The latest spiritual sighting is that of a bearded man’s
face on a Washburn Dreadnought D46SP acoustic guitar in the
Instrumental Music And Sound shop in Ludington, Michigan.
Comparisons to Jesus Christ – or at least artist renderings
of Jesus Christ – were, perhaps inevitable.
- - - InLismore, Australia
, Denis and Marie Matthews, who work for the Friends of the
Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens here, were trying to
print envelopes for their newsletter - - - but were
confounded by a printer jam - - - when they went to check
it out, they found something one doesn't normally expect to
find in a printer - - -
OK, if you've come this far, you may be interested to
know that the three-foot long brown tree snake was finally
"encouraged" to move - - - but is suspected to still be
lingering in the computer room - - - as Denis still
"frequently" finds small objects knocked from shelves - - -
the breed, also referred to as the night tiger, is usually
very aggressive when confronted - - - and is venomous
(though thanks to the fangs being at the rear of the
snake's mouth and also that the fangs are grooved rather
than hollow, it is generally regarded as of little danger
to adults)
...and here's a thousand...
- - - Near
Newport, Rhode Island
, Patrick Marks, 39, caught an unusual lobster - - - a 1.5
pound lobster - - - with a large crusher claw and three
pincher claws - - - instead of the usual one - - - you can
see it at
http://920whjj.com/cc-common/mlib/1160/12/1160_1228312443.jpg
- - - In
Reno, Nevada
, April Westfall, 40, apparently forgot to replace the
nozzle after filling her Subaru's gas tank - - - at least
that's how thing appeared to an ambulance crew, who saw her
driving on U.S. Highway 395 - - - with a fuel hose and
nozzle sticking out of her gas tank - - - April, as it
turns out, failed to pass a sobriety test - - - and
officials are still trying to find the service station that
is missing the nozzle and about 6 feet of fuel hose - - -
you can see it at
http://cmsimg.rgj.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=J7&Date=20081202&Category=NEWS18&ArtNo=81202016&Ref=AR&MaxW=318&Border=0&q=100
TRIVIAL PURSUITS
:
Before they made cars, Studebaker was well-known for its
work as a…
Wagon maker.
The Studebaker story began when brothers Henry and
Clement Studebaker opened the H & C Studebaker
blacksmith shop at the corner of Michigan and
Jefferson Streets in South Bend, Indiana, on February 16,
1852 - with $68 in capital and various blacksmith tools.
Their wagons became known for quality and longevity.
By the end of the American Civil War, the Studebaker
Brothers Manufacturing Company (which made wagons for the
Union Army) had become the world's largest manufacturer of
horse-drawn carriages.
Indeed, Studebaker carriages were highly prized, and
counted U.S. presidents among their passengers - including
Abraham Lincoln, who was transported to Ford's Theater the
night he was assassinated in a Studebaker carriage - as
well as Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, and Benjamin
Harrison.
In
1985,
the single "Superbowl Shuffle" by the Chicago Bears
Shufflin' Crew was released. Interestingly enough,
the "Superbowl Shuffle" song and video were produced the
Tuesday after the Bears first (and only) loss of the 1985
season.
In their "unlucky" 13th game, the Bears were defeated by
the Miami Dolphins, in Miami, 38-24, on Monday night.
This week, I’d like to know, “Will you have one
– and will you go?” And – do you have any
interesting holiday party stories to share (anonymously, of
course!).
It's that time of year again - time for the office
holiday party. This week, I asked readers if they
would have one - and if they planned to go.
Despite the reports of cutbacks on such things (and
there were signs of some of that even in our survey
results), not only was there going to be a party for more
than half (
54%
) of this week's respondents - for nearly
17%
there was/is going to be more than one.
That compares with
68%
who said they were having a party in last year's survey
(interestingly enough, 71% of the respondents to THIS
year's survey said they had a party last year), and 16.5%
who said there would be more than one (see
SURVEY SAYS - Will There Be a Holiday Party at Your
Workplace?
).
Of course,
16.5%
of this year's respondents said there would be no party,
4%
weren't sure, and the rest (about
9%
) indicated "other", and mostly fell into the
category of "not a real party, but some kind of small
gathering."
One of these noted,
"There is no "official" office party - as that
fell victim to budget cuts (er... officially: market
turmoil). There will be some "unofficial
parties."
Another said,
"Just a department holiday lunch combined with annual
recognition ceremony",
while another noted
"If you can call eating a meal paid by the employees and
sitting in a warehouse to eat it a holiday party...then I
guess we are."
Checking Attendance
More than half were planning to attend the party, albeit
with varying levels of enthusiasm.
Nearly half (
47%
) said simply "yes", while
18%
said they "have to", and
19%
said they "wouldn't miss it."
Roughly one-in-ten said "no",
4.3%
weren't sure, and
2.6%
said "not if I can help it."
Just over six-in-ten (
60.4%
) said their party would be held off-site, while
27.9%
said it would be convened on premises - and the rest - both
(as one reader noted,
"A holiday luncheon one day and an evening party the
next day (not sure why), both at local restaurants"
).
There were, of course, some great verbatims/interesting
ideas - and some sobering insights:
"There is a quote
I've heard but can't attribute it: "More
careers have been wrecked at the office holiday party
than at any other time". But it's a great time
to get together with colleagues away from the daily work
grind, meet spouses, etc."
"We received direction
from above that our party, originally scheduled in a
local restaurant, had to be re-located in house. As a
result, the powers that be rescheduled it from after work
(who wants to hang out in the office after 5pm?) to
during the afternoon. Last week, we were told that
holiday parties had to be cancelled all together.
Instead, we're organizing a pay-your-own-way happy
hour, and a potluck luncheon later in the month. The
continuous downgrading of our holiday celebration was
annoying, but I'm glad we're still doing a few
things to observe the time of year."
"Seems like the wives of workers look
forward to Christmas party more than
employees."
"Thanks, from the bottom of my Jewish
heart, for referring to it as a HOLIDAY
party."
"It depends on work
load - if stays the same it will be on site so we can get
the work done & they will just bring food in. Eat
while you work."
"We're not having an
outside party this year due to cost containment efforts
and to tell you the truth, it was the best holiday gift I
could have received! I like my co-workers, but this time
of year is the absolute worst time to try to stuff in one
more activity! We will have a "pig out" within
our department during work hours and that works great for
me! We're donating gifts and money to a local inner
city school rather than buy gifts for each other. Makes
so much more sense!"
"I work for a small company
(less than 25 employees), and every year we gather and
management gives us a "previously undisclosed"
amount of cash and requires us to go shop for ourselves.
Not for the kids, not for the spouse, not for the house,
just on stuff for ourselves. Then after a few hours we
meet up at a local restaurant and have "show and
tell". You have to spend at least the entire amount
that day (and have dated receipts to prove it because you
know somebody is going to challenge you) or you have to
return the entire cash amount. It's amazing what you
can learn about your co-workers by how they shop for
themselves! And as a mom of small children, I LOVE the
opportunity to shop, without guilt, for myself for at
least one day. It's the greatest holiday gift
I've ever received! I look forward to it every
year."
"I absolutely will be attending as we have
an open bar and the will be stories to tell until the
next holiday party!"
"Best darn show not on TV
for drama, comedy, mystery and adult situations. There
should be a warning "that due to the human-nature of
the program..."
But this week's
Editor's Choice
goes to the reader who, asked if they were going to attend
the holiday party, said simply "
"I have to, I'm planning it".
Thanks to
everyone who participated in our survey!
We have an overall
company party where the company closes on a Friday
afternoon. We will also do a department lunch at a
local restaurant.
catered lunch for
employees
It depends on work
load - if stays the same it will be on site so we
can get the work done & they will just bring
food in. Eat while you work.
We are having a
bruch for the HR group and then get to go home
early. A week later we will have our location
holiday party and, afterwards, get to go home
early.
we received
direction from above that our party, originally
scheduled in a local restaurant, had to be
re-located in house. As a result, the powers that
be rescheduled it from after work (who wants to
hang out in the office after 5pm?) to during the
afternoon. Last week, we were told that holiday
parties had to be cancelled all together. Instead,
we're organizing a pay-your-own-way happy hour,
and a potluck luncheon later in the month. The
continuous downgrading of our holiday celebration
was annoying, but I'm glad we're still
doing a few things to observe the time of
year.
I work for a small
company (less than 25 employees), and every year we
gather and management gives us a "previously
undisclosed" amount of cash and requires us to
go shop for ourselves. Not for the kids, not for
the spouse, not for the house, just on stuff for
ourselves. Then after a few hours we meet up at a
local restaurant and have "show and
tell". You have to spend at least the entire
amount that day (and have dated receipts to prove
it because you know somebody is going to challenge
you) or you have to return the entire cash amount.
It's amazing what you can learn about your
co-workers by how they shop for themselves! And as
a mom of small children, I LOVE the opportunity to
shop, without guilt, for myself for at least one
day. It's the greatest holiday gift I've
ever received! I look forward to it every
year.
but a sadly
diminished version.
A holiday luncheon
one day and an evening party the next day (not sure
why), both at local restaurants
Last year was off
site, but with business slowing, we thought it
fiscally responsible to tone down the celebration.
Surprisingly the employees suggested that we have
it this way.
We have a Holiday
Bash at a posh catered hall, complete with a
cocktail hour, buffet, venetian table, top shelf
bar and orchestra. Also, each floor caters or has a
covered dish party, breakfast and lunch that
usually lasts two days.
The parent party is
off-site. Our office luncheon is in our conference
room. Everyone will come in, fix a plate, and go
back to their offices. There really isn't any
socialization at the luncheons. People in this
office don't appear to like each other.
It's in the
lunch room and they'll provide some food during
an extended lunch time. The kids from the day care
center will sing. That's about the extent of
it!
I have to, I'm
planning it.
If it takes time
away from my job probably not , I really like my
co-workers & boss alot but I LOVE MY FAMILY
& would rather spend time with them & not
work late just for an office celebration.
We have a late lunch
holiday party off-site during, so it is during the
workday.
The fact that we get
to go home early is enough incentive for me. My
last job we didn't have our party until
February. It was after work and went well into the
evening. Of course there was alcohol at that one so
it pretty much had to be a Friday evening (I might
actually miss it come to think of it).
One is a choice, one
is not - will attend both; the one that's a
choice is more fun!
I have quite enough
of these people during working hours, thanks very
much. They do not improve much when they have had a
few drinks.
It's a holiday
breakfast off-site, during company time. Everyone
has to attend unless they take a vacation day
instead. I have to plan and run it. Really is a
nice and subdued event.
New baby, so would
have decide if it is worth leaving the munchkin and
finding a sitter. He tends to be more fun than an
office function.
The luncheon is
almost required (you don't have to attend if
you're sick and a lot of office people find a
reason to stay home on that day).
I absolutely will be
attending as we have an open bar and the will be
stories to tell until the next holiday
party!
Alas, this is a
disadvantage of working from home. Albeit a small
price to pay for the convenience of having a home
office.
But if I can think
of a way to get out of it, last minute, I will. Too
many people drink too much and act intolerably. Not
that I don't indulge, but since I've been
at the firm 21 years, it's "been there,
done that" at office parties for me.
If you don't
attend, you have to work or take vacation time! So,
in effect, there's no choice!
Have to attend a
graduation out of town.
Not the entire
office, just our department. And since it is in our
area and during our lunch hour, I'll be
attending. Wouldn't want to miss some free food
because we don't get much of anything else
around here!
Sorry, no.
🙁
I've only
attended two holiday parties in my life and they
were both boring.
Once during a very
stressful time in the office - our boss decided we
should go outside for a snowball fight.. people did
go out & participate... it really was great fun
& a stress reliever
Not really, just the
usual/occasional drunk employee. One year--probably
15 years ago, two male employees got into a
'friendly' wrestling match on the floor...
at the feet of the firm's president!
Our office party
will be in January when everyone's calendars
are easier to book. I am also happy to report that
instead of trading $10 gifts, one smart employee
(not me) suggested that we just use that money to
donate to the local rescue mission. None of need
anymore candles or other stuff around.
There are a few
parties - but the "ladies" party is in
the evening and drinks are usually available.
I've not witnessed any inpropriety as a result,
but have seen teetotalers (including my boss)
squirm with discomfort as the rest of us imbibe a
welcome refreshment (or two).
We collect
"stuff" throughout the year and wrap it
up and draw names for gift-giving. Its usually a
fun affair, as some of the stuff is really off the
wall. Everyone looks forward to seeing what
we've collected during the year, and the cost
to the company is nil.
I worked for a small
regional brokerage firm in the 1970s as a
registered sales assistant. My fondest memory of a
Christmas party was 1973. On Christmas Eve, when
the market closed, the partners provided three
bottles of liquor, plastic cups, a bag of ice, a
box of Ritz crackers and a piece of cheese. We all
stood around the board room and had a drink to the
toast of "next year will be better." The
postscript was that the market did bottom in 1974,
but the regional brokerage suffered a capital
shortfall and was acquired by a big wire
house.
a number of years
ago, two female employees got into a huge physical
altercation over a married attorney...very
classy
It has been a number
of years-30 or so - but we had a small office party
at a local club and when I came out of the
restroom, my extremely handsome , somewhat
inebriated, boss was waiting and embraced me in the
best kiss I had ever had. He was just 7 years my
senior and continued to "catch me" in
situations very discreetly for some followup
affection for several years. I was too young to
understand that this was sexual harassment but he
was my boss, and I was also enjoying it despite the
fact that he and I were both married.
Branch party at a
previous company I worked for....lets just say that
a work function that includes a free hotel room is
bad news.
No. Nothing
"intriguing" happens where I work. I work
with a lot of men and they never "make"
anything. They stop at the local supermarket and
pick something up--like chips. It's mainly up
to the women in the office to come up with the
expensive stuff--as usual, the smallest salarys put
out the most dollars for these things.
Not really.
At a previous
company I worked for, we had annual "end of
year" celebrations (couldn't call them
Christmas or Holiday parties because we had to be
PC). Employees formed committees and handled
certain tasks - music, food, door prizes, etc... I
was on the music committee and was standing on
stage showing another committee member how to use
the equipment we had rented. I went to leave the
stage and my high heels got caught in the
electrical wires that we had failed to tape down.
Instead of walking down the steps, I fell down the
steps, and landed at the head of the buffet line
that had formed. I didn't attend another
"end of year" celebration for 3
years.
By having our big,
catered, non-alcoholic holiday party at lunchtime
on-site, we deftly avoid situations that would make
for intriguing stories. Unfortunately, that means
we also deftly avoid having rip-roaring fun!
Normally have a
catered office party offsite, but received word
that all company-sponsored celebrations were
cancelled this year due to cost-cutting measures.
However, we were encouraged to donate to
company-sponsored charities and organize an
employee potluck in the office.
Seems like the wives
of workers look forward to Christmas party more
than employees.
Thanks, from the
bottom of my Jewish heart, for referring to it as a
HOLIDAY party.
While I like my
co-workers and enjoy working with them, I resent
spending my time on an office party. Party will be
on a Saturday night and I prefer to utilize my time
for activities I select/enjoy. This year I will be
having dinner with friends and attending a concert
by the local Choral Society.
We give our
employees cab vouchers in case they have too much
to drink at the party. I was told that some people
were reluctant to use them because the company
would know who they were. I now have my signature
stamped on each cab voucher to take that concern
away (of course they don't realize I can look
up the address the cab took them to and usually
figure out who used it). Now everyone can say the
head of HR got really drunk at the party.
We are only having
one this year because the arrangements were already
made, and paid for, very early in 2008, before the
economy took its current nose-dive. There surely
won't be one in the foreseeable future...which
is hard to "foresee".
The company is doing
a party for the first time in 5 years and we're
happy for the improved finances that make it
possible again. My own unit is going out to dinner
for the New Year on the 2nd of January since we
have to work that day anyway.
We actually do a
holiday luncheon potluck style. The company
provides the meat and then the employees can show
off their cooking prowress by bringing whatever
sides or desserts they want. It's an all day
snacking affair and the employees really enjoy
it.
Instead of a party
this year, our manager has decided to make a
donation to the United Way. Woo-hoo!!! In return, I
intend on placing a mini-fridge full of beer under
my desk (LOL)...
I usually don't
attend the holiday parties because I really
don't want to waste my down time with people I
normally wouldn't hangout with. However this
year I decided to take one for the team and attend
the party. If nothing else at least there is free
alcohol!
Since we have two
different store locations, we have a party at each.
It's usually nothing fancy, just some light
hors d'oeuvre's, beer & wine, after
hours. There are usually some drawings for prizes
including cash prizes. Plus, the president of the
company gives a "state of the union"
address on how the company is doing
financially.
We do a white
elephant gift exchange. It can be very
interesting.
The thing that's
most interesting about our holiday party is that
it's held in January after all the holiday
festivities. It's actually kind of nice to have
something to carry over into the New
Year:>
If we have one,
employees will pay all of the costs - firm has
specifically said no company funds allowed for
holiday parties this year.
There is a quote
I've heard but can't attribute it:
"More careers have been wrecked at the office
holiday party than at any other time". But
it's a great time to get together with
colleagues away from the daily work grind, meet
spouses, etc.
I love reading about
how stupid people can get at these events and look
forward to reading the comments you receive. I wish
I had a good story to share!
Last year's
party was onsite because the Board Meeting was
taking place at the time - in other words, it
became a meet and greet.
December is our
busiest time of the year and to take a couple of
hours out during the day just means I have to find
other time (usually my own) to finish the work I
didn't get completed because of attendance at
the holiday "party".
Thank God we
aren't having one this year. It always
consisted of "volunteers" planning a
party with a budget too low to book a park bench.
Then a party where people looked for the first
chance possible to leave.
I will be attending
a private party given by an employee. It's a
packed house and everyone is happy to be there to
reconnect with retired and former employees.
It's really the highlight of my little social
season and I am so grateful to be invited.
The whole company
has a party at a local hotel--big deal, all the
bigwigs show up. For people who live far away, or
want to get plastered, they offer special rates at
the hotel for that night. It's usually very
nice, but it's still a forced affair.
Mandatory ones are
the worst!
We're not having
an outside party this year due to cost containment
efforts and to tell you the truth, it was the best
holiday gift I could have received! I like my
co-workers, but this time of year is the absolute
worst time to try to stuff in one more activity! We
will have a "pig out" within our
department during work hours and that works great
for me! We're donating gifts and money to a
local inner city school rather than buy gifts for
each other. Makes so much more sense!
I work for a
government plan. We have never had a Christmas
party. My wife, however, works part-time for
several charities. They both have very nice
Christmas parties.
I really don't
like it when your employer hosts a holiday party,
but you need to pay to attend. Just don't have
one or reduce the fan fare to ensure it's more
affordable for the employer to host and not have
employees foot a portion of the bill.
No intriguing
stories for my office. Our party is a potluck held
at the office over the lunch period before a
monthly department meeting. Our department has
never held a true after-work party (although some
employees have had them on their own). I do miss
that kind of stuff. My wife's office holds a
holiday party each year at the Cherokee Town Club
in Buckhead -- full open bar, great food, long
night! Funny thing is, they now hold the holiday
party in January because everyone's so busy
making money for the company in December. But at
least they still have it!
We serve liquor at
ours which I think is a recipe for disaster but so
far nothing has hpapend. And since I don't want
to have anything to do with the planning of any
event I have kept this opinion to myself. I know
our HR Manager has raised this concern but those
above her have not listened.
The big company bash
is canceled - so our dept decided to have a simple
afternoon potluck get-together - better than
nothing.
I don't like
them. I'll attend if I have to, which is most
of the time. These things become
"required." Everyone stands around in
little circles and talks to the same people
they've talked to all day, all week, all month,
all year. There are many awkward silences. When you
work in an office where people don't really
like each other it's difficult to socialize.
Bah Humbug!
The President of our
company is so kind as to allow us little folk to
grace his country club every year for our party. It
makes you feel proud to be part of his
justification of his membership fees.
My employer and my
husband's employer have both opted to have no
holiday parties this year. Business is slow at both
companies due to the economy, so this is no
surprise.
Can't ever bring
spouses so I usually don't attend. This year
they cancelled the party and decided to have a
carnival with booths at the workplace that we have
to contribute money to. Not attending that!
Our holiday parties
are always during normal business hours, generally
1:00 to 5:00. Employees are free to go home if they
prefer. We have about 75% participation. Parties
are employee only (plus a few
"consultants").
The worst office
party I managed to miss was for a company that
decided not to give a Holiday bonus, usually
distributed at the party, but decided not to
announce the change until the party. The party was
held very close to the holidays and many employees
counted on the bonus to pay for gifts. Luckily I
was on a flight back to town that was weather
delayed. So happy to miss that disaster of a
party.
Best darn show not
on TV for drama, comedy, mystery and adult
situations. There should be a warning "that
due to the human-nature of the
program..."
Ours will be very
scaled back this year. Some appetizers, wine, and
beer will be it. Frankly, I'd rather skip it,
but management is cutting the work day by 2 hours
and letting us that usually come in during the wee
hours, to come in late, so there's no
excuse!