We certainly live in interesting times

Sometimes, life just makes me wonder.

For example, this week on the international scene we saw the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, now pope emeritus. That sets the stage for cardinals within the Catholic church, the “princes” of the church, to choose a new pontiff while there’s a living former pope. It’s a first in 600 years, which by definition makes it news.

I noted on Twitter and Facebook that we are living in interesting times.

Closer to home, Congress failed to reach a budget deal to stop automatic spending cuts. That means the federal government will start to cut some $85 billion from this year’s budget between now and Sept. 30, the end of the fiscal year. We will feel the pinch here on Fairfield, although it may take some time for the effects to fully reveal themselves in lower consumer spending.

What do you think the chances are that the two sides will come to an agreement on the automatic cuts prior to the March 27 deadline to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year? Or will the automatic cuts be part of the next debt-ceiling fight in May?

• • •

When does it becomes clear that you eat too much fast food?

Those who know me know that it doesn’t bother me to eat the same things several times a week. That’s particularly true while dining out. I find what I like, and I tend to stick with it. It’s not that I’m afraid to mix up the menu, it’s just that I want to enjoy my meals while dining out. For me, the “variety” comes in choosing the destination, not the meal once I’m there.

Back to my question.

The answer is this: When the people who work there know your order so well that they start preparing it before you walk through the door.

That happened to me Wednesday. I walked into my usual fast-foot place for a quick lunch and my order was ready for me about 15 seconds after I paid for it. The manager confessed that she saw me pull my car into the parking lot and got my order started for me.

How’s that for customer service?

• • •

I recognize that I eat way too much fast food, so I’m taking steps to keep things somewhat in check.

First, I’m not ordering fries or tortilla chips with my meals, in part to limit my carbs and in part to keep my waistline somewhere south of 38 inches. I also cut the mayo spread that comes with my chosen sandwich at my go-to workday lunch stop. That move alone saves 80 calories, according to the restaurant’s menu guide. The no-fries thing cuts another 330 calories from my typical lunch.

So far, so good on the waistline front.

• • •

Am I the only one who drives 55 mph coming off westbound Interstate 80 onto westbound Highway 12, and who also slows to 50 mph when the speed limit drops near the intersection with Beck Avenue?

It’s not uncommon to see a California Highway Patrol officer lurking on the other side of the slight rise on the interchange, about where the former Walmart property abuts Highway 12, or to see a Fairfield Police Department motorcycle officer clocking drivers as they approach the intersection at Pennsylvania Avenue.

I’m by no means a speed monitor, but I try to adhere to the basic speed law, which is to drive no faster than it’s safe for the roadway and the conditions. For me, that sometimes sees me 5 to 10 mph or so above the posted limit. More often, I’m right around the posted limit, or below if the weather or traffic warrant.

There’s a reason why the speed limit drops twice along such a short span of roadway on Highway 12. It’s not to inconvenience drivers; it’s to keep them as safe as possible on a stretch of road that’s proven itself treacherous.

Maybe it’s time to see these officers with a bit more regularity, just to remind people to slow down.

Reach Managing Editor Glen Faison at 427-6925 or gfaison@dailyrepublic.net. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GlenFaison.

Glen Faison

Glen Faison joined the Daily Republic as managing editor in September 2009. He has worked as a reporter and editor for daily and weekly newspapers in the San Joaquin Valley for 20-plus years. His experience includes time as editor of the Golden Eagle, a military paper serving the Lemoore Naval Air Station. He graduated from Fresno State University with a bachelor's degree in journalism and bleeds Bulldogs red. He is an avid Washington Redskins fan, and attended the 1988 NFC Championship Game against the Minnesota Vikings at RFK Stadium. He married his wife, Jill, in 2005, and has three children: Courtni, Tyler and Hayli.

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