friend:
I love the word contradictory moron. I think what I find interesting is the second half of this phrase. Examples include jumbo shrimp, guaranteed quality, unconditional guarantees, bipartisan legislation, and extra legroom. The last one is high on my list.
Claudia and I just returned from an amazing 10 days in Greece. This was her second trip to Athens and my first time spending almost all of my time there. When we travel, we tend to wander around big cities without any plans and try to take in as many flavors as possible. We definitely did this, despite the airline trying desperately to ruin its appeal. I don’t intend to turn this into a rant about the current state of air travel, but it would be easy to do so.I would like to talk about “the meaning of what you said.” “Do what you promise. ”
We are inundated with false claims, exaggerated promises, and unmet expectations. Visually and on our airways, we are bombarded with pictures and words that provide unconditional enjoyment, physical enhancement, and selfless expression. List five products, services, or policies that meet these expectations.
The people who are selling us something, whether it’s a product, a service, or a person, instinctively tell us that we’re stupid and really believe what they say, or that it’s an exaggeration. I can’t help but think that I’m betting on one or the other, since I know that. There is no difference in the content of the message.
Given that we have little or no choice in choosing products and services, we are forced to accept what comes our way in the absence of easy recourse. Spent a lot of time talking to others on the phone, the menu has changed and our call is important to them so please hold and see where it goes. When was the last time you experienced any improvement in your symptoms other than relief from splenic exhaust?
Now that you can buy positive reviews online or have negative reviews removed for a fee, you can no longer trust what you read. As a former business owner, I received multiple such offers every day. So now you can buy a mirage of excellence.
So what should I do? You can stick your head out the window like in the movies and scream, “I’m so angry, I can’t take it anymore,” or you can go without buying, not going, or without having what you want. Do you think that will teach them a lesson? Looks like we lost either way.
Suggest another course. He should find one or more of the five products, services, or people who implement and support them as suggested above. Even if it is more expensive and requires more effort. Excellence, integrity, and quality are usually important. Let the market reward those who truly deserve it.
Be creative and focused when planning, purchasing, and servicing your vacation. Sacrifice immediate satisfaction (especially if it’s low) and save for something better later. Learn new skills to replace mediocre experiences and services, and ask tough questions of those seeking support. Do better without them instead of just letting them get by.
I’ve learned firsthand that consistency and honesty come with effort, so be sure to reward yourself. Quality comes at a price, so buying less can mean buying better. Also, keeping your promises gives you satisfaction. So, return the loyalty. Our community truly has great products, people, and services. If these are supported, they will not only be successful, but will become a standard for new companies to emulate. Quality and integrity also promote the same.
While we may not be able to force major corporations (and airlines) to change their ethics or business models in the short term, we can influence local markets and even politics.
food
As I mentioned earlier, Claude and I managed to return home from Athens. I describe the city as a mixture of Rome, Istanbul and New York. It has the intimate history of Rome, the cultural identity of Istanbul, the urban hustle and bustle of New York, and the food is great. One of REPUBLIC’s most popular recipes was our take on spicy feta cheese spread. I sampled some at the place of origin. It was delicious, and Claude gave me a sly nod as if to say, “Well, Ed, it might be a little better than yours.” Naturally I disagreed, but I have to say it was very good. Here’s the challenge. Let’s make mine and then go to Athens. Order anywhere and let me know what you think.
Talk now (or contact us) at edandclaud@gmail.com
edward
At the food processor location:
- 4 cups crumbled feta cheese (drained)
- 1 tablespoon chopped dill
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 clove of garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup chopped roasted red peppers (jarred is fine)
- 1 tablespoon harissa (hot pepper paste, available locally)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (use the good stuff you received as a gift and have in your pantry)
Add the extra virgin olive oil little by little and mix. Serve with toasted pita chips.