Opening Salvo

Like most, I am discouraged by a growing list of huge societal/political problems that bedevil our well-being. For now, however, my purpose is to focus on a few smaller issues that don’t garner headlines but are annoying symbols of our self-centered, over-protective times.

View Blockers.

For some reason, standing-up throughout a sporting event became a trend with student sections at college athletic contests. After graduating, the stadium-standers spread throughout the land and into professional arenas. I don’t attend games anymore because I’m tired of telling some twerp in front of me to sit the hell down. And I don’t watch many televised competitions because I’m tired of yelling “sit the hell down” at the TV screen.

Unsocial Media Types

It isn’t cool for gym-goers to use exercise equipment as “viewing chairs” while scrolling through their phones. I’m not a gym employee, and it shouldn’t be my job to police this abuse, but I do, and have not yet been hit with a barbell…the one gathering dust.

Crosswalk Turtles

Once upon a time, youngish, able-bodied pedestrians picked up the pace when a car stopped to let them walk across the street…maybe even with a little crosswalk wave of thanks to the driver. No longer. Now it seems as if people downshift their gait to super slow-mo saunter mode. Have you noticed that? Or am I an impatient lunatic?

Wrap Rage

This deserves a deeper dive…involving video. Opening packages was once somewhat fun and exciting, but times have changed. The following is a condensed version of my 2001 NBC TODAY story on the challenges of opening stuff.

It’s only gotten worse since then.

“A Package Deal”

(Runs 3:05)

For paying subscribers, my 1981 NBC story about the dangers of flying champagne corks…and how to safely uncork a bottle.

Story below.

“Cork It”

(Runs 4:01)