After a few weeks of many meetings, I have drawn this conclusion based on empirical results.

(Obviously inspired by Indexed)
After a few weeks of many meetings, I have drawn this conclusion based on empirical results.
I recently read two books that have to do with poop. Strange as it may sound, I found them both informative and well written.
Brown Acres: An Intimate History of the Los Angeles Sewers – Anna Sklar
Brown Acres is a history of the sewer system in Los Angeles. That may not seem interesting at first glance, but following the story is much more adventurous than you might imagine. Nepotism, cronyism and just plain stinginess were responsible for a long series of bad decisions in Los Angeles leading to recurring problems of sewage flooding into the streets and backing up into toilets.
Ms. Sklar has done her research and goes into appropriate detail on the history. Understanding the technology used to move human waste around was enlightening. The idea that we used to dump raw sewage into the ocean is simply astounding. Also, I was surprised to see that voters of the past were as short sighted as today’s voters when it comes to investment in public health issues. Repeatedly, the public rejected spending money to solve the sewage problems. Not until the sewage literally flowed in the streets did the money get approved to put in better sewer systems.
Today, Los Angeles has a world class sanitation system in place, but I found the path to this point well worth the read.
My only criticism would be a request for more diagrams of the sewer system over time to help keep track of all the changes and sewer paths.
What’s Your Poo Telling You? – Anish Sheth and Josh Richman
I first heard about this book on an episode of Internet Superstar, where one of the authors spoke about it with Martin Sargent. It sounded interesting, but not interesting enough to search it out. Recently, I was out with my wife Michele for dinner when I saw the book.
In the lobby of building I work in, there is a Starbucks Coffee. Earlier this week, I noticed a new item in the refrigerator.
Due to interest, I looked deeper into the Cakesters from Nabisco.
I expected that nutritionally, both Nilla and Oreo flavors would be the same. When I took a look, I found a little difference.
Cakester is not a new social community site for cupcake lovers.
Cakesters is a new kind junk food from Nabisco that tries to combine famous cookies with snack cakes.
I went to see Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull on Saturday with my daughter Mira. We went to the Cineramadome at the Arclight Theater in Hollywood for the best possible viewing.
Normally I’d give my review of the movie, but something very strange happened during the showing.
After about 2/3 of the movie, there must have been a mix-up in the projection booth. For some reason instead of playing the final 1/3 of the movie, inexplicably what appeared to be some sort of Scientology video appeared on screen. There were glass space aliens sitting in chairs, hidden spaceships, and suggestions that human development was guided by aliens (thetans?). It was all quite bizarre with lots needless special effects and a complete lack of a comprehensive storyline.
I need to go see it again, to see the real ending of the movie in which Lucas and Spielberg wrap up the story lines regarding father & son development, the FBI involvement, and many other ideas brought up in the first 2/3rds of the movie. I mean there’s no way Spielberg and Lucas would resort to a Deux ex Machina ending without any sort of moral message or triumph of good people over evil.
If anyone else saw that strange Scientology video, I think we should complain as a group.
Recently I went on a four day rafting trip. Before I went, I made some beef jerky. Here’s how I did it.
My method is based on my father’s method, as I was taught as a boy.
We start with a few pounds of flank steak.
Wandering through the aisles at the supermarket, I spotted a bag of Mint Crisp M&Ms candies. Obviously, I had to give them a try.