Day 47: Random Utterings of Randomness

[anarchist_nomad]

Nothing terribly important to write about today, but I am trying to get back into the habit of posting on a daily basis. So, gentle readers, brace yourself for what may make the top ten list of "Most Boring Entries In Nomad's Journal"[*]. That said, here are some utterly unconnected thoughts floating through me head today:

• While writing that scintillating opening paragraph, I received an e-mail from the co-presidents of my high school class. They're the guys who tracked me down a couple of years ago to give a "Where are they now?" interview. This e-mail was to let people know that one of my classmates will be performing with his band at the Mercury Lounge in Manhattan next week. I almost didn't read the e-mail to the end, but I am glad that I did... because the last line cracked me up: "Bring whoever you want...except Matt Malek, who is not invited."[**] For some reason, that just cracked me up.
  
  
• While driving to Waddesdon yesterday, I noticed that diesel fuel is now commonly selling for £1.07⁹ per litre and petrol (gasoline to you yanks) is £1.03⁹. At yesterday's exchange rate of $2.0642/£1, that makes the price of auto fuel $8.46 per gallon for diesel and $8.15 for petrol -- the most that I have ever seen! My eleven year old Volkswagen does get about 45 miles to the gallon[***], but that still means I pay about 19 cents per mile to drive anywhere. I realize that I have annoyed some of my North American friends by being less than sympathetic when people complain about paying $3/gallon for gasoline... but that really is quite cheap! I would love to pay three dollars for a gallon of fuel!
  
  
• November is ending in a few hours and I have not flown anywhere this month. No wonder I am starting to feel antsy. I have never had a full calendar year where I have flown in all twelve months (though I have flown in eleven out of twelve in more than one year), but a month without an airplane is still unusual for me. Two more weeks until I fly back to the States.
  
  
• The award for 5000^th comment in this journal was given today to... erm... me, for this reply to kenshardik.
  
  
• I have not taken any postbox pictures since last November. Maybe I should do something about that this weekend. Assuming the weather gets better, that is.

Bored yet? I did warn that nothing terribly exciting is going on right about now. I'll try to fix that by tomorrow's entry -- promise!

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[*] If such a list existed, that is.

[**] Don't ever try calling me Matt. Seriously. I went as Matt from age twelve to eighteen, but not since. Although Matt was fundamentally a good person -- and did some wild and crazy stunts -- he was generally depressed and angry; I have evolved significantly from when that person was me.

[***] This is better than the mileage that a Prius will get brand new. And yet the auto industry continues to fight against regulations for better fuel economy.