interesting perception of TV

[gerryann]

This is a copy of a "letter to the editor" from the Villages News. I agree with it. I see the same thing lately. Is it age? Boredom? What's causing this??



To the Editor:

I’m sure this isn’t the first letter concerning this and it certainly won’t be the last. I don’t understand this petty and nasty behavior that I seem to notice from many Villagers. And before anyone replies with the expected, “Don’t like it, then move out!”, I’d like to ask why? Why be so negative and eager to jump on others? I see many bad attitudes and entitled, spoiled human beings. Whatever happened to kindness? It goes much further than meanness and hatefulness. I’ve been out at local businesses and witnessed my fellow Villagers in action. It’s quite embarrassing to see a grown man or woman behaving like spoiled children, yelling and screaming at other people because they aren’t getting their way, or what they believe they are entitled to. Is this the example you’ve all taught your children, as well? And whatever happened to the words, “Please” and “Thank you”?
Kindness and manners, anyone?

Jaime Green
Village of Duval

[rubicon]

A number of years ago a woman made her 15 minutes to fame by promoting the happiness germ. it did manage to get her national attention;albeit briefly. Well in effect what we have is the misery germ and its spread all over the western hemisphere. It certainly proves that money won't buy happiness especially when you compare how much more upbeat the people who lived through the Great Depression were than we are now. I would venture a guess that there are a whole lot of people living in foreign countries that would view the wealth of our defined poor as well, wealthy.

We have terrible national leaders, our movies television shows ,music, news stations etc are not upbeat but depressing spreading gloom and doom and it all this carries from one person to the next. Essential the proverbial misery index is in the minus column.

I opine other can decide

[Pointer]

I try to understand that others may be suffering from things I cannot see or know and focus instead on the many people who do have smiles and then try to find the humor in the negative where I can. Fortunately I come from a large family who have the ability to find the humor at even the worst times. Like when my brother cut off his finger for the second time and said "bad news; I cut off my finger again, good news; its the same one they reattached the last time and it didn't work to well anyway. On a serious note if you notice that someone is unusually negative checking their medication could be of benefit. Especially if they are weaning off of or starting a new one. I had a friend who quit her job before she read the warning "do not make any major decisions while starting this medication". Fortunately her employer thought it was funny when she asked for her job back.

[Reezie]

I agree with the way people act here in TV. I was at dr. Office Friday and this man who's appointment was 15 minutes late came up and gave the receptionist such a reaming out, it was embarrassing listening. Tell me, if he was in with the dr. Would he tell him to hurry it up because there were people waiting for their appointment, I think not. We are retired, what is the big hurry. Where does it say, just because we are older it gives us the right to be rude.

[Villager Joyce]

Amen, amen and amen!

[geri317]

I have noticed a rudeness in some people who live in the Villages that I've never seen elsewhere. I think it comes from a sense of entitlement. We all move here with the belief that it is the friendliest place in the nation. If some people don't get what they want when they want it, they turn into something very unpleasant. I have lived here five years. I noticed that attitude right from the start. I have often pitied the waiters, store clerks, receptionists who have to tolerate this terrible behavior from people who think they deserve special treatment because they are Villagers.

[rubicon]

I have noticed impatient and rude people everywhere. On ship cruises, in restaurants doctors, hospitals offices, airports etc. It behooves me that these folks have never understood the efficacy of you can get better with results with honey...................

[Indydealmaker]

I think that Rubicon was insightful by pointing one finger of blame at a general malaise in this country as a result of increasingly obvious corruption, lack of work ethic, racial divide, uncertainty as to what the future holds, erosion of traditions, etc.

Another factor to consider, when people comment that the grouchy, rude population is greater here, is that TV has the largest concentration of seniors in the world. Sprinkle our grouchy seniors back among the younger-diluted population elsewhere and you would hardly notice them.

Many people do not age well. Illness, boredom, lack of purpose, onset of dementia, concern about having enough funds for their remaining lives, and increased awareness of their mortality are all some serious stressors.

It is not TV and it IS TV. It is all about demographics. Maybe TV should start concentrating on mental well-being as well as physical.

[OBXNana]

We only have control over our own behavior. Treat others as you want to be treated and hope the cycle continues. A few weeks ago Starbucks had a long line of people that all day paid for the persons purchase behind them. This went on for hours. All it took was the first person to start the act of kindness.

It begins with us.

[MikeV]

No matter how bad or rude someone is I try to ignore it. Pointing it out to them will only make it worse so I bite my tongue. It goes against my grain to do that but as someone mentioned we are retired and I have no interest in confrontation any more.

[Deseylou]

I work at Disney and it rampant there
I paid$$$$ for this vacation and I deserve this and that...
I'm new here to TV, so far all I've seen are happy friendly people... ( Except my neighbor)

[rubicon]

I think that Rubicon was insightful by pointing one finger of blame at a general malaise in this country as a result of increasingly obvious corruption, lack of work ethic, racial divide, uncertainty as to what the future holds, erosion of traditions, etc.

Another factor to consider, when people comment that the grouchy, rude population is greater here, is that TV has the largest concentration of seniors in the world. Sprinkle our grouchy seniors back among the younger-diluted population elsewhere and you would hardly notice them.

Many people do not age well. Illness, boredom, lack of purpose, onset of dementia, concern about having enough funds for their remaining lives, and increased awareness of their mortality are all some serious stressors.

It is not TV and it IS TV. It is all about demographics. Maybe TV should start concentrating on mental well-being as well as physical.

Steve agree about our homogenous population and is a mix of aches and pains, medications, sore spots as to issues or circumstances i.e tired of waiting in line I'm old, I'm entitled to go first...move.

On the other hand there are those here who do well sidestepping or containing negative vibes which has always put a smile on my face because one expert when said that his definition of intelligence was a person who refused to remain unhappy.

Stay thirsty my friends

[RErmer]

Guess I just have a different perspective on life in TV. For every rude miserable person, it seems to me that there are at least 10 compassionate, thoughtful, caring people here. Having lived in 5 states through the years, most recently in South Florida, and traveling internationally on business, I think TV has the nicest people.

[njbchbum]

I can't help but wonder how it is that the 'grouchy folks' are recognized as residents of The Villages and not folks who do not live there. How do people differentiate between them?

[Chi-Town]

A number of years ago a woman made her 15 minutes to fame by promoting the happiness germ. it did manage to get her national attention;albeit briefly. Well in effect what we have is the misery germ and its spread all over the western hemisphere. It certainly proves that money won't buy happiness especially when you compare how much more upbeat the people who lived through the Great Depression were than we are now. I would venture a guess that there are a whole lot of people living in foreign countries that would view the wealth of our defined poor as well, wealthy.

We have terrible national leaders, our movies television shows ,music, news stations etc are not upbeat but depressing spreading gloom and doom and it all this carries from one person to the next. Essential the proverbial misery index is in the minus column.

I opine other can decide

I would have to agree that people in the Dust Bowl were probably more upbeat than your post.

[DougB]

Sorry, but excluding me, I've yet to meet one rude or impatient person in the Villages.

[Barefoot]

We only have control over our own behavior. Treat others as you want to be treated and hope the cycle continues. It begins with us.
As OBXNana wisely said "It begins with us"
If we are all consistently appreciative and pleasant, soon we won't even notice the grumpy buckets around us.

[Polar Bear]

Where is all this rudeness and nastiness of which you speak. Try as I might, I've simply been unable to find it.

(DougB...it's obvious we haven't met each other yet!)

[jrandall]

Don't worry Be Happy. ��

[billethkid]

it seems there always has to be a reality reminder when things like the original post quotes.

Please keep in mind what is being presented is one persons opinion spreading it as though there was a general condition being revealed. When we all know that most of us and those we know (and don't know) constitute far and away the majority who do things in life right.

AND it is unfortunate, just as is demonstrated in this thread, there are comments supporting the "what happened" behavior......even though it is not the majority behavior.

Once again as I usually do....let's hear it for those of us who do it right and not worry too much about the other 5% (OK make it 6.7654%).

[Wandatime]

I think that Rubicon was insightful by pointing one finger of blame at a general malaise in this country as a result of increasingly obvious corruption, lack of work ethic, racial divide, uncertainty as to what the future holds, erosion of traditions, etc.

Another factor to consider, when people comment that the grouchy, rude population is greater here, is that TV has the largest concentration of seniors in the world. Sprinkle our grouchy seniors back among the younger-diluted population elsewhere and you would hardly notice them.

Many people do not age well. Illness, boredom, lack of purpose, onset of dementia, concern about having enough funds for their remaining lives, and increased awareness of their mortality are all some serious stressors.

It is not TV and it IS TV. It is all about demographics. Maybe TV should start concentrating on mental well-being as well as physical.

All very good points. I have seen a couple of incidences in TV where someone was going way over the top with their demands; I've also been cut off on the road, cut in front of in line, had parking spaces taken when it was clear by my blinker I was planning on using it, etc., etc. It does seem to happen more here than in places where the demographics are more balanced.

However, I know from personal experience (my mother) that a person with even the beginnings of dementia or Alzheimer's can behave in demanding, irrational, and even alarming ways. I also know from personal experience (my husband) that pain from a bad back or cancer can make even the kindest or most mild mannered person cranky. Heck, I'm no angel when I haven't had enough sleep and my first cup of coffee!

I can't change anybody; only my reaction to it. A warm smile works wonders.

Just don't take my parking space before I've had my three cups of caffeine. I'll cut you up like last night's chicken! :shocked:

[elbear]

It's real and in TV and elsewhere but not rampant. Kindness is also all around. You see it all but then it is up to you what you dwell on...I feel much much better focusing on the latter but every so often get caught. It's those times I remind myself I'm not perfect either and try to remember to do better.

[Jdmiata]

Older people ( like me ) tend to be less tolerant . We just have a lot of older people in TV.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I don't know where Jaime has been hanging out, but I find that the vast majority of people that I've met here and have seen around The Villages are the most friendly, courteous, happy people that I've ever met in my life.

[dbussone]

I don't know where Jaime has been hanging out, but I find that the vast majority of people that I've met here and have seen around The Villages are the most friendly, courteous, happy people that I've ever met in my life.


Well stated. I am so thrilled to be here...after 2+ years. And anticipate the same going forward.

[Aandjmassage]

Only been here 2 months but not seen any one in a bad mood yet. Hope I did not jinx it.

[tippyclubb]

Where is all this rudeness and nastiness of which you speak. Try as I might, I've simply been unable to find it.

(DougB...it's obvious we haven't met each other yet!)

Come down to my street in Collier and you'll see plenty of it. I don't know where these people come from but it's a unfriendly street. The man a few doors away is down right rude. I keep waving and smiling though, I refuse to let them get me down. I just don't understand grumpy people.

[DruannB]

When we visited TV last month, we were very impressed by how friendly everyone was to us. My husband tends to attract friendly people. He is friendly personified. Then one day he made a wrong turn on a cart path and a gentleman u-turned, pulled him over and gave him a piece of his mind. We have never, ever encountered such hostility from a stranger. John apologized for not knowing his way around the paths and we drove away as quickly as our cart would move. A few blocks later we stopped in a parking lot to regroup and shake off the verbal attack. The same gentleman approached us. Our initial reaction was fear. What would he do now? He then acted like he didn't recognize us, was extremely helpful with directions, and wished us a good day. We concluded it was age or medicine related. It was a reminder to both of us to have a bit more tolerance. One day it might be us. And I can get cranky even when I'm feeling well. That being said, I know that when I move to TV, I should expect something similar to happen again. I guess it's the price we pay to live in TV. After all, paradise is what you make it, but no one should expect Disney World every day.

[Indydealmaker]

Come down to my street in Collier and you'll see plenty of it. I don't know where these people come from but it's a unfriendly street. The man a few doors away is down right rude. I keep waving and smiling though, I refuse to let them get me down. I just don't understand grumpy people.

We have 16 homes on our court and 15 out of the 16 are great neighbors. The jury is still out on the 16th as they do not go out of their way to be friendly or to attend most neighborhood gatherings. However, we gain our 16th by enjoying to the company of the family behind us. We are blessed.

[Carpe Diem]

(Hey Findlay, OH! - from Norwalk)

Haven't met any rude people yet.

[mrdarcy]

Arrogance, entitlement, lack of graciousness, boorishness. I too have seen these attitudes in The Villages. Genuinely happy people don't exhibit the above noted traits. There's more misery behind closed doors here than is apparent at first blush.

[Bonanza]

My doctor just changed my "happy" pill.
The old one didn't seem to be working.
I must say, I'm a pretty happy camper these days.
I haven't found as many not-so-nice people lately,
but when I do, I'll be sure to tell them about this pill!

Seriously, though . . . perhaps that's what some people may need.
Many seniors have a problem with depression and a happy pill could be just what the doctor ordered.

[cattywampus]

I have learned to give wide leeway when people are grouchy or unhappy.
It is not my place to judge people on one encounter.
Many people have a bad day, once in a while.

[cattywampus]

Arrogance, entitlement, lack of graciousness, boorishness. I too have seen these attitudes in The Villages. Genuinely happy people don't exhibit the above noted traits. There's more misery behind closed doors here than is apparent at first blush.

I too have witnessed the attitudes.

Yet, have found that almost all Villagers are
polite and gracious and wait their turn.
They also treat wait persons with respect.

[gamby]

2 Timothy 3: 1-5

But know this, that in the last days+ critical times hard to deal with will be here. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, 3 having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God,

[Barefoot]

Seriously, though . . . perhaps that's what some people may need.
Many seniors have a problem with depression and a happy pill could be just what the doctor ordered.

We don't need no darn happy pills, we have Happy Hours! :beer3:

A statistic I read was six million people over the age of 65 are depressed.
Even though The Villages is a fabulous, active retirement community, the fact remains that old age beings aches and pains and possibly surgeries. And often the loss of loved ones.
We can move forward courageously, but some of us may need Meds to even out our moods.
No shame in that, depression is an illness.

[Wandatime]

Come down to my street in Collier and you'll see plenty of it. I don't know where these people come from but it's a unfriendly street. The man a few doors away is down right rude. I keep waving and smiling though, I refuse to let them get me down. I just don't understand grumpy people.

Hey, I live in Collier! I'll be in TV in late September and early October; maybe we can meet! My street is pretty friendly (Ragsdale Loop) so far but I haven't met everybody.

[tippyclubb]

Hey, I live in Collier! I'll be in TV in late September and early October; maybe we can meet! My street is pretty friendly (Ragsdale Loop) so far but I haven't met everybody.

I'm trying to send you a PM but it's not showing up as going through. Did you get it? If not try to send me one and I can respond to it to give you contact information.

[DaleMN]

2 Timothy 3: 1-5

But know this, that in the last days+ critical times hard to deal with will be here. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, 3 having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God,

Party on!!! :doh:

[eweissenbach]

There are many reasons that people may act more rudely today than in the past, but I would posit that mass media is a large one. You can't turn on talk radio without hearing someone screeching about the other side in the most mean spirited way possible. Sports talk radio is filled with egomaniacs who are rude to anyone with a differing opinion. Fox News channel and MSNBC are both full of partisans who love to paint anyone with a differing viewpoint as subhuman. People listen to these one-sided diatribes and many come away believing that only one point of view is reasonable and any other is wrong and even evil. Decorum, reasonable debate and disagreement, and yes, good manners have been replaced by unyielding confrontation. Some people pay no attention, and others simply don't take this contentiousness seriously, but a seeming growing number get very agitated and this often spills over into real life. It is my opinion that politics and political viewpoints are more intense and more freely expressed, often in a rather discomforting way, because of this. This confrontational style has spilled over into other areas of peoples lives, leading to uncomfortable and angry exchanges in some cases. I don't find this issue any more prevalent in TV than in any other place I have been, but find it a troubling sign of the times. JMHO

[billethkid]

There are many reasons that people may act more rudely today than in the past, but I would posit that mass media is a large one. You can't turn on talk radio without hearing someone screeching about the other side in the most mean spirited way possible. Sports talk radio is filled with egomaniacs who are rude to anyone with a differing opinion. Fox News channel and MSNBC are both full of partisans who love to paint anyone with a differing viewpoint as subhuman. People listen to these one-sided diatribes and many come away believing that only one point of view is reasonable and any other is wrong and even evil. Decorum, reasonable debate and disagreement, and yes, good manners have been replaced by unyielding confrontation. Some people pay no attention, and others simply don't take this contentiousness seriously, but a seeming growing number get very agitated and this often spills over into real life. It is my opinion that politics and political viewpoints are more intense and more freely expressed, often in a rather discomforting way, because of this. This confrontational style has spilled over into other areas of peoples lives, leading to uncomfortable and angry exchanges in some cases. I don't find this issue any more prevalent in TV than in any other place I have been, but find it a troubling sign of the times. JMHO

I agree 100%. I would only suggest that your last sentence have one more word included as below:

"...find it another troubling sign of the times...."

[casita37]

When someone is rude to me, my first thought is " Is that all you got?" You're out and about, walking on your own two feet. You look well fed, you have appropriate clothing, nobody is holding you at gunpoint, and I did NOT kill your dog, so get over your lame self!!
Outwardly, I usually say something like...oh, sorry.....LOL

[Taltarzac725]

Dr. Phil.com - Advice - Dealing with Rude People (http://www.drphil.com/articles/article/626)

Dr. Phil comes to the rescue. This only may work in some cases though.

[Bavarian]

The Villages is not billed as the nation's friendliest hometown, just Florida's. I think people come here from unfriendly places and keep the same mode. Where we lived in MD, everyone waved to each other when passing in a car, waliking, etc. Other developments did not.
All one can do is wave hi to people you pass on the way.

I sometimes think some of the rudeness may be the fact that some people are venting their frustrations they put up with when working, just smile, wave hello, ask how they are.

[buggyone]

I have lived in The Villages for 5 years and found almost everyone friendly and helpful. Only a very, very few rude encounters.

As far as the political views, I have made friends with those on the other side of my political party and we do enjoy bantering back and forth over an ice cold Yeungling.

I love it here in The Villages, have met some great friends, and have nothing but praise for The Developer.

[CFrance]

There are many reasons that people may act more rudely today than in the past, but I would posit that mass media is a large one. You can't turn on talk radio without hearing someone screeching about the other side in the most mean spirited way possible. Sports talk radio is filled with egomaniacs who are rude to anyone with a differing opinion. Fox News channel and MSNBC are both full of partisans who love to paint anyone with a differing viewpoint as subhuman. People listen to these one-sided diatribes and many come away believing that only one point of view is reasonable and any other is wrong and even evil. Decorum, reasonable debate and disagreement, and yes, good manners have been replaced by unyielding confrontation. Some people pay no attention, and others simply don't take this contentiousness seriously, but a seeming growing number get very agitated and this often spills over into real life. It is my opinion that politics and political viewpoints are more intense and more freely expressed, often in a rather discomforting way, because of this. This confrontational style has spilled over into other areas of peoples lives, leading to uncomfortable and angry exchanges in some cases. I don't find this issue any more prevalent in TV than in any other place I have been, but find it a troubling sign of the times. JMHO
I agree and would add that the internet and the anonymity it affords has allowed this contentiousness to spread unabated. Just read some of the comments made in response to articles in online newspapers or news venues like NPR. I have never encountered such nastiness. It's distressing.

[Wandatime]

I agree and would add that the internet and the anonymity it affords has allowed this contentiousness to spread unabated. Just read some of the comments made in response to articles in online newspapers or news venues like NPR. I have never encountered such nastiness. It's distressing.

I learned the hard way after posting a recipe -- yes just a recipe -- to never ever read the comments section after an article. By the third posting at the latest, and I dare say without exception, they degrade into ridiculous and unabashed anonymous hatefulness. I used to be distressed as well. Now I just don't read them (I confess it is hard to resist sometimes). It is much better here in my blissfully ignorant happy place. :p

[CFrance]

I learned the hard way after posting a recipe -- yes just a recipe -- to never ever read the comments section after an article. By the third posting at the latest, and I dare say without exception, they degrade into ridiculous and unabashed anonymous hatefulness. I used to be distressed as well. Now I just don't read them (I confess it is hard to resist sometimes). It is much better here in my blissfully ignorant happy place. :p
That's right. And as 2BNTV says, don't let them take up space in your head.

[lovsthosebigdogs]

If my dear father met someone who cut him off in the car or gave him a hard time he used to say, "Boy, THEY must be having a really bad day!" I like to try and believe that and not react to someone's temper and try not to take it personally. I have really great neighbors, although some are definitely friendlier than others and some clearly don't like dogs. That's ok with me and I try to respect that and be a good neighbor. So far I'm not sure if I've been luckily enough not to encounter any negative people in TV or I'm just really good at ignoring the world around me, but so far, so good.

[John_W]

I grew up in Florida. Johnny Carson once joked in his monologue about my town that 'St. Petersburg was the city of the living dead.' As a kid, we would keep our distance from seniors but that was hard to do. My neighbors were all seniors, I had to ride my bike a couple of miles just to find classmates. My Little League folded, Boy Scouts hardly existed, in a city of 200,000 only one high school was needed. When I played golf we were always paired with seniors. My first job was at a downtown hotel operating the elevator. The kind with the cage door and a handle to go up or down. Seven floors of seniors, the Lawrence Welk Show on TV was the nightly lobby entertainment. For a while my father owned and operated a laundromat. All his customers were seniors and boy they were no fun, I dreaded going to that place. Now as a senior citizen myself, I know what kids think about us.

Today, St. Petersburg has really changed their image. The green benches that lined the city streets occupied by the elderly have been removed. Most of the cheap downtown places for seniors have been eliminated. Seniors now move to retirement communities and trailer parks away from the area. Without all the seniors, St. Petersburg is now a place for families to move. Seniors haven't changed, they just live longer and communicate better.

[sunnyatlast]

When I see a crabby, nasty old person being demanding here in TV, it takes me right back to 1962 when, as a child, I would see the old people in my town going to the bank teller window (seemingly daily) to demand that the teller write into their savings passbook today's new balance with the interest accrued since yesterday. Meanwhile, working people were in line to make deposits, get cash, etc. Then the oldies would go to the post office down the street and stand in line to hand their already stamped letter to the postal worker at the counter, when there was both a postal drop box outside on the sidewalk and a drop slot inside. It was like they did this daily routine to get out of the boredom of the house and go downtown to snarl at some younger people.

The place I've seen this exact behavior most is at the post office across from Spanish Springs. While working or younger or traveling people are in line to buy postage for something that has to be weighed or certified/insured, older ones are lengthening the line to do nothing more than hand the stamped letter to the worker at the desk instead of dropping it in the box by the door. The other place I see this "it's all about ME" attitude is at the supermarkets early in the morning. I've learned to avoid those places in the mornings.

[billethkid]

When I see a crabby, nasty old person being demanding here in TV, it takes me right back to 1962 when, as a child, I would see the old people in my town going to the bank teller window (seemingly daily) to demand that the teller write into their savings passbook today's new balance with the interest accrued since yesterday. Meanwhile, working people were in line to make deposits, get cash, etc. Then the oldies would go to the post office down the street and stand in line to hand their already stamped letter to the postal worker at the counter, when there was both a postal drop box outside on the sidewalk and a drop slot inside. It was like they did this daily routine to get out of the boredom of the house and go downtown to snarl at some younger people.

The place I've seen this exact behavior most is at the post office across from Spanish Springs. While working or younger or traveling people are in line to buy postage for something that has to be weighed or certified/insured, older ones are lengthening the line to do nothing more than hand the stamped letter to the worker at the desk instead of dropping it in the box by the door. The other place I see this "it's all about ME" attitude is at the supermarkets early in the morning. I've learned to avoid those places in the mornings.

Assuming one does venture outside the bubble from time to time.....how about crabby/nasty people outside TV. I agree there is a certain amount of the crabiness and nastiness assigned to us "older" folks....but how about outside TV's crabby-nasties?

[maybe]

I have not noticed people here being any worse or better than most other places I have lived. Maybe I have just been lucky.

[Yorio]

Maybe I've been lucky. I haven't met a nasty person in TV yet as I can't help but say something to that person. Though I do notice these days that people do not give smiles as we pass each other as much as we used to. If I were to do a bell curve, I would say 90 o/o are nice and 5 o/o are extremely kind and probably 5o/o are nasty. Given that we have over 100,000, this would mean 5,000 are nasty people. When I was living in Italy, an American couple got on a train in Pisa headed for Florence. Conductor came to check tickets and apparently they didn't know to stamp tickets before they got on. He got very indignant when he had to pay a penalty which was much less than normal penalty. I explained to him about what transpired but he would't listen so I told him he may get 10 times and left. Don't know what happened eventually. It's too bad some people are like that.

[patfla06]

So far the majority of the people I've run into seem to be nice.

I wonder if reality T.V. seems to be rubbing off on some people.
All they show are people at their worst.

Whatever happened to treating others as YOU want to be treated?
Oh I guess that went the way of manners!