Big box stores are fitting into smaller spaces. Wal-Mart and Target built their discount businesses where space was plentiful and land was cheap. However, in 2010 these chains are starting to move into big cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Seattle and Washington, D.C. The stores will be smaller – probably 2-story – with parking underneath, easy access to public transportation and merchandise tailored to the particular city. City dwellers who are already buying from these discount giants online or from their suburban stores are likely to have a new retail experience “in store” for them.
Fire poles are being removed from fire stations. It seems they have always been a major cause of firefighter injury. In 2009 Seattle settled a $13 million lawsuit after a firefighter fell down the open area around the pole and sustained brain injuries. Seattle has now banned fire poles and the National Fire Protection Association wants a national ban. New designs for fire stations are either single-story or have several staircases. North Carolina has replaced fire poles with slides. Considering the goal is to get firefighters to their equipment as quickly as possible, replacing poles hasn’t been a “polemic” decision.
Atlantic City is the newest gambling Mecca to install slot machines that take drink orders. In 2011 slot players at 4 casinos owned by Caesar’s Entertainment Corp. can insert casino club cards to activate a beverage menu on the video display. Later they will have the option to select from a customized “My Drinks” menu based on their previous orders. Supposedly there will be safeguards to cut off customers who are drunk and to prevent minors from getting alcoholic drinks. These special slot machines are referred to as “customer enhancement”, but you can “bet” the casinos’ revenues will be enhanced too.
Finally, an idea that is definitely win/win. “Pets Forever” is a class taught to pre-veterinary students at Colorado State University. The class pairs students with elderly and disabled pet owners who need help with their animals. In addition to treating ill pets, the students walk dogs, clean litter boxes and drive sick pets to the vet if necessary. The class gives vets-in-training an opportunity to care for animals in a home setting and gives pet owners an opportunity to keep their companion animals. Various studies have shown companion animals help prevent depression and lower hospital admission rates. After all, pets are family we choose.
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