What's Behind Labor Day?

When I think of Labor Day, I think about the end of Summer, Back to School, and the beginning of the holiday season. Lately however, I'm thinking about what Labor Day represents and while I agree that the men and women who are in the labor force and make our country run deserve a day to honor them. I also wonder why it is that our population has yet to advance from this industrial age mentality.

Even in the 21st Century we are training our people from the time they enter school to be industrial workers. We do not encourage them to think for themselves or to be pioneers or entrepreneurs. No, students are sent off to school where they are taught like Pavlov's dog to respond to a bell.

• Bell rings,,,Go to Homeroom
• Bell rings...Go to First Period...Begin Learning
• Bell rings...Go to Lunch...Eat Food
• Bell rings...Go to Recess...Commence Play
• Lunch Lady Blows Whistle...Stop Play
• Rinse and Repeat

It's no wonder that we are developing people with a lack of drive to succeed or to break out on their own and do something new and different. Our children are placed on the assembly line from the time they enter Kindergarten and never escape.

So what is wrong with this? Nothing I guess afterall we need people to manufacture our LCD TV's and other gadgets. But, much of that work gets farmed out to other countries. Because business owners begin to think of their employees as nothing more than an expense. Why is the US economy in trouble? Look how much work is being sent oversees. Try calling customer support for just about any major US company and you're sure to get someone from across the ocean.

Organized labor is not the answer because they just add more cost and bureaucracy to the equation. If anything they add to the problem. They allow bad employees to keep their jobs and and remove the incentive for good employees to exceed. I have experienced this first hand as an employee and as a manager. Featherbedding and time-stretching still goes on today and costs us millions at retail stores as well as in taxes. Unions also discourage workers from seeking promotion. Afterall, once a worker is promoted to Manager, the union looses a dues-paying member. So, it is in the union's best interest to keep the workers down.

So what are the alternatives? Maybe we need to look at our education system and make it more collaborative. More encouraging for students to come up with new ideas and to allow for the free flow of them without the need for competition. Leave the competition to the free marketplace. I admit I don't have specifics as to how to do this. Although, by thinking it through I'm sure there are better alternatives.

For example I have found an alternative to working in the corporate world. I have found a way that by collaborating together with friends and family that you can create a successful company and be profitable. I have found a place where I work with people of integrity, who mentor me and genuinely want to help me to succeed. If this idea intrigues you, click the social networking ad at the bottom of this page to find out more or click here.

Restaurant Recommendations - Part 2

Thanks to the great feedback the last time I did some restaurant reviews, I thought it was time to do a few more. Today I'm going to look at two of my local favorites.

Fatty Fish Restaurant
2 Glen Street, Glen Cove, NY
516-676-1823
Web: http://www.fattyfish.com

I've always liked sushi since my college days. In fact the first time I tried it was in a Japanese restaurant in Glen Cove that is long since gone. So, I was very happy when Fatty Fish opened in Glen Cove about three years ago and brought quality sushi and Japanese Cuisine back to my hometown.

Fatty Fish has an inviting, modern decor. The staff is very friendly and helpful even when they are overwhelmingly busy as this local restaurant is very popular with locals as well as the occasional tourist. The restaurant is located at the corner of Glen and School Streets, in the heart of downtown Glen Cove, just across the street from Glen Cove City Hall.

For those who love sushi, you will find the sushi chef at Fatty Fish very skilled in creating dishes that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to taste. The fish is always served fresh and skilfully crafted and they are always happy to explain what they are making while you sit at the sushi bar. My wife and I enjoy sharing the Sushi Deluxe dish which consists of about 15 pieces of sushi and a Tuna Roll. We also enjoy some of their specialty sushi rolls including the Long Island Roll. This roll is served on an extra long plate of a 16 piece roll of lobster salad, cucumber and spicy tuna topped with two different  tangy sauces which are really delicious.

For those not inclined to sushi, don't worry there is plenty of great cooked food here as well. The Bento Boxes, a traditional Japanese meal is sort of like a Gourmet TV Dinner. It is served in a special plate which is divided into sections. The box includes the main dish (your choice of beef, chicken or salmin terriyaki), shrimp tempura, soup, salad and appetizer. It also includes a small sushi roll which can be a California Roll (which is made with fresh vegetables instead of raw fish) if you prefer.

My other favorite meal at Fatty Fish is the Nabeyaki Udon. This is a large soup dish which is loaded with vegetables, fish cake, egg, chicken, tofu, and large Japanese egg noodles. If that's not enough, Shrimp Tempura is served on the side and comes with your choice of a soup or salad (I recommend choosing the salad since the main dish is a soup).

Fatty Fish is definitely worth the drive for those out of the area as it is great for local Glen Cove residents. If you're planning to dine during the weekend or Friday night, it's best to call for reservations because this restaurant fills up fast!

Sal's Pizza
137 Glen Street, Glen Cove, NY
516-676-5444

I think everyone who has ever lived on Long Island must have their favorite pizza place. We're spoiled living here it seems most of the USA lives on Dominoes or Pizza Hut. There's really nothing wrong with those restaurants and I have had a slice or two from them, but nothing beats real pizzeria pizza.

When I first came to Glen Cove in 1978, I first met Sal as he opened the store on Glen Street and from the first taste, I was hooked. For a time, when I lived in Queens I would travel back out to Glen Cove for a taste. The quality of the pizza at Sal's has never wavered and is as tasty today as it was back then.

Of course since the late 70's Sal's Pizza has expanded, adding more seating as well as new options on the menu. For me, I am a traditionalist. I love regular pizza with just sauce and cheese. My wife loves toppings and thinks I'm crazy. What can I say? Give me a regular slice and I'll add a little oregano and some Parmesan cheese and I'm happy. For a change of pace I'll have a square slice as I'll crave the thick crust.

Sal's also makes a large assortment of the usual Italian dishes like Chicken Parmesan, Meatball Heroes,Garlic Knots as well as excellent Mozzarella Sticks. They have ample seating and do offer free delivery within the area. So, next time you're in the Glen Cove area and looking for a bite to eat, check out Sal's you will be happy you did.