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Honing My Jumping To Conclusions Skillz

April 20, 2009 By Jeff 62 Comments

listeningearWe had lunch at a Chinese restaurant on Saturday, where I was eavesdropping on a conversation between two people I couldn’t see.

I hadn’t paid them any attention when we walked in, because I was fixated on egg rolls and the terrible music that was playing a little too loudly in the place. It sounded like a woman gargling Listerine over a European technobeat. And what the hell, man?

My back was to this couple, in a position that made it impossible for me to sneak a glance. But I could tell it was a guy and a girl, both young (possibly teenagers), and the dude was a fully-realized homosexual.

He did most of the talking, and sounded like a complete gay stereotype. If an actor portrayed a person in this way it would be called cartoonish, over-the-top, and shockingly offensive. I mean, the guy was lisping and mincing and just gaying it up.

Intrigued, I allowed myself to get drawn into their back-and-forth. I heard him tell the girl about an attempted “power grab” on the prom committee (I swear it’s true), and how his mother and father, while great, don’t truly “get” him.

You don’t say?

The girl mostly just sat there and said “yeah” and “uh huh” as the boy went on and on with all manner of Oprah-style confessions. While I was finishing my egg drop soup he told her he’d watched Marley and Me, and “couldn’t stop crying for days.”

Toney, who wasn’t paying attention to the nearby conversation, noticed I was listening, and said, “Do you think those two are on a date, or what? They seem like an odd pair.”

“On a date?” I answered. “No, I don’t think so.”

“Why?”

“Stop and listen to him for a second.”

So she cocked (if you’ll excuse the expression) her ear in his direction, and said, “Oh, yeah. That’s not a date.”

I told her I hadn’t seen the couple, which was the absolute truth, but wanted to try to describe them to her. Toney agreed to play along, so I paused dramatically, as if taking one final reading of the situation.

“OK, he’s thin and well-dressed. He probably has product in his hair, and is wearing a large silver ring,” I said.

And it turns out I was way off. He was more of a punk/glam kind of a guy. Something along the lines of a cleaner-looking Perry Ferrell, if you can believe it.

Disappointed, I moved on to the girl. “She’s chubby, dressed mostly in black, and is carrying a messenger bag with buttons all over it.”

Bingo! I hit it out of the park. She was exactly as I’d guessed, which made me feel a little better…

Sometimes I worry that I’m losing my jumping-to-conclusions abilities, by living in a place where most people are the same. I need to spend a few weeks in Atlanta, for a tune-up. I really do.

I have two not-so-great Questions for you today. Yes, two. I’m compensating, like a Corvette driver.

I’d like to know what you regularly buy online, and from what companies. I buy CDs, mp3s, and books, and that’s about it. I use Amazon, half dotcom, secondspin, and eMusic. What about you?

Also, what laws have you broken today? I haven’t been out of the house, so I don’t think I’ve done anything wrong yet. But I fully intend to exceed the speed limit on my way to work. Oh wait! I did listen to a Guadalcanal Diary album this morning, which was obtained through questionable means.

I think most people break laws all the time, if you want to get overly technical about it. So, what crimes have you committed recently? Use the comments to confess.

And finally, let’s try something a little different… The fax number to the Surf Report bunker is 570 585 6856. How about drawing me a picture of your boss, and faxing it to me? I’ll keep your identity secret, and share it with the readers.

Or, if you don’t feel comfortable doing that, just send me something interesting, and I’ll post the best ones at the site later in the week.

And that’s all I have for today, boys and girls.

See ya tomorrow!

Now playing in the bunker.

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Filed Under: Daily

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Limey says

    April 20, 2009 at 1:07 pm

    ah ha

    Reply
  2. Tammie says

    April 20, 2009 at 1:07 pm

    Huh?

    Reply
  3. Swami Bologna says

    April 20, 2009 at 1:08 pm

    Turd !

    Reply
  4. Dogberryjr says

    April 20, 2009 at 1:09 pm

    The Surf Report Bunker’s Mojo wire goes active. Excellent! I have visions of Jann Wenner and Hunter S. Thompson.

    I buy just about everything on Amazon.

    Laws? Hmm . . . I did not have a nutritious breakfast this morning, that’s about it.

    Reply
  5. Tammie says

    April 20, 2009 at 1:09 pm

    BWAHAHAHA!
    I can send Jeff a picture!

    WHOO!!!!

    Reply
  6. JCIII says

    April 20, 2009 at 1:09 pm

    Good Afternoon Surf Reporters!!

    I get to put my artistic abilities to good and frivolous use?!?

    Excellent, I’m on it. Now what media should I use? Pencil? Ink and Pen? Crayon?

    Reply
  7. Doug says

    April 20, 2009 at 1:13 pm

    Hey Im third and I never comment!!

    Reply
  8. Juancho says

    April 20, 2009 at 1:23 pm

    No you are not and yes you do!

    Reply
  9. Jeff says

    April 20, 2009 at 1:24 pm

    The first fax just arrived, and I’m already laughing my ass off…

    Reply
  10. Willie Williams says

    April 20, 2009 at 1:29 pm

    Faxes? Faxes? I ain’t got no stinking fax.

    Reply
  11. Bill in PA says

    April 20, 2009 at 1:35 pm

    This one goes to eleven!

    Reply
  12. Knucklehead says

    April 20, 2009 at 1:56 pm

    I currently have no boss, but I did fax a cartoon that I find HIL-ARIOUS.

    I jaywalked Haight Street with the Beast this morning. It’s only noon, though…

    I pre-ordered Green Day’s new album on iTunes last night. That’s the only place I buy music anymore, and I live a block away from Amoeba. Who wants to shop with hipsters, anyway?

    Happy Monday, Surfers!

    Reply
  13. tadpolegal says

    April 20, 2009 at 1:59 pm

    Lucky 13!

    Reply
  14. aminnev says

    April 20, 2009 at 2:02 pm

    No. 13!!! Yes!

    Do you think the dude has done the “nasty” to confirm the gayness?

    Breaking laws is tough to do when you are a stay at home mom? Maybe I’ll “speed” to the grocery store next time around.

    Reply
  15. Pagan says

    April 20, 2009 at 2:17 pm

    Breaking the law hmmmm! I once shot a guy in Reno just to watch him die!

    Reply
  16. The Qweezy Mark says

    April 20, 2009 at 2:25 pm

    Regular online buys: Tires and all Christmas presents, all the time. Yes I try to use Jeff’s Amazon link.

    Reply
  17. Funky says

    April 20, 2009 at 2:31 pm

    I buy lot’s-o-things online. My latest “issue” according to my wife, is my Kindle 2 addiction. I average about three books a week while lounging around the house without turning on the PC…plus I don’t have a million old books sitting around I’ll never read again. I’m really surprised you haven’t picked up a Kindle 2 yet Mr. Kay…your cheap, lazy ass would love it. Order directly from the Kindle 2 and it shows up in about a minute.

    Only laws broken thus far is the speed limit, but I’ll try harder this afternoon.

    Reply
  18. kristin says

    April 20, 2009 at 2:33 pm

    i don’t buy too much online, but i did go on a recent 4 cd spree (yes, for me, that’s a spree) through jeff’s amazon link.
    i do have to buy my deodorant online – i’m really allergic to antiperspirant, and the only product i found that works is just not in stores anywhere.

    Reply
  19. Rusty says

    April 20, 2009 at 2:40 pm

    I do all my Christmas shopping on line. Have for years. As far as regular purchases I buy books, CDs, DVDs, Ink cartridges for the printer and posters. Oh, and t-shirts.

    Reply
  20. Bill in PA says

    April 20, 2009 at 2:42 pm

    Based upon today’s date,
    which law will be broken in celebration?

    Reply
  21. Knucklehead says

    April 20, 2009 at 2:46 pm

    Yeah, Bill in PA. They’re making a big deal over at UC Santa Cruz (duh) about the large crowds that gather on today’s date and *partake*. Here in the Haight, they don’ t need no stinking date – it’s an every day occurance at, you know, 4:20.

    Reply
  22. Phantom Railfan says

    April 20, 2009 at 2:47 pm

    Laws broken today: Exceeded the speed limit (twice), turned right on a red light where prohibited, executed a rolling stop at a deserted intersection, looked at internet porn on a computer other than my own, ate the last slice of leftover pizza without seeing if anyone else wanted it, cursed at an old woman, and farted in an elevator. I think that’s about it.

    Reply
  23. Joe T. says

    April 20, 2009 at 2:48 pm

    Online? Golf shoes from Zappos for me, jewelry charms for my wife at always-forever, a pinewood derby kit for my kid (he finished in 5th place…out of 41). and music from i tunes.

    Reply
  24. Tyrosine says

    April 20, 2009 at 2:55 pm

    Online Purchases: I purchase mp3s (also a loyal eMusic fan) and books online. In the past I shopped at eBay a lot (old games and paintball supplies mainly), but haven’t done so for several years.

    Broken Laws: As of 3:30 pm today I broke the speed limit numerous times, did several rolling stops, listened to some downloaded music of questionable source, and several flagrant violations of PIPEDA (Canadian privacy legislation). On my way home from work I will break the speed limit and commit several yet to be determined violations of the Highway Traffic Act. This evening I will likely indulge in the illicit use of narcotics.

    Reply
  25. Jason says

    April 20, 2009 at 2:58 pm

    I don’t obey traffic laws (speed limits, seat belt, red lights, etc). I’m also driving around with expired tags. I’m a modern day Billy the Kid.

    Reply
  26. Trisha aka Mrs. Wally says

    April 20, 2009 at 3:00 pm

    The only law I broke today was the speed limit. I will have to bear down and try harder later. My boss looks like Mr. Burns from the simpsons. Jeff, you will love it!

    Reply
  27. kristin says

    April 20, 2009 at 3:01 pm

    i don’t consider anything under 15 mph over the speed limit as really speeding. therefore, i have not broken the law today.

    Reply
  28. StlShel says

    April 20, 2009 at 3:04 pm

    Continually break the speed limit laws so much so that I think the song “I can’t drive 55” was written exclusively for me.

    Reply
  29. Gretchen says

    April 20, 2009 at 3:07 pm

    I broke the laws of gravity today. I have a stomach bug of some sort and I’m pretty sure I turned inside out a few times. Blah.

    Reply
  30. bennigan's nazi says

    April 20, 2009 at 3:13 pm

    I also do not obey any traffic laws…. I speed, do not wear seatbelts, have expired tags, do rolling stops everywhere, and between my house and work there are three “no turn on red” stoplights which I constantly turn red on. I also committed 6 other crimes, two of which are federal, and none of which can be repeated.

    Reply
  31. Carla says

    April 20, 2009 at 3:14 pm

    Did 80 in a 65 on the turnpike, and blew thru a stop sign that is strictly for tourists. Uhm, turned right on red when theres a sign that says not to.

    Pic of my boss, to follow. Listening to music obtained by the spouse, truly questionable.

    Other than the boss pic, its a standard day.

    Order books, music and the random ebay purchase/sale. That’s all for online shopping for me.

    Reply
  32. Carla says

    April 20, 2009 at 3:17 pm

    Did crop dust through the hall a bit ago but thats not illegal, its just wrong.

    Thats what we call passing gas here, crop dusting. It only qualifies as crop dusting if you are 1. walking while deploying, 2. in someone elses area, 3. swift 4. untraceable.

    Super fun. 😉

    Reply
  33. Evil Twin's Wife says

    April 20, 2009 at 3:18 pm

    I exceeded the speed limit several times today on my way to the grocery store. Later on, I’ll be drunk at home, which I believe is entirely legal.

    Reply
  34. Limey says

    April 20, 2009 at 3:29 pm

    Amazon is by far my favorite online store, I have 2 to 4 Amazon parcels delivered each week on average. Most recent order was yesterday and was some baby bibs and new brass brush for clean grill grates. Amazon is like WalMart without the sales tax and toothless people. Diapers get delivered next day (even with the free, supposedly slow shipping), cheaper than anywhere else too – you can’t beat that. I also shop online at Fry’s and Staples a lot.

    No laws broken today. I would have broken speed limits if I’d left the house today but I haven’t.

    Reply
  35. Alex says

    April 20, 2009 at 3:39 pm

    I really don’t buy anything online, support your local retailer. Ebay does get occasional use for non typical items that you can’t source locally, but with their dumbass paypal only crap thats at pretty near a halt.

    Laws broken… Everyday I roll through the stop sign they installed on my street a few years ago. I call it my protest stop. (dumb neighbour thought a stop sign will slow down cars and reduce cut-through traffic–dumbass didn’t listen to me when I told him it’ll make it easier for cut through traffic and it’ll increase…longer rant/story available). Speeding-always. Tailgating those below the speedlimt.. Utilizing stale yellow lights. Using the internet at work for personal stuff. Parked in somebody elses spot. Idled for more than 5 minutes. Thats all I recall, I’m sure theres more.

    Reply
  36. Brandy says

    April 20, 2009 at 3:56 pm

    i finished my drawing, on company time, and i must say that the likeness is absolutely uncanny… only, now I’m too paranoid to fax it. I might have to find a fax machine elsewhere.

    Reply
  37. Lee Harvey Ramone says

    April 20, 2009 at 4:00 pm

    I did not eat the recommended 5 servings of fruits and vegetables on Saturday or Sunday. Is that against the law? Also, I collected a small amount of branches and twigs to use for firewood in a National Park over the weekend. I am going to go turn myself in now. I just hope I don’t have to do that much hard prison time before I can be released back out into society.

    Reply
  38. Uncle_Wedgie says

    April 20, 2009 at 4:07 pm

    online Purchases: Hats and Shirts from WVSR

    Broken laws today? Sodomy, Speeding, Talking to a guy taking a whiz in the baffroom

    Reply
  39. hardoxdan says

    April 20, 2009 at 4:14 pm

    Broke lots of laws today while driving to and from New Jersey. Speeding, unsafe lane change, tailgating, coasted through several stop signs, talking on cell phone while driving, failure to yield, littered many cigarette butts out car window. Carrying concealed handgun in NJ without a permit.
    Not bad for a Monday.

    Reply
  40. Jason says

    April 20, 2009 at 4:26 pm

    Brandy,
    You need to fax it. I faxed mine already. We each have to do our part.

    Reply
  41. Ivan says

    April 20, 2009 at 4:57 pm

    1.Sped
    2.Jaywalked

    ” gaying it up” made me laugh loudly in the middle of class, kudos sir.
    However in the title you spelled skills with a Z. I don’t know whether you were trying to be relevant or ironic, but either way it made me wince.

    Reply
  42. Pagan says

    April 20, 2009 at 5:07 pm

    Breaking the law hmmmm! I once bought an ice cream in Jersey just to watch it melt!

    Reply
  43. Greg says

    April 20, 2009 at 5:14 pm

    Broke the 420 law at 9:20 this morning. I don’t buy much online except computer stuff, like memory sticks and a few programs, and of course, all my WVSR paraphernalia.

    Reply
  44. plaz says

    April 20, 2009 at 5:35 pm

    Newegg, Fry’s and absolutely addicted to SlickDeals.net.

    Yes I am a consumer whore!!!

    http://forums.slickdeals.net/forumdisplay.php?f=9

    Reply
  45. kenju says

    April 20, 2009 at 6:15 pm

    Flea medicine for the cats. That is all.

    Reply
  46. chill says

    April 20, 2009 at 6:31 pm

    Today, only speeding – specifically “exceeding the posted limit”. There was no opportunity for “excessive speed for conditions”, which I haven’t done since Thursday. Sunday I jaywalked.

    I regularly buy books, CDs, and DVDs from Amazon (via Jeff’s link, of course) and I get my GeekStuff (disk drives, motherboards etc.) from newegg.com. Also the odd T-shirt and the like here and there; apart from WVSR stuff, I also like dieselsweeties.com for shirts, and I have a couple of mugs from thinkgeek.com.

    I’ll try to get that fax out, but I’m not sure my drawing skillz are up to par.

    Reply
  47. Bill in NC says

    April 20, 2009 at 7:39 pm

    I am a nerdy shirt and tie guy and buy all of my dress shirts online at Lands End. The things have ben the same price forever (I think Fred McMurray bought his shirts from Lands End and paid 29.95 – same as I do today ) and my neck size has not changed a bit and I will refuse to admit that it has changed even f my head blows up like a balloon when I button the top button.

    Reply
  48. D in Seattle says

    April 20, 2009 at 8:16 pm

    Ooh ooh, speaking of Corvettes, I have a great corvette joke…

    What’s the difference between a Corvette and a porcupine?

    …

    The porcupine keeps it’s pricks on the outside!

    Reply
  49. D in Seattle says

    April 20, 2009 at 8:19 pm

    Illegal today?

    Drank beer in a park, and got caught. Well not totally caught, but it was looking bad… I had to help the cop pour out SOMEONE ELSE’S beer, while mine resided safely in a backpack hidden in plain view.

    *shrug*

    I’m now sipping on one of my survivor Coors Light’s.

    Reply
  50. GCL says

    April 20, 2009 at 8:44 pm

    I regularly download music from iTunes, shop on Amazon, and puchase t-shits from tshirthell.com. (much to all my friends shagrin, I love obnoxious t-shirts)
    As for broken laws, well, I sped on the freeway home from work, but not fast enough to set off the photo radar =)

    Reply
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