DO YOU EVER see the TV ad sponsored by BASF? Among other things, it says, "At BASF, we don't make the jeans you wear. We make the jeans you wear BLUER." Bluer? Is that a word? "At BASF, we don't make a lot of the products you buy. We make a lot of the products you buy BETTER."
So I always think, "What in the world is BASF anyway?" Do you think it should be important for them to tell us? And then there is the ad sponsored by Chevron Oil for TECHRON in your gas tank. Evidently, we're supposed to be excited about it, but do we have any idea what it IS? So far, Chevron has resisted any temptation to reveal the purpose and function of this miraculous new product.- Negotiating a power meal has never been my strong suit. When we go out to dinner with someone, I usually don't even think of what happens when the server brings just one check. Does someone put it on his MasterCard and the other reimburse him the cash for half the cost? If the party going with you offers to cover the check, do you let him?
Recently, I invited my wife and three other people to go out to dinner. Although it was uncharacteristic of me, I had decided that I would grab the check and pay for it all. I had organized it and thought there was good reason for me to do it. Besides, my guests would probably be grateful.
Half way through the meal, one person turned to me and said, "I just want you to know I'm paying for my own meal." Stunned, I said, "But I had planned on paying for it." She said, "Maybe next time - but tonight I'm paying for my own meal."
I thought to myself, "That's what she thinks. I'll just grab the check and quietly pay for it anyway."
When the meal was over, the server brought the check and placed it in the middle of the table. Quickly, I lunged for it, grabbing the little tray just as my male friend across the table scooped up the check from the tray, effectively beating me to it.
I had the tray, but he had the check.
I said, "This evening was my idea, and it makes perfect sense that I pay for it." He said, "This is our first annual gathering - I'll pay tonight, and you can pay next year."
Hmm. - the rascal.
Ironically, the woman who had declared to me her intention to pay for her own meal was now curiously silent.
As I leaned back in my seat, I felt strangely unsatisfied. I had organized the entire evening and even selected the restaurant and had gotten away without paying for it. I should have been thrilled, but I was a little disappointed.
The truth was I had learned how to think like a businessman. Even if I had more money than I expected to have after the meal, I had been robbed of the power.
I knew that if I were determined to pay for it next time, I would have to move faster - maybe even tell the server on the sly that I was the one who should get the check. And if anyone else announces an intention to pay, I must be powerful and self-assured and say, in my most pontifical voice, "Sorry, you're out of luck. I'm picking up this tab."
- Imagine my shock when as a fan of TV's "Frasier," I tuned into Letterman to see its star, Kelsey Grammer, talking in a strange, flat monotone, bearing no resemblance to Dr. Frasier Crane. I didn't like it and kept hoping he would finally speak in his real voice. No such luck. That is apparently the way he actually talks. It is evident that I like Frasier Crane much better than Kelsey Grammer.
- Have you noticed how many adults are now using the common "in" phrase among young people? When they want to indicate that what you are saying is ridiculous, their quick response is a dramatically delivered "Duhhh!"
I like it better in the mouths of teens.