Welcome to the Friday mailbag where you will find some of the comments, questions and ideas sent recently by subscribers of this newsletter or our publications. They are edited for space and clarity.
“I detest self-checkout, as it seldom seems to work correctly for me (Self-checkout kiosks, Oct. 23, 2023). Frustrating when they close down more regular checkout lines so you either have to wait longer for a real person, or reluctantly use self-check.” - Don
You are not alone, Don. - Shane
“Good morning, Shane. Speaking of theft, there is a story told by a comedian whose name escapes me about his time as a big box self-serve checkout Pit Boss (Self-checkout kiosks, Oct. 23, 2023). He claims that some people tried with limited success to imitate the beep sound to make it appear they were properly scanning their items. That said I hate the diversity of function displays not only at retail stores but gas pumps, too. Appreciating your thoughtful writings,” - John
I am with you. We shouldn't have to know how to do computer programming with COBOL or Java to buy groceries or fill up our vehicles with gas. - Shane
“Good morning, Shane. While I don’t go to work early on a regular basis, I do get out at ‘oh dark thirty’ as my family and friends say (Before the sun shines, Oct. 24, 2023). I have been walking or working out with two neighbors on a regular basis for almost 20 years. We used to meet at 4 or 4:30 a.m. to meet up and walk 2-4 miles in the early years. Now we are between 2-3 miles a day, and we meet between 5 and 5:45 a.m. (They are both retired now, and I am not.) I also threw in some workouts at Orangetheory Fitness in Clive at 5 a.m. for over eight years. As one of my coaches at OTF used to say, ‘Your workout is 4% of your day.’ I love getting my day off on a good ‘foot’ every day. We walk Monday through Friday all year long. The only days we skip are wind chills below zero, pouring rain and lightning. Otherwise, we button up and get our day off to a great start!” - Lu Anne
Once again, you are my hero, Lu Anne! - Shane
“Good morning, Shane. As I was reading your column on getting on the road early in the day, I felt compelled to reach out to you (Before the sun shines, Oct. 24, 2023). I think you and I, because of age, upbringing, etc., are a lot alike. I read your columns, and I often find that I have pondered the same things you convey. However, for me, they are passing thoughts, whereas you do a brilliant job of capturing the moments and getting them down on paper. It is good for me to know that I am not on an island with my obscure observations.” - Brian
I think we are both on an island, Brian. The question is, which one of us is Gilligan? - Shane
Have a fantastic Friday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
