Freewrite Friday — Vol. III

What’s up with the whole Freewrite Friday thing just disappearing into thin air? I checked the blogs of the five folks whom I know did it last week — and of them, only one of them acknowledged that she’s preempting it. It’s as if someone officially deemed “Freewrite Friday” as no longer cool — and people just dropped it. Kind of like what happened when they added that little kid to “Married With Children.”  Suddenly nobody wanted to associate with the show any longer.

The hell with conformity! I’m going to continue the tradition! At least this week, I suppose…

Freewrite Friday is an unrehearsed, five-minute blogging version of freestyle rap. Except instead of Kurtis Blow, there’s Shiny.  I set a timer for five minutes and then just type until it’s done. None of this is rehearsed. I edit for grammar and spelling, but not for content. Let me know if you’re doing this as well and I’ll link to you.  So far I think there’s … well, nobody else. 🙂

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They started running these adds for “ClearCard” or whatever the hell it’s called. You know what I’m talking about — the “fast lane” at airport security that people can pre-register for and zoom through the TSA’s checkpoint.  The premise is that since they do the background check on you beforehand, you can speed through security with no further secondary screening. And all it costs is $128 per year.

Which is fine. You want to pay that money for the privelege of maybe moving faster through the lines at the airport? Be my guest.  The last time I flew was in January — between DCA and DTW.  Security at each place had a line which had me in and through in under ten minutes. That included taking off a coat and shoes, removing my laptop from its bag, and even going through the cool puffer machine.  Splendid. Shave off the few minutes if you have to; it’s fine with me.

What gets me upset is that this service is not an addition to the regular security lines. Nope. It’s replacing resources that the normal people go through. Which means that the “free” lines will be longer — since less personnel will be working them.  It reminds me of the “Lexus Lanes” which are beginning to get built on the DC Beltway and which are popping up all over the country. These toll lanes cost more money to use but allegedly get you from point A to point B faster. Again, not a problem. Unless it’s taking away some of the free lanes simply so someone can make a profit off of those who can afford paying the premium.

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Tomorrow maybe I’ll post some video. The Smithsonian Kite Festival will be happening on the National Mall, and hopefully our family will be happening at the festival.  I just need to remember to buy more string in the morning…