The jump-start guy was right, in a way...

The red stuff pictured here is actually anti-corrosion spray.

But the entire gang behind the counter laughed at the notion that running the headlights and the heat would make the battery charge faster.

They're looking at it now.

Oh, give me a brake

The guys at Olin Mott said that the battery is somehow being drained by the anti-lock brake system, and the dealership will have to fix it. And since they're such nice guys, Olin Mott isn't charging me anything for the diagnostic.

So now it's off to the dealership with this thing. The anti-lock brake system's fuse has been removed, so I'm sure the car won't die on the way...

Anti-lock brakes

So. My usual mechanic says that the anti-lock braking circuit is draining the battery. Pulling the fuse for that circuit stops the problem, but disables ABS.

According to the service manager at my garage, ABS is not all that important anyway: it rarely even gets used, and when it does get used, it can often increase your stopping distance. He dislikes ABS, and says that if I have to pay more than $200-300 to get it fixed, he'd suggest not getting it fixed at all -- if nothing else relies on the ABS fuse. If Mazda says that the ABS system can be disabled without causing additional problems, and it's expensive to fix, then the mechanic I trust says "leave the damn thing broken".

The jury is still out. Jodi and I can't make that decision until we have information from the dealership. Speaking in generalities, I'm inclined to take my mechanic at his word. I learned to drive on a car without ABS, and the braking system felt firm and powerful when I tested it on the way to the dealership.

(no subject)

Lindt Excellence 70% Cocoa chocolate is amazing stuff. I got a 1.2-ounce bar of it at Borders tonight for $1.50, and that's a bargain compared to any "candy bar" chocolate I've tasted. It's also a good portion (fewer calories than a soda, only about 10 grams of carbohydrates, and 3 grams of protein), and while I probably could eat more than these eight squares, I imagine it would lose its impact after a while.

I'm told that 85% Cocoa and 99% Cocoa bars are available, but only after a pilgrimage to a Lindt store (the Dolphin Mall in Miami, WestShore Plaza in Tampa). Probably just as well. The uninitiated might find 99% Cocoa unpleasant. Heck, I might, at that. But the 70% is so smoky and supple that I'm looking forward to finding out. If Santa doesn't stick one in my stocking, I'll just have to venture out in January.

(no subject)

I've just finished writing out 33 envelopes with ZIP+4 codes for holiday cards. I still lack information for about a dozen recipients, so there will be more envelopes to address pretty soon. I even used different colors of ink so I'd remember who gets the "Happy Hanukkah" and who gets the "Merry Christmas". Hope I haven't forgotten anyone -- I'd hate to make someone feel bad just when everyone else is setting stuff on fire and participating in feats of strength.