"The Ol' Bait and Switch"

This morning I'd like to showcase a piece of equipment that, to say it lightly, has saved my life and countless other lives in cubicles across the globe. Tight budgets, and grumpy financial officers strained with the pressures of a growing recession, has left cubicle dwellers like me to marinate in one of the offices unfavorable attributes: no heat. However, thanks to the ingenuity and clever thinking of Thomas Edison, I no longer have to suffer in silence, wearing my mittens and a winter coat in my cubicle. Because of sweet Thomas's invention, I can work efficiently and fill out Purchase Orders with unimaginable speed while answering the phones with a friendly and personal attitude. And, because of Eddies invention of the... electric heater I can reside in comfort in my little cube.

So here is a great tip for all you chilly cubicle guys and gals, for aquiring a space heater of your own without stealing or buying one. Yes, I believe so strongly that my "Warm Fusion 2000 Spce Heater" will improve your attitude, productivity, and your over all outlook on life.

Now, what I would suggest is for the more adventurous, spunky guy or gal. This is a little trick I like to call the " ol' bait and switch". This highly effective method of attaining a space heater from an unsuspected (very warm) cubicle neighbor, requires some skills with the oven (just basic knowlege: how to turn on the oven, open the oven, and use a timer) and the purchase of slice and bake cookies. Because it's Easter time, I sugguest the cookies with the little bunnies and colorful easter eggs on them - its more personal. Take your homemade cookies into work, set them on the desk of the space-heater-unsuspecting-cubicle-dwelling-warm-guy and say "Oh, I just had some extra cookies, and I know how much you like them, so I thought I would just bring them in [insert your most heartwarming smile here] enjoy!" At this point it is VITAL that you "notice" their space heater. Comment on how warm it looks. Ask them if they like it. Tell them you've been so cold lately. Ask them again if they ever use it. Compiliment them. Walk away.

At this point you've "baited" them with the three C's: cookies, compliments, and charisma. Now, you sit and wait (in the cold). After you are sure that at least three of your cookies have been consumed, exclaim loud enough for your target to hear you, "Burr! I just can't seem to get warm!" And, like magic, you've "hooked" them. They will feel a sense of obligation to you, an irrational responsibility to give you something back for you what you have given them. In this case, its cookies for a space heater. Within minuets, the heater will be yours. The suffering will end, and you will experience a deep satisfaction, unmatched by the feeling you would recieve if you had purchased a heater of your own.

For more advice on how to obtain things for free from people in the office, stay tuned.