Sandy & Dave Reynolds » Features

Panera Tests the Honor System

sandy1020 — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:32:43 +0000

Often I read the morning newspaper without much thought afterward. The other day as I began to read the Courier Journal newspaper, I was drawn to an article about a Panera Bread located in Clayton, MO. This particular Panera’s was opened as a non-profit restaurant where payment was based on the honor system and the people paid what they could. Thus, in an honest society the rich would pay full price or even chip in extra, while the less fortunate would pay less or even receive a free meal. A month later after the concept was tested, the result was that basically people were honest and good. On average 60 to 70 percent paid full price while about 15 percent pay a little more and about 15 percent pay less or nothing at all.

Panera currently operates 1,400 bakery-cafes across the country. As a result of the experiment, there are currently plans to open two more non-profit models at two additional locations in the next few months.

Internet Presence — A Natural Progression

sandy1020 — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 19:05:22 +0000

As many of you know, Dave and I both retired from teaching after 33 wonderful years in the classroom. Teaching naturally was an integral part of our lives. During our teaching careers, we used computers extensively in our classrooms. It began in the days of the Commodore 64 and the Apple IIe. Both Dave and I joined in the first class offered locally by Purdue University to receive a computer endorsement. Every time we were given a opportunity, we would take the lead as we jumped in and integrated new programs into our classroom as well as sharing our information with others.

Upon retirement, it was a natural progression to continue our use of computers and technology into our retirement. We consider technology as a challenge that we must master. It keeps our minds active as we continually pursue to master the techniques to create an Internet presence. This path led us to be involved in Internet marketing as well as network marketing. Fortunately we have been blessed with wonderful mentors willing to share their knowledge and expertise including Candi May, Mike Griffin, as well as others.

Creating and maintaining a blog, social bookmarking, social media marketing, article directories, and creating an Internet presence may sound complicated and appear as a tremendous challenge at first, but just do it. It won’t happen unless you jump in and get started.

Marriage — It’s Not Meant To Be the Gore’s Way

sandy1020 — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 20:15:49 +0000

What were your feelings when Al Gore and his wife, Tipper, announced that they were getting a divorce? They had just celebrated their 40^th wedding anniversary only two weeks before making the announcement. Rather ironic, don’t you think? So just what were they celebrating — Their 40 wonderful years of marriage? Or possibly were they celebrating early their soon to be divorce?

They simply “grew apart.” After being married for 40 years, it seems that you would be able to work through any differences and honor the commitment you made on your wedding day, not only to each other but also to God. Do they not recall their marriage vows which state, “for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health?” What is happening to the commitment made in one’s wedding vows to each other and to God? According to the Bible, the two become one. Marriage is not the place for each individual to function separately without consideration of the other. After marriage it is no longer about “me” but “we.”

John Turner, a family therapist in Louisville, was quoted in the Courier Journal, “Late-stage divorce makes a lot of sense because you have more people living longer who are married.” I don’t understand how it makes any more sense just because people are living longer. How can a family therapist make such a statement? It seems to me that a family therapist would take the opposite stance. After living together for 40 years, it seems that you could weather any storms that might come your way.

You Have Made A Difference

sandy1020 — Mon, 31 May 2010 19:00:22 +0000

As the current school years winds down, summer vacation is just around the corner. I know that there are many teachers out there who made a difference in a child’s life this year as well as in years past. Also, there are many students who would like to say thank you to one of their teacher’s who made a difference in their life. Please allow this video to speak for them and others as we thank all teachers for their time, their commitment, and dedication. As a retired teacher, I recall this time of year when a former student would return to say that they missed you, and share their life with you. This video was created by Brian Asselin and Eric Disero and is dedicated to teachers who inspire their students everyday.

Missed Opportunities

sandy1020 — Fri, 28 May 2010 00:34:07 +0000

As I was pondering what to write, I came upon the statement below and had to share it with others. Since initially reading this statement, it has made me much more aware of the individuals that I meet in my daily life. Each of our lives was created by God and he has a plan for each of us. Sometimes we follow his plan but there are times that we are too busy and divert from God’s plan and follow our own plan instead. Our busy schedules keep us from many missed opportunities that God has planned.

When God puts another individual in your pathway, it may be simply to share a moment in time or it may be a treasured relationship to last a lifetime. Sometimes we willingly accept the opportunity and other times we just keep going about our daily lives — thus, a missed opportunity. It saddens me to think back about the missed opportunities that God has put before me that I neglected to see. I hope that by viewing this statement that it may make a difference in your life too.

“God determines who walks into your life… It’s up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go.”

Lost Generation

sandy1020 — Sat, 15 May 2010 18:58:18 +0000

According to Wikipedia, a palindrome is a word, phrase, number or other sequence of units that can be read the same way in either direction.Therefore, it reads the same backwards and forwards. The following YouTube video reads the exact opposite backwards as forward. Not only does it read the opposite, the meaning is the exact opposite. Although this is only a 1 minute, 44 second video, it is absolutely brilliant. Make sure you read as well as listen forwards and backwards.

This video was submitted in a contest, titled “U @ 50″ sponsored by AARP by a 20-year old. This video won second place. When they showed it, everyone in the room was awe-struck and broke into spontaneous applause. So simple and yet so brilliant.

Your Sleep Position and Your Personality

sandy1020 — Tue, 11 May 2010 01:46:40 +0000

Sleep, something we all do each night. Sometimes our sleep is affected by what is currently happening in our lives and we may be restless or unable to sleep. On the other hand, you may be totally relaxed and sleep like a baby. There have been six basic sleep positions identified. Many individuals may fall into only one category, or you may be like me and sleep in several different positions. Did you know that your sleep position could reveal something about your personality?

Click here to read the complete article, “What Does Your Sleep Position Reveal About Your Personality?”

Mother’s Day

sandy1020 — Wed, 05 May 2010 07:00:37 +0000

How many of you out there have a special mother or grandmother that you miss dearly? It doesn’t seem to matter how much time has passed since their passing, I continue to miss my mother and yet there are times that I recall a memory and it seems like yesterday. There are times when I see a daughter eating lunch or shopping with their mothers and I am reminded of my loss. Sometimes, I just have to stop and tell them how fortunate they are to be able to continue to spend time together especially in their later years.

Even though I can not physically spend time with my mother, I am able to recall the fond memories of her daily. I was blessed to have such a wonderful godly mother although I am sure that there were times that I didn’t realize how fortunate I really was.

Mother’s Day is only four days away on May 9th and I would like to share a poem written by my mother and later found in her Bible after her passing. As a tribute to her, I am privileged to be able to publish it here for others to read.

Happy Mother’s Day — I hope you have a blessed day.

Only Christ

by Esther Worrall

Only Christ can turn my night to day.

Only Christ can bring a better way.

If you will trust in him and truly him obey,

You will find a clearer, brighter day.

Only Christ can show the world its sin.

Only Christ who has the power to win.

If you would seek his love and give your heart to him,

You will see for you a new life will begin.

Only Christ can share in all my dreams.

Only Christ can.

Google Maps

sandy1020 — Sat, 01 May 2010 17:12:08 +0000

Earth View in Google Maps

By going to Google Maps, you can view the map in 3-D just by clicking on “Earth View.” Visit your favorite location, zoom in, and click on “Earth View” to experience the amazing views in 3-D. It is the next best thing to being there in person.

Derby Fever

sandy1020 — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 06:00:45 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

This is a fun and exciting time of year in the Louisville area. Almost everyone catches the Derby fever. There are so many different events for everyone to attend. A few of the many events include Thunder Over Louisville, the Pegasus Parade, the Balloon Glimmer, the Great Steamboat Race, the Oaks, and of course the Kentucky Derby.

Each year when I was teaching I recall planning many learning activities associated with the Derby. Each year we would schedule a trip to the Derby Museum for the week preceding the Derby. It was always the favorite field trip of students, parents, and teachers too. Not only was it beautiful with all the tulips in bloom, but also there was an exciting atmosphere. The students always loved the activities associated with the Derby and the visit to Churchill Downs was the culminating activity. To be able to watch the Derby with their parents on Derby Day and see the places they had visited was a fascinating experience for them.

Hope everyone enjoys the many fantastic Derby events!!!