Smell ya later!

There are some scents in the mall that I try to avoid at all costs. The first and most intrusive one is the perfume department at most department stores. Strategically located - right at the entrance. It's like running the gauntlet to escape the overpowering assault and get to the desired section of the store. Of course they can't leave well enough alone either, they have to come after you (or more particularly, your spouse) with offerings of samples, so they can slather the stuff all over your partner so you have to smell it even after you leave the store. Don't get me wrong - I think perfume is a great thing. There are likely many unions that would not exist today if it weren't for the masking properties of the manufactured scent. But moderation people! You aren't supposed to wear it like suntan lotion.....

Now another mall scent is threatening to oust perfume for the lead in olfactory annoyance - the popcorn kiosk. There is nothing I enjoy more than the unmistakable odour of burnt corn kernels artificially scented with everything from salmon flavouring to pizza essence. I don't even get why these vendors of scorched maize stay in business. Haven't they made it easy enough to make this stuff better at home in the microwave?