Letters to the Editor

Ain't it the truth

I want to thank Jack Lessenberry for an excellent article ("The economy: Things fall apart," Metro Times, March 8). The global zeitgeist of 21st century seems to be neo-Leninism. Their motto is: "From each according to his gullibility, to each according to his greed." —Bill Harrison, Grosse Pointe Farms

Re: Jack Lessenberry's column, forgive my hazy memory, but didn't Ben Franklin once say, "A merchant knows no loyalty to any nation?" Isn't that what we, as Americans, devolved into? A nation of merchants, with vague ideas of unity and a burning resolve to "get what is entitled to me first." It is seems that the last three generations in this nation have yet to realize that "free markets" are like "free love," a nonexistent and self-serving idea. —Matt Sawtell, Sterling Heights

Nick said in his letter to "be a sport, tip 20 percent." Just a friendly reminder to Nick that gratuity is not mandatory, thus, if service is subpar, don't expect 20 percent. For the record, I tip 20 percent or more, but if the service sucks, sorry, you're not getting 20 percent. And if the service is really bad, well, you might not get anything at all.

If you want 20 percent or more in tips:

1) Be friendly, smile and greet your patrons. This makes a good first impression.

2) If you're running behind, bring water and bread to tide the patrons over until you can take their order. This shows that you care (about the 20 percent tip).

3) Don't make patrons ask for refills; just bring one over when you see a drink getting low. (This is big on my list of important things when dining out because I drink a lot while eating. If a server does this for me, they're definitely getting 20 percent or more.)

4) Check up on us. Don't leave us hanging for too long because there's nothing worse than forgetting to ask for the mustard and having to let your burger get cold while you anxiously await the server's return. At least walk by and, if you're needed, we'll get your attention.

5) When a patron stops you for something while you're walking by their table, don't answer and keep walking. Stop and actually pretend like you care what they want. I hate it when I stop a server for something and they answer but keep walking, thereby forcing me to announce what I need to the whole restaurant.

6) Be friendly and keep the smiles coming throughout the meal. This is just common sense. I've always said that if I were a waitress, I'd kiss major butt for tips! —Mary Palus, Taylor

I was thoroughly captivated by the article on the not-very-well-known heavy metal band, High On Fire ("Flaming Sludge," Metro Times, Feb. 22). This band is not one of my favorites, but it's just good to see some sort of heavy metal representation in Metro Times. I have to read it every week for an English class I am in. This is the first time I have read an article on a band that has nothing to do with pushing genres or is hip-hop influenced.

It's about time that my minority is revealed in this public medium. I am sick and tired of having to bend over backward to find any information on a pissed-off metal band. All because certain people don't understand how certain people show their emotions. For some people, the only way to convey it is to scream. It's not kill-yourself music; it's kill-someone-else music. It's just a taste that some people have and other people don't. And I have a taste for flaming sludge. —Kenny Rayl, Taylor

Errata: An article in the Mode supplement about the Motor City Baby clothing line ("Rock-a-bye baby," Metro Times, March 22) misspelled the first name of its creator. She is Jaclyn Schanes. Also, in his March 15 column ("Proof Darwin was wrong"), Jack Lessenberry credited state Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Midland) as having earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry at the wrong institution. Rep. Moolenaar has a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Hope College.