Yesterday, Honey and I were done with our lunch. We had stopped at a restaurant in Ventura on the way back from a nice weekend away up the Central Coast. I had bidness at the branch of the system of which my university is a part at which I most covet a job. Did you follow that? I would like to work where we went.
One of my students asked me last week, in reference to the midterm, whether I would “write the question in really hard professor language.” Another said, rather quickly, “don’t give her any ideas!”
Anyway, nice weekend to be ended with lunch in Ventura.
We had good sandwiches but were both struck by how loud the place we had chosen was. They had four teevees going. Two with football and two with bull-riding. They were also playing music rather loudly. Our waiter was taking a bit getting us the check and I heard Honey singing “Help Me Rhonda” along with the music. I should note, quickly and vigorously, that Honey isn’t a big Beach Boys fan. She can articulate this better than I. Indeed, she did so as we drove back to the freeway, explaining that, while she liked some Brian Wilson songs, the popular one were ubiquitous and not appealing to her. That’s a paraphrase, but I think I got the gist.
I have other reasons for not liking that particular song. The good news is that I see my therapist tonight and “Help Me Rhonda” could well come up. Once I’ve processed, I may share out.
Honey and I agreed, and, indeed, have discussed and agreed on this before, that music in restaurants, well, sucks. It’s loud. It interrupts both conversation and contemplative silence. It panders to the worst in music. It’s either noise (pablum pop stripped of lyrics) or intrusive (Beach Boys). Either way, I’d like modern America a wee bit quieter. Ok, a lot quieter.
I know that there are undoubtedly studies that show that people are happier when they have music while they eat. It fills lulls in conversations and give those (theoretically) poor souls eating alone something to think about. But I think focus groups of this type have caused more harm than good. I like the sound of people talking and of dishes being moved around. I like these sounds whether alone or with people. I also like to be able to hear my dinner companion(s). And to read when alone.
I’m sure there are people who want to be the bringee in a world that is far too loud. Count me as not among that group.
Somebody turn down the damn music. I’m never, ever, going to help Brian Wilson or Rhonda, so no need to implore me to do so.
Blogs worth reading
Write a comment