Soulless Beast

No I am not talking about Karl Rowe...

Leesa did a post last week that reminded me of my disillusionment with American Business culture. I look at what many corporations are doing to their retirees, employees, customers and vendors and I get angry at the short sightedness and the lack of humanity demonstrated by folks like Wal-Mart, LTV, Wells Fargo and NorthWorst Airlines among others.

Business is supposed to be "people trading goods and services" The theory is that by the most efficient (and least inefficient) producers trading, then all will have more. A real win/win Fine and dandy and it usually works OK. Some where though many companies forgot the lesson and they are determined to squeeze everything they can from those they trade with. Not just a win/lose scenario but a "I want it all/I do not care about you" scenario.

Management say they are responsible to "the owners". Do I believe them? NO! The owners are you and me and millions of others like us who have funds tied up in IRA's, 401K's and other devices. Management does not answer to us. Management answers to themselves. How else would you explain an airline in bankruptcy paying bonuses to the management that put them there?

Are there good corporate citizens out there? You bet! Folks like TARGET, Rohm Haas et al are decent corporate citizens but the ones who have forgotten their humanity are frightening in their existence and depressing in their number.

Was Tom Peters totally off base?

Empty Nest?

We have been official Empty Nesters "1" for a few years now. We have become accustomed to the quiet and privacy.

Last week our youngest moved home. "Da Kid" just graduated in May and landed a good job here in the Twin Cities. She will be staying with us for a few months as she works out her housing plans. All great and good reasons to move home of course but it is taking some adjusting. Do not get me wrong, it is great having her home but you do get used to having it "your way". Also, lets admit it, the grocery bill just took a BIG jump and the "debris factor" has risen

On the humorous side? I think it bugs her even more *L*

Was it Ever About Character?

Minnesota Collegiate athletics was hit with another scandal yesterday when Dominic Jones was arrested for rape. Police have DNA and video evidence linking him to the crime.

We seem to see way too much of this in college and professional athletes. Is there something about being in the lime light that makes these people lose their perspective? Did they ever have perspective? Are teams so desperate for talent that they do not want to see the flaws?

Interestingly, one of the people who helped police put the pieces together was a former Gopher recruit that is currently incarcerated for a crime he committed before he was recruited. Of course the Gophers suspended him...DOH!

NASCAR Mentality?

I do quite a bit of work related driving. I am not sure if it is my advancing age or a true perception but it seems drivers are much more aggressive than they used to be.

Stupidly so at times.

Is it the effect of NASCAR on the collective psyche? Could it be that no one bothers to understand Newtons Laws?


I had a long drive home Friday night. It was made longer as a result of the Interstate being shut down in two places due to fatal car wrecks.

Scarey

Back??????

Welllllllll, I am not sure. I have hit a temporary lull again. I am not sure if it will be a month or 6 months. We will just have to wait and see.

It is hard to believe that it has been almost 6 months since I last posted! Lots has been going on for us.

Our youngest graduated in May and is now gainfully employed at a very reasonable salary. I am gratified she chose to take an engineering degree. I expect she will be extremely competent at what ever she tackles in her career.

Our oldest has announced her wedding plans. The OH approves of her intended. As he put it "he works on old cars, rides motorcycles and drinks beer. What else can you ask for?". In all seriousness, he treats her very well. He has met my brothers and has their approval. From experience, I can attest that they can be VERY HARD on suitors for sisters, nieces, cousins etc..
One cousin quit bringing her boyfriends around since my sibs kept discovering things about them she did not want to know *L*. I will have to be very careful that I do not become "Momzilla" during the next 12 months...UGH!

As for me? I have been working odd hours. I have also taken on an internal project that is making me stretch and do things I never have. It is a wonderful experience and I think will be very rewarding for my employers. I also took on some fun volunteer work for an industry trade organization.

The OH is well and as usual I will say little there except that our marriage continues to be fun.

I am blessed. Life is VERY GOOD.