Today is the day we have set aside for setting up and decorating our Christmas Tree. This year we are using an artificial tree, since we recently got a new puppy, we thought it would be easier to keep him away from the "fake" tree rather than a real one. Outside it's raining and dreary, yet inside we are filled with holiday cheer. Our first Christmas together is on it's way! Have a nice day! :)

With the holiday's upon us, we can't help but be reminded, "Don't Drink And Drive". This small phrase can mean the difference between life and death, as well as the difference between holiday joy and ultimate despair. An incident occurred two weeks ago, that I feel should be brought to the public's attention. I was recently employed as a food server by Red Lobster. During my training there, the Beverage & Hospitality Manager told us, "Red Lobster is not known as the place to drink alcohol". This was a logical statement, as everyone knows that buying a drink in a restaurant such as Red Lobster costs a lot more than if you went to your local bar or stopped by the corner liquor store. Roughly two weeks ago, we had a server's meeting, and we were all handed a "Server Expectation Guide". Within this guide were the requirements set upon each server to properly perform their job function. As I read through the guide, I was thinking, "this is all common sense, duh". But, as I turned to the section titled, "Server Performance", I found a paragraph that one, I don't agree with, and two, sheds a very disturbing light on the Red Lobster organization. The paragraph states:
"When you first approach your table, you must suggest an alcoholic beverage, appetizer, and mention our fresh fish feature: this is non-negotiable.
I found this paragraph very disturbing. Why would I be required to suggest alcohol when the concept of Red Lobster is quoted (from the managers at the restaurant as well as their own web site) as Quality seafood at moderate prices in an informal, nautical, family-oriented setting. Why would they require the servers to suggest alcohol to anyone? Is it right to suggest alcohol to grandma and grandpa when they have the grandkids with them? Is it right to suggest alcohol to mom and dad (whether they have the kids with them or not), knowing one of them has to drive the car home? Why would ANY restaurant want their employees to "push" alcohol on anyone, knowing what the consequences could be? Now don't get me wrong, I know that a person can enjoy an alcoholic drink with dinner and not pose any serious danger to anyone, I think the reason this paragraph irritated me so, was the non-negotiable part. When asking the manager about it, I was told, "just what it says, non-negotiable". I for one find this very disturbing… In addition to the non-negotiable alcohol push, Red Lobster also allows servers under the legal drinking age to serve alcohol. So, not only are they allowing those who can't drink to sell drinks, but they are requiring them to "push" alcohol. What kind of statement does this make? If you wish to become invloved, or just want information on the facts of Drinking and Driving, visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Website. Have a nice day! :)

AUTHORS NOTE: Of course, I didn't work there long, but I did make enough money to give Gidget something nice for Christmas! ;)

Happy Thanksgiving! Today is the day we all sit around watching parades and football games and then gorge ourselves with one of the most important meals of the year. I must say that today was truly a day to be thankful for. It was "our" (my wife and I) first Thanksgiving together, and it was a great day. I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving Day! :)

My commentary today is about the Primetime Live episode that aired this last week on ABC. The theme of the show was about children who had or have been abducted by one of their parents, and in general, the show was very heartwarming. One of the stories actually enraged and shocked me. It was the story of Holly Britt. Her mother, now known as Theresa Dantzler, abducted her, and fled to Mexico, and then to Costa Rica. Now, our own U.S. Embassy there in Costa Rica is helping to prevent the reunion of Holly with her father, Farriel, who was awarded custody of his daughter in 1996. Click on this link to read the complete transcript from Primetime Live, of the story of one man's intense dedication in retrieving his only daughter from the hands of his ex-wife and our own U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica. The information provided on this website will totally shock you and enrage you as a parent, and a United States Citizen. If you are as shocked as I am, please leave email to theU.S. Embassy in Costa Rica demanding the revokation of Theresa Dantzler's passport and her immediate extradition back to the United States. The fact is, there is a federal warrant for international parental kidnapping against the mother, and our own government is "protecting" the fugitive. Let's bring this child home. :)

At last, another update is finished. I thought I would never get done with it. As I said yesterday, I added some new sections to the site. In the AIDS/HIV section I added a Children's section, focusing on Pediatric AIDS Resources. Here in the Commentary section, I split it into three parts, to "reduce" loading time. The last change I made (this time) is with the Missing Children section. I expanded it, and called it "Just For Our Children", which still includes the Missing Children Page, as well as numerous other resources for children and parents alike. I hope you like the new look of the site. Have a good day! :)