Random confluence

I was shopping with a friend for a photo printer to gift her mother. Her mum got a PowerShot for Christmas, and wanted a docking printer for it. Very specific. We went to the usual budget sources in Fredericton, The Source and FutureShop . . . and were served by two very different young men who seemed mostly interested in getting a commission. At least the guy at The Source knew what the hey he was talking about; our salesman at FutureShop was full of deceit and double-edged words to cozy us up to the idea of buying the most expensive printer available. Jerk.

So then we went to Wal-Mart. Oh, I know what you're thinking. Normally I won't set foot in the place since low, low prices equates to some combination of shoddy merchandise or crappy service. They had the Canon docker we were looking for, but none in stock. The sales guy (who does not receive commission) checked the warehouse (they were out) then gave us the number for the north side Wal-Mart to see if they had one. They did. Hurrah.

But the point of this story is that the gentleman working at Wal-Mart was not a part-timer looking to put himself through university on his commissions. He was old enough to be a lifer. And he knew exactly what he was talking about. He was helpful, jovial, knowledgeable . . . now, before you go thinking I've got some big girl crush on him, let me just say he wasn't my type. But the fact that he knows so much about printers and photography and is working in the electronics section at Wal-Mart . . . was disheartening.

In the end, it turns out Canon doesn't make a printer dock; you have to go with Kodak or HP. Funny ol' world, ain't it?

Why do the techie stores want young, ignorant males in their employ when they could have someone like Wal-Mart Guy (WMG)?

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this one.

Long time, no postings

And here's why:

The show is up until the end of the month; come on down to The Playhouse at 686 Queen St. in Fredericton and check it out!

There's already been some media coverage of the exhibit, and it's generating positive responses. I admit to having been a bit concerned because of the subject matter, but so far no complaints.

I've received all kinds of feedback; here's the best:

Little boy, looking at pictures: "So . . . did any of these people die having their photographs taken?"

Playhouse employee: "No, I think they're all just posed shots."

Little boy, relieved: "Oh, okay." [after a pause] "I think I like art."