I've owned a Pontiac Grand Am (a.k.a. The Dam) for about 5 years. During that time I have driven over 130,000 miles behind the wheel. That's equivalent to circling the Earth's Equator 5 times. It's not a very sexy looking car, but it's been through alot with me and I hate to see it go.
The Dam has been plagued with problems lately, ranging from oil leaks to coolant system failures. The paint is beginning to chip and there's a crack in the windshield from 3 rocks hitting the exact same spot on 3 different occaisons while driving on the freeway. I'm very sentimental toward this car, but I'm going to have to start looking for a new one if the Dam gives me any more problems after I fully fix the oil leak and coolant system. I need reliable transportation next semester, but no matter what replacement car I buy, it will have big shoes to fill.
In Memory of The Beloved Dam, 2007
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Friday, October 19, 2007
McDonalds & Phillip Morris
This week's blog will be about two companies which might have more in common than one might initially believe.
Approximately 18 months ago, after a nasty case of food poisoning, I decided to stop eating at McDonalds forever. Today I can say with confidence that I have not touched their food since starting the ban, though I have driven-through several times for other people in my car. Sometimes I miss all the salty treats at the golden arches. Recently McDonalds brought back their Monopoly promotion, which I loved as a kid, and includes a surge in commercials on TV. Of course, the only burger in their ads is my favorite, the Big Mac. I had a nightmare two days ago where I relapsed on McDonalds and stuffed my face with Big Macs. I woke up feeling guilty the rest of the day for no reason, except from the shame of how lucid and pleasurable the dream really was.
I live in a small town called Belmont, which borders San Mateo and has 2 McDonalds to serve a population of 25,000. I found out today that Belmont has recently become the first city in the country to completely ban smoking cigarettes within city limits. It is illegal to smoke in your car, in your home, on the sidewalk, in a parking lot, and anywhere else. While not a criminal offense, a smoker such as myself can be fined up to $1000 for enjoying themselves within view of the bored and over-funded Belmont police. My afinity for cigarettes is no longer welcome here, but I don't plan on changing my habits any time soon.
The fast food industry in Belmont is stronger than ever, but can be just as deadly as smoking. Both cigarettes and fast food are addictive, cheap, widely-available, and kill people by the millions. One can further argue that McDonalds promotes chronic usage of their product to the fullest extent, made famous in the documentary Super Size Me. McDonalds and Phillip Morris share a history of almost identical product promotion. It would only seem logical to ban the consumption of fast food in Belmont as well. Perhaps I should point this out at the next City Council meeting.
Approximately 18 months ago, after a nasty case of food poisoning, I decided to stop eating at McDonalds forever. Today I can say with confidence that I have not touched their food since starting the ban, though I have driven-through several times for other people in my car. Sometimes I miss all the salty treats at the golden arches. Recently McDonalds brought back their Monopoly promotion, which I loved as a kid, and includes a surge in commercials on TV. Of course, the only burger in their ads is my favorite, the Big Mac. I had a nightmare two days ago where I relapsed on McDonalds and stuffed my face with Big Macs. I woke up feeling guilty the rest of the day for no reason, except from the shame of how lucid and pleasurable the dream really was.
I live in a small town called Belmont, which borders San Mateo and has 2 McDonalds to serve a population of 25,000. I found out today that Belmont has recently become the first city in the country to completely ban smoking cigarettes within city limits. It is illegal to smoke in your car, in your home, on the sidewalk, in a parking lot, and anywhere else. While not a criminal offense, a smoker such as myself can be fined up to $1000 for enjoying themselves within view of the bored and over-funded Belmont police. My afinity for cigarettes is no longer welcome here, but I don't plan on changing my habits any time soon.
The fast food industry in Belmont is stronger than ever, but can be just as deadly as smoking. Both cigarettes and fast food are addictive, cheap, widely-available, and kill people by the millions. One can further argue that McDonalds promotes chronic usage of their product to the fullest extent, made famous in the documentary Super Size Me. McDonalds and Phillip Morris share a history of almost identical product promotion. It would only seem logical to ban the consumption of fast food in Belmont as well. Perhaps I should point this out at the next City Council meeting.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Over The Counter
From what I can remember, I've had a grueling week. My battle with a nasty seasonal bug culminated last night when I passed-out some time around 10pm. 13 hours later, I woke up with all my clothes on, but feeling great for the first time in 8 days. It seems as though my body has conquered whatever germs had been occupying it this past week.
Now that I am somewhat sober, I want to warn you about over the counter drugs. Consistent use of nasal decongestants and antihistamines can severely impair you, diminishing alertness and general functionality. If you find yourself sick, your main defense should be water and plenty of rest. Don't use these drugs as crutch like I did, you might end up passed-out in a compromising position.
Now that I am somewhat sober, I want to warn you about over the counter drugs. Consistent use of nasal decongestants and antihistamines can severely impair you, diminishing alertness and general functionality. If you find yourself sick, your main defense should be water and plenty of rest. Don't use these drugs as crutch like I did, you might end up passed-out in a compromising position.
Friday, October 5, 2007
Detour Off Highway 92
Tonight, after dropping my friend off in Alameda, I was on my way back to San Mateo and realized I didn't have enough cash to pay the bridge toll. I stopped at a Burger King right before the toll plaza to use their ATM and bought some fries to break my 20. I noticed an old bum sitting at a table with a push-basket full of various papers and books. He noticed me right away and mumbled something I couldn't hear, so I sat down near him to talk while I ate my fries.
The man introduced himself as the original Pink Cloud, and immediately began talking about music. He asked me if I play any instruments, which I don't, but I said I played the Sax when I was younger. He began talking about various artists and how he used to teach music. There was a Neil Young song playing on the Burger King sound system, so he fumbled through his cart and pulled out a notebook and flipped to the particular song. Impressed, I watched as he guided me through the various guitar notes to the song.
Pink Cloud then started talking about his life. His wife divorced him 13 years ago, which he said is how long it has been since he's seen his son. I felt sorry for the guy, but Pink Cloud is a term often used in Alcoholics Anonymous to describe someone who is over-confident in their recovery and on the verge of relapse. I'm sure his estranged wife would have plenty of reasons to give for kicking him out of the family, but she nor her son can be located, according to Pink Cloud.
Before leaving, I purchased a back-issue of The Onion from Mr. Cloud for 78 cents and wished him good luck on finding his son. If Cal-Trans hadn't raised the toll fee from $3 to $4 this year, I would have never met Pink Cloud, but I didn't mind taking a detour tonight.
The man introduced himself as the original Pink Cloud, and immediately began talking about music. He asked me if I play any instruments, which I don't, but I said I played the Sax when I was younger. He began talking about various artists and how he used to teach music. There was a Neil Young song playing on the Burger King sound system, so he fumbled through his cart and pulled out a notebook and flipped to the particular song. Impressed, I watched as he guided me through the various guitar notes to the song.
Pink Cloud then started talking about his life. His wife divorced him 13 years ago, which he said is how long it has been since he's seen his son. I felt sorry for the guy, but Pink Cloud is a term often used in Alcoholics Anonymous to describe someone who is over-confident in their recovery and on the verge of relapse. I'm sure his estranged wife would have plenty of reasons to give for kicking him out of the family, but she nor her son can be located, according to Pink Cloud.
Before leaving, I purchased a back-issue of The Onion from Mr. Cloud for 78 cents and wished him good luck on finding his son. If Cal-Trans hadn't raised the toll fee from $3 to $4 this year, I would have never met Pink Cloud, but I didn't mind taking a detour tonight.
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