7:4:22

"In recent years, we've become so technology-obsessed that good manners probably belong to antiquity. When we leave a message for someone, we tell ourselves that we don't need to be nice because we're only talking to a machine anyway. But almost everyone I see out in the world today appears mad, put out, and in general they regard you as a pain in the butt if you're over 50. It's as though everyone comes from New York City.

The shop clerks wish you'd never come in, even though their shop is going broke.

The coffee vendors wish are simply cappuccino orderers with nothing to say to help pass the time.

The cash register clerks in the supermarket ring you up as though Al Qaeda is around the corner and they need to win 'beat the clock' against the register and get out.

The people at Radio Shack don't know what electronics are.

Waiters in restaurants have the amazing ability to avoid eye contact the moment you think you'd like the check or some service.

Young people who are out of work and want jobs won't work for less pay than the maximum they think they can get. They feel entitled.

The young people are the leaders of the Rude Pack. I know the rest of us have screwed up the world, but I wouldn't want to leave it to them anyway."


-Shirley MacLaine, I'm Over All That, 2011