STARS: DOT Certification

*DISCLAIMER: I have only undergone and am showing the first process. I am not a CDL, box truck or a step van driver.  I will be teaching drivers how to drive step vans soon so I did have to go through the initial process of obtaining a medical card. *

Transportation careers are becoming more popular as they are very lucrative, high turnover and good job security. The DOT physical, however, can be a challenge, especially as you get older. 

I would suggest first to schedule a regular physical with your MD. Ensure all of your medications and any afflictions you have are on point.  This especially goes for your vitals. If you have hypertension, sleep apnea, or are on certain medications, your DOT certification process will be delayed at best. 

I would then find a testing center if your own MD or private practice doesn't do this. DO NOT utilize an urgent care facility. I say this because many of them aren't on the same page, your wait will be longer due to them being backed up with COVID exams and vaccinations. 

The average exam and process without waiting or extra items should be two hours. This is why I suggest receiving a clean bill of health before then.  If things such as your eyesight, blood pressure and medications are questionable, you will not be issued a card. For those renewing your card, this could keep you off the road and your place of employment may not compensate you for it. 

I have definitely found out time is money and regardless of where you go, your time may not be valued. Therefore, stay vigorous and persistent until you receive your card. I'm noting the date on mine and any other recommendations. I find the date to be of great importance as I plan on preparing 30 days out so I can be good to go and recertification will not be strenuous. 

I want everyone undergoing this to have the best and efficient process possible. It was two months start to finish for me since I wasn't informed. Many folks are two hours same day. I want the latter for all. 

STARS: Grilling a Good Steak

It's officially Spring and with more folks getting vaccinated, we're about to be having more cookouts. At worst, more people will be grilling on their own. 

One of the things that people love but can struggle with is properly grilling a steak. It's not as hard as it seems but you do have to pay careful attention. 

I make sure my heat is medium at least on the grill and the coals are evenly distributed. I prefer to cook other items first to allow the coals to settle and burn some more. 

I also marinate the steaks the night before, regardless of the cut. I simply buy a marinade out of the grocery store and add some Worchestire sauce, and balsamic vinegerette. I also season them with basic salt, pepper, steak seasoning and Tony Sauterisseire. 

I then place the steaks on no more than 6 at a time, preferably 4. You need more room on your grill for the heat to evenly distribute. 

I tend to do around 10 minutes per side for medium rare or medium. I may do an extra 2-3 minutes per side for a well done steak.  

I have found through trial and error that doing these things will get you a tasty steak. There are always other techniques and such to really up your steak game. 

STARS: How To Post Spoilers Respectfully

This should be the easiest and most unnecessary STARS post I've had to write but here we go. This past weekend proved people still don't respect each other and possibly themselves. 

I like to give the masses a weekend, preferably a week,  before posting any movie or TV spoilers.  Everyone cannot see a viewing right away and do not need anyone messing that experience up for them. 

I look for and even form groups for posting spoilers and bonding. Group chats work wonders here as well. I also like what one of my social media friends did: made a post and said don't respond if you haven't seen the movie yet. I get that you're excited or disgusted and want to discuss what you saw. Here are some ways to do it. 

I also rely on talking to my personal circle as well and not posting at all on public forum. I also post reviews on Rotton Tomatoes, Yelp and other popular sites and apps. 

I cannot stand spoilers and doing these methods can mitigate them and enhance the overall viewing experience.