166: It's All Relative

When I bought my Volvo wagon 27 years ago it was a big car.  Now I park it in "compact only slots.

When I took it in for maintenance a few weeks ago, the service guy told me the bill ($1200--first repair work in 10 years), he asked me, "you really like this car, don't you?"

Yes, I do.  

But not for commuting--I'll staying with my bike.

165. "SRO" a tragedy in one act

The setting: standing room only intercity bus.  There is just one seat left, currently occupied by the belongings of a 30-something woman, who I will call Beth.

Cast of Characters: Beth, 60 yr old Sharon, 25 yr old Isabel, and 25 yr old Roberto.

Sharon to Beth (calm, but with the tone of a elementary school teacher): "You know, if you move your things, there will be room for one more passenger."

Beth to Sharon (dripping with sarcasm): "I was just rearranging them, but thank you for being the authority figure here."

Sharon then leaves the bus (another will come in 15 minutes).  Isabel and Roberto remain standing for the next 40 minutes; the seat remains vacant, Beth having moved her purse and pack to the floor.

164. Subway Etiquette

With a new light rail system (subway light) in town, the transit authority figured an education campaign is in order. Cute.