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Turn it down
Off the Wall
Sept 13, 2007
There are two things I like to do when I visit a
restaurant with others, eat good food and enjoy a good conversation
with the people I'm with.
Recently, I found myself trying to read lips and
talking louder than I would if I was home eating around the kitchen
table.
Am I the only one that has this problem of
trying to talk to others over the loud music or do patrons as
well find themselves in the same predicament? Guess what? I learned
that I'm not alone. Interesting.
About a month ago, I was told of a nine year-old
that went up to the cashier and told her to turn down the music.
It was too loud for him. Boy did that make this old fogy rise
up and smile.
One person told me that people in establishments
and restaurants are increasing the volume for themselves more
so than for the clientele. Hey, I thought the customer was always
right?
Last month while visiting with my son and daughter,
the wife and I frequented a good many restaurants where we had
hoped to do a little catching up. Eating-wise, we maybe filled
our guts a little more than normal, but hearing what others may
have been trying to convey was out of the question.
It was always my feelings that the music played
while we dined was supposed to be background music and not competitive
tones that are more irritating than soothing.
Even in the supermarket, the musical entertainment
labeled as popular songs are turned up a couple notches more
than it should be if you ask me.
Did you ever notice that the Back Street Boys group
is always coming over the loud speakers in Giant Eagle? I used
to like those guys. Now, I am getting a little tired of them.
At least at these outlets one isn't force fed so much as the
restaurants.
It was interesting to note that those places that
served really good food played country western music the loudest.
It's a shame, because I'd think twice about going back just because
of this problem.
There is one restaurant in town we go to quite a
bit. It plays rock and roll music from when I grew up. Every
once in a while, an oldie but goodie will come over the speaker
and I'll start dancing in my chair, much to the dismay of my
wife. If I could have someone turn up the volume all the way
that would be peachy, but only for me. I can only imagine I would
be getting more sneers from others as well. I tell myself, "If
I really like it so much, I can always purchase the CD and play
it as loud as I want."
When I used to visit a chiropractor in Latrobe on
a regular basis, I could always depend on one thing. I was always
happy with the choice of music he tuned in to and the extent
of the volume. Whether he was talking to me or one of his assistants,
I could always hear everything that was being said, even though
sometimes the statements made were done to almost
a whisper.
Now, I bet thoughts are going through someone's
mind, "His problem is he doesn't like our kind of music."
Well, my friend, you are wrong. I don't like it blasted in my
ear while I'm trying to talk to my mother-in-law or her, me.
A matter of fact, just for the record, there are other types
of music I like as well, such as gospel, rock, classical, blues
and even some jazz. Sorry, you can keep the heavy metal and hip
hop or whatever teens listen to now.
So, here is a little tip for those who have any
type of business. If you want people to patronize your establishments
or offices and wish to entertain them with music, turn the volume
down. Here's a motto to live by. "Better to create an atmosphere
than lose a customer!"
Paul j. volkmann
8/6/07
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