A Pinch of Gunpowder

TELEMARKETERS

    Don't you just love telemarketers? They call you at the most inappropriate time. Of course they call your cell phone so they can eat up your minutes. But they're just the messenger; my anger is towards the companies that hire them.
    As long as the telemarketers get paid via pure commission, it's no risk to them. Some companies are so cheap they outsource their "talents" and so you hear strange accents filtering through the digitized voices that jump across millions of miles of internet phone pulses. My favorite peeve is when the companies pass around the same database to all their minions which results in multiple harrassment using the same script. What happened to the DO NOT CALL list?!
   This afternoon a kid from my gym called up. I could have ended the conversation quickly but the mean streak in me wanted to hear his nervous spiel. I was courteous but deliberately cold. He tried to strike a conversation but I didn't budge. I could hear him running out of niceties and then ... and then ... he said it: "How would you like to come for a free "ASSESSMENT." I bit my tongue. Ooo how I wanted to lecture him on the absurdity of that suggestion. How I wanted to squeeze him to admit that this was a scam. But then I remembered my own kids in their first job. They were so nervous and worked so hard and got paid a pittance. My anger subsided and I simply thanked him for reaching out to me. I made sure his pride was still intact.
   It's hard when you're a nice guy. But you know what? Nice guys make the world more livable. No one wants to be a telemarketer. Most people dream of more glamorous careers but I think the question shouldn't be "WHAT do I want to be?" but "WHO do I want to be?" You can be a nice guy too!

Wisdom from Joji of Antipolo, Philippines

Ponderables
Contributed by Rodney of Manitoba, B.C.

A Pinch of Gunpowder
Contributed by Tom of Pasadena, CA

A tough old cowboy from Montana counseled his granddaughter that if she wanted to live a long life, the secret was to sprinkle a pinch of gun powder on her oatmeal every morning.

The granddaughter did this religiously until the age of 103, when she died. She left behind 14 children, 30 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren, 25 great-great-grandchildren,
and a 40-foot hole where the crematorium used to be.

Public Service Announcement for those in the LA area
(no joke! Thanks to Tom L for this announcement)

Sadly, the organization Women At Work will be closing down. They are having a sale of all excess office furniture (desks, file cabinets, chairs, etc.) and supplies (staplers, labels, folders, etc.) on Friday, March 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday, March 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The sale is "Cash and Carry" and located at 2555 E. Colorado Blvd, Suite 204. Please direct all inquiries to Camille Levee at 626-796-6870 or clevee@womenatwork.org.

Videos of the week:

The Penguin Dilemma
Contributed by Norm of Arcadia, CA

I didn't know penguins were "British." Cute video.

How to Build a Device to Digitize Film Negatives
Contributed by Charlie of New York

Very cool and practical way to convert your film negatives using a contraption made of paper and cardboard, taking a digital shot and adjusting it in Photoshop. Hey! I can do that! These clever Russians!

Flash Mob in a German Library
Contributed by Art of Pasadena, CA

Art sent a few flash mob scenes butI liked this the best. I thought it interesting that after the performance people went back to their regular routine. A reflection of life I suppose. We can compartamentalize our faith in and out of church. Sometimes we love the music but forget the reason for the music.

Awesome Machines
Contributed by Tom of Pasadena, CA

I studied Mechanics when I was in H.S. and I always appreciated how things were made. To this day I love to tinker with stuff and tear gadgets apart. Maybe that's why I enjoy watching videos like this. Reminds me of my churchmate who maintains a multi-million dollar baking assembly line. Any down time will cost $100 K so he's prepared to create spare parts or fix anything that falls apart right on the spot. I'm sure he'll like this video as well.

The Fastest Sermon Ever
Contributed by Don of Kelowna, B.C.

If you like rap music, you'll like this one. This woman preaches the Gospel with rhyme, substance and a beat. Preach it honey!

Maison Garage: Optimizing Space in a Tiny Home
Contributed by Charlie of New York

This is not Martha Stewart's brand of home decorating but it's way more functional. Very creative.

A Father Bids Grown Up Daughter Goodbye
Contributed by Tom of Pasadena, CA

This is a little risque but if you're still reading this, I figured you've still got time for one last emotionally-mixed video. Warning: It's from Saturday Night Live! TGIF People!