Uncommon Knowledge.

I've served at Applebee's for almost two years now and it's still amazing to me how ignorant some of the people who eat out are. So I thought I'd let read some facts I've learned through my time spent here. There's alot more than this, but you're not interested, I'm sure.

1. In Arizona waitstaff make $3.75/hr. That's usually about enough to cover the taxes and other deductions taken out of our checks.

2. Here's a general breakdown of how (most) servers view tips.
25% or above- great service
20% average-good service
15% poor-below average
10% terrible
<10% is not even acceptable. servers typically write these people off as ignorant. This is how servers view tips. Even if you don't see it quite that way, when you leave a tip, it tells them what you thought of your experience. Let's keep in mind modern expenses. (Gas is close to $3 a gallon.)

3. The gratuity added onto a large table is a server's safety net. It's the bare minimum you should be paying them only for their time.

4. YOU ARE NOT THEIR ONLY TABLE!! This is one of the biggest complaints every server has. Remeber that they are probably juggling at least two other tables and can't spend 20 minutes at/running for your table only. While we get paid to be courteous, it makes the job alot more enjoyable when you are too.

5. We don't cook the food. Duh! If it isn't right/tastes bad, tell us! We can't read minds. But whether you choose to say something or not, don't take the taste of the food into the consideration for a tip.

6. On a related note. Tell us if you have a problem. Who knows, we might be able to remedy it. Leaving a bad tip and a note is a lot less helpful. I, personally, would like to know what you thought was bad so that I can fix it in the future.

If you read all this, thank you. Pass it on because you'd be surprised if you knew the people who don't. Honestly, I wouldn't know any better if I hadn't got the job, so I thought I'd help you all out as well. ;)

Pledge of (blind) Allegiance

(I don't know why I'm brining this up now. But I've thought alot about it and this is what I believe.)

"I pledge allegiance, to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic, for which it stands: one nation, under God, indivisable, with liberty and justice for all."

As a child I recited this sentence every day before class, never truly understanding the purpose or meaning behind something so excessively and mindlessly repeated. The phrase "under God" is often brought up as a source of controversy and called unconstitutional. While I haven't exactly decided my position on such a view, I believe something else. The Pledge of Allegiance itself is hurtful at least and unconstitutional at most. Before you grab your pitchfork and seek out my front door, hear me out. America is founded on principles of equality and freedom. Why should young school children be encouraged to recite a pledge about a country they don't even know if they believe in yet. Call me unpatriotic, but I believe the most unpatriotic thing we can do is try to force someone to think a certain way. If America's ideals are worth it, they will stand the test of time without the help of a mind numbing pledge. Instead we should encourage children to think for themselves. Question established priniciples of government. Research the alternatives to a democracy. Learn how America really works. Only then will we truly be able to appreciate what we have. Only then can we truly love our country. Only then will America be filled with patriots.

For this reason, while you stand, placing your hand on your heart and uttering a sentence you have probably thought little about. I will stand. Hands at my side, mouth shut, in reverance of the flag and the country it stands for. But refusing to pledge allegiance to something other than my Savior himself.