A recent interview in the New York Times was with David
Ossip, the C.E.O. of Ceridian, a human resources and payroll firm. In it he
discusses the use of e-mails vs. phone calls or direct contact. Since this is
one of my pet peeves too I thought I would share his comments.
“There is such a reliance on emails and such an avoidance of
phone conversations. Email is an asynchronous form of communication, because a
lot of it gets missed. Pick up the phone and have a conversation and you’ll
resolve everything quicker. It’s easier and it will develop relationships.” I
add to this the use of face to face communications. A bête noir of mine is when
someone in the next office sends an email rather than coming to the
door…..really!
Ask yourself why you use email rather than directly
communicating with someone. Are you afraid? Are you really that busy? Are you
playing a game that is intended to score a point? None of these rationales help
to move the ball forward.
So next time pick up the phone or walk down the hall. People
are people, get to know them. It might be a pleasant surprise and forming
relationships is always a good thing.
Pimento Cheese, Please.
Southern food, like southern manners, is steeped in
tradition. The only good recipe is one handed down for at least 3 generations.
And there are certain do’s and don’ts that must be followed religiously.
For instance:
with fried chicken you must use a combination of bacon
grease and Crisco;
only mayonnaise, mustard, pickle relish , salt and pepper
make a true deviled egg and
no sugar is allowed in pimento cheese.
With that said here is the recipe
South Carolina Low Country Pimento Cheese
Ingredients
4oz. pimentos from the little glass jar
1 ½ c. mayonnaise- Duke’s if you can get
it, otherwise any kind will do but I can’t guarantee the results
1 lb. rat cheese, shredded. This is also
known as Cheddar and you may use sharp, extra sharp or a combination
Mix in a bowl with a kitchen fork. Do not put in a blender or the
texture will be wrong.
Add pepper and salt to taste.
Serve as a sandwich, as a grilled cheese, on celery or crackers or just
eat with a spoon. Add a Coca-Cola, sit on your porch and chill out.
Keeps in the refrigerator, but it usually doesn’t last that long.
P.S. There is a brand of pimento
cheese made on Pawley’s Island, S.C. Before you buy it check out the
ingredients. Do you want to eat that?
