What ever happened to people knowing the roads?

[US81]

The younger crowd sometimes says "Let's play Nintendo" or "Let's play PlayStation" when they really mean "Let's play video games." We also say "Xerox" instead of "copy."

To bring this back to roads, one term I never liked was referring to an interstate as "The I." Ugh. Sounds like heavy metal band name or the name of a really bad STD or something. 

It is better than IH as Texas would say.  Not that I am knocking on Texas, but it is easier to say one letter than two letters.  To me that IH reminds me of "I ate."  Better yet it sounds like "I Hate" which I am sure some Texans say that about I-45 during rush hour lol!

I think most Texans would agree. The signs may say "I-H" but I have never heard anyone in Texas use the term "I-H" in speaking. I must also agree that many would say "I hate" referring to I-45 or I-35 during rush hour...

[1995hoo]

When I was in my teens, one of the parents in my Boy Scout troop sent around directions to a campout in Pennsylvania that said to use "IH-95 north to Wilmington." We all wanted to know what the heck "IH-95" was (and my father had lived in Texas for two years in the early 1970s–I was born there–but had never heard that expression).

[PHLBOS]

I guess there's more to some people thinking "multiplex" sounds like a movie theater than the similarity to the brand "cinemex".

The metropolitan Dallas/Ft. Worth area is often referred to as the MultiMetroplex. 

[1995hoo]

....

I recall some years back there was a cinema chain, National Amusements, that operated under the "Multiplex Cinemas" brand. Another cinema operator opened a multi-screen theater somewhere in Northern Virginia and ran ads in the paper saying something like "Fairfax's newest multiplex." National Amusements went after them for using their trademark and they either settled or National Amusements won, since the ads were changed–I'm guessing they settled because the change came pretty quickly. (The word "multiplex" obviously has other meanings. Some people use it to refer to road concurrencies. Cassette decks usually have a "multiplex filter"–usually labelled "MPX"–to prevent oversaturation of the medium when recording from FM radio. But National Amusements obtained a trademark on the use of that word in connection with a cinema facility with multiple auditoriums.)

Clearly they also lost that trademark with respect to roads I guess there's more to some people thinking "multiplex" sounds like a movie theater than the similarity to the brand "cinemex".

....

It's not all that unusual for a trademark to apply to one thing but not to another. Witness the long-running battle between Apple (the computer company) and Apple Corps (the Beatles' company) and the various settlements and carve-outs they've reached over the years. Once upon a time, Apple Computer had agreed to confine themselves to computers and not enter the music business (it wasn't quite that simple, but that's the gist of it). The hole in the settlement was that they weren't allowed to distribute music on physical media. A British court found the iTunes Store didn't violate that settlement, and the companies reached a new settlement before the appeal was decided.

I remember reading a trademark case from back in the 1950s or 1960s in which a well-known TV personality sued a guy who owned some sort of electronics-repair business in the Buffalo area and named it after himself. The TV personality claimed the repairman was misleading people into thinking his business was endorsed by a the well-known TV personality. The business owner won because he had used his own name–the court found you have a reasonable right to use your own name–and no reasonable person would think the TV personality was also repairing electronics. The repairman's name? Ed Sullivan. Had he tried to start up his own TV program, it might have been a different story.

One wonders how far this principle would extend if, for example, your last name were McDonald and you wanted to open a burger joint.

But in other words, despite the efforts of some companies (McDonald's being one) to try to claim a "universal" trademark applicable to all industries, it doesn't usually work that way, especially if the name you're using can be seen as descriptive of your product as opposed to something imaginative. So the fact of a company controlling the word "Multiplex" as to movie theatres doesn't mean they control it as to unrelated industries.

[oscar]

One wonders how far this principle would extend if, for example, your last name were McDonald and you wanted to open a burger joint.

I recall McDonald's had the reverse problem, when it was trying to expand in Scotland and had disputes with local restaurants already named McDonald's.  I don't know how that got resolved, but one of the local restaurants got a lot of free publicity (some on this side of the Atlantic) for its David-vs-Goliath battle against the restaurant chain. 

[US71]

One wonders how far this principle would extend if, for example, your last name were McDonald and you wanted to open a burger joint.

Maybe if you called yourself George McDonald's (or whatever your first name was as long it isn't Ronald )

Burger King and Whataburger have had this problem.

[1995hoo]

One wonders how far this principle would extend if, for example, your last name were McDonald and you wanted to open a burger joint.

I recall McDonald's had the reverse problem, when it was trying to expand in Scotland and had disputes with local restaurants already named McDonald's.  I don't know how that got resolved, but one of the local restaurants got a lot of free publicity (some on this side of the Atlantic) for its David-vs-Goliath battle against the restaurant chain. 

I remember we had a fairly extensive discussion of the McDonald's and "McWords" example in my basic intellectual property class. One common theme many people thought had some logic was the difference between a "real name" beginning with "Mc-" or "Mac-" (such as McDonald or McCartney or MacTavish) and an "artificial conflation" resembling the sorts of names McDonald's develops for their products, such as "McNugget" or "McFlurry" or "McChicken," none of which are reasonably likely to be a real person's last name (aside from the type of idiot who changes his name to something stupid as a publicity stunt or some such). In other words, the artificial terms are far more readily protected than ordinary Scottish and Irish names.

I know McDonald's has lost a few lawsuits against people named McDonald, although "US71" has the right idea–in some cases the courts have ordered the business to use the owner's first name to help distinguish it from the fast-food chain, although there is a restaurant in Illinois owned by a man named Ronald McDonald and he prevailed against the corporation.



This fast-food discussion makes me think of the issue, discussed in some other threads, of the increasing tendency of Americans to stop at the same chain restaurants everywhere they go instead of exploring for local flavor and the like. Returning to the original point of this thread, that tendency is similar, in some respects, to the idea of people not knowing the roads and not being able to find their way without a sat-nav or via a route that's not the Interstate. To the extent the Interstate shield might be considered a "brand name" (a reasonable proposition, I think), you could view it similarly to the Golden Arches or Colonel Sanders as being something people look for because they know what to expect.

[corco]

I actually  think we're entering a bit of another renaissance for local eating options.

Ten, fifteen years ago, it absolutely looked like people were gravitating towards chains on road trips and local restaurants were going away, but I think two things happened that are reversing that trend.

1. People are more health conscious and with few exceptions, chains are perceived as less healthy than non chains, even if that's most likely a bunch of hogwash.
2. Smartphones. Ten, fifteen years ago you had to go to a chain to be guaranteed a certain quality of food- even if that quality wasn't that great, at least it was consistent. On a long road trip, that's a significant factor for a lot of people. Now, apps like yelp and urbanspoon make it easy to find locally owned restaurants with a good reputation. Going to a random greasy spoon instead of the comfortable adequateness of Shoneys isn't a total shot in the dark anymore. These apps and their reviews probably drive food quality up too, especially for businesses that depend on transients.

[ZLoth]

I think it has less to do with the "eating healthy" and more to do with the perceived uniform blandness of the national chains. Why should I be on a road trip 500 miles from home and eat at a Denny's when I go to a Denny's on a regular basis at home for Toastmasters? Now, I may go to a Waffle House or a Cracker Barrel because neither chain, to my knowledge, is located in California, Nevada, or Oregon. On the other hand, thanks to the advice of this board, I ate at the Pancake Mill in Coos Bay, Oregon. Does Yelp and Urban Spoon help? You bet.

Of course, try telling the little ones that. When I was little, it was either McDonalds or Burger King. (sigh)

[vdeane]

I favor fast food chains on roadtrips for one simple reason: I usually travel alone and being by yourself at a sit-down restaurant is just plain awkward.

[roadman65]

I favor fast food chains on roadtrips for one simple reason: I usually travel alone and being by yourself at a sit-down restaurant is just plain awkward.

That is why I like Denny's because you can sit at the counter.  Even Hooter's are good for single travelers as it is a common place for single men to sit in a station to "look at the girls" and the girls just love the attention and pay you no mind.

However, I work in the food industry and I see a lot of people dine alone in the restaurant including attractive women.  Heck I used to see many girls rent hotel rooms alone that I would deliver room service to as well.  It really is nothing to feel awkward about.

[mtantillo]

I favor fast food chains on roadtrips for one simple reason: I usually travel alone and being by yourself at a sit-down restaurant is just plain awkward.

I used to think that. Now I do it all the time.

[realjd]

I favor fast food chains on roadtrips for one simple reason: I usually travel alone and being by yourself at a sit-down restaurant is just plain awkward.

Most restaurants have a bar. Sitting at the bar, even if you aren't drinking, gets rid of all of the awkwardness eating alone. And the service is usually nice and quick since the bartender is right there. Eating at restaurant bars is how I survive on business trips.

[hbelkins]

I generally do drive-thrus (or Sheetz MTO) during daytime hours when traveling, simply because I don't want to waste time sitting still when I could be on the road. At night, if I get fast food, I will take it back to my room. I don't mind flying solo at a place like Cracker Barrel or Golden Corral or Bob Evans. Most Bob Evans restaurants I've been in do have a counter.

[SSOWorld]

I favor fast food chains on roadtrips for one simple reason: I usually travel alone and being by yourself at a sit-down restaurant is just plain awkward.

I used to think that. Now I do it all the time.

Same

I really don't care anymore as long as I enjoy the local food.

[The Nature Boy]

I often do fast food while on the road because I don't want to waste more time than needed. If possible though, I'll try to find a fast food chain that can't be found outside of that area. For example, if I'm in North Carolina, I'll look for a Cook-Out because I can't find that outside of the South.

[wphiii]

I think it has less to do with the "eating healthy" and more to do with the perceived uniform blandness of the national chains. Why should I be on a road trip 500 miles from home and eat at a Denny's when I go to a Denny's on a regular basis at home for Toastmasters?

Sadly, I think that what you're citing is exactly the reason why an unfortunate number of people still DO only eat at chains when they're on the road. It's the perceived comfort and safety and knowing exactly what they're going to get.

I favor fast food chains on roadtrips for one simple reason: I usually travel alone and being by yourself at a sit-down restaurant is just plain awkward.

Only if you're being self-conscious. If it really does bother you, a good way to hedge is to go into a sit-down restaurant and sit at the bar.

[hbelkins]

I often do fast food while on the road because I don't want to waste more time than needed. If possible though, I'll try to find a fast food chain that can't be found outside of that area. For example, if I'm in North Carolina, I'll look for a Cook-Out because I can't find that outside of the South.

I saw lots of them during a drive through North Carolina a couple of years ago, but never stopped. After I looked them up online, I wish I had. And now they're expanding into Kentucky and have opened up in Frankfort. Next time I have to go there for work, I know where I'm eating.

[The Nature Boy]

I often do fast food while on the road because I don't want to waste more time than needed. If possible though, I'll try to find a fast food chain that can't be found outside of that area. For example, if I'm in North Carolina, I'll look for a Cook-Out because I can't find that outside of the South.

I saw lots of them during a drive through North Carolina a couple of years ago, but never stopped. After I looked them up online, I wish I had. And now they're expanding into Kentucky and have opened up in Frankfort. Next time I have to go there for work, I know where I'm eating.

I would definitely encourage you to stop. It's good food for a good price. Decent amount of variety for a fast food place too.

[bugo]

In the same vein, I don't think most average people distinguish between a hiighway, a freeway or an expressway. Knowing the differences would help!

Depending on where you're from, there is no difference between the 3.

Folks around Searcy, AR call the US 67 freeway "the interstate"

All freeways in Arkansas are referred to locally as "the interstate".

[bugo]

I guess there's more to some people thinking "multiplex" sounds like a movie theater than the similarity to the brand "cinemex".

The metropolitan Dallas/Ft. Worth area is often referred to as the Multiplex. 

Metroplex.

[roadman65]

Actually sitting at the bar in places like the Outback and Olive Garden are not bad.  You still can order a meal there plus if you sit there you do not have to worry about leaving so soon if you are bored.  When you sit at a table you tend to feel guilty if the place is turning over customers, as if you have nothing to do, as many of us traveling during the short day winter months have to check into a room early to avoid traveling at night, like to stay beyond our meal.  At the bar not so much as usually there are always plenty of empty stools around, so if you hang out long beyond your meal you are not preventing a floor server from getting other potential customers.

However, with that said, I was reading the guide to proper tipping and it says that you should tip double if you plan to stay beyond the normal eating experience time when on the dining room floor because you indeed are preventing that particular server from making more sales by taking up space that would be for the next customer.  At the bar they claim that you should tip one dollar for every drink the bartender brings you including water or free refill soft drinks to cover yourself for all the extra back and forth the bartender does for each non sale visit they make over to you.

[PHLBOS]

Metroplex.

Thanks for the correction.  I knew something wasn't quite right; I've since corrected my earlier post.

On the sub-topic of eating alone at restaurants, be it fast-food, chain or non-chain, I've done them all without feeling awkward; be it while driving on a long trip or at an airport terminal waiting for a flight.

[realjd]

Actually sitting at the bar in places like the Outback and Olive Garden are not bad.  You still can order a meal there plus if you sit there you do not have to worry about leaving so soon if you are bored.  When you sit at a table you tend to feel guilty if the place is turning over customers, as if you have nothing to do, as many of us traveling during the short day winter months have to check into a room early to avoid traveling at night, like to stay beyond our meal.  At the bar not so much as usually there are always plenty of empty stools around, so if you hang out long beyond your meal you are not preventing a floor server from getting other potential customers.

However, with that said, I was reading the guide to proper tipping and it says that you should tip double if you plan to stay beyond the normal eating experience time when on the dining room floor because you indeed are preventing that particular server from making more sales by taking up space that would be for the next customer.  At the bar they claim that you should tip one dollar for every drink the bartender brings you including water or free refill soft drinks to cover yourself for all the extra back and forth the bartender does for each non sale visit they make over to you.

Standard at bars in the US is $1-$2 per drink or 15-20%, whichever is more. If you get food at the bar just tip 15-20% of the bill like you would with a server. The per drink tip comes into play more often when paying cash for drinks as you go.

[formulanone]

Of course, try telling the little ones that. When I was little, it was either McDonalds or Burger King. (sigh)

My little ones are really no different - fortunately, they're more demanding of a nearby Five Guys or failing that, a Wendy's. Unless I've actually tried the one-off or local spot myself, I don't quite have the stomach for two additional unfinished meals by the picky ones (or those with mysteriously light and momentary appetites).

Like the road issue, the valuable (and possibly expensive) real estate is right by the exit ramps, so usually the mom-and-pop or the established locale is situated some ways apart from that. Still, a half decent GPS would have it as a point of interest, and any smartphone would, too...as long as one is feeling adventurous.