Mike Rowe

From the MRW Water Cooler Haven’t heard that expression in years, but had to chuckle just now. The gate agent here at Burbank Airport is apparently a fan of Dirty Jobs, and wanted to express his enthusiasm for the show with an exclamation that was notable not just for its colloquialism, but for its sheer volume. Made me laugh and lurch at the same time. Now, as I look over the posts and conversations evolving here in The Workroom I’m tempted to respond in kind. Boy Howdy, indeed! I am seriously amazed and gratified by the level of discourse flying Read More

From the MRW Water Cooler Q. When I was flying out to Wisconsin last month, I came across an article in the NWA World Traveler magazine on board the plane. It was titled, “Where every day is Saturday,” and it immediately caught my attention because of a single word that appeared in it, “ROWE.” No, it wasn’t referring to Mike; it stands for Results-Only Work Environment. Two women have written a book called, “Work Sucks,” whose premise is, “as long as your work gets done–as long as you get results–then your life is your own.” To quote the article, they Read More

From the MRW Water Cooler Q. Hubby rented it for us to watch. We watched part last night and the rest this morning. I was wary of a musical on the declaration of independence, but I was pleasantly surprised. I recommend it highly if you haven’t seen it. Dani A. In 1976, Exxon sponsored a regional run of that show, to help celebrate the bicentennial. My Dad played the role of Secretary Thompson. I saw that particular production dozens of times and many others thereafter. Lots of great roles, but if I could choose, I’d go with Rutledge, Senator from Read More

From Mike’s forum  on Discovery Q: Good Morning Mike, Well, believe it or not, as much as I do like your show I have admit I’ve already used that VHS tape to record over your program. An episode of House was on that I hadn’t seen before. Oh, and yes, I still own VHS tapes. So, I’m not sure I can quote a specific line from your show that led me to my assumption (such as it is) that there was indeed a comparison between you and your fellow celebrities. However, I can see how I may have misunderstood your Read More

From the MRW Water Cooler Q: 10. What areas of your life do you feel like you are shortchanging? Nothing major. Friends, family, pets, etc. 9. If you could do anything tomorrow, what would it be? Sleep till noon. Write till 6. Read till midnight. In the leather chair. By the fire. Near the wine. 8. What is the thing you are most proud of accomplishing in your life so far? Keeping my parents amused. 7. What were your dreams as a child? Dirty. 6. What would you want people to say about the legacy you leave behind? “Excuse me Read More

From the MRW Water Cooler Q: As I was watching the mission statement, I had a few thoughts about what you, Mike Rowe, want to do. And I thought I might share it with you. 1) You are absolutely right about the problem of work in the country, but looking at it straight, it is coming from a well-off prime-time stud that has the voice and charisma for T.V. I can’t think of a way to do it at this point, but you have definitely done well so far–that is IDENTIFYING WITH THE GROUP YOU ARE SUPPORTING. I love what Read More

From the MRW Water Cooler Q. Mike it occurs to me that you are comfortable in the perpetual apprentice role. Is that keeping you from having to be an expert in something? Do you want to excel in writing? It’s not that I feel that you are not good at what you do, because you are good at everything even if you don’t want to call yourself that. Labels are powerful. What do you think? Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones. I am thankful for all the fun on DJMB, the shows, just you sharing you with us. Read More

From Mike’s forum on Discovery Q: At Work…a man came in with so many maggots embedded in a wound in his arm, it took 3 hours to clean it. You want to smell something Dave and Mike? He has been moved to a downtown hospital, where he can be treated. But since he cannot care for himself for several reasons all that will be for naught when he comes back and once again is ignored by the agencies that we tax payers throw money at. It is the worst case of abuse by our government that I have ever seen. Read More

From Mike’s Mud Room on Discovery.com Q: I just read the interview Mike did for the BCPS (Baltimore County Public Schools). In this interview he is asked this question: “What advice do you have for current students on choosing/building a career? He answers: “I’m a fan of the “reverse commute”. He goes on to explain the reverse commute is: watch where the masses are going and head in the other direction. He encourages someone to find an industry that they like and then figure out a way to make money in it. I really like this answer. I had never Read More

Q: “Crumbling infrastructure? Decreased enrollment in trade schools? How about letting the rest of us read it?” Moose —  desertengineer Mike’s Reply 6/27/08 (compilation reply to many) A: Hi Moose, if I send it, you’ll see it, as will everyone else, since it will be an “open letter.” I haven’t decided yet if I want to go there, but if I do, it will be part of a dual effort to promote the show, while doing something worthwhile with this nightmare of a resume. Though unqualified in almost every way, I have been afforded an audience with the kind of Read More

From Mike’s Mud Room on Discovery.com Q: Dear Mike, I am not sure how you feel about it, but I feel that you are a bringer of a new consciousness. Thanks to Liz I finally received the February issue of Fast Company and was able to read it. Sorry it took so long but I could not get a copy. You stated humbly “These things are incredible and flattering. I’ve come to realize that I’m really doing something else here.” Your modesty is admirable and I didn’t understand it at first but now I think I do. Please Mike correct Read More

From Mike’s forum on Discovery.com Q: I am a big fan of the show. However, I am picky, and this is my only beef. Because this show glamorizes blue-collar and other jobs in the modest spectrum of vocations, it will affect how your fan base contributes their professional careers to this country. In other words, this is a very successful show, and the viewers will do what they see. Viewers will scrutinize every little thing they see Mike do. Little things like conflicting personalities or an occasional swear from time to time will be prevalent no matter what kind of Read More

By Mike Rowe, January 28, 2008 Most public speakers are wildly overpaid, and I am no exception. I used to think I could justify my ridiculous fee by putting a lot of careful thought into each appearance, so I called my first presentation “Egalitarianism in the Modern-Day Workplace,” and talked at length about “the changing face of the contemporary proletariat vis-à-vis the digital divide.” People listened politely, but during the Q&A, all of the questions gravitated toward animal husbandry, exploding toilets, and artificial vaginas. “What hurt worse, Mike, the monkey bite or the ostrich kick?” “What was the grossest day Read More

From the MRW Water Cooler Q. What are your feelings on education? Did you start school with an idea of what you wanted to be or a degree you wanted to pursue? It seems you are a well-rounded individual and I’m just curious if there was anything you had ever considered pursuing as a career. You are obviously a gifted writer and enjoy reading; well versed in literature. Also you seem to have some historical knowledge. You have musical talent as well. My point is that you’re a pretty smart guy and could have done anything. I also think you’d Read More