Room for 7: ferrari

JACOB: Hey Nathan.

NATHAN: How can I help you?

JACOB: Did your grandpa ever owned a Ferrari?

NATHAN: I don't think so. He has been loyal to BMW since he could afford one. Why do you ask?

JACOB: That Ferrari up there. Is that his?

NATHAN: Yeah.(brings it down)Its actually a VHS rewinder.

JACOB: No way. This is so cool. I thought it was one of those model cars. This is an antique man. Does it work?

NATHAN: I believe it does. There's a box in the garage with VHS tapes. Would you like get one?

JACOB: Yes. Let's go.

(They go to the garage)

NATHAN: I found it.

JACOB: Nice. Look at all these videos. Die Hard, The Lion King, Titanic, Apollo 13, My Cousin Vinny, Congo, Notting Hill. Cool, is that relic a TV-VCR unit?

NATHAN: Yeah, it's my grandpa's. Pick one and we'll try the rewinder.

JACOB: Cats. Lets go.

(they go back to the living room)

NATHAN: Ok. Its ready to go.

JACOB: (takes tape out)Hello, What's this? This is not Cats, its an "X" rated video. This is your dad's porn. Or your grandpa's.

NATHAN: So sorry you had to see that. This box used to be in my dad's room.

JACOB: Very nice, the ol' hiding-the-video-where-mom-wont-find-it trick. Your dad was cool.

NATHAN: I'll dispose of it.

JACOB: Don't throw it away yet. I'd like to hang on to it. Just curious. Wanna watch?

NATHAN: No thanks. You can keep it and...uh, I don't need it back.

JACOB: Thanks man. I'll be in the garage.

The Natural Promise

Featured Piece: "Le Coucou" composed by  Louis-Claude Daquin (1694-1772)

Not Enough Yellow Tape

Forgotten Presidents

This is the time Donald Trump has shifted from a business man to the 45th President of the United States of America. His unorthodox views and uncensored opinion in his rallies and social media--primarily Twitter--have created an extremely loyal following. So loyal in fact, Mr. Trump can say virtually anything of insulting nature without changing the mind of the red-hat wearing "MAGA" crowds. His presidency has also inspired phrases like "fake news," "America first," "best president in modern history," "he says it like it is," "best president ever," and so on. These are the phrases which have divided the people of the United States. These are the phrases which discredit the history of the United States of America. We cannot say "best president in modern history" because there is no such thing as modern history. History is the study of the past. Its an oxymoron. When this phrase is said, the legacies of past presidents are meaningless. Legacies we still benefit from. How can the "best president ever" be above other presidents who have helped achieved far greater things such as: Thomas Jefferson's Louisiana Purchase; James Madison's conclusion of the War of 1812; James Monroe's Monroe's Doctrine and Liberia; James Polk's Smithsonian Institution and U.S. Naval Academy; Franklin Pierce and the Gadsden Purchase; Abraham Lincoln and the freedom of slaves; Benjamin Harrison's Sherman Anti-Trust Act, William McKinley's introduction of Guam and Puerto Rico into the U.S.; W.H.Taft being both President and Chief Justice; Woodrow Wilson's involvement in World War I; Calvin Coolidge and his implementation of Native Americans right to citizenship; FDR and his New Deal and his involvement in World War II; Dwight D. Eisenhower and the Interstate Highway system; JFK and the Civil Rights Movement; George H.W. Bush's Americans With Disabilities Act, and so on. There is absolutely nothing wrong with supporting your political party and president. Just as long as the support is not biased (though your opinion is protected by the Constitution) and the legacy of our executive predecessors forgotten. Donald Trump may not be able to purchase Greenland from Denmark. He may not understand how William H. Seward was essential in the purchase of Alaska. He may not understand the territorial purchases were facilitated by conflict. He can still give the American people a legacy worthy of remembrance other than being the most unorthodox president in "modern history." I think.

Room for 7: cappuccino

EDDIE: (comes in) Hey everyone! I brought donuts and coffee.

JACOB: Sweet! Hands off the maple bar.

NATHAN: I was never allowed to consume donuts as a child.

SAMANTHA: You poor thing. Your folks must have had you on croissants and tea.

NATHAN: They did actually.

SAMANTHA: Here. Start with this glazed one. Then work your way up to a bar, baked, jelly, sprinkles, coconut, French curler, sugar, crumb and twist.

KATIE: Wow. You sure know your doughnuts. Is your dad a cop?

SAMANTHA: Just because you see all those cops eating doughnuts on t.v. doesn't mean all of them do. But yes he is.

CARMEN: Did you bring my croissant and cappuccino?

EDDIE: Yeah. The croissant is in the white bag and the cappuccino is right here.

CARMEN:(sips)What the hell is this? This tastes like that cheap powder stuff in that dumb square tin they sell at the ninety-nine cent store.

SAMANATHA: You describe it like you used to drink it every morning.

CARMEN: Unfortunately yes.

EDDIE: I didn't go to Starbucks what'd you expect? This is donut shop cappuccino. They just press the button next to the hot chocolate and down it pours. No steaming required.

JACOB: Not only that but they spell cappuccino with a "K." Hot water and powdery vanilla goodness.

CARMEN: Here Nathan. This will be your first taste of real-cheap donut shop cappuccino. I'm off to Starbucks. Later.

NATHAN: Bye. This is good actually. Very sweet.

JACOB: Since princess left. I get to eat her croissant.

Alley Trash Stash

Steel a Good Alternative

     When I go to Starbucks I usually bring my own stainless steel cup for my iced coffee. Not only do I get ten cents off the price but my drink remains cold for a long time. Or hot if I get regular coffee or a latte. You can also save money on coffee and soda if you bring your own cup at Seven-Eleven.
     I tend to forget my stainless steel cup once in a while and I end up using the conventional plastic cup provided by Starbucks. When this happens, I use the plastic cup all day by refilling it with my daily intake of water. When I began to bring my stainless steel cup to Starbucks, I got the idea of taking it to other establishments like McDonalds. Well, it turns out they don't accept my cup for health reasons or whatever. I get it, they are being precautious. Even though this alternative to their non-reusable cup and straw is the best choice and somewhat eco friendly. Not only McDonalds but many places don't allow the use of personal cups such as Chick-Fil-A, Taco Bell, many Mexican and Chinese restaurants. Neither of these places has an obligation to be eco friendly. However, when an establishment wants to play the "save the earth" game, they should consider the best alternative--bringing your own cup. I bought my stainless steel cup for ten dollars at Target. I've had it for over a year and besides the scratches and bumps from daily use, its still keeps my drink hot or cold and prevents me from using plastic or paper alternatives...when the right place allows it. Just imagine if all restaurants would offer a discount when bringing your own cup.

     As far as straws, I think they should just be banned from restaurants altogether. If you really want a straw for your drink, bring your own. They are inexpensive and durable. Just clean them according to the instructions.

(2020 Addition)

     The Coronavirus pandemic made me rethink about this post published last year. While I still enjoy using a reusable beverage container, I understand the importance of preventing the spread of the virus. I know after the world reopens once again, restaurants will never be the same. It will not be optional to bring your own reusable cup to a coffee shop. That ship has sailed. Sanitation is no longer a term for trash removal services but a daily and constant procedure to kill as many germs, bacteria and viruses as possible. Though, the best thing a single individual can do to prevent the spread is daily hand washing.