Things I Don't Understand: Vol. 2

When I previously wrote about the things I don't understand, I mentioned my radio's love for the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Now, I must ask about another band which is always harassing me on the radio. Does anyone still like No Doubt? Seriously, are there people out there who can't wait to get their daily fix of "Spiderwebs" or "Underneath it All" and drive home hoping Gwen and the boys will serenade them all the way to their final destination? To be fair, though, I'm usually shocked to learn people ever liked No Doubt at all. Their popularity is one of life's great mysteries.

Also, why are Americans on the Amazing Race so damned annoying? This week, the racers found themselves in Kazakhstan (which, of course, they only knew existed because of Borat). Dan, a frat boy from ASU, was horrified when the Kazakhstani people did not rush to his side to give him help and directions. Uh, newsflash, moron: These people don't speak English! The reason they flee from you in terror is because you are a scary man yelling at them in a language they don't understand, dummy.

Dan, you are a prick. Drew, I secretly like you and your red Jew-fro.

And, who gave the okay to start celebrating Christmas on November 1? I'm really beginning to loathe the gift giving aspect of Christmas. I never know what to buy anyone and I resent the consumer society forcing me to start thinking about others before Thanksgiving (or, more importantly, my birthday) even arrives. There is hope, however. Yesterday, at the mall, I saw Nordstrom is refusing to annoy people and have instead blacked out their windows and posted a sign that says something like, "We believe in one holiday at a time so we won't be decorating for Christmas until Nov. 28th. Happy Thanksgiving." Thank you, Mr. Nordstrom. You are a gentleman and a scholar and you, sir, have my respect.

Finally, is blogging still cool? Friday night, I met a guy who went on and on about his blog (which he posts on Facebook, by the way, so it doesn't even really count) like he was the hero of the universe for comparing Californication to Sex and the City. I didn't mention that I, too, wrote on a weblog from time to time because I already know I'm the hero of the universe. Most surprising was how impressed the girl I was with found this information. Seriously, 50,000 blogs are created every day, none of them very interesting (present company excluded, obvs), and none of them will get me to make out with you.

Can you explain any of these things to me?

Update: I found a picture of the Nordstrom sign from last year. It's exactly the same this year, but with the correct date. Told you I'm not a liar...well, not about that anyway.