The 500 Dollar Mask

There is a man in India who spent $4,000 making a custom mask made out of gold. He believes the pores in the metal will help him breath better. I can only think of one person here in America who would wear one given the chance. The governor of Michigan, Gretchen Whitmer, has issued an executive order which requires the use of a mask in indoor public spaces and outdoor crowded spaces. Furthermore, businesses have to refuse service to people not wearing any sort of face covering. Any person not following the order will be fined $500. Is a $500 dollar mask worth it? Probably not. I'll admit, I do not like wearing a mask. I already wear it at work all day and at the store here in my own state of California. It is not the most uncomfortable piece of fashion I own. As much as I dislike wearing one, I do it because it is the right thing to do. It doesn't choke me, cuts off my Oxygen or make me look silly. It's just uncomfortable. I though I would get used to it by now when my job required it but I didn't. As of today, the CDC has confirmed the number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 here in America has reached a staggering 3,106,931 and rising. With 132,855 of deaths. These numbers are increasing day by day. Whether you think the virus is not as bad as the flu or a government-created conspiracy or whatever, the virus is here and it does not care who you are. Comparing it to the flu is like comparing being attacked by a lion to being bitten by a dog. Wearing a mask is important because we are seeing the lion while its in a cage. That inexpensive level of protection, however uncomfortable, can keep the virus away from you. Besides the mask, it is just as important to complement the use of one with regular hand washing and avoid face touching. If our doctors, nurses, janitors, grocery workers, and any worker who is required to wear one for your own protection, I don't see the reason why not to wear one for them and everyone else. Stop thinking about yourself and wear a damn mask. You can choose your favorite color, team, pattern, fabric, animal, surgical, N-95, bandana, gold, or whatever your imagination desires. Whether you spend a dollar or $4,000, use a mask when required. Your constitutional rights are not being taken away. It's just a simple thing to do to protect one another. Including your own family and friends.

ABC 13 Michigan Article 

Twitter and I

I like Twitter. In my opinion, it is one of the best social media platforms out there. I have tried Myspace and Facebook and none come close to Twitter. I deleted my Facebook because it was annoying to use, my family was so dramatic in it and I don't like the look and design of it. Twitter is simple, to the point and don't have to read a paragraph or more of crap. 280 characters of crap is all right with me. My account is real ( @silvadaniel86 ). I don't operate obscure, parodical or join accounts. Whenever I comment, I try to be as honest as possible because I don't want to be the one who likes to bark like a wolf but its a Chihuahua in reality. I also like to check my grammar since I want to be heard and not deciphered. When I tweet, I tend to speak my mind and share information with all my followers and those fortunate enough to get a glimpse of my Tweets indirectly. Sure, I like to promote my blog and my book published with Amazon, but who doesn't. Isn't sharing ideas, personal accomplishments and anything about myself the purpose of Twitter and other social media channels?  I feel having an account is to have a purpose. I never feel like I am wasting my time because it is a manner of relaxation, distribution of information and source of entertainment and information. Though when information is derived from Twitter, I have to check my sources. I've had the account for seven years and I know there will be many more. When you visit my Twitter page, you will see me and whatever I have in mind.

Humankind versus Coronavirus

2020 is already marked by the coronavirus epidemic. It has infected and killed thousands of people in our planet. This is the perfect time to implement the most important gifts nature has provided for us: our brain and heart. Intellectuals in the field of medicine and biology are the ideal people to find the cure and take care of those who have contracted the virus. We need their expertise to battle and defeat the virus in this biological war. Humankind must be ready to fight the smallest and deadliest enemy we have ever encountered. Casualties are natural. While we try to limit them, it fuels us to attack the virus with aggression. We have an unlimited supply of mindpower and it is the best weapon to defeat it. What about the rest? The reason to live is strengthened by affection, pleasure and romance. Such emotions are only possible with one another. We must help each other to keep this microscopic and malignant enemy from taking away our love and way of life. Help the community by limiting contact while a cure is found. Maintain a high level or personal hygiene to avoid spreading the virus. Call your friends and relatives and make sure they are well and be of assistance if needed. Don't sneeze or cough without covering your mouth. Educate others about the importance of washing hands properly. Don't buy everything in bulk. Leave some for those who really need it. This is not the best time to increase the price of important supplies because nobody should be thinking about profits over a healthy community. If you know a person with financial wealth, urge them to donate whatever they can to help the fight against the virus. If you know someone in with ties to the government, urge them to communicate any updates and allocate the right resources to contain the virus and prevent further expansion. We like to use our phones now more than ever. Use them to communicate healthy hygienic procedures in social media. Post about proper hand-washing procedures. Post uplifting messages to give a little of comfort. Thank those who are helping the people infected and fighting to find a cure. Post whatever necessary to show how much we care and have a heart for compassion and consideration and love.

The "World Famous" Label

I recently visited The Hat, a fast food joint with the best pastrami sandwich in town. So good in fact, the small chain here in California claims the sandwich is "world famous." I'll admit, I will drive the extra miles for a chance to get one because it is much better than the mom and pop burger joints closer to home. I also used to visit this little burger joint in La Habra, California called TS Burgers and they specialized in their "world famous" cheeseburgers. The burgers are good enough to have appeared in the column of a local newspaper. The newspaper clipping of the column is proudly displayed on the wall of the dining room--their justification for calling their cheeseburgers "world famous." As good as the pastrami and the burgers are, I don't believe the label "world famous" is appropriate because I doubt my uncle in Mexico City who has never set a foot north of the border has heard about the best pastrami or burger in the world. It is my extended family and friends in another country which helps me determine if something is indeed "world famous." All I have to do is pick up the phone. Only a few places can be worthy of the label: McDonalds, Starbucks, Coca-Cola and KFC. These are only handful of brands which have dominated the world by building establishments in as many countries as possible. Their products and logos are instantly recognizable by people in the seven continents. Yes, even Antarctica because the territory hosts men and women from all over the world to study the harsh yet majestic ice world. McDonalds alone has thousands of locations all over the globe which, according to Morgan Spurlock, the golden arches are more recognizable than the Christian cross--that is truly world famous. The same "world famous" label could be attributed to people. From Michel Jordan, Queen Elizabeth, Obama, Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Lionel Messi, Julia Roberts and so on. Their popularity in the world of sports and entertainment have give them an intense popularity that they cannot go to the bathroom without someone taking a picture of them. I do like eating at establishments which serve a particular food loved by their hungry clientele. It is especially good to have the same people return for more and suggest it to a friend or family member. This is what a business wants to be a superior player in the highly competitive market. Even if a city is fortunate enough to have a restaurant with the best pizza, sandwich or whatever the stomach desires, I think the "best in town" label is more appropriate. I will never forget the time I asked a ten-year-old girl from Norway what the best part of visiting America was. She responded with the most interesting answer of all, "I can't believe you can buy fifty chicken nuggets for ten dollars. We don't have that in Norway." Once again, world famous.

Chef (2014)

I am not a big fan of movies about cooking. I guess when I watched Julie and Julia (2009), with Amy Adams and Meryl Streep, I felt like I needed a break from cooking movies. The movie was not horrible. I just didn't like the dramatic performance of Amy Adams. Then, several years later, I rented Chef, starring Jon Favreau, John Leguizamo and Sofia Vergara and immediately placed it on my top favorites. Writer Jon Favreau's writing and directing made this movie enjoyable from start to finish. The movie is about an awesome chef in a fine dining restaurant who quits after a confrontation with the owner and decides to start a food truck business with his son and friend. The comedy and drama is well balanced. You have jokes, insults and cursing which I believe was the reason it was given the "R" rating. On the other hand, you have the professional chef who realized the best thing he can do was the only skill he needed to connect with his son and the people around him. We can't forget about the food. The food featured made me salivate like I had not eaten in days. The culinary tour of dishes and specialties form several regions in the United States makes you think the basics like sandwiches, beignets, and barbeque is what bring people together. Who needs fine dining and sugar-coated foods like sweetbreads and lamb fries when you have the basics with beer chasers and good music in the background. All this is featured in Chef. I highly recommend it.

Our Love for Coffee

The modern world runs on coffee like cars run on gasoline. Our love for coffee has made coffee shops sprout on every corner like weeds on the grass. No matter what level of income, coffee is affordable and you get what you pay for. The donut shop has pots of it to accompany their round, sugary, and fatty pastries. One cup will do the trick. It will deliver the much needed caffeine to awaken and start the day. Although if you're late, it will taste like it was aged in the glass barrel. Gas stations have it all day long. Towering urns of hot coffee poured by the press of a button. Sometimes its hot enough to upset Stella Liebeck. Sometimes its warm enough to chug like an Italian in a hurry. Sometimes the empty tower of Colombian dark will force you to choose a spiked brew with blueberry, pumpkin, vanilla or coconut. Bakeries and restaurants have it because they have to. It is not their forte. Their budget has been adjusted to add coffee in their menu by popular demand and trend. The coffee is decent like water on a hot day. These places brew it away from sight. If they run out of regular no problem. There is always a box of orange bags ready to fulfill the job--and people seldom know the difference. Espresso experts have houses dedicated to the art of coffee. Each cup costs as much of two or three cups of coffee at the donut shop. Each latte and cappuccino is enjoyed like a fine glass of wine. The foam, as it rises to the top to form a leaf as if it was painted by an artist, justifies the premium price. This house loves coffee enough to import it from the most exotic locations. The unique composition of soils, elevation and temperature yields subtle notes of flavor like blackberry, chocolate, and Tahitian vanilla. Whatever you call home, the generic pre-ground or freeze-dried coffee has a special place in your kitchen. The shrine to your morning caffeine is activated by the press of a single button or one or two scoops. The aroma fills the kitchen like a delicious batch of chocolate chip cookies in the oven. One cup in your favorite mug is all that matters. One cup is all we need to forget for a brief moment that we are parents, employees, students, debt importers, creators, and collectors of stress. Coffee is the king and queen of drinks. Whatever you can afford, coffee will always find a way into your mouth and wallet. Time for a refill.

The Jillian Michaels and Lizzo Debate

Jillian Michaels is well known for her exercise videos and reality television promoting weight loss. Lizzo is a famous singer with a great voice and a bunch of chart-topping hits--all this without the appearance of the former. This positive self-image Lizzo is embracing is what makes her even more popular. This attitude helps people of all ages feel better about themselves when obesity is a problem. I like Lizzo. I think she is quite talented. However, when a person falls in front of a crowd, the immediate response is to get up fast and pretend it didn't happen. Even though there is a certain level of pain associated. We see Lizzo as a celebrity. We do not see her as a private citizen. Maybe she does have a health problem, maybe she doesn't. Such lack of transparency makes her a poster model for success. Obesity is a problem in the United States. It is linked to several debilitating conditions. I think Lizzo should keep telling people not to be ashamed of the way they look but also try to implement healthy habits. On the other hand, Jillian Michaels was a bit harsh about her comments regarding Lizzo's weight. I think she could have said it better but then again, it is Jillian Michaels. Her voice is amplified and brutal...and honest. Those comments she made are the reality and any doctor would agree with her. Obesity and unhealthy habits in the United States is one of the main reasons health care and medicine is expensive. We keep sweeping all those problems under the beautiful rug we like to sit on. We need Jillian Michaels to keep encouraging exercise and we need Lizzo to promote positive body embrace while adding notes of healthy habits. Lizzo is in a position in which she could encourage millions of people follow a healthy lifestyle without the harsh words of Michaels.

Ricky Gervais: The Best Golden Globes Host of All Time

Honestly, the only reason I watched the Golden Globes in the past was because it was hosted by the one and only Ricky Gervais. Before that and after, I have not watched the award show again. Until 2020 when he has been chosen to host the award show one last time. It will be a night to remember, I assume. The last two times he hosted the "third-best award show," as he once mentioned, have placed Gervais' performance in my personal library of comedy gold. From a comedy standpoint, he is the best because he managed to make the show funny and enjoyable. His roasts on celebrities in attendance was the entire icing on the cake and the main reason we wanted a slice of it. Sure, the humiliation was perhaps not well-received by the actors and actresses, but I think they can take a few punches. Even though sometimes the roasts were extrapolated by controversy and personal issues. I don't feel too bad for them because they are in showbusiness, they are working to entertain us and  getting paid quite well. It is because of Ricky that the award has received some of the highest ratings ever. More than any other presenter. When people watch, money flows. A simple formula which keeps producers scratching their heads and use the same successful ingredients for another cake. I believe when it comes to Ricky in the upcoming 2020 Golden Globes, whoever wins an award will not be the highlight of the evening but what surprise he has in store for us. At least we can go back and do a simple Google search to see who won. I can't wait to see what happens.

Check out a YouTube video about the 2016 Golden Globes:  https://youtu.be/j71bDdVbjp4

The Profit of Cinema

Martin Scorsese is perhaps one of the best directors in the film industry. His opinion when criticizing other works of cinema is worth listening to because he is arguably, an expert in the field. As I transitioned from watching a movie as a pure medium of entertainment to being able to separate quality writing, acting and directing, I understood what the famous director meant about Marvel. When I first saw Goodfellas (1990) I realized his work as a director and writer was indeed worthy of a gold star. It was such movie and many others which helped me analyze and classify a very good movie from a bad one. It is the origin of my personal standards of filmmaking. One of the reasons my inner critic expelled low opinions of Something Borrowed (2011).
     I have seen plenty of movies in the Marvel Universe to see the predictability Mr. Scorsese mentioned about Marvel movies. Just like a roller coaster: its fun to ride it, we know what's coming, and we end at the same place we started. I enjoyed watching those movies because they were fun and action packed and it was the perfect opportunity to spend time with all my friends. The heavy marketing, casting of top actors, and excessive budget is why the movies make enough money to place them at the top of box office charts. This generation of cinema is dominated by the need to recover whatever was invested plus a healthy profit. As I mentioned, the movies are fun to watch but some of the acting, writing and directing is not what I would consider cinema gold but a temporary and successful financial story and opportunity for an actor to grab attention and recognition.
     I believe a good movie is one which takes me to a state of suspension of disbelief and unpredictability while watching it and praise the story line and involvement required to complete it at the end. The Village (2004) by M. Night Shyamalan for example, is an amazing movie with an interesting story line, good acting and writing, and was intertwined with unpredictability. All those elements of filmmaking when executed correctly, can indeed make it worthy of remembrance, watch over and over for deeper analysis and add to a collection.
     The genre is not relevant. Whether its a drama, comedy or fantasy, the gold standard of cinema should be met with the elements of good filmmaking without thinking about the box office. Sure, some will climb to the top of the box office ladder like Titanic (1997) or The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) but those are quality movies and did not make me think about how much money they made until I searched them in boxofficemojo.com for research. In the end, the most important thing about movies is how they make a person feel. If a movie turns stress into happiness*, brings back memories, motivates or just helps with relaxation, then it is a good movie.

My personal recommendations:
     G.I. Jane (1997)
     Alien (1979)
     The Exorcist (1973)
     My Cousin Vinny (1992)
     The Departed (2006)
     Underworld (2003)
     The Village (2004)
     Heat (1995)
     Swordfish (2001)
     Inglorious Basterds (2009)
     Pulp Fiction (1994)
     Casablanca (1942)
     My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
     Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
     Logan (2017)
     The Holiday (2006)*

The Best Horror Film of All Time

It is difficult to choose what movie in a particular genre is the best of the best. I could say My Cousin Vinny (1992) is the best comedy, Heat (1995) the best action film, The Dark Knight (2008) the best superhero movie or Toy Story (1995) as the best animated film. My opinion is generated by someone who enjoys watching movies and focuses on acting, directing and writing as much as popular critics out there. That being said, I have chosen William Peter Blatty's The Exorcist (1973) as the best horror film of all time. This film is composed of superior directing, acting and writing. Linda Blair, famous for portraying 12-year-old Reagan, acted in such a way to scare the hell out of us and detach the innocent girl into an image of nightmares--another praise for the makeup department. The special effects were superior for the time it was made. It provided a "realistic" effect of an exaggerated exorcism. The writing, one of my favorite parts of the film, was remarkable enough to remember lines like my favorite song. Some of those lines may not be appropriate religiously or may offend the occasional millennial but it is a well-written work however offensive it may be. After all, when the devil has dialogue, we can't expect a filter. All the work, challenges and injuries during filming paved the road for one of the most successful horror films of all time...and one of the best. Generating negative reviews, heavy warnings, bans, the occasional nightmare, and almost "X" rated rating is what makes a film scary as hell.  I was still in middle school when I first watched it. In high school a second time. And now I own the DVD as an Adult. I have seen plenty of horror films made in the last forty years to justify my opinion. While some of those horror films are amazing works of cinematography, they have not changed my opinion regarding The Exorcist. 

Freedom of Meat

"It's not food, its violence!" was the chant used by a group of protesters inside a grocery store in the beautiful island of New Zealand to protest eating meat. Meat, a staple in the diet of millions of people world wide and the stuff of nightmares for some vegans. I eat meat. I was raised by a family who introduced me to a wide selection of animal products such as alligator, rabbit, deer, goat and sheep. While my diet consist of meat, it does not mean I'm going to protest against vegans in front of the produce section. I have a friend who chose a vegan lifestyle and does not judge me or others when I eat a hamburger or a steak. This is the respect she has because she chose such diet for her own well being. It works for her and it should work for the rest of vegans. People who choose a diet of meat do not want to be told not to eat animal products by a group of angry protesters because no one wants to be told what to do. We already have the government to do that for us and they are smart enough to allow their citizens the freedom to eat whatever we want. Vegans should understand not everyone wants to go full vegan. It is an unreasonable expectation like wishing for world peace. Yes, we know how meat in developed countries is processed and shipped to the meat counter. We don't need to be reminded. All we want is to eat whatever we want without any form of confrontation in the grocery store except by the butcher and the cashier. If a vegan tells you meat is murder, then remind them how their shoes, clothes, backpack and their precious smartphone were made. I almost guarantee if you tell a vegan to break their smartphone in protest of the cheap and cruel labor of human beings, they'll think twice about it. Now if there is a vegan out there wearing clothes from a thrift shop, no jewelry, rides a bike and the bus, grows their own food, no smartphone or any electronic devices, works for a non-profit organization, and cleans the environment telling me not to eat meat, maybe I would consider it. For now, we should not have to argue that meat is not food because it is. It has been for thousands of years and taking it away completely will definitely lead to chaos.

The Bad Tipper

I have been working in the restaurant industry for over ten years. I am currently a bartender and server at a restaurant in Anaheim, California. Throughout my years in the industry, I have had some really awesome tips and some crappy ones. I have been the best server in the world and received a tip barely worth the cost of two items at the 99 Cent store. I have been the worst server ever and received an awesome tip to make me feel like crap. People are different. They have their own expectations of restaurant service and tip accordingly. Nevertheless, there are trends we servers have picked up regarding the type of person or party and can foresee a good or bad tip (remember, this is my personal opinion and this is what I have seen in my years as a server and bartender):

-American Express Platinum card holders tend to tip like they can't afford the annual maintenance fee.

-People who ask for the price of every single item tend to tip about ten percent of less.

-Those who check every single item in their receipt and call you out for any irregularities usually will not leave a good tip.

-People who make you work like they are the only table in the restaurant and ask for things every two minutes tend to leave a low tip (sometimes but rarely they reward the effort generously).

-Young couples usually tip like they have a limited allowance.

-People from Australia and New Zealand are either really good tippers or don't tip at all. This is because the tip is included in their own restaurants. Many will ask if the tip is included and how much its customary.

-People from the UK tip five percent or less. Almost like they don't like Americans.

-Certain Christians (those who show their religion like wearing a multicolor coat) tend to tip the same percentage of their tithe. There was a server in Missouri who received a note from a pastor which said, "I give God ten percent why should you get 18?"

-Those who get mad for not having a particular item but stay anyway and order something else...well, you know what the outcome will be.

-There are those who don't tip at all. Those people could be anybody and are difficult to predict. Every server has had the zero tipper before one time or another. You are not a server until you experience the zero tipper.
-Just for fun: https://onethirdchapter.blogspot.com/2019/04/room-for-7-of-tips-and-men.html

      This is just what my coworkers and myself have experienced in the past. We share every complement and complaint with one another. We see the frustration when another server or bartender has experienced a difficult customer or someone who has tipped enough to make us shed tears and curses in the walk-in refrigerator. Remember, we get taxed by the government. Our checks do not reflect our hours worked because of the additional taxes the federal and state governments take. We make up the rest in tips. If you don't believe in tipping, please don't put a note or an excuse to justify your action because quite frankly, we don't care. Also, please don't write a big-fat zero for the tip because it just gets us angrier like we just been punched in the face. Us servers and bartenders know when we provided poor service and a low tip is expected because we are people too. We don't get offended when this happens and know we deserve it. I remember the time I was so busy, I was not able to give good service to one of my tables and expected a low tip or no tip at all. Thankfully I was wrong and they made my day.

     

I Don't Blame Video Games

I was a teenager when Play Station first came to the market. The idea of having a videogame console in the form of a CD was extraordinary. I had asked for a Super Nintendo for my birthday. When my parents took me to Best Buy and get one, the Play Station was also on display and it drew the attention of my tech-loving dad. He was persuaded by the salesman by using the advanced attributes the system had such as three-dimensional graphics, memory capability and lack of annoying cartridges which I notoriously "cleaned" like a wolf blowing down a pig's house. We took home the system and the free demo CD which I played over and over until I got my first game--Tomb Raider. I played it and passed it several times. I also had Tomb Raider 2 and 3 and passed them like an expert. Then I had Marvel Versus Capcom, Crash Bandicoot, Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver, Machine Hunter, and Metal Gear Solid. I was never a fan of sports games even though I played soccer and baseball. In my late teens I finally switched consoles and bought an Xbox with Max Payne as my first game for the system. Some of these videogames were rated "T" of "M" for teen and mature respectively. These were games I played over and over and my violent mentality never appeared. To this day I still prefer to avoid any violent confrontation. I didn't have a girlfriend until I was 18. I was an above-average student. And most important, I had a rather strict childhood. I had to do countless chores around the house. I had to wash the cars on weekends. I had to play a sport. I had to maintain passing grades in order to go out with my friends or play videogames. I had to help my mom take care of my younger sisters. All these chores were centered around my videogames. These extra additions were important for maintaining responsible video game playing habits. There is no argument that video games are violent because they are. I've played them. Even Mortal Kombat at my friend's house. What I don't agree is video games being the responsible factor of violence in this country. It can be if the parents allow video games to be above everything else. It is important for the parents to implement chores, extracurricular activities, mandatory good grades, community service and countless other activities which tips the balance to good behavior. Parents, please help keep videogames from becoming the center of a child's life. If Japan can do it, so can we.

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.

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.

Halloween: Last Saturday of the Month?

     Snickers has announce the one million candy car giveaway if the federal government changes the date of Halloween to the last Saturday of the month. Naturally, there were mixed reactions. Especially from the people whose birthday lands on October 31. I think this is a good idea. As a parent of course. I don't have to worry about taking my kid trick-or-treating on a school night. I don't have to worry about all the candy my son will consume Saturday night. I don't have to feel the need to get back early to sleep enough to wake up for work the next day. This is just from a parent standpoint. It is beneficial for the parents and the kids. Then again, what I really want to see is the last Saturday of October the night when kids can go out and ask for candy as if it were Halloween. October 31 should remain Halloween and have whoever wants to celebrate birthdays, scary parties, amusement parks, haunted houses and hayrides. The long tradition of Halloween should remain as immortal as July 4 or December 25. This may not technically count as changing the date officially and Mars Incorporated would probably have to withdraw their million candy bar promise.

New York Post: "Sorry, Childless Milennials Going to Disney is Weird"

New York Post article: Link    

     One of the best things about Disney Parks is the amount of activities aimed at people of all ages. It is no surprise most toddlers can instantly recognize the famous mouse from far away. I am a millennial, born in 1986, and have a four-year-old son. I recently attended Disneyland and realized the low level of enjoyment I had ensuring my son fully enjoyed the park. That gave me the idea of waiting until my son is old enough to return. A time he will actually enjoy the park and remember the trip for the rest of his life. In the meantime, as long as he is little, if I am going back to the park it will be without him. Because I do like Disney. It is one brand I associate with my childhood.

     I don't have a problem with millennials going to Disney without any kids because the park was designed for everyone. This millennial age is the best time to visit the park because it's fun. It is even more fun without kids. I noticed some parents pushing strollers with babies still in the bottle. It did not look fun and rather weird. Their faces looked tired and their attitude did not justify the happiest place on earth. When parents take their babies to Disney they have to feed them, change them, tend to them when they cry and the countless things I do not miss when my son was a baby. I can't imagine myself with a baby at Disneyland. No way. Those millennial parents with babies are the weird ones. You have to be a hardcore Disney fan to go with a child old enough to say "dada." One thing I noticed about the park are the countless spaces taken by the plethora of strollers. Just imagine if the park could eliminate just the double-seat strollers (I saw a lot of those). The capacity of the park could potentially increase. If you're a millennial without kids, take the trip to Disney if you can. Especially if you plan to have kids one day.

The Homeless Paradox

      I was confronted by a man in the supermarket early in the morning. He was in his late forties, untrimmed beard, long uncombed hair, oversized clothes, and overused white sneakers. With his hands in his pockets he looked at me and asked, "Excuse me sir, I am really hungry and I was just wondering if you could spare a dollar or whatever you'd like to offer?"
     I looked at him for a few seconds trying to decide if he was worthy of my money. He looked like he could work. He managed to walk all the way to the supermarket to ask for money. I had money. It was not going to affect me in any way. If I wanted, I could have given him a ten dollar bill. However, given the fact his appearance suggested he had strength and energy to work, I only gave him one dollar. He thank me and walked away.
     I approached the register to pay for my items and there he was with his friend and about to pay for two forty-ounce bottles of Miller High Life. I placed my items on top of the belt and could not believe what I had seen. He looked at me and said, "Thank you."
      "Is this what you used the money I gave you? You said you were hungry. What the hell?" I responded with veins on my fists.
      "I'm sorry I lied to you. The truth is we're hung over and need this to recover and get back to work." He said while his friend paid for their bottom-shelf malt liquor.
     He was about to say more but I interrupted him. I said, "Save it, don't care."
     That was not the first time I had been in a similar situation. One day, a boy in his teens approached me while I put my groceries away in the trunk of my car. He asked, "Excuse me. I am really hungry. Do you have any money I can have to buy some food?"
     I knew I didn't have any cash. I said, "Sorry kid. I don't have any cash. I just bought groceries. I can give you a banana and a bag of chips."
     To my surprise his response was "no" and walked away.
      Another time a man asked me in the parking lot outside a Starbucks if I could spare some change for food. Once again I didn't have any money. I extended my arm with a couple of muffins in a plastic bag as an offer. He rejected it. He placed his palm in his stomach and said, "Uh, well, no I can't. I have stomach problems."
     "Are you serious!? Then get the hell out of here!" I actually yelled. He walked away and towards the next person in the lot.
      Those three unfortunate occasions of rejected generosity are clear on my head. The times I have given money or food and accepted with gratitude are many and outweigh the others. I like to help. I don't mind sharing my hard-earned dollars with other less-fortunate individuals. My problem is when the individual uses the money for drugs or alcohol. I am quite sure there have been times when the individual abused the use of the money I have provided. As proven by the man with his bottles of malt liquor. Knowing what your charity is for can separate a good deed into a wasted effort of benevolence. Not knowing is a good deed used as a  personal act of satisfactory fulfilment of philanthropy with yourself. Therefore, if you are the type of person who likes to help others, are you ignorant and could care less for whatever the charity given is used for as long as it makes you feel good? Or are you the type of person who wants to help others but demands transparency in the charity given and used for nourishment and not a vice?
     Whatever the situation, if you give to a homeless person, be ready to accept the fact that money given can lead to a meal or a bottle. These people can be as honest and dishonest as ordinary individuals. I didn't like the three negative situations I was in with my charity. It will not change my mind about giving. I am going to give and hope for the best. I am going to give and feel good about it. I am not going to give if I get bad vibes from the individual because I should be giving and feeling good about it. The first time I was in San Francisco, I saw a homeless man holding a sign which read "Why lie I want a beer." I was impressed with his honestly and cleverness that I gave him five dollars.