I used to think applying for a mortgage was invasive… until I applied for a term life insurance policy. The process is essentially like applying for a mortgage, and having your last 10 years’ medical history of you and your immediate family audited, then you get a physical and lab tests. The concept of life […]
We took the kids to the Museum of Flight Monday. While we were in line, I fished through my wallet trying to find my membership card. I found it — after we reached the front of the line, my wife put down the youngest, dug out her purse, and flashed the card. This is a
I need an European Carry-All Read More »
What’s the fastest mammal? – Nancy, CA On land, cheetahs have been clocked doing speeds up to speeds of 60 miles per hour for short periods. In the ocean, the killer whale has been recorded swimming at 34 miles per hour. In the air, the big brown bat has been measured flying at just under
Reader Appreciation Week: Day Five Read More »
In celebration of my 500th comment, I’m answering reader mail all week. So, if you have a question, and the library won’t help you, send it my way. Hints: try to make it something I have a shot of answering, or at least humorously. (Offer void where prohibited by law. And in Bermuda.) Q. WTF
Reader Appreciation Week: Day Four Read More »
Q. What’s with the new tagline, “May Contain Peanuts?” – Adam, California Some folks have very bad allergic reactions to peanuts. There is some proposed legislation for labeling and some manufacturers have already started doing so. However, as someone who reads a lot of food labels, I’ve seen too many cases of the disclaimer may
Reader Appreciation Week: Day Three Read More »
Q. Butter, margarine, or Brummel & Brown? — Ted, Seattle, WA Butter. The philosophy here is simple: if you’re going to put butter on bread, put butter on bread. If you want to put yogurt on bread, put yogurt on bread. Don’t delude yourself into thinking frankenfoods like margarine are inherently better for you. As
Reader Appreciation Week: Day Two Read More »
In celebration of my 500th comment, I’m going to answer reader mail this week. So, if there’s a burning question, feel free to email me and I’ll try to address it. Hints: try to make it something I have a shot of answering, or at least humorously. Here’s some of the questions so far: Q.
Reader Appreciation Week Read More »
My wife and kids are in Chicago visiting her folks. I’m home, hoping to take advantage of the time to finish various projects: refinish the hardwoods, spray toxins on the carpenter ants, edge the lawn, trim the hedges, clean the kitchen, excavate my study enough that I can move back into it, etc… and maybe
Bachelor for a week Read More »