Literally translated, Semper Vigilans means “ever vigilant”; figuratively translated, it means pretty much the same thing. San Diego, California, renowned for its miles of sandy beaches, perpetually sunny weather, and status as the first U.S. city to announce plans for the installation of cyber-controlled street lighting, has adopted this motto. Semper Vigilans conjures up dystopian images of a … Continue reading Why is “Semper Vigilans” the motto of San Diego?

“The McRib is Back”, the side of the bus screams at me. This isn’t the bus I’m waiting for -- this one goes to Old Town; I need to get home -- but I welcome it anyways. It’s the bearer of good news. “Did you know the McRib is back?”, I ask Peter when I … Continue reading It doesn’t matter whether or not the McRib is back.

Americans have already started to decide on who will lead our nation in the following years. We have our pick from the field of candidates for the Democratic nomination, all proposing progressive policies and reform that push to make the United States a more equitable country. Running for reelection, we also have President Donald Trump, … Continue reading President R19 Boddie is the Republicans’ Best Choice for President

The events of the past month have been monumental and will mark a turning point in the history of the free world; we have crossed the rubicon toward a new society rife with distrust and propaganda. I am referring not to the exit of United Kingdom from the European Union nor to the inevitable acquittal … Continue reading Baby Nut cannot be the reincarnation of Mr. Peanut.

Hot dog buns come in packages of six, while hot dogs themselves come in packages of eight. We have already addressed this problem as they pertain to hot dogs. Despite that exceedingly well-written letter on such a pressing issue, Representative Scott Peters only replied with a cookie-cutter reply about how much he cares about local … Continue reading There is neither too much nor too little toothpaste in each tube.

You don't truly know what you've have until it's gone. The sink in my apartment's bathroom was installed incorrectly and the right faucet handle controls hot water, while the left one controls cold water. It's a disorienting experience to say the least. So often I bury the lede and go on tangents, inflating the scale … Continue reading Why is the left faucet handle always for hot water? (Part 1)

In our society, the automatic door represents both a barrier and a passageway, metaphorically and physically. We encounter them every day, whether running errands grocery store to buying food at a supermarket; the automatic door truly pervades all aspects of our modern life. Important topics deserve the attention of our most important minds, so it … Continue reading How fast should automatic doors open?

Eggs come in different sizes. In this way and many others, eggs are similar to pants. Eggs not only come in different sizes but in different quantities as well. Anyone can walk into a grocery store and come out with a six large eggs, or maybe a twenty-four medium eggs, or possibly a dozen small … Continue reading What is the best size of eggs?

Skipping rocks is a uniquely human activity. There is no evidence any other animal engages in such an activity, though, admittedly, I have not done research into whether or not other they do. However, it seems to be the case, at least intuitively. We may even consider skipping rocks, alongside with language, society, and all … Continue reading Are we skipping too many rocks?

Dear Representative Peters, I am writing as one of your constituents to discuss a matter that affects me, my community, and the citizens of the United States of America as a whole. It is a matter that concerns the cornerstone of American culture. It is, many would consider, one of our greatest accomplishments, rivaling our … Continue reading An Open Letter to my Congressman