Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

Are you the reason people deal with your company?

September 29, 2024

That is an excellent question, isn’t it? Another difficult question is, “Do you cause people to stay or leave?” I have worked with both types of managers and fellow employees. In over forty years in business, I have seen managers chase away employees and customers.

One manager asked why I spent over thirty minutes dealing with one man that she referred to as “some farmer”. When I informed her that he was the maintenance foreman at one of our best customers she turned around and walked away. I saw another man throw a tray of food across the kitchen at a fast-food restaurant where I worked. He was the top manager at the company.

Salesmen that I know often tell their customers to ask for certain inside people that they know will give the customer the best service. Most people will wait for associates that take care of them. Time and again I see employees treat those who pay their salaries with disdain and rudeness.

The adage that “the customer is always right” has been changed to “Who do they think they are?” If you have experienced any of these individuals, I hope that you contact management to make sure that they know what is happening in their businesses.

Sometimes management is a problem. Those in charge of a certain location may not correct employees because they do not care how they treat others. There are times when the best employees at a company leave these poorly managed organizations to join a manager that they have worked with before.

“The Peter Principle” by Laurence J. Peter and Raymund Hull was published in 1969 and made many of us aware of what companies often do. They promote good employees into supervisory or management positions where they eventually will fail. Not everyone who receives a new job at their current company is ineffective. Just a few.

I know employees who were truck drivers or warehousemen and became managers, salesmen, and executives who retired with coworkers praising them. I have also watched as these men and women were terminated because they could not accomplish their new tasks.

I have quit some jobs because of the managers I worked for. I have stayed at companies despite how the bosses treated me. I spent twenty years with a manager who chased off more good employees than I could count. I was the second in command. On several occasions, I was the one who made the decision that someone needed to be fired and was told that I would get to deliver the bad news.

I spent six years as an operations manager. With this company, an operations manager was normally a branch manager who was waiting to be transferred to another position or branch. In my case, they needed someone to run the branch while they dragged their feet and passed me over for the job.

When they gave the position to someone else, I found another job and moved back into purchasing where I was when I joined that company. I retired fifteen years later as a purchasing manager after working my way through three manufacturers that had all been customers for the previous twenty-five years.

Where is your career taking you? Do you enjoy what you do? Do not rule out moving to a new company or a new career. My experience in sales and management made me more effective in purchasing. You may want to change the sides of the desk like I did. Be willing to be flexible. Don’t forget to do something that you enjoy.

Homage to Catalonia

September 26, 2024

If you recognize this title, you are a literature professor or like myself, an avid reader with time to explore everything your favorite authors have written. If you have read anything this author wrote it is “1984” or “Animal Farm”. These may have been required for a class in high school or college.

I had read both years ago for entertainment. They are considered classics. “Animal Farm” was published before “1984”. If you read dystopian or science fiction literature, you know this one. Those who read political commentary or satire know both. If you are a history buff, you may have encountered “Homage to Catalonia” in regard to the Spanish Revolution of the 1930s.

The genre this fits in is Memoirs. Orwell was in his thirties, married, and went to Spain to fight against fascism. This is the political concept that brought us World War II. I will let you do your own research on that. I don’t understand all this political discourse and would rather discuss what George learned from being involved in a war.

I might have been able to go to Vietnam and take part in that conflict in the early 1970s. I was not drafted. I did not volunteer. I have no personal one-on-one experience with any war or conflict. I once thought I might like to report on these battles. I decided that I would rather answer a different call. You can read about that in other columns.

I have just finished reading Orwell’s memoir and would like to share what he learned from his life in this skirmish. The working class was rebelling against the rich and Spain was in turmoil. Franco was pushing fascism. Communists were pushing their form of socialism. Almost all of the working class wanted something other than capitalism. I understand rebelling against capitalism.

Free trade is not all it was cracked up to be in ECON 101. I did not understand much of that material as a college freshman. I do agree that we should work for what we want. My parents taught me that early on. I do not believe that I should pay you three or more times what something costs you. I shop for sales. I buy used. I’ve learned to wait for something until I can afford it or do without it.

Socialism was an idea that George Orwell was familiar with. He thought the people of Spain deserved this kind of society. They seemed to want it. Even many of the wealthier Spaniards accepted this concept. That was what he thought when he went to fight for them. After months on the front lines, he was not convinced of this.

After a year of fighting in Catalonia, he left to meet his wife for leave. What he saw in larger cities caused him to believe that many had forgotten there was a war. He saw what socialism was. A plot by the wealthy to keep the lower classes subject to them. Those of the lower classes who embraced socialism or communism used it to increase their own wealth and stature. Once a worker attained superiority, he was content and no longer saw a need to elevate the masses.

Few people wanted to help others. They wanted what they could get for themselves. I’ve learned this over my lifetime. We are approaching an important election. The general election is in November.

In 2016, we are learning what Orwell learned in Spain. The political parties are out for what they can get. They lie, cheat, and steal to get you to vote for their people. We, as voters, must sort out this deceit to find those who want to serve us as our representatives in government.

I’ve found one person I can support for governor. His party did not nominate him. I will write his name in on my ballot in November. I cannot vote for any Republican who supports a convicted criminal. He is only leading his party through terrorism and name-calling. I will not endorse that.

I hope you refuse to vote for liars, thieves, and insurrectionists as well. What they say must be tempered with what they do, and that is not easy to discover. We all need to listen to what real people who have had business and social contacts with the candidates say about how they feel about them. Please take the time to look for the truth. Do not just listen to political commercials, even if they are called news.

What do you do?

September 22, 2024

We keep hearing about deadly shootings in the Springfield, Missouri area where we live. The news reports currently being released say that one man is dead and another man is in custody. This was in a residential area and the police say that they knew each other.

Another report talked about the increase in traffic fatalities nationwide. They mentioned a few of the tragic collisions that made the national news last year. Is there any way to avoid these situations?

I don’t have to give those who have read my memoir “Doulos” the story that explains my concern for accidental shootings. I have not shared another story about a shooting that my wife and I were witnesses to. A few months ago, we were grocery shopping. We left our car parked in a handicapped space close to the doors.

As we pulled into the row of cars, I noticed a young lady standing near a car across from us. We were in the market for at least a half hour. When we returned to our vehicle, she was still there. As we prepared to pull out this conversation escalated.

We did not understand most of what she said. None of the other person’s words could be heard by us. She was backing away from the car with the driver’s door open. The man bolted towards her. My wife immediately called 911 on her phone.

Before she could complete the call, the woman pulled a small gun from her purse and fired one shot into her attacker’s chest. He fell to the ground. She began screaming that she had shot him. A nurse that had been behind her when she fired, bent down to check on the injured man while she ran and laid the gun on the hood of the car, opened a back door, and removed a baby.

This all happened in a minute or two. What should we have done? We both considered leaving the scene. We did not need to because she was more concerned with her child than she was with bystanders. Let’s discuss what to do if you are present when shots are fired.

In our situation, had she waved the gun around as other supposed witnesses reported, we would have vacated the area immediately. We had no need to do that because she put the weapon down and we were not in danger. In the case of another shooting, a witness heard five shots while she was in bed. We were not told what she did. What should you do?

Take cover. Do not look outside. You may become a target. Stray shots may enter your home. Put as much distance between you and the exterior as you can. Walls, furniture, and space are some of the things to separate you from danger. If the shots sound like they are inside, hide and be quiet or leave the house. Vacating should not be done until you determine you can do that safely. Each situation is different.

Let’s discuss a situation like the tragedy in Kansas City after the Super Bowl. If you are outside and hear shots, you probably want to hide and wait to run until you are aware of where the shooter or shooters are. Getting down might be safer unless you can see where the shots are coming from. I won’t tell you to remain calm. You already know whether you can do that.

Now about those traffic accidents. Do not allow yourself to become angry. Road rage will escalate the situation. You know how to stay calm. Stay observant while you are driving. If you aren’t driving, be observant. Do not yell at the driver if you think you see something that could possibly be dangerous, use as quiet a voice as you can and be specific about what you see.

Do not scream “Look Out.” “Do you see that kid running this way?” would be a better way to handle it. I once saw deer running toward the highway I was driving on. I had a matter of seconds to decide what to do. I put the pedal to the metal. One of the animals jumped over the trunk of my car. And the others crossed safely.

I have always driven defensively. My dad was a trucker and he taught us by driving safely as we were traveling. Mom did the same. The best way is to be shown proper conduct. Do not get in a vehicle with an unsafe driver. Our daughters had friends they wanted to go with and we questioned their skills. Our answers were no to those requests.

Do you stop and let other traffic from side streets go when it is rush hour? I was in an accident when someone did that. I was in the inside lane where traffic was still moving. I was hit by a driver who could not see me coming. He did not approach my lane with caution. I tried to avoid him but was not successful. Fortunately, no one was injured.

Stop and think about where you are and what you are doing whether you are driving, walking, or sitting quietly at home. Accidents happen regardless of how careful we are. Others can create dangerous situations that we may be able to avoid. I no longer like to be in crowds. I’m not afraid of being shot. I’m tired of rude people. Try not to be rude. I’ll do the same.

What is in a name?

September 19, 2024

William Shakespeare wrote in “Romeo and Juliet”, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet.” We do not know where the name Rose came from. I do know where my mother took the name Charles for me. It came from a character in the soap opera “As The World Turns.”

That is what she told me all my life. While researching this column I discovered that this TV show appeared after I was born. Another myth is busted. Now I am wondering where my name came from. An old boyfriend? Charlie Tuna? 1961 was his debut. Charles De Gaulle? I hope not. One of his middle names is Marie. Prince Charles? That would be cool since he is now Charles III king of Great Britain. He was just a kid when I was born.

Names are very important. Mom called where I worked and asked for Charles. She was told that no one by that name worked there. The guy who said that was a new hire and did not know that Chuck is a nickname for Charles. She read him the riot act. She once told our pastor that my name was not Chuck. She had given me the name Charles.

I adopted the name Chuck in college. I thought Chuck Kensinger reporting from London would sound better. I use Chuck for all my friends and for my fiction. All my non-fiction is under my given name. When we meet, call me Chuck.

God had a problem with Moses when he first called him to lead the Israelites from Egypt. He asked who he should say sent him. Jehovah or Yahweh is translated as “I am that I am.” In Hebrew, it literally means “I am, I was, and I will always be.” Pretty specific, right.

He has other names given in the Bible as well. Jehovah Jirah, El Shaddai, Jesus Christ, and many others. Don’t worry, He will answer no matter what you call Him because He knows when you are talking to Him. I start my prayers with precious Jesus. It works for me.

The important thing is to talk to Him whenever you want to. I think He listens to everyone. That’s kind of His thing. Give Him a call. Don’t forget to listen with your spirit. That is how He communicates with us. If you’ve accepted His son Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you will have a better connection. Try Him, you’ll like Him.

Springfield Style Cashew Kitty

September 17, 2024

Donald Trump had the right idea during the presidential debate. He just got the wrong state; his joke was about forty years late. Thirty-four of our states have cities or townships named Springfield. Some of the most well-known are the capital of Illinois, Massachusetts, Ohio, and my beloved hometown, Springfield, MO.

For you Yankees, MO is the abbreviation for Missouri. We are the third largest city in our state and the home to the Springfield Cardinals, Bass Pro Shops, The General Council of the Assemblies of God, Brad Pitt, and Springfield-style cashew chicken. We also hold the distinction of being the largest Springfield according to the 2020 U. S. Census. Yes, it’s larger than yours.

Springfield-style cashew chicken was developed at Leong’s Chinese Restaurant in the 1960’s. I first tasted this delicacy around 1970 when I obtained my driver’s license and first job. The second source for our hometown favorite was another oriental restaurant named Gee’s Eastwind formerly located on East Sunshine Street.

This is significant because Leong’s was on West Sunshine and Gee was a brother to the creator of this special dish. You say, “What is so special about your cashew chicken?” Your local Chinese restaurant has cashew chicken on the menu as well. Leong catered to our southern heritage here in southwest Missouri. He breaded and deep-fried the chicken chunks.

We have hundreds of cashew chicken places in the Ozarks. In the 70’s our What-A-Burger stands sold out to the Cheong family and became Cheong’s What-A-Burger. What kept them going was not their hamburgers. It was deep-fried chicken chunks, served on rice, smothered in sauce, cashews, and green onions. You could have that with an egg roll, wonton, or French fries.

Like Baptist churches, we had a cashew chicken stand on more streets than McDonalds. They did not all serve Chinese food or hamburgers. They were Cantonese, Mongolian, Korean, Vietnamese, or even Swedish. I’ll publish my cashew chicken recipe and other stories in future columns.

Leong wanted to entice Ozarkians into his place until he adulterated the traditional mostly healthy cashew chicken into something more popular in southwest Missouri. The chicken is cut into chunks, breaded, deep-fried, and served with fried rice. Some joints will give you plain white rice or noodles if you like that better. The sauce is like oyster sauce and the chicken is covered with it and topped with cashews and chopped green onions.

St. Louis has at least one restaurant I know of that serves our cashew chicken as well as the traditional. In the 80’s and 90’s when I traveled southern Missouri and northwest Arkansas as a sales service specialist, I knew which café’s had Springfield Style Cashew Chicken. Some of them were oriental. Others were not. Grocery store deli departments here serve it in their lunch counters.

Now that you know what Springfield Style Cashew Chicken is, let’s talk about Cashew Kitty. In the 1980’s a joke began circulating in Springfield that everywhere a cashew chicken place opened the number of stray cats disappeared. Other cultures, like Melmaceans, eat cats. They are definitely Alfs (Alien Life Forms). The story took on a life of its own when they associated it with immigrants who also ate dogs.

Our former president must be a friend of the founder of Bass Pro Shops and like George W. Bush before him has come to our fair city and heard the tales that we hillbillies like to entertain with. He just used a non-Republican State to prevent hard feelings with his adopted party.

And he can’t tell a joke. Some of us here still remember when he was a Democrat. Missouri’s seventh Congressional District is so GOP, they wrote Richard Nixon in during the 1976 election. By the way, did you know we Missourians once elected a dead man for US Senator? For those of you who don’t know, I’m from Missouri and you have to show me.

Off to see the wizard

September 15, 2024

I visit four doctors at least once a year: my general practitioner, endocrinologist, cardiologist, and dentist. I also see others when needed. I was thinking about “The Wizard of Oz” and how that movie can give me some insight into why these visits are or are not conducive to a healthy lifestyle.

When Dorothy lands in Oz and wants to return home, she is given the ruby slippers from the feet of the deceased wicked witch of the East. Glenda the good witch magically transfers them to her feet. She can’t return them to the dead witch’s family, sending her on a journey to Oz to find the Wizard.

If you have not seen this film in a while, I urge you to watch it again, or even for the first time. It may be old. It is still a classic. You may be wondering how Dorothy’s trip to the Emerald City is like our visits to our physicians. No, you do not have to take three friends with you. Some of us may need another to interpret what they say or to aid in our remembering what we need to talk to them about.

The main similarity is in the interaction between the two parties. The Wizard instructs Dorothy to complete a task when she sees him for the first time. This encounter is frightening for her and her friends. The problem is with bringing back the broomstick of the Wicked Witch.

When our doctors tell us to revise our eating habits, take prescribed medicines, or follow an exercise or therapy plan, it may be as hard as getting that broom. Keep in mind that if you don’t follow the doctor’s orders, you will not have a good time at the next meeting.

Dorothy brought the broom and still had trouble. The problem was that her Wizard was a humbug. Her words. He did not have the abilities and training needed to get her home. They finally found a solution. It was ruby slippers. That is a modern-day fairy tale.

For most of us, there is not a simple trick to correcting our health. It may be more than an hour’s trek through a scary wood. We may spend months or years seeing the same or different doctor many times. My heart condition must be monitored at least once a year. My diabetes requires more frequent checkups. Now I must have an annual examination to satisfy the Medicare folks.

What about the humbugs or quacks that we may encounter. Before you make an appointment, answer the questions that the scheduler asks. Be as specific as you can. Do not go to an ophthalmologist if your toe is hurting.

Have you heard about the man who had gone to five different doctors and decided to try one more? The physician asked, “What is the problem?” He explained, “When I touch my nose it hurts. It hurts when I touch my ear, and when I touch my foot it hurts.” The doctor’s reply was “That’s an easy one.” The astounded patient responds, “Easy, five other doctors said I was a hypochondriac.” His new doctor simply tells him, “Your finger is broken.”

I did what was best

September 12, 2024

The response to this statement on a recent TV show was, “Best for who?” If anyone has ever used the above phrase, did you think or respond with the idea of “best for whom?” That was what the other character said in this case.

As a writer, I often examine words to determine what I want them to mean to my reader. I also attempt to ensure that you know what I mean. Have you ever read the poem “Jabberwocky?” If not, go to this link and read it now. Go ahead; I will wait.

As you see, this poem makes no sense. The author has made up words and is not trying to make you understand anything. He wants you to realize that it is nonsensical. Many people, especially politicians and salesmen, do this as well. I want you to ask the next person what a word means if you do not understand what they are trying to say.

Communication fails when the listener is unsure of what has been said. Often, when someone says, “I did what was best,” they leave out the last part, which is “for me.”

I also have a difficult time when someone says, “Don’t you believe me?” My response is often, “Which part?” They may have given me a few reasons or excuses for their behavior, and I cannot determine if any are believable. This also applies to political ads. Often, crucial parts of opponents’ statements are not shared with viewers.

Returning to what is best, let’s look at the three words, good, better, and best. We think these make perfect sense until we ask the question, “for whom.” This trio may be dependent upon personal opinion. You know what they say about opinions. Everyone has one.

We are currently amid political campaigning for a lot of things and people. In Missouri where I live, we will be deciding whether we want sports gambling to be legal. Those who have put it on the ballot are telling us that it will be great for the economy. They mean it will be great for the people who run the wagering. Everyone knows that there will be more losers than winners.

I am not a gambler. I buy the occasional lottery ticket to see when God is ready to give me millions of dollars. He has not, yet. I know people whose lives have been destroyed by a gambling addiction they could not control. This happened with most gambling being illegal in our state.

Abortion rights are also on our ballot in November. I have not read the wording of this question. My right-to-life friends say I should not approve it. Those I know that believe in a woman’s right to choose, hope I say yes. My problem is I am both pro-choice and pro-life.

I believe a baby has a right to be born if it is viable. That means that the life of the mother and the child must be considered. If the baby being born endangers the mother’s life, that decision must be made by her, her husband, and their doctor. When the father is not in the picture he has no say. All these topics must be dealt with in the bill, or I will vote against it.

I want to do what is best, not just for me, but for as many people as I can. That is where good, better, and best come in. One way is good for some. Another opinion is better for others. Which is the best for most of us. I hope we all choose the correct answer. It is more important than any test from school.

Jesus took your place

September 5, 2024

The man Jesus of Nazareth lived in what we call the first century A.D. If you do not believe this, research the writings from that time. More references to him exist than for other historical figures. If He never existed, why was the calendar changed?

Most of the Jews did not believe that He was the Christ. That was part of the plan. He had to be rejected and executed on a cross. Many of the predictions that he fulfilled were not even recognized as messianic prophecies until they happened to this poor carpenter. One was His death.

If you have accepted Him as your Lord and Savior, you are one of those that He died for. The first was a man named Bar-Abbas. You may have read his name as Barabbas. Most do not know that he was an insurrectionist that was scheduled to be crucified with two of his followers.

They are referred to as thieves. The Romans did not execute robbers by this method. Crucifixion was designed for those who tried to thwart the will of the Roman Emperor. Bar- Abbas was an insurrectionist. The two men that died with Jesus were probably the only two of his men who were not killed or did not escape.

This period is immediately following what is known as the Maccabean era in Jewish history. The Maccabees were a family that ruled Judea shortly before the Romans invaded and began to control most of the known world. Prophets had predicted this Messiah for centuries.

Scriptures tell us that the Messiah would come to set the Jews free. What happened was that He came to die for the sins of the entire world. Jehovah knew what we needed, not what one country wanted. Forgiveness for all humanity trumps temporary freedom for a nation that thought they were better than everyone else.

Christ is not His last name. It is the Greek translation for Messiah. The Christ was sent from God to complete what had been started by Moses. The law could not save us. Someone had to die for us and return from the dead. That is why He came.

We could never please the Father by ourselves. We have all sinned and fallen short. None of us is righteous. Not even one. You will be given the grace of God, if you accept the gift that He came to give all of us. He took my place and yours. Have you accepted Him as your Lord and Savior?

Are you a DD?

August 29, 2024

For years now I have volunteered my services as a designated driver. The reason I have done this is not because I limit my drinking when I go to bars or clubs. I am seldom at venues where beverage alcohol is served. I do not drink. When I was at business meetings, dinners, or gatherings with friends I was available to provide a safe ride home.

My first contact with overdrinking was at a business event offered by a company where I had just become their purchasing agent. There was an open bar for the customers that were invited. A man who worked for a company we did business with was inebriated. His coworkers and the people who knew him tried to convince him to let them drive him home. He refused.

He staggered to his car and attempted to unlock his car. The keys dropped to the ground. As he tried to find them, one of his friends helped direct him to the passenger door. He was so out of it that they retrieved his keys and helped him home without incident.

A few years later a friend and I were driving down a road when a car pulled out in front of us and ran a red light in front of us. They hit a small truck and flipped it on its side. The two men in it were fortunately both securely belted in. The driver of the car staggered away and was stopped by other witnesses. He had three prior DUIs and a revoked driver’s license but was allowed to plead guilty and enter a treatment program. He did not complete this treatment and was arrested again for the same problem.

Over the last forty years, I have heard of numerous occasions where this happened. I have heard coworkers talking about near misses while driving home from bars or parties. One of my friends was killed by a drunk driver. I do my best to try to help others get home safely.

Again, and again drunks kill people and politicians refuse to face the problem. Time after time legislators and other politicians have been stopped for DUIs. I am not mentioning the children and family members of these public officials who have also been arrested for these same offenses.

I have determined that drunks, their families, and friends should not be elected to political offices. When I consider a candidate for any office I check to see if they or anyone connected with them has ever been arrested for drug or alcohol charges. I seem to be one of the few who care about this.

Too many children, moms, and dads have died. Not enough drunks are taken off the roads. Judges let them out too soon. The offenders continue to drive without a legal right to be behind the wheel. I know some of you think that this is a minor problem. That makes you a major part of this situation.

If you have never done it, begin to help others who drink more than they should to stay out from behind the wheel. I don’t go to bars. If you do, cut down on what you consume, look for a designated driver, be one yourself, or call someone to get you home. The season for excessive partying is closing in on us. Don’t be part of those statistics. I want to see you next year.

I am not a brand

August 26, 2024

Ford Motor Company is a brand. G.E., Hunts, Nike, Swanson, and some ninety million others already exist. I do not need to try to make myself a brand. I am an author and a servant. I created a logo for this page. I want to write. I want you to be able to read what I produce. I don’t care if I make money or become a household word.

I am motivated by expressing my thoughts. My high school journalism teacher taught me to write an article and let it sit for a while. She did not want me expressing anger or hatred in my columns. I must let those emotions flow. No one wants to hear them. No one cares.

People are dying of drug overdoses. Who cares. Some kill because their anger takes away the reason that God gave them. I get angry, too. I want to kill the predators that attack others. I am tired of judges letting criminals out of prison because the jails are overflowing. Empty the jails by executing the murderers and rapists. They don’t deserve to continue breathing.

We let a presidential candidate call other people names. He’s angry because he lost the last election. He has lost his mind. Someone tried to kill him. He wants revenge. He wants to show the world how wonderful he is. He is just a scared angry man. Like me.

Some of you want to put him back into the most powerful office in this country. What are you thinking? Tomorrow I will delete these rantings because right now I am angry. No one cares. You are all asleep in your beds. The world is crashing around us, and you don’t care.

I can’t sleep because I am scared and tired. Life gets the better of me. I know you feel the same way at times. We need to work with each other for our own sanity. Talk me down off this ledge. Give me a reason to try again. I want you to have a purpose in life. I want you to know why God put you where you are.

I am trying to decide every day why I have lived all these years. No one seems to acknowledge that I exist. Articles tell me I need to promote my brand. I am not a brand.

I am a thinking, feeling, and caring individual. I don’t need millions of dollars to make me better than you. I don’t want to be president so you will listen to my crazy ramblings. We vote people into offices because they are as demented as the rest of us at times. They don’t know any more than we do about how to control our own minds.

What am I doing about it? I will wake up in the morning. Begin my day. Publish this column and let you see that I am as conflicted and crazy as you are. I hope that you see yourself in this and realize that you are not a brand, and you don’t want to be. We all need someone to talk us off the ledge. We need to help each other make it one more day.

Walk With a Servant