Return of the Curmudgeon, with Bagel

I have come to hate perkiness.  Not the wholesomely sweet 17-year-old at the counter, but the perkiness that surrounds her like a cloud of Sweet and Low.  Visiting Panera's has become an ordeal.

"Welcome-to-Panera's-would-you-like-to-join-our-rewards-club?"  Big perky grin.

"Just a whole wheat bagel, toasted, and coffee, please." Big grumpy-but-unavailing scowl.

"But it's free. All you have to do is [waive all your privacy rights forever]..."

"No thanks, just the bagel and coffee."

(Bagel is toasting.)

"Could I have a cup so I can get my coffee while you're toasting?"

"Sure! Would-you-like-to-join-our-rewards-club?"

"No thanks, just the coffee cup."

"But it's free..."

"Coffee cup.  Please."  I scowl as hard as I can.  My face begins to hurt. Disappointment cuts through the perkiness and I am sad.

[Ping!]  My bagel is ready, and I am happy again.

"Here-you-go-sir-are-you-sure-you-don't-want-a-rewards-card-with-that?"

A-a-r-r-g-h!

Newt

What If You Threw a Rally for Bigotry and Hatred, and Nobody Came?

How sweet is this?  The Reverend Terry Jones ("I'm going to burn a Koran for the world to see") held a rally last night at the Tampa Convention Center.  Ten people showed up.

Newt

It Only Gets Worse

One high school, two years, four dead teenagers.  Bullying.  Is anyone paying attention to this?

Newt

Reason to Think; Reason to Weep

While I'm keeping it light here in Tampa Bay, I may be ignoring the insanity out there too much.  How can we ignore this?  Be decent.

Newt