So yesterday I was asked to be a "presenter" at the Florin High School Law Fair. (I think that is the official name, although I will defer to someone from Florin High School for the official name.) It turns out that Florin High School has a law club. Did you know that? I sure didn't. It was a great event. But, it struck me how little we know about our schools.
Last year, EGUSD was considering a boundary change for kids in Laguna West. I was an outspoken critic. I was a loud, outspoken critic. My problem was not the schools, but was the process. I spoke out twice - once at a "community meeting" and once at the school board meeting. Both times, I tried to make it clear that my concern was not the schools, after all I think Laguna Creek High School, where my kids will go, is a good school. My concern was with the way this was presented.
I have subsequently spoken to the two men who, at least in my opinion, were pushing the idea. I may still have a disagreement, but when you talk to them, both of them come across as reasonable men who have explained their ideas to me. I appreciate that.
However, some of the parents had a problem with the schools. They thought, or maybe still think, that both Harriet Eddy Middle School and Laguna Creek High School are bad schools. This is based on some "reputation," which, quite frankly, I don't know about. I have heard about fights, but I cannot think of a high school that I know about that doesn't have fights.Yesterday made me realize that these parents are wrong.
So what does a law fair at Florin High School have to do with the ideas people have about Laguna Creek High School? How can the two be related? Its easy, really.
Prior to this week, I would have assumed the following about Florin High School: its in a rougher part of town, the kids are not going to be high achievers, I would talk to a lot of kids who don't really care, and I wouldn't choose it as my first school to go speak to. These were my assumptions. Fair or not fair, we all have them. And, I am man enough to admit it - I was WRONG!
These kids blew me away. Smart, funny, high achieving. It took me about 20 minutes to really warm up to them yesterday. But, I still haven't forgotten the interactions. These kids care. These kids want to succeed. Now, they may not have the tools they need, they may have issues at home or in the community that may hold them back, but don't tell me these kid's don't want to succeed. Four students stand out.
About 45 minutes into the program, I was approached by a group of four kids who asked some really good questions. A bit later, a guy, lets call him student 4, comes up to me and tells me that he is smart, but that he does not have focus. He says "Something you said really struck a nerve with me." I asked what that could be. He said "You said you get to help people. I think its cool that there is a job where you can help people."
In addition to this young man, three girls (are they called young ladies?) came up to me and made an impression. One of them had a good discussion with me about personal injury cases. She was struck by a car. She was articulate, thought about her questions, and really made an effort to engage. The other two girls had questions about landlord tenant law and were relating what I was talking to them about with what they were learning in their business law class. It was nice to see them make "connections" as my sons would call it from elementary school.
You see, my impressions of the school, my assumptions, my beliefs, were wrong. But, I didn't know they were wrong. I could not have known they were wrong. Why? Because I had never actually spent time at Florin High School. I had never talked to the kids. I had never met the Principal or Vice Principal. I had never even been to the campus.
Teenagers are snowflakes. No two are the same. We may think we know what they are like, but you have to go out into the snow to find out. Some of them are going to be hard and icy. Some are going to be soft and fluffy. Some of them are going to stick well to others and some are out there, floating, trying to find their way.
We can never assume that any two, even from the same school, the same neighborhood, the same street, are the same. I remembered that yesterday. And for that, I would like to thank the staff, advisors, administrators and students at Florin High School. I would be privileged and honored to come back and talk to you anytime.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Writing time - 1 minute
Some quick thoughts on a Tuesday night that I need to get off my chest.
1. Pity parties - this kind of goes with #2. But I am starting with it. I am tired of people and their pity parties. Aww, you have to work 12 hours. Aww, you have a kid who isn't listening. Aww, its so hard. Yes, yes, it is. You can either sit and whine and have your pity party or you can suck it up and move on with life. What is your choice?
2. Life - this kind of goes with #1. Look, life is hard. But not everyone is going to complain about it, write about it on Facebook, or whine about it. Its just not how everyone is wired. For some of us, we just suck it up, talk to our spouse or friends, and move on. So if we are not complaining about it, it does not mean that everything is great. It does not mean our lives are easier than yours. It just means we have made a different decision on how to handle it. Don't assume.
3. Funerals - this came up in a conversation with a friend the other day. Funerals are about honoring the deceased, not issues with the living. So it was idiotic when my brother tried to uninvite me to my mom's funeral. It wasn't his place. But, the living seem to forget that its about those who are no longer with us. Do not try to control the funeral like its a party. Remember the purpose.
And with that, goodnight............
1. Pity parties - this kind of goes with #2. But I am starting with it. I am tired of people and their pity parties. Aww, you have to work 12 hours. Aww, you have a kid who isn't listening. Aww, its so hard. Yes, yes, it is. You can either sit and whine and have your pity party or you can suck it up and move on with life. What is your choice?
2. Life - this kind of goes with #1. Look, life is hard. But not everyone is going to complain about it, write about it on Facebook, or whine about it. Its just not how everyone is wired. For some of us, we just suck it up, talk to our spouse or friends, and move on. So if we are not complaining about it, it does not mean that everything is great. It does not mean our lives are easier than yours. It just means we have made a different decision on how to handle it. Don't assume.
3. Funerals - this came up in a conversation with a friend the other day. Funerals are about honoring the deceased, not issues with the living. So it was idiotic when my brother tried to uninvite me to my mom's funeral. It wasn't his place. But, the living seem to forget that its about those who are no longer with us. Do not try to control the funeral like its a party. Remember the purpose.
And with that, goodnight............
Thursday, April 4, 2013
This and that
Its been a while since I was doing my month of positivity. So let me get a few quick hits in.
1. Law students are idiots. Well, so are some lawyers. Apparently, these law students, or former law students, are now suing their law schools. They claim that the law schools didn't tell them the true job placement rate. So, lets say school TJ reported that its employment rate was 90%. That meant 90% of its graduates were working, but not that 90% were working full time as lawyers. Everyone knew this. At least, everyone who can think knew this. These folks say they were duped.
First, who actually believes anything a law school, or any college, says. This school says its good for partying or seaside living. Another school says its good for meeting women. Maybe a third school says its good for people who want to become hair removal experts. They are lying. They all lie. Why? Because they want you to come to their school. If you believe them, you are an idiot, as Dr. House would say.
Second, if you don't do your own fact checking, you shouldn't be allowed to go to any graduate school. One of the things law school teaches, and the LSAT is supposed to test for, is the ability to think and reason. Look, there are only so many jobs as a lawyer. Its a finite number in any given year. If there are 200 law schools and each one puts out 200 lawyers a year, that is 40,000 new lawyers a year. Now, thankfully, some of them will not pass the bar exam. But lets say 75% due. That is 30,000 new lawyers every year. Then add in the folks who didn't pass the bar the year before and you have 35,000, 36,000 lawyers looking for jobs. Either they aren't all getting jobs or they are aren't all getting legal jobs. AND NOT ALL OF THEM WANT LEGAL JOBS! Two guys I went to law school with decided to stay with their previous careers. But they were still employed.
Think about it. If you are a 4th tier law school and you want people to come, you need to show that people who graduate get jobs. So you include everyone, as was the standard. It doesn't matter if they are working at Dewey, Cheatem, and Howe or at Burger King. They are working. If you are applying to a law school and you see it is a 3rd or 4th tier law school and the job rate is 95%, aren't you going to say to yourself, "Hmmmm.........I wonder how 95% of these folks got jobs? I know I would ask that question and I am not the sharpest tool in the shed. So if you can't fact check, maybe graduate school is not the right future for you!
Third, if they are flat out lying, fine sue then, but in this case, its how the numbers were reported. In other words, the ABA asked for what percentage of graduates were working, not what percentage were working as lawyers or in full time jobs. It was reported per the standard. You should know to check on that before you go to law school if you want to be a lawyer. It is basic checking, the same type of checking you would do before sending a letter to someone or filing a lawsuit. If you cannot do that fact checking and figure out what was reported, then you really should re-think your future.
There is no merit to these lawsuits because you are an idiot if you a) believe anything any school ever tells you about getting a job, b) think you deserve some job because you are a lawyer and c) think that you are better than the other people out there just struggling to get by.These kids expect a six figure job right out of school.
2. Elk Grove is run by morons. Seriously. So there is a group that wants to get an MLS team in Elk Grove. YAY! Everyone is all happy. It ain't happening. MLS has pretty much come out and said so. There will be 1 more team. It will either be in NY or in Florida. Period. MLS encouraged everyone in Sacramento to support the "local team" which is the San Jose Earthquakes.
But, the geniuses who run Elk Grove, have decided that they want a team here anyway. They are looking at spending $9 million to buy land for a $100 million publicly financed stadium that, according to their own numbers, would lose $5 million per year. What the hell? You want to build something that you admit will lose money?
"Hi, Mr. Math, and I would like to explain to you the concept of BANKRUPTCY. Apparently, my example in Stockton didn't get your attention. If you are losing money every month, you are going to end up BANKRUPT. There is no such thing as negative money!"
Seriously, this is idiotic. Every study says publicly financed stadiums don't generate much growth, that there are better ways to generate growth, that cities don't need to finance them. The SF Giants just built PacBell Park with 3% public money. That means 97% of the money was private money. But apparently Elk Grove is SOOOO cool that we need to pay for an entire stadium ourselves. For a team that does not exist. For a team that does not have an agreement with ANY soccer league at ANY level. Yes, we are going to build it and hope they come. Unless Kevin Costner is around, it ain't happening!
I won't even get into who they are doing business with. Its a joke. A former Assembly Speaker who most people think used his influence to get his son's prison sentence commuted. Sheesh.
And then we have our Mayor talking at his state of the city speech, if you can call it a speech, talking about fiscal responsibility. First, Mr. Mayor, make sure your tie is on right and tied properly. Then stop reading what you wrote and look at people while you speak. Once you get those two down, you should be able to speak, not just in complete sentences, but thoughts, ideas, paragraphs, if you will, without stopping. It is how the professionals speak. And it ain't that hard! If you are going to talk about fiscal responsibility, don't come up with a dumb idea that is going to lose $5 million per year. That is not responsible. That is called IRresponsible. In other words, not responsible.
By the way, I do have vision and I do not have an inferiority complex. Yes, an elected official in Elk Grove sent me a message that I have an inferiority complex. Me? Really? Have you met me? I have a lot of things, but an inferiority complex is not one of them. By the way, nice way to correspond with your constituents with the name calling. Very mature. (Notice, not once did I call anyone a name here. I could have. I probably should have. But, alas, I did not.)
3. This last one will be short. You know what you get in life? Nothing. You get not one single thing. It may end for you today, tomorrow or in 40 years. You have no idea. It may be full of joy, full of sadness or somewhere in between. What will it be? I don't know. You don't know. So, you know what you should do? Wake up, thank God (or whomever) that you are alive, kiss your wife (or husband), hug your kids and make every day the best. Don't expect anyone to give you anything. It won't happen. If you want it, bust your ass and you may be able to get it. But don't whine when you don't get it and don't whine when people don't give it to you.
There, now I feel better.
1. Law students are idiots. Well, so are some lawyers. Apparently, these law students, or former law students, are now suing their law schools. They claim that the law schools didn't tell them the true job placement rate. So, lets say school TJ reported that its employment rate was 90%. That meant 90% of its graduates were working, but not that 90% were working full time as lawyers. Everyone knew this. At least, everyone who can think knew this. These folks say they were duped.
First, who actually believes anything a law school, or any college, says. This school says its good for partying or seaside living. Another school says its good for meeting women. Maybe a third school says its good for people who want to become hair removal experts. They are lying. They all lie. Why? Because they want you to come to their school. If you believe them, you are an idiot, as Dr. House would say.
Second, if you don't do your own fact checking, you shouldn't be allowed to go to any graduate school. One of the things law school teaches, and the LSAT is supposed to test for, is the ability to think and reason. Look, there are only so many jobs as a lawyer. Its a finite number in any given year. If there are 200 law schools and each one puts out 200 lawyers a year, that is 40,000 new lawyers a year. Now, thankfully, some of them will not pass the bar exam. But lets say 75% due. That is 30,000 new lawyers every year. Then add in the folks who didn't pass the bar the year before and you have 35,000, 36,000 lawyers looking for jobs. Either they aren't all getting jobs or they are aren't all getting legal jobs. AND NOT ALL OF THEM WANT LEGAL JOBS! Two guys I went to law school with decided to stay with their previous careers. But they were still employed.
Think about it. If you are a 4th tier law school and you want people to come, you need to show that people who graduate get jobs. So you include everyone, as was the standard. It doesn't matter if they are working at Dewey, Cheatem, and Howe or at Burger King. They are working. If you are applying to a law school and you see it is a 3rd or 4th tier law school and the job rate is 95%, aren't you going to say to yourself, "Hmmmm.........I wonder how 95% of these folks got jobs? I know I would ask that question and I am not the sharpest tool in the shed. So if you can't fact check, maybe graduate school is not the right future for you!
Third, if they are flat out lying, fine sue then, but in this case, its how the numbers were reported. In other words, the ABA asked for what percentage of graduates were working, not what percentage were working as lawyers or in full time jobs. It was reported per the standard. You should know to check on that before you go to law school if you want to be a lawyer. It is basic checking, the same type of checking you would do before sending a letter to someone or filing a lawsuit. If you cannot do that fact checking and figure out what was reported, then you really should re-think your future.
There is no merit to these lawsuits because you are an idiot if you a) believe anything any school ever tells you about getting a job, b) think you deserve some job because you are a lawyer and c) think that you are better than the other people out there just struggling to get by.These kids expect a six figure job right out of school.
2. Elk Grove is run by morons. Seriously. So there is a group that wants to get an MLS team in Elk Grove. YAY! Everyone is all happy. It ain't happening. MLS has pretty much come out and said so. There will be 1 more team. It will either be in NY or in Florida. Period. MLS encouraged everyone in Sacramento to support the "local team" which is the San Jose Earthquakes.
But, the geniuses who run Elk Grove, have decided that they want a team here anyway. They are looking at spending $9 million to buy land for a $100 million publicly financed stadium that, according to their own numbers, would lose $5 million per year. What the hell? You want to build something that you admit will lose money?
"Hi, Mr. Math, and I would like to explain to you the concept of BANKRUPTCY. Apparently, my example in Stockton didn't get your attention. If you are losing money every month, you are going to end up BANKRUPT. There is no such thing as negative money!"
Seriously, this is idiotic. Every study says publicly financed stadiums don't generate much growth, that there are better ways to generate growth, that cities don't need to finance them. The SF Giants just built PacBell Park with 3% public money. That means 97% of the money was private money. But apparently Elk Grove is SOOOO cool that we need to pay for an entire stadium ourselves. For a team that does not exist. For a team that does not have an agreement with ANY soccer league at ANY level. Yes, we are going to build it and hope they come. Unless Kevin Costner is around, it ain't happening!
I won't even get into who they are doing business with. Its a joke. A former Assembly Speaker who most people think used his influence to get his son's prison sentence commuted. Sheesh.
And then we have our Mayor talking at his state of the city speech, if you can call it a speech, talking about fiscal responsibility. First, Mr. Mayor, make sure your tie is on right and tied properly. Then stop reading what you wrote and look at people while you speak. Once you get those two down, you should be able to speak, not just in complete sentences, but thoughts, ideas, paragraphs, if you will, without stopping. It is how the professionals speak. And it ain't that hard! If you are going to talk about fiscal responsibility, don't come up with a dumb idea that is going to lose $5 million per year. That is not responsible. That is called IRresponsible. In other words, not responsible.
By the way, I do have vision and I do not have an inferiority complex. Yes, an elected official in Elk Grove sent me a message that I have an inferiority complex. Me? Really? Have you met me? I have a lot of things, but an inferiority complex is not one of them. By the way, nice way to correspond with your constituents with the name calling. Very mature. (Notice, not once did I call anyone a name here. I could have. I probably should have. But, alas, I did not.)
3. This last one will be short. You know what you get in life? Nothing. You get not one single thing. It may end for you today, tomorrow or in 40 years. You have no idea. It may be full of joy, full of sadness or somewhere in between. What will it be? I don't know. You don't know. So, you know what you should do? Wake up, thank God (or whomever) that you are alive, kiss your wife (or husband), hug your kids and make every day the best. Don't expect anyone to give you anything. It won't happen. If you want it, bust your ass and you may be able to get it. But don't whine when you don't get it and don't whine when people don't give it to you.
There, now I feel better.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Speaking and writing
I have had this discussion with my boys frequently. The ability to communicate with others through the proper use of the language is vital. In fact, if you sound educated, people will assume you are educated and thus, will give you more respect. It doesn't matter if you are or are not, your ability to get people to think you are educated is key.
Remember my Embassy Suites disaster of 2013? If you don't, you can read it here: http://randomrants08.blogspot.com/2013/02/embassy-suites-disaster-2013.html A lot of that stemmed from the lack of ability of the employees to convey a thought using proper English. For example, how am I supposed to believe you care about my issue when you call the General Manager the "General Manger." I was always taught Jesus was born in a manger, but maybe it was the General Manger. When I pointed this out I was told I was attacking "someone character." Unless someone character is the name of a new show on cable, it is simply improper. I may have been attacking someone's character, but I do not know how to attack someone character. (For the record, pointing out that a customer service representative cannot communicate in proper English is not an attack on anyone. It is simply pointing out a lack of caring.)
We were at a father daughter dance a few weeks ago. The DJ told us that we could "have pictures took." I don't know how to have a picture took. I could have it taken. But later he told us it was our last chance for pictures to be "tooken." I don't even know what that means! And this guy speaks for a living!
I was fortunate to spend my high school years on my speech and debate team. Yes, I was a debate geek. But I learned then the value of communicating. We had to put on a suit and tie and talk to people who had certain expectations of how we would use the English language. Mainly, those expectations were that we would use it properly!
There is a time and place it does not need to be used. My blog, for example. I am not writing a novel. I am not even writing an essay. I am blowing off steam. So if I don't use proper English, I don't care. If you want to send a text, feel free not to use proper English. I won't agree to it. I actually type out sentences and use punctuation. But if u want to txt like dat, feel free 2 do it. (Yes, that was meant to be that way.)
Sometimes, when I am talking to a client or a potential client, or maybe someone who caused a car accident, I will communicate in a style that fits them. Some 18 year old kid is going to be intimidated if I speak like a lawyer. Heck, adults are sometimes intimidated if I do that. But, if I can match their style, they feel a connection. That is a good thing.
But, please, let us try to use the language properly. Seriously. It is not rocket science. Write and speak like you understand the language and you will instantly get more respect, especially from old fogies like me!
Remember my Embassy Suites disaster of 2013? If you don't, you can read it here: http://randomrants08.blogspot.com/2013/02/embassy-suites-disaster-2013.html A lot of that stemmed from the lack of ability of the employees to convey a thought using proper English. For example, how am I supposed to believe you care about my issue when you call the General Manager the "General Manger." I was always taught Jesus was born in a manger, but maybe it was the General Manger. When I pointed this out I was told I was attacking "someone character." Unless someone character is the name of a new show on cable, it is simply improper. I may have been attacking someone's character, but I do not know how to attack someone character. (For the record, pointing out that a customer service representative cannot communicate in proper English is not an attack on anyone. It is simply pointing out a lack of caring.)
We were at a father daughter dance a few weeks ago. The DJ told us that we could "have pictures took." I don't know how to have a picture took. I could have it taken. But later he told us it was our last chance for pictures to be "tooken." I don't even know what that means! And this guy speaks for a living!
I was fortunate to spend my high school years on my speech and debate team. Yes, I was a debate geek. But I learned then the value of communicating. We had to put on a suit and tie and talk to people who had certain expectations of how we would use the English language. Mainly, those expectations were that we would use it properly!
There is a time and place it does not need to be used. My blog, for example. I am not writing a novel. I am not even writing an essay. I am blowing off steam. So if I don't use proper English, I don't care. If you want to send a text, feel free not to use proper English. I won't agree to it. I actually type out sentences and use punctuation. But if u want to txt like dat, feel free 2 do it. (Yes, that was meant to be that way.)
Sometimes, when I am talking to a client or a potential client, or maybe someone who caused a car accident, I will communicate in a style that fits them. Some 18 year old kid is going to be intimidated if I speak like a lawyer. Heck, adults are sometimes intimidated if I do that. But, if I can match their style, they feel a connection. That is a good thing.
But, please, let us try to use the language properly. Seriously. It is not rocket science. Write and speak like you understand the language and you will instantly get more respect, especially from old fogies like me!
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Embassy Suites Disaster - 2013
We were traveling last week. I booked us a room at the Embassy Suites Anaheim - South for February 14, 2013. This should have been pretty easy. Embassy Suites is known for nice rooms, nothing fancy, but clean, as well as a professional clientele. I was wrong!
So we checked in late on Thursday night. We got into the room. The hideabed was unmade. There was only 1 sheet on it. Total. Not a fitted sheet and a flat sheet. Just 1 single sheet. Fine. Its late. We have little kids, we can deal with it. Turns out that should have been our sign that something was wrong. In the morning, we noticed stains on the mattress pad. Not being on CSI, I didn't test them. But I did take pictures. The lamp was broken as well. The light bulb was almost at 90 degrees to the lamp.
I did what any normal person does. I went to the front desk and told them about this. The guy at the front desk offered to refund my $12 parking fee. I don't know what the parking has to do with the price of tea in China, but that is what he offered me. I then showed him the pictures. So I asked to speak to the manager. He disappears behind the front desk and comes out a few minutes later. The manager REFUSED to speak with me. Completely refused. But he could refund me half of my stay. You know what, I was tired, I still had 6 hours of driving in front of me, and I wasn't in the mood to explain to a manager that customer service requires interaction with the customers. So I said fine.
When we arrived at our destination, I posted on the Facebook page of Embassy Suites and this particular hotel. I also sent out tweets. Here is where Embassy Suites, owned by Hilton, went from bad to worse. The first email I received:
"We have received your comments regarding our hotel at our Hilton Hotels Corporation Offices. Please allow the hotel three business days to review and resolve this matter. It is Hilton's policy to give our hotels the opportunity to get involved to resolve pending issues. We want you as our loyal guest and appreciate you bringing this to our attention. Thank you for your patience."
(I am leaving out the names to protect the guilty.) Pleasant enough, right? So fine. I will wait. Then the hotel decided to respond. Not a manager, mind you, but a supervisor. In my mind, this is something that requires a manager to deal with since there was clearly no management involvement at the start. But here is that email:
(I took out the dollar figures since that is irrelevant to the issue.) Yes, that is the actual email. I still have it. They received my inquire - not my inquiry. There was a manger who refused to discuss this. So, I should have known there was a General Manger. And, I can send a email.
Look, I get that not everyone was an English major in college. I wasn't. In fact, my law school writing professor told me I was one of the worst writers she had seen. But, I know the difference between inquire and inquiry. I know that a manger is an open trough to feed livestock and a manager is someone who is in charge. Oh, and I know I can send AN email, not a email. So I responded:
So we checked in late on Thursday night. We got into the room. The hideabed was unmade. There was only 1 sheet on it. Total. Not a fitted sheet and a flat sheet. Just 1 single sheet. Fine. Its late. We have little kids, we can deal with it. Turns out that should have been our sign that something was wrong. In the morning, we noticed stains on the mattress pad. Not being on CSI, I didn't test them. But I did take pictures. The lamp was broken as well. The light bulb was almost at 90 degrees to the lamp.
I did what any normal person does. I went to the front desk and told them about this. The guy at the front desk offered to refund my $12 parking fee. I don't know what the parking has to do with the price of tea in China, but that is what he offered me. I then showed him the pictures. So I asked to speak to the manager. He disappears behind the front desk and comes out a few minutes later. The manager REFUSED to speak with me. Completely refused. But he could refund me half of my stay. You know what, I was tired, I still had 6 hours of driving in front of me, and I wasn't in the mood to explain to a manager that customer service requires interaction with the customers. So I said fine.
When we arrived at our destination, I posted on the Facebook page of Embassy Suites and this particular hotel. I also sent out tweets. Here is where Embassy Suites, owned by Hilton, went from bad to worse. The first email I received:
"We have received your comments regarding our hotel at our Hilton Hotels Corporation Offices. Please allow the hotel three business days to review and resolve this matter. It is Hilton's policy to give our hotels the opportunity to get involved to resolve pending issues. We want you as our loyal guest and appreciate you bringing this to our attention. Thank you for your patience."
(I am leaving out the names to protect the guilty.) Pleasant enough, right? So fine. I will wait. Then the hotel decided to respond. Not a manager, mind you, but a supervisor. In my mind, this is something that requires a manager to deal with since there was clearly no management involvement at the start. But here is that email:
"We received your inquire from Guest Assistance concerning
your recent stay. It looks like the room was not to standard and we did refund
you half of the nights room and tax plus your parking totaling a refund for
these issues in the amount of $XXX.XX on the day of check out when you brought
this to our attention. The agent gave you this because the room was not to
standard.
At any time the manager or the guest service agent our
empowered to assist the guest. If we have a manger who is refusing to discuss
this we have a General Manger on duty as well who would find this unacceptable
behavior. If you feel this $XXX.XX is not sufficient we can refund you the
remaining $XX.XX. Feel free to call us direct or send a email."
(I took out the dollar figures since that is irrelevant to the issue.) Yes, that is the actual email. I still have it. They received my inquire - not my inquiry. There was a manger who refused to discuss this. So, I should have known there was a General Manger. And, I can send a email.
Look, I get that not everyone was an English major in college. I wasn't. In fact, my law school writing professor told me I was one of the worst writers she had seen. But, I know the difference between inquire and inquiry. I know that a manger is an open trough to feed livestock and a manager is someone who is in charge. Oh, and I know I can send AN email, not a email. So I responded:
"Your version of how
this played out is simply not accurate. The front desk agent offered me a refund
of my parking due to the room not being clean. When I asked for the manager, he
then went and talked to the manager in the back. He then offered me a refund and
half of the room and told me that the manager would not come out to speak with
me. I am not sure how any guest is supposed to know that there is a general
manager on duty and that this person would be difference than the manager of the
property. Either way, someone in a supervisorial position was told that I had a
dirty room and refused to come out to deal with the problem.
By the way, your email
is a further example of the lack of attention to detail that is missing at this
hotel. You repeatedly refer to the manager as a manger. A manager is one who
directs other employees. A manger is a trough where feed is placed for
livestock. While this may have been a simple mistake, it is a mistake that tells
the customer that the hotel simply does not pay attention to details. It also
shows that my issue is not important enough to spend 30 second spell checking
your email before you send it. It comes across as if you were just sending it to
appease me and not because there is genuine concern about my issue.
I would like the full
refund issued to me. As for Mr. XXXX, I think this incident shows a
significant issue at this property."
Again, I took out names. But I did cc Hilton Corporate. I thought that was nice of me. It is clear that this hotel has a lack of attention to detail. If they paid attention to details, mattress pads would be clean, beds would have more than one sheet and the lamp would have been fixed or replaced. But, they clearly don't pay attention and the email that was sent to me confirmed this. So I pointed this out. This was the basis of my issue with them.
That, of course, was responded to by the same supervisor. She wrote:
"I have read your email. I agree and disagree with some of the content but I don't feel being condescending or judging someone character is necessary , needed or accurate. You made this personal and I was being professional . I won't point out and inconsistencies in your response. I will process your refund."
Apparently, pointing out that a professional who is dealing with customers should re-read emails before sending them, and should check for spelling and grammar, is now condescending and judgmental. This is news to me. I never once attacked this woman. Heck, I don't even know if it is a woman. But she decided I was being condescending. So I wrote to Hilton Corporate:
"This is complete nonsense from Hilton. I want to immediately cancel my HHonors account. I will never stay in any Hilton again. There was nothing in my email that was condescending or judgmental. I was simply pointing out that your employees were not taking any time to deal with this, but were simply blowing me off. The fact that your employee took this personally is a further example of the complete nonsense that I have dealt with during this entire process. Your company should be embarrassed that this is the type of response that is sent out.
I expect an immediate proof of cancellation sent to me, as well as immediate proof of a full refund. Further, remove me from any mailing lists. I will continue to use social media to point out that Hilton is not a company that cares about its guests."
I expect an immediate proof of cancellation sent to me, as well as immediate proof of a full refund. Further, remove me from any mailing lists. I will continue to use social media to point out that Hilton is not a company that cares about its guests."
Again, just pointing out the lack of attention to detail or to my concerns. I also asked that they remove me from any mailing lists. I will not stay at any hotel that treats people this way. I then posted this on Facebook and Twitter. So Hilton decides to respond to my tweet with another email. This email was the un-apology:
"I received your complaint via Twitter. I sincerely apologize
that you were unhappy with the hotel’s e-mail to you, as well as the issues
during your stay. It is my understanding that the hotel as offered you a
refund.
If you should need further assistance please don’t hesitate
to let me know."
So they are sorry that I am unhappy with their email to me. How did they expect me to respond to their email? Should I have been appreciative that I was told I was condescending and judgmental? Are they serious with this?
I am sure they will read this and will send me an email about how they are sorry that I was unhappy with the corporate email as well.
It is 2013. When you send an email, especially to an unhappy customer (notice its an unhappy customer, and not a unhappy customer), you should expect that they will keep the email and re-disseminate it, especially if the email is not a proper response. Hilton could have avoided all of this simply by having a manager email me, tell me they were sorry and invite me back. Instead, they have turned this into a fight where, with one push of a button, I can reach thousands, or hundreds of thousands, of people.
I hope someone at Hilton Corporate will actually take this seriously this time. It has taken about 5 minutes of my life to write this, but they have lost a customer who has spent 20 years staying at their hotels. Business in the 21st Century has changed. Hilton clearly has not changed with it.
Monday, February 4, 2013
You are not smarter than me
Was that clear enough? Let me be a bit clearer: you are not BLEEPING smarter than me. I am sure of it. And if you think you are smarter than me, you are either a) high or b) crazy.
Okay, let me explain. I don't really think I am that smart. I know I am not that smart. I accept it. However, I also know if you assume you are smarter than me then you clearly are not smarter than me. I know that. You know that. You are just covering up your insecurity at being a moron by trying to make me feel like an idiot. It doesn't work.
My dad was smarter than me. I know this. Not only did he have a PhD in something or other chemistry, he could do present value calculations in his head, he could also explain marketing to an idiot, he could explain blue babies and why we should buy name brand drugs and then explain why baby shampoo doesn't make you cry. Not only was he smart, but he didn't have to fake it. And he was down to earth. Oh, and the best part: he could eloquently explain why his idiotic 14 year old son did not need to know what he wanted to do with his life when he was only 14. That is one of the best stories of all time. I should write it up some time. Maybe next week!
But I have been on a run lately where every Tom, Dick and Harry (and Sue and Sally) think that they know how to practice law because they read a book or watched Suits or some other idiotic law show on tv. If you are so smart, go to law school. Take the bar. Practice law. I am okay with it.
But, please, do not insult me by claiming you are smarter than me. You simply aren't!
Okay, let me explain. I don't really think I am that smart. I know I am not that smart. I accept it. However, I also know if you assume you are smarter than me then you clearly are not smarter than me. I know that. You know that. You are just covering up your insecurity at being a moron by trying to make me feel like an idiot. It doesn't work.
My dad was smarter than me. I know this. Not only did he have a PhD in something or other chemistry, he could do present value calculations in his head, he could also explain marketing to an idiot, he could explain blue babies and why we should buy name brand drugs and then explain why baby shampoo doesn't make you cry. Not only was he smart, but he didn't have to fake it. And he was down to earth. Oh, and the best part: he could eloquently explain why his idiotic 14 year old son did not need to know what he wanted to do with his life when he was only 14. That is one of the best stories of all time. I should write it up some time. Maybe next week!
But I have been on a run lately where every Tom, Dick and Harry (and Sue and Sally) think that they know how to practice law because they read a book or watched Suits or some other idiotic law show on tv. If you are so smart, go to law school. Take the bar. Practice law. I am okay with it.
But, please, do not insult me by claiming you are smarter than me. You simply aren't!
Monday, January 28, 2013
More WTF is wrong with people
Read this one first: http://randomrants08.blogspot.com/2011/11/wtf-is-wrong-with-world.html On second thought, don't. It has some good shit in it though. Pretty funny. And actually made one person think a thought. Is that the definition of thought provoking?
I just need to vent so hold on. I have no idea where this is going to go..........
Why do we insist on separating ourselves out? Did you know that February is Jewish Disability Awareness Month? Is it? Now, do you know what the hell that means? Because I don't and I am Jewish. Oh, and I have several kids with disabilities. I had a sister with one. Some folks say I have a disability. Seriously. My mom used to call it diarrhea of the mouth. I talk so much shit it must come out runny.
Why do Jewish folks with disabilities need a special month? I don't understand. Is being Jewish and having a disability different than being Catholic or Protestant or Muslin or aethist and having a disability? Is it? If it is, tell me how. Please. Really. Tell me how it is different. Because, you know what I think - I think its bullshit.
Having a disability sucks. Having a kid with a disability sucks. Having more than one really sucks. But it doesn't matter if you are black, white, brown or yellow. It still sucks. Hell, it probably sucks even more if you are poor, uneducated or English is not your first language. I get that. I know I am probably more fortunate than most even though some days I feel like we drew the short end of the short sticks.
But you know what would make things easier? If we would stop trying to differentiate ourselves and just have "Awareness Month." Not disability awareness or special needs awareness or anything else. Just fucking awareness. Be aware of others. Think of others. Try to put others first. Why? Because I fucking said so and I am tired of people trying to be different from each other. You know what? You aren't different. You put your pants on one leg at a time just like me. Your shit stinks just like me. You think some people are jackasses, just like me. The difference is I am willing to call them out on it.
Like this. Dear douchebag from soccer yesterday, you are a fucking douchebag who has the athletic ability of a mouse. No, not the mouse that runs in the ball and makes the fucking thing turn over. You have the athletic ability of the mouse that stands in the corner, eating its own dung, and pissing on itself. Its not my fault you have never accomplished anything in your life. But coming in at me with your spikes up from behind is not going to make your miserable life any better. So, please go fuck yourself.
See how easy that is? And if you think I only do it here, come to a soccer game. I did it on the field when it happened and may have been meaner. But I don't care. I am so tired of having to be nice to people because they think they are so special. They aren't.
Now I am going to sit down, eat some fucking ice cream, watch some bad tv and not deal with the jackasses of the world for a while. Tomorrow, I will go back to dealing with them, but I will still push the idea of Awareness month. Because, while no one may follow this crap, I feel the need to continue trying. That shows my level of brilliance!
I just need to vent so hold on. I have no idea where this is going to go..........
Why do we insist on separating ourselves out? Did you know that February is Jewish Disability Awareness Month? Is it? Now, do you know what the hell that means? Because I don't and I am Jewish. Oh, and I have several kids with disabilities. I had a sister with one. Some folks say I have a disability. Seriously. My mom used to call it diarrhea of the mouth. I talk so much shit it must come out runny.
Why do Jewish folks with disabilities need a special month? I don't understand. Is being Jewish and having a disability different than being Catholic or Protestant or Muslin or aethist and having a disability? Is it? If it is, tell me how. Please. Really. Tell me how it is different. Because, you know what I think - I think its bullshit.
Having a disability sucks. Having a kid with a disability sucks. Having more than one really sucks. But it doesn't matter if you are black, white, brown or yellow. It still sucks. Hell, it probably sucks even more if you are poor, uneducated or English is not your first language. I get that. I know I am probably more fortunate than most even though some days I feel like we drew the short end of the short sticks.
But you know what would make things easier? If we would stop trying to differentiate ourselves and just have "Awareness Month." Not disability awareness or special needs awareness or anything else. Just fucking awareness. Be aware of others. Think of others. Try to put others first. Why? Because I fucking said so and I am tired of people trying to be different from each other. You know what? You aren't different. You put your pants on one leg at a time just like me. Your shit stinks just like me. You think some people are jackasses, just like me. The difference is I am willing to call them out on it.
Like this. Dear douchebag from soccer yesterday, you are a fucking douchebag who has the athletic ability of a mouse. No, not the mouse that runs in the ball and makes the fucking thing turn over. You have the athletic ability of the mouse that stands in the corner, eating its own dung, and pissing on itself. Its not my fault you have never accomplished anything in your life. But coming in at me with your spikes up from behind is not going to make your miserable life any better. So, please go fuck yourself.
See how easy that is? And if you think I only do it here, come to a soccer game. I did it on the field when it happened and may have been meaner. But I don't care. I am so tired of having to be nice to people because they think they are so special. They aren't.
Now I am going to sit down, eat some fucking ice cream, watch some bad tv and not deal with the jackasses of the world for a while. Tomorrow, I will go back to dealing with them, but I will still push the idea of Awareness month. Because, while no one may follow this crap, I feel the need to continue trying. That shows my level of brilliance!
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