Zodiac

I watched "Zodiac" last week and didn't find it to be particularly scary. Of course the things portrayed in the movie actually happened, but I don't consider movies to be real life and thus are not scary.

So I told my friend AH about it, and she decided to watch it as well. I was scolded the next day for lying about how scary it was. Apparently, she was so afraid she wouldn't even go outside to smoke a cigarette. Oh, to be such a scaredy-cat.

Golden Arches

When I was in Berlin last year, I don't remember seeing any McDonald's. But that doesn't mean they aren't there, so what's the big deal about them putting in another?

This article shows views from both. From what I can gather, it would as similar as a McDonald's going in on Hawthorne at approximately 34th. It seems to be a comparable type of neighborhood, (not filled with yuppies, so it can't be similar to Northwest) and I'm quite certain that attempting that would produce similar outcomes: rioting, vandalism, anti-MickyD's sentiment.

However, there are a few small voices of reason at the end of the article. The neighborhood is comprised mainly of adults who have a free will and can decided not to eat McDonald's, and McDonald's is as much competition to the local restaurants as it would be to Papa Haydn. We've got fast food in town here and people still choose the local carts first. Lastly, tolerance is a two-way street and if people expect to be tolerated, they may have to tolerate someone/thing else.

On Leading A Double Life

Today was another laid back Saturday. I took a trip to the Farmer's Market as usual, and had to pay to park my car. I put the stub in my back pocket so I could reference it for what time I needed to be back at the car. Turns out I didn't need it after all.

Several hours later, I took the stub out of my pocket so I wouldn't forget and wash it, and I found a second stub. This mysterious second stub was for a movie, "Lucky You," which I have never seen. I was immediately accused of leading a double life. I would be more than willing to admit this feat, if only I could remember even a moment of this supposed other self or the movie. I know I've never seen that movie, but I also know that the movie stub was in there for a while because it had been washed, and that movie came out in June. I then hesitated for a moment, wondering if the pants I was wearing belonged to someone else (also evidence of a double life) but I know they are mine---one of my best pairs of jeans. Also, I've never loaned these pants to anyone.

I'm truly bewildered. How could I have picked up this stub and put it in my pocket without knowing? If I didn't do it, who did? Or, is it like "Fight Club" in that all those hours of insomnia I am actually leading another life at night? I'll have to say nay to that because I have managed not to miss work or suffer any of the other symptoms of Tyler Durden. For now, the mystery remains unsolved. If anyone has any clues, please comment.

Drawing A Blank

In the span of time it took to log in to write this blog, I managed to forget what I was planning on blogging about. Therefore, I will use this moment to plug another eatery.

Le Happy is a delicious little crepe place. If you can forgive the sometimes questionable service, you will find that the crepes rectify any apprehensions you may have had about the joint. Since most of you have been to Le Happy already, I will just state that anyone who reads this who hasn't must definitely plan a dinner there. Here are a couple reviews which are both true depending on the night.

Now, if I am able to remember what my original blog intent was, I will post again...

Death Is A Cat

When I think of Death, I don't usually picture the Grim Reaper in the hooded cloak. I'm more in tune with "Meet Joe Black." In this interesting article presented by MSN, it seems that neither choice is correct.

Apparently, this cat is able to predict deaths within about 4 hours. It's pretty weird, and I'd like to meet him, but I am too afraid of dying.

World's Smallest Park

Welcome to Mill Ends Park. Yes, that 2 foot diameter hole is a park, and apparently, was inducted into the Guinness Book of World Records as the worlds smallest. And yes, Portland is home to Mill Ends. I've lived here for 4 years and this is the first I'm hearing about this.

The Wikipedia article was funny. It gave a brief history of the park, including how it came to be (Founded by a man named Fagan in the 1940's, the location was originally slated for a light pole. Having noticed the pole never appeared, he took it upon himself to plant some flowers for viewing from his office window.), who lives there (Leprechauns and butterflies), and what attractions it hosts (In the 70's it boasted a butterfly swimming pool and a Leprechaun-sized ferris wheel which was delivered by a regular sized crane. Now it is principally a garden.)

Located in the intersection of Naito Parkway and Taylor Street, the park was a bit of a chore to get to, but the hint of possibly meeting Fagan's Leprechauns is alluring to many who would tempt fate by crossing out to see for themselves. Having realized this perhaps, it was moved 7 feet toward the crosswalk when Naito was revamped. I will admit, it is a bit of an anomaly and I'll be going down to check it out this weekend.

Squirrel Espionage

MSN reported this morning that 14 squirrels were arrested in Iran for acts of espionage. The squirrels are reportedly being detained. The article doesn't say what was done with their eavesdropping devices. Interviewees speculated on the origins of the squirrels, citing the intelligence of British squirrels, and questioning why anyone would rely on squirrels to spy.

Here is the article. It is short and amusing, with some funny comments below.