My question today is:

“When are you required to tip people, and what do you suppose the amount should be?”

Has anyone else noticed lately that whenever someone performs a task, they appear to be expecting some sort of tip for doing that?

There used to be a time when only pizza delivery drivers, Blackjack dealers and bookies needed to have their palms greased, but lately we’ve been noticing a number of varied folks that seem to be lingering for a bit of cashola.

Just last night, we picked up a rather hefty package at a store in the mall. We needed a bit of help to get it into our car. When the two dudes finished straining to lift it up into our vehicle, they both looked at me with an expectant “puppy dog” gaze, as if expecting a reward for their minor hernias. I said a hearty “THANKS”, but by the look they exchanged and shot back at me, clearly they had hoped to get a few loose shekels to spend at the local watering hole after work.

Earlier in the day, we had our new sofa set delivered. Again, the gentlemen that laboured to haul it upstairs, and down the hallway to our TV room seemed to be lingering, although it could have been that their legs had given out, I will admit.

Are these the sorts of services that require tipping now? I mean, in both cases, we bought a product, and expected delivery or assistance. Is that immediate qualification for beer money?

Man, I wish Ann Landers was still writing her column…

Chow for now!!