I’ve been on a quest of late. A few weeks ago, the spouse requested that I purchase a FIRM toothbrush on one of my many sojourns to the store. He was very specific. It could not be one of those newfangled ones with the rubber scrapers or tongue massagers. It had to be a standard toothbrush, and the bristles had to be firm. No such toothbrush to be found at Rite Aid, Target, Costco, or Nugget. These are all stores that I frequent. Resigned, I decided that finding a FIRM toothbrush would be an outstanding achievement–one I wouldn’t give up on, but would set on the back burner for a lucky day. Well, it must have been the full moon or the Lunar Eclipse, because today was that lucky day.

This evening, on my way home after class, I ended up at the Raley’s on Freeport. I don’t usually shop at the Raley’s / Bel Air stores, unless I’m looking for something in particular, or it’s on my way home, like tonight. Raley’s on Freeport is a bit shabby, with one of those scary parking lots where you’re glad there’s a security guard–even if he looks like he eats WAY too many donuts.
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Sadly, after years of decline, Tower Records recently filed for bankruptcy in an effort to help the business sell (no, not more discs). Tower has been struggling for years, some would say its because of (illegal) downloading, others would say it’s because record companies charge too much for bad music (ever get that disc you’ve been waiting for only to find out that the one song they play on the radio is the only good one on the whole album?). Still other blame Tower’s decline on the big box stores like Target, Wal-Mart, and Costco undercutting the prices of music stores.
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This morning’s capitol news Roundup reported the findings of a recent study showing women would prefer a new plasma TV to a diamond necklace.

Reading the story, however, it seems that the snipet and accompanying headlines are a bit misleading. As most girls know, preferences can’t be adequately judged unless you narrow down the choices. It’s like asking someone if they want to trade their car for another car. What’s a car? Do you mean a 1984 Mercury Marquis? Or a Mercedes SLR McLaren?

And so it is with diamonds. The study from the girl-powered Oxygen Network found little digital gender divide remains as women overwhelming would choose a new plasma TV over . . . a diamond solitaire necklace. Well, duh! Just a solitaire necklace? Eh. Digital vid cams beat designer shoes and that plasma still beats a weekend vacay in Florida for more than half of women surveyed.

Of course, there was no information about whether women prefer a plasma TV to, say, a diamond ring. It sounds like this survey was still designed by men – there are far too many unconsidered variables. How about it, women of Sacramento? What say you on the tech toys vs sparklies debate?

Earlier today, my boss asked me to look into possibly hiring a gymnast for an event (weird, I know, but totally legitimate I assure you). We only needed the person for basic tumbling, but still — it was weird.

I didn’t really know where to start, but I thought craigslist might have something for me. After searching through both the “gigs” and “community” sections (I avoided the personals…), I came up empty.

So I posted a request on the gigs section, thinking it would be a long shot at best. Who tumbles in their spare time? Apparently, a lot of people in LA (I’m guessing aspiring actors … but that’s just a guess). In three hours, I’ve received 7 responses to my post. Some have included links to web sites, head shots, and one had a myspace link, too.

Craigslist: bringing all things absolutely bizarre home to you.

Take me out to the Wal-Mart, take me out to the store. Buy me some candy and applejacks…I don’t care if my kid’s eating that. And let’s root root root for the Chinese. If they don’t make it — a shame– and it’s 1-2-Visa you’re out at the cashier stand!

Yesterday, my kids and I got in the car and scouted out a Wal-Mart Supercenter in Antelope. Don’t get me wrong, I haven’t been in a Wal-Mart in more than a year, and most people who know me know why. That would be under politics instead of shopping.
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