I went through the 'self-service' line at Albertson's tonight for the second time, and I think this is really where we're headed. I'm usually buying beer, so it's a little bit of a hassle that someone has to verify that I'm an old guy, but other than that, this is the way to go. I'll be really surprised if there isn't a huge backlash from the unions. More info: NCR FastLane™ : Self-Serve Cash Register.

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I spent some time today finishing up our Christmas lights, which I started yesterday. When I was going through the line at True Value Hardware to buy a power strip and an extension cord, the woman in front of me had an axe with the handle broken right below the head, and that sent me into a reverie.

You see, one of my earliest jobs was as a singing busboy at Black Bart's Steakhouse & Dinner Theater in Flagstaff, AZ, back when I was a young pup goin' to Northern Arizona University.

I'd get there right after school, and I'd vacuum the whole place, then I had to go out back and split firewood for the big double-sided fireplace that opened onto the bar and the restaurant.

As I told the checkout clerk at True Value, the management was pretty upset when I broke the axe handle the second time.

My other main memories of the 'Singing Busboy' period are having to buy several white shirts and a used iron, and the fact that Black Bart's served deep fried ice cream.

posted by Chris at 12:32 AM Permalink