The Scooting Scholar

Takin It to the Streets... Again

LOS ANGELES - When I first started writing this follow-up my previous post, I was sitting in the great outdoors that is Larchmont Boulevard, perhaps my favorite street in all of SoCal. But alas, a fortnight has past and I am just now submitting this piece. It's as if I was somehow discombobulated by the iPhone craze (I couldn't help but get caught up in it). Well some things haven't changed much. It may be two weeks past due, but I am still in the great outdoors - just up the street a bit from where I was before. Let's see if I can pick up the pieces.

The real purpose of this post was to continue my proseletyzing effort to get all of you off your tushies and onto bicycles (I could have said "asses" but that seemed so crass).

If you can remember way way back to part one, I discussed how you might incorporate a bike into your life. I also mentioned how learning a little bicycle maintenance could be extremely beneficial. Believe it or not I can feel your eagerness to hop on the saddle, so why don't get rollin'?

Before we do, however, a few additional tidbits are in order. One thing you should keep on mind before you purchase that new (or new to you) bike - make sure you do a test ride. Though you can't tell simply by looking, different bicycles have different geometry - meaning one size does not fit all. As you consider a bike, treat that purchase much as you would an automobile purchase. Ride it around. Get comfortable. I can guarantee you an uncomfortable ride will take you right back where you began - sitting on your duff.

But let's assume you comfortable with your new two-wheeled machine. That means it's time to start spinnin'. First, let's get those legs warmed up. I am sure you have already properly stretched so hop on the bike. I know it feels a little weird - it's always like that the first 10 minutes or so.

Oops, I almost forgot to ask whether or not you brought a helmet. Did you? What?You mean you didn't? No worries, neither did I. OK, close your mouth. I know it sounds wreckless, but I am not convinced of the helmet's ability to bring me additional safety. It's the active safety versus passive safety argument. It's all about proper riding techniques and following the rules of the road.

Let's keep riding. How are you feeling now? Pretty good right? OK get off the sidewalk. Remember the title of this post is "Takin' It to the Streets." I know of seems as though the cars are whizzing past. You'll be fine. In fact, you're safer than if you were on the sidewalk. Seems hard to believe, doesn't it? But take my word for it. Remember, when you're out there on your bike you ate a moving vehicle just like all the others. You have the same rights, privileges, and responsibilities just as of you were behind the wheel of your beloved Yugo. So make sure you go with the flow - the flow of traffic, that is.

OK now you should be in groove. You're doing great. Ooh I almost forgot to ask if you brought water. How about a snack? The last thing I need is you passing out on me. It's summer time. It's hot. Keep hydrated.

Are you still feelin' good? Keep spinning. Take in the scenery. I bet you're noticing things you may have never noticed before. When you zoom by in car, you're bound to miss a lot. But as you notice the sights, keep your eyes peeled for inattentive drivers, potholes, pedestrians, and my favorite (yeah right)... stray dogs.

Why don't you take a swig of water. Great. Feels good, doesn't it? Ah, now you see that hill up ahead? Come on, let's go for it. That's right, you can do it. Just ease into it. Breathe deeply and pump. You got it. Stand up on the pedals if you have to. You're almost there. Yes! You made it to the top. Now let's glide back home. The wind is at your back and it's downhill the rest of the way.

Oh yeah, there's nothing like riding a bike.

Well, I gotta scoot...

~Rich

Takin it to the Streets

RIVERSIDE, Calif - First, I hope you will wish me a happy anniversary! That's right, it was two years ago today that the Scooting Scholar made his worldwide debut. OK, enough reminiscing, let's talk cycling.

Now that the Fourth of July holiday is behind us, we can truly say summer is in full swing. And if you know anything about me by now, it is that I am enamored with my bicycles for reasons I cannot fully explain. But I find few things more enjoyable than hopping on my bike and taking trips to work, the office, the store, even church. Yes, I love riding my bike for more than simply exercise. I love to use it as an alternate means of transportation. Even if gas prices weren't at their current levels I would continue to include my bike as another way of moving about the city. I may not evangelize much about anything else, but when it comes to bicycles, I live to spread the word.

Personally, I would be ecstatic if a number of you told me you were ditching your autos at least once a week in favor of the bicycle. However, I know that is a tall order to fill. In the meantime, some of you may have considered jumping on your bicycle for recreational or fitness, but when you walk out to your garage, you realize what you have is a dusty, cobweb riddled mess. Others of may not even have that to deal with if you don't currently have a bicycle.

One of the most important things to remember is you need not spend a fortune on a new set of wheel. Sure, bikes can easily cost thousands of dollars, but in the end the differences between that $5,000 Colnago and the 30-year-old racer in your garage may be less than you imagined. So take a look though your junk. What do you find? It's quite possible that dusty dirty old bike is a gem waiting to be polished. There's a very good chance you can get it road ready in only a few hours with soap, water, and some lubricant to get all the moving parts running smoothly once again. You might also consider taking the bike to your local mechanic for a thorough overhaul. But keep in mind that some bikes are not worth the hassle. If the frame is too rusty or if it is broken in places, throw it out. Unless it is an antique, it's probably not worth the hassle.

If your bike is not worth repairing or if you don't have a bicycle at all, consult websites such as craigslist.org or look for shops that sell used bikes. A refurbished bike can often be a great find - you are getting a still great bike at an affordable price. Many refurbished bikes were top of the line machines when they were brand new and are still road worthy today even if they are 20 or 30 years old..

Once you have that bicycle up and running smoothly, one of the first things you should prepare for is probably the least fun part of bicycle riding: changing the flat tire. Knowing how to take care of your bike is important and every bicyclist should keep a toolkit handy for precisely those moments when something goes wrong - like a flat tire. Fortunately, bikes rarely have mechanical failures, so the one you are most likely to encounter is the flat tire. There's little joy in changing a flat, but it's great when you know how. So the most important part is being prepared.

As far as I know, there is no AAA equivalent for cyclists offering roadside assistance you can call upon when calamity strikes. Your only possible recourse is perhaps you're riding with a buddy who came prepared or maybe you get lucky and a stranger gives you the assistance you need. Knowing routine maintenance will go a long way in giving you peace of mind as you roll down the highway and will go a long way to making your rides that much more enjoyable.

Now you have your bike, you know some of the basics of routine maintenance, you're ready to hit the road and crank them pedals, right? Maybe. We'll talk more about riding in the streets next chat.

Well, I gotta scoot...

~Rich

What's So Good About Feelin' Good?

RIVERSIDE, Calif. - Uh oh, you've looked at that title and I can tell you've concluded that I am in the early stages of becoming a bitter, cantankerous old man. Well, that's not exactly true. I am no where near old. But I think I will take a shot being cantankerous for a few moments.

What am I complaining about you ask? So-called "feel good" laws, that's what.  In case you aren't familiar with the term, I define feel good laws as statutes politicians can use for chest thumping purposes.  Imagine the following scenario as Senator Blowhard takes the podium. "I helped to pass legislation which will prevent children from accidentally choking on lima beans."  A crowd of supporters cheers loudly, waves American flags, and we can rest easy because we are protected from the dreaded lima bean.  OK this may not be the best analogy to explain it, but to sum it up succinctly, "feel good" laws are laws that do nothing more to protect the public than laws already on the books.  But because they appear to attack a certain type of behavior or public ill, they are heralded as helping to make society better.

My main reason for maligning feel good laws and the politicians that write them, has much to do with a recently implemented law mandating all California drivers to begin using hands-free devices when using their mobile telephones while behind the wheel.  Proponents of the legislation congratulated one another for helping to make my state's roads that much safer.  Except they forgot one important thing.  As far as I know, there were already laws on the books that forbade unsafe driving.  Why did we need a law that specifically outlaws holding a telephone to your ear while driving?  Will we see a precipitous reduction in auto accidents?  Will traffic move more smoothly? I seriously doubt it.

It's not like you don't see drivers doing a number of things which I am sure could fall under the guise of being "unsafe."  Eating, reading, changing clothes are all unsafe practices which will cause one to focus their attention somewhere besides the road.  But do we need legislation barring eating while driving?  As some of you know, I only drive cars with manual transmissions.  I am just waiting for a dumb-ass politician to propose legislation outlawing "shifting while driving" due to a fatal (or near-fatal) accident that may have been caused by an inexperienced driver.  Or maybe there will be a law that mandates all drivers wear sunglasses during morning and evening rush hour (if you are traveling in the direction of the sun).  I have been picking on driving laws, but I am sure you can think of other types of laws which seem just as preposterous.

A few years ago the state of California passed a version of the Amber alert that would flash the vehicle type and license plate number on electronic freeway condition signs in the event a child was abducted.  Sounds good, doesn't it?  Once again, politicians broadly proclaimed how they were potentially saving families across the state from heartache and tragedy.  Now I hope you will not take my criticism as being insensitive to those who have had the unfortunate experience of having a child tragically taken from them.  I know if someone were to take my daughter, I would be quite distraught.  However that is not very likely to be the case. Unfortunately, the politicians forgot to mention one extremely important fact: child abductions by strangers almost never occurs. More often than not, the abduction is the result of a domestic dispute between parents.

Yes, the safety of children is important.  But it is questionable whether California's freeway Amber alert system is even effective. When it was first implemented it appeared it might do some good.  But as drivers have become more accustomed to the signs, I would say much of the early success has worn off.  Through casual observation it appears most drivers zoom past the signs without slowing down not only because the signs are commonplace, but there is usually too much information on the signs for most people to recall.  Yet you can bet the law will never be repealed because it's one of those that makes us feel good.

The funny thing about feel good laws is that politicians who pass them appear to be so serious about them.  Now I am not saying that no new legislation ever be passed again.  I am sure there are some unforseen situations that will require some new laws be passed.  But for the most part, feel good laws such as the new hands-free while driving law does nothing to protect the public and only goes as far as padding a politician's resume.

On the other hand, maybe this hands free law is exactly what is needed since it means I can eat my Happy Meal, shift gears, leave a text message and talk on the phone all while maneuvering through traffic.  Thanks, California legislature. Actually, I am feelin' kinda good after all.

Have a happy 4th of July Weekend.

Well, I gotta scoot...

~Rich

Death of a Hard Drive Pt 2

RIVERSIDE, Calif. - I can distinctly remember the reaction I had a year or so ago when I met a friend of mine for the first time and wanted to exchange contact information including e-mail addresses. "I don't have a computer," my friend told me. I am sure the next words out of my mouth were something like "you're kidding" "get outta here." Disbelief was definitely present. If this had been a person my parent's age I probably would have been less surprised. But a young, hip person? It seemed impossible.

The jury is deliberating over my youth and hipness, but there is one fact that is quite apparent. I no longer have a computer. The last time we chatted, I told you my hard drive was on life support. Well, there's a priest standing in my home office right now doing Hail Marys and performing last rites. My iBook is about to die.

It's a strange feeling not having a personal computer. The last time I had no computer in my home was in the spring of 1988. As I said previously, when you have a computer, you adapt your life to the technology you have available. There are certain things you begin to take for granted - such as being able type up assignments at the last moment or print important documents on the fly. For the time being at least, I will not be able to do any of those tasks with ease.

To say I don't have a computer at my disposal is not entirely true.
After all, I have access to computers at my local public library as
well as plenty of access to computers at my university. But it's not
quite the same. I still have to make dedicated trips in order to use
the machines and I am out of luck if I need to use a machine during
non-operational hours. Though we tend to regard it more as a
communication device than a computer, one could argue that my iPhone
is a handheld personal computer. In fact, this post was composed on
iPhone. And strangely enough, my phone has over 100 times the
computing power my very first MacPlus did back in 1988. And while
there is a lot that I can do with my phone, I am still limited. It's a
strange feeling indeed.

To be perfectly honest, it's more than strange. It stings. Hindsight is 20/20 and looking back there is so much more I could have that would have kept me out of this predicament. But I didn't act proactively and now I am paying the price - especially when you consider the potential financial burden of possibly having to obtain a new machine. However, I have learned a number of valuable lessons the past couple of months in terms of being more careful to avoid be vandalized as well making every effort to secure my data systematically instead of haphazzardly. Being more careful to secure what I have will save me time, trouble and expense and will greatly benefit me in the future.

Well, I gotta scoot...

~Rich

Death of a Hard Drive

It's the tragic tale of a hard disk gone bad.

When it comes to important data and devices on which to save it, well it sorta sucks to be me right now. As you may recall, it was little more than a month ago my car was vandalized and one of the items stolen was my MacBook computer. Now the inevitable has happened, the computer which served as a backup to my stolen machine is about to go on life support.

Much like most of you who are reading this, I have become very dependendent on technology to access and maintain the data I create. When those systems go bad or are no longer available for whatever reason, we find ourselves in precarious situations as we attempt to piece together that which we no longer have access to.

Now, I am not a total slave to my machines. In spite of all the data I generate, I actually do a fairly decent job of backing up my files. But I am far from perfect. In spite of how simple it can be to back up files, isn't it funny how most of us are likely to view the process as a chore? It becomes one of those things we push to the farthest recesses of our minds and by the time we've realized a data backup is in order, it sometimes can be too late. One of those "I coulda had a V-8" quickly comes to mind.

Fortunately the web has helped out a great deal. One of the simplest ways of accessing a backup of your data anywhere is through e- mail. Thanks to Google the advent of e-mail accounts with multiple gigabytes of storage has made it possible to store and retrieve individual files with ease. It can be a bit tedious, however. Attaching new files, detaching old ones and anything else in between can get messy and out of control.

Another solution that is infinitely more practical is the now ubiquitous USB flash memory drive. These little stick have become quite indespinsable of late as they continue to increase in capacity while their prices fall lower and lower. The drives are great because they work in any modern computer. But they do have their drawbacks - one primary concern for me is how easily they can be misplaced. Because they are so small and light it's real easy to forget and leave them in a computer you may using at that moment. Also, depending on the brand, the drive can be a little slow - bad news if you're in a hurry to download or backup that huge PowerPoint presentation you just finished.

A not so new solution has begun to emerge as an alternative for the masses. Online backup. I say not so new because online file storage has been around for a few years, but the process of backing up one's data was one that took much action on the part of the user. But now more seamless solutions have arisen which do all of the work in the background - as long as you're connected to the Internet. And these days, who isn't connected to web at some time or another. One such service I was recently introduced to is called myso and can be found at myso.com. Not only does myso do all the heavy lifting quietly in an unobtrusive manner, a basic account (which includes 2GB of free storage) is absolutely free. And for just a few bucks a month an unlimited storage account is available.

Now as great as these solutions are, they don't me a lot of good right now. Unfortunately my iBook is gasping its final breaths of life. But it may not be too late for you. Routine backing up of data is one of those must-dos of life like changing your car's oil or taking out the trash. It may not be fun to think about, but at least there's a technological answer to one of technology's biggest quandaries.

Well, I gotta scoot...

~Rich

Sent from my iPhone

Oxymoronic Sensibility

I am fascinated by the oxymoron. Maybe it's the fact I love irony or perhaps that I personally can be such a contrarian in my thinking or how try to approach life (or at least I would like to think so). To refresh your memory, the simplest way to define an oxymoron is to say it is a contradiction in terms. An example often used is the phrase "military intelligence" with the primary belief being the two words, "military" and "intelligence" are diametrically opposed. Conventional wisdom, at least, would contend that the two words have meanings that would seem to cancel the other out.

One of the most famous oxymoronic statements can be found in the follow-up decision to the landmark 1954 Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court ruling when the court ordered that school desegregation occur "with all deliberate speed." Not only is this phrase an apparent contradiction in terms, it is also one that is quite ambiguous. Exactly what is "deliberate speed?" For those who were opponents of school desegregation, even the slowest implementation was likely too fast. And as far as those wanting to see separate but equal accommodations obliterated, things were much more deliberate than speedy.

Oxymoronic terms also play a huge role in my life. Recently, you may have noticed I have been throwing around the expression "social loner." Obviously it's a term fraught with contradictions since it would seem impossible for one to be sociable and a loner simultaneously. Yet I view it to be a very approriate personal description since I find myself in situations where I am alone but in a public space in close proximity to others perfectly ready to interact socially. In fact, staying in the house is one of the most difficult things for me to do. It's as if I have reverse agoraphobia, since I seem to always want to be out and about.

Well a new oxymoronic term has entered my lexicon. I call it planned spontaneity. The first question that we must consider is whether or not something that is planned can ever be considered spontaneous? Personally I think it is possible; that is if you approach the idea of planned spontaneity from my point-of-view.

I love being spontaneous. More often than not I will be sitting around the house when suddenly I am struck by the idea that I should go to location X or location Y. Since I am a man of extremely modest means, my spontaneity is pretty much relegated to trips around SoCal. I can also be spontaneous when it comes to my consumption habits. Of course you could also define that behavior as impulsive. I will have to read up on the meanings of the two words. They seem to be related, but impulsive appears to have a more negative connotation as if to say "you're outta control."

However, one thing you should know about me (if you don't know already) is that I am a huge daydreamer. This is a character trait that has been with me practically forever. One of my earliest progress reports from first grade emphasized the fact that I daydream. When I daydream, I begin imagining scenes of how I will execute this activity or that activity and at some point I act upon those dreams. Which leads the impulsive part of my personality I spoke of earlier, where if I dream about something, perhaps I envision a scene where I buy a small token of appreciation for someone special in my life, you can bet I will act on that impulse soon thereafter.

Is that true spontaneity? Maybe not. I guess it is debatable. The randomness of it all certainly connects with spontaneity, but the planning or dreaming aspect shows there is some forethought. Where do you draw the line? I am sure my impulses will give me the right answer. Just give me a few days to think about it.

Well, I gotta scoot...

~Rich

The Celebrity Interview

It's a beautiful warm Wednesday evening in Los Angeles and I was fortunate enough to catch up with the Scooting Scholar at one of his favorite hangouts: Phil's Deli at the Farmer's Market. It gave me the chance to sit down and talk with him and get his opinions on life, love, and anything else he might dare mention.

Richie Rich (RR): Thanks so much for agreeing to meet with me. You're a difficult one to keep up with sometimes.

Scooting Scholar (SS): My pleasure. Actually the timing could not have been better. I was called back down to the studio again today to help out with the new edition of MATCH GAME. By the time I was done it was the height of rush hour, so I wasn't about to try and fight traffic all the way back home. So this is perfect.

RR: Great. First off, I have to ask this question: have you lost weight?

SS: You too? I knew this was coming. Are you accusing me of the two-finger diet?

RR: No, I was only asking a question.

SS: Oh.

RR: So?

SS: Well, yes, I am down a few pounds in the last 6 to 8 months. I can't really tell you why except I don't have quite the same appetite I once did. If I'm not hungry, I most likely won't eat. I also exercise more. Go back and read my post titled "Weight a Minute" and you'll see what I am talking about.

RR: So, you've been blogging for almost two years now. How's that been working out for you and what keeps you motivated?

SS: Good memory. If I recall correctly, my initial post was July 6, 2006. Overall it has been pretty fun. But technically I don't know if this should really be called a blog per se. I mean it's more like a column, especially if you compare it to stuff like my friend Andrea Zak writes.

RR: I see. So is it still fun?

SS: Like I said, it has been fun for the most part. And lately I have really found my groove. Over the last couple of months I have been composing at least one article a week. But that was preceded by a couple of dry spells.

RR: You mean like the one you had last fall?

SS: Oh Yeah. Especially last fall. I guess I was going through some personal turmoil. I don't know for sure. All I can tell you is that I felt as though a part of my brain had been shut off.

RR: What did you do to reenergize yourself?

SS: First I smoked a little weed to get the juices flowing again...

RR: You say that with a straight face.

SS: I am kidding you, OK? Just kidding. Seriously, how I was able to just pick up writing again is as big a mystery to me as what caused me to shut down in the first place. I am sure there was some self-doubt in there somewhere that no one really wants to read about what I have to say. Or that I must have this huge ego to think my opinions or stories are really that important.

RR: What changed your attitude?

SS: I can't really say exactly. I just began to sit down and write again - for myself. Sure I love it when my readers comment about what I have to say. But I simply like being able to discuss things in written form. Somehow writing things down seems more permanent and real to me.

RR: When do you find the time? You're a doctoral student, you teach, and I am sure you have some kind of a social life.

SS: (Laughing) Have you heard the term "smoke and mirrors?" Let's leave it at that. But for the most part I am always thinking about a new topic or vignette. I always keep a notebook or notepad handy to jot down ideas.

RR: And what about the social life?

SS: What about it? Are you just trying to hurt me? Cause you're doing a pretty good job.

RR: Well, I didn't mean to touch upon a sore subject.

SS: No, it's OK. I just wish it was a little better, that's all.

RR: So that means there's no one special in your life right now?

SS: (Sighs) Yes and no. It's complicated.

RR: Complicated? How so?

SS: Let's just say it's in the infant stage right now. I am a hopeless romantic and an eternal optimist. I will say this, I have never met another woman quite like her. She is a super woman.

RR: Let me play devil's advocate, if you will. What if things don't work out? What would you be seeking in a woman for her to capture your heart?

SS: Like I said, I am an eternal optimist so as far as I am concerned, my heart is captured. But to play along, well she has to be beautiful - yeah I am superficial. However, that can be very subjective as you know. What I may find stunning or attractive, may not be so to the guy next to me and vice versa.

RR: What else?

SS: Well, she has to know how to take care of herself and laugh at herself. I love to laugh so I want someone who can laugh at me, with me, and at herself. Most of all I just I want to do it all the right way. Courtship, flowers and everything.

RR: You actually sound kind of old fashioned. What about age?

SS: (Laughing) It's not that I am old fashioned, I just have no skills. But as far as age, you know, I have been blessed with a fairly youthful appearance, lots of energy, and a kid-like attitude. However, that doesn't erase the fact I am now 41 years-old. It's something I have to face whether I like to admit it or not.

RR: What are you trying to say? After all, isn't age but a number?

SS: Yes, it is. But with our ages come different frames of reference. That hot 22-year-old grew up on Barney. I don't know if I necessarily want to travel down that road. It's nice to be able share similar life experiences with someone closer to your own age. At least that's the way I view it.

RR: Speaking of being 41, happy belated birthday.

SS: Thanks very much.

RR: I saw you had a real nice celebration.

SS: Yes. It was quite fun having friends and family over. It was a new experience for me. Very liberating. I like being around people - and even when I am in my "social loner" mode, it's usually in a very public space.

RR: So, do you plan on having any other parties soon?

SS: I don't know about soon - parties can get pretty expensive. But I am a huge theme guy. So for instance, my party had the theme "41 or 14." Maybe it's the writer in me that likes to title everything. But I do have something in mind for the fall. I would love to host an after Thanksgiving leftovers party/potluck where everyone brings leftovers from their own Thanksgiving celebrations.

RR: That sounds like it could be fun.

SS: Yeah.

RR: So the social life is still a work-in-progress. Any regrets about returning to the single life?

SS: Returning? Depending on how you look at it, I have been single for quite a few years. On the other hand, I feel as though I am entering true bachelorhood for the first time. But to answer your question, no I have no regrets.

RR: What about life in general? Any regrets there?

SS: You mean like do I regret not skydiving naked or something like that?

RR: Is that your regret?

SS: No I was being silly. To be honest, I have been thinking about this for a while. Maybe it's a by-product of age or maybe it's a result of wishing some things in my life were different. Over all, I don't have many, but I can think of a couple.

RR: Such as?

SS: Well, if I had it to do all over again, I think I would have attended Oakwood College in Alabama at least one year.

RR: Oakwood is the historically black Adventist college?

SS: Correct.

RR: Why is that a regret?

SS: Well, I think it would have expanded my sphere - as well as maybe I would have matured socially earlier since that was something which took me much longer than it should have. Plus I like knowing a lot of people.

RR: What else?

SS: This one is trickier, but there are times when I wish I had finished my undergrad education in four years instead of 18. Maybe it would have made a difference where I am now. Not that I am not happy, because I think I can serve as an inspiration to adults who go back to school. But I also I missed some opportunities in areas that are important to me like writing for television. Had I had my degree, it might have made a difference in terms of time devoted to the craft. It might have given me some career and time flexibility I didn't have because I was working full-time. But that's the past.

RR: So what is next for you?

SS: Well, I am trying to continue work on my PhD.

RR: And how's that coming along?

SS: Remember that phrase I used earlier, smoke and mirrors? It can be tough for me because I don't regard myself as a classic academic whatsoever. In fact, I sometimes would refer to myself as the "blue collar scholar" simply because I am probably the least academically inclined academic you'll ever meet.

RR: But you're continuing your pursuit, correct?

SS: Oh yes. But I will be honest with you when I say I don't know if I really have that much to say or "contribute to the conversation" as my colleagues often like to put it. Personally, I feel as though I make a bigger contribution through my blog even if almost all of the readers are people who know me. Unfortunately, my blog doesn't pay my bills.

RR: One last question.

SS: Am I wearing a thong? Don't you think that's a bit personal?

RR: Uh, that's not where I was headed. I was preparing to ask if you have any other projects you might be working on or considering?

SS: Right now, I have nothing really specific. Most of my writing is either blog related or career related so that takes up most of my mental energy. But I am a dreamer so I am always thinking about something. You never know what crazy idea might pop into my brain next. And believe me, I can think of crazy off-the-wall ideas (wink wink).

RR: Well, thank you so muck for taking time to sit down and chat with me for a bit.

SS: Thank you. It was a pleasure.

I'm Comin' Out!!!

LOS ANGELES - I think I am going to try something new and begin attaching datelines to my posts - especially since I always seem to be out and about somewhere. For instance, as I write this I am sitting in a McDonald's on LaBrea Avenue in LA finishing up a Happy Meal after having spent most of Monday afternoon on the CBS lot helping the producers audition hosts for a new rendition of MATCH GAME (my all- time favorite game show for those keeping score). OK, I reckon that is enough gloating for one post especially since I have probably made my role seem much more important than it really was - however I did have fun (I got to "pretend" to be a contestant) and I even got paid a couple of dollars for my time so I can't complain.

Now, I hope I didn't scare you too much with that "I'm coming out" title - especially with this being the first full day gays can legally marry in California. I mean just because I am single and thin doesn't necessarily mean there's a connection. Seriously, the title was for shock purposes only. However, there is some truth to in those words, just not in the same connotation we have become accustomed to in recent years.

In case you weren't aware, Saturday was my birthday (how old you ask? Well, the jury is still debating whether it was birthday 41 or 14). And to celebrate, I threw a little something together and invited my family and a few members of my crew. It was a blast. But the reason I call it a "coming out" is precisely because I had never done anything like this before in my life. Those of you who have read The Scooting Scholar for sometime might recall how I regarded myself as a great guest who in all likelihood would make a horrific host.

I say "in all likelihood" because honestly I had no idea. For starters, I grew up in a home where entertaining guests was not the norm. My parents, while very nice people, are quite shy and for the most part keep a fairly low profile - which means we never really had a lot of people come over to watch the big game, have dinner, or just hang out. The pattern continued with me and my ex. Hosting guests seemed out of the question or at the very least potentially awkward - especially if you can picture one member of the household mingling while the other is hiding out until everyone has left.

Awkward indeed.

As I matured, became more outgoing and wanting to meet people, she became less so at the same rate. But that's a whole other matter of discussion. Suffice to say, I had an experience like none before in my life. To hell with being the "social loner," Saturday night was my opportunity to simply be social.

If you really think about it, there's only one downside to being the host and that is the expense one incurs. A good party always has good food, and good food costs good money - so don't be expecting an evite right away. In fact, after further consideration, maybe I should sneak back into the closet for a few months and save some up pennies (nickels, dimes, quarters, dollars) for the next shindig. Whenever that should be.

Well, I gotta scoot - or should I say boogie?...

~Rich

He Proved His Proof

The first six months of this year appeared to be going pretty well as far as losing individuals who had particular influence on my life was concerned - especially when compared to last year. And then the phone rang. It was Pam, a former classmate of mine from Dominguez Hills who called. That's when she told me the news, one of our former professors, Donn Silvis had passed.

Though I was saddened, I wasn't exactly shocked. I knew Donn's health wasn't the best, I was still caught off-guard by the news. What gave it an extra sting was that we had just corresponded only a couple of weeks prior. Donn was always good about keeping up with me and checking to see how my post-Dominguez Hills life was progressing. I asked him how his health was - but the the funny thing is I don't recall receiving an answer from him. Maybe he didn't notice my question - or perhaps it was something he wasn't comfortable answering at that time. Unfortunately, we will never really know.

Keeping in contact with former students was a talent Donn excelled at and is something I make an effort to emulate as I move into the teaching ranks. While he was an excellent instructor with a wealth of knowledge and experience, it was his "bedside manner" that shone the most and won the respect of so many of his students.

I like to joke with my students that I was on the 18-year plan - that is, I took 18 years from the time I completed high school until I earned my undergraduate degree. There is no doubt in my mind that without Donn's assistance, that 18-year plan would have been lengthened by at least a year, perhaps more. His ability to be flexible and figure out ways to work within the system were invaluable to me and many other students as well.

But if you knew Donn at all, perhaps his most outstanding talent was his keen eye for detail. I have yet to meet a better proofreader than he. If there was someone who could literally find the proverbial needle in the haystack, Donn was that someone. If I had a typo on this site and he had time to inform me about it, you can be certain he would. He didn't do it to be condescending or to show how much better he was than everyone else, instead he was someone who simply wanted to see his students -present and former - do their best.

As a public relations professional, he knew the power of the written word and the importance of presenting yourself as capable and intelligent. He knew how to make you appreciate he found your error before someone who cared much less about your success did.

Now that he is gone, I am certainly going to miss hid inquiries into my life. And I dare you to find a more caring, concerned, and helpful educator anywhere. If you do, consider yourself blessed. As for me, I am forever grateful for his service to students and I can only hope I come close to emulating those things he did best.

Well, I gotta scoot...

~Rich

Not Feelin' It? Eat Your Veggies

I just was not feelin' it Thursday morning. Call it laziness or lethargy or maybe I was simply beat. Whatever it was, I had no energy. I kid you not, I must have hit my snooze button at least six or seven times before I finally realized I MUST get up - especially if I intended to take the train to downtown LA.

As I began to compose this I was sitting on a westbound Metrolink train from Riverside to Los Angeles. I arrived at the station with about a minute to spare. But like I said, I just didn't have my usual unbounded energy this particular morning. Even the bike ride from my place to the train depot seemed like drudgery - but I did make it. Yes, even my bicycle seemed to lack energy. I looked down at my rear tire and it was a little low. And then there was the wind. It seemed as though it was blowing in my face no matter which direction I took.

I began to take a personal inventory to try and consider what some of the contributing factors could be. Rest? Diet? Stress? Fatigue?

I ruled out stress. Though I have my usual bouts with particular life occurrences, for the most part my life is fairly stress free - or least I try and take philosophical approaches to situations and conclude that whatever is supposed to happen will happen (whether it be relationships - especially relationships - or finances or anything else). So I figured stress was not much of a factor. Sure I could be wrong, nothing seemed to indicate that, so I marked it off my list.

I thought maybe fatigue could be a contributing factor. After all I do ride my bike a lot and I am always going somewhere. In fact just the day before, after a full day in the classroom, I hopped in the car and drove 60 miles to the Valley to audition for a new game show. But somehow, I don't really think that's it either. I only threw it out there as a possibility.

Could it be I am simply not getting my proper rest? This is going to sound weird, but since I don't have cable or wired Internet, I find myself in the bed much earlier many nights than in the past. Basically, without access to regular television, I find I don't really have anything to keep me up. I can access email, browse the Internet, even watch videos straight from my phone while in bed (oh I can talk on the phone too). But there is one consequence from going to bed early - it seems I find myself waking up at one or two in the morning and when I am in that state if consciousness, I begin to dwell in things and then find I can't go back to sleep for a while. Now that leads back to the possibility of my sometimes lack of rest being stress induced. But again I really don't think so.

Then I began to think about my diet. At least Wednesday's diet anyway and I think I may have determined what was bogging me down. I ate atrociously the entire day. I don't recall exactly what I had for breakfast, but I know lunch consisted of a McDonald's Happy Meal and then my dinner was prime rib and mashed potatoes from IKEA (yes, IKEA). And then when I arrived home I had ice cream and a piece of cake. Healthy indeed.

I often forget how the food choices I make affect not only my weight or girth, but they can also have a great deal of influence on mood and as happened on Wednesday morning, the amount of energy I have. Unfortunately, it is much too easy to eat poorly. It's not really a matter of expense, instead it's more a matter of whether I want to invest in the effort it takes to eat healthy.

Now I recall mentioning to you that I rarely eat if I am not hungry. Well, I obviously did not stay true to that principle when I went for the prime rib (not to mention the ice cream and cake I ate ate at home right before going to bed). Even worse was that the prime rib was awful (that's what I get for being impressed by the pretty picture). It was dry and tasteless. No matter what I did to spice it up made no difference either. But what should I have expected, after all it was only $7.99.

Don't take this as a pitch for vegetarianism, cause I love me some meat. But a diet that is out of balance can affect us in so many ways. More often than not we take no notice at all. Instead, we figure it is everything but the diet that has contributed to a crabby attitude or a total lack of motivation. But a diet that contains the right balance of nutrients can go a long way to keep you fit physically, spiritually, and mentally. So eat your veggies.

Well, I gotta scoot...

~Rich