JohnBedard.com

Stupid Tax

Permalink | July 18, 2006 by John in My 2002 Triumph Bonneville America

“Passed three separate vehicles (including an off-duty East Helena Policeman) on double yellow line.” On the bike, 07/17/06, Canyon Ferry Road, Lewis and Clark County, Montana. Montana Code Annotated: 61-8-326: $85.

Shit.

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I Want a Convertible

Permalink | July 16, 2006 by John in Auto

I just spent some quality time driving a PT Cruiser Turbo Convertible that a friend had rented while visiting my grandmother. The first issue is the PT. I’ve always wanted to hate them, after driving one (maybe it’s the turbo) I have to admit it’s a nice, solid car. The build quality is there and the thing goes, handles and stops very well. The second issue is the convertible. It was awfully nice, once the temps came down below 90, to pop the top and go for a cruise. I don’t think I’d ever buy a PT, but an Audi TT or the new VW roadster (EOS)? It’s a possibility. Sign me up for my mid-life crisis - I WANT A CONVERTIBLE!

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Why We’re Fatter - Five reasons you haven’t thought of

Permalink | July 14, 2006 by John in Uncategorized

Others (Kottke, et al) linking to this article on Slate seem to be focusing on the sleep-deprivation angle. However, something different caught my eye: “Before we write off obesity as a hopeless problem, though, one more thought: As worried as I am about many of my heavy patients, I often do see heartening improvement, especially in later adolescence (even if I am skeptical that I played a role). The critical question is why some young people thin down while others do not.

“I don’t have an answer, but I do have an impression. It’s that adolescents who lose weight are more likely to have acquired a positive sense of themselves, because they’ve had some academic or athletic success, or some other notable accomplishment. Sometimes they have embarked on a successful romantic relationship. And often parents and other adults in their life focus on their strengths rather than harping on weight and appearance.”

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