This has been a busy week, as I’ve been trying to get a number of things done before I take off between Christmas and New Years. It has also been a sad time, with the death of two friends, one young and one young-at-heart. Still, I’ve accumulated a few items for discussion:
- Giving to Others. I’m sure by now you’ve heard about the sperm donor in Fremont who has been giving away his precious bodily fluid. The problem is that the US FDA has told him to stop doing it. Apparently, you can only give it away if you take the girl out for a date first or through physical contact, as opposed to advertising the service and telling parties to bring their Dixie cups and basters. It is actually an interesting article, especially if you read it (as I did) from the point of view of asking what this fellow is doing that is unique, or in other words… why isn’t the FDA going after millions of frat brothers at universities everywhere.
- Behind the Scenes. There’s an extremely interesting political analysis from Politico in today’s Daily News, exploring how one political party supposedly manipulated an independent process for their gain. In this case, it is the independent redistricting approach, proving that it is difficult to have any process that is 100% independent: someone will always find a way to gain the system if there is self-interest involved.
- Overcooked Pasta. Ever wonder why Olive Garden is so mediocre. Turns out… it is because the customers demand it. This is explored in the linked article from Eater.Com. We are our own worst enemies. Hint: Look closely at the picture in the article. Here’s another article that mentions some of the same items, but also some testing at other chains.
- Death of an Institution. As you might know, I work in El Segundo. Up the street is a strip bar that has been there for years. I’ve never visited (really, I’ve never visited it), but have walked by it and driven by it often. This place, the Wild Good, has lived foryears off the nearby Aerospace businessed. Turns out that the Wild Goose is closing on Christmas Eve, to be replaced by condos and apartments, blessed by nearby Metro. So where will the managers go now?
- Life of an Institution. Lastly, the story about Kip’s Toyland in the Farmers Market, where the owner has been selling toys and games for 66 years from the same location.
Lastly, because it was so bizarre I couldn’t stop, a collection of awkward family Christmas photos. Kids, don’t try this at home.
