Buying Tires

I bought some tires today. It used to be easy—go to Sears and they'd slap on some $50 Firestones. Today, buying tires is more complicated than buying toothpaste. There's a ghastly array of categories; brands; traction ratings; tread wear; noise ratings; mounting fees; balance fees; environmental fees; disposal fees; alignment fees; valve stem fees—and, finally, road hazard insurance to cover all of your fees. One tire salesmen told me if I wanted tires that wouldn't result in a horrible accident, I should take out a second mortgage.

In case you were wondering, I settled on the General Altimax RT43's, with Twin Cushion Silica Tread Compound, continuous center ribs, independent tread blocks with sound wave suppression technology, circumferential grooves, and Low Surface Abrasion Technology with spirally-wrapped polyamides. How do I like them? They're black, and smell like rubber. And now—I'm tired.

In other exciting news, I will playing this Saturday afternoon, the 10th, at Retails Thrift Store from 1—3 p.m. Come out for free music and refreshments, shop for Halloween costumes, and proceeds go to our four-legged friends.

I'll also be playing Saturday night (the 10th), from 7 — 9 p.m. at The Rusty Grape Vineyards. Enjoy a full menu of music, beers, wines, and oven-fired entrees and pizza.