Driving Patterns - MonkeyTao's Blog - Tehachapi News

Where does it really come from?

So, after hearing all the tragedies and frightfulness regarding products manufactured in China, I began taking a look in my own medicine cabinet. Being an over-50 female, I take LOTS of vitamins and supplements. I discovered that I have approximately 10 different brands of such in my possession. After reading that up to 90% of these items are actually manufactured in China, after reading how Chinese manufacturers are little policed as to practices, after reading how Chinese manufacturers regularly exchange a healthy ingredient for a cheap, toxic substitute, and realizing that we found how separate brands makes very little difference when the ingredients come from China (re; dog food), I embarked on my quest. NONE of my vites list a country of manufacture on their websites. None of the companies I have written to have answered my question re; country of manufacture. What are we supposed to do? Now false brand toothpaste is making kids sick?? How are we to be aware consumers when no one will give the information? There has to be that 10% NOT made in China, can't we at least find that info out and begin buying from them? When these dangers are now becoming prevalent, why aren't the American-based companies themselves refusing to deal with China - and I don't want to hear how it is all about the dollar. Of course it is! But many of us would rather invest the higher dollar amount to safeguard the health of our loved ones and ourselves!

Class Distinction

I've been reading Dickens, one of my favorites (or should I say favourites). 'Bleak House', for the first time, I'm afraid. In the mini-bio in the book, Dickens is stated as saying that he so admired America because of its lack of caste enforcement. BUT, has America instead reverted to class distinction in the past few years? Maybe longer? I know, I know. Look at Bill Gates and the others who have managed to rise to the creme-de-la-creme. But how many times have we thought "How ghetto is that!" or "SO trailer!". Is such a break-out of class distinction as possible now as it was prior? Education seems to be a requirement in this great country these days, but even education does not ensure any measure of distinction. Seems like the only true way to break free of humble beginnings is to become a celebrity. What do you think?

Let's get it started

We all have horrified thoughts about the tragedy in Virginia today. How it seems nothing/nowhere/nobody is safe in this most magnificent land of ours. To wonder what could have possibly motivated the shooter into thinking that this was any type of a solution! Most of us saw the unrolling of events on television - the accusations against the school for not acting to stop this chain of events. I am appalled, saddened, frightened by this incident.

YET

What in God's name has our country turned into that some bystander would risk his life to use his cell phone to record this travesty? What has UTube, the media, MySpace engendered in our people to make us think that it would be just too wicked cool to get a video of this at any cost?? OMG! As I watched the video on the news, all I could think of was "RUN YOU IDIOT RUN!!". Have we lost our senses to the glory hog of the media?

Driving Practices

Admittedly, when I first moved here from Southern California (17 years ago), I may have been a bit aggressive in my driving. Anyone who drives down south knows that aggressive driving is defensive and makes for an alert/aware driver. So after a few weeks I realized I was being rude and unnecessary and tampered my habits. HOWEVER what is with the driving up here? If you are going to pull out in front of me from a side street or parking lot, fine - I'm watching. But would you please then hit the gas and get the heck going? Pulling from a driveway at a dangerous speed DOES NOT mean that you make up for it by then slowing to 5 mph. If you see a nice bit of Tehachapi's abundant lovely scenery PLEASE do not slow to 10 mph on Hwy 202 causing many near rear-enders in your wake. And although I realize that Tehachapi used to only have one stop light COULD YOU JUST NOT PULL UP to a green light and stop while you look both ways? Pretty please?