The “E” Word

Today I gave someone a very valuable gift.

In my property management business, I have to make some unpopular decisions. One of the residents had very expensive repairs done to her home and I had to build a case to bill her for it. She was told about it and she flared up and insisted that it was the Home Owners Association that was responsible for the payment and not her. After much research and deliberation, I believe that legally she really was supposed to pay for this and I was prepared to go to battle with her. This could have escalated into World War III but one thing led to another and the board members decided not to pursue the matter anymore. So I wrote her and told her the good news. I thought she would dance for joy but all I got was “big deal, I knew I was right all along.”

She was unaware that she was inches away from a legal battle. Instead, she felt entitled.

Entitlement is a big thing nowadays. Many have died because of a suicidal terrorist’s entitlement to bring others down with him. Many march in arms because they are entitled to money they never worked for. In California some of the homeless pollute the streets because they are entitled to be taken care of.

Entitlement. Follow it’s selfish path and you lose your self worth. It makes you bitter and never satisfied. Its negativity spreads like a virus. It hurts the unappreciated on the other side. It’s an easy inviting path (I’ve fallen into its trap sometimes) so thank you for defending against it.

But this is just me … and I’m tired … and I’m entitled to my opinion. :-).

TGIF people!

Raoul

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C.  for sharing this joke.

Don’s Puns

Sent by Don of Kelowna, B.C.

Assuring Video: Baking Can Be A Real Piece of Art

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, BC for sharing this amazingly realistic objects that are actually cake.

Parting Shot

Thanks to Naomi of N Hollywood who sent this joke.

The post Lemon Squeeze appeared first on Traveling Archive.

QUALITY

Five years ago we bought a shiny stainless steel Whirlpool gas range. It looked robust and sparkled under the store lights. The design was solid and we thought it would last forever. Unfortunately, we were dazzled by the shell. Yesterday I had to put my handyman cap on because, after cooking our dinner, the knob of the gas range wouldn’t turn to the OFF position. I had to shut down the main gas valve, dig into my dusty toolbox and proceed to repair the appliance.

FLASHBACK
Ever since I was a child, like many curious kids, I would open up radios, TV sets, car engines, brakes, Christmas lights, computers (lots of these) … sometimes they needed fixing and other times I just wanted to see how they worked. When the internet was just starting, I was curios to see how that worked and this led me to programming as well. I’m confident that I can fix any basic logical mechanical or electrical gizmo. My parents “forced me” to fix stuff because they recognized I had that aptitude. I thought then that it was unfair that they singled me out to repair while my other siblings continued to play with their toys. In hindsight I appreciate what they did. I learned a skill. Because of them, I believe I will survive if I were ever stuck in a deserted island.

INSIDE THE BEAST
Removing the low-quality parts (the screws, springs, patented parts) of that stainless cooking monster, I realized how easily the manufacturer could have spent a few more dollars to make their product last longer. I figured that their real business model was making a ton of money through maintenance. For instance, when I got to the innards of the defective switch and considered buying a new switch online, that simple patented part cost around $60. Shock!! Even a regular screw cost $5 in their “official” website. That same screw purchased at a hardware store would have only cost 10 cents at the most. And don’t forget the real killer — $300 for labor! My advice to you (if you ever decide to repair your appliance): don’t buy from the crooked manufacturer and its subsidiaries. Youtube is full of “How to fix things” videos and in EBAY there are people selling the same parts for less than half the cost. Just make sure you research the exact part number for your particular model.

I was so mad. I wasn’t going to spend a small fortune and wait 3 days for shipping for any part. I got creative and tinkered with that stove for a few hours and I got it done. Thanks to my early training. Praise God!

QUALITY
It’s obvious — there are SALESMEN and there are CRAFTSMEN. There are manufacturers who invest/focus on the sparkle in order to sell. And there are craftsmen who go after quality rather than profit. One succeeds temporarily while the other starts a legacy. People used to laugh at Japanese products in the 50s but Japanese products have matured in quality and have been outselling American products since the 70s. We’ve all been unappreciated but let’s be patient and take pride in what we do. Let’s be craftsmen!

TGIF people!

“You can tell the passion of the HEART by the craftsmanship of the HAND.”
— Raoul Pascual

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C. for sending this joke.

Video of the Week

Where’s My Donkey?
Sent by Naomi of North Hollywood,CA

When was the last time you forgot where you left your donkey? I thought so. Here’s a good tip.

Don’s Puns

From Don’s collection of puns

Heavy Thought of the Week

Sent by Tom of Pasadena, CA

Parting Shot

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C. who shared this.

The post Lemon Squeeze appeared first on Traveling Archive.