My blog is moving to my new website, www.thetravismusic.com. Enjoy.
TA
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Pre-post Post
It's been a long while since I've posted, and I promise to come full-force with a Things I Love and Hate About Chicago before I move, but for now, here's a sampling of some of my thoughts over the past few months.
www.ruminations.com/BiggPharoah
www.ruminations.com/BiggPharoah
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Things Americans Love: Multiples of 10 and Saving a Penny
I've decided to start a new series of observations on some of our society's favorite things called "Things Americans Love".
The first installment is "Multiples of 10 and Saving a Penny". We love multiples of 10. Instead of selling something for a dollar at Jewel, things are sold as "10 for $10". Estimates are almost always rounded to the nearest 10. Ten is the easiest number to multiply. As we get older, birthdays that fall on multiples of 10 are given special significance (30, 40, 50, etc). In basketball, double-doubles and triple doubles-- achieving 10 points, rebounds, assists, and/or steals-- are highly regarded. "One million" has been one of the coolest numbers since we were kids. We are obsessed with ten and its multiples.
But when it comes to money, what we Americans truly love is saving a penny on a deal. That TV is $500? NO! It's $499.99. What a difference! It's everywhere- grocery stores, car dealerships, jewelry stores, phone plans. Who cares that taxes and surcharges bring the cost well over that penny or dollar saved. As long as it brings some level of comfort that the retail price was not rounded to the next dollar, it's cool.
The first installment is "Multiples of 10 and Saving a Penny". We love multiples of 10. Instead of selling something for a dollar at Jewel, things are sold as "10 for $10". Estimates are almost always rounded to the nearest 10. Ten is the easiest number to multiply. As we get older, birthdays that fall on multiples of 10 are given special significance (30, 40, 50, etc). In basketball, double-doubles and triple doubles-- achieving 10 points, rebounds, assists, and/or steals-- are highly regarded. "One million" has been one of the coolest numbers since we were kids. We are obsessed with ten and its multiples.
But when it comes to money, what we Americans truly love is saving a penny on a deal. That TV is $500? NO! It's $499.99. What a difference! It's everywhere- grocery stores, car dealerships, jewelry stores, phone plans. Who cares that taxes and surcharges bring the cost well over that penny or dollar saved. As long as it brings some level of comfort that the retail price was not rounded to the next dollar, it's cool.
Friday, March 20, 2009
My work computer
My computer-based email at work hasn't worked right for almost a year, so I sign in to my email through the web-based server. Every time I sign in, the server makes me do it twice. I don't know why. I haven't reported the problem because I don't want the I.T. guy to work on my computer and realize that I have almost 2,000 songs on it.
Monday, March 16, 2009
My Real Beef With Smokers
What a turn society has taken on smokers. 30 years ago, almost 50% of the adult U.S. population smoked, while today it is around 22%. The novel thing for the government to do was to tax the crap out of cigarettes to profit off other people's vices, just as they've done with drunk drivers and sex offenders. How disappointing that our society outcasts those who are struggling instead of trying to help them readjust to living meaningful lives that can be productive to others. You can still hate (/tax) the sin and love the sinner.
So I feel for you, smokers. It seems there are otoher addictions that don't get singled out quite like yours. But here's the problem I have with you: you litter! You throw your damn cigarette butts on the ground instead of taking the extra second to dispose of them in a trash can! C'mon now. Anyone that's ever adopted a highway mile or been part of a clean-up volunteer project can attest to how annoying it is to pick up tiny Marlboro pieces with gloves while hunched over on a road or in a parking lot.
I know I'm overgeneralizing. There are some smokers like my aunt who are very conscientious of their smoking and clean up after themselves. But on the whole, I've noticed many more litterers than eco-friendly smokers.
So I feel for you, smokers. It seems there are otoher addictions that don't get singled out quite like yours. But here's the problem I have with you: you litter! You throw your damn cigarette butts on the ground instead of taking the extra second to dispose of them in a trash can! C'mon now. Anyone that's ever adopted a highway mile or been part of a clean-up volunteer project can attest to how annoying it is to pick up tiny Marlboro pieces with gloves while hunched over on a road or in a parking lot.
I know I'm overgeneralizing. There are some smokers like my aunt who are very conscientious of their smoking and clean up after themselves. But on the whole, I've noticed many more litterers than eco-friendly smokers.
Monday, March 9, 2009
News and Views
Wall-E truly is a great movie.
Nothing ruins a weekend quite like a downpour.
Redbox is definitely worth the dollar.
Messner's is a quality establishment.
There is nothing quite like a letter from your grandmother.
When people dance too close to my microphone stand, they compromise years of braces, retainers, and headgear going down the drain.
I don't like people in matching coats approaching me to save the environment.
It is a special treat to get a seat on the morning train.
The first song I ever wrote was called " '81 Chevy" in 7th grade.
Nothing ruins a weekend quite like a downpour.
Redbox is definitely worth the dollar.
Messner's is a quality establishment.
There is nothing quite like a letter from your grandmother.
When people dance too close to my microphone stand, they compromise years of braces, retainers, and headgear going down the drain.
I don't like people in matching coats approaching me to save the environment.
It is a special treat to get a seat on the morning train.
The first song I ever wrote was called " '81 Chevy" in 7th grade.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Sometimes you just can't help it
I have yet to say it, but do you ever just see someone and can't think of anything substantial to say and have a Michael Scott moment? Two examples:
Having an Indian waitress at a restaurant: "Congrats on Slumdog Millionaire! You guys cleaned up at the Oscars."
Seeing a Hispanic case manager at my office: "Hey, how bout your boy Jorge Nunez on Idol last night, huh? He rocked the house!"
Having an Indian waitress at a restaurant: "Congrats on Slumdog Millionaire! You guys cleaned up at the Oscars."
Seeing a Hispanic case manager at my office: "Hey, how bout your boy Jorge Nunez on Idol last night, huh? He rocked the house!"
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