Canadians only get offered a single map update, at a cost of $89.95.  Holy crap!  Local stores sell TomTom navigation devices for as little as $99.95.  I could just go and buy a new GPS for that kind of money.  If I do go to get a new GPS, you can probably bet it won’t be a TomTom again.  I’ll just have to see what answers they give me.

Buffet... Yum!

My colleagues and I like to have the occasional lunch outing on Fridays.  It’s a nice way to hang out outside of work.

I’m a little miffed after this latest trip.  The restaurant has decided that large parties automatically have an 18% tip added on.  I know it’s polite to tip… but when did it become mandatory?  And the real kicker… this was a buffet lunch.

Now why do I think this bullshit?  Let me explain:

• A mandatory tip says to me that the restauranteur and I have entered into an implied contract.  There should be a service level agreement, meaning that I should get priority treatment over those that can choose their tipping level.  Never happens…
• Mandatory tipping at a buffet?  You want eighteen cents on the dollar to bring water and take away plates?  That’s just ridiculous.
• A preset tip is automatically applied because I have a large party?  Since when does it take any more effort to deal with a table of twelve as opposed to three tables of four?  Scores high on my bullshit meter.

Tips are earned, not entitled.  I think the biggest reason that this 18% mandatory tipping has become acceptable is because we let it.  Let your opinion be known, either with your voice or your money.  I know I wont’ be returning to this establishment.

Just my two cents…

I really have to ask… WHY?! Twice this week I have stopped at a traffic light and somebody has been picking away.  Not the subtle “quick pick” that one might pass off as “I was scratching my nose”.  No, I’m talking half way to the second knuckle “I was scratching my brain” picking!

I’m not the only one discussing this subject… a quick Google reveals over 200,000 hits.

I have a really strong constitution, so frightful sights like those in the autos next to me don’t cause much of a reaction.  However, less stalwart drivers might experience a “fight or flight” response to these extreme nasal invasions and attempt to flee the scene with all due haste.  And as we all well know, speed kills.

Let’s keep it safe out there.  Nose picking should be treated much like sex; it should only be done in private.  Keep it at home where it belongs.  And last but not least… don’t pick your nose on Sunday, you won’t find God up there.