A new feature of Sainsbury's is the self-checkout which is noticeable as customers learn the knack of operating the machines. Unlike those in Morrison's every station has its own loudspeaker which addresses the shopper with the same words. As there are several of them when you pass the line of machines you hear a strange chorus of overlapping statements. A polite but firm woman's voice: Welcome to Sainsbury's self-checkout. Thank you for using Sainsbury's self-checkout. Please follow the instructions on the card machine. Please take remove your card....There is an unexpected item on the weighing platform...." The phrases are interchangeable and monotonous. It requires someone like John Adams to produce an opera set in a modern supermarket. People versus machines might be one of the themes. That and brand loyalty and brand betrayal. Two for the Price of One an aria.
The cold weather is back and with it snow. Small snow flakes stream in the wind, or when the wind drops. swarm like pale insects reluctant to settle.
