Drive It Like You Stole It

Drive it Like You Stole It

No relation to pop culture.

Just my observation of the way many automobiles are driven in the D.C. area.

Stop signs are just a suggestion.

Red lights are a trivial annoyance keeping the driver from more important things in life.

Other drivers are an obstacle to pass at all costs.

The speed limit is a starting point for seeing how fast you can go.

Video games have replaced Drivers Ed as the primary means to teach driving skills.

Exacerbated by the petty frustrations of daily life.

Pumped up by the relentless media pounding , go fast, be excited, don’t settle for second best.

Pummeled by feelings of powerlessness, lack of control, and the constant feeling of not getting something you deserve.

Who are these freaks that are blocking my way?

Why do They get to drive that hot car? Why not me?

It cuts across all of those real and imaginary lines that are imposed across life.

All ages, genders, skin colors.

Only suckers obey. Don’t tread on Me!

The loud voices calling for Law And Order are aimed in the wrong direction.

Always external, always Them. I’m OK, it’s Them.

Behind the wheel I am free, except for Them.

And I just want to get where I am going. In one piece.

I fear Them, just because they do not seem to care what the outcome is as long as they win.

There is no respawn, no reset button. One life to last the whole game.

I have other plans.

Purely Anecdotal

Batteries these days, Geeze!
Not cell phone batteries, just the ones that power all those various items around the house that you have grown to depend upon.
It Seems that the life span of the common Alkaline battery, AA, AAA, C has declined drastically over the past few years.
I don't think that I am exaggerating this trend.
I have tried all of the usual brands with big marketing budgets, house brand, and no name generics.
The device being powered has not changed, in fact it does not Seem to matter what the device does.
A thermostat, clock, remote, mouse, flashlight, what have you.
A cynic might assume that the manufactures of battery cells are trying to increase their revenue stream by making us buy more frequently.
Not surprisingly, newer 'models' of the familiar brands have come on the market with much higher prices. They promise longer life in a device.
And they do deliver on that promise, to the extent that their life span closely resembles the battery of a couple of years ago.
So I can buy a package of the basic ( same old packaging and marketing ) batteries and end up replacing cells after only a few months use, where the previous cells would have lasted years in the same device.
I just replaced 4 'C' cell rayovac alkaline batteries in an LED spotlight. They replace 4 rayovac alkaline batteries purchased and installed in February 2016.  The LED motion detecting spotlight was installed July 2012. The batteries lasted for 3 and 1/2 years before replacement in February. Same brand.
I have used rechargeable AAA and AA cells in various devices over the years. NiCad, NiMh, and 'rechargeable  alkaline '.
They work ok, and in the right application are acceptable. Often you need a battery now, not having to wait till the rechargeable 'tops off' after sitting around.
So. Just venting. Unless I decide to make my own batteries I will just have to play the game.
If I need a battery that will work when I need it I will pay the eye popping prices to 'Real batteries' rather than playing roulette with the common models.