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Opinions of a retiree
Thoughts of a Retiree in His Hammock on a Dog Day
Afternoon
 By Bill Kalmar, retired
July 12, 2006 - Being retired affords one the
opportunity to periodically relax in a hammock on a hot summer afternoon
inscribing answers in a cross-world puzzle and contemplating the latest
world and local news. While trying to think of a three-letter word for
"Thurman of the screen", my thoughts turn to a myriad of topics...
● Why are politicians contacting me almost daily
and leaving helpful, friendly messages on my voice mail? Could it be
that an election is approaching? Hopefully after the November elections,
the phone calls will cease but predictably the end result will be
another four years of government malaise. Unfortunately the nationwide
"Do Not Call List" excludes politicians but not surprisingly they were
the ones responsible for passing that legislation.
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Retirement - Im Lovin It!
By
Bill Kalmar, retired
Aug. 1, 2005 - Many senior citizens approach their
golden years and retirement with trepidation. Not me. I retired two years
ago after forty years in the business world and am now looking forward to my
next forty years in a lifestyle filled with excitement, fulfillment and a
schedule of my own making. Each day is a new adventure and Im ecstatic to
be going along for the ride! Read
more...
Is It Armageddon For Customer Service?
By Bill Kalmar, retired
Aug. 26, 2005 - You see and hear them everyday
signs and commercials heralding that Customer Service Is #1 or We
Treat You Like Family or how about The Customer Is Always Right. The
other day I came across a particularly revealing motto: Were Better
Than We Used To Be! Whatever the slogan or motto, as consumers we
expect extraordinary customer service and frankly, if you are like me,
retired and on a fixed income, you want to experience customer service
beyond your expectations and you want those services and products to fit
your budget.
Read
more...
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● Does it seem like each space shuttle launch
results in the astronauts spending the entire trip reviewing the outside
of the shuttle to see if it is safe to return to earth? Other than the
juice product Tang, I can't remember any benefits from the space program
for me personally. And why search for life on other planets? If
inhabitants of other planets are so intelligent, let them travel to meet
us here. Come to think of it, some of them are already here. My last
boss had to have been a Martian!
● Warren Buffet and Bill Gates announced that
they will donate a large part of their fortunes to charitable causes.
Shouldn't billionaire Kirk Kerkorian follow their example and quit this
charade of assisting GM to improve when we all know that he only wants
to improve his own portfolio? How much money does this guy need for
anti-aging cream?
● Being on social security is a pleasant
experience. Just like clockwork, funds are deposited to my account every
month and a recent 4.1% increase in benefits was realized without having
to submit to a performance review! Wonder why Hallmark doesn't have a
Social Security Thank You card so I can personally thank the three
people that research has shown support every one person on social
security?
● Looks as if this will be another big year for
pirates. The new Pirates of the Caribbean movie set a one-day attendance
record. And believe it or not there is even an annual Talk Like A Pirate
Day held every year on September 19 - AARRRR! Ahoy Matey!
● Seems you can't turn on the radio or TV these
days without hearing some self proclaimed millionaire explaining how he
made his fortune in real estate or some other money making enterprise.
These charlatans then invite us to buy a book or video to learn their
secrets. Are these people selling secrets to their success or just books
and videos? Frankly, if I had a money making scheme that provided me
with mansions, yachts and worldwide trips would I be inclined to share
that information with others? I think not! Wouldn't that over saturate
the market and dry up my income stream? I got burned when the buggy whip
market dried up!
● Still can't understand our nation's obsession
with celebrities. Magazines, TV shows, celebrity sightings and daily
celebrity updates seem to inundate our lives. Most of these celluloid
magnets are shallow, inept script readers who are pampered and allowed
to skirt most societal norms because of their so-called VIP status.
Refreshingly, their antics and selfish lifestyles make our own lives
seem more meaningful and important.
● When did children's sports suddenly swallow up
all other family activities to the point of weekend paralysis? Now I
know it's important to have our offspring involved in activities that
promote socialization but when events are planned for Easter, Mother's
Day and Father's Day haven't we crossed the line of reasonableness?
Somehow our generation learned athletic skills and socialization by
engaging in an occasional game of kick the can and pick up baseball
games in weed-infested fields!
Well, let's see now - that three letter word? Oh
yes, "Uma". Seems Ms. Thurman turns up in just about every crossword
puzzle. Perhaps having a first name with two vowels trumps having talent
every time!
Bill Kalmar is a former Director of the Michigan
Quality Council, now retired in Lake Orion MI.
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