What I learned from the State of California

You learn something new everyday.

Today, I had the lucky chance to spend a little bit over an hour at San Clemente's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) waiting to renew my driver's license. I took the opportunity to brush up on any new laws that might have come up since the last time I took the test (more than a decade ago), just in case I had to retake the written exam. But, the booklet of driving laws also offered up some great everyday reminders:

1. Do not make a U-turn on a one-way street.
2. Do not make a U-turn when there is a sign that says "No U-Turns."
3. Do not shoot firearms on a highway or at traffic signs. (But, of course, presumably this means that shooting a firearm on surface streets or not at traffic signs must be okay.)
   
4. Do not honk your horn unless it is a safety warning. (My mom pointed out that this means that when you "Honk for Jesus," you're actually committing a crime.)

Just wanted to pass on that learnin'. Be sure to put that to some good use.

It's the Depression, Stupid.

First, the economy started to tank (thanks, in no small part, to a bunch of rich guys speculating, trying to get richer).

Then, middle America dried up and brought us the Dustbowl.

And, then, Barack Obama was inaugurated President.

Oh, wait, you thought I was talking about the FIRST Great Depression? No, no, my friends, this describes the Great Crash of '09... 2009 that is. Again, first, the economy. Then, the drought. It even comes equipped with more demand at food banks! Why do I feel like I've heard this all before...?

Dr. Doom (aka Nouriel Roubini, economist and grim reaper) knows what I'm talking about.

Sorry, I gotta take this call, it's John Steinbeck and he wants to talk about the sequel.

Add it to the "Must Dance" list

Britney's back and she's bringing her dance with her. I heard her single "Womanizer" for the first time last night, bought it cuz I had to have it for the dancer in my head, and have listened to it probably 20 times since then. I can't wait to hit Arty's to dance to this song. Click here to get your dance on.

Free sticker from MoveOn.org

Registered Californians had 80.6% turnout!

This is great news. Here's the story from the L.A. Times:


More than 60% of California's eligible voters went to the polls

If only registered voters are tallied, the turnout was 80.6%. Final races are tallied: McClintock and Strickland win. Prop. 11 and Beverly Hills condo measure pass.

By Patrick McGreevy and Martha Groves

December 3, 2008

Reporting from Los Angeles and Sacramento — More than 60% of Californians who were eligible to vote cast ballots in the Nov. 4 presidential election, the highest turnout since Richard Nixon and George McGovern competed for the office in 1972, elections officials reported Tuesday.

The total includes all qualified citizens, including those who had not registered to vote. The percentage of registered voters who cast ballots statewide was 80.6% -- 81.9% in Los Angeles County.

...

The high turnout in Los Angeles County, not seen since 1968, was a result of several factors, including strong voter interest in the presidential race between Barack Obama and John McCain, according to Dean Logan, the county's Registrar-Recorder.

"It was the combination of an election that has historic significance to both major parties' tickets, the economic situation and the fact that there was no sitting president or vice president on the ballot," Logan said.

Controversial ballot measures, including a ban on gay marriage, also attracted Californians to the polls in high numbers.

The secretary of state will not post the voter totals until next week, but a survey of the counties indicates the highest turnout since 64.5% of all those eligible to vote cast ballots in 1972.

...