Working an 8 Hour Day

     My daughter was sick this week.   As a result, I was bound to the house for 2 days.   Not knowing if she would be better the next day, I went to the supermarket as soon as my husband came home on Tuesday.   I haven’t shopped in the evening in quite a while, so I wasn’t sure what to expect.  Surprisingly the store wasn’t crowded at all.  Shelves aren’t as stocked, but I was able to purchase what was needed.  All was good until I got to the check out.  That is when I noticed a major difference.

     The cashier and the bagger were both under the age of 20.  With me standing right there, they did nothing but complain about how many hours they had to work, their schedule for the week, when they were going to finally get their break, and what the managers were doing to them.  I wanted to say something, but really did know what.  Mostly I wanted to know why they applied for full-time hours if they didn’t want to work 8 hours a day.  Also, what made them think it appropriate to have this type of conversation in the presence of a customer?

     I usually shop for food around 9 to 10 A.M.   Parking lots aren’t crowded, lines are shorter, and I prefer to do this early in the day.  The staff tends to be made up mostly of adult workers.  Most are kind and friendly.  There are some that are much older than me.  I often wonder if some are working to make ends meet.  Regardless, they are efficient, smile, and go about the business of serving the customer.  They might move a little slower, but they have the strong work ethic that I remember being instilled as I was growing up.  My grandparents worked much longer hours, in less desirable conditions, in order to survive.

     I am not throwing all young people under the bus.  There are many places, including this store, where the young people are incredibly polite and helpful.  There are others though who need to learn that working is not easy.  Every job can have long hours, difficulties, and a tough schedule.  Every type comes with challenges and periods of exhaustion.  The satisfaction comes from the knowledge of a job well-done, of contributing to society, and working for your pay.  Much that can be learned from people who have worked for many, many, years and still know how to smile.

Reading the News in Print

     I started reading the local newspaper around the age of 12.   During my middle and high school years, I enjoyed reading articles that pertained to my school, organizations and events that revolved around youth, and of course, the comics.  As I grew into adulthood, the news took on a different significance.  Local and world politics, education and health issues, environmental and economic concerns, all started to attract my attention.  The media provides a plethora of opportunities to tune in, search, scan, and highlight breaking news. Top stories are readily available.  In the newspaper are stories presented  many of us might never see.  This is the value of the printed page.

    Local newspapers provide the community with information regarding schools, town government, religious, and social happenings.  They allow for in-depth reporting.  I acquire most information on local issues in this manner.  Social media and local internet sites provide some content, but it has yet to match the detail in the newspaper.  It is also presented in a timely manner so there are no last minute surprises regarding issues or items that need addressing.

   National and international stories are also included in the daily postings.  Television and the internet usually focus on the major issues of the day.  The newspaper is able to devote more time and space to stories that aren’t on the front burner.  I find it interesting and educational when I discover a new issue, place, or happening.  I can’t get all of that in one place on the computer.  On a day when I don’t get an opportunity to read the paper, I get an uneasy feeling that I might have missed something.

   The issue of accuracy of reporting also comes into play.  There have been many instances of false information being disseminated in an effort to be first.  “Exclusive” and “Breaking” are terms television news shows use often.  They say this as a method of punctuating the fact that they know something others don’t.  There have been many instances when the rush to be first led to the reporting of misinformation.  The newspaper doesn’t have the luxury of being first.  As a result, by the time the story is in print, most of the details have been examined and reported as fact.  There are times when a retraction or correction is required, but the overall track record is acceptable in terms of giving us the right information.

   More and more, newspapers are downsizing both physically and literally.  Some have gone completely over to a digital format.  Downward sales are blamed for the change.  Young people gravitate to interactive media and many never open a newspaper.   I don’t want to see a total demise in my lifetime.  I want to be able to read it while waiting in an office, at a coffeehouse, or on the train.   I want to enjoy the 20 minutes of quiet time as I eat lunch and catch up on the day.  I hope I will always be able to walk down the drive in the morning, and pick up that daily paper.  I wouldn’t want to start my day without it.

Remote Uncontrollable

     Last fall, after many months of holding out, I bought a new car.   My old car was 15 years old and seeing better days.  It had power windows but no remote.   It was such a burden when my children were babies to open doors with a key.  Sometimes I even had to put them down on the ground while I fiddled with keys, doors, car seats, strollers, and baby carriers.  I thought my life would become much easier now that I had a car with doors that would magically open and close with the click of a button.  Little did I know how confusing and humorous  would become my attempts to catch up with modern society.

     My husband has an older version of the same model.  I know how to operate his remote.  One click unlocks the driver’s side; two opens all the other doors.  With newer models come changes.  Mine is the same except there is a different button to open the rear hatch.  Approaching the car with a load of groceries becomes a comedy of errors.  Beep, Beep, Beep…what did I just open?  Is the back open?  Maybe I touched the wrong button.  Ok, got it open, put the groceries in, close the door.  Now get in to drive.  The door is locked.  Ugh…now push another button.  By now people probably think I am breaking in.

     The other issue is that it is extremely sensitive.  Lean on it, beep. Drop it on the ground or somewhere in the car, beep.  The lights start flashing on and off.  This causes me to start talking, out loud, to the car.  So far this has only taken place in my driveway so I have not created the spectacle of a person talking to themselves.

     I have one question.   Why did they have to change what already worked so well?  Maybe my lack of experience is the problem.  It makes me think about other remote controls.  How many of those buttons on televisions, DVD players, and cable boxes do we actually use?  Do we even know that most of them do?  If you read the manuals that come with these devices, it’s like looking at a foreign language.

     I sure at some point using this remote will become second nature, and the beeping will become less.  I am happy with my purchase.  It is comfortable and has working heat and air.  The drive is smoother and quieter.  I adjusted to all the other features in no time and do not miss my old one at all.  Change happens all the time, and technology is making these changes occur more frequently.  It seems not so long ago when we actually had to roll down the windows.  I don’t think I’ll wait another 15 years before I buy another new car.  I might not be able to open the doors.

 

 

The Right to Know

     The past few months have produced numerous debates on our constitutional rights.  Part of the discussion revolves around the idea of privacy.  This is somewhat puzzling as there are many instances in this country where identification and checks involving personal information is required.  We accept these requirements as a means to obtaining our goal.  We don’t cry that it violates our rights.  We understand the necessity of proving our identity, and other information for a variety of everyday activity.  Somehow this has been forgotten.

   We need a photo I.D. to get on a plane, enter certain establishments, organizations and events, purchase alcohol, and do many financial transactions.  We need to present it when we vote which is also a constitutional right.  There has been some protest regarding these issues, but nothing that has caused a large national outcry.

     When we apply for a credit card, loan, or mortgage, our entire credit history is researched and analyzed.  Every dime we borrowed is scrutinized and evaluated in determining if we are eligible for the type of credit for which we are applying.  We accept the consequences of our past actions, and understand that banks and lending institutions have the right to obtain this information.

     If we purchase or sell a home, it becomes a matter of public record and often the transaction is printed in local newspapers.  Personally I don’t like the idea that a person’s name and address, as well as the amount of money involved is made available, but the paper has the right to report it.  In my newspaper they even print divorces.  That seems over the top in terms of needing to know, but it is allowed.

     When we get on a plane, we have to produce I.D. as stated above, and go through security. Our bags and self are scanned for anything suspicious.  There have been cases of TSA officials going too far, but after 9/11, most people favor these measures as a means of providing steps to insure our safety.  The masses aren’t screaming about their rights.

     When I registered my kids for school, I had to bring along the deed to my home to prove my place of residency.  Due to current events, I now have to produce I.D. to any school personnel who make a request.  Everyone understands the necessity of these new procedures without question.

     Many places of business, education, and health, require fingerprinting, drug tests, and background checks.  If you want the job you will comply.  Applications ask if you have ever committed a crime.  I’m sure most individuals would not want to submit such information, but it is all part of the hiring process. Some jobs require testing in order to obtain a license rendering them competent in their field.  Fail the test and you don’t get the license.  If you don’t have a license, you can’t have the job.

     However, there are places in this country where an individual can purchase a gun with nothing more than a simple permit.  They don’t have to pass a test. They don’t need a license.  The seller doesn’t need to conduct a background check.  There are so many other instances in which we subject ourselves to checks, tests, licensing, and identification.  Why does this issue suddenly violate our rights?  If gun advocates want to prove that owners of guns are responsible and trained, they should be out in full support of universal background checks.  It is a requirement that should be upheld and fulfilled. It is a responsibility that must come along with a right.

Support the Cause. Take the Sandy Hook promise. http://causes.com/sandyhookpromise