Buckeyes all the way. Been a stellar team for most of 60 years now that I know of and will continue to be for at least 60 more. :-) (Too bad I won't be around for those last 40 or so years... LOL)

Sorry, I hear another whiner. Santa Monica is not very big compared to other cities. Before you complain about their pedestrian laws, stop and read up on it. The pedestrian deaths, because of this "unreasonable" law you mention, have gone from a dozen to 2 in Santa Monica. Are 10 lives not worth it? You don't know for sure, but maybe one of your family members is one who was saved. We have the same law about pedestrians - its a state law, not a local law, and yes, it can try your patience having to wait through 3 light changes before you can get a clear street to turn onto but better than having some person fall under your tires, or roll over someone's toes or have a toddler break loose from mommy's hand and run into the middle of the street because you might be a little late for a meeting (that you did not plan enough time to get to to start with). Laws are made not to bring in more money but they are made to address a problem that has been reported by more than a handful of people. Again, you don't have to like a law, in fact you if don't like one, advocate to your local or state government to repeal or amend it, but stop the whining. According to you, everyone is just as smart as you and everyone judges things just like you do...because you are advocating that everyone just "do what makes sense (to you)." Would you consider your neighbor able to invest your money for you? Do you think the guy down the block can pick your dentist for you? What? don't think they have as much knowledge as you and might get it wrong? But you are willing to let every Tom,Dick and Harry decided for themselves if a traffic law is good for everyone or just a bother. No offense, but people who purport to "know what is best for others" usually are off the mark on what is best for themselves. And BTW, never understood this "entrapment" claim by people...no one makes someone break that law, they do that themselves when they think they won't get caught. The fact they try to cheat when given the bait doesn't make the cheating any more honest or law enforcement any more devious. Just means, drat it all, you get caught.

I got short of breath and broke a sweat just reading this. LOL Lots of good pointers but I think I'll sign on as the teacher and not the student...I can direct activities from my sofa in front of the TV. :-)

Bad mouth cops all you want. He enforced the law. Nowhere is it written that laws should be obeyed except when they interfere with other plans or when they are deemed unneeded by an individual. If the signs weren't needed, they would be posted. And even if not needed, they are there. Takes 3-5 seconds to make a complete stop and then proceed. This all sounds like someone can't be bothered taking responsibility for something and is passing it off on the only person who was obeying the law - the cop. I'm 61 years old and never been stopped - to tickets, no warnings, no accidents and no second look by law enforcement because I don't try to rationalize the validity of traffic laws, I just obey them. I don't think it's ever caused me to be late for something or inconvenienced me. I'm sure there is a long line of men now ready to blast me for being unreasonable but guess what? It still doesn't make this a valid complaint. :-)

Northern California - $2.99 if paid by cash and 3:09 if paid for with "plastic."

Have to add my two cents. My PB mix saved me life by going for help when I was on the ground and unable to breathe. My PB mix guarded my kids and grandkids yet put up with them laying all over them. We used common sense - unless Roscoe knew a body, we put him up when bodies came to visit. He loved to swim and went "tubing" with me on a regular basis. He was the best of the over 70 dogs I've raised, rehabbed or relocated. it's the people who own them that are the danger - they make the dogs dangerous. It doesn't come natural. Although, just as there are mean chihuahua by nature, there are also mean Pit Bulls, beagles and Irish Setters.

I have a state political-related job and have to read every piece of proposed legislative language proposed during a 2-year session. We have not had anything even closely resembling a Dark Car law come through for consideration. And since the legislators love to drive black expensive vehicles or ride in black limos, it would not make it past the Rules committee for committee assignment.

I always liked that country western song... (...not as good as...etc.)

It's just a joke and supposed to be funny but it tends to bother me a bit because some knowledgeable people reading this (or listening to it) might actually think gay men wear women's clothing. Generally speaking, they would then be transvestites or cross-dressers and not classified as gay. So for me, it's a perpetuation of a misconception that might be harmful in the way people perceive gays and lesbians.

Other than that, it's a cute joke.

I celebrate Yule which arrives a day or so before Christmas each year, but we toss Christmas in for the kids' sake. So, for me, a Happy Yule Time means more to me and our traditions than a Merry Christmas. Christians tend to think like some other religions...that they are the only religion that has any right to the last week of the year. I never begrudge them their holy war over this misconception but I do wish they would understand that their meaning of Christmas and mine are very different and not a matter of punishment if not presented according to their wishes. The true meaning of Christmas and that time of year is to mark a time of miracles given to us as a whole. The word "Christmas" is just a word...seasonal peace, love and friendship is the "meaning." I am sure I have raised some debate with this statement and I do not want to upset anyone. Please accept my apologies if I have done that. And yes, I have read the Bible many times and have a good grasp of it and the teachings...I was once a part of that flock...

A bit newer it looks but basically the same...
http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/two-leather-bound-portable-tool-kits-by-dreizack-4594024-details.aspx?intObjectID=4594024

She's in the arcade in San Francisco on the Wharf. That place is amazing.

Pretty sure it's just you. Contrary to what many seem to indicate, all Mexicans do not look alike. :-D Cheech is unique, as is Carlos. Hmmmmmmmm...is it just me or does Clapton look like Jack Albertson from Chico and the Man? LOL

Bet he only did that once...

Let's just say, I still hold 2 jobs (one is less than minimum wage)and I'm proud of it. I'm existing at poverty level and can't vacation, buy a cell phone, I don't have cable or satellite TV, I don't have a CD/DVD player - can't afford it and my car is a 2002 Ford Escort. I'm proud of it. Some things - like values - should not be retired. If it means rolling back the clock to 1832 to make more sense, then there you have it. The world we live in is one of which we have made it. If someone wants to be over paid, get more than they are worth, suck off the neighbors because the world doesn't understand them, then those people probably need a week back in the 1830s to put them back on track. Value. That is the question and the answer. What do you value? Is value money or personal self worth? Value does not change over time.