* Not really the DeCamp email newsletter.
Since spring 2008 DeCamp, via its website, has
urged people to sign up for its “email newsletter.” Small problem: no such
newsletter exists. So until one materializes, I Hate DeCamp will be your source
for monthly tidings, tips, marginalia, and more from your favorite bus company.
Greetings, Riders!
Though “Old Man Winter” will be with us for a while still,
it already has been an eventful season. In December we lowered your fares, even
though we didn’t have to. It was our
choice. Why did we do it? Aside from the fact that a gallon of gas now
costs less than a 12 oz. can of Pepsi, that’s just the kind of people we are.
(You’re welcome, by the way!)
Then there was the “unfortunate incident” on Walnut Street. We
certainly don’t make a habit of crashing into people’s houses, but accidents do
happen. Nobody’s perfect, and we don’t claim to be, so we’d appreciate it if
you’d cut us some slack. We’re trying, and that’s all you can ask of anyone,
isn’t it?
Meanwhile, change has come to America. Like many
others, we here at DeCamp have been inspired by the optimism, energy, fresh
perspective, and transparency of our new president and his team. It is in this
hopeful spirit that we pledge to keep doing what we do best. In 2009 you can
look forward to the same performance, service, and responsiveness you have come
to expect from DeCamp—just more of it. Yes we can!
Ask DeCamp
Q) Dear DeCamp: The people who answer your phones always seem
so courteous and well informed. Do they have to undergo special training? -- Sam in Clifton
A) Dear Sam: Great question! I can assure you that we
don’t hire just any normal person to interface with our customers. Simply being
average and “well adjusted” isn’t qualification enough for so important a job!
In fact, many DeCamp employees undergo months of rehabilitation before they
even walk through our doors.
Timely Tip
Did you know your seat cushion can also be used as a flotation device?
Recipe Corner
Gary Pard's Three-Alarm Chili
Ingredients:
1 chopped onion
3 finely chopped garlic cloves
2 tbsps chili powder
2 cans red or pinto beans
2 tsps dried oregano
2 tsps paprika
1 tsp fresh ground pepper
3 cups water
1 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or cheddar)
2 tbsps fine cornmeal
2 cups chopped winter squash
2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
Coarse salt to taste
Directions:
1. Mix ingredients in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Do nothing for several hours. Maybe a day or two.
3. Serve! Or not. I don't really care what you do.
This Month in DeCamp History
In January 1898, Sgt. Cornelius “Corny” DeCamp
made history by becoming the first casualty of the Spanish-American war, when
he was shot by his own troops for desertion.