My Kingdom For A (Pay) Phone

Not that I'm in a ranting mood this morning or anything, but here's something else that REALLY bugs me whenever I'm out: the almost complete and utter lack of payphones now in malls and other public places.

I know, I know...time to complete my transition to the digital revolution already. And you'd think I would, but those that know me well know why I haven't yet. I'll even give you a hint: a baptized cordless phone's journey from countertop to toilet, all the while  cheerily beeping its We Will Rock You ringtone.

I know I'll eventually probably have to get one. I'm not suggesting we hold hands and go back to the early 80's (though I really do miss Flavor King Corner at Bonnie Doon Mall...remember those great burgers?) All I am asking for is one or two pay phones in prominent, accessible places. Is that too much to ask?

Your Partner in Life

Pin Pad Perils

It often occurs to me, as I go to places like restaurants, drugstores, and for the occasional cuppa joe (little bit of Humphrey Bogart there), that the pin pads that I and other disabled people use to pay for our purchases often aren't very accessible to us at all. They are tethered to their immediate locations and tilted at such an angle that it is almost impossible to read the screen. We have to yell "I can't see what I'm doing! I can't see what I'm doing! Which button do I hit" And then, when we finally figure it out...the pin pad times out!

Come on, Alberta! There must be some enterprising entrepreneur in this innovative province with a solution! Here's some I have come up with:

1) A swivel mount for the base.
2) A glare-resistant screen viewable from any angle.
3) A totally wireless handheld system.

What do you think?

Your Partner in Life