Metro Taxi Inc., the Denver area’s largest taxi service, last month announced it would start converting its fleet of vehicles from gas-guzzling Crown Victorias to gas-sipping Toyota Priuses.
The decision, while environmentally conscientious, raises at least one question: Will there be enough space in the sedans to haul around a large group of people and their luggage?
The four-door Priuses, according to the owners’ manual, may not “safely exceed cargo and luggage load capacity” of 810 pounds. Assuming a 200-pound driver and four 200-pound passengers, the total load capacity would exceed that limit, even without accounting for luggage.
Chris Cotter, an executive with Metro Taxi, said the company is aware of the load capacity and plans to introduce hybrid mini vans and SUVs to accommodate large groups. He said the company is also looking into handicapped-accessible hybrids.
Cotter said most of the company’s fares are for groups of three people or fewer. For fares with a load that could exceed a vehicle’s capacity, Metro’s policy is to deploy two vehicles.
You’re working – really
It’s a skill they don’t teach in college or at those company training seminars, but one most employees learn anyway: How to look busy.
Whether you’re bored, stressed or just need a break, sometimes you need to put down the spreadsheet and pick up the Sudoku. To make sure you at least create the appearance of being diligently engaged in company business, check out the following suggestions from bloggers on the job website Monster.
Always carry a file folder with at least one sheet of paper inside. Scribble a note on it and mumble, “Must not forget that.” Leave a cup of coffee and bakery bag on your desk at night and leave your computer running. When you’re late the next morning, everyone will think you’ve been there all along.
Always have a work-related question or statement ready that you can fire off at a moment’s notice while gabbing with a co-worker.
When a manager walks by, seamlessly transition to your prepared statement. “So Susan, that’s how we calculate profit margins.”
Fido’s big sympathy ploy
Remember Take Your Daughter to Work Day? Well, the folks at Petsitters International are gearing up for Take Your Dog To Work Day set for June 22.
“It’s the ‘leash’ you can do,” according to the group.
Take Your Daughters to Work Day started in the early 1990s to get young girls interested in professional careers. It was later rebranded to Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day.
Petsitters International isn’t trying to get more dogs into professional industries, but hopes dog owners who bring their dogs to work will inspire non-dog owners to adopt a homeless dog. “Dogs go to work. Hearts are touched. And as a result, homeless dogs will be adopted,” reads their website.
But what about cats?
Why White Fang was a CEO
The least surprising news release of the week comes from Crest, manufacturer of teeth-bleaching strips.
“Study shows whiter teeth can lead to greater success in work and love,” it begins. “Individuals are seen as more attractive, confident, trustworthy and financially successful with whiter teeth.”
The national survey of 1,006 people was commissioned by Crest Whitestrips, and found that respondents are more likely to get job offers and start at higher salaries after whitening their teeth. Quelle surprise.
Runner-up for the honor is a release issued by Hooters, a restaurant chain better known for the skimpy uniforms its servers are required to wear than for the depth of its menu.
“Hooters knows the way to Dad’s heart – through his stomach,” it reads. Yes, and those little circles in the chain’s logo really do represent owl eyes.
FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS
