Why do I get so offended when people say, "Beatles or Stones?" - Why?? Because, believe me, I get really offended. To me, it's not quite the fact that it's not even that close, it's that it's a ludicrous comparison in the first place. The Beatles stand alone as a group. Just like Elvis does as a solo artist.
And though I'm not like a Beatles freak or anything, I find this to be one of my "dealbreakers" because it's so appalling an idea. I mean, not to demean U2 or anything, but I think a more appropos comparison would be "Stones or U2?" - and, frankly, I think the answer is U2.
I'm not even a Stones hater. I like some of their stuff. But in terms of quality and impact, I think they're also still below The Smiths, Nirvana and probably some more--possibly even Pearl Jam, tho I'm not a big fan of them, either.
Why do I get so offended when confronted with stupidity? I mean, I don't know if there's more stupidity, or is it--like crime--so over-reported and/or witnessed that its true quantity is inflated in the public/my mind.
But, seriously, I think that listening to those stupid teabaggers at a protest (captured on film by an "undercover" prankster) scarred me for life. And I was just SO. VERY. OFFENDED that I have to entrust these people with the vote. It's disgusting.
And I'm talking more about the willfully, rather than the "innocently" stupid--if you aren't educated, well, then it only stands to reason you are going to be less open to new ideas, facts, etc., because you've had no lengthy experience with such things. But I know many folks with not a whole lot of "education" that are still plenty smart.
But the willfully ignorant ones--the ones who still blather and parrot crap told them by talk radio, even when contradicted by facts (e.g., "You lie!"), those are the ones I want to see shipped to Alabama or Mississippi or some other welfare state that consistently votes against government support but takes in WAY more federal support than they provide in return, and just let them be their own, yes, stupid, country and leave us to a socialist "hellhole" of universal health care, world class mass transit, zero waste policies, and a quality education povided through college in exchange for 3 years service to your country in the military, Peace Corps, or Americorps. I'll take that trade.
Why do I get so offended over timidity on the highway? Kyle is always hectoring me for being so "aggressive" on the road and for getting SO. VERY. OFFENDED by timid drivers. You know, coming to a virtual stop to get around the corner, sitting there like a dumb animal and/or on the cell/texting when the light turns green,etc. It's like they just don't deserve to drive. But, again, really, it's more the willful ignorance that is most annoying.
I mean, how can so many people complain, like me, about how people don't know how to use the left lane on the highway, and yet there still be so many people who don't know how to use the left lane on the highway? And, again, why do I get so offended by the arrogant, clueless, selfish assholes who cruise along at the same effing speed as the car on their right, or won't bother to temporarily merge back to the right so you can pass because, eventually, they will pass the car far off in the distance on the right.
And yet, in the end, rather than really honestly beating myself up for getting so "easily" offended, I rationalize that my rage is healthy, as it is based on legitimate things to be offended about--and that, in the end, it's the rest of society who should be asking, "Why am I NOT so offended?"
Well, Why aren't you?
Showing posts with label driving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label driving. Show all posts
10/29/09
10 Things I Don't Hate About Sonomarin
No, I wasn't trying to be snarky, I was trying to play off that "10 Things I Hate About You" which I just now remembered had a very young, extra cute Heath Ledger in it. With....oh god, what was her name that improbably popped up in a Bourney Identity movie - or was it a Mission Impossible movie?
ANYWAY, so here's my "long awaited" Top Ten Things I Miss From Sonomarin; I'm combining the counties coz I lived in Sonoma but worked in Marin.
1) The parking. Sorry SueLin, but my recent hideously expensive towing incident bumps you out of the top spot. I sometimes, maybe had to walk 3-4 blocks when I parked in downtown Petaluma. And of course at home, I had a garage.
2) My friend SueLin. I realized the other night that even tho we've known each other for TWENTY-SIX YEARS now, this past year was the first time we'd lived in the same city since 1991. Although I already knew this about her, it was, of course, awesome to be able to spend time again with someone so smart, funny, generous......excuse me I have something in my eye! :)
3) My friend Lorrie. My only other friend in Petaluma. You could say, "How sad," OR you could say, "Well, how lucky you were to have two such fantastic people as SueLin and Lorrie for friends that you didn't even need any more friends!" I prefer to think of it as the latter.
4) My friend Mary. Mary is a ROCK STAR at Conservation Corps North Bay, and I am lucky that, for my year plus there, I had her there not only for support for my rants about Kyle and Sonomarin drivers, but also as a VERY helpful friend when Kyle and I lost our cat.
Break: the good thing about the above three, is I can still see them - but they're on the list coz I don't get to see them as much!
5) The wine. I mean, I can get wine here, and I'm trying to get back in the habit, but when you live up in Sonoma, you just kind of HAVE to drink wine more often! :)
6) The townhouse I had. Don't think I've ever lived in a place that was three stories before. It was kinda cool just for that, but also had a fabulous kitchen - probably the best I've ever had, and great amenities in the complex. Something that size, with the garage and those amenities, would probably run at least $2700 here. Welcome back to the City!
7) CCNB. Conservation Corps North Bay is an awesome organization doing amazing work and having a significant impact on the earth and our youth. I'm glad I got to be a part of it for awhile!
8) The quiet. While I love the bustle and hubub and vibrancy of the City, and have acclimated to the not-really-so-bad-most-of-the-time sound from the streets, it's still annoying on those nights when more than one siren goes by. Of course, I could live in the Sunset or Richmond if I wantedzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. :)
9) Papa John's. Yes, SueLin, there are some good restaurants in Petaluma, as well as in Marin, but I miss most the convenience of the Papa John's right down the street coz baking it yourself is not only cheaper, but taste better/fresher. Wow, I could do a commercial for them! Oh, wait, I guess I just did.
10) My boy. I saved him for last coz he's really, actually, the most important. Although Kyle still has some, er, life lessons to learn, I still love the little brat something fierce and miss him every single day!
So it may not be a very glamorous list, and of course is half-populated with people, but I did enjoy my time in Sonomarin overall. Word.
ANYWAY, so here's my "long awaited" Top Ten Things I Miss From Sonomarin; I'm combining the counties coz I lived in Sonoma but worked in Marin.
1) The parking. Sorry SueLin, but my recent hideously expensive towing incident bumps you out of the top spot. I sometimes, maybe had to walk 3-4 blocks when I parked in downtown Petaluma. And of course at home, I had a garage.
2) My friend SueLin. I realized the other night that even tho we've known each other for TWENTY-SIX YEARS now, this past year was the first time we'd lived in the same city since 1991. Although I already knew this about her, it was, of course, awesome to be able to spend time again with someone so smart, funny, generous......excuse me I have something in my eye! :)
3) My friend Lorrie. My only other friend in Petaluma. You could say, "How sad," OR you could say, "Well, how lucky you were to have two such fantastic people as SueLin and Lorrie for friends that you didn't even need any more friends!" I prefer to think of it as the latter.
4) My friend Mary. Mary is a ROCK STAR at Conservation Corps North Bay, and I am lucky that, for my year plus there, I had her there not only for support for my rants about Kyle and Sonomarin drivers, but also as a VERY helpful friend when Kyle and I lost our cat.
Break: the good thing about the above three, is I can still see them - but they're on the list coz I don't get to see them as much!
5) The wine. I mean, I can get wine here, and I'm trying to get back in the habit, but when you live up in Sonoma, you just kind of HAVE to drink wine more often! :)
6) The townhouse I had. Don't think I've ever lived in a place that was three stories before. It was kinda cool just for that, but also had a fabulous kitchen - probably the best I've ever had, and great amenities in the complex. Something that size, with the garage and those amenities, would probably run at least $2700 here. Welcome back to the City!
7) CCNB. Conservation Corps North Bay is an awesome organization doing amazing work and having a significant impact on the earth and our youth. I'm glad I got to be a part of it for awhile!
8) The quiet. While I love the bustle and hubub and vibrancy of the City, and have acclimated to the not-really-so-bad-most-of-the-time sound from the streets, it's still annoying on those nights when more than one siren goes by. Of course, I could live in the Sunset or Richmond if I wantedzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. :)
9) Papa John's. Yes, SueLin, there are some good restaurants in Petaluma, as well as in Marin, but I miss most the convenience of the Papa John's right down the street coz baking it yourself is not only cheaper, but taste better/fresher. Wow, I could do a commercial for them! Oh, wait, I guess I just did.
10) My boy. I saved him for last coz he's really, actually, the most important. Although Kyle still has some, er, life lessons to learn, I still love the little brat something fierce and miss him every single day!
So it may not be a very glamorous list, and of course is half-populated with people, but I did enjoy my time in Sonomarin overall. Word.
9/21/09
Deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots - the second
So whose clever idea was it for me to move back in to the City, start grad school back up again, and start a new job back at Director level, all within the course of a month? I mean, I do like keeping busy, but....
Anyway, as a result, my blogging is going to be scaled back to twice a week--at least for now. Yeah, I know, boo hoo! :)
In other news, for some reason--so far, at least--I have yet to be capable of writing about what's going on with Kyle. I guess it's just so appalling I want to escape thinking about it as much as possible. What's wild is I'm hearing from quite a few people that his/our story is not really so unusual--at least in regards to Kyle's...er...um...."lack of succes." Can't decide if that makes me feel better or not.
Saw "The Hoax" the other night and am struck at another example of the decline and fall of the American Empire. In "the old days" we had much more interesting crazy rich people like Howard Hughes - which makes the descent to Paris Hilton that much more deplorable.
Although I'm a little late to the party, I have to agree that "Mad Men" is an excellent show. The acting, the sense of place (NYC), and especially time (1960)....and my GAWD the smoking! It's amazing to think people used to smoke like that! And the sexism! Unbelievable!
So I've finally come up with a good, simple, and yet comprehensive, driving rule that will address a myriad of issues--from people not utilizing the left lane on the highway properly, to taking corners too slowly, to not turning right on red, to not accelerating on hills to maintain their speed, etc. The new rule is this: Just Get The Fuck Out of My Way! Look for it soon in the CA DMV manual.
Have to give a shout out to District 9 - definitely one of the more original Sci-Fi movies I've seen in some time. And also has some telling lessons on compassion, bigotry, and just what it is that makes us human.
Finally, I don't know if it's the worsening civility in this country, but I find myself considering turning vigilante. As most of you may know, parking in the City is a challenge at best. So it is all the more frustrating and annoying to see the losers who park right in the middle of a space between two driveways, when if they'd just pulled forward or backwards, another car could fit in front or behind. I saw just such a scenario tonightright across the street from my apartment.
I was in such a rage I wanted to either let the air out of a tire or even key the effing car! Instead, I left a snitty note on their windshield "thanking" them for being so considerate and warning them that if I saw them parked like that again, I wouldn't be so "forgiving" next time.
So here's my question: technically, what they did is not illegal--and yet, they have a neghborhood parking sticker, they have to know how difficult it is to find parking and now they've been--granted, not so politely--chastised; so would I be justified in "punishing" them if I saw them do it again? Discuss.
I honestly feel like part of why people are so selfish and clueless nowadays is because no one is called on their shit and we've been "psyched out" of using shame anymore. When I was young, I was definitely made to feel ashamed when I did something wrong. There was none of this "validation of my feelings" and/or concern to not send one into a "shame spiral." And that's probably why people like Venus Williams and Kanye West and that dick of a SC congressman pull the shit they do.
Word.
Anyway, as a result, my blogging is going to be scaled back to twice a week--at least for now. Yeah, I know, boo hoo! :)
In other news, for some reason--so far, at least--I have yet to be capable of writing about what's going on with Kyle. I guess it's just so appalling I want to escape thinking about it as much as possible. What's wild is I'm hearing from quite a few people that his/our story is not really so unusual--at least in regards to Kyle's...er...um...."lack of succes." Can't decide if that makes me feel better or not.
Saw "The Hoax" the other night and am struck at another example of the decline and fall of the American Empire. In "the old days" we had much more interesting crazy rich people like Howard Hughes - which makes the descent to Paris Hilton that much more deplorable.
Although I'm a little late to the party, I have to agree that "Mad Men" is an excellent show. The acting, the sense of place (NYC), and especially time (1960)....and my GAWD the smoking! It's amazing to think people used to smoke like that! And the sexism! Unbelievable!
So I've finally come up with a good, simple, and yet comprehensive, driving rule that will address a myriad of issues--from people not utilizing the left lane on the highway properly, to taking corners too slowly, to not turning right on red, to not accelerating on hills to maintain their speed, etc. The new rule is this: Just Get The Fuck Out of My Way! Look for it soon in the CA DMV manual.
Have to give a shout out to District 9 - definitely one of the more original Sci-Fi movies I've seen in some time. And also has some telling lessons on compassion, bigotry, and just what it is that makes us human.
Finally, I don't know if it's the worsening civility in this country, but I find myself considering turning vigilante. As most of you may know, parking in the City is a challenge at best. So it is all the more frustrating and annoying to see the losers who park right in the middle of a space between two driveways, when if they'd just pulled forward or backwards, another car could fit in front or behind. I saw just such a scenario tonightright across the street from my apartment.
I was in such a rage I wanted to either let the air out of a tire or even key the effing car! Instead, I left a snitty note on their windshield "thanking" them for being so considerate and warning them that if I saw them parked like that again, I wouldn't be so "forgiving" next time.
So here's my question: technically, what they did is not illegal--and yet, they have a neghborhood parking sticker, they have to know how difficult it is to find parking and now they've been--granted, not so politely--chastised; so would I be justified in "punishing" them if I saw them do it again? Discuss.
I honestly feel like part of why people are so selfish and clueless nowadays is because no one is called on their shit and we've been "psyched out" of using shame anymore. When I was young, I was definitely made to feel ashamed when I did something wrong. There was none of this "validation of my feelings" and/or concern to not send one into a "shame spiral." And that's probably why people like Venus Williams and Kanye West and that dick of a SC congressman pull the shit they do.
Word.
9/10/09
The Return of Excalibur's Parking Spot
Freak show! Exactly one week later, almost the exact same space is open around 8:30 in the evening, on Hyde, right outside my dining room window.
First, this land cruiser kind of thing pulled paralell with it, and deja vu, he was almost exactly the same size as the space--possibly a bit bigger; but it turns out he was just dropping someone off. BUT, rather than being a Highlight's Magazine "Gallant," he was an evil "Goofus," who didn't realize the car sitting behind him wanted the space, and finally, falsely (unfortunately), assumed the land cruiser guy was going to try and cram his thing in there (huh huh huh), so takes off.
And then, right then, the guy drives off. By this point the woman he dropped off could be 4 blocks away. Loser. It's just amazing to me how clueless people are "these days" about anything outside of their own little bubble/world. But it does make life easier for judgmental people like me! So, um, thanks?
So anyway, almost immediately, a smaller, almost perfect-sized-for-the-spot car shows up. And, surprise, surprise, just like last week, ANY decent parallel parking skills are in complete absence--and again it's a stick shift that's involved.
What's different is, this driver mucks it up by being overly cautious. There's no bashing back and forth like last week--it's more wildly ill-timed wheel-cutting that was obviously brought on, at least in part, by an apparent concern for the other cars! I figure, with the crappy driving, and this unheard of concern for something that doesn't belong to you, it's got to be an alien that's "driving" the car.
But, instead, it was a woman. So now we've observed the difference in how men and women try to "finesse" their way in to a parking space. The winner? Me for having this free entertainment slash sociological experiment right outside my windows! :)
And for those of you who didn't get the "Goofus & Gallant" reference (which would mean you never went to the dentist as a child), and for those who just miss the rascals, here's a couple of classics:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/theblog/archive/GoofusGallant_Oct1980.jpg
First, this land cruiser kind of thing pulled paralell with it, and deja vu, he was almost exactly the same size as the space--possibly a bit bigger; but it turns out he was just dropping someone off. BUT, rather than being a Highlight's Magazine "Gallant," he was an evil "Goofus," who didn't realize the car sitting behind him wanted the space, and finally, falsely (unfortunately), assumed the land cruiser guy was going to try and cram his thing in there (huh huh huh), so takes off.
And then, right then, the guy drives off. By this point the woman he dropped off could be 4 blocks away. Loser. It's just amazing to me how clueless people are "these days" about anything outside of their own little bubble/world. But it does make life easier for judgmental people like me! So, um, thanks?
So anyway, almost immediately, a smaller, almost perfect-sized-for-the-spot car shows up. And, surprise, surprise, just like last week, ANY decent parallel parking skills are in complete absence--and again it's a stick shift that's involved.
What's different is, this driver mucks it up by being overly cautious. There's no bashing back and forth like last week--it's more wildly ill-timed wheel-cutting that was obviously brought on, at least in part, by an apparent concern for the other cars! I figure, with the crappy driving, and this unheard of concern for something that doesn't belong to you, it's got to be an alien that's "driving" the car.
But, instead, it was a woman. So now we've observed the difference in how men and women try to "finesse" their way in to a parking space. The winner? Me for having this free entertainment slash sociological experiment right outside my windows! :)
And for those of you who didn't get the "Goofus & Gallant" reference (which would mean you never went to the dentist as a child), and for those who just miss the rascals, here's a couple of classics:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/theblog/archive/GoofusGallant_Oct1980.jpg
9/3/09
Excalibur's Parking Spot
So tonight there's this small parking spot on Hyde, right out the dining room window where I sit with my laptop. I happened to glance out and saw a van trying to get in it and I scoffed just before they gave up and took off.
It stayed empty for awhile until a jeepish kind of car/thing tried very hard to get in it. Of course, from my vantage point, I could tell they were just this much too big--and I don't mean much. And, in the end, if they had spent another 20-30 minutes, they might have gotten in there, but by gawd they gave it the old college try. I've never seen a Jeep crab like that!
But the sad thing is, if they had finally made it in there, the pickup truck in front of them would have never been able to get out if they tried to leave first--as they were bumper to bumper with the car in front of them. But do you think those guys would have cared if they'd been able to get in? I'm guessing not.
Anyway, after a while, the two jeep boys gave up (and it took them awhile to get back out!), and another car, smaller finally, made the effort. It was a fairly tight fit, but anyone with any decent parallel parking skills (c'est moi!) woudn't have a problem.
This dude had a problem.
A serious problem.
His buddy got out to "help" direct him, but all he basically ended up doing was comically clapping his hands to his head and shrieking when his buddy backed--repeatedly--into the van parked behind. Then, at the end, and for good measure I suppose, he rammed the bumper of the pick up in front of him. Moral of the story: Drive a MINI.
It stayed empty for awhile until a jeepish kind of car/thing tried very hard to get in it. Of course, from my vantage point, I could tell they were just this much too big--and I don't mean much. And, in the end, if they had spent another 20-30 minutes, they might have gotten in there, but by gawd they gave it the old college try. I've never seen a Jeep crab like that!
But the sad thing is, if they had finally made it in there, the pickup truck in front of them would have never been able to get out if they tried to leave first--as they were bumper to bumper with the car in front of them. But do you think those guys would have cared if they'd been able to get in? I'm guessing not.
Anyway, after a while, the two jeep boys gave up (and it took them awhile to get back out!), and another car, smaller finally, made the effort. It was a fairly tight fit, but anyone with any decent parallel parking skills (c'est moi!) woudn't have a problem.
This dude had a problem.
A serious problem.
His buddy got out to "help" direct him, but all he basically ended up doing was comically clapping his hands to his head and shrieking when his buddy backed--repeatedly--into the van parked behind. Then, at the end, and for good measure I suppose, he rammed the bumper of the pick up in front of him. Moral of the story: Drive a MINI.
8/19/09
Scum of the Earth: Baby Boomers & Tourists
Okay, down chicos, I'm just playin' - a little. :)
One thing I don't miss about living in Petaluma (coming soon: the top ten things I miss about Petaluma--as soon as I can think of 10!) and working in Marin, is/was the Marin & Sonoma Co. drivers. NO concept whatsoever of the usage of the left/passing lane (psssst, I just gave you a hint!), WAY too brake heavy--hello? let up on the accelerator and you'll slow down, as well!
Most all of them generally drive in one of two modes: Timid and Panic.
I'm generalizing, of course, but the other thing I noticed about the drivers "up there," is the bad ones were all like late 50s and up--you know, the effing Baby Boomers (of which I am, admittedly, on the "cusp" of). Either that, or the driver was talking on his/her cell--because, for some reason, that law doesn't apply to them--and despite their swerving and 30 mph driving on the highway, oh no, it doesn't distract them.
Confession: I have to admit this is one time I hope there is a heaven and hell and that there is a special "level" in hell for those who have caused an accident while messing with their cell. It'd be on the level below mean and hateful customers, but above Dubya. Word.
Anyway, the other thing these old drivers do is OHMYGODITSASLIGHTBENDINTHEROADIBETTER SLOWDOWNANDSLAMONTHEBRAKES
Which, of course, provides you with the opportunity to see the truly skilled ones incorporate timidity and panic at the same time!
Or substitute "slight rise or hill" for "bend in the road" above. Repeat.
I mean, I know people get more cautious when they're older, but can't they be cautious out of my way? Dammit, why won't they just get out of my way? Discuss.
So having escaped those old people in Marin/Sonoma, I now get the joy of "interacting" with tourists. Driving tourists. The movie would be, "Driving Miss Davey Crazy."
The two modes that the tourists drive in, are, of course, Timid and Panic.
Can't we just stop them on the outskirts of the City, find out what all they were going to do, what level hotel they were planning on staying in, etc., and then just take the equivalent amont of money from them, give them a few t-shirts, and then they go back home??
Poll time!
J/K
One thing I don't miss about living in Petaluma (coming soon: the top ten things I miss about Petaluma--as soon as I can think of 10!) and working in Marin, is/was the Marin & Sonoma Co. drivers. NO concept whatsoever of the usage of the left/passing lane (psssst, I just gave you a hint!), WAY too brake heavy--hello? let up on the accelerator and you'll slow down, as well!
Most all of them generally drive in one of two modes: Timid and Panic.
I'm generalizing, of course, but the other thing I noticed about the drivers "up there," is the bad ones were all like late 50s and up--you know, the effing Baby Boomers (of which I am, admittedly, on the "cusp" of). Either that, or the driver was talking on his/her cell--because, for some reason, that law doesn't apply to them--and despite their swerving and 30 mph driving on the highway, oh no, it doesn't distract them.
Confession: I have to admit this is one time I hope there is a heaven and hell and that there is a special "level" in hell for those who have caused an accident while messing with their cell. It'd be on the level below mean and hateful customers, but above Dubya. Word.
Anyway, the other thing these old drivers do is OHMYGODITSASLIGHTBENDINTHEROADIBETTER SLOWDOWNANDSLAMONTHEBRAKES
Which, of course, provides you with the opportunity to see the truly skilled ones incorporate timidity and panic at the same time!
Or substitute "slight rise or hill" for "bend in the road" above. Repeat.
I mean, I know people get more cautious when they're older, but can't they be cautious out of my way? Dammit, why won't they just get out of my way? Discuss.
So having escaped those old people in Marin/Sonoma, I now get the joy of "interacting" with tourists. Driving tourists. The movie would be, "Driving Miss Davey Crazy."
The two modes that the tourists drive in, are, of course, Timid and Panic.
Can't we just stop them on the outskirts of the City, find out what all they were going to do, what level hotel they were planning on staying in, etc., and then just take the equivalent amont of money from them, give them a few t-shirts, and then they go back home??
Poll time!
J/K
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