(lygenztia #326) Dude, I want to...really...

I wonder how debit/credit cards have affected the service industry? A good many of us no longer carry cash. That said, we all should still carry some on hand.

I travel with work, frequently. To my point...you get ready to check out of the hotel and finish packing your trimmings and trappings. Then, you dig around in your pockets and .....no cash on hand. Thus, no tip for the maid. Damn, well that sucks but at least I won't see the maid on my way out. (or at least you hope)

Valet brings around the car, helps with the bags? Again, no cash on hand for a tip. Which, of course is always followed by "the look". And you know "the look". The valet (or service person) looks right at you and smiles but is clearly transmitting "you cheap fuck".

I am guessing this phenomenon is increasing all around the world. Maybe hotels can build the tip(s) into the bill, somehow? Then, the absent minded types like me can avoid "the look".

(lygenztia #325) polishing a turd...

Like Trump, or hate him. Like Hillary, or hate her.

But, the interest generated in the political system is unprecedented, which is positive. The ratings on the debate(s)? Massive. Voter turn out? I'm willing to bet it will be the highest in U.S. history. But, when one looks at the candidates surely many Americans will be holding their nose when they close the curtain on the voting booth. Kind of like when you walk into a stinky public washroom but really, really, need to use it. It sucks, but you do what you have to do.

Hopefully, this will inspire more Americans (and Canadians) to get involved in the issues and as a result; become increasingly knowledgeable of the world around them. Too many, for too long, have ignored the political process when in fact, it is the one thing other than family and work that can directly affect our lives.

Why should this debacle inspire Canadians to get involved in the political process? Because, we watch what's going on in the world around us, more so than our American cousins, who are more insular than we are. And, we should learn from this fiasco and never let it happen here. It is sad to watch the U.S. being torn apart and come November 8th, God help us all..either way.

(lygenztia #324) It's.right.there.

The most beautiful things, are the things that are closest to us. I travel a lot and I am always trying to get the "perfect" photo.

This morning, I went out back with the dogs and stopped to look at a plant that grows over our fence. It's always been "there" and for that reason, I don't really look at it. It's just "there", if you know what I mean. This morning though, I looked at it. I really looked at it. A beautiful sprawling green vine, with glowing white blooms....contrasting with the weathered wood fence. And when the light bounces off it just right, the light pokes through the flowers like a thousand laser beams. Gorgeous.

So, there you have it...beautiful things aren't always at the other end of a plane ride. Beautiful things are all around us; we just have to remember to look at them. Usually, I attach a photo to accompany my nonsensical whimsy. But, this time it is not the plant I looked at in the back yard. I intentionally chose not to attach a photo of the actual plant, because you have already formed a mental picture based on my description and who am I to change that?