This post ran on May 15, 2017. I think it is still good advice. I hope you enjoy it.

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The inspiration for this list is the fact that I love to cook. I cook a lot and have made some interesting dishes that didn’t quite make the delicious category. So I hope you enjoy this batch.

Top Ten Things Not to Do When Cooking.

10 If you are cooking, do not think you can walk away to let things “simmer.” If you do, at best, the dish will burn. At worst, the fire department has opened an investigation to see if the configuration was set on purpose. (You always wondered what the chirping noise in those smoke detectors was huh, Buford. Well, seems they finally died.)

9 If you are cooking, do not think your brother-in-law, Tiny, the WWF champ, is going to act as your sous chef. If you do, at best, there might be some yelling. At worst, Tiny just left his court-ordered anger management session and is taking out his frustration on your new twelve-piece setting of China. (I think asking him to make a souffle was over the top, don’t you, Ferd?)

8 If you are cooking, and have a pan in the oven to finish, do not forget the oven mitt when you take it out. If you do, at best, you’ll remember in a split second after you touch the handle. At worst, you are now the proud owner of a new All-Clad brand in the palm of your hand. (Didn’t you notice the smoke, Buster?)

7 If you are cooking, do not think for every cup of wine in the recipe, you need to drink a like amount. If you do, at best, there is only one cup. At worst, you need to wonder how everyone liked the meal that you slept through. (You are no Julia Child, Tex. Oh, by the way, your wife’s lawyer just called.)

6 If you are cooking, don’t think you don’t need to follow a recipe. If you do, at best, you are making scrambled eggs. At worst, the EMS driver has called the Center for Disease Control, thinking there is a massive epidemic in your sick family. (So you didn’t understand some of the ingredients, Ralph. It still looked good enough to eat, which was unfortunate for everyone.)

5 If you are cooking, do not try to call your local carry-out and pass it off as yours. If you do, at best, you’ll have to fess up. At worst, everyone will compliment your effort as the best ever. (Sadly, they even started to list some of your worst dishes, huh, Pard?)

4 If you are cooking, do not invite anyone over for dinner until you have mastered the dish. If you do, at best, no one will tell you that the meal was bad. At worst, each of your guests had an emergency phone call and had to leave. (Did you wonder why most only took one bite before the emergency, Putz?)

3 If you are cooking, do not do your famous garlic surprise the night before that real estate open house. If you do, at best, the Fabreeze air freshener might cover it. At worst, the attendees will manage a one-minute stay before needing oxygen. (Ever wonder why people never visit you, Jake?)

2 If you are cooking, do not think everyone loves their food spicy hot. If you do, at best, you’ll have a ton of leftovers. At worst, you will have to put up with people running to the nearest faucet for relief. (A little embarrassing to have all your faucets covered by gulping dinner guests, isn’t it, Bunky?)

1 If you are cooking, do not trust that automatic start on the oven. If you do, at best, you can fill in with McDonald’s. At worst, the prospect of serving raw turkey to your boss has you frantically trying to make a reservation. (It seems all the restaurants are booked up, huh, Goofus?)

This post originally ran on April 17, 2017. Since we still have bosses, I think it might be helpful.

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The inspiration for this list came from a discussion with Teagan Geneviene on the ridiculousness of some policies that have been created by bosses. It came to me then to develop a list of things not to let a boss see you do since it could result in a new policy.

Top Ten Things Not to Do in Front of Your Boss.

10 If your boss is looking, do not laugh. If you do, at best, you will raise a question as to why you are not serious about work. At worse, your boss will assume you’ve gotten away with something and will try desperately to find out what it is. (Cozy with your boss camped out in your cube, huh, Ferd?)

9 If your boss is looking, do not frown. If you do, at best, your boss will think you are unhappy. At worse, your boss with think you have a problem and offer to help you solve it. (“I’m your boss, and I’m here to help you” are the most feared words, right, Buster?)

8 If your boss is looking, do not chat on the phone. If you do, at best, your boss will time the call. At worst, it will be assumed you cannot prioritize your work. (How are you enjoying those after-work classes on work priorities, Pud?)

7 If your boss is looking, do not leave for lunch. If you do, at best, your boss will feel abandoned. At worst, your boss will question your dedication to the job. (Yeah, I know it was just a half hour, but will that be of comfort at the unemployment office, Putz?)

6 If your boss is looking, do not allow anyone to visit your cube. If you do, at best, it will be assumed you use the office as a social venue. At worst, you’ll be required to fill out a form for every minute of the workday. (Now, did that conversation take two minutes exactly, Bunky?)

5 If your boss is looking, do not yell at a fellow worker, no matter how annoying. If you do, at best, your boss will put you on the disruptive watch list. At worst, your after-hour weekday will be taken up by classes on sensitivity and the rights of others. (Lucky you, the other classmate is Tiny, the WWF champ who keeps growling at you when the instructor turns away. Don’t worry; Buster Tiny hates everyone. Nothing personal)

4 If your boss is looking, do not throw away anything. If you do, at best, there will be an after-hours look into your wastebasket. At worst, your boss will report you to the recycling and security departments for a full investigation into compliance. (What this strip search has to do with recycling is anybody’s guess, huh, Buford?)

3 If your boss is looking, do not leave your cube without locking your computer. If you do, at best, the demerit will put you one over the line. At worst, security will be called to remove your laptop for a full disc scan to determine if it has been compromised. (Those online searches for golf clubs look a little embarrassing now, don’t they, Tex?)

2 If your boss is looking, do not shut your computer down a minute early. If you do, at best, your boss will come in and ask a question requiring an embarrassing restart. At worst, you will have additional classes to attend dealing with the office hour policy. These classes meet on Saturday, Pard.)

1 If your boss is looking, do not, I repeat, do not, sneak a chew of that gum. If you do, at best, you’ll be reminded about the policy about eating at your desk. At worst, the environmental department will be called to set rodent traps and pest spray your area. (Your request for a gas mask and allergy shots has been denied, Herm.)

This post first ran on January 16th, 2017. Since wine tastings are still happening, I think it is still relevant. I hope you enjoy it.

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The inspiration for this list is attending some wine-tasting events in my time. The Producer worked as a marketing person for a winery in Northern California and was required to taste wine every week. Of course, she was a professional and would delight in witnessing some of the events listed. Since I was well-schooled by her, I never made these faux pas. (I would have died on the spot if I had.) I hope you enjoy it.

10 If you are attending a wine tasting, do not insist on special glasses to claim to have a whole tasting experience. If you do, at best, the rest of the gathering will take you for an idiot. At worst, the host will produce special glasses, and then you will be on the spot to render a scholarly opinion. (Up to tonight, your experience has been Boon’s Farm Apple Red, right, Buford?)

9 If you are attending a wine tasting, do not throw back the wine as if it is a shot of tequila. If you do, at best, your drink preference and sophistication will show through. At worst, you will find yourself all alone as the discussion turns to the merits of the wine. (No one cares what you think about wine and probably thinks your chewing tobacco will get in the way of an honest opinion anyway, Tex.)

8 If you are attending a wine tasting, don’t forget the crackers are to cleanse the palette, not a meal. If you do, at best, the host will move them away from you. At worst, you might be subtly offered a place in the kitchen where the host promises a bucket of fried chicken and a six-pack of Keystone Light. (You think that offer might not be so bad until you see the look on your spouse’s face huh, Bunky?)

7 If you are attending a wine tasting, do not start describing the various flavors of the wine unless you know what you are talking about. If you do, at best, you will get polite nods at your incredible ignorance. At worst, someone will ask the host to send you to the store for more crackers. (You will find out coal oil is not a legitimate taste on the flavor wheel, Buster.)

6 If you are attending a wine tasting, do not try to sneak Two-Buck Chuck in a brown bag into the line-up. If you do, at best, the host security system video will show your placement of the bottle. At worst, one of the wine snobs will involuntarily spew the wine on Tiny, the WWF champ. (Right now, Tiny is going from guest to guest demanding to know who brought the wine. You have always been a lousy liar, and your turn is next, right, Weenie?)

5 If you are attending a wine tasting, do not forget you are not supposed to swallow the wine. If you do, at best, you will need a ride home. At worst, you will decide to inform all the guests what you think of each personally, identifying what you consider a flaw in their personality needing correction. (The next morning will be a beauty, especially when you learn what you called your boss.)

4 If you are attending a wine tasting, it is best not to wear a white shirt. If you forget, at best, you are very careful and escape embarrassment. At worst, someone asks a question and surprises you just as you raise the glass to your lips. (Maybe that shirt will make a nice car wax rag or a tie-dye coverup.)

3 If you are attending a wine tasting, do not over-swirl your wine. If you do at best, your glass will be big enough to keep the wine under control. At worst, your red wine swirl will go outside the glass, and land on the white linen couch the host just explained was made to order and arrived this afternoon. (Make no mistake, you are now the proud owner of that couch, Cowboy.)

2 If you are attending a wine tasting, do not ask for ice for your wine. If you do, at best, your host will take your wine. At worst, your host will ask you to go to the convenience store to pick up a twenty-pound bag. (It is hoped that the tasting is over before you can return, Slick.)

1 If you are attending a wine tasting, try not to argue with experts about the quality of a particular wine. If you do, at best, even if you are right, you will look particularly brutish. At worst, one of the experts just got his graduation certificate from the anger management course mandated by the courts after being arrested for assaulting a wine steward at a restaurant for disagreeing with him on wine quality. (Looks like a knuckle sandwich is on the menu, Pal.)

This post first appeared on February 27th, 2017. Since its purpose was simple humor, I think running again is okay.

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The inspiration for this list was the desire to do a top ten post that would provide no useful information but just an attempt at humor. I picked bungee jumping since most of you have never contemplated doing something that obscure. If you have, then all the better. I hope you enjoy the list, even though it may not apply to you.

Top Ten Things Not to Do While Bungee Jumping.

10 While Bungee jumping, do not attempt to light your smoke. If you do, at best, you’ll still be trying at the bottom of the jump. At worst, you’ll be successful, and between the highs and lows of the leap, your shirt is now on fire. (Tough to put out with this wind, huh, Bunky?)

9 While Bungee Jumping, do not attempt to tighten your ankle cuffs. If you do at best, you will turn the keys properly for tightening. At worst, you’ll be confused and loosen them instead. (Sure feels funny this free-flight thing, huh, Pilgrim?)

8 While Bungee jumping, do not try to impress your friends with too many acrobatics. If you do, at best, that Triple Lux comes off without a hitch. At worst, you have extended the Bungee cords about one foot too far. (You could have used that foot when you hit the canyon floor, Buford?)

7 While Bungee jumping, do not try to eat your leftover Pad Thai mid-air. If you do, at best, you might get a bite or two. At worst, you’ll finish the jump looking like the after photo of a food fight. (If careful, you can save some of those noodles, Buster.)

6 While Bungee jumping, do not group text your friends. If you do, At best, your text won’t be understood. At worst, the auto-correct feature will alienate every friend you have. (You thought the message, “Best of Luck to You,” would be well received, huh, Leroy?”)

5 While Bungee jumping, do not edit your latest manuscript. If you do, at best, you get one or two words covered before the first bounce. At worst, the wind will take your manuscript and spread it over several miles. (Should have numbered those pages, huh, Slick?)

4 While Bungee jumping, do not close your eyes on the way down. If you do, at best, you might miss the good parts. At worst, the ride personnel will assume you’ve passed out and throw you into an EMS vehicle despite your protestations. (Who ever heard of someone taking a nap on a bungee jump, Ferd?)

3 While Bungee jumping, do not jump before taking care of that 32 oz Big Gulp drink you just finished. If you do, at best, you’ll feel like a full watermelon when the g-forces hit you at the bottom. At worst, you treat all the bystanders to a show at your expense. (Now, where will you find some dry pants, Tex?)

2 While Bungee jumping, do not turn the GoPro camera to capture your face. If you do, at best, you forgot to turn it on. At worst, the video of you screaming like a kid will go viral. (You could have taken some beautiful shots of the valley, but no, you had to be a hero, huh, Ralph?)

1 While Bungee jumping, do not forget to tip the cuff connector guy. If you do, at best, you can take care of it after the jump is over. At worst, Tiny, the WWF champ, was highly offended you forgot him. (That ground comes up fast without those bothersome lines huh, Burt?)

This post originally ran on April 10, 2017. Since we all still (or should) go to the eye doctor, I hope you enjoy it.

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The inspiration for this list was living through the replay of the eye doctor visit with our youngest. Since she is a millennial, we were glad that she went to the eye doctor, so we were passively listening to the blow-by-blow description of the visit.

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Eye Doctor

10 If you are at the eye doctor, do not guess at the letters on the chart. If you do, at best, you’ll have to retake the test. At worst, the doctor will outfit you with coke bottle lenses that render you sightless. (Seemed like a good joke until the $400 bill was put in your hand, huh, Ferd?)

9 If you are at the eye doctor, do not hesitate when asked which lens is better, one or two? If you do, at best, you’ll get a third choice that doesn’t work. At worst, you’ll spend the afternoon reviewing the lens tests until you finally declare a preference. (It makes you wonder why you are so indecisive, huh, Buford?)

8 If you are at the eye doctor, do not turn down the grandfather sunglasses if your eyes have been dilated. If you do, at best, you may hurt yourself squinting. At worst, you’ll never see Tiny, the WWF champ stepping off the curb. (Always wondered what it is like to run into a rhinoceros, did you? Buster? Now he looks pretty mad.)

7 If you are at the eye doctor, do not have garlic bread for lunch. If you do, at best, your exam may be from across the room. At worst, the doctor must call in a hazmat crew to remove you and your smell from the office. (Sure looked good on the menu, huh, Pard?)

6 If you are at the eye doctor, do not complain about the magazines. If you do, at best, the doctor will raise your bill to cover improvements. At worst, the magazines were a personal choice by the doctor and sold by the underprivileged children of the doctor’s church. (You wish for an atomic bomb blast to take you out right now, right, Slick?)

5 If you are at the eye doctor, do not try to tell the doctor what you think you need regarding a prescription. If you do, at best, the doctor will ignore you. At worst, the doctor will refer you to the eye doctor next door who happens to specialize in large animals. (You look pretty foolish in that  stall, Slug.)

4 If you are at the eye doctor, do not have a few drinks before. If you do, at best, the doctor will be able to detect the fact. At worst, the doctor will be calling social services to set you up with a counselor for the seeing impaired. (Why all these people think you need help is beyond you, isn’t it, Putz?)

3 If you are at the eye doctor, do not try on one hundred pairs of frames. If you do, at best, you’ll realize your face is the problem. At worst, the office will close, and you’ll find yourself on the street with two monocles in your hand. (Try to figure out how to use those, Tex. A hint. You have to arch your eyebrow.)

2 If you are at the eye doctor, do not try to stay within your insurance budget. If you do, at best, you get half a pair of glasses. At worst, you might be able to make it work if you give up on the nose and ear pieces. (You are right back to the monocle, aren’t you, Pal)

1 If you are at the eye doctor, do not argue about going to stronger lenses. If you do, at best, you will appear petty and self-absorbed. At worst, you will demonstrate your fear of getting older, which your doctor will take as a cry for help. (I hope you are enjoying your group therapy sessions. Come on, tell us how you really feel. That’s where it’s at, isn’t it, Bunky?)

This was posted on March 21, 2016. I hope you enjoy it.

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If you are like me, you don’t often go to the museum, but when visiting, you like to have as little to do with other people as possible. The inspiration for this list is the sometimes annoying behavior of other visitors on these rare visit occasions. I live on an island and have visited the local museum many times, so my other museum visits involve travel and time. The trouble of getting to a museum is why I’m incredibly annoyed when others seem to believe space is theirs to do as they please.

Top Ten Things Not to Do in a Museum

10 If you are visiting a museum in the kid’s section, do not hog all the interactive displays. If you do, at best, you will upset your kids. At worst, you will give new meaning to the term bully. (Sure, the electricity display is fun, but come on, Rufus, give the kids a break)

9 If you are in a museum, do not continue walking around in your squeaky shoes. If you do, at best, you will annoy everyone you pass. At worst, your squeaks will spark an instinctive urge to kill in Tiny, the WWF ex-world champ just released from a treatment facility. (Yes, his eyes are glowing red, and he’s coming your way)

8 If you are in an Art museum, do not loudly vocalize your profound understanding of the artist’s motivation in any work.  If you do, at best, those around you will have validation you don’t know anything about art. At worst, you may have to put up for the rest of your visit with a similarly-minded art aficionado who hasn’t had a bath in months. (You really have something to say about the piece titled “My Poop?)

7 If you are in a museum, do not touch a painting. If you do, at best, a kindly octogenarian guard will ask you to step away. At worst, you will have to be quick to avoid the falling gate and the tear gas before you are tackled by a SWAT Team member. (Now you know the sign “Do Not Touch The Art” is not kidding. Don’t worry. You’ll make bail.)

6 If you are in a museum, do not take pictures. If you do, at best, you will be asked to stop. At worst, your camera will be confiscated, and you will be charged a royalty for each picture. (Of course, instead of paying, you could always let them keep your camera or phone)

5 If you are in a museum, do not talk back in a loud voice to the recorded tour you hear in your headphones. If you do, at best, all you’ll get are strange looks. At worst, some well-meaning person will call EMS since they are convinced you are in an overdose situation. (The tip-off for them was when you were arguing with the recording about the meaning of a black hole.)

4 If you are in a museum, do not try to help the staff by removing a dinosaur tibia bone because you thought it would fall. If you do, at best, the bone is going to fall on its own before you touch it. At worst, the bone was the cornerstone of the entire dinosaur skeleton, and although it looked like it would fall was positioned that way because it supported the whole ten thousand bone construction. (It only took museum employees four years to construct what took four seconds for you to make into a pile. Sneaking out before discovery might be a life-saving measure)

3 If you visit a primarily adult display museum, do not take kids under three years old. If you do, at best, you will be worn out trying to keep them quiet. At worst, the time of the rest of the people in the museum will be spent wishing you could keep them quiet and how to get you all to leave. (Better a trip to the park next time)

2 If you visit an art museum, do not discuss out loud your art at home as it compares to the masters. If you do, at best, others will think you are a braggart. At worst, you might be overheard by an enterprising but out-of-work youth who will surprise you in the middle of the night while helping himself to your paintings. (Now, don’t you feel foolish discussing those Wal-Mart knock-offs?)

1 If you visit an art museum, do not comment on the nude statues in your outside voice. If you do, at best, some may be offended by your observations. At worst, you may unknowingly violate some local indecency ordinance when referring to particular body parts. (Most everyone will admit after you were taken away, the way you wove Da Vinci’s David into your locker room joke was pretty funny)