June 02, 2005

Premature Curmudgeonhood

A conversation held last night, just before going in to watch Star Wars, Episode III:

Me: So, I think we'd like to get a #1 combo. [That's a large popcorn and two medium soft drinks.] But you don't have any prices posted on the board -- how much does that cost?

Behind-the-Counter Guy: Um, the number one combo is $14.75.

Me: Heh -- you're joking with me, right?

BTCG: [Making a 'where did this guy come from?' look] Um . . . uh, no. It's $14.75.

Me: Dear God, you're serious! $14.75 for popcorn and two drinks? [Pause for a moment of horrified reflection] Well, how much for just a large popcorn then?

I did end up purchasing the large popcorn ($6.25), just so we wouldn't have to suffer the Unamerican shame of us Not Buying Anything. And as I walked away from the counter, I didn't mutter about how when I was a kid, you could buy three candy bars for a nickel! Gas was fifteen cents a gallon! You whippersnappers don't know how bad things are nowadays! But if current trends continue, I don't think that you'll be able to take me out in public by the time I reach my forties ...

Posted by Kevin at June 2, 2005 10:40 PM