Size Matters

Subway Restaurants... you're on notice.

I walked into my Franklin Street hookup today, geared up for the one "Daily Sub on Wheat" I allow myself per week when I realized the 6-inch sub special sign was nowhere to be found. In its place loomed a bright, triumphant banner announcing a NEW special: $5 Foot-long Subs!

Now granted, I seldom accept change immediately. I was late coming into the world. I wore diapers until I was 14. And I refuse to purchase a PDA. But my annoyance with foot-long sub specials is rooted in my displeasure for the general health of our nation's populace.

I believe one of the silent culprits tipping scales across the country is deceiving serving sizes and astronomical restaurant portions. "Hey, these cookies are only 50 calories a serving!" (18 servings per cookie) And now Subway, a diamond in the rough industry of fast & fat food that once encouraged sensible eating is now making it easier to fill up on enriched carbs.

Sure, some people NEED their calories. But these people know who they are. They're eating consciously. It's those who don't think they have to, due to lack of an immediate and known medical condition, that are gonna walk in and say "I get an extra six inches for another buck? Aww hell. Make it a foot-long." (But instead of the triple-chin, can I get the love handles aaand some extra napkins?)

I'm sure some of you are saying "Lose the soapbox, Jayme. Subway's doing what's good for business. People wanna pay more and buy the damn thing. Let 'em eat it." And so I shall, but not without lamenting the truth that Americans are never going to collectively wake up and say "we need to be healthier." And the burden of our apathy falls on us all. A buddy of mine involved in public health says that three conditions that are often voluntary--obesity, smoking, and teenage pregnancy--account for 30% of our annual healthcare costs (insurance rates, tax money, you name it, you pay it).

At the counter, I coughed up the hiked $5.24 for my six-inch sub meal. The foot-long meal behind me came to $6.32. "Buy in bulk," I mouthed silently as I walked past a cardboard cut-out of Jared holding up his size 108 jeans. "God Bless America."

Spring Cleaning

I feel like I'm at the starting line. In a very good way.

"Operation: Shippin Up" is in full swing. I intend to live in Boston before the college kids rush back in. I've got feelers out in Cambridge/Somerville, Brookline, and East Boston. I've starred places in Allston, Medford, and Revere. For those who know the area, I'm obviously casting a wide net. I plan to narrow my search in the next month. If you'd like to share any advice... I am all ears.

This weekend, I'm finalizing my taxes and choosing my retirement plan, which activates on Wednesday... my 6-month anniversary at JFF.

Speaking of work, my new boss starts later this month. My old boss left 2 weeks after hiring me, at which point I was adopted by one of his No. 2's. I'm excited to hear some outside ideas, what the new VP thinks of mine, and a general spreading out of our team's workload, because lately, our approval process is a bottleneck.

* * *

But before my Spring fun begins, I'm spending the last 7 days of winter in New Mexico. Everyone here asks me "Why?" as if I said "I'm getting a sex change" or "I hate commas." I just smile back. I think golden visors, free 1st rounds, Thursday nights, All-Ins, and 381s speak for themselves.

It's an incredible feeling to know you can travel 2400 miles and not need a hotel. And for you down there... you've got a crash pad in Beantown once "Operation: Shippin Up" is completed.

* * *

In the meantime, folks. Please sample some my friends' music (links on the right).

CONGRATS to Jarrett on his group's CD release tonight! Can't wait to get my hands on it.

Rube