I had to post this, it is soo true and makes a very important point...

Ted,  This is from the local weekly paper here. (Eureka Springs, Ark.) This is what we talk about all the time. I thought you would like to see this article.   The Duke
 
The Epicurekan
By Michael Jaschke
 
After 16 years here in Eureka as a Bartender, Waiter, Dishwasher, Cook and various other Hospitality vocations, I have never once regretted walking onto my job, ready to ply my trade of taking care of my guests only to find at the end of the day that I walk out with my wallet just a
little thicker that it was before I started.  Over these years I have come to understand that I don't just work for myself or my employer, but my work impacts a larger sense of consciousness that, if I do well, it comes back to me year after year.

I work for the tourism community of Eureka Springs.
 
I get pumped whether there are two or 25 dinner reservations on the book.
I know that I love what I do—everyday—and that's the basis of sustainability.  I empower myself with my own potential every shift I work.  This article is humbly and enthusiastically offered up to my comrades in the daily trenches of Guest Service.
 
Recently I read responses posed to some restaurant servers regarding how they perceived their tip percentage this year.  Their responses got me to thinking.  Their words hit a philosophical receptor.  Are things really that bad this year?  Is the price of gas that formidable of a deterrent
to the summer traveler?  So much so that I no longer have the ability to determine my potential of earnings each and every shift I work?
 
I agree that we are in an economy that to a large extent we cannot control.  However, each of us has the ability to control the outcome of what happens at "our tables."  This is the perfect time to embrace the concept that those who are traveling are willing to take care of those servers who rise above the mediocre.
 
At a recent meal it was quite evident that the server who was attending me and my family had been infected with the telltale virus of doom and gloom.  I observed that this server's section was full.  So when I enthusiastically mentioned to this individual taking my order how busy it
was, the response was "Yeah, finally!"  The tone reflected someone that was more a victim than someone whose section was full of patrons representing an earning potential.
 
Then it hit me—BAM! (as Emeril Lagasse says.)  What an opportunity we have here to make Eureka Springs stand out from the rest and make a long-term difference, but at some point we in the service industry must realize who we are.  Each of us should say, "I AM EUREKA!!"
 
        & nbsp;       &n bsp;       &nb sp;       &nbs p;         ;                 & nbsp;    E    is for
ENERGY
        & nbsp;       &n bsp;       &nb sp;       &nbs p;         ;                 & nbsp;    U    is for
UPSELL
        & nbsp;       &n bsp;       &nb sp;       &nbs p;         ;                 & nbsp;    R    is for
REACT
        & nbsp;       &n bsp;       &nb sp;       &nbs p;         ;                 & nbsp;    E    is for
ENHANCE
        & nbsp;       &n bsp;       &nb sp;       &nbs p;         ;                 & nbsp;    K    is for
KICK A**
        & nbsp;       &n bsp;       &nb sp;       &nbs p;         ;                 & nbsp;    A    is for
ATTITUDE
We in the service industry make our living as professionals by being of service to both our guests and, just as importantly, our co-workers.
 
We represent the financial investment of those souls that have put themselves out there in order to fulfill a dream and take us along for the adventure.
 
We are a destination City and each of us is an Ambassador for this fair city whether you realize it or like it.  And if a fatter wallet is your aim, I would strongly suggest you do both!
 
Perhaps a footnote to the EUREKA acronym is this: ATTITUDE is a daily ingredient of your life.  No one has ever better explained it than Charles Swindoll.  Google his name.  Print it off.  Tack or tape it next to your door or by your bathroom mirror so you can see it as you get
ready to embrace your day.
 
The opportunity that I alluded to earlier is simple.  All around us are those that flounder in poor attitude.  We, today, right now, have this rare opportunity to say by our actions "I AM EUREKA!" thereby making that truly mean something that will last far beyond the economic climate of
today.   It will come back to you... and perhaps in a way that will make your wallet bulge.
(Oh, by the way while you were reading this, you just had someone sit at a table in your section.  So now it's up to you.)
 
That's it for now, but just wait "'cause there's more in the kitchen" where this came from.

Well this has got to take the cake... My Wife works out at the Fair in the Food judging room, Tuesday night was potato salad night..

Some of the judges were putting their USED forks BACK INTO  "full salad bowls" picking around!! That just wasted that whole bowl of FOOD!!  WHAT is wrong with these people????

Darn good thing I was not in that full audience and witnessed that! They sure would have heard about it right away!!  How inconsiderate (and STUPID!!!) can people get?????

Many Seniors depend on the Senior centers for meals, both at the Center and Meals on wheels... This year they cut services way back... Many are now without help in that area.. Just in the Greenacres center alone, they cut back the lunches to only 30 per day, heck they used to have sometimes 70 to 90 folks eat there on every Week day.
I know that there are many Folks that live in Bakersfield, with more money than they need to live on, and you would think that one or more of them would love to help a real good cause, and have the money go directly to helping Seniors in Bakersfield... NOR  North of the River recreation and Park district... I believe Ramussen Senior Center - 115 East Roberts Lane  392-2030  is the main unit where they cook all the lunches, and send out the meals on wheels.   Pretty sad when prisoners get better treatment (food) than Seniors! What is the Country coming to??  PLEASE Someone out there give a helping hand (MONEY)

I will use this letter from/to the paper as a great jumping point...

I read the recent article about Kern County's consideration of a "dark sky ordinance." I cannot believe these elected officials now want to tell us that we can't have lighting on our own property! The absolute gall of that is amazing.

So when someone gets attacked by a bear, mountain lion or other wild animal because of the lack of night lighting, can we sue them for the medical costs or the funeral costs? If not, then I suggest they find another line of work and quit telling those they don't live next to how to live and how much to be safe!

I am sure big city dwellers would be more than happy for them to dictate their lighting.

MATT HYATT

Now this is the sad part about this ordinance, people do not understand just what it does and means...

Nobody is telling anyone not to light up THEIR property!! To the contrary, by lighting up your own property, and NOT everybody else's, with your light! That is not only very inconsiderate, is also is not as safe as keeping all your light on your own property.

The very best place to hide at night is behind direct light..  Also one must think of the total waste of money spent on energy cost, to throw away light... If others can see it directly, you have thrown it away, or wasted it... All that is needed is the correct shielding near all your outside lighting, so none of the light falls on, or OFF your own property.. You do not want to see the light, only the results of it... Is everybody clear on this matter, and understand just how it works, and why??? A big problem, with such a simple answer, and not a big cost to fix... So, what is the problem?

I was just talking with a good friend of mine, He lives back in Kansas, we were talking about Women with holes in all the wrong places in their bodies these days. Studs in their tongue, rings through their lips..etc. etc. etc. What the HECK is going on??? Makes them look Retarded!

Pierced ears is one thing, all the rest is really disgusting! SORRY!!! But most every Guy I have ever talked to , beside a teenager, also thinks the same about this... I used to do a lot of photography, and all the other photographers fell the same also! Interseting to look at, but so are a lot of other discusting things as well...
How do you feel about this new trend?  It is a turn OFF for sure... No matter where they are!  I probably would not want to be seen in public with a Gal lookin this way.. Totally Embarrassing to me, embarrased for her!!!  BUT! You are FREE to make your own choices in this life, so, knock yourself out!

Well I was surprised today, a friend told me about a great cook-out that takes place on the second Wed. of ea. Month... Real Great Burgers with Ortega chili, and the works,, and potato salad and some real good beans plus a drink! all for $4!!  Beat that, I don't think so.. put on by the Shriner's and for a great cause besides...  till about 2pm I think... NOTE! I checked on the hours, and it is from 11am till 1PM two hours only, although they taka a while to get all cleaned up, so you could probably still get a burger a bit after 1...

It is at Noble Park..just a block North of Bell Terrace on So. P,  East side of the road turn into the parking lot and enjoy the shade and great food...  I will be back!!

Well I did not find any shoe repair businesses listed to rate..?? (really wanted to find a fix it shop) It is getting to the point, where people just do not fix anything any more..so Sad.. I guess the products are sooooo cheap (in quality) not price...that for some reason folks would rather discard them, rather than fix them... (some times it costs more to fix, than to replace) maybe people just want something NEW! Just another excuse to SPEND. Only in the wrong place.   I believe I am glad that I'm on the down hill run in this life, and I hope the next time, we do it (get it) right!