What A Slacker!

Pet Expo in Reading

Add comment May 3rd, 2008

In March I went to the Pet Expo here in Reading. I know it took me long enough to write about it. It was very interesting and pretty much fun. I went with a friend of mine and her husband. We walked through the entire thing. It was huge. My favorite were the reptiles. Not that I want any it’s just the bunch of them together were fun to watch. Especially the bearded dragons.

There were lots of rescue groups there too for just about every dog breed. Tons of stores with loads of stuff to buy. Mostly dog related but there were things for other pet lovers too. Beside the dogs there was also loads of ferret groups.

There is also a huge horse arena, a dog agility arena, dogs doing fly ball (that was fun to watch), cat show, pet costume contests. People could bring their pets along too. There was even a big old tiger there. Below you can see a few other pictures I took like the smiling potbelly pig and the over dressed little yorky.

Speak Clearly and Speak English When Ordering

Add comment March 19th, 2008

Geno’s Steaks in Philadelphia has a sign out front that says, “This is America please speak English when ordering”. The city of Philadelphia was trying to make the owner, Joey Vento remove the sign.

Personally, I feel it is his business and he has every right to expect his customers to order in a way that is understandable to himself and his employees. Therefore requesting they speak English when ordering does not seem to be asking too much.

I worked for a Greek boss who demanded that when ordering a gyro that you pronounced it properly [year-roh] or no sandwich. He would spend 10 or 15 minutes trying to get folks to say it correctly before taking their order for the sandwich.

I just heard that today the judge ruled that he did not have to take the sign down at least not just yet. Good as there is this little thing called freedom of speech. I think this falls under that. In any case Geno strikes a chord with many, especially in a time when almost all customer service calls are outsourced to India. It is hard dealing with someone in a busy environment when they do not speak English or do not speak without a heavy accent. I just saw an audio book in my local library that taught you to speak English with an American accent. Hey if Nicole Kidman can do anyone can.

That said if you are ever in Philadelphia you have to have a cheese steak, best hot sandwich in the world.