Evel Wheels

I motorcycle and have done so since my early 20s. However, I have never ridden off-road or developed the cojones to perform any two-wheeled daredevil stunts. It hasn't crossed my mind to get totally airborne, jumping over rocks and logs let alone something on the scale of a canyon. With a rocket-powered bike, of course. There is a name synonymous with death-defying motorcycling feats whom I've witnessed on TV when I was a kid back in the '70s.

Evel Knievel died today from natural causes at age 69.

Foreclosures

As part of the housing slump that's going on throughout this area (region, state... the entire nation perhaps), there are many who have gotten in over their heads and can no longer maintain mortgage payments. Especially after those variable interest rates shot through the ceiling. Because so many people were affected by this unfortunate turn of events, there's some loud clamor for governmental assistance to dig them out of the hole they've dug.

I'm not so sympathetic. When something appears too good to be true, you can almost count on some kinda gotcha lurking in the shadows. I live in an old, humble little house just outside city limits with a triple-digit monthly mortgage payment. Far from perfect, but I am reasonably comfortable and call it home. There are a vast majority who (in my observation) seek the greatest size and finest accouterments that they can barely hope to afford; certainly, a few years ago the climate was right to fulfill this desire.

Low interest rates, affordable housing that was quickly appreciating and creative financing fueled the frenzy. Some were investors hoping to turn a quick profit from the boom. Now that the bottom of the housing market has dropped out, victims are crying "foul!".

Should taxpayer money go toward bailing out these short-sighted, ambitious and (dare I say... greedy?) homeowners? If the lenders have done something illegal, then they will have to answer to the justice system. Nope, I don't think I should be paying for someone else's mistake. Wouldn't it be nice to visit Lake Tahoe, gamble with markers, lose and be unable to cover said markers (your intent was to win, remember?), and expect the casino patrons to pitch in and pay for your losses? Dream on.

HDTVs

What I noticed about the Black Friday newspaper ads is that the flat-panel HDTV prices are dropping drastically. Nevermind that the prices are slashed to kick off the holiday shopping season; this (IMHO) is a sign of what's to come. We are looking at modestly sized sets (measuring about 32") selling for around $450, while sets as large as 50" can be had for under a grand... and the technology is not sitting still.

Purchasing one is inevitable, as we prepare for the FCC ruling to convert all broadcasting to digital by 2009.

Air China

It seems that being a flight attendant in China is a prestigious occupation, and it's no wonder judging from the entry requirements. The girls have to be physically attractive, graceful, tall and slender and not have been around a quarter century. So much for EEO; at least they make no pretense of abiding by any fair hiring practices, unlike here in America.

Not So White Xmas

We had a cold front come down from Canada, so overnight lows have dipped into the 30s, above freezing. However, the days have still been sunny with temps in the low 60s (last week it was in the upper-60s); today we had gusty breezes.

Thanksgiving came and went (hope everyone had an enjoyable turkey feast... I did), but our Sierra range is still left with little to no snow! Perhaps blame it on global warming. Our water supply is dependent upon the snowpack in the mountains, along with the amount of water in that snowpack. Northern CA's ski industry is hurting too.

Let's see what the next 3 or 4 months will bring.

Bull Dyke Rag

Yeah, I'm gonna rag about a bull dyke encounter I had last Tuesday at the gym. I'm usually there early to hit the ball around to warm up before our match begins, so between games during the women's league I proceeded to hit the ball against the wall. Of course I would cease as soon as the ref gets ready to start the play; it is distracting trying to concentrate with the background racket going on.

Out of seemingly nowhere, she approaches me and asks (or was that demands?), "could you do that in the corner on the other side of the net? That's pretty annoying". I looked up to see that the ref had not yet returned, then made my "bitch" comment, but by that time she had already walked away. For one, this is the gym where my leagues are usually held, whereas this women's league is played in an adjacent, smaller gym. Except for that night. Secondly, I've played at this gym probably 15 to 20 years longer than she has. Lastly, it's my normal routine to warm up this way.

Bull dyke gots balls.

That ref was playing tonight so I had a chance to chat with her, mentioning my experience. She described a similar encounter when officiating one of the bull dyke's games. While the ball was being retrieved, the ref took a quick moment to check her text message. The game proceeded thereon without a hitch, but the bull dyke later asked the ref if that was what she was doing. The ref gave an affirmative nod.

Bull dyke: "Why?"
Ref: "Because I had a message?"
Bull dyke: "Well, couldn't you wait until after the game?"

Balls.

Sure, there are many people in life who believe they are entitled and that life should revolve around them. I thought I'd take up some blog real estate to rag about this particular incident since it is oddly a tad entertaining and because...

... it's a bull dyke.

Jam Session

I've been reading much lately about cellphone jammers, and that prices are beginning to become affordable for the consumer market. Previously, only larger enterprises were able to afford these devices which disrupt cellphone signals, purportedly used by restaurants and movie theaters where cellphone conversations are a nuisance. Emergency telephones are available away from other patrons.

Problem is, these devices are also considered illegal. Cellphone transmissions ride a segment of the airwaves that are governed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and in effect it'd be a federal crime to disrupt or inhibit the calls. Cracking down on the little guys will be a lot more difficult than going after the big boys.

Oh wouldn't it be nice to have one of these thingamajiggers! That, and of course the one that changes traffic signals.

Traffic Enforcement

I do not consider myself a chronic speeder (when it comes to the roadways); there is a time and place where you can open up the throttle. I did not necessarily say legally, but there is a huge difference between rush hour metropolitan congestion and an endless desert. Believe me, being tagged for 65mph on a southern Utah desert stretch of new asphalt posted at 55mph made very little sense to me.

But around Sacramento, I have seen drivers going about 50% over some speed limits.

There are other infractions as well: tailgating, weaving, red light running, cutting off others, wandering (most likely due to cellphone usage, primping and preening, squeals on wheels, child chiding, reading, daydreaming, pigging out or a blow job). Sometimes I wonder "where's a cop when you really need one?".

I hear the budget is primarily to blame, although I attribute it in part to cellphones and drive-thru service. Waiting at home for a phone call or enjoying a sit-down meal are no longer reasons to keep one from sliding behind the wheel. But I (am starting to) digress. Maybe the budget can be better spent on strategically placing empty patrol cars at various, problematic traffic locations. These cars' high profile will act as a deterrent, and isn't traffic safety the goal, as opposed to ticket quotas? Or, make the patrol cars' appearance more discreet and that will keep everyone guessing.

I can just hear law enforcement unions and the ACLU beginning to stir.

Amend the First

A Los Angeles City Councilman proposed a resolution to ban the N-word eh? Sure, yeah... ok. But how about all the other words that denigrate other races, religions, etc.? It seems in America, racially-based political correctness has been distilled down to a simplicity where even idiots will understand it, and thus only idiots will be motivated by it. Plain and simple, "black & white" and not "colored" by any common sense reasoning. My firsthand account? I have heard the N-word used by more blacks (i.e. Afro-Americans) than from any other source.

By: North County Times wire services -

LOS ANGELES - City Councilman Bernard Parks today introduced a resolution symbolically banning the "N" word in Los Angeles. Nearly a year ago, Michael Richards, who played Kramer on "Seinfeld" repeatedly used the word when he took on a heckler during a stand-up routine at the Laugh Factory and, last week, Duane "Dog" Chapman was excoriated for his use of the derogatory term for blacks.

On Friday, the City Council will vote on the resolution, which is similar to a ban called for by the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Los Angeles.

The word "connotes a lazy person with no self respect or regard for family, a person who is ignorant, stupid, slow moving, does not speak proper English and has childlike qualities," Parks wrote in the resolution.

"The council of the city of Los Angeles encourages the residents of Los Angeles to cease using the 'N' word and to encourage all others whom they may encounter in their daily routine to cease from using the word as well."

Richards made national headlines after cellular-telephone video of the Nov. 17 confrontation came to light. He later made an appearance via satellite on the "Late Show with David Letterman" for the sole purpose of apologizing for his rudeness. In July, he announced that he had retired from standup comedy.

Wait, wasn't the Rev. Jesse Jackson involved in breaking at least one Commandment, something along the lines of coveting someone else's wife? Maybe he should see fit to ban the A-word... "A" as in Adulterer, and let's not get me started on the topic of religion in the news.

Light Rail

Last week I commuted via light rail (our electrified local mass transit system on rails). That's because my favorite commuter motorcycle puked its rear end upon getting home from a Halloween shindig. It's just as well, since I eventually will have gotten around to alternative transportation... and best I learn the ropes before it begins raining cats and dogs.

I drive my truck about 4 miles to the most convenient light rail station, park it, validate a ticket and board the train for a 5-6 mile ride to my downtown office. Fortunately, the train stops at my building (and the one departing for home stops about a 1/2 block away).

It's not so bad.

The problem for many people is that the light rail routes are not necessarily as convenient as I have found them to be (altho' it'd be nice if I didn't have to drive 4 miles to the station... but I'm nitpicking). Some still have to walk several blocks to their offices. There's also the problem with vehicle break-ins at some of the parking locations. Lastly, you get to share your commute with others (many with whom you'd rather not).

With everyone jumping on the GREEN bandwagon (global warming, hybrid vehicles, Al Gore), maybe the powers-that-be could do something to better promote mass transit, such as developing better routes and providing enhanced security. As for putting up with fellow commuters' profanity, lack of personal hygiene and what-not... I'm not sure there is a solution.

Once my Cruiser's rear end is all fixed up and weather permitting, I will be back to two-wheeling it to work (I park free about a block away). I love riding.