The annoying calls that I am writing about at the wonderful political calls that are robo called to us around election time. The cheap and easy way to reach out to voters. When do they normally happen? Around dinner time or slightly after.. You know the time that you are supposed to be spending family time together. Interrupt family time! The topic of discussion switches over to the call and the purpose of the call, but not in a good way (usually a simple no way am I voting for “that” person!). How can we get those added to that law? Wait, that would probably mean that those exact folks that approved the list for those sales calls – would have to put their own campaigns on the list. Let’s not hold our breathe waiting for that to happen.

For our household, we are a house divided. So, we get to get both parties lovely phone calls. After keeping track of who called, who called for whom and which party called.. The loser party with the most calls were the Republicans. Senate John McCain topped the overall list – his voice was on my answering machine three times. Since this is computerized – did you really have to call me three times? I have to seriously revisit the party that I follow. In an earlier post, I commented that I was not going to vote for anyone that called or had some call with their support on a candidate. I lived up to my promise. I did not vote for any of those folks.

When will some of our law-makers step up and put an end to that behavior?

Here are my basic simple rules that I would hope that we all can follow:

1. All cell phones are put on vibrate. There are a number of you all that think those ring tones are special or cute. Well, for many of us – not so much. Please when entering the building – place the cell phone on vibrate. If you can’t feel vibrate, place on the desk next to you. I bet you will see it moving across the desk..
2. Personal phone calls. Hey, we all have them from time to time. There is nothing wrong with them – just when the subject matter gets a little off base. I really don’t think you want to share some of the topics of you personal life with your cube farm mates. We are in a very open area… the walls have ears (and your voice carries).
3. Loud talkers (and that goes for me!) we need to remember that there are people in the office area (besides ourselves). If you are going to be the main talker in a meeting or decision – well, try to get a room. If unavailable – well remember your voice carries. Please use you inside voice… For those that forgot or never knew what that is – six inches should be the carry distance. If they can not hear you on the call – more the mic closer to your mouth or change the batteries in the headset.
4. Music in the office area to keep you focused is awesome, except when…
   1. If I can hear you music over the cube wall (and you are using your headset) – you have that volume a bit TOO LOUD. Please take care of your health, turn the volume down and save yourself from some hearing loss later in life.
   2. Singing along – please stop!
   3. Whistling, humming and drumming in your cube… Maybe it sounds awesome to you, but the rest of us – not so much (again). If you are ready for American Idol – great, but practice at home.
5. Smells – We are in a confined space… We have to be very mindful of (and it is open to interruption):
   1. Food – smelling burnt popcorn and some leftovers are not good.
   2. Cologne or perfume – use in moderation.
   3. Kickin off the shoes… Please don’t.
6. If you happen to be off for an extended period of time – SAC your phone, please!
7. Be professional and remember to be respectful to your neighbors… We all are working!

For the folks in their cubes – that are having problems getting work done or having their frustration level reaching boiling point. You have every right to – politely ask for people to do the right thing. No need to get angry.. We have one person in our area that comes by and reminds us about the cellphone not being on vibrate – she does this politely. Some of us have labelled her the cellphone police… In a nice way. Only takes one ring and watch us all scramble to turn our phones to vibrate… I am loud, I know that and have warned my fellow cube mates. Told them - if I get too loud they can shhhhh me.. or ask me to take it down…. I am quite okay with that.

Remember to just be respectful in letting your fellow cube mates know – they may not realize it!

1. Political candidates calling for your support at the polls. I have gotten way too many of these. My favorite is getting them multiple times from the same candidate. Since it is automated – you would think the system would say – we called them already (once is more than enough).
2. So-called leaders calling in support of another candidate. My favorite are those that I have never supported and will never support – giving a recommendation for someone else. I was seriously thinking of supporting that candidate, but since they have the backing of an idiot.. Well, not going to follow that one.
3. Doctor offices calling to remind you about your appointment. I am all for calling to remind me, but not with a recorded message. That is just tacky. If you can not be personal about it, don’t do it.
4. I got something yesterday that I was shocked about. It was a recorded message telling me that they had seen my resume and want to discuss a potential opening that I would be suited for. Shocked by it being a recording. I decided to listen to it again. No mention of my name, the job opening or anything to do with me… Just call them. Nice… Delete…

Have we gone away from all levels of personal touch? I was wondering does anyone really listen to the end of those messages? When I have actually picked up the phone and it starts out with the automated message.. I wait to see who it is, the support needed and then write down the name. This way here, when I do go to the polls (and I do go to the polls) – I will make sure that I support the only candidates that have my views and did not bother me with these annoying recorded phone messages (that is a very short-list). Since some of my favorite candidates have already called – I have sent them an email, stating that they need to stop blasting the recorded messages or my vote will be lost. Yes, I am only one vote, probably will not have an overall effect on some of the candidates, but my voice will be heard.

I did something the other day that was just out of character, I read one. It was for a Remington Hot Roller product. Why read that one? Random test and it happened to be around. Below is what was in the IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS:

DANGER (To reduce the risk of electric shock)

• Always unplug this appliance from the electrical outlet immediately after using. I guess that one can make sense, since there is no timer on the device
• Do not use while bathing or in the shower. Now this one is pretty good. Stupid consumer warning – electricity and water do not mix. Or have people really done this?
• Do not place or store this appliance where it can fall or be pulled into a tub or sink. We should know this too..
• Do not place or drop into water or other liquid. Now we have written it 3 times. Electricity and water – bad.
• Do not reach for an appliance that has fallen into water. Unplug it immediately.
• Unplug this appliance before cleaning it. Especially sent the cleaning instructions have you using a damp cloth to clean.

WARNING (To reduce risk of burns, fire, electric shock or injury to persons:)

• This appliance is for household use only. Not sure what else a hot roller set could be used for, but there probably are some very creative uses, that just don’t come to me.
• An appliance should never be left unattended when plugged in, except when charging a rechargeable appliance. Definitely a generic statement, as this one is not rechargeable.
• Close supervision is necessary when this appliance is used by, on, or near children or individuals with certain disabilities or special needs. I have too  many ways to go with this statement.
• Use this appliance only for its intended use as described in this manual. Do not use attachments not recommended by manufacturer. You would have to read the complete manual to understand that this is for curling hair only? Oh well… Reading is good.
• Never operate this appliance if it has a damaged cord or plug. If it is not working properly; if it has been dropped, damaged, or dropped into water. Makes sense.. but we have our 5th reminder about water.
• Keep the cord away from heated surfaces.
• Do not wrap the cord around the appliance. Bold-ed, probably due to the likelihood that it will happen. What else to do with cord?
• Never use while sleeping. To me, don’t use when sleeping comes in to different flavors. Don’t use the curlers while sleeping… Ok that makes sense. If you are sleeping and want to use this – how could you?
• Never drop or inset any object into any of the appliance’s openings.
• Do not use outdoors or operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used or where oxygen is being administered. Nice reminder for keep the hair spray away from the appliance.
• Do not touch the posts that hold the rollers. They are hot. Hence hot rollers..
• Keep lid open when heating rollers. This must have happened a couple of times, where the lid was melted due to the heat of the posts that are warming up the rollers, so you can curl your hair.

From now on, I plan on looking at the instructions for a couple of reason. First of all, everyone should read them for proper use and care of the products. That is a given! The second is for me to just look at the statements that have to be added for safety. Safety of hurting one’s self and the safety of the manufacturer or provider from getting sued. Where has common sense gone?

Loyalty is a dangerous thing. Many folks have the mindset that I work hard and the company will take care of me. Well, maybe in the short term. That just is not the case. Many folks are losing their jobs to cheaper labor costs. Is their loyalty there? Some businesses within a large company are being sold off or just closed. Loyalty to the employee’s? I happened to spend some time with a friend that lost their job, along with the rest of the employee’s that worked with him. Months leading up to the that wonderful day, he had offers from other company’s but decided that he was going to be taken care of by his current employer. The company discussed severance packages, potential other jobs within the company and how he was doing a great job during some difficult times. What did he get in the end? Well, he lost his job, but did get a small severance package. The other jobs that he turned down to remain were all filled. Lesson here is – always look after number one, yourself (and your family, if you have one).

People have the right to be treated fairly, but the company does not have to go beyond what is legally required. Loyalty sometimes can cost you (as mentioned above). Be aware of your surroundings. Ask those burning questions that you need to ask. Don’t be afraid. Answers may not come, but at least you now have some data points as to how this is going. Times have changed, people need to change with those times. Everyone should always work hard and do their best – that will keep you employed better than not working hard. Fact is, that does not mean you will have a job till you are ready to retire. Just means you are working hard for that paycheck that you take home today.

Following my example or listening to why I have lasted as long as I have is not what I would want to hear. What I need is to be reminded, that I need to look out for myself (and my family). They are the important ones. The company (I hope) will try their best, but they really don’t owe you anything.