Friday, June 27, 2014

Viewpoints Industry Examines the Sometimes Scary Underworld of Valet Parking





Viewpoints Industry points out that there are two kinds of car owners:  those who will casually turn their vehicle over to a valet ... and those who will definitely not.  There are YouTube videos that depict what can happen after you give your car to a valet that will send shivers down your spine, even if you don't own a 6-figure automobile.  Stories of valets abusing customers' cars are legendary, inducing a high-speed chase through town between two cars pilfered from the valet parking lot.  Then there was the 5-day, 150-mile joyride in a car that had been parked at the airport while the owner was out of the country.

Viewpoints Industry looks at a few good reasons to avoid using valet parking.


The Viewpoints Industry TV show has heard that the valet industry is prone to just plain bad driving which results in accidents.  One valet at the Vancouver airport jumped the curb and drove through a plate-glass window, down the hall and up to the Delta desk.  A valet in Boca Raton drove forward into another car and then shifted into reverse, backing through a second-floor retaining wall and sending the car down to the street below.  While these incidents are, of course, in the minority and there are too many surveillance monitors and automobile tracking devices for valets to dare to indulge in these pranks on purpose ... it is still advisable for car owners, on receiving their car back from the care of a valet service, to walk around and inspect it for any damage before departing.


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Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Viewpoints Industry Looks For the Benefits of Government Lotteries





Viewpoints Industry notes that gambling is illegal ... unless the government does it, or sanctions it.  There are many people who feel that government-sponsored lotteries are an unfair extra "tax" on the poor that, in part, help subsidize rich municipalities.  New figures are in that can substantiate that claim.  Those living in affluent communities are quick to decry gambling as an evil thing, yet well-to-do municipalities often reap more money from lotto earnings than do their more needy counterparts.  Often seen as a last resort for those stuck in low socio-economic circumstances, lotteries get most of their revenue from the already repressed and downtrodden.  The affluent have other ways of making their living open to them, where the poor don't see many other avenues available to them.

Viewpoints Industry has learned that the revenues from government-sponsored lotteries don't get distributed the way you may think.


The Viewpoints Industry TV show notes that, to some extent, government-sponsored lotteries began with relatively good intentions.  The advertising usually promises to direct the profits of lotteries into laudable endeavors like education.  But look around at the schools within a state that supports a lottery and you may well ask:  where has all that money gone to?  The official line is that the money goes into "general accounting", which means it can be diverted to anywhere that elected officials wish.  To some decision makers, this feels like free money, but they need to stop and realize that this money comes at a much greater cost than they imagine.

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Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Viewpoints Industry Asks: Are the Machines on the Verge of Taking Over?





Elon Musk and Stephen Hawking -- two gentlemen who certainly know what they're talking about.  Viewpoints Industry has heard that these two visionaries are issuing some dark warnings about the fate of the world if we let machines take over.  Reflecting countless science fiction stories, like The Terminator, I Robot and 2001, A Space Odyssey, these warnings echo the fears expressed by writers and thinkers dating back to the dawn of mass communication.  There is some irony in this, because Elon Musk, as well as founding Tesla Motors, Paypal and SpaceX, has invested in Vicarious, a start-up research company that is working on an artificial intelligence system equal to that of the human brain.

Viewpoints Industry reports that, like in most of the science fiction stories ever written, the machines are on the rise.


The Viewpoints Industry TV show would positively defer to the ideas of Elon Must, a billionaire visionary who has started so many high-tech ventures that worked well, and Stephen Hawking, pre-eminent astrophysicist and one of the most brilliant minds in science today.  As our scifi authors have been penning these warnings for over a century, there must be some common sense to it.  A machine of limited intelligence could design its own successors who are even smarter, leading to the point where they might eventually feel they don't need us humans any more and that we are just a drag on their resources.  Since we are learning to design a "kill switch" into vehicles, smart phones, and the like, perhaps we should bury a self-destruct virus deep in these artificial intelligence systems -- just in case.


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Monday, June 23, 2014

Viewpoints Industry Looks at Customer Service Training ... or the Lack Thereof





Viewpoints Industry notes that many of the retail associates who interact with customers on a daily basis have been poorly trained.  Most store chains claim they have a training program, but many dodge the expense with "on the job training", which frequently turns out to be a very poor substitute.  Many businesses claim they "can't afford to train" their people, but if they look at it, the reverse is actually true:  they can't afford not to.  Do they really prefer their customers being used as guinea pigs while their rawest recruits learn by trial-and-error?  Whatever training is provided is usually about product knowledge and store procedures like how to use the cash register.  Seldom, these days, does anyone do any meaningful education about customer relations.

Viewpoints Industry asks:  who is training the new customer service associates?  Often, no one.


The Viewpoints Industry TV show offers a simple tip for improving the level of customer service in the retail sector.  It all starts with improving the relationship between management and front-line workers.  If a worker is disgruntled by his or her immediate supervisor, why would their attitude with customers be any better than that?  The "team" concept must include everyone at the worksite or it doesn't exist at all.  And if the common thread in this team feeling is how much the employees hate their jobs, its not going to make for a healthy work environment, nor any place a customer would want to shop.  If workers loathe the job, they'll loathe the customers.  If they love where they work, that feeling will rub off in every interaction with a customer.  Workers are not born with inherent customer service skills, these need to be taught.


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Thursday, June 19, 2014

Viewpoints Industry – Save Money on Air Conditioning Costs This Summer



Weather forecasters predict this summer to be one of the hottest on record across much of the country. This means electric bills will be sky high as we try to keep cool. Viewpoints Industry TV offers some tips on how to save money on air conditioning costs.


Programmable thermostats are inexpensive to buy and easy to set up. They regulate cooling costs by giving the consumer the ability to set a day and time to turn on and off the air conditioning. There are a good many options to choose from in local home stores. Another way to control A/C costs is to find an app which allows the user to turn the A/C on or off when home, at work or on vacation. Many cable providers now offer this kind of service. It can save the average home about $250 this summer.  Check with the local electric company to see if they offer a discount or rebate on either oft these two energy savers. For every degree we turn the temperature down to cool off, our bill goes up about $24.  If none of the above are in the family budget, close the blinds on the side of the home where the sun shines in during the day. This should cool it off fairly well. Viewpoints Industry also suggests to check on window and door caulking. Be sure it is sealing cool air in and hot air out. Save money on air conditioning costs this summer so there is more to spend on vacation.

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Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Viewpoints Industry -- Prevent Cancer – Get Up and Move at Work



People who spend a great portion of their day are a little more likely to develop certain types of cancer than those who are more active. Viewpoints Industry reviews why it is imperative we get up and move at work.

When we are sedentary all day long, sitting at a desk, behind a steering wheel or some other job which requires no real movement, we are taking risks with our bodies and eventually our lives. Sitting all day often results in poor blood circulation, high blood pressure, stiff muscles and joints and can be a precursor for colon or endometrial cancer. So get up move.

There are many ways to get extra movement into the work day:
Take one fifteen minute break at mid-morning and one in mid-afternoon to walk outside or walk around the floor. Bend knees and elbows and bend the head down to relieve any stress.
If a one hour lunch break is given, take half of it and go for a walk.
When allowed, get up and walk to someone’s office rather than call or email.
Take the stairs instead of an escalator or elevator if possible.
Break the day up with short bits of light activity. It also helps the eyes when they are strained.

These small steps help a great deal in the overall health of everyone. Viewpoints Industry suggests adding activity to your life. Every little bit helps.

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Monday, June 16, 2014

How the Older Generations are Finding a Job from Viewpoints Industry



It is hard for everyone from age 21 and up to find and land a new job these days. Yet, it seems harder for the older generations to gain employment. Viewpoints Industry reviews the different tactics the older generation can try to find a job.

It is hard to sit across from a job recruiter who is in their 20s or 30s when you are 40 plus years old. Every smirk, half smile and comment seems to say “too old for the job”. But there are ways to nip those perceived prejudices in the bud:

Get on LinkedIn and juice up your profile. Choose a great headshot of yourself. Review all the job entries you made on it and tighten then up. Add volunteer work and any projects which were successful. Search for companies you’d like to work for an follow any news they update. Ask questions. Be active and alert.

Improve skills or add new ones by taking free and low-cost online courses in your field. There are a plethora of great educational opportunities available. Take time and research them. Ask friends, mentors, former co-workers for recommendations. Add them to your resume. It shows that you have not been sitting around waiting for a job to land in your lap.


Your image matters. Viewpoints Industry TV learns that a positive attitude and a clean and put together appearance speaks volumes about how well a recruiter thinks you can handle the advertised job. Be a can-do applicant. Don’t snub your nose at a lower salary. Negotiate for more days off, flex time or work from home days. Finally, be willing to accept a temp or contract job until something more permanent becomes available. It helps pay the bills and helps keep skills fresh. Take charge of your job search with these tips and maybe, something good will come from it.

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Friday, June 13, 2014

Viewpoints Industry on How to Make a Tablet Your Go-To Device




The days are gone when a desktop computer was used for everything done on the Internet. Today, people are switching to tablets for almost everything from taking HD photos to getting their work done. Viewpoints Industry offers tips on how to make a tablet your go-to device.

Tablets are smaller, lighter and easier to use for almost everything done online. They are more convenient for reading and replying to email, watching TV shows and movies, game playing and paying bills. While the touchscreen keyboard takes some getting used to, there are third party keyboards and kick stands which make using it for heavy-duty typing easier. There are also many tablets available which run on both the iOS and Android platforms.

Apps for both platforms are readily available for the most often used programs from organizing photos to managing personal finances. People who use a tablet for work connect easily to corporate networks, are able to meet online and brainstorm and not be weighed down by a heft laptop. Tablets also come with a variety of cases and spare ports for plugging in USB drives, HDMI connectors and even printers. Viewpoints Industry TV encourages readers to take time to find the best tablet. Compare prices, features, platforms and apps to find the best choice. Tablets are the go-to device now. There are so many offered in a wide price range that finding one should not be too difficult.


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Thursday, June 12, 2014

Viewpoints Industry Offers Tips on Success





Viewpoints Industry is highlighting a recent article from LinkeIn which lists three major faux pas that can lead to failure for anyone in any field of endeavor.  It's no secret that persistence in the face of adversity is the key to success.  But along the way, there are times when one is sorely tempted to offer rationalization in order to save face.  This kind of thinking is likely to derail your progress.

Viewpoints Industry points out that there are 3 main errors that can mean the difference between success and failure.


The Viewpoints Industry TV show has the list of pitfalls to success, the first being:  following trends.  If you're just going to trod down a path already set by others, then what do you have to offer that's new and different?  Trend surfing can be too superficial, as well, leaving you with little time to get in depth with any one development.  Secondly, take responsibility for setbacks without shifting the blame onto someone or something else.  Even if the fates conspired against you, just determine that you can do something to overcome the roadblock and forge ahead.  Thirdly, is the lone wolf syndrome.  Surround yourself with capable and trustworthy allies.  For most endeavors, trying to go it alone is not a good strategy.

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Viewpoints Industry Reviews How to Choose the Best Luggage



Summer is here and we are amped up to hit the road or the skies. Viewpoints Industry shares tips on how to choose the best luggage for your needs.

The little signs that it’s time to replace a suitcase are now flashing like road hazards signs: the handle is coming loose, wheels are falling off, or the fabric is ripping. Why do we dread shopping for new luggage? Perhaps because there is so much to choose from in a variety of price ranges. But it’s not really that hard to find the right piece of luggage. Just keep these points in mind:

What do you need it for? Business or pleasure or both? How much do you usually pack for a four day trip or a two week trip?

Will an overhead bag fit into the airline’s overhead bin? Does it meet the airlines’ size and weight restrictions? Can you life it over your head to place in the overhead bin?

Does a two-wheeled bag move more easily than one with four wheels?
How much interior room does it have?
Is the exterior fabric waterproof and rip proof?
Where do you want to buy your new luggage – in a local store or online?


Viewpoints Industry TV likes to buy new luggage locally because it allows us to test it in the store for both ease in movement, and to see if it’s easy to lift. When buying online, read about 10 reviews for a few items you like before purchasing. Remember to look for a lifetime warranty on luggage pieces if you travel a lot. Choosing the best luggage for your needs does not have to be a chore. Have fun with it.

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Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Viewpoints Industry Asks: Are Americans Getting Smarter?





Viewpoints Industry has found that according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more Americans have completed their education goals than at any other time since the Bureau started keeping statistics in 1948.  Back then, the percentage of people in the workforce who had not graduated high school was 76% ... now that figure is down to 12%.  Also in that timeframe, the number of Americans who are armed with a bachelor's degree has increased seven fold, to 32%.  This begs the question:  if we're all smarter and so well matriculated, then why are so many of us still looking for jobs?

Viewpoints Industry reports that more of us have been awarded with sheepskin than ever before.


The Viewpoints Industry TV show notes that the numbers of young people who are having trouble finding a job is setting off alarm bells.  However, these figures usually include those as young as 16, and therefore, considering the rising percentage of students staying in high school until graduation and then going on to pursue a post-secondary education, this most likely explains why fewer of them are actually on a career path at this moment in their lives.  Also, statistics show that young people have traditionally registered high in the population of the unemployed.  All this might be likely to change, however, as in this post-recession era when the economy is still struggling to show it is recovering, there may end up being more opportunities for younger workers.  The reasons are simply that they are cheaper than seasoned, experienced labor, and as they are unfamiliar with the working world, they will usually do anything asked of them, no matter how unreasonable.

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Viewpoints Industry on Simple Steps to Protecting Your Privacy

(sign out on social media and other online accounts every time)

It seems like nothing is safe from possible hack attacks these days. Everything from smart phones to brand-name store customer databases are being broken into with personal info stolen. Below are some simple steps to take to protecting your privacy.

Password protect everything you can from smart phones to online accounts. Create strong passwords using a varied number of small and capital letters, numbers and symbols. Viewpoints Industry TV cautions readers to not use the same user name and password on all accounts.

Protect your good name. Add a Google Alert for your name and keep tabs on it. Do a search first to find out what variation of your name is most common on Google. It takes very little time to set up an alert and may prevent someone finding something not too flattering about you before you find it.

Sign out of every account you sign on to on the Internet. This is one of the most easily forgotten things to do. Sign out of social media sites, online financial accounts, email accounts and online retailer accounts. By doing this, you are reducing the opportunity someone else has of gaining personal information about you. And it is imperative to sign out when on a shared computer or a public computer.

Viewpoints Industry also suggests not giving personal information to anyone who asks such as department stores and medical offices. Keep your phone number, SSN, birth date and email private. Because you just don’t know what the person who took it, or overheard you give it, is going to do with it.


Protecting your privacy is essential in today’s digital and electronic world where the most cunning can get and use data that can harm you later. It’s simple and takes very little time to closing and locking the door on data theft.

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Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Here's a Twist: Viewpoints Industry Has a Tip for Diners





Viewpoints Industry has noticed an important shift of attitude in the restaurant industry.  Tipping is a strange tradition, with different guidelines from one region to another.  On the surface, it seems to be a tax on diners which subsidizes already-wealthy restaurant owners.  They get away with paying their employees much less than the accepted minimum wage on the assumption that the bulk of the wait staff's income will be garnered from the generosity -- or the desire to impress -- of individual customers.  And some restaurants grab a portion of all the tips that come in during the evening.  But in the long run, tipping causes a lot of friction between waiters and diners that affects return business at a level above mere menu and ambiance.

Viewpoints Industry notes that tipping could be the cause of considerable unrest at restaurants.

The Viewpoints Industry TV show reports that the solution for some restaurants is to include a 20% gratuity on the final bill.  This can be problematic.  Many high-end restaurants have done this in the past, with the result that some customers, especially after a few drinks, will not notice the additional item on the bill and automatically add another tip on top of that.  There is also the question of tipping being voluntary and at the discretion of the customer.  Tipping has somehow evolved from a reward for good service to a mandatory fee along the lines of a fixed percentage, no matter how good, bad or dismal the service has been.  Of course, how voluntary is it when social pressures dictate a predetermined amount?  Wouldn't the proper thing be for the restaurant industry to simply ban tipping altogether and raise the menu prices to reflect a decent living wage for the staff?  It would then become like shopping in any other kind of store:  you pay for what you get.

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