It's All Gonna Break

As I've mentioned, I recently found myself in need of a new iPod. I waited about a month, and though I did realize that life was indeed possible without a portable personal soundtrack, I also saw that my addiction to DJing my way through commutes and studying was going to die hard. Very hard.

So, I took a trip to the Apple store this weekend and treated myself to a sparkly new iPod classic. Apple is nearly synonymous with sleekness, stylishness, simplicity, and functionality. The stores are refreshingly bare-bones--clear glass everywhere, products clearly displayed on counters with any essential information about them nearby. Their packaging couldn't get much sleeker. (I actually asked the clerk if the necessary cords were included because the iPod box is so small, it didn't seem like everything could fit inside.) Their "Genius Bar" helpdesk is, in my experience, a well-oiled machine getting complaining and befuddled customers in and out quickly. Et cetera, et cetera.

It seemed to me that Apple really had everything figured out. At least when it comes to running a retail store.

But, as it turns out, they have a very amusing Achilles' heel: checks. Approaching the check-out counter, my sales person asked "Cash or card?". I hesitated for a moment, and questioningly replied "...check?". He seemed a bit surprised, but agreed. He then proceeded to 1) have to switch computers, 2) ask co-workers for help on how to process checks, which none of them seemed entirely sure about, 3) stay on the phone asking for approval for at least 10 minutes. All in all, my picking out the iPod and accessories took about half the time it did to buy them, and I'd caused a pretty sizable back up in the check-out line.

I didn't have anywhere to be, so I didn't care about the wait. I just giggled, realizing that I unknowingly managed to throw a wrench into the gears of The Great Jobs-mobile.

Your Bathroom Caller

People travel to see new things, meet new people. Getting to wherever you're going is also pretty interesting.

The whole process of flying is, admittedly, very draining. But I enjoy airports. With so many people and characters to watch, at least its easy to kill the wait time. You're always assured to see new things.

After landing in San Francisco, though, I saw something I hope to never see again. Waiting in line at the ladies restroom, I noticed a woman coming out of the stall after finishing her business, talking on her cell phone.

I've mentioned my opinions of excessive cell phone use before. And I admit that since that particular post, I too have started using my cell phone quite a bit more. But talking in a public restroom? This just takes the cake. Not only is it unnecessary, it's unsanitary. And gross. Even if she had the phone proped up on her shoulder, and presumably didn't touch it during the process, the idea of talking to someone else while they're sitting on the toilet is just unsavory.

This particular woman was speaking Spanish, so I don't know if the discussion was somehow urgent. Even if it was, this is still ridiculous.

Seriously, call them back.