Listen to High Speed Stuff on iTunes

Well, well, well. I suppose you’re here for a little High Speed Stuff wrap-up? That’s good, because I’m ready to spill the beans about what Ben and I talked about on our podcast this week. So, if you’re interested, let’s take a few minutes to review what we’ve been up to over the past several days.

On Tuesday, we had a discussion about hybrid cars. Now, I know what you’re probably thinking:  “Oh brother. That’s all anyone is talking about these days.” Ah, but that’s where you’d be mistaken. Ben and I took this particular conversation in a completely different direction. We talked about five reasons to NOT buy a hybrid. Yeah, that’s right. If you’re a list maker (like me), then we’re giving you five possible entries for the “cons” column on your “pros and cons of buying a hybrid car” list. If you recall, late last week we gave you five reasons to buy a hybrid, so this week we thought it was only fair to make the argument for the other side, too.

When Thursday arrived, Ben and I cleaned up our act and tackled the topic of car washes. Yes, I know. Go ahead and say it: “As a podcast topic, car washes can’t possibly be interesting enough to hold my attention for much longer than the time it takes to drive through one.” Of course, I’m guessing that you’ll probably add a little colorful language to that statement, too, but honestly, give this episode a chance. Heck, where else are you going to hear about the most expensive car wash money can buy? And no, it’s not the $8 “Supreme” car wash that they offer at your local auto bath. Not even close.

So, that’s what’s happening on the High Speed Stuff podcast this week. Head on over to iTunes and give it a listen — it’s completely free. Just don’t forget while you’re there to take the opportunity to browse through some of our older episodes and give us a little feedback. You can also let us know what you think in the comments section below, or if you’d rather send us an e-mail, you can do that, too. Ben always reads the address at the end of each podcast.

Podcast-related stuff:
5 Reasons to Not Buy a Hybrid
5 Reasons to Buy a Hybrid
How Car Washes Work
How Swearing Works

In my last article, I wrote about lots of food and no exercises during my holiday, except  shopping, shopping, and more shopping.

I must have lost my mind. How could I forget about the “exercises” I did as immediate as touching down at 1am that rainy night?

Hey! No! Not what you dirty-minded people are thinking! I was referring to household chores!

Since flying days, I’ve been quite a clean freak at my rented home. I have this idea that all dust would settle during my 10-day absence. Therefore, the moment I touch base, I would embark on 6-8 hours of non-stop cleaning and packing. Can you all imagine how it is like now that I have my own home?

As I think back, I realise that when we live with our parents, we would never have a sense of ownership. At the back of our minds, we know that even if we don’t lift a finger, our loving mothers will pick up the scraps for us. Moving out means we are relieved of constant nagging while gaining freedom, but by being independent and living on your own, you are really on your own- with the dirty toilets and laundry etc.

My housekeeping schedule includes changing to crisp sheets, scrubbing toilets, doing the laundry in 3 batches (black, white, and coloured), mopping the floor (never with a mop, always with a piece of cloth, mom says it’s cleaner and reaches all corners that way), washing the huge heavy rugs by hand (one part-time cleaning auntie wanted to put it in the washing machine. That was the last time I saw her), ironing all the clean clothes and making sure they all hang according to the classification and colour group in the wardrobe, and making sure the huge mirror in my living room is so clean, that someone could walk into it.

Somehow, there is never-ending packing. I would bring out all my clothes, fold and refold until it looks like a boutique’s walk-in wardrobe. My storeroom is my greatest enemy. I constantly have to arrange the 20+ pair of heels (taking pictures of new family members, and pasting it on the box for easy identification), putting aside the unused Christmas gifts from last year, unwanted garments, and much more rubbish I couldn’t recall. Throwing them away seems like a uprooting a raintree.

*My Shoes!!! My Love… Which of you working woman don’t like shoes?*

Last but not least, car wash. Not too bad on this part. It’s just a tiny baby. For the 1^st few years, no one is even allowed to caress her! But as time passes by, I allowed her to say occasional “Hi” to strangers. No machine allowed though, only tender touches.

Shouldn’t all these take 6-8 hours already? Can anyone calculate the calories I’ve burnt on a single occasion? (I need more motivation!) This “very fun activity” actually happens twice a month. J

Hey working ladies out there! Have you ever felt a lack of accomplishment and job satisfaction at some point of time in your life? Do you live on your own? Try this exercise! I guarantee you would feel as if you’ve conquered Mount Everest. Best of all, it is a great way to work out! I’m killing two birds with a stone. Don’t you think?

A check with my ex-housemates, who now have their own homes, indicates unanimous satisfaction when chores are completed. Anyone else feel the same way? Or are we the strange species of birds flocking together?

After I started showing off my ability to eat and yet not gain fat, it’s time I punish and slap myself. I did not heed Mom’s teachings: “Never say never”. Sigh…

A visit to mom last week prompted her to comment on my little bulge. The problem with Moms, they never complain when we put on weight. They are all too delighted to see a kg or two on our tiny figures. In fact in their eyes, chubby is good. I nearly fainted and gave all sorts of explanations like: I just ate a lot, indigestion, her wild imagination etc. I was just kidding myself. I did pile on a little. L

The suggestion of gym membership pops up in my mind again. Should I? Findings indicate that most working executives sign up at the gym because they need to keep fit, de-stress, lose weight, and work towards better health. Most important of all, they need the personal trainer to push & keep them disciplined, so as to ensure they achieve their goals.

I decided to tag along when my girlfriend (the gym addict mentioned in my previous article) went for her routine session. She took me through 2 cardio machine, 4 sets of sit ups and leg lifts, and 2 weight machines for working the thighs and butt. By the time she proceeded to dumbbells and another 10 sets of exercises, I was already surrendering and sitting on the floor watching the various in-house television programs. I’m convinced that I am totally unfit.

But with so much household chores and fun activities going on, do I really need to waste more money on signing up for the gym membership (about $600 a year)? Would I have the time? It may just be a white elephant sitting in my purse.

Final answer, NO. I can always start with jogging, sit-ups and leg lifts at home. I don’t think I want to sacrifice my precious TV serials and my machine therapy at the comfort of my home.

Besides, I can always fall back on this baby. 

Unless, of course, you’d like to get out those REALLY hard to clean stains, like your passengers.

Let Leaving Your Car Windows Open During A Car Wash Die

Photo Credits: Here

koosh scrubber more here!

I drive what my son Liam refers to as the zombie car: it died years ago, but some ungodly force animates it on the earth.  It’s a Saturn, the kind with the plastic no ding side panels.  Unless you get bumped over the interior door brace.  The hood gets dents also.  Caleb took a magic marker to the back seat at the age of two.  The electrical system shorted in a way that, for several months, I had to slam the bottom door edge with my foot to start it.  Interior parts make noise depending on the driving speed.  A window was left open in a downpour overnight and I can’t get the smell out.

I protested my fate by not washing it.

But, self esteem and the neighbors got to me and I went to the car wash.  It had been a while and I was a bit nervous as a multitude of options with snazzy names were plastered over the fence as I drove towards the mouth of the tunnel.  Men with soapy push brooms and raincoats waited while I pulled up to the window, chose the Exterior Deluxe, paid my $12 and picked out my choice of pine tree air fresheners.  Orange Citrus.  Shaped like a pine tree.

Finally, I was alone with the hula dancing, slapping towel strips, the magic squirting wands, the whirling blue koosh scrubbers and, to signal the end approaching, the rain maker and the air squeegee.

It’s nice in the car wash.  There’s a lot going on, but you can relax too and just enjoy the show too, kind of like a man made storm.  I wish it lasted longer.

Yes, I got stuck in a car wash. And here’s video proof that I fucking did. I’ll never hear the end of it from my old supervisor. NEVER.

Many enjoy the luxury of getting into a new, freshly washed vehicle but unfortunately do not have the time to either get a quality wash. In between, soccer practice and late nights at the office your find yourself not taking care of your second biggest investment you’ll make….Your vehicle.  Here are some benefits of mobile detailing as an alternative.
1. Protect Your Investment – Think detailing is a luxury service? It’s actually preventative maintenance for the interior and exterior of your car. Failure to properly maintain your vehicle could lead to paint oxidation/fading, clear coat failure, faded trim, and even faded and/or cracked interior plastics and leather surfaces. Regular details ensure that these parts don’t break down over time, which keeps your car in good shape for years down the road.

2. Clean Interiors Are Healthier – What people don’t realize, the average person spends 2.4 hours or longer in their car a week. When your interior is not cleaned on a regular basis, dust mites and other allergens can develop quickly. A detailed interior promotes a healthier environment for you and your passengers.

3. Professional Detailers Do It Right – When you have a problem with your car, you take it to a mechanic because they know cars and have the proper tools to make the repair or if you’re sick, you go to your doctor. It’s the same principal when having a professional detail your car. We have the equipment, products, and expertise needed to do the best job and to do it correctly.

4. Higher Resale Value – Look at it from a different point of view– Would you buy a dirty scratched up car?  Not likely!  A thorough detail before you sell your car increases your chances of it selling quickly, and at a higher price. The extra money could be used towards the purchase of your next vehicle.  This also helps when you turn in a vehicle coming off a lease.  If your car is left in horrible shape when its turned in, you will more than likely be paying a hefty cleaning fee from the leasing company.

5. Enjoy That New Car Feel - Professional detailing performed on a regular basis is a effective way to keep your car looking great and feeling like new.  It’s the next best thing without spending the money on a new car!

6. Portray The Right Image – As quoted in Entrepreneur Magazine “To many, the appearance of a clean, well cared for vehicle, dictates the projections of the owners own personality and upkeep”

I apologize in advance for how hard this dream may be to follow.

So basically, it starts off with a wedding proposal between a guy and a girl that both work at a car wash. The girl says yes and everything is all happy and such. The wedding was held near a waterfall in a desert oasis surrounded by cliffs.

Here’s where things start getting weird. The family of the groom had blue shirts that said “DISK” on the back. They were also decked out in archaeologist outfits. The bride’s family had “RISK” on theirs in a lighter blue. I was the best man, dressed in a yellow tuxedo. Yellow. Not even pink, f@#king YELLOW. So after the bride and groom kiss, there was some small conversation brewing about who put more effort into the kiss. Each side thought their own put more, and the arguing escalated until there was a big “NO!”

Ridiculous enough yet? A wedding fight breaks out. The bride and groom go missing, and I use my lucid-dream-gotten-herculean strength to hold my own, eventually making a human katamari out of everyone coming at me. ‘Twas quite GAR, if you ask me. At least as GAR as one can get while wearing a YELLOW tuxedo. From portals forming out of nowhere, pink tentacled alien monster things started flying around. Here is an artists’s renedition:

I'm 12 and what is this

One of the family members of the groom took off his shirt and revealed that he too, was an alien. Some sort of worm-man. He slithered off at the sight of the Pink Monster Things. Cops start to pull around, and everyone, including me rushes to their cars to drive off. Cue high-speed chase scene. With Pink Monster Things eating random people. Eventually everyone pulls up in front of the Car Wash where everything started and cram in. I’m not sure what happened to the cops. A huge rumble occurs and the next thing I know, the entrance to the carwash opens and we see nothing but space and the stars in it. And yet another alien. But this one’s more feminine-shaped, with dark skin speckled with random starry space scenery. Think of Utsuho Reiuji’s cape in the Tohou Series. She is floating before us, holding the groom’s unconscious body in her left hand. She only says “If it continues, we will ensure Earth’s destruction.” I have no clue what “it” is. She then dissappears in a puff of sparkles leaving us to drift back towards Earth. Or so I thought.

It turns out that the planets were jostled out of their regular orbits at one point. Earth was now in a Figure-8 orbit between Jupiter and Saturn, and Mars collided with Venus. A tractor beam surrounded our makeshift car wash-spacecraft and we found ourselves in a rather comfortable home-like setting occupied by a bunch of humanoid alien girls. They had a similar look to the groom-carrying alien before these space shenanigans, but despite the ominous-looking white eyes, they showed great hospitality towards their unintentional houseguests, if not sexy hospitality with how all of them were half-nude.

The only room I remember visiting in their “space house” was a kitchen in which everything was automated and synthesized. One of the alien babes pulled a fork out of a drawer and I woke up.

So yesterday we went to Ikea for a little shopping. When we arrived a man ran up to us saying ‘Want your car washed for €6?’ I thought that’s cheap, so I got it done. Also I paid €2 more for the wheels to be cleaned.

We went into the shop, got all the shopping, which was a lot of shopping btw. When we came back to the car, sure enough it was clean. Not as clean as I expected, but ok. It is a chemical wash remember, no water is used. So there are swirl marks. I have to say, I wouldn’t get it done again. Why? I hear you ask.

The chemicals used are ment to get dirt off paint-work. Now that means someone has to wipe the dirt off the car, which means their cloth becomes like sandpaper while wiping the car. That’s why there are swirl marks on the car that wasn’t there before. Also the wheels aren’t €2 clean. I’ll save my €8 next time and go to a proper car wash.

More on the Ikea experience later.

Auto detailing systems are technologically advanced equipment that has been designed to simplify and boost the cleaning processes involved in the car detailing business. Today, there is an amazing range of mobile car wash machines and green cleaners available from reputable distributors. That means there are plenty of options you can choose from to ensure that you get the best car wash systems and green cleaners for your auto detailing business.

Now let us take a closer look at the different portable car wash machines and solutions you can purchase to give your car detailing business the edge it needs to outshine your competitors.

Carpet Cleaners
Auto detailing machines include a comprehensive array of advanced carpet cleaners that can efficiently handle the challenging cleaning applications in any car detailing business. The carpets in vehicles can quickly accumulate plenty of tar, dust, dirt, grease, mud, pet dander, drink stains, food residues, road salt, and other deposits. If not thoroughly cleaned, these carpets can turn dull and emit foul odors that are extremely offensive.

This is why you need to use top-grade carpet cleaners specifically designed for use by auto detailing professionals. With high steam temperatures, low-flow technology, and quick drying times, such auto detailing carpet cleaners can help you clean carpets and upholstery within cars, leaving them dry within 12-6 hours. This is essential for boosting productivity and reducing the need for storing vehicles while they dry for up to 24 hours, as required by other machines on the market.

Pressure Washers
Mobile auto detailing systems such as pressure washers from trusted suppliers will go a long way in offering you reliable performance for years coupled with higher efficiency that will speed up the cleaning process. Quality steam car wash systems will also keep your maintenance costs low. Pressure washers designed for auto detailing professionals utilize a low-moisture technology along with steam at high temperatures of about 300ºF, pressure levels of 1000-2000 psi, and flow rates as low as 0.5 GPM. The hot steam instantly softens tough and greasy deposits on your vehicle’s surfaces without damaging the paint on the car surface.

Green Car Detailing Solutions
Do the employees in your car detailing center use commercial chemical cleaners? These employees may be exposing themselves to harmful chemicals and toxic fumes on a daily basis. If so, it is time to switch over to green alternatives. These natural, non-toxic, and biodegradable green cleaners are very effective yet completely safe for your employees and all vehicle surfaces. These cleaners also pose no risk to the environment where they ultimately end up. Here is a look at two types of green chemicals:

• Green Carpet Cleaners

Powerful, fast-acting, and effective green carpet cleaners from leading distributors will completely alter the way you clean upholstery and carpets in vehicles. The nano-sized micelles in these green carpet cleaners effectively eliminate all types of stains and grime from carpets. These green carpet cleaning solutions can be used directly or in combination with carpet cleaning machines such as steam cleaners or carpet shampooers.

• Green Car Wash Solutions

Highly concentrated green auto detailing cleaners aggressively fight tough grease, caked dirt, tree sap, road tar, salt, mud, and other residues on vehicles without damaging the surface. The unique cleaning technology effectively breaks down dirt molecules and prevents the re-disposition of dirt on clean surfaces.

There are many high-performance, affordable auto detailing machines and green chemicals available for your business. Choose the right ones and see how your business stays ahead of the competition.

Auto detailing systems are technologically advanced equipment that has been designed to simplify and boost the cleaning processes involved in the car detailing business. Today, there is an amazing range of mobile car wash machines and green cleaners available from reputable distributors. That means there are plenty of options you can choose from to ensure that you get the best car wash systems and green cleaners for your auto detailing business.

Now let us take a closer look at the different portable car wash machines and solutions you can purchase to give your car detailing business the edge it needs to outshine your competitors.

Carpet Cleaners
Auto detailing machines include a comprehensive array of advanced carpet cleaners that can efficiently handle the challenging cleaning applications in any car detailing business. The carpets in vehicles can quickly accumulate plenty of tar, dust, dirt, grease, mud, pet dander, drink stains, food residues, road salt, and other deposits. If not thoroughly cleaned, these carpets can turn dull and emit foul odors that are extremely offensive.

This is why you need to use top-grade carpet cleaners specifically designed for use by auto detailing professionals. With high steam temperatures, low-flow technology, and quick drying times, such auto detailing carpet cleaners can help you clean carpets and upholstery within cars, leaving them dry within 12-6 hours. This is essential for boosting productivity and reducing the need for storing vehicles while they dry for up to 24 hours, as required by other machines on the market.

Pressure Washers
Mobile auto detailing systems such as pressure washers from trusted suppliers will go a long way in offering you reliable performance for years coupled with higher efficiency that will speed up the cleaning process. Quality steam car wash systems will also keep your maintenance costs low. Pressure washers designed for auto detailing professionals utilize a low-moisture technology along with steam at high temperatures of about 300ºF, pressure levels of 1000-2000 psi, and flow rates as low as 0.5 GPM. The hot steam instantly softens tough and greasy deposits on your vehicle’s surfaces without damaging the paint on the car surface.

Green Car Detailing Solutions
Do the employees in your car detailing center use commercial chemical cleaners? These employees may be exposing themselves to harmful chemicals and toxic fumes on a daily basis. If so, it is time to switch over to green alternatives. These natural, non-toxic, and biodegradable green cleaners are very effective yet completely safe for your employees and all vehicle surfaces. These cleaners also pose no risk to the environment where they ultimately end up. Here is a look at two types of green chemicals:

• Green Carpet Cleaners

Powerful, fast-acting, and effective green carpet cleaners from leading distributors will completely alter the way you clean upholstery and carpets in vehicles. The nano-sized micelles in these green carpet cleaners effectively eliminate all types of stains and grime from carpets. These green carpet cleaning solutions can be used directly or in combination with carpet cleaning machines such as steam cleaners or carpet shampooers.

• Green Car Wash Solutions

Highly concentrated green auto detailing cleaners aggressively fight tough grease, caked dirt, tree sap, road tar, salt, mud, and other residues on vehicles without damaging the surface. The unique cleaning technology effectively breaks down dirt molecules and prevents the re-disposition of dirt on clean surfaces.

There are many high-performance, affordable auto detailing machines and green chemicals available for your business. Choose the right ones and see how your business stays ahead of the competition.

Nice hot sunny day for washing & detailing my dirty ride. My detailing stuff below:

Two bucket system for washing.

End Result.

I need some sleep now. Zzzzzz

   One of my favorite things to do is get my car washed after a long trip.  Usually I am off road and so I really get the mud caked into every part of my car.  I love going to the car wash and getting such good service.  The owner usually offers me a seat in an air-conditioned lounge.  He regularly gives me a coke or a bottle of water to sip on.  Some days he will offer me my favorite drink: Green Tea with Pomegranate juice. 

  Outside dozens of his workers are scrubbing away.  Climbing all over the car with high pressure hoses and rubbing down all the parts.  They spend a good deal of time on the under-carriage and will even grease it for me.  All I do is still and blog while they work.  After they wash it, the pull the car into the dry zone where twenty to thirty girls are waiting to dry the entire car by hand.  It takes them a total of ten minutes to wipe down every inch of the car, including the engine parts. 

   While everything is getting dried, the vacuum and polish crew go to work inside the car.  They clean off every speck of dirt, remove every fleck of garbage and polish the leather seats.   It comes out smelling like a new car every time.   Another guy is checking all the engine fluids and will top anything up that needs to be topped up.   If it is time to change my oil, they can do that too, in ten minutes.  They always clean out the air filters and unlike those “Jiffy Lube” guys, don’t recommend to every single woman to change the air filter once a week.  They just clean it out and put it back.  They also shine all the wheels with armor-all to make it look sharp.

   Once I have had my fill of Green Tea with Pomegranate I return to my spotless clean car where they are waiting by the door with my car key in their open hand.  I get in, where they usually hand me another bottle of water for drive back to the house.  Total time: thirty minutes of pure luxury.  I am happy, my car is happy. I then hand them the payment: $3.00.  I love Cambodia!

10 Hours of Live Music

Car Wash celebrates Fab Free 7000 with help fro Shooting Start Talent.
10 hours of live music starting at 1pm slt  on Nov. 15, 2009.

will be raffle ball giving out gift certificates from designers from all over Second Life.

Car Wash-    http://slurl.com/secondlife/Car%20Wash/154/163/24

10 Hours of Live Music

Car Wash celebrates Fab Free 7000 with help fro Shooting Start Talent.
10 hours of live music starting at 1pm slt  on Nov. 15, 2009.

will be raffle ball giving out gift certificates from designers from all over Second Life.

Car Wash-    http://slurl.com/secondlife/Car%20Wash/154/163/24

This is the crazy lovely Maple tree in my backyard.  This is a $10 funky-fun chair I bought at an estate sale.  And this is Leah.  Also crazy lovely, and funky-fun.

And this is in the field beside my house.  Don’t be fooled by it’s plush, cool exterior.  It is a favorite hiding spot for big brown spiders.  Just ask Leah.

This is the awesome yellow back-side of a row of buildings in downtown Carthage.  Somebody was cooking something yummy in one of those buildings.  It smelled like fry bread.  With sugar.  Sweet.Love. This.

And this.

And this.

Bravest senior ever!  Would you want to do this in 50 degree weather?  I had gloves on!  And yes.  Love this too.

Thanks Leah, for being such a trooper!  Had such a fun afternoon with you and your entourage. : )

I pay a princely sum of money each year to belong to a car wash club. I pay the same amount for my wife to belong to the same club. No, there’s no secret handshake or special ritual that is required to belong to this club. But there are benefits. For starters, we get a nickel per gallon discount on our gasoline purchases. And, we receive discounts on a variety of different types of car washes. We’ve belonged to this club for a number of years and have generally believed that we receive good value. Once after a particularly poor bout with customer service I wrote one of my favorite Dr. Pistoph letters. The area manager sent me a very nice response and a couple of coupons for upgraded washes – good move.

But lately I’ve become P.O.’d about a pervasive injustice that plagues this chain of car washes. Here’s the Cliff Notes version. I usually buy my gasoline at these car washes once a week. Then I run my car through the wash bay. Except that by the time I finish filling up with gas there’s usually a line of cars from here to next Thursday. And guess what? Nearly every one of them drove right into the wash bay without purchasing gas. This is infuriating. Yes, yes, they are entitled to buy a car wash the same as the next guy. But how about giving us club members our own line so we don’t have to wait behind all of these interlopers?

I can just hear some of you snickering right now. “What a ridiculous piddling little thing to get worked up over,” you exclaim. Well I have an exclamation for you and it’s unprintable. You must understand that as we get older some of us (me in particular) have much less patience for what seems to us (me) as a lack of good old fashioned common sense. Why should I have to tell the 14 year-olds running the car wash that they should be more sensitive to their club members? After all, isn’t that what they’re paid $8.50 an hour to do? Oh, and by the way; that a-hole who cut in front of me the last time I visited the car wash is going to get a surprise the next time I see him. You know who you are. You refused to look at me after committing your dastardly deed. I have something for you. I’ll roll my window down and all you have to do is get within three feet of my car. Come on. Just a little closer . . .

Four young men who were caught cooling off naked inside a central Queensland car wash have been warned their prank could have had much more serious consequences.

The two 19-year-olds and two 23-year-old men paid $17 for the full service during a night out in Biloela, then stripped off and ran around inside as their girlfriends filmed them.

Police patrolling the area put a stop to the “fun” before the wash hit full-cycle, the Courier Mail reports.

“They were stopped before it went too far. They could have been seriously injured,” said a Queensland Police Service spokeswoman.

She said the men were warned of the danger of high-pressure cleaners and issued with notices to appear in court for public nuisance and wilful exposure.

“A car wash is for washing cars, not people,” said the spokeswoman.

A service station attendant said the high pressure sprayers had the potential to remove skin and “could’ve blown their eyes out of their sockets”.

Click for larger versions

Boy, I love me some good ‘bad’ design. I think it’s a lot more interesting than the stuff that wins awards. I found these outside my apartment this morning. I became mesmerized and just had to share them with you. I’m not even sure if I could ever design anything like this. I think I’d have to try really hard to get it ‘right.’ But, frankly, I’ve become bored with value judgments in regards to design. There are those that say that good design only needs to communicate a message effectively, while the other camp says that there is also a lot at stake with regards to aesthetics. That visual pollution and ‘bad’ design is just as harmful as misscommunication. Little headway has been made in establishing either of these vantage points beyond the anecdotal, because both sides are equally ‘good’ and ‘right.’ I’m beginning to see the designed world (which is what I call the totality of anything which has been made by or influenced by people through a decision making process) as the reflection of ourselves. It’s as difficult for me to call a design ‘bad’ as it is for me to call a person or culture ‘bad.’ Maybe this is the curse of seeing things in black and white, but I do believe that it’s time to quit arguing over this nickel and dime good-and-bad design bullshit and start seeing beyond the horizon of the printed page, the computer screen and the poster. It’s time to start seeing the larger picture. We need to see it all. Collectively. Everything that we produce, because in these things we can see the decisions we are making, showing us how we really think.

Typically we have to wait a few decades, and gain the asset of hindsight, before we can look collectively look at a period of time and relate it to how a group of people thought. I believe we can do that now for our period in time, and that we must. We must look at what it is that we are creating and influencing and see who it is that we are at this instant. The speed of our lives has increased dramatically, we can no longer afford to wait to look back and see who we were, but must see who we are now, and look at how we will create the future.

Had a leisurely breakfast and read the paper. Swung by the Apple Store to see if I could find a clear plastic case for my Mac Book. 13″, sure. 15″, bunches. 17″? Not a chance. I got over it and headed down Poplar to run my ride through Mr. Pride. Always liked the work they did washing cars.

Proud Mister?

Well, apparently, I missed a memo. Instead of them cleaning out the inside and outside of cars like they used to, they’ve knocked their basic prices down and only do the outside now. That is, unless you’re willing to pay the $30 for their “valet service.” Otherwise, you drive the car up to the row of vacuum hoses, vacuum your own car, then drive it around to the opening of the wash, watch as one guy with a bucket of soapy water and a brush touches up the front, sides & back, and you sit there as the belt pulls your car through the wash and dry cycles.

In the car wash

I’ve been in dozens of car washes like that, but Mr. Pride was always different. They had scads of people in soggy shoes drying the outside and cleaning out the inside while you waited in the relative comfort of the cashier area. The nice thing about that is, that for a reasonable price, plus tip, you’d know the inside of the car was cleaned too. That’s often the part most of us will skip, if we’re going through a usual car wash. I can accept that the economy probably made it a lot tougher to keep an entire crew of car washers on staff when people were cutting back on a lot of expenses.

Of course, since I’ve got my own garage and hose now, I’ve been washing my own car for a year or so. I guess I’m going to have to get used to the idea that I’m just going to get a little less than I used to. That was also the case at my doctor’s office when I went in for a flu shot after the car wash. I walked out two hours later, after sitting in an empty waiting room for one of those hours. But that’s another post.

Come on down Sunday Nov 8th @ 8am ’till about noon. We have a deal for you:
We will wash you car, spic n span, while you enjoy a comfy chair,  ac, music, and some Good News (in other words we wash your car while you sit in the Sunday School service )

“What’s the deal” you say??

The car wash will be by DONATION to help our hardworking, diligent, Youth raise funds.

But wait!!!

There’s more:

These same hardworking Youth boys and girls are also great cooks and people of service,
we will be having food for sale after the car wash.

So, moms, dads, aunts, uncles, random people, COME and get the DEAL of a lifetime:
CAR WASH + a Tasty meal.

Disclaimer: Car wash IS donation, however, the food has a set price. But it’s still a deal!!!

oh and these are pictures from 2004.

Please expect an UPGRADE, it IS 2009 after all.