NRA Targets Obama

The National Rifle Association plans to spend about $40 million on this year’s presidential campaign, with $15 million of that devoted to portraying Barack Obama as a threat to the Second Amendment rights upheld last week by the Supreme Court.

Suddenly, the $10 check I sent to the Obama campaign last week doesn't look so great.
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My Thumb Waaaaaaaaay Up: WALL•E

Voices: Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin, John Ratzenberger, Kathy Najimy, Sigourney Weaver
Co-Starring: Fred Willard, Cast of Hello Dolly

I expected to like this movie; I didn't expect to love it!

In the year 2800, all earthlings have gone on an extended vacation to escape the trashed (and I do mean trashed) planet Earth. Robots, including WALL•E (Waste Allocation Load Lifter • Earth Class) units, have been deployed to clean up the mess by the same money-hungry monolithic company that caused the problem in the first place. Our hero WALL•E, the last functioning one of its kind, is essentially a mercurial trash compactor with an indelible work ethic and a circuit board of gold.

Periodically, the humans send probes to Earth with EVE (Extraterrestrial Vegetation Evaluator) robots to determine if Earth has recovered enough for their return. The main story is environmental in nature but the back story, used to give depth and human characteristics to the robots, is a classic love story between blue-collar WALL•E and intelligent "uptown" EVE.

What I Liked
• It is absolutely amazing how the animators can convey emotions with gestures and subtle visual cues. The first third of the movie occurs with hardly any dialogue.
• Great character development — from the leads to the supporting cast.
• Imaginative story that flows smoothly without any gaps in the plot.
• The nod to the indestructability of cockroaches.
• The sound effect of WALL•E when he is fully charged.
• The environmental message, although it was a bit heavy handed at times.
• The social commentary.
• Looking at the human race from an outsider's view...the spork!
• The animation is amazing. In some outdoor scenes, I found myself looking to make sure it was still animation and not the WALL•E character superimposed on film footage.
• John Ratzenberger continues his streak as the only actor to have a voice in every Pixar movie.
• The animated short before the movie, featuring magic man Presto and his hungry rabbit sidekick Alec Azam, was incredibly inventive and enjoyable. I could watch a whole movie about them!

What I Didn't Like
• It was just a tad too long. As I thought this to myself, I noticed a boy several rows in front of me get up and start fidgeting. The movie was over about five minutes later so it is longer than optimal but not by much.
• Even though they are robots, WALL•E is clearly male and EVE is clearly female.

It is rated G so pick your viewing time carefully. You may wind up with a bunch of children in the theater like I did. Although in my case the kids were either well behaved or the movie did a wonderful job of keeping their attention. I'd guess the latter. It was the adult behind me that kept kicking my chair.

This is classic Pixar. If you've liked their previous efforts, you're going to love this one. Movies that I'd consider paying money to see again get my thumb waaaaaaaaay up!

Diet Update

I just ended week 2 of the "Lose 30 Lbs In 3 Weeks" diet. I didn't lose a pound this week after losing 10 the first week. I didn't cheat (except for eating that entire bag of Doritos nacho cheese chips in the middle of the night last Tuesday). Looking on the bright side, if I average it out, that's still 5 lbs a week!
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Gay Pride Day Music Video Countdown

Last year I came up with a top 10 list of my favorite "gay" videos and posted them each day for Pride Week.

I have updated the posts to include the lyrics for this year's Gay Pride Day.

Now on with the countdown:

#10
#9
#8
#7
#6
#5
#4
#3
#2
#1

Happy Pride!
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Traffic Rant

If you're driving on a multi-lane highway, the right lane is the slow lane. Period. I don't care if you're old and feeble, disabled, poor and trying to conserve gas, environmentally friendly and cutting emissions, or John Q. Citizen obeying the speed limit, the left lane is for passing.

That is all.
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Saturday Sh!ts & Giggles: George Carlin's "Seven Words" (NSFW)

Archie Bunkerism

The writers on All In The Family gave Archie Bunker some great lines:

"You better start mixing toothpaste with your shampoo because you're getting a cavity in your brain."
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Face Lift Friday: Bea Arthur (Age 86)

The Reservoir

I took this pic on my Tuesday evening walk.

Goldfinch (Male)

We see the goldfinches at the feeders all winter, sometimes two dozen at a time, with faded feathers that help them blend in with the duller colors of leafless trees. One would wonder why they have "gold" in their name. But in the summer they make a dramatic transformation. This little guy appeared on the electric wires in full golden mating glory.

American Airlines Pulls Out Of Albany

American Airlines will discontinue service (provided by American Eagle) at Albany International Airport later this year. Cutting back flights is one thing, shutting down operations at an airport is quite another.
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Missing California: Three Steps Forward, One Step Back

On Monday I wrote a post about missing California.

It's still calling me.

Three Steps Forward
One of the things that got me thinking of CA the other day was an acquaintance of mine was on The View. He is the doctor to one of my best friends.

Tonight on the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric that same friend's barber was featured in the final segment. Ruben Martinez, a barber in Santa Ana (his shop was about 3 blocks from where I used to live), was profiled for his activism in the Latino community.

Many years ago, he started loaning books to the local Latino/a children to raise them up. Something like 90% of children in the Santa Ana school district are Latin and something like 40% have parents at home where English is their second language. Now Ruben is a bit of a local celebrity as he goes to schools encouraging the students to read because the more they learn the more they grow.

Congratulations, Ruben!

Then the Orange County Register, a very conservative newspaper in the heart of Republican-ville, printed an editorial in favor of marriage equality and against the upcoming anti-same-sex marriage constitution amendment on the November ballot.

Go Register!

Lastly, as I write this post, it is about 9:30 p.m. and I'm enjoying some awesome weather out on the patio, in the dark, on the swing. I spotted my first firefly tonight. Why does that remind me of southern California? Because they don't have them, except for one place, and that's in the dark of New Orleans Square as you exit the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland. Oh, and they're fake, like everything else in the Magic Kingdom.

One Step Back
Someone called my best friend from my ex's cell phone, and when she answered, the person hung up. Hello, it's 2008! It's called Caller ID, people!

So I figure it is either the ex being all creepy and needy, or his partner got a hold of his cell phone and started dialing for dollars through the phone's address book. It's been about 4 years for them so he's probably catching on.

Let's assume, just for the sake of this post of course, that you don't want your partner to know what you do and who you contact. Well, you probably would only call from your cell phone so that: a) You can make the calls when you're out of the house; b) You can prevent the person being called from seeing your home phone number (using caller ID) and returning the call, thereby risking someone else answering; c) You can keep your partner from seeing the calls listed on the home phone bill; or d) all of the above.

Yep, been there, done that. Except I was smarter than he thought or ever gave me credit for despite my being way more intelligent than him. (Blatant pat on the back but it is the truth and pertinent to this post). While I didn't know the details of most of his shenanigans, I wasn't in the dark. Mainly, to get by, I just stuck my head in the sand. I know, I know, I've told you all this before. My Chinese sign is the Ostrich. This is just one more example.

Let's further assume, again for the sake of this post, that you don't want anyone to know you are trolling for sex when you go out of town. Well, you'd probably set up a "secret" AOL screen name and cruise the chat rooms. If you were leaving for, say Seattle, you might include the city's name in your secret screen name. Except your dumb ass doesn't know that AOL places multiple directories associated with each screen name on the hard drive. Even if you delete said screen name.

Just sayin'.

Mr. Creepy McIntegrityless is buzzing around and bringing back bad memories of CA.
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Rumination

That incredibly handsome, buff, strong, silent type is same one who "can't communicate" later on. Still waters don't necessarily run deep. Just sayin'.
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Hunk-A-Lot Hump Day: Graham Bunn

Wiggy Wednesday: Bruce Willis

Old Poll Closed; New Poll Opened

The under britches poll was my most successful ever as far as votes! Apparently people like to talk about their delicates.

The results of What Are Your Favorite Under Drawers?:

• 30% love their tighty whities.
• 16% wear pantyhose-stockings.
• 13% love the hybrid boxer-briefs.
• 11% are freedom seekers and go commando.
• 6% are a bit kinkier with jocks.
• 6% are into thongs.
• 5% wear boxers, a number I thought would be much higher.
• 4% don't leave home without their Mormon undergarments.
• 3% put on their bikinis.
• 3% are comfy in their granny panties.

Take the new poll in the sidebar. I structured it in the form of a quiz. When you submit your guess, you can see the answer as the first comment posted.
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Missing California

Last week, an acquaintance of mine was on The View. He is the doctor to one of my best friends and the ladies were interviewing him on the topic of HIV/AIDS because he is a(n inter)national expert.

This weekend, I opened The Advocate and saw another acquaintance of mine featured with his partner and three children in the article about gay parents.

I have to say it is making me miss California and my former life there. Here, I'm isolated. There, I know hundreds of people and am very active in the community. Did I ever mention I won an Orange County GLBT Volunteer of the Year award?

Am I home sick? After 21 years here, then 20 years there, now 4 years here, where exactly is home?
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Rumination

Why does a 30¢ can of cat food have an easy-open pop top but a $2.09 can of premium 'gold-label' albacore tuna doesn't?
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Robin

Robins are ugly, messy, noisy birds.


Their entire bird brain must be programmed for one thing...spotting worms. And they are good at it, cocking their heads to the side to get a better look.


This one had just plucked one from the ground and swallowed it, too quick for me to catch it with the camera.

30 Lbs In 3 Weeks

Is it doable?

I'm going on vacation to Park City, UT in 2 weeks. Last Sunday, I began a serious effort to drop some extra weight. I decided 30 lbs in 3 weeks. A lofty goal to be sure but a rallying cry that rolls off the tongue.

Most of this came to a head when I had to get my passport renewed a couple of weeks ago. Man, when I compared my photos of today from the photos of yesteryear, I was shocked. Shocked, I tell ya!

To be sure, I'm not overweight. In fact, when I tell people I'm going on any sort of diet they tell me I'm crazy. That I look healthy. When I say I'm looking at dropping 30 lbs., you'd think I just landed from Mars.

I did this 2 years ago before a trip back to CA. Truth be told, I wanted to look awesome so my friends would tell my ex how great I looked. My gay friends said I never looked better, my straight friends said I looked gaunt. Since it's more important to appeal to one population over the other, I'll accept gaunt vs. healthy!

The goal is not as absurd as I originally thought. In the past week, I've lost 8 lbs. From my all-time high of 184 down to 176 this morning. I was 155 in the "before" passport photo and the last time I was in CA. My friends in Utah still remember me when I was at 129 lbs. and was struggling to gain by working out, eating like a pig, and drinking high-calorie protein shakes.

Before you get up in my grill about how my method is unhealthy, I'm just going to point out that the crap I've been eating (and I'd bargain that you are eating) isn't very healthy either.

How did I do it, you ask?

• I'm starving. I'm not really hungry, but I'm starving my body on a VERY low calorie diet. This isn't sustainable, but I'm in weight loss mode now, and I'll add things back in later on.
• A cup of coffee with Splenda and half-and-half first thing in the morning.
• If I'm hungry, half of a banana.
• First meal of the day is centered around eggs (about noon). Usually two soft boiled with most of the yolks drained after cooking so I get the taste without the fat. Sometimes it is one scrambled egg with yolk and some low fat shredded cheese and chopped onions added in. I put it on a slice of 12 grain toast that I've sprayed with "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter." I realized that the reason I used so much butter before was because I don't like the dryness of toast so this works without compromising texture or taste.
• Next "meal" is a bag of microwave popcorn (about 2:30). I bought the kind with nothing added, and then I melt two pats worth of real butter to drizzle over it. I'm not big on the fake butter so this is a good compromise. Shake the bag to distribute the butter.
• Next meal is centered around a large tomato (about 5). I like to mix a can of albacore tuna with some mayo (full calorie Hellmann's, thank you very much) and eat half of the mixture with half the tomato sliced in wedges. The rest of the tomato is sliced into wedges and added to a lot of iceberg lettuce for a tossed salad. Add tasty dressing a little at a time. The secret here is to do the tossing! Use a coverable bowl, like tupperware, and put the top on and shake vigorously. If it still isn't to taste, add a bit more dressing. The key is not adding more than you need.
• The next "meal" (about 6:30) is usually a treat, like a single-stick popsicle if it is hot out.
• The next meal (about 8) is centered around lunch meat. Just the meat with a little bit of mayo (if it is low fat turkey) or mustard (with ham). The highlight of the meal? A big calorie-free dill pickle!
• I have eliminated sweets like cookies and doughnuts, replacing them with canned pineapple chunks in juice and mandarin oranges in juice.
• I have eliminated soda (regular and diet) and only drink water. BTW, be wary of juice which is high in calories from natural sugars.
• I'm back to walking 30 minutes a day as well so I'm getting some aerobic exercise.
• I'm taking 1000 mg Vitamin C, 1000 mg Omega 3 Fish Oil, and 150 mg Green Tea Extract capsules because someone told me these give a kick start to your metabolism.

This is what I have done and it is working. I offer this for your consideration, not really your critique.

I have a woman I've known for 2 years who has been on a diet as long as I've know her. How much weight has she lost? Zilch. The conclusion that I've reached, but she hasn't, is that her method either doesn't work or isn't sustainable.

Some of her suggestions:
• "You need to eat more." Huh? It's called a diet which means eating less.
• "You need to eat 4 servings of veggies, 3 of fruit, and 3 of protein." Um, that's more than I eat when I'm not dieting!
• "You need to drink 64 oz of water a day." Well, if three urologists and 20 kidney stones haven't encouraged me to do this, I don't think a diet will. The truth is, I've also seen studies that say this is way too much water to drink. I did switch to water from soda.

I'll keep you posted on how well I do.
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Merry Christmas To Me In June

A couple of months ago, I wrote about orchids in "Merry Christmas To Me In March". I was so impressed with the plants I received from Aloha Orchid Nursery in Hawaii that I bookmarked them so I could occasionally check back.

Last Saturday, I found another great deal. 20 orchids for $110, minus their 10% June discount special, plus $47 FEDX 2nd day, and it was 20 plants for $146. Like before, it is a grab bag where you get what they send you. Based on my prior experience, I was confident of the quality of the plants and the assortment.

I received them Wednesday and I'm blown away again. For this price, they noted that the plants would not be in bloom, but two have come with blooms and several are in spike.

• Odm. Margarete Holm 'Sonja': In Bloom
• Mtdm. Bartley Swartz 'Highlander' (Miltonidium): In bloom
• Pot Shinfong Little Love 'Little Goldfish' x (Pot 'Free Spirit' x Blc. 'Love Sound'): No bloom, bud or spike
• Blc. Husky Boy 'Romeo' HCC/AOS: No bloom, bud or spike
• Blc. Jewel Box 'Scheherazade': No bloom, bud or spike
• Blc. Hwa Yuan Grace 'Hawaii' x Blc. Goldenzelle 'Lemon Chiffon': No bloom, bud or spike
• Lc. Nippon 'Vivinza' x Blc. Momilani Rainbow 'The Gypsy': No bloom, bud or spike
• Phal. 'Super Stupid' x Firest Choice': No bloom, bud or spike
• Paph. Ho Chi Minh: No bloom, bud or spike
• Grdm. Serpetum maitae (Not sure of spelling): No bloom, bud or spike
• D. Taksin Baby x D Niraporn Chime
• Several Den Hybrid: No bloom, bud and one in spike
• Several plants without identifying labels

I actually had to go out and buy a shelving unit to have a place to put them all!
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Orchid: Odm. Margarete Holm 'Sonja'

Orchid: Bolopetalum Midnight Blue 'Cardinal's Roost'

Saturday Sh!ts & Giggles: "I'm Voting Republican"

I've seen this on a number of sites I regularly visit. I figure I'll join in and help get this thing to go viral.

November Democratic Fall Lineup

AP via Yahoo! News:

Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel said Friday he would consider serving as Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's running mate if asked, but he doesn't expect to be on any ticket.

Hagel's vocal criticism of the Bush administration since the 2003 invasion of Iraq has touched off speculation that if Obama were to pick a Republican running mate, it might be Hagel. Hagel said in an interview with The Associated Press that after devoting much of his life to his country — in the Senate and the U.S. Army — he would have to consider any offer.

BUT, Hagel could serve as the Secretary of Defense which solves my problem of who would serve in that position if my favored Gen. Wesley Clark filled the VP spot.

So, here's my picks so far:

President — Sen. Barack Obama
VP — Gen. Wesley Clark
Secretary of State — Sen. Joe Biden
Secretary of Defense — Sen. Chuck Hagel

Hillary stays in the Senate and moves the agenda.

Thoughts?
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Most Clueless Ad EVER!

I just heard a radio ad for Coke Zero.

A man is at a restaurant giving his order to the waitress. After he says he wants Coke Zero as his drink, she asks if he wants a baked potato or fries. That's when the debate and crux of the ad ensues...he wants them both...she says he can't have both...but, he points out, she didn't say he couldn't have both Coke taste and zero calories when he ordered his drink. Blah, blah, blah. The point being you don't have to compromise with Coke Zero.

Okay, so this guy is going to have a baked potato and fries yet he's ordering a drink with no calories? People like this are the same numb nuts that say they don't know why they can't lose weight. "I'll have a Whopper Meal, super size it, and make the drink a Diet Coke." That shit drives me crazy.

To the copy writers and Coke Zero product manager: maybe you should have used a "side salad or cup of soup" rather than baked potato or fries since at least 50% of the ad/product is about promoting the diet friendliness of soda with no calories.
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I've Never Felt So Hung

I downloaded Firefox 3 on Wednesday and it keeps telling me I'm hung! Sure, the circumstances are irritating, but flattery will get you everywhere.
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Catbird

Assorted Iris

Pearls In The Necklace Of Life #8

"Time is a thief."

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Did you ever notice the pearls of wisdom that can be found on sign boards? Whether it's in front of a restaurant, church, or even a fire house, there are some clever folks out there that can turn a phrase and impart life lessons. In this case, it is from an Actonel commercial. I'll keep you posted on the best ones I see.
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Red Floribunda Rose

Angel Or Devil?

Sure, she's looking all cute, sleeping with her little tongue sticking out. But behind that adorable face lies the soul of a killer. The tongue, btw, doesn't always stick out...only after she stretches or cleans herself.

She's been bringing home baby rabbits every morning and presenting them for inspection on the front step. How thoughtful, you might be thinking, showing off her hunting prowess and presenting her housemates with the fruits of her labor.

But, more times than not, they aren't dead — just disabled. She only has one front upper fang which makes it difficult for her to actually kill the things she catches. The fang was removed at the pound because she had been abused and it was broken in half presumably by a kick in the face.

Well, a semi-alive baby rabbit puts yours truly directly on the horns of a moral dilemma and I don't mean in a good way. Do I: A) Take it to the vet to be mended or put to sleep (as my mom suggested)? B) Hit it over the head with a shovel to put it out of its misery? C) Don't do anything and convince myself that it's nature and I shouldn't get involved.

Given that option C allows me to avoid the situation entirely by sticking my head in the sand, that is what I do. I don't feel good about it but I wouldn't feel any better about options A or B, either. Option A would probably cost $1,000 and the thing would still die, or with option B I'd probably hit it over the head and only injure it more seriously rather than kill it.

Yes, she's a devil. But I still love her.
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Skill Or Luck Of The Irish?

Offense, defense, the "big three"...blah blah blah.

The real reason the Boston Celtics had the best record in the regular season and won the NBA championship? A little luck of the Irish bestowed upon them by two leprechauns that went to the season opener last November.
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Hunk-A-Lot Hump Day: David Sedaris

Wiggy Wednesday: Sherri Shepherd

Speaking Of The Tony Awards

Rich's daughter-in-law Joy Gabriel will be starring in her very own one-woman show in New York City!

Mother May I? is a Mormon girl's journey to independence from the tag-team of Mom & Jesus. A devoted Mormon mother and her adoring little namesake, Joy, criss-cross the country with the help of their best friend Jesus. From food stamps to swindling, He's got all the answers. But when Joy gets a mission of her own, all hell breaks loose. Will she choose Mom? Jesus? Or get sent to outer darkness? Find out in Mother May I?!

Mother May I?
A Solo Show by Joy Gabriel
July 25-August 2, 2008

Stage Left Studios • 438 West 37th Street • New York, NY 10018
Tickets: 212-279-4200 • www.ticketcentral.com • www.midtownfestival.org

I've met Joy and she's a sweetheart and a real firecracker! Hopefully I'll be able to get down into the city to catch her show.
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Pink Peony

And The Winners Are...

Congratulations to this year's Tony Award winners. The two shows I saw last month, August: Osage County and Gypsy, did very well!

Musical: In The Heights
Play: August: Osage County
Revival of a Musical: South Pacific
Revival of a Play: Boeing-Boeing

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Direction of a Musical: Bartlett Sher, South Pacific
Direction of a Play: Anna D. Shapiro, August: Osage County

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Leading Actor in a Musical: Paulo Szot, South Pacific
Leading Actress in a Musical: Patti LuPone, Gypsy
Leading Actor in a Play: Mark Rylance, Boeing-Boeing
Leading Actress in a Play: Deanna Dunagan, August: Osage County

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Featured Actor in a Musical: Boyd Gaines, Gypsy
Featured Actress in a Musical: Laura Benanti, Gypsy
Featured Actor in a Play: Jim Norton, The Seafarer
Featured Actress in a Play: Rondi Reed, August: Osage County

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Scenic Design of a Play: Todd Rosenthal, August: Osage County

On my next trip to NYC, I'll have to see In The Heights, South Pacific, and Boeing-Boeing!
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Single Red Peony

Double Red Peony

Part Of My Sunday Is Missing

Every Sunday morning, I have a routine. It's the same routine I've had for over 20 years. Various pets and partners have come and gone, but my Sundays are always the same. You'd think I'd be bored of it by now but the structure gives me an odd sense of comfort and peace.

• Get up about 8 a.m.
• Start the coffee pot.
• Retrieve the Sunday newspaper.
• Fix my cup of coffee; grab a pair of scissors and a black ink pen.
• Open the paper and clip the coupons, read the inserts, and circle the week's purchases. I never read the comics...I would if they were as funny as CB's "Li'l Bastard Comix" every Friday.
• Turn on the television at 9 and make sure it's on ABC to see This Week With (insert name here).
• Read the meat of the paper.
• At 10, change the channel to NBC to watch Meet The Press.
• Work the Sunday crossword until it's complete.

For years, while I'm figuring out the Across and Downs of the puzzle, Tim Russert would be in the background interviewing guests and talking with various panels about the politics of the day. I'd be processing what was said and would bring my attention to the broadcast whenever something piqued my interest or didn't sound quite right.

My Sundays will go on, but the man who shared my mornings for 17 years, is gone.
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Open Letter To The Auto Industry

Dear Auto Industry Executive,

Over the past two weeks, I have single-handedly solved the customer service issues at the U.S. Postal Service and retail banks.

It would behoove you, therefore, to take my suggestions for the auto industry seriously:

Suggestion #1: The Diesel Hybrid. We know that diesel engines get a higher miles per gallon (MPG) than a similarly sized gas engine. Now that diesel fuel has been reformulated with less sulfur, it is also more environmentally friendly.

Now, the new Acura TSX is essentially the equivalent of the European Honda Accord — slightly smaller than the U.S. version. The Euro Accord comes equipped with a diesel engine that provides 52.3 City and 62.8 Highway MPG!

First of all, why isn't that engine offered here in the U.S.?

Second, why isn't this engine mated to a hybrid? The fuel economy increase between a non-hybrid and hybrid Civic is 25%. Apply that to the Euro Accord figures, and you'd have a diesel hybrid car producing 78 MPG. That's with available technology. American manufacturers should take note!

Suggestion #2: Expanded Cylinder Deactivation. There are cars on the market with eight cylinder engines that use an on-board computer to automatically ratchet down to six or four cylinders depending on the driving requirements.

So why stop at eight cylinder engines? Why not put this existing technology on four cylinder engines so they run on two cylinders while at a stop light or in stop-and-go freeway traffic? Think of the fuel savings without incurring the cost of adding a hybrid electric engine?

Not enough power, you say? Install A/C units powered by the battery rather than off of the engine. You already have them installed in hybrid cars so there would be minimal development costs.

Suggestion #3: Solar Roof Panels. Imagine this...every hybrid comes with a sun roof that is also a solar panel! This will be especially effective in next-generation plug-in hybrids that can charge all day and extend the driving range. This will also keep these new hybrids off the electrical grid and save customers the time, money, and hassle of plugging in every night.

Suggestion #4: Under-Inflated Tire Alert. One of the first things the experts tell us to do to increase our car's MPG is to properly inflate the tires. But could this be any more of a hassle? You can design tires that run flat, but you can't come up with something that indicates when they need air? I know there are tire pressure gauges but those are inconvenient. People should be able to walk around the car, look at the tire inflation nozzle, see an indicator (red?) if the tire needs air, and go to a filling station with an air hose if they are low. As the pressure increases when filling, the indicator turns green when it's properly inflated. No muss, no fuss.

Suggestion #5: Driver Side Fuel Cap. How difficult can this be? I swear, every car I own has the fuel filler on the driver's side and every car I rent has it on the passenger's side. All cars should have it on the driver's side since that is easier at the pump.

Please, don't complain that you can't meet the new 35 MPG CAFE standards in a couple of years. You could do it now if you planned correctly. We are fast approaching a time of thin-film solar panels on garage roofs that collect the power by day and re-charge the car by night. So lets get a move on!

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely yours,

Y|O|Y
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Ruby-Throated Hummingbird (Female)