Category Archives: Life
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION – WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE?
BRYCE ON EDUCATION
- Time to do some soul searching.
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Before graduating from high school you will hopefully have a game plan as to how you are going to lead your life. Maybe you sought advice from your parents, a trusted guidance counselor, a teacher or a close friend. Perhaps you also attended a college recruiting session, visited a campus, a trade school, or a military advisor. And hopefully you started investigating these options in your junior year or earlier. Unfortunately, some people do not. Their path is perhaps dictated by their parents, or you have no lans at all and will likely drift aimlessly away.
A lot of this depends on your maturity and an understanding of who you are and where you want to go. Because parents typically guide us in our journey, there are many who just go on autopilot and do not really think about their future. Back in the days of the draft, you either knew where you were going with your life after high school or the military would make the decision for you. Going in the military is not a bad option as many young people have no sense of direction following graduation. The service can give them a sense of purpose, structure and organization. For example, I had friends return from Viet Nam who finally knew who they were and what they wanted to do, and pursued their dreams with passion.
We also must be cognizant of the fact our career paths may very well twist and turn over time. Regardless of what we initially set our sights on, conditions may change and we may find ourselves following a completely different track. Some of the best systems analysts I’ve met over the years did not graduate with a degree in computing or I.T. Instead, they had backgrounds in Library Science or music.
It is usually during the senior year when our elders admonish us to “shoot for the stars”; translation: push yourself, which I agree with. However, our dreams must be tempered by reality. For example, I know a young man who wanted to pursue a music career. It was his dream to play in a symphony and, in the end, he was perfectly capable of doing so. However, it didn’t exactly work out that way for him. He received a Bachelor’s degree in music before going on to graduate school where he earned a Masters degree. Today he works at a Men’s Wearhouse and is saddled with a substantial college debt. He hasn’t given up on his dream yet, but the reality of a limited market and the economics of a college loan altered his plans.
When making your plans, consider both the costs involved and the benefits derived from these different career paths:
DROP-OUT
No costs, other that you will likely become a ward of the state or a drain on your family. It’s also hard to find a job that pay’s well without a High School or GED diploma.
HIGH SCHOOL/GED
Again, no costs involved, but your career path is limited to modest jobs unless you happen to start a business of your own.
TRADE SCHOOLS
Trade schools are a viable alternative for a lot of people who do not have the economic resources for college but know precisely the type of job they want, such as: technician, machine tools, automotive service, plumbing, computers, heating and air conditioning, golf, hotel management, etc. There is actually a lot of certification program to choose from, and most pay well. Costs vary based on the program and location, but figure approximately $10K for a two year program.
See: http://tradeschools.weebly.com/
MILITARY
There are no costs involved here other than your time. You won’t become a millionaire, but you can earn a decent wage. According to militarypaychart.us, the average serviceman is paid $18K-$25K depending on rank. Of course, this will go up if you make a career out of the military. Officers make much more, which is a good reason to attend Officer Candidate School or a military academy (ROTC in college isn’t bad either). The Post 9-11 GI-Bill also provides the means to pay for your college tuition if you are so inclined. A 36 month hitch in the service will pay 100%. In the meantime, you will learn new skills, discipline, organization, and gain a sense of purpose.
COLLEGE: COMMUNITY/ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE
Community Colleges offer the ability to obtain an Associate’s degree, which carries less weight than a Bachelor’s degree, but isn’t bad either. It’s also a good way to determine if you are college material, and relatively inexpensive to boot. According to the The College Board, in-state students currently pay $3,131 a year on the average ($6,262 total). The professors and instructors are certainly qualified to teach but are likely not of the caliber of a full four year institution. Fortunately, your credits earned here can be transferred to a four year college if you are so inclined, but check with the institution for details.
COLLEGE: STATE/BACHELOR’S DEGREE
Again, according to The College Board, the cost for a four year college education for in-state students is $8,655 annually. Basically, you are looking at a $35K investment. Out-of-state students will pay more, $21,706 annually (approximately $87K). The next question is, how will this be paid? By your parents or are you going to need a college loan? In other words, this is becoming an expensive proposition. Can you honestly justify why you want to go to this school? If you are going to pay a lot for your education, do not go into it half-hearted.
Four year colleges offer good instruction and allows the student to focus on their studies without having to move from one campus to another.
COLLEGE: PRIVATE/BACHELOR’S DEGREE
Again, according to The College Board, the average cost for a four year degree in a private college is $29,056 annually (that’s right, in excess of $116K). In addition to a good education, attendance at private schools look better on a resume and can help you network with the right people. Again, big bucks are involved here. Who is going to pay, and are you really up to the task?
COLLEGE: GRADUATE SCHOOL
Should you wish to pursue a Master’s Degree, P.A., or a Ph.D, be prepared for substantial costs. Most Master’s and P.A. degrees costs approximately $50K. Medical physician degrees can cost upwards to $100K-$200K, if not more depending on the specialty. You better be confident of what you are doing if you are pursuing such a career path. In addition to paying such exorbitant fees, many big businesses offer assistance as they want to help their employees grow and develop into better workers. Such programs are definitely worth checking out.
Your continuing education is not an inexpensive proposition. Many young people do not understand the economic implications and find themselves shackled in debt for years. So much so, college debt recently exceeded credit card debt in this country, which is mind-boggling. In other words, as a graduating high school senior, it is time to do some serious soul searching: Do you really know where you want to go? Something you should be cognizant of at all times, it is YOUR life, not your parents or anyone else. If your family can help you, great. If they cannot, where do you want to go and how do you plan to get there? Ideally, everyone must lead a worthy and meaningful life. It is also more important to find a career as opposed to a job, but necessity may dictate you do otherwise, which is why people find themselves moving in another direction as opposed to their original goal.
One last note, there is nothing requiring you to pursue higher education. Attending school in your youth may have been mandated by the state, but now you are grown and legally on your own. Whereas the taxpayer had been footing the bills for your education, it is now up to you. This means attending college or a trade school is not a right, but a privilege. Don’t blow it.
As an aside, be sure to check out my book, “Morphing into the Real World” – the Handbook for entering the Work Force; a Comprehensive Survival Guide for Adulthood.
Keep the Faith!
Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.
Tim Bryce is a writer and the Managing Director of M&JB Investment Company (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 30 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb001@phmainstreet.com
For Tim’s columns, see:
timbryce.com
Like the article? TELL A FRIEND.
Copyright © 2013 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.
NEXT UP: REPAIRING BARBECUE GRILLS – Regardless of what you spend, barbecue grills last no longer than three years, tops.
LAST TIME: A DAY AT THE BEACH – You go for relaxation, but are taken aback by what you see.
Listen to Tim on WJTN-AM (News Talk 1240) “The Town Square” with host John Siggins (Mon, Wed, Fri, 12:30-3:00pm Eastern), KGAB-AM 650 “The Morning Zone” with host Dave Chaffin (weekdays, 6:00-10:00am Mountain), and KIT-AM 1280 in Yakima, Washington “The Morning News with Dave and Lance” with hosts Lance Tormey & Mike Bastinelli (weekdays. 6:00-9:00am Pacific). Or tune-in to Tim’s channel on YouTube.
Also look for Tim’s postings in the Palm Harbor Patch, The Gentlemen’s Association, and throughout the Internet.
A DAY AT THE BEACH
BRYCE ON LIFE
- You go for relaxation, but are taken aback by what you see.
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I took some time off during the Memorial Day weekend and escaped to the beach. I guess I’m like just about anyone in that I rarely take advantage of the scenery in your own backyard. It’s been a while since I’ve been to the beach and I found the rhythm of the waves in the morning tranquil and somewhat therapeutic. However, I had forgotten about all of the pollution on the beach, eye pollution that is. I was amazed how many women of all sizes and shapes wore a bikini and probably 99% of those I saw shouldn’t. Please don’t get me wrong, there is certainly nothing wrong with an attractive woman wearing a bikini, but most of what I saw defied belief. Sure, if you’ve got it flaunt it, but if you haven’t got it, forget it. The ship has sailed and it’s time to put on a little more canvas in the rigging.
I find women over 40 wearing bikinis to be interesting, particularly those in their 50′s and 60′s. I don’t know what they’re advertising but I suspect they’re not getting many buyers.
I don’t mean to appear to pick on the ladies exclusively as there are of course men out there who wear some pretty avant-garde bathing suits as well, but the volume of bikinis I saw on this trip seemed to be overwhelming. I guess I should be grateful that we’re past the thong fad as you don’t see too many of them anymore on the beach. I’ve seen my share of thongs over the years and it can be pretty scary to see some women wearing them, as well as men. As my son would say, “That’s just not right.”
My wife and I went to the beach with another couple. We arrived early to get a good spot where we could setup our chairs and relax. As this was Memorial Day, the beach naturally started to fill up and become somewhat crowded. I find it interesting how some people have no problem invading your space by plopping down right next to you while there is still ample space elsewhere. It’s as if you were invisible. To combat this problem, my friend and I have learned a long time ago to smoke some particularly nasty smelling cigars which acts like a repellent for crowd control. This results in a comfort zone around us but inevitably as soon as the cigars go out, the intruders move back in which, of course, is our queue to leave the beach until the next major holiday.
One last note, Sports Illustrated shoots its Swimsuit Edition at remote locations around the world. Do not expect this to be anywhere near the beach you are going to.
Keep the Faith!
Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.
Tim Bryce is a writer and the Managing Director of M&JB Investment Company (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 30 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb001@phmainstreet.com
For Tim’s columns, see:
timbryce.com
Like the article? TELL A FRIEND.
Copyright © 2013 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.
NEXT UP: HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION – WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE? – Time to do some soul searching.
LAST TIME: AMERICAN VACATIONS – Do we ever truly escape our work environment?
Listen to Tim on WJTN-AM (News Talk 1240) “The Town Square” with host John Siggins (Mon, Wed, Fri, 12:30-3:00pm Eastern), KGAB-AM 650 “The Morning Zone” with host Dave Chaffin (weekdays, 6:00-10:00am Mountain), and KIT-AM 1280 in Yakima, Washington “The Morning News with Dave and Lance” with hosts Lance Tormey & Mike Bastinelli (weekdays. 6:00-9:00am Pacific). Or tune-in to Tim’s channel on YouTube.
Also look for Tim’s postings in the Palm Harbor Patch, The Gentlemen’s Association, and throughout the Internet.
ENTERPRISING PANHANDLER SIGNS
BRYCE ON ENTREPRENEURSHIP
- Some of the most creative signs used by beggars.
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To use this segment in a Radio broadcast or Podcast, send TIM a request.
Every now and then you encounter a panhandler begging for money. This is starting to become commonplace here in Pinellas County, Florida along US-19 where beggars hold up signs at traffic intersections asking for money. The signs they hold typically convey the message, “Homeless and hungry. Please help. Thank you and God bless.” Motorists have mixed emotions about offering donations. Some happily offer their spare change, others roll up their windows and lock their doors in fear for their safety.
The beggars of Pinellas Country are neophytes when compared to New York panhandlers who have turned it from an art to a science. It was in New York where the idea of cleaning windshields first started. Most people gave the beggars money, not out of kindness, but to keep them away from their cars. In New York, the beggars realize a simple sign like, “Please Help,” no longer works. Instead, they have to have a gimmick, such as holding a door open at a public store, or perhaps they dress in flamboyant costumes to entertain the public. Most though, have developed some very creative signs which makes pedestrians either laugh or think. The beggars know very well, a clever sign means big bucks. Here are some of the most interesting signs I have encountered:
“Family kidnapped by Ninjas. Need $ for Karate lessons.” – This is the standard sign used to amuse pedestrians. There are slightly different variations of it out there, but this is the bread and butter of signs.
However, there are many other signs reflecting some real ingenuity:
“I slept with Lindsay Lohan last week – Please help.” – (Yes, please.)
“Blah, blah, blah…Money.
Blah, blah, blah…Food.
Blah, blah, blah…
Who Reads Signs Anyway?<
Anything helps. Thank you.”
- (I like guys who are honest and cut to the chase.)
“Too ugly to prostitute. Too stoopid to steal.” – (I saw this woman. She’s right.)
Here’s a few that I found rather clever and I suspect worked well for the panhandlers:
“Let’s do lunch. U-Buy.”
“I’ll bet you $1 you’ll read this sign.”
“I’m like Obama. I want change.”
“Bills larger than $50 will NOT be accepted after 9pm.”
“I’ll bet you can hit me with a quarter.”
“Desperate need for hair weave. Please help.”
“Will take verbal abuse for $1.00.”
“Need cash for alcohol research.”
I found these next two signs rather disturbing. Although they were trying to be humorous, I looked upon these people as deadbeats:
“16 Wives.
7 hungry dogs
3 thin cats.
25 kids and still horny.
Please help with loose change.”
“Too lazy to work. Too scared to steal. Please assist.”
You can see the influence of technology in these signs:
“Homeless + Hungry. God bless!!!!!
PayPal – 40dude@gmail.com”
“Will code HTML for food. Please help.”
“Will work for text messaging.”
“Replaced by CGI – please help” – (man dressed as a robot.)
“Time Traveler – Help! Need $ for New Flux Capacitor” – (I presume this is intended to appeal to fans of science fiction.)
In New York I found the panhandlers to be somewhat territorial in nature. They hustled for their preferred location and kept an eye open for anyone infringing on their territory. This final sign sums it up:
“If you don’t wanna spare me some change, at least don’t give any to the other Bums!”
It’s fascinating, even beggars appear to possess the American spirit of entrepreneurship.
Keep the Faith!
Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.
Tim Bryce is a writer and the Managing Director of M&JB Investment Company (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 30 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb001@phmainstreet.com
For Tim’s columns, see:
timbryce.com
Like the article? TELL A FRIEND.
Copyright © 2013 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.
NEXT UP: OFFICE NOISE – Can we focus in the workplace or is there too much ear pollution?
LAST TIME: NAYSAYERS – Those who believe the glass is half empty.
Listen to Tim on WJTN-AM (News Talk 1240) “The Town Square” with host John Siggins (Mon, Wed, Fri, 12:30-3:00pm Eastern), KGAB-AM 650 “The Morning Zone” with host Dave Chaffin (weekdays, 6:00-10:00am Mountain), and KIT-AM 1280 in Yakima, Washington “The Morning News with Dave and Lance” with hosts Dave Ettl & Lance Tormey (weekdays. 6:00-9:00am Pacific). Or tune-in to Tim’s channel on YouTube.
Also look for Tim’s postings in the Palm Harbor Patch, The Gentlemen’s Association, and throughout the Internet.
NAYSAYERS
BRYCE ON NEGATIVITY
- Those who believe the glass is half empty.
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To use this segment in a Radio broadcast or Podcast, send TIM a request.
It is one thing to offer wise counsel, it’s quite another to try and screw things up for others simply by being negative. I remember when I was a kid, there would be classmates who advised me that I shouldn’t take a particular class, that it was too difficult and I would fail. Interestingly, I didn’t. I also had friends tell me not to play football; that it would affect my grades and I would injure myself. Again, it didn’t; and I found it to be a very rewarding experience.
As I got into the workforce, I found even more naysayers who would tell me, “It cannot be done,” or “We’ve never done it that way before.” I’ve also seen this same phenomenon in several nonprofit organizations I have participated in. If I were to follow the advice of these naysayers, I would probably be still living at home with my parents sleeping in my crib.
Although I listen to the advice of the naysayers, it gets rather old after a while and a bit disconcerting. These are people who honestly believe the glass is half empty all of the time, and get visibly upset when you point out that the glass is actually half full. Their negativity can wear on a person over time. If you tell someone they cannot do something enough times, people start to believe it and act accordingly. Basically, naysayers want us to conform to their way of thinking, but by doing so, they are discouraging original thought and innovation which is a tragedy.
In a way, it reminds me of a chapter from Ayn Rand’s acclaimed novel, “The Fountainhead,” about a brilliant architect who dares to stand alone against the hostility of unimaginative conformists. In the book, Howard Roark, the protagonist, is brought up on charges of destroying a building he designed. In the courtroom, he offers an eloquent defense which ultimately leads to his vindication. Although space prohibits me from including his complete courtroom testimony here, the following passage sums up the problem with naysayers. In the courtroom, Roark explains to the jury…
“Throughout the centuries there were men who took first steps down new roads armed with nothing but their own vision. Their goals differed, but they all had this in common: that the step was first, the road new, the vision unborrowed, and the response they received–hatred. The great creators–the thinkers, the artists, the scientists, the inventors–stood alone against the men of their time. Every great new thought was opposed. Every great new invention was denounced. The first motor was considered foolish. The airplane was considered impossible. The power loom was considered vicious. Anesthesia was considered sinful. But the men of unborrowed vision went ahead. They fought, they suffered and they paid. But they won.”
In a strange way, naysayers are doing us all an important service; for every “problem” they identify, I see an “opportunity.” As I learned a long time ago, if I can think a problem through, I can do it.
I have advised my children that throughout life they will undoubtedly meet with naysayers who will take pleasure in chiding them as to what cannot be done. I thereby admonish them to prove them wrong and return the favor.
Keep the Faith!
Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.
Tim Bryce is a writer and the Managing Director of M&JB Investment Company (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 30 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb001@phmainstreet.com
For Tim’s columns, see:
timbryce.com
Like the article? TELL A FRIEND.
Copyright © 2013 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.
NEXT UP: ENTERPRISING PANHANDLER SIGNS – Some of the most creative signs used by beggars.
LAST TIME: DEALING WITH STRESS – There sure seems to be a lot of people walking around uptight and find it difficult to relax.
Listen to Tim on WJTN-AM (News Talk 1240) “The Town Square” with host John Siggins (Mon, Wed, Fri, 12:30-3:00pm Eastern), KGAB-AM 650 “The Morning Zone” with host Dave Chaffin (weekdays, 6:00-10:00am Mountain), and KIT-AM 1280 in Yakima, Washington “The Morning News with Dave and Lance” with hosts Dave Ettl & Lance Tormey (weekdays. 6:00-9:00am Pacific). Or tune-in to Tim’s channel on YouTube.
Also look for Tim’s postings in the Palm Harbor Patch, The Gentlemen’s Association, and throughout the Internet.
DEALING WITH STRESS
BRYCE ON THE HUMAN CONDITION
- There sure seems to be a lot of people walking around uptight and find it difficult to relax.
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To use this segment in a Radio broadcast or Podcast, send TIM a request.
There are a lot of things that causes stress in our lives, such as finances, our family relationships, our work, medical conditions, driving, sex, competition, politics and world events; and I guess this is something that hasn’t really changed over the years. However, there sure seems to be a lot of people consumed with stress these days and believe it to be a natural part of their lives. They walk around uptight all of the time and find it difficult to relax. Often times they complain about migraine headaches, ulcers, tightness in their backs, and other body ailments. If you were to touch them, they would probably jump out of their skin. A lot of the stress such people possess is self-imposed. Many fear making a mistake, which might lead to their demise or cause people to think less of them. Consequently, we are seeing a generation of uptight perfectionists emerge who sweat over innocuous detail. Such people tend to drive the rest of us crazy.
To relieve stress, most of us do some sort of physical therapy, talk to people, perhaps a change of scenery or a good stiff drink. Not to be outdone, the drug companies have invented a whole new generation of chill-pills to get people to calm down and cope with their lives. Years ago “downers” were considered illegal substances, but I guess you have to hand it to the drug companies to legitimize them. Such drugs have become so prevalent in society that you have to wonder how our grandparents and great-grandparents ever got along without them, but remarkably, they did.
Plain and simply, stress results from the fact that we are human-beings and, as such, we are imperfect creatures who make wrong or bad decisions during our lifetimes. People do not want to admit to making mistakes, but we do. We also wish we could turn the hands of time backwards and change things, but we cannot. It is convoluted thinking to become consumed by the mistakes we made in the past. We should, of course, learn from them, but we should always be looking forward as opposed to backward. Just remember, the last guy who was perfect, they hung on a cross.
Whether we like it or not, the sun will inevitably rise again tomorrow and we have to have the fortitude to deal with it. Yes, we will continue to screw up and make mistakes, but we have to pick ourselves back up, lick our wounds, and keep going forward. Perhaps the best way to cope with bedlam is to laugh now and then. I think my father put the best spin on it years ago when he said, “I don’t have ulcers, I give them.”
Keep the Faith!
Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.
Tim Bryce is a writer and the Managing Director of M&JB Investment Company (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 30 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb001@phmainstreet.com
For Tim’s columns, see:
timbryce.com
Like the article? TELL A FRIEND.
Copyright © 2013 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.
NEXT UP: NAYSAYERS – Those who believe the glass is half empty.
LAST TIME: SOME THOUGHTS ON MEMORIAL DAY – It’s not about barbecues, auto racing, or the start of summer.
Listen to Tim on WJTN-AM (News Talk 1240) “The Town Square” with host John Siggins (Mon, Wed, Fri, 12:30-3:00pm Eastern), KGAB-AM 650 “The Morning Zone” with host Dave Chaffin (weekdays, 6:00-10:00am Mountain), and KIT-AM 1280 in Yakima, Washington “The Morning News with Dave and Lance” with hosts Dave Ettl & Lance Tormey (weekdays. 6:00-9:00am Pacific). Or tune-in to Tim’s channel on YouTube.
Also look for Tim’s postings in the Palm Harbor Patch, The Gentlemen’s Association, and throughout the Internet.
NOISE, NOISE, NOISE
BRYCE ON RADIO ADS
- How the Bzzz-bzzz-bzzz of radio annoys me.
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To use this segment in a Radio broadcast or Podcast, send TIM a request.
I noticed something recently when driving around town with the radio on. Whenever a commercial comes on, I automatically do one of three things: search for another station, “tune out” completely, or turn the radio off. I believe it’s a Pavlovian response. Most of the time, I just tune it out. Do not ask me what the commercial was about as I haven’t got a clue. No wonder advertisers tend to increase the volume, people simply find them annoying and drift off to Neverland.
I don’t know which is worse, ads for attorneys or automobiles. Attorney ads seem particularly pompous. We have one law firm here in Florida, headquartered in Orlando, who we cannot escape from on the airwaves. The firm’s founder seems to pop-up everywhere and his self-righteous monotone monologue drives me crazy. The moment I hear him, I have to change stations as I feel my esophagus start to backup with bile. Automobile ads are notoriously obnoxious as well, particularly the last five seconds where the announcer reads 1,000 words of fine print at warp speed. I wonder if radio stations understand how annoying these ads are and how listeners bailout the moment they hear them.
The pollution on the airwaves tends to give me a headache, particularly when I’m driving. It’s like having a gnat or mosquito constantly buzzing around you. Since you cannot swat it, like you can an insect, you become easily frustrated. No wonder people are abandoning AM/FM for XM with far fewer commercial interruptions, or turn to their CD player.
I wish there was a single channel for commercials, thereby alleviating the headaches from the other stations. I wouldn’t even mind a separate channel for attorney ads and information, and one for automobiles. If I needed the information, I know where to tune into, but alas we all know this will never happen.
Bzzz-bzzz-bzzz. Ugh! There is goes again. Hand me another Advil.
Keep the Faith!
Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.
Tim Bryce is a writer and the Managing Director of M&JB Investment Company (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 30 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb001@phmainstreet.com
For Tim’s columns, see:
timbryce.com
Like the article? TELL A FRIEND.
Copyright © 2013 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.
NEXT UP: STAND UP FOR MORALITY (PART 1 OF 8) – “Morality is something we all claim to know, but never openly discuss.”
LAST TIME: ARE WE BECOMING MORE TOLERANT, OR LESS? – Ask yourself the question, who was more tolerant, your parents or yourself?
Listen to Tim on WJTN-AM (News Talk 1240) “The Town Square” with host John Siggins (Mon, Wed, Fri, 12:30-3:00pm Eastern), KGAB-AM 650 “The Morning Zone” with host Dave Chaffin (weekdays, 6:00-10:00am Mountain), and KIT-AM 1280 in Yakima, Washington “The Morning News with Dave and Lance” with hosts Dave Ettl & Lance Tormey (weekdays. 6:00-9:00am Pacific). Or tune-in to Tim’s channel on YouTube.
Also look for Tim’s postings in the Palm Harbor Patch, The Gentlemen’s Association, and throughout the Internet.
STAYING HEALTHY ON THE JOB
BRYCE ON WORK & PLAY
- The realities of playing sports as we grow older.
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To use this segment in a Radio broadcast or Podcast, send TIM a request.
Before graduating from college, I played my fair share of contact sports, including football, baseball, hockey, and rugby. Like a lot of kids, I got pretty beat up in the process, such as cuts, scrapes, bruises, sprains, and a particularly nasty knee injury which sidelined me for the remainder of a season. Nonetheless, I loved playing and think back fondly on those years.
As I entered the workforce though, I came to the sudden realization my playing days were over. I could no longer afford to become sidelined from my job due to a broken bone, sprain, or some other serious injury. Plain and simply, it would affect my livelihood. It’s hard to give up such sports, but it became clear to me it was time to find something less brutal to do. This explains why activities like golf, tennis, racquetball, fishing, etc. are popular among those in their middle age or older, there is less of a chance to suffer a serious accident.
Some time ago I helped establish an “Over 35″ coed softball league in my area which has since become rather popular. I found our games to be a great stress-reliever and the hub of social activities for the many people who played the game with us over the years. I admonished my players not to get injured. I wanted them to have fun, but if it was a matter of losing a game or facing an injury, particularly at our ages, let’s take the loss. While others played as if they were in the World Series, we played smarter and survived the games with no significant injuries. We may have been beaten by other teams, but they paid for it in injuries, or should I say their companies did.
Young people typically find it difficult to accept the fact they are getting older, and occasionally you come across someone who has seriously injured themselves foolishly. I remember one young man in our print shop who broke his collarbone playing touch football (not tackle). This obviously hindered his effectiveness as a printer. He may have thought the injury was funny, but we made it clear that it was not.
Contact sports is for people who can afford to be injured, such as youth. It is certainly not for adults who have to make a living to support a family. Risking injury in some frivolous game is just plain stupid and should be rebuffed as opposed to celebrated. An injury sets the company back, your workload, your coworkers who must pick up your slack, and your family.
As I warn young people entering the workforce, let’s leave the contact sports to the fond memories of our youth. For example, one day I’ll have to tell you about the Sycamore game in 1971.
Keep the Faith!
Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.
Tim Bryce is a writer and the Managing Director of M&JB Investment Company (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 30 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb001@phmainstreet.com
For Tim’s columns, see:
timbryce.com
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Copyright © 2013 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.
NEXT UP: UNDERSTANDING THE NATURAL SYSTEM – Systems always find a way to produce information to support the needs of the enterprise.
Listen to Tim on WJTN-AM (News Talk 1240) “The Town Square” with host John Siggins (Mon, Wed, Fri, 12:30-3:00pm Eastern), KGAB-AM 650 “The Morning Zone” with host Dave Chaffin (weekdays, 6:00-10:00am Mountain), and KIT-AM 1280 in Yakima, Washington “The Morning News with Dave and Lance” with hosts Dave Ettl & Lance Tormey (weekdays. 6:00-9:00am Pacific). Or tune-in to Tim’s channel on YouTube.
Also look for Tim’s postings in the Palm Harbor Patch, The Gentlemen’s Association, and throughout the Internet.
SOMETIMES THE OLD MEDICINES ARE THE BEST
BRYCE ON LIFE
- Why won’t they just go away?
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Now and then I am reminded of an old medicine I haven’t heard about in a long time. I’m usually surprised they’re still around as I thought they were made obsolete. Then again, such medicines still work and are used by loyal consumers with strong allegiances. For example, one of my neighbors confided in me she takes a tablespoon of Castor Oil on a daily basis. I was surprised by the admission as I hadn’t heard of it since my youth, which I remember as some nasty tonic that doesn’t go down too easily. My neighbor said the taste wasn’t too bad after you get used to it. Actually, Castor Oil has several uses, one of which is medicinal in nature, primarily as a laxative “to keep you regular.”
You can’t mention Castor Oil without thinking of Cod Liver Oil at the same time, another ancient tonic. Cod Liver Oil though is an excellent source of Vitamin A and is actively used to relieve joint pain caused by arthritis. I understand it was also used as a base for a red paint used in the cod fishing towns of Newfoundland. I cannot vouch for its taste as I have never tried it, but I have heard mixed reactions. Nonetheless, it remains a viable product.
Another obscure laxative is Pluto Water which my father’s side of the family used religiously for years as a means of “Spring cleaning.” He always claimed it was quite strong and worked its magic effectively. Thankfully, he only had to “take the cure” once a year under the insistence of his mother. Pluto Water comes from French Lick, Indiana which I visited some time ago and smelled the springs where the water originates. It was a strong sulfur-like smell thereby causing me to well imagine the powerful effect of ingesting the water.
Tooth Powder is another item you don’t see too much anymore. There was a time, years ago, when most Americans used tooth powder as opposed to paste. I grew up in such a household, and I remember all of my relatives using it as well. I’m told tooth powder is actually an ancient product that goes back to Roman times. I believe it is still sold in tins, but there are also some simple recipes for tooth powder you can make from home. I’m not too sure the people at Procter & Gamble and Colgate-Palmolive would be too happy for you to know this though.
I bring up the subject of Straight Razors, which isn’t a medicine, yet something commonly found in medicine chests, or at least used to be. Most people today use some form of a safety or electric razor, but it doesn’t seem that long ago the straight razor was the predominant means for a shave. In fact, they are still actively used in most barbershops. I can still remember my great-grandfather sharpening his straight razor on a long leather strap early in the morning, something he was also known to use to discipline children, but that’s another story. Straight razors haven’t disappeared completely. Certain shaving aficionados still prefer them, but they have certainly become a rarity. So much so, I do not believe most men today would know how to use one.
Finally, my favorite, Rawleigh’s Man and Beast Salve. Way before there were antiseptic sprays, ointments and Band-Aids, there were simple antiseptic salves, a universally applicable product for both humans and animals. Farmers always kept a tin nearby, as did most families for that matter, including yours truly. A salve was useful for cuts, scrapes, burns, rashes, poison ivy or any other skin irritation. Just a dab of salve on your skin and you were on the road to recovery. Interestingly though, it is almost impossible to find such salves in the drug stores anymore. Fortunately, I found a source through the Internet. When I called the woman to place an order we struck up a conversation about salves. Actually, she was more than just a distributor, she was an outspoken proponent of the salve and couldn’t imagine life without it. Neither can I. When I mention it to my friends, they think it is some barbaric poultice, which can also still be found around barnyards.
Most of the aforementioned products have been fading from public view for many years, made nearly extinct by changing medical technology. The fact they haven’t disappeared completely means they are still regarded as viable medicinal products. They may have disappeared from drug stores, but they are still around, they’ve just gone underground thanks in large part to the Internet.
Keep the Faith!
Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.
Tim Bryce is a writer and the Managing Director of M&JB Investment Company (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 30 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb001@phmainstreet.com
For Tim’s columns, see:
timbryce.com
Like the article? TELL A FRIEND.
Copyright © 2013 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.
NEXT UP: HOW INFORMATION AFFECTS MICROMANAGEMENT – Information requirements gives us insight as to why people micromanage.
Listen to Tim on WJTN-AM (News Talk 1240) “The Town Square” with host John Siggins (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 12:30-3:00pm ET), and KGAB-AM 650 “The Morning Zone” with host Dave Chaffin (weekdays. 6:00-10:00am MST). Or tune-in to Tim’s channel on YouTube.
Also look for Tim’s postings in the Palm Harbor Patch, The Gentlemen’s Association, and throughout the Internet.
CATCHING A COLD
BRYCE ON LIFE
- You can run, but you cannot hide from the beast.
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I hate colds. I can usually sense when they are coming on, be it in my throat, nose, eyes, ears, or even lips. I immediately take some preventative medicine. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. If the cold really wants to bloom, I find there is no stopping it. I believe it has a mind of its own. I can go a long time between colds, but when I finally get one, it’s usually a real beaut.
When it comes, I tend to slow down, get some rest, and try to be a good patient. I do not like to take a lot of medicine but I’ll do as my wife prescribes. She can also make a mean “Hot Tottie” which includes lemon, honey, whiskey, and hot tea. It usually knocks me out and, if I’m lucky, I can sweat the cold out of me. My latest cold converged on my head and throat. Luckily, it avoided my chest. I took various remedies to clear my sinuses, and they worked rather well, but they wouldn’t knock the sniffles completely out. I loathe having to blow my nose every five minutes which, of course, becomes rather irritated and sore.
I attend quite a few meetings during the week and in doing so I have to meet and greet a lot of people. As is customary, I offer a handshake to people, but when I have a cold I don’t want to pass it on to others, so I awkwardly do not extend my hand and inform them I’m suffering with a cold. People are glad you tell them so, but the expression on their face gives me the uneasy feeling that I have somehow contracted the plague. I find it rather amusing how people automatically take a step backwards when you inform them you have the slightest suggestion of a cold. It’s like a reflex action, sometimes followed by a handkerchief or hand sanitizer (just to be safe).
The Japanese seem to be more sensitive to the transmission of a cold. Since most people over there make use of mass transit and are in close quarters with many others, a person experiencing a cold will typically cover his mouth with a surgical mask. Others wear it simply not to contract a disease from others. Whereas Americans seem to relish in sharing their misfortune, the Japanese try to minimize the effect of a cold. I tend to believe the Japanese are more considerate in this regard.
If my cold goes on too long, I find I have to take matters into my own hands. Since the beast won’t take the hint to leave, it’s time I show him the exit. This is when I finally introduce it to the smoke and fire of a good cigar, and strong drink, such as Scotch whiskey. I’ve done this on more than one occasion and believe it or not, my cold starts to run and hide, eventually succumbing to the smoke and alcohol. In a way, it acts like a farewell party, which is perhaps what the cold had been waiting for before it departs.
Actually, I believe we always have a cold within us, but I think it waits for the right combination of elements before it raises its ugly head. Perhaps it is a drafty room, exhaustion, or some food combination. Whatever the magical recipe is, the cold emerges from its den in an ugly mood and searches for a weak body part to attack, and the cycle starts all over again.
The only good part of a cold, at least to me, is knowing that I have a date in the offing with a fine cigar and a glass of Scotch. It has the added nuance of making me feel like a lion tamer.
Keep the Faith!
Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.
Tim Bryce is a writer and the Managing Director of M&JB Investment Company (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 30 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb001@phmainstreet.com
For Tim’s columns, see:
timbryce.com
Like the article? TELL A FRIEND.
Copyright © 2013 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.
NEXT UP: THE EVOLUTION OF THE BUSINESS CARD – From simple calling cards, to advertising, to pins.
Listen to Tim on WJTN-AM (News Talk 1240) “The Town Square” with host John Siggins (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 12:30-3:00pm ET), and KGAB-AM 650 “The Morning Zone” with host Dave Chaffin (weekdays. 6:00-10:00am MST). Or tune-in to Tim’s channel on YouTube.
Also look for Tim’s postings in the Palm Harbor Patch, The Gentlemen’s Association, and throughout the Internet.
MY “CROWNING” ACHIEVEMENT
BRYCE ON DENTISTS
- Why my visit to the dentist was like digging the English Chunnel.
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Aside from a few fillings when I was young, I have been blessed with some rather good teeth. Year-in and year-out I’ve dutifully visited my dentist for cleanings and have kept them in good shape. On a recent visit though, my dental hygienist found I had broken a back molar thereby requiring a crown. To dentists, this is like hitting pay-dirt as I discovered crowns can be an expensive proposition. It’s not uncommon to pay in excess of $1,000 for a crown. Fortunately, I was covered by dental insurance, which brought the out-of-pocket expense down considerably, but I was mindful how expensive the procedure can be. Many years ago, it wasn’t too expensive, but inflation and the technology of the 21st century changed all that.
On the day I arrived for my procedure, the dental assistants began with a battery of preparations before allowing the dentist to work on me. I was asked to bite down on a big wad of Silly Putty in order to make an impression of my teeth. Whatever it was, it actually tasted like the famous polymer I played with years ago. As I bit into it, the suction of the putty was so strong that it seemed it was extracting every filling in my mouth. When they pulled the final impression out, I was relieved to see none of the fillings were attached.
Next, they used a long cotton swab to apply Novocaine to deaden the senses around my molar. Years ago I remember the dentists used a long ominous looking needle to apply Novocaine. To a little kid, the Novocaine needle could be terrifying. So much so, people preferred using “Laughing Gas” (“Nitrous Oxide”) as opposed to facing the needle. I’m glad someone invented a simpler and less threatening means for applying the local anesthetic.
The next step was to insert a variety of things in my mouth, such as rolls of cotton to provide a buffer between my cheek and gums, and a massive piece of plastic to pry my mouth open at a specific angle allowing the dentist easy access to the tooth in question. It felt like a miniature sawhorse and worked just as effectively. A breathing tube was added, along with suction to draw my saliva away.
The dentist then made his appearance and after a few pleasantries, he applied some microscopic lenses to his glasses, which looked like a couple of Bic pens, and thus he began using a whirling drill to sand down my molar. The drill proved to be very effective and I listened carefully as he whirled and chiseled my tooth down to size. A couple of times I could see smoke coming from my mouth. My eyes must have expressed alarm as the dental assistants quickly assured me my mouth wasn’t on fire, that it was just a little steam. Since when does steam smell like burning flesh? I could have easily lit a cigarette if I wanted to. I persevered nonetheless.
As I sat there and let the dental staff have their way with me, it occurred to me the operation had turned into something resembling the digging of the English Chunnel. There were workmen with lights and safety glasses protected by barricades and sawhorses as they drilled down into the cavern. Lines were inserted to pump air into the chasm and water out of it. The analogy was so strong, I had the unsettling feeling I was being worked over by the Department of Transportation as opposed to a medical team.
After much work, the molar had been trimmed to size and a temporary crown put into place using a caulk gun which seemed appropriate for a construction job. As the dentist finished, the assistants cleared my mouth of debris and equipment and traffic resumed. I just hope they picked up all of the cigarette butts. As I was leaving, I didn’t know whether I should just thank the staff or take them out for a beer afterwards.
I still have the final crown to be fitted and inserted, but this shouldn’t be as big of a job as the Chunnel. It was an interesting experience and I think I can now relate to those friends of mine who have had an inordinate amount of work performed on their teeth. In the end, all I can say is, “Thank God for Novocaine.”
Keep the Faith!
Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.
Tim Bryce is a writer and the Managing Director of M&JB Investment Company (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 30 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb001@phmainstreet.com
For Tim’s columns, see:
timbryce.com
Like the article? TELL A FRIEND.
Copyright © 2013 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.
NEXT UP: THE DEATH OF PROFESSIONAL COURTESY – What ever happened to “The Golden Rule”?
Listen to Tim on WJTN-AM (News Talk 1240) “The Town Square” with host John Siggins (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 12:30-3:00pm ET), and KGAB-AM 650 “The Morning Zone” with host Dave Chaffin (weekdays. 6:00-10:00am MST). Or tune-in to Tim’s channel on YouTube.
Also look for Tim’s postings in the Palm Harbor Patch, The Gentlemen’s Association, and throughout the Internet.
