Wednesday, April 30, 2008
MacBook Air Gets Tied Down
So the other day, I got into a discussion about the merits of Macs and the Macbook Air. The biggest advantage is advertising. Yep, that's it. Mac's have the best advertising agency I've ever seen. They can make so-so products look fantastic. After all, look at iPods. Most people think iPods are the only mp3 player out there. Because the MacBook Air doesn't have *any* ports, you have to add them on! Anyway, I don't want to get into another discussion about this. Just watch the video.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
Glad It's Over!
Wow! What a month! I am happy April is nearly over. On the first of the month I was made the acting manager of The Sharper Image. I had very little time to learn all the aspects of my new position. I knew I could handle the responsibilities, but I think I underestimated all that I would need to do. I needed to hire all new associates and train them how to run the store. Luckily I had several friends who needed part time jobs. One position was filled by my ad in craigslist. They were all hard workers and fast learners.
Of course there were the angry customers, that never changes. I only had to have one couple escorted out of the mall. Only... They would get angry because we were unable to take their returns. Once the liquidators bought our store, we became theirs and followed their policies. Their policy includes no returns. So our customers only needed to contact an 800 number and Sharper Image customer service would send out a pre-paid box to take the unit back. I think that's really generous on their half. But that wasn't good enough for some customers. Luckily I had lots of experience with this before becoming the manager. I do my best to help every customer but I know when to put my foot down.
Our store was planned to be open anywhere from four to twelve weeks. Two weeks into the closure, they let us know that we would be closing in two weeks. I can't say that I was surprised. Compared to the other stores closing in our district, we weren't doing very well. Our sales were down. I think first of all, our mall being under construction but a large damper on our sales. Trolley Square just doesn't have the traffic in it our store needs. Second, no offense but Utahans are cheapskates. 40% isn't good enough for them. They want 80-90% off. The problem was, because of our short four weeks open, the sales weren't going to get that good. But tell that to customers and they just think you're holding out. Ah well!
I thought I was handling everything pretty well. I was learning the ropes quickly and responsibly. I figured that because we wouldn't be open so long I'd not train a new Senior Sales in order to close and open the store. It would be difficult but I could handle the three weeks at nine hours a day without any days off. Well, I am still alive.
Even though I was on top of the things, the stress was killing me. During the three week period I had four migraines! I normally have about one a year, sometimes less. I'm so thankful that after my second migraine, I found some medicine that stopped the beast dead in its tracks. Hallelujah! Why didn't I know about this back when I started getting them in junior high school? I could have been without pain and discomfort and annoyance for years! But I have it now, phew! I was getting afraid too. I figured the migraines were caused by stress, but I'd never had them so often. I thought it might be something I'd have to continue to deal with. Luckily (knock on wood) they seem to have dissipated.
Every day of the three weeks was identical to the last. It was long, it was hard, and it was stressful. My last day, Aaron and I both pulled 12 hour shifts. The last hours seemed to drag on. Our liquidation representative had this small thing, or that last thing he needed done. And he didn't do anything to help get it done. Grrrr!
But! All of that is behind me. I made a lot of money, I earned a lot of experience, and I am so glad it is done. If I needed to, would I do it again? Probably yes. But I would make a lot of changes... and I wouldn't do it for a long time!
Now I'm giving myself a small vacation before I head back to work. The Sharper Image is dead in Utah, but I hope to have a job at Brookstone very soon. I'm sorry I fell off the planet during that time, but I hope you all understand. But Scott is back and better for it!
Of course there were the angry customers, that never changes. I only had to have one couple escorted out of the mall. Only... They would get angry because we were unable to take their returns. Once the liquidators bought our store, we became theirs and followed their policies. Their policy includes no returns. So our customers only needed to contact an 800 number and Sharper Image customer service would send out a pre-paid box to take the unit back. I think that's really generous on their half. But that wasn't good enough for some customers. Luckily I had lots of experience with this before becoming the manager. I do my best to help every customer but I know when to put my foot down.
Our store was planned to be open anywhere from four to twelve weeks. Two weeks into the closure, they let us know that we would be closing in two weeks. I can't say that I was surprised. Compared to the other stores closing in our district, we weren't doing very well. Our sales were down. I think first of all, our mall being under construction but a large damper on our sales. Trolley Square just doesn't have the traffic in it our store needs. Second, no offense but Utahans are cheapskates. 40% isn't good enough for them. They want 80-90% off. The problem was, because of our short four weeks open, the sales weren't going to get that good. But tell that to customers and they just think you're holding out. Ah well!
I thought I was handling everything pretty well. I was learning the ropes quickly and responsibly. I figured that because we wouldn't be open so long I'd not train a new Senior Sales in order to close and open the store. It would be difficult but I could handle the three weeks at nine hours a day without any days off. Well, I am still alive.
Even though I was on top of the things, the stress was killing me. During the three week period I had four migraines! I normally have about one a year, sometimes less. I'm so thankful that after my second migraine, I found some medicine that stopped the beast dead in its tracks. Hallelujah! Why didn't I know about this back when I started getting them in junior high school? I could have been without pain and discomfort and annoyance for years! But I have it now, phew! I was getting afraid too. I figured the migraines were caused by stress, but I'd never had them so often. I thought it might be something I'd have to continue to deal with. Luckily (knock on wood) they seem to have dissipated.
Every day of the three weeks was identical to the last. It was long, it was hard, and it was stressful. My last day, Aaron and I both pulled 12 hour shifts. The last hours seemed to drag on. Our liquidation representative had this small thing, or that last thing he needed done. And he didn't do anything to help get it done. Grrrr!
But! All of that is behind me. I made a lot of money, I earned a lot of experience, and I am so glad it is done. If I needed to, would I do it again? Probably yes. But I would make a lot of changes... and I wouldn't do it for a long time!
Now I'm giving myself a small vacation before I head back to work. The Sharper Image is dead in Utah, but I hope to have a job at Brookstone very soon. I'm sorry I fell off the planet during that time, but I hope you all understand. But Scott is back and better for it!
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Spring Does Exist!
I took these today while going on a walk in my neighborhood. It's nice to know that spring might be here! (But for how long?)
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
In the Blink of an Eye
Wow. I am amazed at how quickly my life can change. About four weeks ago, my employer, The Sharper Image filed Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. About two weeks ago, we found out our store would be liquidating. Then I went to Hawaii on paid vacation. When I returned, all of my co-workers and managers had put in their two week notices. I cannot afford to be jobless, so I am staying at the Sharper Image until we close. On April 1st (the irony of that day has not escaped me) I will be made the acting Manager. So right now my life is filled with the stress of finding employees that are willing to work for only six to twelve weeks. Then I need to interview them, train them, and supervise them. I need to have them ready by April first. Wow.
In the meantime, I need to learn payroll, hiring procedures, and everything else a manager does. I'm swamped, I'm stressed, and I'm worried. On top of all this, the job is just as temporary for me. I need to find a new job myself. This is sad because I *love* this job. I have become a better person from it. I really saw myself growing and progressing in this company. But now that has all changed--and so quickly.
The bright side? I may make some good money. I will have management skills. I will have resume builders. I will be more responsible. I will be strong. Will it be worth the trade-off? I'll find out.
In the meantime, I need to learn payroll, hiring procedures, and everything else a manager does. I'm swamped, I'm stressed, and I'm worried. On top of all this, the job is just as temporary for me. I need to find a new job myself. This is sad because I *love* this job. I have become a better person from it. I really saw myself growing and progressing in this company. But now that has all changed--and so quickly.
The bright side? I may make some good money. I will have management skills. I will have resume builders. I will be more responsible. I will be strong. Will it be worth the trade-off? I'll find out.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
A Short Memorial
Today was the one year anniversary of the shooting at Trolley Square. I was able to leave some flowers at the site. As I walked through the mall I saw other small groups of people mourning the loss of their family members and friends. I pray for those who experienced such a difficult loss. I hope the Holy Ghost comforts them and brings them closer to their Heavenly Father. It's important to remember that though they were taken before their time, they live on.
--Scott
--Scott
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Piracy, Lies, and the Shooting
I just looked at my blogging stats for 2007. I wrote fewer blogs last year than any other year. That's sad. Back in 2005 I made a goal to become a regular blogger and it really made a difference. I'm hesitant to make that same goal for this year. We'll see how it plays out.
So here's the actual topic of my first blog of 2008: Piracy. It seems the MPAA likes to create statistics in order to further their cause. In 2005 they stated that 44% of lost sales came from college-aged downloaders. Now they're backtracking and saying the numbers are closer to 15%. Campus IT groups are saying that it's closer to 3%. Hmph. It makes you think. Now whenever the MPAA proclaims a statistic or trend, we'll need someone to double check it. It seems they will lie in order to further their agenda. Ridiculous.
Oh, one other thing. So yesterday I checked my voice mail. The Salt Lake Tribune had called and left a message. They wanted to interview me on how things had changed since the Trolley Square Shooting. The one year anniversary is nearly here. That really upsets me. I cannot pretend to be a spokesman for the event. I didn't lose any loved ones or co-workers. It would be completely inappropriate for me to speak to an audience on that topic. I'll remind you, this is the newspaper that wanted to interview me while the shooting was happening! Tasteless!
So here's the actual topic of my first blog of 2008: Piracy. It seems the MPAA likes to create statistics in order to further their cause. In 2005 they stated that 44% of lost sales came from college-aged downloaders. Now they're backtracking and saying the numbers are closer to 15%. Campus IT groups are saying that it's closer to 3%. Hmph. It makes you think. Now whenever the MPAA proclaims a statistic or trend, we'll need someone to double check it. It seems they will lie in order to further their agenda. Ridiculous.
Oh, one other thing. So yesterday I checked my voice mail. The Salt Lake Tribune had called and left a message. They wanted to interview me on how things had changed since the Trolley Square Shooting. The one year anniversary is nearly here. That really upsets me. I cannot pretend to be a spokesman for the event. I didn't lose any loved ones or co-workers. It would be completely inappropriate for me to speak to an audience on that topic. I'll remind you, this is the newspaper that wanted to interview me while the shooting was happening! Tasteless!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Medical Myths Even Doctors Believe
I've always been fascinated by this kind of thing. We have a lot of ideas that we pass off as fact with nothing to back it up. Some of these I already knew. They are myths, but I think that some of them are still good ideas. Check out the full article here.
Myth: We use only 10 percent of our brains.
It turns out there is no part of the brain we don't use. There are no inactive locations. They myth comes from quacks from the early 1900s trying to push their self-improvement schemes.
Myth: You should drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
I grew up with this myth. My mom is a strong follower of 8 glasses a day. You know, I think that it isn't a bad idea. Our bodies are made of mostly water. This much water can't hurt our operations.
Myth: Fingernails and hair grow after death.
I remember learning this myth back when I was seven years old and walking through a graveyard in Germany. My dad told me about it. I had this awful idea of corpses with really long nails and hair. Gross.
Myth: Shaved hair grows back faster, coarser and darker.
I only found out this was a myth several years ago. I wish it were true! I have very little facial hair. If this myth were true, it would be possible for me to grow a beard if I kept at it. Sadly, there's no truth in it.
Myth: Reading in dim light ruins your eyesight.
I'll quote the article directly: "The researchers found no evidence that reading in dim light causes permanent eye damage. It can cause eye strain and temporarily decreased acuity, which subsides after rest."
Myth: Eating turkey makes you drowsy.
This was a new one for me. Yes, yes, we've all heard that tryptophan makes you sleepy. That is true. But turkey doesn't have any more tryptophan in it than turkey or beef. The drowsiness is caused by the large amount of food you're eating, not a special chemical.
Myth: Mobile phones are dangerous in hospitals.
I've never heard of this myth before. I can see where it would come from however. We aren't allowed to use cell phones in airplanes. (The jury on that is still out. Some studies say it can interfere with flight controls, some say that it can't.) So it makes sense that we'd believe it could hurt sensitive instruments in hospitals. Luckily that isn't true.
Myth: We use only 10 percent of our brains.
It turns out there is no part of the brain we don't use. There are no inactive locations. They myth comes from quacks from the early 1900s trying to push their self-improvement schemes.
Myth: You should drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
I grew up with this myth. My mom is a strong follower of 8 glasses a day. You know, I think that it isn't a bad idea. Our bodies are made of mostly water. This much water can't hurt our operations.
Myth: Fingernails and hair grow after death.
I remember learning this myth back when I was seven years old and walking through a graveyard in Germany. My dad told me about it. I had this awful idea of corpses with really long nails and hair. Gross.
Myth: Shaved hair grows back faster, coarser and darker.
I only found out this was a myth several years ago. I wish it were true! I have very little facial hair. If this myth were true, it would be possible for me to grow a beard if I kept at it. Sadly, there's no truth in it.
Myth: Reading in dim light ruins your eyesight.
I'll quote the article directly: "The researchers found no evidence that reading in dim light causes permanent eye damage. It can cause eye strain and temporarily decreased acuity, which subsides after rest."
Myth: Eating turkey makes you drowsy.
This was a new one for me. Yes, yes, we've all heard that tryptophan makes you sleepy. That is true. But turkey doesn't have any more tryptophan in it than turkey or beef. The drowsiness is caused by the large amount of food you're eating, not a special chemical.
Myth: Mobile phones are dangerous in hospitals.
I've never heard of this myth before. I can see where it would come from however. We aren't allowed to use cell phones in airplanes. (The jury on that is still out. Some studies say it can interfere with flight controls, some say that it can't.) So it makes sense that we'd believe it could hurt sensitive instruments in hospitals. Luckily that isn't true.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Trolley Square Bomb Threat
Posted: 9:51 PM- The Salt Lake Police Department responded to a report of a bomb threat at Trolley Square Mall on Thursday evening that resulted in the evacuation of shoppers.
The bomb threat was called in about 7:45 p.m. to Salt Lake City Police dispatch, said police Lt. Lamar Ewell. The call came in on a cell phone and officers were trying to track down the caller last night. Mall management decided to evacuate shoppers after police informed them of the threat. Officers and mall security then searched the mall and its perimeter. Nothing suspicious was found, Ewell said. The search ended around 9:30 p.m.
Yes, I was there. But we got the store shut down quickly and we are all safe.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Christmas!
Eleven more days if you can believe it. Eleven more days till Christmas. And I'm caught in the middle. I'm a Christmas-boy as my mother says. I've always loved the magic that comes with this season. When I was young I did whatever I could to preserve and increase that special feeling. For many years as a pre-teen I made sure that I sang a Christmas song every month all year long. I remembered and tried to preserve every Christmas tradition my family held. We have a lot of traditions! Christmas is a special time of year. I think mankind is its closest to Christ-like. Life seems to speed up, but the desire to help others slows it down just a bit.
Now I'm an adult and I still seek to preserve the magic. However, I also work in retail. At the Sharper Image we have started longer hours. We are open 10am-10pm. I'm normally the one who closes. Customers are relentless during this season. They all want something and if they don't get it, "Christmas is ruined!" My days seem long and the pressure much greater. I love my job. Retail has been the best job I've had yet. There is an excitement in going to work during these next two weeks. You just have to have the stamina to make it all the way through. And that's the part that makes me wish the season would hurry up so that I can slow down.
So I'm caught in the middle.
Now I'm an adult and I still seek to preserve the magic. However, I also work in retail. At the Sharper Image we have started longer hours. We are open 10am-10pm. I'm normally the one who closes. Customers are relentless during this season. They all want something and if they don't get it, "Christmas is ruined!" My days seem long and the pressure much greater. I love my job. Retail has been the best job I've had yet. There is an excitement in going to work during these next two weeks. You just have to have the stamina to make it all the way through. And that's the part that makes me wish the season would hurry up so that I can slow down.
So I'm caught in the middle.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Customers
So I read an article yesterday about a man who tried to open a bank account with a million dollar bill. (The bill -to the left- is counterfeit.) When the teller wouldn't open the account, the man threw a fit. They ended up calling the police. The man was charged with two accounts of forgery (he had tried to use a fake check elsewhere.) and disorderly conduct. I think that if there were a $1,000,000 bill, that's probably what it would look like. Bravo to whoever drew it. He is a good artist.
Now onto my own customer story. And I will try to keep this one very very short, as I could rant on it for quite a long time. A fiery red-headed woman in her late 40s came in late last week. She had a counter-top mirror that's stand had broken. So she was going to return it and get a brand new one. Problem: We don't carry that mirror nor have we ever. I was helping her and I told her so. She got in my face and said, "Are you calling me a liar!?" I replied, "No, I just think that you are mistaken." When someone asks if you're calling them a liar, what they're really saying is, "You are a liar." She started getting out of hand. I told her that if she was going to make this difficult, then I wouldn't be able to help her. To make this ugly story shorter, my Assistant Manager ended up helping her. And this is the part that bothers me: She gave her credit towards a new mirror. UGH!
I hate this because it teaches idiots like this woman, that if she's loud enough, she'll get what she wants. I will not condone that kind of behavior. Second, I *always* try to back up my sales associates when they are helping a customer. If one of them tells a customer something, I back them up instead of correcting them in front of the consumer. It builds confidence in their decision making.
Now this woman should not have gotten any credit for two reasons. First, we don't carry that mirror. Second, even if we ever did, she didn't buy a replacement guarantee, which means that she only had 60 days to return it. And I would have remembered that purchase if it were within 60 days. Grrrr.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Narnia News
I was wondering today when we could expect Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. So I looked it up on IMDB. It is currently scheduled to come out in May of 2008. Well, I'm glad. I was afraid I'd have to wait for a whole other year. The first one was so good, it really lifts my hopes for the following movies.While looking at IMDB.com I also see that Warwick Davis is tapped to play Nikabrik, the black, and bad dwarf. You may remember him from Willow, Harry Potter, Star Wars, the original BBC Narnia series, Hitchhiker's Guide, and Labyrinth.
Prince Caspian, played by Ben Barnes was in Stardust (best movie of the summer!). He is also tapped to continue his role in "Journey of the Dawn Treader", scheduled to come out in 2010.
All in all, exciting news!
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
The Truth?
So I just read a short article about when the author believes it is okay to tell a lie. Now being human, I have told some lies. In fact I've made a concerted effort in the last few years to tell fewer lies and for the most part I have succeeded.
So the article gave a list of four times when it is okay to lie.
1. When the truth tears someone down and makes them feel awful about themselves. She says, "Brutal honesty can be used as a toxic weapon." I agree. Sometimes honesty is not the best policy when it can hurt someone's heart.
2. White lies like Santa Claus protect a child's innocence and creativity.
3. In response to favors or queries as to how you are doing. "It's no trouble at all", "I'm doing okay".
4. Complimenting someone past what they deserve. "Your brownies are the best I've ever had."
She offers a little bit of wisdom too: The major difference between a white lie and a hard lie is that a hard lie is said to protect oneself, whereas a little white lie is said to protect someone else.
You know I think that's pretty wise. Sometimes a little lie goes a long way to lubricate the machinery of society. So... what do you think? Do you agree with the four examples? Can you think of others? Or should we do away with lies as best we can?
So the article gave a list of four times when it is okay to lie.
1. When the truth tears someone down and makes them feel awful about themselves. She says, "Brutal honesty can be used as a toxic weapon." I agree. Sometimes honesty is not the best policy when it can hurt someone's heart.
2. White lies like Santa Claus protect a child's innocence and creativity.
3. In response to favors or queries as to how you are doing. "It's no trouble at all", "I'm doing okay".
4. Complimenting someone past what they deserve. "Your brownies are the best I've ever had."
She offers a little bit of wisdom too: The major difference between a white lie and a hard lie is that a hard lie is said to protect oneself, whereas a little white lie is said to protect someone else.
You know I think that's pretty wise. Sometimes a little lie goes a long way to lubricate the machinery of society. So... what do you think? Do you agree with the four examples? Can you think of others? Or should we do away with lies as best we can?
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Friday, October 05, 2007
Star Trek: The (NEW) Motion Picture
Just a quick news update on the upcoming Star Trek movie. The following actors have been tapped to play roles in the new movie.
Karl Urban - Romulan enemy
Mike Vogel - "front runner" for James T. Kirk
Paul McGillon - Montgomery Scott
So of the three actors, I only know the last, Paul McGillon. Right now I am watching season three of Stargate Atlantis on DVD. I love that show! It is the best sci-fi I've seen on television since... well, since Voyager was on TV. And if you hated Stargate SG1, I'm in good company. I did too. Atlantis is completely different and much better. McGillon does an excellent job in his role as the doctor too. I really do hope that he will be in the new movie.
Karl Urban - Romulan enemy
Mike Vogel - "front runner" for James T. Kirk
Paul McGillon - Montgomery Scott
So of the three actors, I only know the last, Paul McGillon. Right now I am watching season three of Stargate Atlantis on DVD. I love that show! It is the best sci-fi I've seen on television since... well, since Voyager was on TV. And if you hated Stargate SG1, I'm in good company. I did too. Atlantis is completely different and much better. McGillon does an excellent job in his role as the doctor too. I really do hope that he will be in the new movie.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Friday, September 14, 2007
Cell Phone Bans
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger just signed a bill that will ban cell phone use for sixteen and seventeen year old drivers and older drivers as well. I have to applaud them! For good or bad, California government does not seem afraid of breaking up the status quo.
I am all for the banning of cell phone use by drivers nationwide. A recent study found that cell phone users are as impaired as drunken drivers. The study was performed at our own University of Utah. They found another interesting fact as well. Hands-free phone systems impair drivers as much as having a phone pressed to their ear.
Now California only imposes a $20 fine for the first offense and $50 for each subsequent offense. I'm debating whether that is a stiff enough fine. "Daddy's girl (or boy)" would be able to afford that easily. Poor students wouldn't be able to afford it. If such a ban were imposed for adults, the fine should be much much larger. I looked up a list of cell phone bans and laws worldwide. In Poland the fine can be up to US$1,000! Now that is more like it!
Now California has joined fifteen other states and DC with cell phone bans while driving. I was looking through the list of countries and states with these laws. It looks like many of those fifteen states only have partial bans. Weak! But here in the US we are always loathe to enact laws that prohibit every day occurrences. We have the mentality that 'If I want to do it, it shouldn't be illegal' and to hell with the consequences. It's just my opinion, but other countries have a 'the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few' mentality. A more healthy ideal I believe.
Anyway, if it is ever up for a vote (ha!) I encourage you to vote for a driving cell phone ban.
I am all for the banning of cell phone use by drivers nationwide. A recent study found that cell phone users are as impaired as drunken drivers. The study was performed at our own University of Utah. They found another interesting fact as well. Hands-free phone systems impair drivers as much as having a phone pressed to their ear.
Now California only imposes a $20 fine for the first offense and $50 for each subsequent offense. I'm debating whether that is a stiff enough fine. "Daddy's girl (or boy)" would be able to afford that easily. Poor students wouldn't be able to afford it. If such a ban were imposed for adults, the fine should be much much larger. I looked up a list of cell phone bans and laws worldwide. In Poland the fine can be up to US$1,000! Now that is more like it!
Now California has joined fifteen other states and DC with cell phone bans while driving. I was looking through the list of countries and states with these laws. It looks like many of those fifteen states only have partial bans. Weak! But here in the US we are always loathe to enact laws that prohibit every day occurrences. We have the mentality that 'If I want to do it, it shouldn't be illegal' and to hell with the consequences. It's just my opinion, but other countries have a 'the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few' mentality. A more healthy ideal I believe.
Anyway, if it is ever up for a vote (ha!) I encourage you to vote for a driving cell phone ban.
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