Another non-culinary post...

You would think because I am a chef, there would be more posts about food! Well, not today, again...

Today, I am going to rant about my bank! They are going to take away "free checking" in favor of a monthly service fee. If I maintain a certain balance or have direct deposit, this fee is dismissed. They are also going to charge a monthly fee for using my check card, and it does not matter if I use it once or 100 times. When I first heard about this, it ticked me off a bit and started to wonder how I can get around this fee myself. Solution, become a cash man and only use the card at this banks ATM to avoid this small fee. But then I wondered, "Am I really this cheap"?

I do not believe what would equal a $60 a year fee to use my check card is a really big deal. but if a bank has a million users, and each has this monthly charge of $5, this equals $60 million dollars in income a year for almost doing nothing (most of this banking stuff is automated now, right?). I bet is actually translates to even more money. So if I only use my ATM and pay cash for everything, I will save that $60 a month and if everyone pulls together, we might save a bunch of money collectively.

Then I got to thinking, I really enjoy using my check card. Use it all of the time so why should I really change my habits. If you do not already know, much of my life revolves around Seinfeld (love the TV series, I find a little bit in everything I do and experience) and got to thinking about the episode when Jerry and Elaine are at the car rental place. The counter lady asks, "Would you like the insurance?" Jerry replies, "Yeah, you better give me the insurance. Because I'm gonna beat the hell out of this car!"

So I think I will buy a .50 pack of gum every day or purchase something really not worth the back end fees for the bank and store. I am just going to use the hell out of my check card on petty crap! Hey, if they are going to charge me and every other American a stupid little fee, why not stick it right back to them!

"Sticking it..."

Smoking...

As a "chef", I have never really embraced the habit as smoking like most food service workers. I can not stand the smell and I just think it is disgusting. How can I be expected to cook my very best when my taste receptors have been alerted by smoke? How can you cook your very best for me when you are smoking? One thing I did have to accept as a chef is that my workers will smoke breaks. There is just no way around it. I tried at one point to ban smoking all together but everyone was at each others throats and blood was going to be spilled. I had to give in and let everyone start smoking again.

As a food service professional, I do have one simple request of restaurants, food business’s, and their workers...

Please do not stand out in front of your facility and smoke!

If you are a waiter, I do not want to handle my plate after you smoke. If you are a cook, I do not want you handling my food after you smoke. As a food bagger or counter worker at a grocery store, I do not want you handling my items after you smoke. At least, if I do not see you out front smoking, I do not have to know! It is one of the most unprofessional things a business can do to allow their employees to smoke out front of the store, any time of the day!

If I see you or your employees smoking out front of your business, I am much less likely to spend money in your establishment! I am just saying...and not spending...