverage? Please...
Bike Week
Unbeknown to me until today, we are in the homestretch of National Bike to Work Week. I suppose it doesn’t matter much, because in the world of Tim every week is bike to work week. Ironically, the parking garage across the street from my store is full today. How about that? I recall being in Japan and riding a bike to a train station, then getting off the train and walking into a giant bike garage. From there I would take another bike to my destination. It was splendid. Perhaps what this country needs is bike garages. Okay, thanks (for reading).
Pierogi Power
Hello friend. Yesterday I had three meetings in the afternoon. That’s not supposed to happen when you own a hot dog shoppe. It’s finally cold. It feels like winter. My fingers are numb when on my bike, and given the date, I’m somewhat relieved. By the way, we’re now offering pierogies. If pierogies were popular anywhere in the United States other than Pittsburgh I think it would be just splendid to open a stand in New York’s South Street Seaport and call it “Pier 17 Pierogies.” I also think it would be mighty fine if Pier 1 Imports sold pierogies in all their stores, somewhere near the checkout. But, alas, pierogies appear not to be very marketable outside of the Steel City. Of course, as a non-native of western PA...
Follow Us:
Follow Us  |
