Brad_Jones's Blog

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If you've seen the commercial, you may have wondered -- who would actually park their car or SUV for a week and live on a scooter?

I did it. I AM SCOOTERMAN!

Made the commute to work, went to the store, ran errands for my wife, dropped by to see Mom --- everything! For one week - no car, just a scooter. Why? Mainly to see if it could be done. You can ask the question, but there's no way to find out unless you do it yourself.

I'm like everyone else; tired of high gas prices and searching for an alternative. My wife and I try to combine our trips and I have changed my driving style to be more fuel efficient. Still, its tough to pay $80 to $100 for a tank of gasoline. A lot of people are willing to do anything to get some relief, and they're finding a scooter can do a lot of those trips as easily as the gas hog!

Watch our Scooterman stories this week and find out more about how to make the transition.

What about you? Could you park your car and live on a scooter? Or do you have to have A/C and your favorite music on the morning commute? Is it worth it to give up a few comforts to cut your gas bill by 75% or more?

When you go shopping - you're making a choice with each item that goes into your cart.  For most people, price is their first concern (now more than ever!).  But there are a lot of other things that go into your buying decision - size of the container, whether you've used the product before, advertising, even whether its environmentally friendly.  That last criteria is the subject of a story you'll see Tuesday night on the FOX 8 10:00 News ... greenwashing!  

Some manufacturers make claims about their products being a safe choice that's good for the earth.  Most of those claims are legitimate - some are not.  Those companies know people will pay a little more to feel good about the product they're using - so if they can stick a green label or green sticker on the package, they'll probably sell more to consumers.  Marketers calling it "greenwashing".

Environmentalists don't like it - because it takes attention away from legitimate products that are made to a higher standard.  Now the federal government is looking at new rules that would require companies to back up their claims.

What do you think ... have you ever seen a product label "lie" to you?  Do you shop for greener, more environmentally friendly products?  

If you're looking for the truth behind the label - how to find out if you've been greenwashed - watch our story tonight (Tuesday) at 10:00. 

How much is it worth to be comfortable?

 

At least one airline thinks its worth five bucks - US Airways will begin offering air travelers the option of paying extra for an aisle or window seat.  For five dollars, you can make sure you avoid the center seat (which often means less leg and elbow room).  That's five dollars per ticket, so it would mean twice as much for a round trip.

 

When a lot of families buy a car, they're willing to pay more for a bigger model.  They need more room!  So is a five dollar charge too much to ask when airlines are facing tough times?  US Airways is upfront about the reason for the extra charge... they're paying more for fuel and have to find small ways to increase revenue.

 

Is extra comfort worth the cost, or would you put up with a little discomfort to save some cash?  I love to save money, but I think I would pay the five bucks and stretch my legs....

 

What do you think?

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We have a story in our newscast this morning about your right to keep and bear arms - its guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. However, there's one place where you can't carry a firearm... inside a National Park. The only people who can carry a loaded weapon are park rangers. What do you think? Should your rights extend to all places? Or in a time of increased national security should we all accept fewer liberties? What do you think?


Click image to watch the story

Sometimes all you need is a little wind in your hair to clear out the cobwebs...

Up early Saturday morning to head north. Destination Pinnacle. Bought an item off Ebay a few weeks ago, and it turns out I knew the guy selling it. It would be a shame to ship it from Pinnacle to Greensboro, so I told him I would just stop by and see him. Around 7 AM, hit the highway, Steely Dan in the CD player (Can't Buy a Thrill, Royal Scam - makes the miles erode).

Observation #1 - don't speed. I saw a total of 5 cars pulled over. Its all about the trip, not when you get there.

Observation #2 - windows down. After far too hot temperatures for far too long, 78 degrees feels wonderful.

Arrive in Pinnacle and spend an hour catching up on old times with David. We go through home remodeling, the state of retailing in America, and so on. It was good to see him, but the road is calling.

I wander back toward the Triad with another stop at the Farmer's Market for some 'maters and flowers. Sunflowers by the way; my lovely wife will be happy. Also a stroll through the General Greene AACA Car Show. Chat with some friends there, stop to visually caress the curves and chrome of some wonderful American classics. Most are nice driving machines but a few are truly stunning - quality restorations that show a lot of care and patience. Its always inspiring to see someone else's pride and joy.

Then home by 11 AM ... a sublime morning on the road.

We lead an interesting life. Mostly due to the places we go and the people we meet. As a friend of mine once told me, "to breathe the priviledged air". That happened this week when I had the opportunity to talk with a couple of our local representatives - Mel Watt from the 12th District, and Virginia Foxx from the 5th District.

Watt was returning to the district to hold a town hall meeting and spend a few days talking with constituents and trading places with them by doing their jobs. Foxx had just returned from a trip to visit US Troops in the war zone and had some impressions on how things are going over there.

While I had a chance to talk with both Watt and Foxx about their latest endeavors, I was struck by something else. They're both pretty engaging to listen to. I would also add Howard Coble to the mix. Although he wasn't on the guest list this week, Howard has developed a reputation over the years as someone who is never at a loss for words.

I know that we get discouraged sometimes by the news out of Washington and tend to lump politicians in the same basket with crooks and traveling salesmen. That's not the case.

These folks are well versed on the issues, especially international news and how it affects people in their district. They're in touch. They seem to be pretty good listeners. Of course, that's their job and its why we elect them, but in a pretty cynical world its refreshing to find that we have people like that representing us.

Politics aside, they are interesting to listen to. I'm sure that a prepared speech on the floor of the US House can drone on, but one on one, they could be quite the party guest.

Now if they would only bring a side dish...