Why Do We Do This To Ourselves?

Why do we do it to ourselves?

The High Price of Gas
Everyone is bitching about the high price of gas. Why? Because they have become so dependent on it. People and gas are now like addicts to drugs. We use gas because we are used to using gas. We are used to using gas because it is convenient. The problem is that we, as a society, are not good at adjusting or making compromises. We all want the fancy car. We all want the "decked out" car. We all want the car that turns heads, but we do not want to pay the cost - the shitty gas mileage. Why do we not car pool? What about busses? What about walking? Obviously walking is not going to work for a lot of people, but what about riding a bike? Maybe those people who feel the need to complain about the gas should take a stand and refuse to buy the gas or the next time they want a new car, buy one based on its efficiency rather than the way that it looks.

There is no doubt that I am a hypocrite. I just happen to live in a city where cars are not needed. When I lived in Ohio, I used to drive everyday to work and to school. The difference is that I looked into taking public transportation. I looked into "Laketrain." At the time it was the same price for me to drive all the way downtown as it was to drive to the Laketrain station and leave my car. However, now if I was still in Ohio there is no doubt that the cost-benefit analysis would go the other way. With the current price of gas (with no relief in site) it would be more cost efficient to drive to the Laketrain station and take the public transportation. Having used the public subways in New York City for almost 3 months now, I can tell you that there is NO better place to meet people than on public transportation!

The High Cost of Cable
Similar to the cost of gas, the cost of cable has gotten out of hand! How have be become a society so dependent on cable television for our entertainment that we have no issue with paying $100+ a month. I recently called the cable company to see about getting just Basic Cable and possibly Roadrunner. Little did I know that the woman on the phone would begin to tell me about the "fabulous savings" that you can get by getting cable and internet together. Hearing this, I was excited (as excited as one can get from calling the cable company), so I let her continue. She told me about all the channels, digital this and digital that. Then she told me how the internet was SO much faster with cable. So then I asked her the cost. She said that it would only cost be $150 per month for internet and cable. After picking my chin up from the table, I asked her what basic cable would cost. She told me basic (10 channels) was $50 and Internet was $50. I promptly hung up, called Verizon, and signed up for DSL at $20 per month for the first 4 months and $30 each month after that. Then I plugged my TV into the wall and found out that I got 15 channels for free (not a good signal but it is something to watch nevertheless). Despite the lower cost, I am still waiting for the DSL to work (3 weeks later) but that will be a subject for another day (like the day I get the telephone bill for a service I have yet to be able to use).

So what is the solution? STOP PAYING FOR TV! Go outside! Play a sport! Take a walk! Go visit the Bebouts. Just refuse to pay the high cost. Heck, just go rent a movie with some friends. The only way that things are going to change is if we stop going along with them!

Enough ranting...

My Boss

On popular demand (well really, Christie asked)....here is a picture of my boss:

Success is Measured By Many Methods

Well, I survived! First oral argument. Although I am sure that it was similar to Mr. Bebout's run in with a moving Nyer, I still think that it went pretty well.

Interestingly enough, the room that I had my argument in was the same room that I did a trial competition in a few years back. So when I was sitting in the room, waiting to be called, I had the opportunity to remember back to pleasant times when a paycheck did not matter on your performance - then again that was also a time when no paycheck was given!

Today is a beautiful day. 70s, sun, little breeze - wonderful time to be in New York!

I just found out that I get to go to a Yankees game tomorrow. Nothing like going to a game in the middle of the day, when you are supposed to be working. I was told by my boss that I am NOT to wear any of that "g** damn Indians crap." For those of you who are not aware, the Indians and Yankees are currently tied for the wildcard - nice!

Back to work.

First Oral Argument

Well, I just found out that I get to argue my first motion. I just found out today that it will be tomorrow. The good thing is that I wrote the brief originally. The bad thing is that I have never argued a motion before a NY judge. Should be interesting!

Cleveland RULZ!, Board Members are Lost - STOP THE CRAZINESS

Crazy weekend.

Annual meeting - woo hoo (only rained when we were sleeping or petting the cows: Beeton found a new friend).

Went to the airport on Sunday and my 7:05 flight was delayed until 10pm. 10pm came around and they delayed it until 11:00pm. At 11:00pm I got in line, knowing that they were going to cancel the flight. I was #2 in line when they did. However, the first flight out the next day was not until 7:05pm. So I missed an entire day of work (I have a feeling that I will not get paid for it) but I got to spend the day in H.G.'s dorm room - too bad she was gone all day (yea for smelly carpets).

Also on Monday, I guess we lost a Board member. Rumor has it that she is back, but I have yet to confirm this. So if you can confirm this, please let me know.

Yesterday...worked from 7am until 9pm and then got on a train that broke down (I will never take the R train again). I need a mylanta moment (wait...that isn't right) - Calgon...thats what I need.

Enough complaining! Today is beautiful and I think that I might go to battery park for dinner...woo hoo!

Today is a Non-Terrorist Day in NYC

Well, like the title says, today is a non-terrorist day! The reason? Quite simply, because Jessica Simpson is in town.

No stories about guys relieving themselves on the train (cause that is what he was doing) or anything of the like.

I got off the train this morning and instead of being greeted by Clay Aiken and his HORRID voice, I was greeted by the sweet - er - um - sound of Jessica Simpson. So like any normal male, I stopped and listened. She, er - um - sounded great (and the cowboy boots, short shorts, and low cut shirt didn't hurt at all either).

Man, Girl and Boy, Man, and Girl

It has been an interesting few days. I am always amazed at the diversity on the subway here. I honestly believe that you could spend your entire day riding the subway and trying to figure out everyones stories. For those of you who know me, you know that I love to watch people and attempt to figure them out. So here is what I saw yesterday and today. Can you help me determine what their "stories" are?

1) A Man on the subway car, walked into the middle between 2 cars, stood there for about a minute and a half and then came back into the car and sat with his girlfriend. Hint: There was no smoking involved.

2) 2 young people last night on the subway (approximately 8:30pm). They could not keep their hands off each other. They were standing near the exit of the train and could not stop making out.

3) A Man dressed in a shirt and tie wearing a bright orange smock (like what the subway helpers wear). Normally, however, the subway workers are wearing their blue shirts with the smock. So why was this guy wearing a shirt and tie and the smock?

4) As I passed the Rockefeller station this morning, I saw out of the window and woman on her one knee bent over with her head on the side of one of the benches. She was clearly crying. Eveyone was ignoring her.

So help me out if you would. What were their stories?