Since I started my current job, I’ve been taking seven flights of stairs instead of the elevator. At first, I thought it was for the exercise, but I realized today that elevators are really just akward.
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a good elevator ride, but only when it’s with people I know and clean and preferably has a view. For everyday use, stairs are just better. There’s no wait, you can go at your own pace, and for the most part they are largely abondoned. Plus, I always feel like I’m taking a secret passage-way when I hit the stairs. Besides, do I really need to be in a hurry to get to my desk?
May 11th, 2006 at 2:55 pm
I love a good set of stairs. I always consider stairs a “shortcut” especially when headed down. I like to do the little trick where you jump down the steps, but your hands slide down the rails, its pretty fast.
May 11th, 2006 at 8:30 pm
In college, I had this professor who talked about how he liked to do fun, slighlty inappropriate things–like get in an elevator and instead of staring blankly at the floor lights as the elevator rose, he said it would be fun to stand in the front of the elevator, facing everyone else, and stare at ‘em. Always wanted to do that…
May 11th, 2006 at 8:30 pm
I had a sociology teacher that gave extra credit for getting on an elevator and facing away from the door–then to do a report on people’s reaction.
If you are a woman people just think you are a bit “off”. If you are a guy, women grab their purses.
I saw a documentary one time (I think A&E’s Modern Marvels) that said that the way the Japanese approach elevators is very differant. They want a smooth ride. Americans just want fast.
And dont forget the ever present idea of an elevator to space.
May 11th, 2006 at 10:48 pm
I love a good shoot-out in the stair well. You gotta watch out for ricochets though.
May 15th, 2006 at 10:56 am
I have vowed to start walking the stairs instead of the elevator… Not let’s just see if i can keep it up.
May 18th, 2006 at 7:38 pm
yes, yes… nice article, as it is a situation I and a couple other hundred people i work with every day face… the long elevator trip to and from the seventh floor….
yes, at times, it can be awkward.. there are two general rules: 1. stare at the floor and 2. stare at the digital meter that tracks what floor you’re on…
It is much less confrontational and less “fake” taking the stairs
However, Cindy had a great idea that I will be trying… life is way too short and unimportant to actually sit around in the elevator for all the years of your life to do nothing.
stupid elevators
May 21st, 2006 at 3:03 pm
The Admiral Sims (located in dowtown Mobile) still has the nice elevators. Plush carpet, brass fixtures and a crystal chandaler (if I remember correctly..forget my spelling).
January 29th, 2012 at 1:54 pm
Sports Floors…
[...]Stairs Vs Elevator / Nicholas Roussos[...]…