Subject: Corporate idiots that have no idea what they are doing, what they are talking about, never been there, never done what they are preaching about...and look at YOU as the reason they are taking heat from above, for whatever reason.

OK...I tend bar at weddings. I set up for the show, I make drinks, I make people happy, I clean up. It's not rocket science, but it also isn't something just anyone can do. Granted, they bring in some dopes from employment services that don't have a clue, and make life miserable for everyone. But I can do this in my sleep - and guests love me. I make drinks fast, and i have a personality. Maybe I break some rules, like handing out shots of Don Julio. There's a "no shots allowed" policy at my hotel...even though it is an all you can drink open bar event. Ya think, just maybe, all of you "rule people" in corporatlandia, that guests will get wise and just order 7 tequilas neat? I cut the red tape and make the clients happy, without troubling them explaining a bunch of hoo-ha, when all they want to do is have a good time. You want shots, you get shots, in my world.

Last weekend, I had some guys about my age from South Philly. I told them the bar would be open in 20 minutes, and I couldn't give them anything until then.
"That's fine", a guy politely said (with his Ray Liotta accent and manner), "I understand all of that. But if you could put a Titos and soda and a Bulleit rocks over here when I come back, I'd appreciate it". Then he tapped the corner of the bar and laid down a 50. We were from the same school, and he was speaking my language. Those drinks were on the bar in 20 seconds. And we, as well as his, uh..."goodfellas"(?) friends got along famously the rest of the night. Rules? Rules? Rules are for chumps.

In my day, long ago, bartenders ran the show, and were responsible for everything from liquor costs to bar fights. Management was about inventory - supplying us with everything we needed to make everyone money...then staying out of the way.

And incidentally, no, I don't take 2 hours out of my day to go to some "bar meeting" complete with slideshow, and get paid for my gas money. And no, I am not reviewing the email with attachments since I missed yesterday's meeting.

I'm due in tomorrow. Can't wait for the browbeating. But I'm guessing Don Julio or Patron will be on the menu, so...I'll figure out how to get by. Salud!