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As a media guy, I love all types of media. A few years ago, I started buying the newspaper when I had the time to relax and read it at home. I fell in love with the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, which I can get here in the New York City metro area.
Other newspapers that were readily available were the New York Post, New York Daily News and three Connecticut newspapers. Unfortunately, the staffing is so slim at these local papers, that much like their local TV news counterparts, there isn't much content at all. And very little original reporting.
On the weekend, the only 24/7 gas station in my neighborhood, Circle K, carried the weekend Financial Times newspaper. It was a special treat having access to a physical British newspaper.
My obsession with finding more newspapers options led me to call a number of area businesses that I thought might carry something off the beaten path. I came up snake eyes – with the exception of Switzer's Pharmacy, in the Southport section of town.
When I called Switzer's, the gentleman on the other end of the phone told me that they carried the Financial Times daily. I was bursting with excitement. I hopped in the car, grabbed a mug full of my latest K-cup obsession, McDonald's decaf, turned on DI.FM's house music channel as I journeyed to Southport.
I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw a stand with all of the newspapers out on display in front of the pharmacy. It was an extremely windy day, and I was impressed with how the physics of the stand held all of the glorious dead-tree daily bulletins in place.
As I got even closer, I read the sign that said "Please leave money in box." I thought to myself, "Wow, this is a throwback to a different time. A time when people were more honest." And was there ever actually a time like that where people were that "more" honest? ;-)
This reminds me of the sign that Dante left in the movie "Clerks," that said "Please leave money on the counter. Take change when applicable. Be honest." I grabbed my Financial Times newspaper and the New York Times and looked around for this
box to leave my cash in. I couldn't find one. So I went in the store and informed the proprietor of my predicament. He told me that the box only appears when he disappears (from the store to run an errand).
On the way out, I was happy to see an entire magazine section. A sight that is rare anywhere these days, unless you're at Barnes & Noble.
It was one of those small, life-affirming adventures that brightens your whole day. I love these types of "Gilmore Girls," small town, Connecticut moments.
It always makes my day when I stumble upon a scene like this one, exemplifying what life should be like when it's at its best. Because every once in a while, it's nice to put your phone down, see what's in front of you, talk to someone and enjoy the moment.
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