Language delays

I've been meaning to post a simple Spanish phrase list or glossary... however the blog system doesn't support the old HTML tables the way it used to... I was thinking I would just bang in a list and separate words with a dash or CR but for now I'm not sure where the sheets I was working off of are... more delays

Do you mind!?!

I don't mind 'over coming' with TC, not at all. The Failure I make reference to (on the other blog) is of a different variety. The thing about work is just that its kind of mono-maniacal (no variation) I really need a mix, and the victories we're having are kind of, well, small right now. I can pray for new hardware, but the lack of clear/articulated meaning of events and circumstances (hey they may be too busy to even know/find out) is an (anti) selling point.

Topics

Its no sure thing that the time will come, but if I get a chance there are all kind of things worth discussion of. Frankly driving leads to protracted "shop talk." Which I would only have more time for if it were productive talk... writing things down however gives a chance to "freeze" the conversation, that means more productive communication in the long run. so here's a few things I don't hear much on, or much that is of lasting impact...

The consent decree (now repealed? or is there more than one?)
the rude and rough radio - and loose antenna connectors
common problems - paddle catch up, rush hour and "re loss"
Things I frequently need to communicate (mostly to riders) across the Spanish language barrier
ways to avoid vehicle heating (over heating) - with fuel economy
whats worth packing in your bag for a day of driving
Vehicle inspection tips, tricks, etc... and how 'common knowledge' is to every ones advantage.
and much much more...

useful fact

Try code 3FA - for "Studio City" on RTE 167. Its an alternate to 'Coldwater Canyon & Ventura BL' which occasionally doesn't work in certain vehicles... I've experienced difficulty with the 8FC code for that destination more than once.

think or feel or both

A certain coworker says to me BOLDLY (and his boldness was not a problem) "stop thinking" (he didn't mean don't think, more likely "don't think so/too much." We talked about how there are some problems around that aren't solved by thought, and some that just aren't all that solvable... Later on I thought... ok well yes 'don't think.' But the problems aren't thinking related. I (and others) have a whole lot of FeElInGs. I mean if it were thinking, then there would be a two part strategy... (1 correct foundation errors - presuppositions 2 correct reasoning errors - thoughts) but to be unfeeling isn't really it, is it? Feelings produce motivations, inhibitions, focus and the like... We're not boxes with software or oil to be changed are we... people are unique and complex - every one of them. That's what makes other work duties a pain, the people are actually the good stuff, the other stuff needs to be stream lined so that the really difficult issues can be addressed with the balance of the time... (OK that's a pretty people centered business model, not everybody will be happy that way, BUT AGAIN people are unique!!)

give it the old college try

So in January, I had submitted in writing that I intended to reduce my hours. A fellow had offered up in his charisma that I could change the work schedule just so and still work full time. ah well, no objection to the try. Its admirable that he would make the effort... my objective is to become well rounded and the current scheme is making me round about the stomach, but some other parts of me aren't taking on a desirable shape...

the real problem...

There's trouble figuring out 'whats wrong' at work. well I'm not God. So ask Him. but the hardware, as bad as it is. (and it is terribly detrimental to driver morale) the hardware is not a reasonable target for blame. (I ask you, what's blame going to solve at all - in the first place) If people want to have a clear conscience, dump blame and adopt responsibility and a near sibling repentance. No the problem isn't the vehicles. But the poor communication that could be a real source of a number of the problems. Not just inter-personally, but on the inspection documents. Drivers can't claim they are honest/good communicators if they won't even write enough detail for the problems to be addressed. "yes its all good" is not a truthful answer, not from where I 'm sitt'n...

basically - tips on understanding me

Its been apparent for some time that somebody (or somebodies) would like me to take the label arrogant. Probably, so to discredit me, so what I think or say can be disregarded. Ok N.P. it may even stick for a while. Whats less commonly understood is how bad off I was when Jesus found me, and how much Christ did for me, that is to save me. Folks want me to do this or that, but grasp at straws... Once you see (from the scriptures) what Christ did to save us, all others pale. Oh won't cooperation xyz take good care of me? Oh doesn't this out fit have great benefits... er can they deliver my soul? never mind. Can ya go without employ? no. but there are a lot of arrangements that pass for employment.

whats worse is the expectation that one will degrade and ruin ones self, rather than grooming, mortifying, and otherwise preparing to be a gift for (& to) God. (or any future relationship for the sake of example)

Easy solution

So the EZ riders we drive by Eldorado National have bad power problems. Its apparent that (they are CNG - Propane powered) the catalytic converters (and exhaust system part) are so old that they are causing back pressure. The loss of power is huge, troublesome and frequently unsafe.
So the fact that the problem goes on unaddressed is more trouble some, but I had some thoughts on the subject. I was thinking, in light of the fact that the converters aren't working in the first place... (what would it take to prove that) what would the cost be, I'm assuming replacement cost is prohibitive... what would a straight pipe, or a muffler cost?
If one has to spend the whole day in such a vehicle it begins to look attractive to take some action to address the problem.

2 (or so) points

Just like there are different kinds of vehicles there are different kinds of drivers. In FACT I have confidence there are far more diverse kinds of drivers than of vehicles.

Point #2 - Philippians 3:3 - no confidence in the flesh...

ouch, yet a again...

Well I lived (And that's nearly all I can say) through another 9+ hour shift at this place. And yet again it ended with torment and upset. Let me say that things when so badly at the end of route the last two or three Fridays that today I was pretty nervous about something that didn't happen., The torment happened because I expressed my concerns that it might and I won't say a lot more. Not say'n I couldn't but I'd rather just dump these folks than let my faithful service continue to receive abuse... why am I the fool? Because Jesus was for me. The bad news is, one day Jesus will be the fool no more (actually HE never was and isn't now, just very very patient)... but that is to say, this being temporary I can endure a little longer because I see His example of long suffering. as for the circumstances at work...
'making serving the needy and helpless as difficult and excruciating as possible...very nearly not worth the effort."

just ideas

I had, had an interview (at the time some how, one of the two pages of my resume were lost) anyhow I remember thinking of some things that are practical for driver morale...

An obvious technique change would be for supervisors to make certain to leave room for and practically observe when drivers "choose to-be the hero" I can elaborate at some other time.

Another useful thing that will help at work, (and mainly to foster team work) is to make known to drivers their neighboring blocks... Specifically the names (but at least the block numbers) of the driver behind and in front. The blocks not running in a readily apparent order, just writing the numbers in a circular form on a sheet of paper would be helpful.

As it is the conditions feel very much more like 'keep them ignorant' which is utterly offensive to this driver. A decision for wisdom, (or at least a different wisdom) and for longer term driver satisfaction would be to change from a employer-training paradigm to a "facts are easily available" approach. I suppose this means making things available on paper, but it also means shifting the burden of finding out off of asking verbally and onto "easy to use" reference materials or tools. There's no saying such a thing would have to be strictly in English...

I have ten other things to say... may they be unnecessary... and I'll PTL

new locks?

Does anybody know the cost, or who can re-key an automobile? I mean my car...

These are just my notes from last months meeting at my place of work... Would that there were some place else to post them... don't take my personal accounts too seriously, I try not to take the personal affronts I receive at work at all.
Seating, sign-in, general ruckus, and course talk...
[possibly out of order but I think this was first]
Employee survey - Over all average 2.6 on a scale of 0 - never to 4 - always
(I'm not sure if I have the scale right)
And roughly 40 people responded (the mode of the total responses for a given question was 37) the most answered question (at 44) was "do you feel that other employees are happy?"
the highest score was 3.7 - do you enjoy the type of work that you do?
and the lowest 0.9 - is the ___ __ __ in good ___ ______ ?
Rich R. (didn't side step the hard questions) the three poorest scores were on...
"do you feel" - appreciated for your contributions?
"do you feel" - the company cares about your safety
"does management" - make good decisions?
(its apparent to me they do what they can with what's available... Now the question of being proactive was not addressed in that context...)
the last category was Maintenance (which was addressed later on in the context of a change in personnel) the maintenance category by itself got a score of 1.8 (low)
(I have perceived some change in this area, but its also not summer yet) (and the shop looks a lot cleaner)
Employee committee
Rich R. commits to come to Sylmar to meet in person.
Possible nominations? (a procedure for submitting them? or is it to be personal volunteer? Anyhow there was a deadline)
Safety "Push" - what we're supposed to be doing affects our future opportunities...
Remarks about the AFR Accident Frequency Ratio (units: per 100,000 miles)
This figure was part of the issue(s) (in some discussion I assume)
In the previous location (east LA)... at the new location 50% more drivers but no change in the number of management... (some new managers were appointed, or positions approved)
Regarding the condition of vehicles
"had plenty of time" to be at a given vehicle condition goal... Old Shop I.C. opted out (gracefully)
introduction of the new shop I.C./Mgr. Steve M. "in the past..." (I don't remember how that remark ended, but its the past...)
John S. (VP of maintenance) looked for Steve personally.
Remarks about Pay scale improvement...
"what's the incentive to stay"
On location accident survey - safety committee
(also remarks about the new maps)
Obligatory signing of the "committed to safety" art work.

Guess what happened at work!!!... another in a series of meetings. There was a little volly to this one but our manager handled it well. here's my notes.

First there was very well produced video and hand out regarding terrorism and related transportation security practices/procedures.

MTA policy makes Orange/Yellow safety vests mandatory (for visibility when outside the vehicle, in dark settings)
"I believe you guys know that" and "I don't want it to come to that" -J.L. (regarding compulsory use of vests)
See the dispatcher for a vest if you don't have one.
TC also provides Gloves, Lights, Hand towels

Regarding the new Route 177
"the reason we got that route [is] because MTA believes in us" -J.L.

Remarks about some accidents mostly "Unpreventable" because the other driver caused them, but even some of those are "preventable" if a driver is watching for the error of another.

Tire Checks - a tread depth gauge is suggested (the cost is only/around $2.50)
A female driver had a problem and communicated it on the radio.
(Drivers bring up some problems with the equipment and related objection(s))
He points out that the supervisors (typically) ask in the form of a question "can you continue?"

Drivers are paid when deadheading or on route, but MTA only pays for In-service time... (did anybody note the difference?)

"I think that is something that you guys understand, for example"
Issues with bus heat "if in a couple of months there is still no heat then we have a problem..."

TC bought EZ riders its "like impossible to get parts"

SHOP REQUESTS: (requires) do not park the Scion's by the building. In front of the yard only.

Work dress = a dark sweater is ok, dark blue or black (make sure your MTA number is visible, you look professional, etc...)

regarding Pre trip inspections
#1 be more specific on the DBR or the mechanics can not find the problem to trouble shoot or address them.
#2

Discussion regarding hours and weekend shifts...

Ended with gift game. "Santa clause is coming to town"

A tale of two brick layers...

Sunday, October 29, 2006

First a brief description of a thing people are familiar with called insurance. In the past (probably today too) farmers and farms have used insurance as a way to address risk. It works something like this... Crops often fail, this is costly and causes great distress for a farmer. A rough definition of failure: Given weather and numerous other conditions a crop-product will not yield sufficiently to pay for its own production. The frequency with which this happens can be estimated statistically. If the estimate is good enough then its possible to insure a group of risk takers (farmers in this case) so that they need not be ruined by a failure. Insurance works like this, all who fit a risk category can be offered protection from the possibility of failure by paying a (relatively) small amount of money. Since the rate of failure can be reasonably estimated all that is needed is a sufficiently large group of at risk persons. Since only a proportion of the whole group will experience the actual failure the total amount of money needed to "rescue" these can be distributed across all the risk takers. This division of the cost of failure is the premium the insured pay.

About risk imagine a new structure is being built. Each floor of the building calls for a brick layer to complete some part of the work. Some floors are more complicated than others, some materials are more reliable than others, there are differing risks related to the various kinds of brick work. If the builder assigns the most skilled brick workers to do the riskiest work (imagine there is a risk of personal injury or financial loss) then the other workers are favored. In some respect the employer has minimized its own risk in the project while increasing the risk on the most skilled workers.

Change up

Because work is so AmAzInGlY difficult all on its own... and bEcAuSe my personal life is a crock of a different color... I've decided to put my work related things up on a blog of their own. Things have been a real bind as far as blogging goes the last 6+ months and hopefully with the new system out of beta test I'll be able to make myself clearer... hard tell'n though.