It has nothing to do with education.

Although we vote for a President every four years, generally speaking, the presidential elections are not popularity contests. Candidates win based on the number of electoral votes they receive. How does it work? It sounds complicated, so we won't give you all the details. However, understand that when you cast your ballot, you're actually voting for the Electors representing your choice for President and Vice President. These “unknown” electors are usually selected during your State's party convention or by appointment by State party leaders. Each State is allowed Electors equal to the number of its U.S. Senators (which is always two) plus one elector for each U.S. Representative (which can vary each decade if the population changes). The presidential ticket that gets the most votes in your State wins all the Electors of that State. In effect, whichever presidential ticket gets the most votes in a State wins all the Electors of that State.

However, that's not the end of the election process. In December, the Electors meet and cast one vote for President and one for Vice President. Then on January 6, 2005, the tally is sent to the Senate. The President of the Senate—who happens to be the sitting Vice President—reads the votes before a joint session of Congress. The candidates with the most electoral votes wins, provided he (or she) wins the majority of the Electoral votes. There are 538 Electoral votes; 270 are needed to win.

Tune it in and turn it up

A study from the University of Texas at Austin says that the type of music you listen to may reveal more about your personality than you realize.

The study says that people who favored music such as classical, jazz, folk and blues, tend to be inventive, have active imaginations, value artistic experiences, are tolerant of others and are usually politically liberal. Alternative, heavy metal and rock music listeners are inclined to be curious, risk-takers, physically active and intelligent. Listeners of country, religious and pop music, are generally outgoing and cheerful, enjoy helping others, see themselves as physically attractive and hold conservative views. And those who enjoy listening to funk, hip-hop, soul and electronica often see themselves as physically attractive, are talkative and energetic, are forgiving and rebuff conservative ideals.

A new twist on an old theme

Bracelets, t-shirts, hats and other items have long sported the acronym WWJD which stands for “What would Jesus do?” The statement has helped many spread the Word of Christ and make decisions on how they live their lives. Now there's a new variation to this theme from the Evangelical Environmental Network (EEN), a biblically orthodox Christian environmental organization. Instead of asking what Jesus would do, the organization is using the same acronym and asking, “What would Jesus drive?” The group says pollution impacts God's creation. “Driving impacts human health, contributes to global warming, and increases our reliance on oil from unstable countries and environmentally sensitive areas. Making transportation choices that threaten millions of human beings violates Jesus' basic commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.'” If you're interested in more information, visit the EEN website at http://www.whatwouldjesusdrive.com.

I vant to drink your blood!

Dracula, by Bram Stoker, is one of the most familiar horror stories ever written. Even if you haven't read the book, you probably know that it's the story of a Transylvanian villain named Count Dracula. The Count is a vampire that Stoker writes, “Fattens on the blood of the living.”

Although Stoker's Dracula is fiction, Count Dracula, the main character in the book, was based on a historical figure. His name was Vlad Dracula, a 15th century prince of the province of Wallachia, a small country that is now part of Romania. He ruled Wallachia on three occasions and is seen as both a military hero and butcher. He was considered a hero because he drove the Turks out of the country and defended the religious faith of the Romanian people. He also brought law and order to his small country. He was considered a butcher because he was exceptionally cruel to his enemies. When captured in battle, Dracula would impale the prisoners on large wooden stakes. He used the same practice to control the people of Wallachia earning him the nickname “Vlad the Impaler.” He had such great control over his people that legend says he placed a gold cup in the town square. It was never stolen because the people knew what would happen to them if they were caught.

In 1476, Vlad Dracula was killed in battle. Historical records indicate he was buried in the cemetery of a monastery outside of Bucharest. However, in the early part of the 20th century, his burial site was excavated and nothing was found. Historians believe his body must be buried elsewhere in the cemetery. Or is it?

Who are you today?

Truck drivers like you wear many hats. You are a driver, safety expert, salesperson, public relation specialist and your company's customer service representative, just to name a few. In fact, you are often the only person from you company that your customer sees so it's up to you to provide the best service possible. Remember, how your treat your customers can make a difference on whether your company is successful or not.

October 4-8 is Customer Service Week.

It's your chance to remember, as you should every day, that customers are the most important person in your business. And everyone you deal with each day—from the guy on the dock to the CEO—are your customers. Here are a few tips how you can provide the best customer service.

1. Never talk down to your customers or interrupt them when they are speaking. Be understanding and respectful.
2. Always be friendly. There is nothing as nice as a pleasant word or greeting. Treat everyone politely no matter how they treat you. You will always end up in a win-win situation.
3. Listen to your customer. Find out what he or she really wants by asking questions and listening to what they have to say.
4. Be positive. Speak and act as if everything you are doing is a pleasure. If you stay positive you can't help but be a success personally and professionally.
5. Provide the best service. Customers like it and it will help you and your company' become even more successful.

If you want more tips on how to provide the best customer service to your customers, check out International Customer Service Association's web site at http://www.csweek.com.n