Editorial
Front Page - Friday, May 07, 2010
View from the Cheap Seats
Road Trip
William O. “Bill” James, Jr.
I can tell you one thing that doesn’t happen to you in a hotel room: Automated random phone calls trying to sell you something. In a hotel, the actual phone in the room is rarely used and my cell doesn’t get many sales calls.
Another thing, about being in a hotel room five out of six weeks, is that you kinda fall into a routine. I started calling it the “merry go round.” The days passed by like the scenes on the aforementioned ride. They are neat the first few times but, after a while, they start to blur a little bit. The longer you are on the ride, the faster it seems to go.
I did find a better place to eat while in Johnson County. As the trial wore on, I actually found two eateries to my liking. The first was called the “Pasta Inn.” At least, that is what I think it was called. Good Italian with a never ending basket of garlic bread. It was not the absolute best I ever had, but there was all you wanted. That has to account for something. (If you are looking, it is at Exit 58 past the McDonald’s.)
The second is a place that is owned by the great grandson of baseball greats, Dizzy and Daffy. Again, I think that was their name. It is a place called “Porky’s.” To add to the ambiance, it is located just across the river in the adjoining County. Sound like the set of an early 80’s film? Some of you don’t know what movie I am talking about, and there are some of you that wish you didn’t. Once you make your way into the door, you find nothing but baseball paraphernalia. It is nothing like the movie. The food is pretty good: Pizza, sandwiches and a decent steak. I did wonder one thing: Why is this restaurant on this particular side of the river? I never did figure it out. I even pondered the subject a couple of times over a frosty mug.
One thing did bother me before I went to Clarksville, while I was in Clarksville, and now that I am back from Clarksville. Why do I feel inclined to tip the person that brings me out my order at Sonic? I love sonic, but the tipping thing bothers me. If I tip the carhop, why don’t I tip the girl at the drive thru? If I tip the girl at the drive thru why don’t I tip everyone who hands me a drink or food at any restaurant? On the other hand, why not?
I tip 15-20 percent as a general practice but I will tell you where I draw the line. I get real stingy when the waiter’s share gets to 100+ dinero and the service has lacked enthusiasm. I love tipping waiters that bust out and give good service. I waited tables once. I did not like it.
As summer sneaks up on us, my two yards are in big trouble. I lost my last yard service over an argument that started without a clear origin. I liked the work they did, and wish I had them back. It is hard to believe that I am forced to use another lawn service because my stubborn pride refuses to allow me to compromise on the specific issue keeping us apart.
Speaking of summer, it is hard to believe that it is already May. May is the month that we celebrate and pay homage to the one that brought us to the dance called life. Spend some quality time honoring her this weekend. If you don’t get this paper until Monday, call her and tell her your sorry that you failed to do so on Sunday.
I early voted today across from City Hall. The crowds of the last election are not forming as quickly this year. I am glad that most of the process will be done in a little over a week, although we still have a long way to go. I am not sure how many trials I will have out of town between now and November, but I am pretty sure there will not be any that will last for three weeks. The road can be exciting, but the truth be known, there is nowhere like home. Even for those of us in the CHEAP SEATS!
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