Model Citizenship

So, I have three quick incidents to report to keep the “Land of Entitlement” trophy deeply seeded within the “O.C.”:

The Lexus Lady and Her Horn

During a recent walk to Fat Burger with a few colleagues from work, we were treated to yet another display of “my time is more important than yours.” There is a particularly dicey crosswalk at the intersection of Jamboree and Michelson in Irvine. Crossing the main part of Michelson is protected by a standard cross walk and light. The dicey part is the last small island that frames the right-turn lane to Jamboree - it has no light to regulate the turning traffic… As we crossed Michelson and arrived at the right-turn island, we noticed an approaching van slow to a stop to allow us to cross - while in itself not an act of model citizenship (there is a crosswalk there), it was much appreciated. As we got to the middle of the crosswalk, we were suddenly startled by a sharp blast of a horn. Apparently, a lady in a Lexus (and I use lady lightly), determined that the van stopped in front of her was holding her up - despite 4 people crossing in front of it….

The Bummer in the Hummer

I will first admit that I do not drive the smallest of vehicles - a Dodge 2500 truck. I do, however pay special attention to how I drive it. For instance, I make sure I leave room for others to park, pass, etc. I DO NOT drive it like I am ENTITLED to whatever road-space I want. With this in mind - let us take a short journey to the front of Fred’s in Laguna Niguel. There is a one-way lane in front of the restaurant to allow traffic leaving the parking lot to exit easily (note the use of “lane”). After backing out of our parking space, I turned left and proceeded to turn to the exit lane. What do you think we found? A Hummer heading the wrong direction in an effort to take the spot I just left behind. Of course there is hardly enough room for one car let alone a Hummer and Dodge truck. As I round the corner, this GM genius drives CLOSER to me - making it nearly impossible for me to get around him. (All because he was ENTITLED to the parking space, right?). As I inched my way around him, I happily pointed out that he was going the wrong direction on a one-way lane. Of course, he didn’t even acknowledge….Truly a display of Not-So-Model Citizenship!

And the final story….  Read the rest of this entry »

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Model-Log; January 15, 2008:

So the new year is well underway - and with it, the hundreds of wishful resolutions destined for obscurity…Now, far be it for me to dash the hopes of the would be “resolutionist” - but some personal promises just have no chance…

Now that the teaser is before you, humor me and answer a quick question: Where do New Year’s resolutions go to die? If you answered the refrigerator, you are almost correct. If you answered the gym, light up a cigar, sit in your favorite chair and relish in your correctness!

January is by far the worst month to go to the gym - Thousands of people somehow convince themselves that this year will be different - they are finally going to get into shape. Unfortunately, amidst their unbridled enthusiasm, they neglect to read-in on a few basic ground rules for gym attendance. Now, I am by no means any type of gym monger, but I do believe there are a few guidelines one should persevere to follow:

1. Choose activities within your means
   • Don’t attempt the 300 lb bench press when you’re only good for a buck twenty-five
   • Don’t use the pool if you can’t swim - you get the picture
2. Choose the proper attire - enough said
3. Leave the cell phone in the car
4. Bring a towel - and use it when you finish with a piece of equipment.

These are a few of the important ones, be that as it may - I have another that should be expanded on… Read the rest of this entry »

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