Why I Love Warren Buffet.

It isn’t only because his plans for his $44,000,000,000 fortune consist of “giv[ing] nearly all of it away within months” to none other than the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation which has "focused much of its efforts on global health, backing the development, testing, manufacturing and delivery of vaccines for diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis and acute diarrhea that kill millions of children in developing countries every year."

But because of this little tidbit:

"Neither Susie [his now deceased wife] nor I ever thought we should pass huge amounts of money along to our children...Our children are great. But I would argue that when your kids have all the advantages anyway, in terms of how they grow up and the opportunities they have for education, including what they learn at home -- I would say it's neither right nor rational to be flooding them with money."

Another Embarrassing American Moment

I was taking an Access class downtown on Friday, and the instructor asks the class for a "region" in Canada for an example problem (they are called provinces or territories). The First Answer from the class? Toronto.

Ouch.

Only, made worse by his reply, “Isn’t that in the US”.

Once Upon A Time...

A bird pooped on me today.

I wasn't really sure how to turn that event into a storry so that is what you get.

Two observations though; First, I was surprised how long it's been since I was pooped on by a bird (Middle school?). At this rate I can expect to be pooped on by a bird four more times max. That isn’t so bad. Secondly, I was astonished with how nonplussed I was about the whole thing. I mean that sort of thing can ruin your whole day. It's a sign of my current mental state that a bird pooping on me wasn't even a real irritation, maybe a slight disappointment.

The End.

Recycle Yourself

I, Ian XXXXX, have signed up with the Donate Life California Organ & Tissue Donor Registry. Please join me in saving and enhancing the lives of thousands of people in need of your help. It took me only a few minutes to sign up -- minutes that could mean years of life for someone else.

To sign up or for more information, please visit Donate Life California

So sayeth the email I just received.

While I have always been an advocate for organ and tissue donation I knew that even telling people my wishes was no guarantee they would be followed through. A family member objecting or even delaying the use of my body could make any tissue ultimately unuseable. But this bit off there website is encouraging;

Historically, while signing a donor card and placing the pink dot on your license served as an important symbol of your intent, it did not place you on any list or Registry. The Registry guarantees your plans will be carried out when you die.

It cost me nothing and save lives. How can I lose?

I’m still hoping for the organ priority list where people willing to be donors go on one list and everyone else goes on another. Those that were willing to donate organs get them before people who were unwilling to be donors.

I'm Published!

Sort of...not really. More like linked to. But still.

If you go to craigslist and select the motorcycle forum, you’ll notice a little link over on the right titled “New Motorcycle Rider's Guide” with the most horrendous URL in the history of URL’s. That, nonetheless, is something I did. And it makes me feel famous so now I can get a teacup Chihuahua.

So, I'm Going to Get Fat. Really Fat.

As I mentioned a while back, I bought a scooter (2000 Aprilia Scarabeo 50cc). And now I love it. It’s so easy. Sit dwon, hit button, go. It’s as convenient as bike but a bike with a top speed of 45mph. I’m so in love with it that I’ve completely stopped walking or riding my bicycle anywhere. Work is a 15 minute walk...or a 3 minute ride! Safeway only a few blocks away? Why walk when you can have the scooter carry your groceries!

It’s getting to the point where I’m thinking I should just sell it for my health. But it is so much fun! Because of the way the handle bars are set up you can’t see scooter as you are riding, so it feels as if you are just flying down the road completely unencumbered, like a GOD!!!

So if any of you all want to come try it out you are welcome to. It is such a gas I can hardly believe it (speaking of gas, it gets 100 miles a gallon). Wash you hair first if you want to borrow my helmet.