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Coronavirus, Part 11 - The Commercials

I hate commercials. All commercials. Even the funny ones after a while are annoying to the nth degree. But lately because of the COVID-19 pandemic, they've been aimed at advertising home delivery or curbside pick-up of EVERYTHING! I mean, everything. Bob's Furniture has a commercial informing the buyer that they will deliver your online purchase to your location contactless. Which is great if you really need that loveseat or couch, but you better be able to lug your purchase inside by yourself. Just about all restaurants are now delivering though through 3rd party delivery systems (Uber Eats, Grubhub, Door Dash, etc.). Commercials have been barely tolerable in their original huckster format, but now adding this constant reminder that we are imprisoned in our own houses and can't go to our favorite restaurants to sit down and enjoy a meal in peace is borderline sticking the knife in and giving it a twist. Contactless delivery is great if you don't mind the delivery person leaving your food on the ground outside your house or apartment. I don't do much eating out as it is because it has become so goddamn expensive. But on weekends, we like to treat ourselves.


This past Sunday, we treated ourselves to Applebee's curbside pick-up, which has been a staple with Applebee's for years. For two entrees and a nice tip came to nearly $50.00. This did not include any beverages, appetizers or dessert. Well, there was an onion soup involved and it was delicious. The night before we couldn't decide what we wanted. In the past, we'd just jump into the car, drive and land somewhere once our taste buds directed us to an establishment. But sitting in the living room, you have no idea. You don't have that visual stimulus to assist you. After debating for over an hour, nothing was decided. It was after 7. If we actually had made a decision, by time we got through to any restaurant, we wouldn't be eating until after 8 most likely closer to 9. I bailed and went home instead. I don't know what my GF had for dinner, but at around 8 pm I settled for string cheese, an apple and a strawberry filled granola snack bar. Not dinner, but it's better than going to bed hungry. This new dining out process takes a lot more planning and you can't wait until dinnertime to make your plans. It's another level of being prepared for anything.

I've gotten a little off track here, but you understand how commercials drive your desires. Which is what they're supposed to do. However, during this time it feels more like a gibe. I know it's not their intention. They have businesses to run; employees to pay; mouths to feed. You can't help to miss the way things used to be. The way things are now; it is more trouble than it's worth to venture out to eat. Drive-thrus are backed up circling around the fast food establishments. The simple solution is to buy enough groceries and learn to cook. I cook most nights, but I like to take the weekends off and go out. I'm looking at that as something that might be a thing of the past too.

The commercials that annoy me most are the ones thanking the first responders and front line personnel. They most likely are working 12 plus hour shifts and are not likely to see these thank yous. I know the intentions are honorable, but not highly effective. And a constant reminder that life is not going to be normal for a long time to come. I think it would be more appropriate to just hammer us over the head with commercials telling us to just STAY THE FAHK HOME!

I got that off my chest. I feel better now. Not! Keep safe. And you only need to wash your hands if you go out in public and touch things. If you're staying inside, you don't need to wash your hands as often except after using the bathroom. For crying out loud! Wear masks. In PA, it's a directive. You won't be served in supermarkets, etc. without one. Use a bandanna if you have to. Until next time, TTFN.

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