The End

The end has come for Simple Sensibilities.  I have enjoyed writing these posts and reading your comments.  Because people are still visiting, the site will remain open.    Thanks.   Angela

The Visions of Leaders Lost

     It has been 50 years since the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.    The news this week was filled with stories recounting that fateful day in Dallas, Texas when the president was fired upon, and ultimately killed.  The nation fell into a period of deep mourning.  It is often stated many can remember exactly where they were, and what they were doing when they heard the news.   One common thread appears in the numerous television, newspaper, magazine, and internet stories.  The question of what might have been had JFK lived.

     Regardless of his political or personal issues, the one factor all seem to agree is that he had ambition and a vision to literally and figuratively send the country to the moon.  I was too young to remember the loss of this president, but I do remember assassinations of others who followed.   I remember being home and hearing my parents say “Oh my god.  They shot King.”   I remember sitting in my elementary classroom.  The teachers talking about Robert Kennedy as his funeral was being broadcasted on the television hanging above our heads.  Even though I was too young to fully understand the significance of these men, it was clear the nation had suffered a great loss with the passing of each one.

      I often wonder the direction our country might have taken had these leaders lived.   John with his ambition and expression that as a country we have no limits, Robert with the focus on social issues in need of immediate attention, and Martin with his nonviolent movement to insure that all Americans have the right to live a life of freedom.   A generation of young Americans lost their visionaries and yet still yearn to achieve the ideals they so eloquently preached, and so tirelessly worked toward accomplishing.  This is their legacy.   Hopefully we are still listening to the message and someday will reach the moon, the mountain top, and the peace of an America that is safe, strong, and equal for all.

This Time of Year

     It seems like every summer I go through the same decision making process.  To blog or not to blog.  It has been over 2 years since I started this blog.  Sometimes the thoughts come easy, other times I seem to have difficulty having enough passion to write about anything.  Maybe having my kids home all day takes priority.

     Last summer I took a little break.  I think I have to this year as well.  I might return next month, or I might say good-bye.   I’m thinking of starting another blog with a more light-hearted theme as we all need more happiness in this world.   Thanks to all who continue to follow.  Enjoy the rest of the summer.

Home of the Brave

     Thousands of small children claim when they grow up they want to be one of them.  In reality, far fewer answer the call.  Months of training and passing tests are required to be added to the city, town, and rural units that exist across the country.  Others will become part of the elite corps called up for the most serious and difficult situations.  They are committed in their service to society, and often are taken for granted until something happens which make us painfully aware just how much we need them.

     They understand the danger and risk they face on an ongoing basis.  Their loved ones know there is always the chance, no matter how well-prepared, something could go terribly wrong.  Every time they leave for work may be the last.  Yet, when the call comes, they do not hesitate to respond.   While others are told to evacuate for their safety, they march in to save lives and property.  If any fall, there are others right behind them to continue the job.  They don’t take time to grieve until the mission is accomplished.

   Who are they?  They are the firefighters of America.  Be it the local department, or the forces called up for national disasters, they encounter heat, flames, and smoke to put out a force of nature that is all consuming.  They are the NYPD on 9/11, the Hotshots in Arizona, and the countless departments that fight fires in the neighborhoods of every community.  It is devastating when one is lost, catastrophic when whole units are wiped out, all dying what they loved to do.  This past week, we celebrated the 4^th of July.  Thoughts of freedom and patriotism are revisited and renewed in our hearts.   But, there is another phrase we recite as a source of national pride.  One epitomized in the strength and character of the people committed to keeping our nation safe regardless of risk.   For the nineteen lost last week, and all the firefighters who have died before them, you are part of the fabric in the words ….”home of the brave.”   A nation is forever indebted.

The Power of Marketing

     Yesterday I woke up with a terrible migraine.  Anyone who suffers from these knows the feeling of pain, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and tiredness.  After I got my kids on the bus, I fell asleep on the couch.  When I woke 2 hours later, I still didn’t feel like moving.  It’s like having a late night without any of the fun.  With the remote in reach, I turned on the television.  After the morning news, I rarely watch anything on the tube, so I began channel surfing.  When I landed on QVC, I took a moment to see what they were selling.  The item up for sale was a mattress.  Having just had a bad morning, it immediately caught my interest.

     In 4 easy payments (easy…. really..what does that mean?) adding up to less than $500.00; I could have a memory foam mattress endorsed by a certified chiropractor.  It looked soft and comfortable. It would solve all my sleep issues and never lose its shape.  For a fraction of the cost of a well-known national brand, it could be mine.  Oh did they lure me in.  I was so tempted.  Then I remembered that my current mattress is only 3 years old and was made by a nearby mattress company.

     Years ago I visited my grandmother and her sister, Aunt Mary, for a week.  Aunt Mary loved contests and had been the big winner on more than one occasion.  She wanted to know if I wanted some jewelry she bought from the Home Shopping Network.  It had “real” diamonds, about the size you find on a drill bit, but they were real.  She went on to tell me that the woman on the other end of the phone knew her when she called.  Being elderly, I didn’t have the heart to tell her that the woman knew everyone.  She never spent a lot of money on these items so it was harmless.  What stood out was how these marketers are able to sell, and how good they are at attracting customers.  They know how to appeal to the senses and have a way of making you feel like you need their product.  I give them credit for salesmanship, a skill I never possessed.

     I was never able to sell anything.  Fundraisers for school, the YMCA, girl scouts, and other organizations never made much from my sales.  Candy bars, wrapping paper, cookies, and other items were products I couldn’t promote.  It is an art and a skill that few possess, and many give into.  I can see a sale coming a mile away.  I don’t like the hard sell, and am put off as soon as it starts.  Yesterday, in a moment of weakness, I almost bought a mattress.  Oh, but it was so comfortable, cool, soft, offers support………click went the remote.  I feel better today.  So does my wallet.

Six Overused Words and Phrases

Words have a power all their own (Photo credit: Lynne Hand)

     Lately I have noticed a certain phrase being used by people in the media, politicians arguing their point, and others finding a way to put an exclamation on their idea.    There are many words and phrases that over the years continue to be used over and over again as if there is no other way to describe what is being stated.   I have limited this list to the top 6 that I find so annoying, I cringe every time I hear them.   They are……

6.   Awesome.    What started as a valley girl expression of the ‘80s has become a standard form of expression.   Usually it is preceded by the word “so” as in “That was soooooooooooo awesome.” Even small children use this word to explain everything that is considered great.   It would be nice to hear the word magnificent, splendid, fabulous, exciting, outstanding, etc. in its place every now and then.

5.   Amazing.   This is awesome’s cousin.  This is often used to describe some kind of performance, whether you’re trying to get your www.movingestimate.co moving estimates done, or just trying to buy a new BBQ.  It can be athletic, musical, artistic, or written.  It usually refers to an individual who has achieved some kind of feat.   Look at the above list and add talented, strong, smart, vivid, electrifying, stupendous, etc.  You get my drift.

4.   Basically.   The funny thing about this word is that people will use it, and then go on a lengthy discussion into detail.  Somehow the “basic” part of the word was forgotten.

3.  Whatever.   This one really irks me.   It is used whenever someone doesn’t have a reasonable comeback in a discussion.  They might not want to see your point of view, or they just can’t think of a reason why they are wrong.   Parents understand this one.

2.  Out of the box.  Ok, what is the box?  Does anyone know?  Has anyone bothered to examine the contents of the box before they change it?  Maybe something in the box is good.  Maybe we want to keep it.   Do we have to throw the whole thing out?  New ideas are always necessary but they should be based on the past and the present and tweaked, refined, and refreshed.

1.  At the end of the day.   We have finally arrived at what appears the newest catch phrase of late.   Interestingly enough, this is being used by many a politician.  To me this phrase means a conclusion, a resolution, or a final outcome.    Obviously this is not occurring in our present political climate so please stop stating it.  Other people use it to support and reinforce their ideas.   It isn’t that awful a phrase, but it is being stated in too many interviews and discussions.

     It is interesting that as humans we pick up on words and phrases and subconsciously weave them into our speaking or writing vocabulary.  It is limiting in terms of expression.  The dictionary is filled with glorious words taking a back seat in the use of language.   There is so much to choose from that makes conversation more interesting and colorful.   They say think before you speak.  Imagine what you might have to say.

Attendance Is Down at the Box Office

It was reported this week that movie attendance for 2011 dipped to a 16 year low.  Many speculate  re that people grew tired of sequels.  This may be true as  Part 2 and 3 of blockbusters seem to be made immediately after their success.  It used to be that sequels would come out a few years later, but that isn’t the case anymore.  There are many other factors that have affected the sale of tickets.   The main one is fact that we can now access films without the cost of sitting in the theatre. 

The cost of a movie ticket  has risen steadily over the years.  3 D movies command an even higher price.  You can try saving a few dollars by going  to a matinee, but that means you probably will have to catch the film at 10:30 in the morning.  Throw in a trip to the concession, and a family of four can easily spend an average of 50 plus dollars for a couple of hours of entertainment.   So, people stay home, make popcorn, and for a minimal price, watch a movie when it becomes available on DVD or streaming.

I remember when you had to catch a film at the cinema or you missed any chance of seeing it.  Matinees were around 2:00 in the afternoon.  Most towns had a theatre showing one movie at a time.  The screen was large, the floor was sticky, the previews were limited, and the audience enjoyed the experience.  Even the cost at night was manageable.  It was a way most people could afford a little entertainment.

Now you have to drive to a multiplex, showing 15 different movies all on screens much smaller than years past. On top of paying more, we have to endure about 15 minutes of commercials and previews.  Televisions have gotten larger.  The quality of HD and Blu-Ray has made watching at home better.  Some people have even installed home theatres.   Even if you miss a film while it is out, you know you can see it eventually. There are some old theatres and town halls that show movies after their major run for a fraction of the cost.  This also provides a fun and affordable way to see a movie. 

I enjoy going to the movies every now and then.  I appreciate a good drama, an indie film, a documentary and yes, even a comedy.  I sit through films that I probably wouldn’t see if it weren’t for my kids.  It still is an enjoyable way to spend some free time.  The darkness, the sound, the crunching of salty popcorn, the laughter, the tears, and the occasional applause, all add to the experience.  Movies will live on forever, however we choose to view them.  The choice is what still makes it possible.

news.yahoo.com/movie–crowds–dip–16–low-apathy-lingers-1539258…

Continuing the Support of Our Troops

The war had been declared over in Iraq.  After 9 long years, the troops are withdrawing and coming home.  This is a welcomed holiday gift for the service men and women, and their loved ones.   Close to 4,500 died, and 30,000 were injured in a country most cannot even locate on a map.  A place so far that it doesn’t come to mind every day.   A country so different from our own that it is difficult to completely understand what are young people were sent to fight for.   There are similarities of horror and fear for all those who fight in a war.  The difference this time around is that we have no excuse in understanding and helping the veterans who have sacrificed so much.

We send off our young at a time when they are just starting to find their way in life.  Some have just finished school, others are newly married, or have young  children.  All leave behind family, friends, and a hometown to worry about their safety and well-being.  What we can’t imagine or fully comprehend, is what these brave young people saw and dealt with on a day-to-day basis.  The horrors of war do not leave a person when they come home.  My mother’s uncle was a World War II veteran.  Anytime you saw him, a story about his time in the war came up.  Some came home to a hero’s parade.  Being from a small town, that didn’t happen for him.  There were no programs to assist returning soldiers and jobs had to be found.  Nothing was handed to them.

The veterans of Vietnam came home to a hostile and indifferent nation.  It took way too much time to recognize the service  of these soldiers.  Many of the returning Iraqi war veterans are starting to utter the same feelings and concerns.  Have we not learned anything from out past?  Regardless of how any individual feels about a war, respect for the commitment and promise these individuals made for our country should be offered.  It takes a special human being to confront danger on a daily basis.   The least we can do is honor the oath they took to defend and protect the freedom we so enjoy.  So, whenever you see or hear that someone has served our country, no matter what war, let them know that we stand behind them and will continue to offer support for as long as they live.   Money was available to fight the war, money should be available to support its veterans.  In addition, the validation of  a job well-done needs to be expressed repeatedly.   In America, it is right thing to do.

Be Back Soon

To all who wonder where I am.  I have been without power for a week.  I will have a post as soon as it gets turned back on.  Thanks for the concern.   Angela

The Effect of Big Box Stores on Retail

Article first published as The Effect of Big Box Stores on Retail on Technorati.

Borders book stores have announced that they are going out of business.  Best Buy has decided to reduce the size of their buildings.  Both claim that other businesses and the internet have dramatically curtailed sales.  The economic downturn has also played a significant role in their demise.  What many big box retailers seem to have forgotten is that they did exactly the same to thousands of independent business owners years ago.

I remember when Home Depot was opening in the small cities and suburbs.  The immediate concern was that they would put all the small hardware stores out of business.  They were told not to worry.  That competition would improve business for all, and that what they carried would not affect the small stores.  In a matter of a few years, all the independent hardware stores in the area where out of business.  They could not compete with inventory, price, and store hours. 

Large stores and malls also had an effect on the downtown areas of many towns and cities.  It became more convenient to drive to large stores rather that walk up and down a street to shop.  Small clothing, book, toy, video, and drug stores slowly disappeared from the landscape.  Instead the country has become more and more generic in retail choices.

The loss of these large stores has left a void in many cities and towns.   Huge buildings sit vacant for years with signs advertising leasing opportunities.  Given the current economic climate, the small store owner cannot start up a business as easily before retail was dominated by big business.  The small store knew their customers, employed a steady group of workers, and provided a level of service that went unmatched.

The public is upset to see the demise of Borders.  There is a feeling that literacy in America has suffered a blow.  There may some truth in the sentiment, but wouldn’t it be nice if small stores could make a comeback. It would improve the economy and the retail experience many of us miss.