Ramblings on THE CAR

Big Frank has not been doing all that much musing lately. No really BIG thoughts have sprung from his mind. However, there have been a few small ones that have popped up every once in a while. For example, have you every wondered why it is that people look better in their cars than out of them? It's really true, and yet, who has their portrait taken in a car. And, as long as we are on the subject, why is it that generals (twentieth centry ones) haven't had their statues made of them riding in cars? The car is not getting its due. It plays such a big role in people's lives. People should have pictures of their cars on their desks (many spend more time with the car than with anyone else in their life). The car's photo should be on wallet sized photos in everyone's wallet. "Hey, wanna see some snapshots of my car?" How many times have you heard that question? There are more cars sleeping in people's houses (the garage is inside the house) than there are homeless people. Think about that. If the cars were moved out all homeless people would have a place to stay. What does that say about our country? And the car is the place of shelter, or quiet, a place for rumination, for phone conversations, for listening to tunes, and for experiencing the sense of flow (you're doing something - you're going somewhere - and you're feeling good about it - totally into it). Big Frank recently got lost in a subdivision, one of those windy places where every house looks the same and no road goes straight. Well, after driving around for 15 minutes or so, he saw a man sitting in his car in the driveway reading the National Geographic. Seriously this man was reading the National Geographic magaine in his car in his driveway. Big Frank stopped there and got directions, and couldn't help but ask the guy, "Excuse me for asking, but why are you reading the National Geographic in your car in your driveway at 8:00 pm at night." His answer: "It's nice a quiet out here - a good place to read."