What DJ said.

But these days I often see a line come to a standstill because someone's more interested in their cellphone conversation than their transaction.

There is a FIRE FESTIVAL!??!!???

I thought of you. And Jilli. And wondered why you weren't there.

I want to know the same thing. No one tell Pete about this and maybe we can go next year. We'll say it's ... a cultural trip?

Fire pretty.

Well, that's a whole 'nother ball of wax. Some places now have signs that they won't serve you unless you have ended your cell phone conversation, which I support.

Hmm. I think of "checkout politeness" as asking "did you find everything?" while in the act of scanning my stuff. And then no more chit-chat. They can say "have a nice day" at the end if they like, and I won't gut them for it.

Which is why I use self-checkout and/or shop on the internet as much as humanly possible.

But these days I often see a line come to a standstill because someone's more interested in their cellphone conversation than their transaction.

That has happened to me twice in the past 18 hours while in NYC. Get off your fucking phone you fucking self important tool.

Yes, Cass, there is a Fire Festival. In Kiev. For those who aren't chicken.

But these days I often see a line come to a standstill because someone's more interested in their cellphone conversation than their transaction.

Oh lord yes! Also, retail is often thankless and kind of a beatdown sometimes. Exchanging plesantries with the cashier or counter person helps with that a bit. When I worked retail it was heartening when I told someone to "Have a nice day!" they said "Thanks! You too!" back.

When I worked at The Gap and someone came up to the counter with their stuff and was on the phone, I would take it, scan it, fold it, bag it, then wait. And stare at them. And not move a muscle until they got off the phone.

Fire Festival