This morning, a member of our city's police force and the former President of our Civic League came by my home with a map of the neighborhood. I'm working on an design idea which could take the "Neighborhood Watch" program up another level into what I'm calling "Neighborhood Alert". If this map doesn't work for me, he has connections at city offices where one can be designed to our specific needs. Cool. Tax money actually at work!

A couple of nights ago, my wife and I walked up to a special Civic League meeting. It was instigated by a rash of teenage style crimes in our neighborhood. Though necessary, I dislike most meetings. Put another way, I really dislike most people's need for attention and their lack of manners at most meetings. THAT is the third reason things don't get done. The first is lack of involvement (attendance) right from the get-go. The second is being a phony - making fake promises (no follow-through). The third is, like I said, being nothing but a distraction at meetings.

"Robert's Rules of Order" exists for a damned good reason. If you don't know them, read them. Oh wait, if someone is a jerk at meetings, they don't read anyhow...

Here, try reading this - it's short with no big words - I promise -

MEETINGS: DO NOT:

1. Arrive late. If you can't make it on time, stay home.
Try again next time.

2. Bring your dog or cat. Seriously. WHAT are you thinking?

3. Bring your young children. This is no place for them. Ever.

4. Deadbeat. If you think of attending just for the coffee & donuts,
stay home or go to Dunkin' D's.

5. Think this is your chance to be the snappy-response comedian or
speech major of your fantasies.

6. Think this is the time to bring up other issues and personal peeves.
Save them for the appropriate meeting, or, at the very least, AFTER
the official meeting.

7. Turn to your neighbor and start a secondary discussion. You are
nothing but rude. Wait until AFTER the meeting, or during an
official break. You'll know when those moments come because
those in charge will make that announcement. This also
requires your active listening... which is a major reason
you are there.
Right?

8. Make promises you won't keep. If you're unreliable (and
deep down you know who you are), then don't raise your
hand to volunteer (so you're seen as "the good guy"), when
you know you'll go home, and we'll never see you do a
thing except make excuses if someone asks what HAS
been done. Just stay out of the way from the start.

9. Do you really need another #?