I got a pre-declined credit card in the mail.

I ordered a burger at McDonald’s and the kid behind the counter asked, “Can you afford fries with that?”

CEO’s are now playing miniature golf.

If the bank returns your check marked “Insufficient Funds,” you call them and ask if they meant you or them.

Hot Wheels and Matchbox stocks are trading higher than GM.

McDonald’s is selling the 1/4 ouncer.

Parents in Beverly Hills fired their nannies and learned their children’s names.

A truckload of Americans was caught sneaking into Mexico.

Dick Cheney took his stockbroker hunting.

Motel Six won’t leave the light on anymore.

The Mafia is laying off judges.

Exxon-Mobil laid off 25 Congressmen.

And, finally…

I was so depressed last night thinking about the economy, wars, jobs, my savings, Social Security, retirement funds, etc., I called the Suicide Lifeline. I got a call center in Pakistan, and when I told them I was suicidal, they got all excited, and asked if I could drive a truck.

Today I spent the day at work. We decided to do inventory on the 1st as the store was closed and there would be less interruptions. Unfortunately, our recent software upgrade left us with unusable inventory control tags, so the entire process has to be done manually. So the process, which should take about 2 days, is likely going to take a week or longer.

OK… enough of that soap box.  Anyway, I’ve discovered a tool that is helping me reduce what I spend in gas.  Check it out!

Search for gas prices by US Zip Code

One of my current passions is social networking.  Through web sites like Facebook and MySpace, I have been able to connect and re-connect with friends from all aspects of my life.  Once such individual is Pete Peterson, who I went to high school with at Borah High in Boise.

Those two worlds collided in a fun way tonight when Jen and I went to Tony Starlight’s Supper Club in Portland.  Lavonna was the featured performer at this great little jazz club.  And who was playing saxophone?  You guessed it. Pete Peterson.

And to make this story even better, both Lavonna and Peter are really great musicians! The played for nearly 2 1/2 hours, both jazz standards and songs Lavonna had penned.  The riffed and crooned and provided a really excellent evening of entertainment.

If you get the chance, I highly recommend checking out Tony Starlight’s.  And if Lavonna or Pete are performing… you GOTTA get there!

A common theme that will run throughout this section is Customer Service. I am a huge believer in providing quality goods and services in a friendly and fair manner. I think that customer service is an art that many people take for granted, but only a few truly master. I try to reward positive service by telling not only the person who gave it to me, but also their supervisor or business owner (and now the blog world).

One place I consistently receive good customer service is at Chapters in Newberg. I go to this bookstore / coffee shop twice a week to meet with friends and family. On Thursdays, the barista is Kat. The other day she had a sample of my favorite drink ready for me when I walked in the door. They were trying out a new blend of Chai Tea and she wanted my opinion. Before I could finish the small tasting, she had my drink ready for me. I hadn’t ordered it, but she knows my regular cup of choice and had it prepared. With all the people that come in to the store each morning, I’m impressed that she knows me, my drink preferences, and my routine well enough to have my Chai ready for me when I walk in. This has become consistent behavior. This is above and beyond the call of duty. This goes beyond a pleasant demeanor. This is true customer service.

Thanks, Kat!