Have you noticed them plastic squares covered with extra-large nodules, approximately 3’ X 3’ in size that are glued to the ground at entrances/exits to most stores, shoppin’ malls and sidewalk aprons? I had no idea what they were for and assumed they provided some kind of extra grip or traction for those people in wheelchairs. Not so.
After commentin’ to an employee at one of them big box stores that two of my lower molars had shaken loose after pushin’ my shoppin’ cart over them bumpy pads he informed me that they’re mandated by state law for blind people . . . oh sorry, I mean the visually impaired. He continued by tellin’ me that they are placed where the sidewalk or store entrance/exit meets the pavement. So if you can’t see that you’re about to walk out into traffic, the pain that radiates through your feet by walkin’ on these large bumps will, or should, cause you to stop until the traffic passes.
But wait, there’s more. A new law will go into effect in 2017 that will force the makers of electric cars to add noise. That’s right. They’re too dang quiet and if a visually impaired person can’t hear them, well, they might step out in front of one of them contraptions. As luck would have it I recently installed a set of loud exhaust pipes on my Harley, so now I’m compliant with all state and federal noise regulations.
One of the great benefits to our job was becomin’ members of the Los Angeles Firemen’s Credit Union. The name was unique too, no doubt about it. We also worked for the best Department in the world and our Credit Union mirrored that fact. It was a special benefit as well, not only because of the personalized service but because our money was safe and secure.
We had Doris too. She always laid out the “red carpet” for us that made that personalized service really come to life. And getting’ a loan, whether for a house, car or RV was pretty dang simple, almost too simple.
Fast forward a few years and things have changed. The name is no longer special and that personalized service is a bit worn around the edges. “Our” credit union has opened its doors to the State of California and is soon goin’ to let in the rest of the country.
I know things change. Heck, Harleys and Porsches now have water cooled engines, but do I have to listen to them phone recordins’ that tell me, “Please listen carefully as our phone options have changed,” or “We’re experincein’ a heavier than usual call volume?”
OK, my Credit Union Board. Wave your magic wands and eliminate those phone messages and simply let us talk to a real person.
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