There and Back Again (A Hobbit's Tale)

My mom loaded me up with 'duplicate' groceries that she had and those items ended up being the story of the day. The sun was rising as I crossed the state border, and with it held a long day ahead of me. 

Just past the actual border, there is an inspection station on the California side. (An interesting note here is the location of the federal inspection station nearly 40 miles north of the Mexican border. I never understood why it was so far away.) The state border patrol normally asks you if you are bringing in any fruit products into California, which you must dispose of. My parents always used to say, 'just these two' - referring to my sister and I. Today, however, would be different. As I approached I grabbed the banana peel that remained after my breakfast and held it out the window. The border patrol agent though, was interested in the rest of my groceries. She peer into my window and saw a package of sugar my mom had sent with me - and asked if I could show her the contents. Now I'm not sure if there is much trafficking of cocaine via the state of Oregon, but this seemed strange. After she tasted the sweet (literally) powder, she let me be on my way. 

I fueled up in a fabled city: Yreka. My favorite thing about it is the fact that Yreka Bakery backwards is Yreka Bakery. A palindrome. My least favorite memory of the city is me scoring an own goal in a soccer game. But hey, I was not about to let the girl on the other team (only one I have ever played against) score on our team. I guess I would rather score on my own team then let her have the glory. 

About 300 miles north of Los Angeles, the holiday traffic kicked in. When my gas light came on I was looking forward to a refueling-pee-meal break. I did not expect the exit to be so crowded though. There was a line at all three of the gas stations, so I pulled into the restaurant/Chevron to take a pee and grab something to eat. Further to my surprise, there was a lengthy line to use the bathroom. Around 10 guys in the men's line and around 30 for the women's line. By the time I was done and looking to fill up, the Chevron system had gone down, sending the fuel-less mass in a panic to get to the other stations. I survived though. 

After a long delay in LA traffic, I reached Orange County where I stopped for a bite to eat with my friend Erick, who works at Saks Fifth Avenue in South Coast Plaza. I wasn't sure if they were going to let me into the store, as I was in my adidas top, sweats and Nikes. I found him though and we headed over to Claim Jumpers. By the way do not order their sausage and pepperoni pizza, as it is just a greasy mess. Back at Saks, Erick handed me a few items that I had lent him and I proceeding to do some customer terrorizing. Perhaps it was the 14 hours that I had just spent in a car that augmented my disdain for overpriced merchandise. I pointed out how ridiculous the price of some Converse shoes were ($95-100), especially compared to my recent $30 purchase of similar ones at Factory Brand Shoes. As I pointed this out, the few customers who overheard me soon put down their selections and walked away. Erick wanted to show me some Louis Vuitton items he wanted - no kidding. In the mini-Louis store in Saks I went on a rant about how terrible their products were and how the leather they used was inferior to many brands. The employees were disgusted. 

When I arrived at home I grabbed the groceries to take into the house. However, I dropped one of the sacks and heard a bottle break. A large bottle of Worcestershire sauce. And it ruined my best bag of groceries. All I was left with was the flour, sugar and canned items. I was so exhausted at this point that I just threw all of the contaminated good into the street. Now it looks like a body was dragged out of my car. It was a long day. 

The Deep South (of Oregon)

Well I just saw a new Guitar Hero commercial that just showed off that drums, microphone and alternative guitar are available for the game - pretty much Rock Band. Although that is def cool, I was shocked to see Michael Phelps in the same video as Kobe, Jeter and Tony Hawk. The biggest goober on the planet, he should only be used to emphasize athletic products, never anything supposed to be 'cool.'

I don't get to watch a whole bunch of daytime TV, so the past few days have been a change. The usual technical-college commercials are still being aired, as well as other infomercials. One set of commercials that I have always tried to figure out is the coins for sale. You know, the limited-edition U.S. mint silver or gold coins. The 9/11 memorialization or the Obama election coins or the Morgan silver dollars. I presume people are thinking that they are making some investment with the purchase of these coins. But if they follow their thoughts to conclusion, they would see that if they were really a worthy investment, then why would anyone be selling them? In the end they will realize that these coins are completely worthless. Likely only worth the value of the melted material and not the face value of the tender. 

I see that my hometown has continued to grow. There is a new lane on the freeway (up to three now)! There is a Sonic drive-in. There is a brand-new Walgreens. And there is now a Home Depot. The only closed venue I saw was the strip bar, Wild Bills (formerly known as Cowgirls). I guess the economy hit that industry here hard. Now there is one less thing to do at night here. 

Tyler Durden: "Things you own, end up owning you." 

Links of the Day:

Growing Up

John Hodgman's new book

The case against monogamy

The Long Driver (not golf)

After a quick shower, I grabbed a half-carafe of OJ and a handful of strawberry cereal bars for the road. I departed at 4:30 AM for my date with the freeway that has been a part of my entire life: Interstate 5. In the end, without any caffeine, and after only stopping twice, I conquered her in 12 hours. 

Here are some of the highlights:

California: I tried to make it through LA before traffic, but unfortunately there was an accident near Magic Mountain that blocked all but one lane. Once I got past Bakersfield, I saw an advertisement for the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, which brought back memories of being a child. I remember the stairways and doors that went nowhere. I did see that Oregon has a "Mystery Vortex" which I have no clue what it is. Maybe the toilets flush the opposite direction. Road signs for Yosemite tempted me to head east and go camping, but of course I had no equipment. After a Wal-Mart truck pulled out in front of me for many, many miles I started talking to myself - this was about 8 hours in. Finally, Mount Shasta and Lake Shasta were very pleasant sites to see as I entered northern California. 

Oregon: Before entering Oregon I saw the beloved State of Jefferson sign. A long-established movement for the southern part of Oregon and the far-north of California to forth their own (conservative state). I see that they have a website now www.jeffersonstate.com When I wanted to listen to the radio in most of California, there was an abundance of radio stations. Yet when I got to Oregon, there were very few. And most are religious stations. Unfortunately, in contrast to Paul's suggestion, they were not playing any Christmas songs. Also in contrast to California is the mother-fucking speed limit. California is mostly 70, whereas Oregon is either 55 or 65. Terrible. 

In common: Fog and darkness at the beginning and the end of the trip. People who drive in the fast lane and somehow think they are going fast enough, even with people piled up behind them and passing on the right. I found this particularly common with handicap drivers, old people and people on their cell phones. 

Anyone know how to 'adopt a highway' and get your name on it?

Briefs

For the past $2, the Chevron station by my house has consistently been cheaper than the Mobil station. I'm sure it is just a franchise but this highlights how terrible Exxon-Mobil is. I should actually sack up and drive across the street because I keep filling up at Mobil because it is easier.

Have you ever noticed that odd number sounds are negative? Andrew (Boylan) was arguing that a single clap means something bad. (We were confused that he was clapping for something bad.) I've noticed this with honking as well. If you honk once or three times, it usually is bad. But a two or four time honk means something friendly. 

I've been watching the show Californication on Showtime, which I will simply describe as completely sexual. I should have realized the difference between Californiacation (the Chili Pepper's album) and Californication (California plus fornication).

It appears the winner of the James Bond poll is Daniel Craig. I presume this is because he is the current Bond and a fresh adaptation to the series. Most people would argue that Sean Connery is the best ever, as the original in the hay-days. I voted for Roger Moore because I thought no one else would, but apparently one other did. 

Links of the Day:

National Image

Iraq Withdrawal

Cheque

Last night the Graduate Student Council put on a tailgate for the graduate schools (law, nursing and business). Although the Mexican food was mediocre, I know that it is the best USD's dining services has to offer. At least there was free premium beer. The Council was also handing out free water bottles and t-shirts at the check in desk. The only problem with the t-shirts was that they were all 2XL. Similar to the one I received for my study abroad program this summer. Next up is the Dean's social mixer on Thursday night - Thanksgiving dinner!

I've been noticing at the grocery store the continued use of checks by shoppers. This seems rather amazing. In our modern day of free debit cards from our banks (as well as online transactions), I am continually surprised to see checks being used. (Granted I still write a check each month for rent.) The problem with using them at the grocery store is how terribly they slow the line. Have to write out the exact amount, have to show your driver's license, have to scan the check - it all takes too long. I do understand that some people like the leeway it gives your bank account in waiting for the check to clear, but that should only be just before payday. I also do understand that the older generation perhaps is not adept at using debits cards. Nonetheless I do hope that checks become extinct soon enough, at least to save the paper and time.

Links of the Day:
Mustaches
Monopoly

Loud 'N Clear

Well I just saw this completely absurd commercial and would like to point out just how ridiculous it is:

1) This 'sound amplifier' (aka hearing aid) looks exactly like a bluetooth headset. There are already enough complaints about people using bluetooths, looking like cyborgs. Whenever someone doesn't take their bluetooth off at a social setting, it generally pisses people off, because, well, it's rude. Just try not looking awkward while wearing Loud N' Clear at bingo, a party, a card game, church or IN BED.

 

2) 'Turns ordinary hearing into extraordinary hearing!' Even though the woman could not hear what the trump suit was was from the man sitting directly next to her. 

3) 'Can hear conversations from across the street!' OK this is definitely where the commercial gets creepy. First, a woman overhears her neighbors from across the street. Then, the mother listens to her kids from across the playground. Granted the second example might somehow be acceptable, the first absolutely is not. 

4) 'Ever wonder what people are saying when you can't hear them? With Loud N' Clear, you can discreetly listen in.' Not much I can really say besides creepy. 

5) 'Lets you hear the wildlife before they hear you.' Well I hope you don't get mauled by a bear you hearing-aid reject freak. 

Hands Free

Although I do not like eggs, I suppose I can stand the sight/smell of most of them. Except hard boiled eggs. And probably deviled eggs - which are similar to hard boiled eggs? I don't know that answer. Is it just me or do hard boiled eggs smell like rotten eggs? I wouldn't mind if someone prepared them and then ate them right away, but when they are left in the fridge it just makes everything stink. Like onions. But instead of the smell of onions it is of rotten eggs. Maybe it's just me.

As of July 1 of this year, the use of cell phones in cars was supposed to be resticted. However, I continue to see cell phones being used (illegally?). I understand that people might quickly use the phone or even put it on speakerphone, and indeed I have seen much less use of the actual phone. The use of bluetooth headsets has also increased dramatically. Perhaps because of my commute to Solana Beach every other day for work I get the opportunity to see many drivers in action. I wonder if the people using their cell phones know of the law or are just risking getting caught. My understanding was that it was a no-tolerance rule accompanied with a $100 fine. I don't personally enjoy using a bluetooth or putting my phone on speakerphone, but I do understand the point of the law. How does everyone else feel about it?

And yes, I want to know what kind of fruit would you be and why? I am sticking to my original answer of orange: because I love orange juice, I love vitamin C and I love cookies, which you can use the orange rinds to make. (So in essence you can use all parts of it.) And I love an orange slice in my Blue moon.

Links of the Day:
Consumerism
Onion Nation

The Great Shakeout

So the Great Southern California Shakeout occurred yesterday morning at 10 am. I had received two emails, a phone call and a text message informing about it. There were numerous signs around campus. Supposedly 400,000 people participated in it in the San Diego region. Unfortunately, against Jon's hopes, free milkshakes were not being handed out. It was an earthquake test. At 10 am a voice came over the intercom "encouraging" everyone to participate. The Great Shakeout ended at 10:01 am. A great success?

Whether I go running at the bay or the beach or around the harbor, I always see bums. My copy of The Areas of My Expertise has been commandeered by someone, so I am without my list of 700 hobo names. Thats the beauty of bums, the variety of names: bums, hobos, tramps and my personal favorite, transients. Southern California is probably a good place to be a bum: the weather is warm and the people have money. However, I have begun to notice that bums are getting too tan. Beacuse they are outside, literally all the time, they are getting way too many ultra-violet rays. So in the future I hope there is an outreach mission to these individuals, to provide them with sunscreen. It is sad enough they are living outside, without soap, often in the warmth of their own urine. We can at least offer them some sunscreen.

Poll Results: As the week has come to an end it appears that placing neither peanut butter or bread in the fridge has the largest vote. This, of course, is the correct answer because it is what I chose. I do however, understand the need to put some organic peanut butter in the fridge. I can also see the need to save bread longer by refrigerating it. However, overall they both need to be kept out of the fridge. No one wants hard bread or difficult to spread peanut butter.

Links of the Day:
Internet vs. Books
The Rich

Toys-R-Us

The installation of our new cable came on election day, and with it, the end the political TV-watching season. Well, I guess I do still watch the news in the morning. Nick and I had AT&T internet before and we had a great rate, so I suggested to Tim that we search for internet and cable alternatives to our very antiquated Cox. There is nothing wrong with shopping around for better deals - that is the beauty of competition. The end result for us was better internet and an enormous selection of channels. Now there is no need to watch politics, as I have a vast array of sports or movies to watch. Nonetheless, this so-called 'bar exam' looms over my head, demanding my attention.


Eric brought up a good point about coupons/rebates/gift cards the other day: when are they worth it? We find coupons on the back of grocery store receipts, in the weekly circulars, and in those nifty student saver booklets. The question is whether it is worth holding on to them just to save $.25 on a box of cereal. Obviously some coupons are worth it (free yogurt at Fiji Yogurt), but where the line is drawn depends upon your circumstances. Buy-one-get-one-free (BOGO according to Payless Shoe Source) coupons often induce you into buying something because, well, you get a second one free. The question is, were you looking to buy that item anyways? Because now you have two. I suppose this would work out for two individuals wanting the same item - or for a family.


As for those tricky little rebates that manufacturers love so much, you will be without your liquid money for some time. I'm not sure if the manufacturers plan on people not filling out the rebates or just benefit from holding on to your money for 26-52 weeks. Finally, gift cards have become more than just free money. They are often an incentive to buy something - although you actually end up spending money while 'saving' money from the use of the gift card. Is there a dollar value that makes a gift card worth it? The company is obviously trying to get you to come and try their products - with hopes that you will enjoy it. If you are unfamiliar with the products this might work - but if you know the venue then you may have to weigh whether it is worth the trip.

Links of the Day:
Climate Change

Dave Chappelle

Busted

I normally don't post on the weekend, but I have two topics that need urgent attention. 

Firstly, whenever I go to Target I always enter and exit through the garden center. It's just less crowded and also parking is easier to find. When I was leaving the garden center today, I saw two security personnel 'hiding' right out side the exit. They actually gave me a pretty good look when I was leaving. I kept walking but soon heard 'hold it right there' (not directed at me). I turned around and saw a guy get LAID OUT by five security personnel (three in uniforms, two in plainclothes). Because it was an amazing site, I walked closer and saw a man, with a hooded jacked (and hood up) and sunglasses on. He said he was only going out to the parking lot to get his wallet, which of course, security knew was false. HILARIOUS. 

My other important topic is dishwasher loading. This has always been an issue with me, always living with roommates. (Unfortunately when I lived by myself I did not have a dishwasher and had to hand-wash everything.) Perhaps I am biased because of how the dishwasher was loaded growing up, but I think my preferences make reasonable sense. Here are the points of controversy and accordingly my rules, which should be followed:

1. Some plastic containers are not supposed to be placed on the lower rack. This is evident by their labeling: TOP RACK ONLY. 

2. Some bigger utensils, like spatulas, big knives and salad serving kitchenware should be placed on the top rack, lying down. They should not be placed in the utensil bin because they are too big and often block the rotation of the blade. 

3. As for the actual utensil bin, utensils should be placed with the food serving area at the bottom. This serves two functions: first, it is closer to the spray of water and accordingly will be cleaned better; second, when you retrieve the utensil, you are able to easily grab the handle and not the food serving area of the utensil. 

Maybe I should ask Obama for a job with the Dishwasher Loading Commission. 

Moving

Last night I watched The Sandlot before heading off to the dreaded three hour bore of Energy Policy. At least now we are talking about renewables and greenhouse emissions. There was a few things I noticed about The Sandlot that were interesting. First, I totally forgot that the boys threw in some chewing tobacco before going on the carnival ride. That is hilarious. I also noticed that the kid's mom is the woman from Indiana Jones (1 and 4). And his dad is Dennis Leary! Finally, I seem to always notice that the way the dog is portrayed as a monster is hilarious. Because, in the end, he is just a big dog that could probably be fended off. It's funny when they show his paw or him jumping over the fence looking like a 400 pound monster.

After Presidential elections I always hear people talking about moving out of the country. Actually I heard that a lot - before the results of this election. It doesn't matter if a Republican or a Democrat gets elected, people 'threaten' to move away. I rarely see anyone actually do it, although I did meet a girl this summer abroad that had after the 2004 election. Sure Europe is great, but are things (or will they get) really that bad here in the States? I presume the current fears are of increased taxes - which won't actually effect most of us - or the 'socialization' of America. The last time I checked the stakeholding in AIG and the 'socialization' of Wall Street came under President Bush's direction. Ultimately this all doesn't matter. All that we know and appreciate of this country will survive. Presidents change. Policies change. Attitudes and beliefs change. In the end the basic principles set up by our founding fathers remain the base of this country: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

While traveling around the world I appreciate things about many countries, but I end up loving everything that we have here. Furthermore, the rest of the world wants to come to America. Although this country is unfamiliar to them, they still see how great it is. No matter who the President is.

Links of the Day:
fivethirtyeight
Insane People

Lavarse Sus Manos

Maybe this is too many bathroom-related blogs, but I have always wanted to do a study on the percent of people who actually wash their hands after using the bathroom. Everyone always makes a big deal about whether you washed your hands or not, and I think a deeper inquiry into the reasons why is necessary. Obviously the bathroom is full of germs, but no more than a handrail on an escalator. Now with the advent of the automatic flush on toilets, some men may only touch the door and their package while in a bathroom. Is their own unit so unclean that they need to wash their hands everytime? Then there is the further argument about using hand sanitizers and making your body weak against germs. All of these are interesting issues that probably could be developed into an entire paper.

As one of the main areas my firm practices is environmental and land use regulation, our principal was set to go over the relevant propositions with the entire firm. For some reason he was not prepared at our staff meeting and I subsequently missed on his information session (if it did occur). However, my Energy Policy class did get maybe four minutes to discuss the propositions. Props 7 and 10, known as Big Wind and Big Solar respectively, are both poorly worded propositions. I always find it interesting to see who are the backers and the opponents of propositions. Similarly, I like to see who the newspapers have endorsed. Reading the actual text of the proposition, it appears that neither of them would achieve what they appear to present. For example, the rebates for those driving hybrids actually only applies to diesel-hybrids. So, using my same voting philosophy, I would vote No on these propositions because they don't do enough to get a Yes vote.

Links of the Day:
Evangelical Teen Pregnancy
Flying Cars