This is a totally off-topic post, so pardon the break in our usual writerly discussions. Just some things I’ve been wondering about. Feel free to add your own!
Why is it you have to have a Google account to be part of Blogger, but you can’t use your GMail address as a logon? Every time I log in, I ponder this one.
Why is it AAA even exists? They won’t tow the car unless it’s within 100 miles of the destination and even then they’ll hassle the crap out of you if you’re A) not the member listed on the card but the member’s child/spouse driving your car, B) not with the car (let’s all hang out on the interstate berm for three or so hours, shall we?), C) not the member, who must be there when they come to tow it, D) not able to be added the same day and expect service (but you’ll still take my fifty bucks the same day, right?), E) not born on a Tuesday on the Equator, F) not a member of Heaven’s Gate Temple, G) not sure what George W. Bush’s golf score is, or H) just wanting to get home or somewhere safe when you’re stranded. Having just rescued my daughter and her friends this weekend (friend’s car died two states away), I wouldn’t have believed the hassle had I not witnessed it myself. They treated that girl like she’d robbed a bank.
And that’s another why – why can’t a 20 year old rent a car? Some companies won’t let you rent a car until you 25, which makes little sense. A German kid I tutored once (he was 21) couldn’t get a rental car to go on his cross-country trip. How limiting is that? Just pass the cost of insurance on to the consumer, fools! It’s the American way, right? When my car was in an accident and my daughter needed to get to work (I was out of the country at the time), they wouldn’t rent a car to her even when I offered to pay a premium AND showed them proof of insurance for her. Guess what? She drove it anyway because she had to. So there.
Why is it people use “supposably” when they mean a real word, such as “supposedly”? And for that matter, why do they use “weary” when they really mean “leary”? Are you tired or are you hesitant? I mean, if you’re really that tired, perhaps you’re weary of my conversation, but are you afraid to join in, which would make you leary? If you can’t use it correctly, don’t. Just. Don’t.
What makes you go “huh?”
Why haven’t all the CEOs and managements of bailed out companies been removed and replaced with COMPETENT people?
I’m with you on Triple A. I cancelled my membership after my car broke down on July 4th, they said they “don’t” go on that highway, and, oh, by the way, it’s dangerous, there are people with guns — yeah, no kidding, we were SHOT at while waiting for help.
Triple A can bite me.
In the late 60’s, early 70’s they were good, until they become legends in their own minds.
This is a great rant Lori. Cathartic read for a Monday morning in fact.
Your AAA story really hit home. When we were stranded in Missouri, of all places (we live in the Northeast), we quickly learned that our AAA membership was not valid in Missouri. Huh??? What’s with that!
I’m glad I’m not the only one contemplating the actual purpose of AAA. My auto insurer did a fantastic job getting my car towed off the highway a few months back. I’d much rather pay someone I trust will actually RESPOND than an organization that finds ways not to respond.
And while I’m on a rant, I’d like to thank U-Haul for being colossal jerks with a reservation system that’s all show. Reserving a truck two weeks in advance did me no good. I still didn’t get my truck, and the company was a pain in the arse when I complained. Basically, even if you reserve well in advance, it’s first-come-first serve. Jerks.
Great ponderings this morning. 🙂
Whew! Was this before or after coffee? Oh, you don’t drink coffee… that’s right. So, you’re out of tea? 😉
Seriously, though, how fun! I agree with Dana–what a wonderful find on a Monday!
And I never knew you had to be 25 to rent a car. That’s crazy! I can’t think of anything good to rant about right now, but if I do I know where I can share it! 😉
🙂
Michele
You need to borrow my “Grrr-tek.”
Supposably and other common misused words drive me crazy too! I used to have a friend that said, "Can I ax you a question?" and "Can I get you something why I'm up?"
Go out and buy Lynne Truss' "Eats, Shoots & Leaves" people!
Ha! Good stuff. There’s a Friends episode in which they debate whether “supposably” is a real word. I’ve always pondered the odd age limits we Americans place on things. Alcohol=21, Car rental=25 . . . but war and cigarettes? 18! And how about marriage–is there even a limit?
I use my Gmail as my blogger logon?!
I completely agree with all the others though.
Fiona, that’s good to know. I tried and was turned down. Nope. Can’t use it! Why exactly?
Michele, that was post-trip-to-MD-to-pick-them-up. 🙂
Amie, marriage laws are different per state. Some states – 14 with parental consent. Okay, if you’re 14 and your parents are saying yes, your problems are MUCH larger than whether you’re ready to marry…
Hmmm… I probably drive some folks bonkers when I use words like “fantabulous”. I can’t help myself! I can be having a very difficult day and when I type something kooky like “fantabulous”, it just makes me smile. 🙂
Michele, making up a word (Like persniferous – use that when someone’s being a pain!) is much different than pretending to know what you’re saying when you really don’t. 🙂
Yep, supposably. 😉
(That was a joke, just so you know.) LOL
:))