2. I don’t like any of the choices, so I’m gonna pull a Kobayashi Maru and change the conditions to what is the realistically best car for you to drive in LA?
It could be pretty rough, actually. I won’t be able to register my car next year. Eventually, I’ll get caught driving with expired tags. From there, I’d expect the fines to mount.
1. A fitting conclusion to the trilogy. But we all know Hollywood loves sequels....
2. I learned an expression from The Economist a number of years ago: choosing the least bad option. That's always stuck with me, because it rightfully implies that every choice has flaws and limitations and tradeoffs and to some degree sucks. There's no perfect choice in anything. And yes, many, many times.
3. Real deal MW will be too expensive, which is why the robots are winning.
4. He should also create a PAC called Guns Against Groomers.
5. I honestly didn't know who Dave Grohl was, but after a quick Google search I'm certain he's a techno-libertarian shitbag.
Half-joking, but I was kind of expecting you to say you bought the backup catalytic converters in advance. You know, corner the Ohana market, and then start your own black market operation.
I don't know if either. My sense was it's a very fatalistic British thing, but it resonated with me. Instead of making the "best" choice, you make the "least bad" choice, which somehow seems right for most of life's curveballs.
"I could sell my Prius and live the Los Angeles dream of a one-car household. That seemed promising, especially to the Situation Normal community, because it would result in more Lyft driver stories."
couldn't agree more AND i don't believe this is the end of the story. predict that you and family will soon bust a move to Hawaii
Does law enforcement down your way offer ID kits for cats? I can't say how effective it has been here, but between the plate and the kit, some deterrence might result. We figure it might come in handy in various spots in California where our out-of-state plates scream "take me!"
The police encourage people to have their VIN etched into the convertor. It's helpful in theory, but they have to make a bust to return your convertor to you, and honestly, I've never heard of anyone getting their cat back. The thieves sell them and they're melted down for the precious medals inside, so usually once it's gone it's gone.
I’m really psyched that you’re on the Ohana Plan now! Or maybe we should call it Ohana Care. Anyway, keep us posted on how you and Jon and the rest of the ohana fare.
I've been following your story since the original theft Michael. What a saga. My only question would be about your garage. Do you have a 2 car garage so full of stuff you can only use one slot or truly a one-car garage? I'm guessing your OHANA guy would know a carpenter who would install shelves at the top of your garage so you can use both slots. OHANA man seems an awesome dude to know. -- PS this could be one of the very best long-form Substack sagas. What's gonna happen when thieves start stealing chargers :)
Thanks Mark! We have a two-garage that the previous owner converted to an office / laundry room, so there's no way to park two cars in there now without taking out some built-ins and moving the washer / dryer, but we've got a small house, so that's not really an option.
You are SO LUCKY Michael! Our first home in CA was small with the W/D in the garage. ~1100 ft2 but a view of the ocean. A small home in a GREAT place is a worthwhile trade! LUCKY YOU!!! We had no A/C and did not care or need it. I have only pleasant memories of that place.
Here's to hoping there is no "Third Time's A Charm" for the Catalytic Converter Challenge game and that you won't need to use the ohana because of "Three Strikes and You're Out"
Jon could use the slogan, "Empty Guns, Not Empty Promises" in a run for City Council.
Oh my god I have my fingers crossed! Also, if you don't actually want a Ring doorbell, you can just buy one of those signs that makes it seem like Ring is monitoring your house, bc I've heard that that alone can sometimes be a deterent.
We actually have a Ring doorbell but it doesn’t work. But honestly, I’m just gonna book Michael Winslow. I’m sure he’ll be happy to live / work at our place until this crime wave ends for the guild minimum, right?
Ugh. Same situation in Seattle, Portland, SF. I hope the thieves have moved on to a different hood. My car was broken into. Neighbors on Nextdoor advised me to roll down windows and open interior compartments so jerks will see I have nothing and move along. Maybe a sign in your window that says, No catalytic converter?
4. I think you should convince Jon to move east and set up shop in Boston.
2. I don’t like any of the choices, so I’m gonna pull a Kobayashi Maru and change the conditions to what is the realistically best car for you to drive in LA?
I’ve always said my dream car is any car with a driver who makes a good salary with health & pension. In Los Angeles, that’s a very expensive car.
No, not your dream car, just a reasonable choice, please. Remember, you have to change the test conditions if you want a win.
A reasonable choice would be a Toyota Corolla.
Maybe move to Philadelphia? The police there seem to be interested in breaking up the crime rings. Are the LA cops in on the deal?
https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2023/07/03/tdi-towing-catalytic-converter-pennsylvania/
No, I don’t think the cops in LA are in on it. Just lazy.
then stop slacking and get down to work heeeeeee
Michael, I'm just going to steal your catalytic converter again.
What's the penalty if you went straight-pipe scofflaw 4life?
It could be pretty rough, actually. I won’t be able to register my car next year. Eventually, I’ll get caught driving with expired tags. From there, I’d expect the fines to mount.
Almost makes the whole debacle worth it, just having Jon say, "I got you." Substack Gold right here!
Almost worth it indeed!
1. A fitting conclusion to the trilogy. But we all know Hollywood loves sequels....
2. I learned an expression from The Economist a number of years ago: choosing the least bad option. That's always stuck with me, because it rightfully implies that every choice has flaws and limitations and tradeoffs and to some degree sucks. There's no perfect choice in anything. And yes, many, many times.
3. Real deal MW will be too expensive, which is why the robots are winning.
4. He should also create a PAC called Guns Against Groomers.
5. I honestly didn't know who Dave Grohl was, but after a quick Google search I'm certain he's a techno-libertarian shitbag.
Half-joking, but I was kind of expecting you to say you bought the backup catalytic converters in advance. You know, corner the Ohana market, and then start your own black market operation.
Is the least bad option something The Economist coined, or is it a thing economists say? But I take the point: all choices have flaws.
I don't know if either. My sense was it's a very fatalistic British thing, but it resonated with me. Instead of making the "best" choice, you make the "least bad" choice, which somehow seems right for most of life's curveballs.
That's a good point. Least bad choice feels very British.
"I could sell my Prius and live the Los Angeles dream of a one-car household. That seemed promising, especially to the Situation Normal community, because it would result in more Lyft driver stories."
couldn't agree more AND i don't believe this is the end of the story. predict that you and family will soon bust a move to Hawaii
haha, i'd love to move to Hawaii!
This is the reboot of FX's The Shield that we never knew we needed. This time, it's Ohana.
Does law enforcement down your way offer ID kits for cats? I can't say how effective it has been here, but between the plate and the kit, some deterrence might result. We figure it might come in handy in various spots in California where our out-of-state plates scream "take me!"
https://www.washoesheriff.com/outreach/press_releases/2022-83-Washoe-County-Sheriffs-Office-announces-catalytic-converter-theft-deterrent-program.php
The police encourage people to have their VIN etched into the convertor. It's helpful in theory, but they have to make a bust to return your convertor to you, and honestly, I've never heard of anyone getting their cat back. The thieves sell them and they're melted down for the precious medals inside, so usually once it's gone it's gone.
I’m really psyched that you’re on the Ohana Plan now! Or maybe we should call it Ohana Care. Anyway, keep us posted on how you and Jon and the rest of the ohana fare.
Thanks! I'll post any updates, but honestly, I'm hoping there aren't any updates :)
1. Yes. Roll the credits.
2. I have not faced a decision where all the options sucked yet. Will keep you posted.
3. I believe Michael Winslow is in Cameo and his fee is reasonable. https://www.cameo.com/michaelwinslow
4. I don't live in L.A. but I'd still find a way to vote for Jon.
5. Fun fact, I actually worked at Carvana and saw Dave Grohl playing pickle ball at the office all the time.
Gotta download Cameo and see if Michael Winslow will help. Thanks for the tip!
I've been following your story since the original theft Michael. What a saga. My only question would be about your garage. Do you have a 2 car garage so full of stuff you can only use one slot or truly a one-car garage? I'm guessing your OHANA guy would know a carpenter who would install shelves at the top of your garage so you can use both slots. OHANA man seems an awesome dude to know. -- PS this could be one of the very best long-form Substack sagas. What's gonna happen when thieves start stealing chargers :)
Thanks Mark! We have a two-garage that the previous owner converted to an office / laundry room, so there's no way to park two cars in there now without taking out some built-ins and moving the washer / dryer, but we've got a small house, so that's not really an option.
You are SO LUCKY Michael! Our first home in CA was small with the W/D in the garage. ~1100 ft2 but a view of the ocean. A small home in a GREAT place is a worthwhile trade! LUCKY YOU!!! We had no A/C and did not care or need it. I have only pleasant memories of that place.
Here's to hoping there is no "Third Time's A Charm" for the Catalytic Converter Challenge game and that you won't need to use the ohana because of "Three Strikes and You're Out"
Jon could use the slogan, "Empty Guns, Not Empty Promises" in a run for City Council.
That slogan could be a winner!
Oh my god I have my fingers crossed! Also, if you don't actually want a Ring doorbell, you can just buy one of those signs that makes it seem like Ring is monitoring your house, bc I've heard that that alone can sometimes be a deterent.
We actually have a Ring doorbell but it doesn’t work. But honestly, I’m just gonna book Michael Winslow. I’m sure he’ll be happy to live / work at our place until this crime wave ends for the guild minimum, right?
Ugh. Same situation in Seattle, Portland, SF. I hope the thieves have moved on to a different hood. My car was broken into. Neighbors on Nextdoor advised me to roll down windows and open interior compartments so jerks will see I have nothing and move along. Maybe a sign in your window that says, No catalytic converter?
It’s a nationwide problem I’m afraid. I don’t know if a sign would help, but you never know.