Monday, September 20, 2021

INSIDE EDITION READS MY BLOG

In my post last week I mentioned about the media's abuse of the name  Karen by attaching it to women who show really bad, unkind behavior. I posted on Monday and was a bit shocked to see a very similar take of the same subject on a segment of Inside Edition (a TV news magazine) the following Wednesday.

They even used the stats I had quoted on how the number of new babies named Karen had dropped drastically. It did show that there are Karen support groups cropping up. Wasn't aware of that.  I realize how hard it must be being an adult named Karen right now but I sure feel for any kids sporting the name. 

Now did someone from Inside Edition read my blog? Possibly but more likely it falls under the old saw that "there is no such thing as an original thought."


Finally I had a scary but funny experience this week I have to relate.  I have mentioned that due to my COPD that I use the motorized shopping carts when I go in Walmart. I was riding it out to my little truck to load my purchases and stayed close to the parked cars to avoid the traffic. 

Suddenly, a van I was almost directly behind, started its engine and slowly backed right in my direction. Because I was sitting, he could not see me. I was below his windows.

Frantically I floored it trying to get out of his way. Well as much as they floor. They have a four mile an hour top speed. I had it full throttle but it was not looking good. Don't know why I didn't holler but instead I slid back and forth in the seat (as my neighbor would say-- "humping" it) trying to coax a bit more speed out of it. That is what made the situation funny. The image of a little old lady humping a cart trying to get more it to go faster. Obviously I made it though the driver and I had some tense moments.  

This made me realize that I needed in the future to be more careful in my cart but also as a driver to beware of those low to the ground scooters. Kind of a reminder to you all if your store uses them. Keep an eye out for those little rascles when backing up. 

Now if this shows up on Inside Edition--how about a shout out guys:)  

Have you ever had the basis of one your posts show up somewhere else?

45 comments :

  1. No I haven't that I know of. But, I DID seethe segment on Inside Edition.
    Our motorized carts have flags on them so drivers take notice...but, seriously, they back up anyway.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anni,
      The flag wouldn't be a bad idea. Might mention it to Walmart.

      Delete
  2. Patti, very relieved you're okay! I was pretty tense just reading your situation in the lot, let alone having to experience it. Well, your "Karen Blog Part 2" here was pretty funny, I'm beginning to wonder if IE DID get their inspiration from you! Enjoyed that IE clip, but to be honest I wasn't thinking the name Karen while watching those women... (something more along the line of witch!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Doug,
      Kind of looks like they did huh? I know, weren't they awful women? They gave all women a bad name.

      Delete
  3. Inside Edition should have given you a shout out on their Karen story. You are a trend-setter, Patti, and maybe you'll help turn the tide on Karen.
    Very very scary about that truck and you in the motorized cart. I think those carts should come with a very loud HORN!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. robin,
      They do have a button for "horn" but I forgot all about it. First time I saw it I thought "How rude to use that in the store." Never thought how handy it might be outside.

      Delete
  4. Great minds think alike. LOL. It must have been a coincidence, but how great that must have been. As for being so low to the ground and not being seen by the other driver, whew! I am glad you did not get hurt. Yes, we should all be careful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gigi,
      It was kind of fun seeing my thoughts on TV. You are right, coincidence.
      I know I never thought about the carts in the parking lot. I will now.

      Delete
  5. I prefer to think that great minds think alike. And no, nothing I've ever posted has had an impact on the media.

    I wonder that there isn't a flag on the back of the motorized carts. Perhaps this is something that the store ought to consider. But you can bet I'll be watching more carefully in the future. Glad you weren't hurt!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Eileen,
      I know I will be more cautious in the future in the cart or driving my car. Flags aren't a bad idea.

      Delete
  6. Parking lot driving always makes me super tense, Patti. I tend to shop very early and avoid big box stores and their crowds. Had to laugh at the idea of you 'flooring' the scooter at four miles per hour. Quite a visual! Glad you were okay.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Florence,
      Me too. I have a camper top that obscures my vision.
      Glad you enjoyed my flooring the little cart. That was what got me tickled in retrospect.

      Delete
  7. I've never used those carts so I didn't realize they were allowed outside the store itself... and have never seen one in the parking lot. That really could be dangerous. Maybe they need a horn or some device to let someone know they were there ... but that could present a problem inside the grocery for some impatient riders... honking at people who are in their way.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rian,
      You can't joy ride in them but you can take them out to your car to put your groceries away and then return it to the handicapped zone.
      They do have a horn that I wondered why it had one. I couldn't imagine using it in the store and never thought about the parking lot. I forgot about it that day. Sigh.

      Delete
  8. LATANE BARTON,
    Some how I deleted Latane's comment so here it is.

    Oh my... that could have been disastrous. People just don't pay attention these days. I wonder if they ever did.. it's just that we have so much more to watch out for now. Glad you are safe.. and gee, I would have loved being a fly on the wall in that parking lot while you were trying to give that thing some gas!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Latane,
      I'm sure some people watching were torn between gasping and giggling. Kind of like when someone falls down.

      Delete
  9. WOW! Very close call!!

    My blog is just bits and pieces of my life and nothing with much current events in it. But that would be exciting to see your idea on the big screen!!!

    I'm writing my comment which is next to some blogs you read ... so many have given up. Last post was 2-3 years ago. I feel a little bit better for taking off a month or two to get my groove back!

    STAY SAFE!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awkward Widow,
      It was kind of cool to see it like that.
      Hey, don't feel badly about taking a month off. I take breaks all the time. Just glad you are back now.

      Delete
  10. I was going to say they shaould have a flag or two on them, too! That had to be scary! Parking lots are dangerous places!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rita,
      There may be some hesitancy with the flags in a business but I will check that out.

      Delete
  11. As a pedestrian I've almost been backed into too. Drivers are so careless about looking behind them these days. Glad that you managed to evade the issue. It could have been dire.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Margaret,
      I know. I am crazy careful about backing up for I have a camper top and it restricts my vision.

      Delete
  12. How awful. Big trucks sit high and often can not see over the hoods.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Susan,
      Ooh, hadn't thought about that. Thanks. Something else to be watchful of.

      Delete
  13. Maybe you sleep walk and write for Inside Edition in your sleepwalking.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jean,
      Ha ha, they must be paying me in my sleep also:)

      Delete
  14. I use them too. They do have useless horns. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mage,
      I wondered about those horns. Figured they couldn't be too loud in case people used them inside the store. Next time I will give it a hoot when in the parking lot.

      Delete
  15. We have people on mobility scooters who have flags flying fairly high above them so as to be seen above hoods (bonnets here) and in rearview mirrors. The flags are attached to the back of the seat usually and are bright orange like the high-vis vests worn by council workers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. River,
      We have those too but usually on those who use their personal carts outside. There may be a problem with using them inside a business. I will check it out.

      Delete
  16. That is scary and I am quite sure it happens fairly often. Good reminder to be more careful all around.

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    Replies
    1. Olga,
      Wouldn't hurt since some have mentioned they had close calls even on foot.

      Delete
  17. That video gave me a headache because I had to control myself and not punch somebody.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Barbara,
      I know. There are some really ugly people out there.

      Delete
  18. Glad you didn't get hit. I saw a guy back out and keep on backing to hit a woman walking to her car with her packages, her back to him so she didn't see what was happening. He finally pulled forward, slowly driving through the parking lot before witnesses stopped him. He had backed out from a stop at the liquor store and clearly already had been drinking. He may not even have known he hit the woman. I was only one of numerous witnesses.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joared,
      Oh my, I sure hope she wasn't hurt. It can be scary enough but throw alcohol in the mix and we don't have a chance.

      Delete
  19. You have more readers leaving comments than I do ...
    so .....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ginnie,
      But look at all the famous people you have met.

      Delete
  20. I am just so glad you are okay! And yes, they probably troll just looking for some good ideas.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Dear Patti, so glad you're okay. I once walked between two cars parked by a curb and wasn't paying attention. Suddenly, I heard the front car's engine start up. Panicking, I jumped--yes, I was young enough then to be able to jump--from the street to the curb just as the car backed up and hit the bumper behind it. My legs would have both been crushed without that jump! So I can imagine the panic you felt. And yes, it's something all of us can learn from.

    As to "Karen"--I seldom watch news anymore and so I've missed these Karens who seem so judgmental. I read your previous posting about changing from Patsy to Patti. I did the same with my name. At home, they called me Dodo. At school my playmates did also until we learned about the extinct Dodo bird. Then, I asked my family to use my name--Dolores--and my playmates were kind enough to stop laughing and to do so also. Peace.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dee,
      That could have been so bad. Glad you were able to jump. Today I'd have to let them have at it.
      Names are so important aren't they and nicknames can take a wrong turn. Especially when young and kids can make it rough.

      Delete
  22. I don't think parents were still naming their girls Karen anyway...kind of given way to Olivia, Brooklyn and Annabelle. Glad you didn't get hit...I too, will be more careful!

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    Replies
    1. Dianne,
      Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Karen has kind of gone out of style which is fortunate. Wonder what the name to shame will be when these kids grow up.

      Delete
  23. Oh gracious! That was scary, Patti. Thank goodness you are all right.

    Ummm... no, I can't say any of my blog posts were used elsewhere. That must have been such fun for you. I wish they'd referenced your blog though.

    ReplyDelete

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