Month: June 2002

Overheard conversation

/ Kevin B. O'Reilly

I was in the Walgreens buying some things and two men who were price checking with those handheld machines were working near the checkout counter. One said to the other, “So what happened with that whole Enron thing? Did they just cheat everybody out of their money or what?”

His partner answered noncommittally. But boy could they operate those machines, typing in numbers a gazillion miles a minute without even looking at the keypad. A perfect example of rational ignorance, which is both a blessing and a curse. And to think that I sometimes flagellate myself for not keeping up enough with the news.

The last step

/ Kevin B. O'Reilly

I did some errands with my dad today, including a trip to his bank. I remarked that I couldn’t even remember the last time I’d been inside a bank, since I pretty much do all my banking through ATMs. My dad, incredibly enough, does not know how to operate an ATM. He said someone showed him once and it seemed confusing.

So after he concluded his business, I decided to do him the favor of giving him a quick demo. And it went well and Dad saw how easy it was. The one question — “Where does the deposit envelope go?” — was handled with ease. But I forgot the last step. I didn’t realize it until I arrived home later, but that last step is crucial. Once your transaction is completed, Dad, remember to remove your ATM card!

Otherwise, the machine eats it and you’ve got to wait 10 business days for them to issue a new card. Argh. That’s the second time in the last few months that I’ve left my card in the machine. Maybe my dad has the right idea after all about not using ATMs.