Sandwich Eater’s Chronicles: The Yin & Yang of It All

Posted: August 29th, 2012 | Filed under: Sandwich Eater Chronicle | 1 Comment »

Today I experienced one of my favorite things. And one of my least favorite.

Let’s get the latter out of the way.

I had to install a shower rod. Which procedure not only required the help of a friend. But also the use of the most loathsome tool ever invented.

The Allen Wrench.

It is known in some circles as a hex key or hex wrench. I prefer the man’s name. That way I can express my loathing and disdain more personally.

Not any Allen Wrench mind you. The one that came in the packaging was smaller, thinner and flimsier than one of those itsy bitsy safety pins that sometimes come with new shirts.

Putting together furniture, that which is manufactured across one pond or the other, usually requires the use of such draconian instruments. I’ve never figured out why. Screws and bolts seem to work just fine, and the tools that one needs to loosen or tighten them are way more intuitive.

As I write I realize it may not be the tool itself. It may be that manufacturers realize that Bob Homeowner probably does not have a set of Allen Wrenches in his tool kit, even if he went high end for a tool box at Oscar’s Hardware. (At the Crescent Hill store this very day, I might add, young Ben behind the counter honored me with a free Oscar’s Hardware t-shirt. Which I shall wear often and proudly.) So those companies that insist on fastening their products with hex screws have to include the tool. They provide, of course, one made of the cheapest, easiest to bend metal, of a size that makes it most difficult to manipulate.

Anyone willing to start a Stop Allen Wrench movement, I’m in.

* * * * *

I saw a two tone Beetle today, driving on the x-way. After seeing one yesterday parked somewhere in town.

Given that I saw a two tone Jag in the Mid City Mall parking lot last week, I’m willing to declare this retro trend a, well, trend.

Used to be two tone cars were all over the place. Somewhere along the way, the styling went out of favor. Most likely when car makers realized it was easier to paint their whole product one color.

The first car of my parents that I remember is a ’52 Oldsmobile Rocket 88. Two tone green. Sweet.

Anyway, the Jag looked especially hip. An interesting shade of blue on top, over a maroonish red on the bottom. Appeared to be a factory paint job. (Unlike the VWs, which I surmise were after market.)

Love the aesthetics. Hope it becomes a fad.

* * * * *

Can’t get out of here without a couple of food related items.

Ate at Nam Nam in St. Matthews the other night. Small, friendly place with interesting food.

And an interesting sign by the counter, written in the kind of skewed syntax which brings a smile to those not affected by political correctness.

It read: “Crepe Highly Recommended Not To Go.”

Last, anyone out there who doesn’t like french fries can surf along now. For those of you not scared away by this filling but less than healthy dish, listen up.

Hammerheads on Swan Street has the best french fries I’ve ever eaten. Fried in duck fat. I’m tellin’ ya . . .

 

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