Extra’s, Extra’s…Read All About It!
Is it my imagination, or does everything these days seem to cost more? Let’s take restaurants for example. Last week, I stopped at a local Panera and ordered a half salad, which came with a baguette. Thinking I’d add a little protein to my “white bread,” I asked for some peanut butter to go along with it. I was surprised however, when the cashier said, “That willl be an $1.20 extra.” Perplexed with the charge, I hesitated in responding. My husband, not hearing what she had said, answered, “Yeah- she wants the peanut butter.”
Still a little frazzled, I said, “I really don’ think the peanut butter was worth the price,” and explained what she said to him. After complaining to each other, we proceeded in line and retrieved our order. As we sat down, I looked at my tray and discovered I got about a tablespoon of peanut butter. What the heck?! Now there’s a money maker! Another example— Ever been to Chipotle and requested some guacamole to go along with your burrito, or salad? That’s an additional $1.80! Whoa!
How many of you out there remember that 1974 Burger King television commerical with the catchy tune, “Hold the pickles, hold the lettuce. Special orders don’t upset us. All we ask is that you let us serve it your way?” Well times sure have changed! These days you can still have things your way, but ya better be prepared to pay!
I don’t know about you, but I guess I’ll be eating my peanut butter at home.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Uncategorized on May 5th, 2010 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Technology—The Good, The Bad, And Ugly
It is easy to get accustomed to things that make our life easier such as computers, cell phones, a GPS, etc., but have you ever thought about how amazing technology really is, and how it ever-changing? I’m sure most people at some time, or another have asked themselves, “How did we ever get by without this, or that?” Let’s take the fax machine, for example. Although fax machines existed in various forms since the 19th century, they didn’t become popular & affordable until the mid 1980′s. While this technology is still used today, it is somewhat being replaced by internet capabilities.
Computers are another example of ever-changing technology. Although the first computers were developed in the mid 20th century, they became popular and more affordable in the late 80′s and early 90′s. The computer is one technology that is constantly being revamped to be faster, more efficient, and let’s not forget the ever-changing software.
Speaking of software, this week we finally updated some of our very outdated software—A Good Thing! With all new technology however, especially software, there is a learning curve—The Bad. Although it may take a bit of time to adjust and figure out where this feature is, or that one is, we will learn. Unfortunately, with today’s technology, we have the capability to be ever-connected—The Ugly. Although I was able to sneak out of work for a few hours yesterday to catch a Twins game, I spent part of it talking on my cell phone, & sending text messages back and forth to work to try to resolve some software issues we were having with our database. Oh well! Maybe next time, I’ll just turn my phone off, another technology capability.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Business, Uncategorized on April 23rd, 2010 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Take me OUT to the ball game!
Hotdogs, beer, baseball and SUNSHINE…This is what Twins fans experienced yesterday at the Twins Opener at Target Field! Anxious fans cheered as some former Twins greats entered the field including Kent Hrbek during the opening ceremony. The historic day also included a statue unveiling of Kirby Puckett, and fighter jet fly-over before the first pitch. The Twins made fans happy with a 5- 2 win over the Boston Red Sox.
Following are a few photos from the historic day at Target Field:
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Uncategorized on April 13th, 2010 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Anxious Fans Partake In The Twins Pre-Season Opener…
Thankfully the April showers held off for the Twins Pre-Season Opener, which was held Friday, April 2nd. Eager fans were excited to get out and see their baseball team in their new home, at Target Field. Although the Twins lost to the Cardinals, I don’t think the fans were too disappointed. After all, it has been a long time coming since they were able to enjoy a Twins baseball game outside in the spring sunshine.
I don’t know about you, but I’m sure looking forward to more!
Following are a few photos from the Pre-Season Opener I wanted to share:
Opening Ceremony
Nephew Nick and girl friend Stephanie one level up
Joe Mauer at bat
Chris in his season ticket holder seat
View of the field
Jacques Jones up to bat
Another view of the field
Retired Numbers
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Uncategorized on April 5th, 2010 by Barb | | 0 Comments
You Can “Ring My Bell!”
Some of you out there may remember the popular 1979 disco song, “Ring My Bell,” by Anita Ward. Well at PGC, “Ring My Bell,” is much more than a popular song with a catchy lyric. In fact, it has become a common phrase, we use everyday.
Let me explain…
In late 2008, when the economy began to turn, and orders began to slow, we wanted to come up with a way to help motivate our employees and help them stay positive.
After a brainstorm session, we decided we needed some way to relay to our fabrication shop when orders came in. What we came up with was a bell. Yes a bell! Well…I don’t know how many of you out there have visited our fabrication shop, but it can at times be very noisy, so this bell would need to be…LOUD! After a moment or two, Chris and I looked at each other, and knew we were thinking the same thing…
A Bowden Bell!
I bought one several years ago for Chris for Father’s Day, which we hung at our cabin. The bell, which is made of old scrap cylinders, can practically be heard across the lake.
Anyway—after installing the bell, the phrase, “Ring The Bell,” was born, and since then, has morphed into a variety of phrases including:
- How many dingers?
- Bada Ding!
- Da-Ding!
- Etc.
The bell is also responsible for a lot of whooping and hollering, a lot of laughs, and positive energy. I am glad to say that, “The Bell,” is ringing a lot more these days!
Following are a few photos I wanted to share:
Here’s Geno Ricci, one of our Sales Reps “Ringing The Bell!”
Bowden Bell at our cabin
Bowden Bell at our cabin
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Company, Granite, Uncategorized on April 1st, 2010 by Barb | | 2 Comments
