Fast Food Furious (Accessibility for One is Accessibility for All)

   Anyone see anything wrong with this picture? No? Maybe look a little closer.

Do you see a handicap accessible button or device?

How about even a door handle?

   Yeah, I don't see either of those options. Now if you get really close to the door, you can grasp the fancy metal decor and pull the door open, but that only works if you can get really close to the door, which is somewhat difficult if you are using a walker, wheelchair, scooter or any other assistive device.

   Should you manage to navigate the first door, it is usually followed by a second door to open before you actually enter the establishment. Having struggled with one unwieldly access point, a second one may seem unsurmountable. Or you might just be worn out from all the effort exerted from the first obstacle. Unless another patron comes along and offers assistance, you may have to live the rest of your short life stuck between the doors.

No automated door

   It's like this at most fast food eating establishments, or any restaurant for that matter. There are generally two doors to help maintain a comfortable atmosphere inside the facility. Understandable as no one wants to eat in a draft. These entrances are typically accessible by ramp and are wide enough to accommodate mobility equipment, although you may have to get past the door and turn around before being able to open it as it may swing the wrong way for proper access.

    The main difference between a fast food establishment and a sit down restaurant is that at MOST of the table service eateries, there is a chance that one of the employees will offer to help with the doors. (I say most, as I have encountered eateries where employees stood and watched from behind the hostess stand as I fought my way through the double doors.)

Oops, door swings into the ramp.

   Go to a fast food restaurant and the chances of employee assistance at the door drops to nearly zero. Ninety percent of the employees in these eateries are located behind a counter and are often handling other patrons either at the aforementioned counter or over an elaborate headset worn to manage drive thru customers. The rest are preparing food and serving up an assortment of beverages. Occasionally, there is someone swiping at a table or emptying the trash, leaving their mobility challenged customers struggling at the entrance. That is about one quarter of the adult population left out in the rain.

Yes, there is a sticker showing ADA accessible, but no, there is no automated door opener.

Why?

   It's not like there isn't an alternative solution... 

But they are expensive, right?

   Well, sorta. The average commercial grade door opening system costs between $1500 - $4000. Installation usually takes around five hours and installation cost can range between $1000 to $1500 depending on location. Maintenance generally costs approximately $200 - $500 year. On the bright side, these automated doors usually only need replacement every 10 - 15 years.

Sounds expensive, until you factor in the annual revenue for the most recognized establishments in this country.

   Individual McDonalds restaurants average 3.8 million dollars a year in sales. Taco Bell establishments average 1.6 million dollars a year. Wendy's locations average 1.97 million annually. Burger King eateries average about1.5 million annually. The average KFC pulls in 1.6 million. Portillo's (first doors pictured) does not break down their revenue per individual restaurant, but they did pull in 181 million dollars in the second quarter of 2024. (Average revenues listed above based on 2023 reported figures.)

   So what's the excuse? Even my church has installed an automated door and they are a non-for-profit organization with far less revenue.

   I recently read an article in The New York Post by the Jewish News Syndicate about New York City's iconic Katz's Deli (the one made famous by the movie when Harry met Sally). They were fined $20K for failing to comply with the ADA. Among the things citied against the famous New York Deli were...

The main entrance is not accessible...

(Wow, that sounds familiar.)

   Now, the consent decree provides for staff to assist individuals with disabilities in using the main public entrance. (Full article can be read here: https://nypost.com/2025/01/02/us-news/iconic-katzs-deli-fined-20k-over-ada-violations/)

   A victory over ONE location. Meanwhile... I'm still standing in the rain outside my local fast food joint waiting for one of my friends to meet me for coffee. I can't get the door open and remain upright utilizing my mobility equipment and there aren't any available employees.

Maybe I'll get lucky and another patron will come along and let me in.

Beginners Guide to Getting Stoned... I mean Stones! (Howlite)

 Howl-i-ta describe this stone? Let me count the ways...

Howlite Tumbled Stone

🤣Yep, I crack myself up! 

Admit it, you're laughing too. 

Howlite w/Candle

     Which is a great way to begin a discussion about Howlite. After all it is considered a stone of emotional healing, and what better way to heal (especially from emotional stress) than through laughter? 

   Once laughter settles down, a person is generally left with a peaceful sense of calm, perhaps the strongest of the spiritual properties attributed to this stone. The calming effect of Howlite is thought to provide a person with self awareness through which they can better understand their place in the world and believed to expand the consciousness and gain broader spiritual perspective. This is the basis for wisdom, patience, clarity and bravery.

That is a lot of benefits from a one stone!

Howlite Bracelet

   First discovered by Henry How (a Canadian mineralogist, geologist and chemist) in Nova Scotia back in 1868, this stone can be found throughout the world in places like Germany, Russia, Bolivia, Pakistan, Serbia, the UK and the US, with California being a major source of mining. Unlike most borate minerals, it is abundant and commercially mined. While its color can vary from white to brown (or even colorless) it is most commonly recognized in its grayish white hue with a marble like appearance. With a Mohs harness of 3.5 to 6, it is a relatively soft mineral.

   Because of its softness, Howlite is suitable for carving and is often used to make jewelry. The beauty of the stone also lends itself to carving for the creation of many beautiful items. Howl-ever you look at it, it is a must have stone!

Rainbow Howlite Obelisk

Looking to possess this mineral yourself? Visit us in person or online at https://justwitchys.com. Just Witchys carries a number of books to increase your understanding of this mineral as well as many other stones and crystals. They also carry a variety of products that contain Howlite to share with someone you love, pair with your favorite outfits, use in rituals, and adorn your home.

Ring w/Howlite

That's all now from the Shinyite School of stones!