Don't Pass Me By

"... Don't make me cry, don't make me blue."

So pleaded Ringo Starr in his first solo composition back in 1968. So, too, sang dozens of aluminum cans nestled in recycling bins along my running route today. But I ignored their siren call, believing that it wouldn't be right to build my collection by swiping from the curbside bins. (That attitude may change.) In part it seems like stealing. Sure, the residents who put them out don't want to cash in, but as aluminum is the only recyclable that pays its own way, it would be cutting in on the recycler's profits. Not to defend the "big" company, but if recycling is less profitable, it might go by the wayside.

As it is, I gathered up 10 cans from the ground, so that's something. And the Chevy truck hub cover I spotted in front of Churchill Junior High on Monday was still there, though it had been moved -- some kid probably investigated and tossed it aside. The bulky, sturdy-looking cover is made of high-impact plastic. Its composition led me to ponder: "Like a Rock" vs. "Built Ford Tough." The Ford hubcap I found in mid-November is made of metal. It's dinged and scuffed, but I'll bet it would withstand more abuse than the plastic part from Chevrolet. Probably that's a moot point; what matters is that both were dislodged from their wheels, so maybe the toughness needs to go into the attachment mechanics.

It was quite a haul today. Mostly trash stuff, but interesting tidbits nonetheless. I find I am still compelled to pick up losing lottery tickets in hopes that they're eligible for a second chance drawing. I guess if nothing else I'm clearing a little bit of litter from the streets of my hometown.

Today's Stats

Temp: 27 degrees F

Distance: 6.22 miles

Weekly Total: 11.6 miles

Treasure: 1 child's mitten, blue camo pattern; 1 Chevy pickup hubcap; 1 No. 2 pencil from Staples; 1 plastic shower curtain ring; 1 Master padlock (maybe I can get a key for it); 2 Holiday Cash Illinois Lottery scratch-off tickets (losers); 1 plastic bubble container from a gumball/prize machine; 1 black nylon "do-rag"; 1 black sun-visor CD holder by Bell; 1 plastic shopping bag from Bergner's.

iPod Playlist (shuffle)

18 Wheeler - Pink

Tell Me What You See - The Beatles

And It Spread - The Avett Brothers

Caring Is Creepy - The Shins

Let The Day Begin - The Call

Three Is A Magic Number - Blind Melon

And A Bang On The Ear - The Waterboys

The Only Living Boy In New York - Simon & Garfunkel

Vera - Pink Floyd

Captain Jack - Billy Joel

Werewolves Of London - Warren Zevon

Poor, Poor, Pitiful Me - Warren Zevon

Mr. Jones - Counting Crows

And So It Goes - Billy Joel

An Innocent Man - Billy Joel

Bed of Lies - Matchbox Twenty