Opinion

Over the past few years, I've noticed an explosion in the number of automatical paper towel dispensers. I don't know if it's some Oregon law, or what. What I do know is that I don't like them. They're non-tactile; they're slow; they're unpredictable...they're evil! Now, the idea is that you simply wave your hand in front of the light sensor and a sheet of paper is dispensed.

And the verdict is: vomit! (see yesterday's post about how much I liked the US Presidential candidates)

On this election day, I discovered something new -- chocolate and hot sauce are not a good combination. My political rants have been strangely few this election season. It's not that I have no opinion on who our next president should be. I just don't believe the Democrats or the Republicans are any longer reputable enough to vote for. Last time, I wrote little satirical pieces every few weeks to dispel my angst towards the political system. This time I just have a general queasiness and lack of wittiness.

Live presidential debates! Oh, gag me. I'm presently watching it on the BBC's website (is there an irony here?). To be more precise, I'm listening to it. Listening to these politicians is doing little to boost my confidence in either candidate. The banks are falling apart. My bank, Washington Mutual was bought out today. What does that mean for me, the little man? Virtually nothing, I suppose. Shall I go pull out the few thousand dollars that can be put to my name? Not yet, no. It seems that such lack of confidence would simply worsen things.

Do you ever get the urge to try eating one of those foods you know previously repulsed you? Perhaps it's raw tomatoes, perhaps it is onions, perhaps it sauerkraut, perhaps it's bread mold. Whatever the case, I'm beginning to think that part of getting old is acquiring a taste for things which simply do not taste good. It's silly, I know. But think about it! Here are a few everyday examples:

• Standard, coffee-pot coffee? A bitter, black bean water with almost no nutritional value. Practically intolerable without creamer, sugar, etc.
• Beer?