...I know it's going to be good.When the emails arrives, it's generally just a subject line and then a link. For example, these are the last five things he's emailed to me recently.
1. 10 Things Not to Say When Firing an Employee. The list includes things you shouldn't say while letting someone go. I read through the list and couldn't believe some of the things people would say. They're almost as bad as stupid things people say and do in interviews, only worse, because they're patronizing. I'm glad they included this one:
5."This is just as hard for me as it is for you." There are few absolutes, but it is absolutely true that it always harder to be fired than to fire. Don't ask an employee who is looking at unemployment to feel your pain.I know a few people who have had this line said to them and each of them, to a person, has said that it was the ultimate insult. Having heard that line myself once, I know it's often everything you can do not to look at the person delivering it and say, "Somehow I really doubt that, you ass."
Moving on...
2. If you're into mysteries, this article in the Telegraph UK was fun. It features an interview with one of the quintessential mystery writers of the 20th century, P.D. James. Coincidentally, this morning I had an email from Shelfari saying that the top award winners of 2009 include C.J. Box's Blue Heaven. If you want a gritty mystery, I suggest Box. His books are excellent!
Now I just need to figure out how to get his last three books. Amazon.com here I come. Could this be an excuse to get a Kindle?? Hm.
3. Then there's this article about Carl Jung and The Holy Grail of the Unconscious from The New York Times magazine. It's rather lengthy and I confess I haven't read the entire article, but I'm working on it. What I have read so far is quite interesting. If you enjoy psychology, definitely give this a look.
How do you feel about that?
4. Some of the stuff my brother sends me isn't always fun, but it is educational and even a little frightening. For example, an article from CNET about bat flu that was fascinating, largely because I learned about an animal disease lab not too far from Manhattan, NY, on Long Island known as Plum Island. As if that wasn't somewhat frightening enough, the article mentions a new facility slated for Manhattan, KS. The one upshot to Nation prepares for deadly bat virus was, I was able to forward it on to a friend who works in public health and may be moving to Kansas in a year or two. Job opp.
Now, where's my hand sanitizer?
I've saved the best for last. In fact, his email this morning was the inspiration for this blog entry.
5. As many of you know, I lived in Austria 20 years ago. What you may not know is, Austria is the official home of Wiener Schnitzel. No, not the tacky hot dog joint. I'm talking about the gustatory wonder that is breaded and fried veal or pork. This morning's email subject line simply said: "Another reason to visit NYC..." Then there was the usual, lone link, which led to this:
I ♥ schnitzel!Look out taco trucks! The schnitzel has arrived! I'll tell you, New York City has everything. If you're living in the Big Apple and you see this truck, please have a schnitzel for me.
Now please tell me that last link made you smile? Compared to the first link, it should have or you're fired! And leave the schnitzel behind, because that will definitely hurt you as much as it hurts me. In the waistline.
*****
Finally, as this is Friday, here's this week's photo. Happy (Photo) Friday, folks! Have a great weekend.
Modestes : Museum of the Int'l Red Cross/Red Crescent : Geneva, CHPhoto sources: Drive-in Theater.com and Schnitzel & Things.
Photo copyright for Modestes: D.C. Confidential, 11/09
