Path: bloom-picayune.mit.edu!snorkelwacker.mit.edu!americast.com!americast.com!americast-post Newsgroups: americast.twt.life From: americast-post@AmeriCast.Com Organization: American Cybercasting Approved: americast-post@AmeriCast.com Subject: Captain, let's drop this guy over Iowa Date: Mon, 9 Nov 92 14:59:57 EST Message-ID: \SE D;LIFE;WAY OF LIFE;WORKSTYLE \SS (WS) \HD Captain, let's drop this guy over Iowa \BY Paula Bern \CR SCRIPPS HOWARD NEWS SERVICE Q: I'm a frequent business traveler who is fed up to my eyebrows with the passenger in seat 2A or 3C who holds up an entire line of people while he stashes away a bulging suitcase in the overhead compartment, carefully folds his raincoat, hunts for a letter in the pocket of his jacket, then opens his briefcase to pull out magazines and a portable PC. Naturally, this entire performance goes on while 152 other passengers are standing behind him, waiting to reach all the other seats beyond the second and third row. Just as everyone heaves a sigh of relief that the guy's housekeeping chores are complete, he squats in the aisle and tries to shove his second "carry-on" beneath the seat in front of his. Why, oh why, can't flight attendants do something with these characters so the rest of us don't suffer? - Gridlocked. A: I've often asked myself the same question, but short of pushing this type of passenger into his seat, I can't find an answer. Standing around looking impatient doesn't seem to work; nor does politely asking to pass. He'll usually move out of your way, then go right back to work, blocking 151 passengers. Perhaps we have a few flight attendants out there who can suggest some solutions to this boarding bedlam. If so, we'd all appreciate the help. Q: A dozen of us recently celebrated our 10th college reunion at a "laid-back" Tex-Mex sort of restaurant that had colorful tile-topped tables, pinatas hanging from the ceiling and bushy plants in every corner. With a few powerful margaritas under our belts and some platters filled with tacos and tortillas, we got a bit boisterous (downright loud, in fact) and began singing "good ole boy" songs from our dorm days. After we paid our rather hefty bill, the owner came over and proceeded to lecture us for being "poor guests" who disturbed everyone in his restaurant with our loud behavior and "inappropriate" songs. We were amazed! We had paid a whooping bill, given the waiter a huge tip and left the place walking upright. I think the restaurateur had a lot of nerve chastizing us. Do you agree? - Put Out. A: No! The poor guy was trying to keep a certain atmosphere in his eatery in order to retain the clientele he had. "Good ole boy" songs simply didn't add to the ambience. Next time you and the gang get together, rent a private room where you can be as boisterous as you wish without bothering other diners. As for the owner's attitude, he was wrong only in waiting until you were ready to leave before saying something to all of you. Dear Dr. Bern: When I read about the young parents who hired an illegal immigrant as a nanny, I shuddered as I remembered a harrowing experience that I had with my own son many years ago. I had left him with a licensed sitter, a person who kept three other toddlers in her home. Thank heavens I had a habit of dropping in unexpectedly on sitters or at child-care facilities that I used when I worked. On this particular day, I found the four youngsters alone with a wildly barking Doberman pinscher that would not allow anyone in or out of the house. The toddlers were crying, but, fortunately, no one was hurt. However, let me say to all working parents: You can't be too careful! Check out each day-care center, all sitters (even if trained and licensed) and all relatives and friends who may help you out. Take your lunch hour and surprise them with an unannounced visit. You may be astonished at what you discover! - M.S. Shaw, Denver, Colo. Paula Bern, author of "How to Work for a Woman Boss," founded her own public relations firm in Pittsburgh and has taught executive seminars at Carnegie-Mellon University's Graduate School of Urban and Public Affairs. Questions may be mailed to Dr. Paula Bern, 1090 Vermont Ave. NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC, 20005. Questions can be answered only through this column. This article is copyright 1992 The Washington Times. Redistribution to other sites is not permitted except by arrangement with American Cybercasting Corporation. For more information, send-email to usa@AmeriCast.COM