Thursday, November 30, 2006

Bad Customer Service... For the Right People!

Flew from Orlando to New Orleans today. Right after I got on, a couple with two little girls gets on. The husband sits the girls down in the front row and, par their custom, the SWA flight attendant informed the family that the front row has more leg room, yes, but all bags have to go in overhead AND there were no tray tables. As soon as the flight attendant gets this out of his mouth, the wife turns and snarls at the husband, "You idiot!" Being a good husband, he ignores her. The wife sits down with her purse on her lap and the flight attendant says, "Did I say just some bags in the overhead compartment? No! ALL bags in the overhead compartment!" I was a bit surprised at his saucy talk to her, but he got the last laugh. When she spits at the flight attendant and says, "I am NOT putting my purse up there!" He smiles, points to an entire plane that is virtually empty. Even my blind self can pick up on the smug, "Gotcha!" coming off of him.

And, he won!

I'm always a big fan of customer service, but when people are as ignorant to others as this woman was, she deserves to be put in her place. Thanks for another smile, SWA!

http://www.marcusengel.com/
www.myspace.com/marcusengel

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

The Anti-Gangsta Rap

Yesterday, I was listening to my favorite talk station and favorite show, The Dave Glover Show on 97.1 FM out of St. Louis. While I always enjoy the Glover Show, I was most impressed with the commercials. Not your typical adverts for cars and jewelry and other holiday goodies, but the public service announcements. During a commercial break, I heard three PSAs, right in a row. One for breast cancer awareness, one for stopping on-line predators and one for elimination of obesity. Promotion of good things like non-for-profits and government services always make me think of the antidote for gangsta rap-something positive, meaningful and beneficial to all Americans.

www.marcusengel.com
www.myspace.com/marcusengel

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

That's Supposed To Be Insulting?

If you're like me and suffering through a turkey-induced coma last Thursday, thank your lucky stars. If you were dancing with Mr. Sandman, then you probably missed the embarrassing display by the Detroit Lions' staff before their game against the Miami Dolphins.

As Joey Harrington, The Dolphins' QB was introduced, the scoreboard flashed up a shot of his face and began playing Billy Joel's "Piano Man." This was apparently meant as a jab at Harrington's talent as a pianist – a talent that is well founded enough that he played on stage with Dave Matthews.

So, I ask you, if Joey is proud of his talent and ready to showcase it in front of a live audience with one of the biggest rock stars on earth, does it stand to reason that he'd be embarrassed when Detroit tags him as "The Piano Man"? Not likely.

Just goes to prove – being unconcerned with another's insults is the best way to deflect them.

www.marcusengel.com
www.myspace.com/marcusengel

Monday, November 27, 2006

Thanks!

Thanks to all who came out last night for the music at D'Vine Wines in Kirkwood. Y'all were a great audience and I had a blast! Special thanks to Lisa for the Reserve and the opportunity to entertain!

www.marcusengel.com
www.myspace.com/marcusengel

Saturday, November 25, 2006

TONIGHT!

Don't forget - tonight, downtown Kirkwood, D'Vine Wines.
Yours truly will start playing around 7.
Stop on in to sample some great wines and to hear some fun acoustic music. May even throw in John Prine's "Christmas in Prison" just to get us all in the holiday mood!

Thanksgiving Hangover

Just returned from a few days with the fam Hope your Thanksgiving was great! It's amazing how much one can get in the habit of gluttony in such a short amount of time. Thanks to my niece, Lauren, who is five. "Little L" helped me stuff all books with the bookmarks that advertise afterthisbook.com. If you're ordering either of my books as Christmas gifts, know that little hands helped get those to you! Lauren and her sister, Michaela, continue to teach me lessons that all adults can learn from. Be sure to check out December's newsletter (when I actually write it) to see some further teachings from toddlers!

www.marcusengel.com
www.myspace.com/marcusengel

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Idiots

By now, everyone has heard Michael Richards' comments screamed from stage. Racist, yes, stupid, yes. What's worse? The certain follow-up where we're all manipulated to feel sorry for ol' Michael.

This sorta thing happens every time a celeb gets in trouble-we saw it with Mel Gibson earlier this year, Pat O'Brien and his phone messages to a young lady he met in a bar, it just seems the same old, same old. A celebrity gets caught doing something idiotic and, instead of owning up to stupidity, they play the victim-Michael Richards is saying he's now doing "personal work" to become a better person. Gibson and Pat both immediately checked themselves into rehab. Uh, there is no rehab for stupidity. Yet, once someone does a stupid act, their next move is to act like it wasn't their fault; "Oh, I'm an alcoholic...THAT's why I made those comments. I have a problem. I'm working on it. Feel sorry for me." Please. Personal accountability seems all but lost in our world.

www.marcusengel.com
www.myspace.com/marcusengel

It's Official!

I was in Wal-Mart today and heard the official start to the holidays. While checking out humidifier filters, over the PA came "Glo-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-ria in excelsis deo." This is the first carol of the year and not a minute too soon, considering most folks are already buying Christmas gifts.

And while on the subject of Wal-Mart... let me give a reason why I think this store and corp benefit Americans. Yes, there is plenty of legitimacy about unions and prices that aren't fair and foreign labor, etc. etc. etc. However, the truth of the matter is that we Americans want the most we can have for the least amount of money. Wal-Mart understands this. And delivers. That's their marketing plan and it certainly seems to work for them.

Here's my personal bit, though... no one will deny that drugs are out of control in this country. I'm talking prescription meds here. And Wal-Mart now has a program where, in at least 15 states, customers can buy $4 prescriptions. No program to buy into, no contracts to sign, just be a Wally World customer and get generic meds for $4. I did it yesterday and will continue to do so in the future.

www.myspace.com/marcusengel
www.marcusengel.com

Amen!

This week's "This American Life" on NPR was especially interesting. If you didn't catch it, check out audible.com for the podcast. I'm generally(okay, okay, never) a fan of tele-evangelists. I just can't see a bit of integrity in "earning" exorbanant sums of money and calling it the work of God.
So, tonight, I expected to be fairly irritated by the story of Carlson Pearson, a minister trained in the Oral Roberts tradition.

After years of study, Pearson realized that what he'd been taught and, more importantly, what he was now
preaching was, in a word, wrong. When he told his congregation that he’d been wrong and that he was changing his theology, his congregation shrank from over 8000 to less than 300. Monthly offerings went from nearly half a mill down to virtually nothing. Barely anyone in the more fundamental strains of Christianity would even recognize Pearson’s existence after this.

A man with no integrity would scramble to get back those who'd left and (cynicism coming at ya here), their weekly offerings. Not Pearson. Integrity was too important. He believes what he believes-and isn't going to change what he preaches to make money. That is integrity at its best. And I commend him. Check it out if you're in the mood for an interesting piece.

www.marcusengel.com

Sunday, November 19, 2006

Cure for the Post-Thanksgiving Blues

Saturday, Nov. 25, 6:30 p.m.
I'll be playing a gig at D'Vine Wines in downtown Kirkwood, MO.
Just a stone's throw up Kirkwood Rd. from the train station,
D'Vine Wines is a winery like no other. Stop on in if you're local!

Parkway UCC

Thanks to Parkway UCC for hosting me for their adult education programs this morning. Special thanks to Rick Oberle for setting all this up. You guys were all a great group to discuss and dialogue with! Thanks again!

Saturday, November 18, 2006

The Lesson of Burritos

I got back into town just a few nights ago. Three weeks on the road equals an empty cupboard and fridge for your ol' pal, Marcus. So, as I'm cooking up about the only thing I have (frozen burritos), I'm kinda disgruntled. I mean, I really want a big, heavy, meat laden sandwich with melted cheese. Alas, I'm headed out in a few hours to grocery shop and, until then, I'll have to be happy with my burritos. But, I'm not.

So, listening to NPR's "The Splendid Table" radio show which is, of course, describing all these succulent traditional Thanksgiving dishes. Well, in the midst of me wishing I had something that didn't end with a vowel, a caller states how 37 years ago, he was diagnosed with a food allergy. Not just any food allergy, but where he couldn't eat seafood, nuts and a list of about half a dozen other staples of life. Well, then he went to a new allergist and, shocker of all shockers, his earlier food allergy diagnosis was incorrect. So, instead of being angry over the 37 year he spent staying out of restaurants and dinner parties due to the menu, he's asking advice on what is in season now so he can really knock his own socks off with a first meal of seafood.

For longer than I've been alive, this man has been limited. And I'm complaining about burritos? Hence, you guessed it... now – I shut up. Be thankful for what you have. Many, many people have nothing at all.

www.marcusengel.com
www.myspace.com/marcusengel

Friday, November 17, 2006

Jammin'


Just got this photo, taken by Dave Henerfauth, from my Memorial Day gig at Shorr Lake Winery in Waterloo, IL. Thanks for the pic, Dave!

And, if you're interested in hearing some one-man acoustic guitar work, I'll be playing at
D'Vine Wines in downtown Kirkwood, MO on Saturday, November 25th.
Stop on in, have a glass of vino if you're of age, and sing along with some sub-par Pink Floyd and Bruce Springsteen tunes! Start time around 7:00 p.m. Lisa, the vinmistress, is a wonderful gal and a pleasure to work with... not to mention she makes some great dry whites!

www.marcusengel.com



Thursday, November 16, 2006

Thursdays Items of Interest

First, it's "National Thaw Out Your Turkey Day." Unless you're my Grandma Bernie and I'll be sitting at your table one week from today, you can ignore this. Really, I don't care. If you like your turkey frozen or raw, it's your business.

Second, I just got back from my weekly Kirkwood Rotary meeting. Today's program was the Kirkwood High foot ball team who are about one game away from getting into the state finals. As a former high school football player, I think this is cool. But what is more cool than that is that the principal and superintendent were also at the meeting. When it came time to Q & A with the players, the principal asked one of the linemen, "Hey, tell them what you got on your SATs." The Kirkwood principal gets it. As awesome as a state championship would be, as great as it feels to be young and accomplishing a teenager's dream, there ain't nothing more important for high schoolers than academics. As my dad said growing up, "School is your job. Do your job well."

www.marcusengel.com
www.myspace.com/marcusengel

Thanks For Saving My Life!

To the Southwest Airlines pilot who kept all 103 people on board from certain death this afternoon coming into STL... thanks! 30 mph wind gusts made for the rockiest ride and landing I've had in a long, long time. And a big thanks goes to Debbie, the flight attendant, for getting everyone to laugh as soon as the wheels were on the ground. The favorite flight attendant of the day grabbed the mic and called out, "How about a big hand for our captain... I couldn't have landed this thing better myself!" It made for a fitting and very SWAish end to a pretty scary time.

www.marcusengel.com
www.myspace.com/marcusengel

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

A Daily Reminder

Today, I was hanging out with my friend, Maddison. Maddi is 16 and has the class project to read, "Night" by Elie Wiesel. If you're not familiar, this is Wiesel's account of his time in Auschwitz. Just a few pages of his story gave me that much-needed slap of realization – the realization of just how good we have it.

If I named my 10 biggest problems in the world now, they'd not equal even a portion of Wiesel's first 10 minutes in the concentration camp. Taking a quick look at "Night" or "The Diary of Anne Frank" or "One Man's Search for Meaning" or any other account of the holocaust should be just enough of a dose of reality to make us know how much we have to appreciate in this world of ours.

www.myspace.com/marcusengel
www.marcusengel.com

Monday, November 13, 2006

Political Ownership

Tonight on Fox News' Hannaty and Colmes, TN's outgoing senator, Bill Frist, was interviewed. Frist was asked if, now that his party has lost control of the Senate, if he regrets not running for office again. His answer is one of the best I've heard from a politician in years:

"You don't own this job-you're only occupying a position."

Brilliant! This, THIS attitude is how government was intended to run-not for politicians to be lifers and think they own that chair in D.C. Now, don't get me wrong-I love Bill Frist and I'd love it if he were going to stick around for a while... but more than anything, I love his answer on what he feels the roles of politicians in Washington should be.

www.marcusengel.com
www.myspace.com/marcusengel

Sunday, November 12, 2006

More Bacchus!

Have just finished up a second day of exhibiting at the Bacchus General Assembly in Anaheim, CA. This has been an awesome opportunity to meet students and college professionals alike, as well as renew some old friendships. Thanks to all who came by my booth, told me they loved my keynote last year, and got a copy of my new book! Hope to hear from y'all when you get a chance to read my work!

www.myspace.com/marcusengel

www.marcusengel.com

Saturday, November 11, 2006

Bacchus General Assembly

Currently in Anaheim, CA at the General Assembly for the Bacchus Network. I've worked with Bacchus for years and I can easily tell you there are few orgs on the collegiate level that do as much positive healthy work as Bacchus. I've been re-establishing old friendships with past clients, meeting loads of cool people and Carson has been petted so much I'm surprised he's not bald! Also, props go to my friends from DeSales University for a great presentation this morning on Character U! I'm so proud I could be a part of such a phenomenal program!

www.marcusengel.com
www.myspace.com/marcusengel

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

The Election Results?

I was E chatting with a few friends today. Every conversation seemed to revolve around the election results. Now, one of the friends I was talking with is so right wing he makes Rush look like a dirt hippie, and another one of my conversational partners IS a dirt hippie. Both had very spicy ideas on how we got here and where the country is headed. Granted, I have some pretty strong opinions, too, but the biggest thing I think about the election is this: it happened. No matter the outcome, we, as Americans, have already won. Why? Because we know what democracy is, we choose our leaders and, even if the pool of applicants is slim pickin's, well, we still get the choice of the lesser of two or three or four evils.

So, no matter what your feelings are today in wake of the turnover in D.C., take a few minutes to be thankful we live in a free country where we have the ability to get hacked off at the government and, if we don't like it, change it in a couple of years!

www.marcusengel.com

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Last Week's NODA Conference


Here's a pic of my booth at the National Orientation Director's Association Conference last week in Salt Lake City. This is one of the best run collegiate conferences I've ever worked with and I want to again say thanks to Marc, Taylor and David for taking such great care of the associate members like me! You guys really made my first NODA experience a positive one!

Monday, November 06, 2006

More Reasons Oct 27th Was Such A Great Night!

Follow this link to read an article by Five for Fighting.

FFF played a gig in St. Louis on Oct. 27 - the same night as my book release event AND the same night the Cardinals were potentially going to win the World Series.

Just thought this was a fun article-especially for Cardinals fans!

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=72119284&blogID=186033699&MyToken=063ff902-c09f-4bd0-af40-c9aeb4556425

www.myspace.com/marcusengel

The Best $21 I've Ever Spent

When I was a kid, my great-uncle, Les, had a bumper sticker that I wasn't allowed to say out loud. Now that I'm an adult, I'll still choose to camouflage it a bit. Anyway, Ii thought it was a great, simple and profound message: "If you don't vote, don't b*$&%!" I have never forgotten this, even though Les has been dead for nearly 20 years.

So, here we are on the eve of the mid-term elections. And, due to my ridiculous travel schedule the last six weeks, voting absentee slipped my mind until, oh, the last possible day to fax in a request for absentee voting. And this morning? I paid $21 to Fed Ex my ballot back to St. Louis from Orlando, FL. Why? Because I hate, HATE people who don't vote. This is America, we have the right and the duty to vote and, if you aren't voting, frankly, I really don't want to speak to you. Anytime politics comes up in a discussion, before it can even start off, I ask everyone, "Did you vote in the last election?" If someone says no, tough cookies, they have nothing to say. Why? Because Uncle Les' bumper sticker was right.

So, get out there and vote tomorrow. I don't care for whom(okay, Ii DO care for whom, but I'm more concerned that you DO vote). And if you're not registered, get it done. And vote next time. There's no excuse not to.

http://www.marcusengel.com/
www.myspace.com/marcusengel

Sunday, November 05, 2006

The Evening That Was...



Here are the pics from the Oct. 27 book(s) release event.
Fear not if you missed it – we should have the video digitized and on the web site within a few weeks! The other gent in the photo is Mike Podorski. Mike is a long time friend I met at Camp Mo-Val when I was 15. Seven years later, he sold me my first guitar and taught me some chords. It seemed fitting to have him back me up at the book release event.

Check out my MySpace for more pics, coming soon!
Also, I'll post a blog when the paypal set up is arranged and ready to
sell the new medical book.
Thanks again to all who made it such an amazing night!

www.marcusengel.com
www.myspace.com/marcusengel

Friday, November 03, 2006

Ritual

I'm currently in Orlando, FL, cooling my heels after running all over the country speaking the last two or three weeks. Last night, I was watching the news and saw a report about the University of Central Florida's Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter. Since UCF's fraternity/sorority system is one of my clients and I just spoke there a few months ago, this was of particular interest.

Apparently, the SAE chapter at UCF is in trouble for hazing. According to the reports (and this is where I take issue), recently, the police showed up at the fraternity house and were not allowed in because the brothers were in the middle of performing a ritual.

First off, hazing is wrong. Period. Second, this is probably a misreport by the media. Granted, this is going to be splitting hairs of linguistics, but it's something I take issue with. Allow me to explain...

Ritual is one thing and one thing only – it is that which bonds the brothers together AS brothers. Every fraternity member in the country is known as "brother" because he has experienced that fraternity's ritual. Therefore, the SAEs at UCF are brothers with the chapter of SAE at UCLA as they are with those at every other school in the country – only because of ritual.

If there is "sideline" stuff going on that involves tradition and hazing, that is not ritual – it is ceremony. And yes, there is a difference. It's a diff that a fraternity brother should know and (I hope) would not mistake.

What does this mean to the average person? Very little. Just please know that if this particular chapter of SAE at this particular university has done something wrong, that is only, ONLY them – it is not indicative of any other fraternity at any other school.

www.marcusengel.com
www.myspace.com/marcusengel

Thursday, November 02, 2006

DeSales University



Thanks, freshman class at DeSales, for being such a great group to work with! Thanks for all the E mails and My Space sign-ups, too! Special thanks to Wendy Krisak, Dr. Greg Amore, Linda, Jamie, Chad and Mike and the rest of the PACERs. You guys were such a fun group to chill with and I'm glad my program at Bacchus last year meant enough for you to share it with your fellow DeSales students. Snapping turtles that take five shots like Fifty Cent, llamas on the streets of NYC and pumpkin pie – all these helped make my first trip to DeSales a heck of a lot of fun!

http://www.marcusengel.com/
www.myspace.com/marcusengel