tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16646992.post5948826181276945861..comments2023-10-14T23:56:22.016-10:00Comments on Reflecting Light: The rest is noiseRick Darbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371910140619422820noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16646992.post-20565293733089052922013-08-26T10:00:01.199-10:002013-08-26T10:00:01.199-10:00Sheila,
I'm sure we could all multiply exampl...Sheila,<br /><br />I'm sure we could all multiply examples. I particularly hate those filling stations that fit the pumps with CCTVs and speakers to blast you with junk programming while you pump gas.<br /><br />The irony, as I alluded to in the posting, is that many (perhaps most) store and restaurant customers might prefer a quiet atmosphere. The managers just <i>assume</i> the clientele want constant stimulation; it seems never to occur to them to ask a sampling how they feel about it.<br /><br />For the moment, Asian restaurants (mainly Thai and Japanese) are the last holdouts against air-raid-siren + sports bar ambiance. Some have no music at all. It doesn't seem to hurt their business.Rick Darbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02371910140619422820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16646992.post-77411834819147843962013-08-26T08:28:18.121-10:002013-08-26T08:28:18.121-10:00I have a pair of foam earplugs I carry in a case i...I have a pair of foam earplugs I carry in a case in my purse - for those times I absolutely cannot avoid being in a public waiting room. I loathe the ubiquitous, loud television tuned to the usual inanity in car dealers' waiting rooms, not to mention the usual irritating people. While some will type away on their laptops, others immediately start phoning people and chatting away, oblivious to all others. We usually drop off a vehicle (for an oil change or whatever) on a Friday evening and pick it up on a Saturday, so I don't have to deal with this too often.<br /><br />I had my son's truck at the car wash the other week (long story), and had to phone him to tell him to keep using our vehicle for a requisite trip because his wouldn't be ready for a while. I exited the LOUD waiting room (television, Indian on phone, black kids) to go out to the summer Texas heat - and the piped music was even louder. I had to walk about 25 feet away from the building, past the grounds and bushes and into the next building's parking lot, to even hear a dial tone, let alone my own voice.<br /><br />Unless I'm at the gym or consciously choosing to listen to music, I don't like background noise. I never turn on the car radio and rarely the television. I love having everyone out of the house and enjoying the peace and quiet. This is why a "vacation" of going away and staying in a typically noisy hotel is less satisfying, if I'm seeking peace and privacy. I used to make the 8 hour drive to and from college with no music - nothing but myself and my thoughts.<br /><br />On the other hand, I grew up in a loud environment, and despite years of conscious effort I still have trouble modulating my voice to the appropriate level. I may hear myself (or the quiet) afterwards and realize how loudly I was speaking, but it's proven an incredibly difficult habit to break. How much is environment and how much genetics - I truly don't know.Sheilanoreply@blogger.com