Office Etiquette
It is not often Krude tunes in to watch anything on
television these days. Aside from live sporting events, I couldn't tell you of
any current television sitcom or drama programs airing. I'll watch movies or
old tv shows on YouTube or Amazon Prime. And very rarely I will
use the Netflix app on my phone to watch something. So when I find
myself at home nursing soreness somewhere on my body,music or those 3 video
networks are my entertainment. And recently I came across a tv show that piqued
my interest due to its geographical location. The location is Scranton, PA. And
the show is The Office.
I lived in Scranton for almost 4 years back in the 1990s. So
when I watched an episode of The Office for the first time recently, I
instantly paid close attention to the dialogue of show. And was pleasantly
surprised that Scranton wasn't being shit on by some snotty writer who was born
in Wilkes-Barre. Or by Hollywood types looking to exploit a depressed
city.
The characters on the show aren't anywhere close to the real
people of Scranton.They are all fine actors. But don't come close to portraying
the people I came to know.The one character named Dwight comes the
closest though. His look and mannerisms remind me of more than few guys I came
across during my PA days.
The people of Scranton are mostly blue collar and very hard
working. For below average wages. I was one of those people for a stretch
during the Clinton years. The city was a coal mining mecca for many
years;many,many years ago. In the 90s, the city was on life support. In the
2000s, city workers couldn't even get paid. Depressed isn't the word for it.
Tragic,is. The Electric City had totally lost its spark.
My son was born in Scranton.There were two Krispy Kreme donuts joints in Scranton back then. I never heard of this chain in NJ. But it
quickly became my Sunday morning addiction. Ordering pizza became an ordeal
when I first moved there. Some pizza places would only make rectangular shaped
pies of either 12 or 16 square 'cuts'. It was good pizza. But I still rather
eat my pizza slices triangular. And my half house rent was $400 a month.
Garbage and sewer included. Not bad at all.
The Office is a fun show to watch. Well written. Well acted.
Lots of distinct characters to latch onto. The Scranton references are very
accurate during the show. But if I was told this show took place in Rhode
Island or Ohio, I wouldn't doubt it. Problem is that most Scranton people who
are of the character the actors portray leave Scranton as soon as they can
afford to. The only people who stay in town are people who own property and
like the fact that taxes are super low there. Not a bad place for older folks
on fixed incomes.
Last time I was in Scranton was for a Slayer/Megadeth/Anthrax
show at Montage Mountain amphitheater. This was in 2010. I ate a hot
pretzel and became violently ill during Megadeth's set. Actually, I saw a bunch
of other people puking their guts out as well. Crappy night. Missed Slayer too.
Shit.
I think I will return to Scranton for a visit real soon. Not
that I would ever live there again. But it is a place that everybody should
visit at least once. Go for its rich and varied history. And see what a once
thriving city turns into after the money (coal) get drained. This is the America
nobody wants to talk about. But it is real. And nobody can say
otherwise.
Houdini Museum or bust!
KK
@kapn_krude