What Do You Know?

I have been thinking lately about things we know that we take for granted everyone else knows as well. Things we know so well, we don’t even think about how we know them or when we learned them.

For example, did you know…?

1. You can make a right turn on a red light here in LA (unless there’s a specific sign telling you it’s illegal). I thought everyone knew that — until I sat behind a woman NOT turning right into the parking lot at Target the other day…

2. 3 cars can turn left after a red light here in LA. Now of course this is not legal, but that doesn’t stop everyone from doing it, so you new arrivals, keep it in mind.

3. Bed, Bath and Beyond issues coupons that have a printed expiration date on them — but they actually never expire. And in fact, you can use up to 6 coupons each time you shop. Most of their coupons are for 20% off, but some are for $5 off and lately they’ve issued $10 off coupons.

4. Target puts their clearance items on the back sides of the aisles (in the trade they call them “end caps”). So if you’re shopping for the end-of-the-season bargain, last-one-of-its-kind in the store, take a little stroll around the backs of the aisles. I have found unbelievable deals that way. Related info: 8:30am on a weekday is the best time to shop at Target unless you like big crowds and messy shelves.

5. Gmail is free. (I really thought that one was quite clear, but I was wrong.) It’s totally free — you don’t need to own a computer or pay for internet access to have gmail. If you have a smart phone (I love calling it a smart phone), you can access it that way — or you can go to the library and log in for free. Related news: Yahoo and Hotmail are also free email platforms.

6. Blogging is also free. Blogger.com and WordPress.com are free. Just create an account and start writing. No fees collected, no tolls to pay. Again, I thought that fact was well-known until I was accused of being so rich I could afford to blog. (Stifling gag response.)

7. When you get past the white kleenex and start seeing blue ones, that means the box is almost empty. (This applies to the giant boxes of kleenex I buy at Costco.) At first I thought they were back-filling the blue kleenex into the white boxes, trying to save money — who knows what I was thinking?  But then I realized it was an indication of impending emptiness; time to get out a new box. Thanks for telling me, kleenex box!

8. You can return anything to Costco. ANYTHING. (Well, anything you bought at Costco) Even if you’ve used part of it, lost the receipt, bought it 6 months ago — they don’t care. Their customer service policy is geared towards — wait for it — the Customer. Part of the reason I love them.

9. Target accepts returns without a receipt if you bought the item within 90 days and paid with a credit card. They can “look-up” the receipt electronically. Thank you computer database information storage system!!

10. You’re supposed to ride your bike in the street, hopefully in a bike lane if you have one, but Not on the sidewalk. It’s true, and no matter how many times you yell at me to get out of your way while I’m WALKING on the sdiewalk, it still doesn’t make it right. Ride in the street like you’re supposed to.

Well, I think that’s all I know. I could go into the times tables and weights and measurements, but Nahhh.

I’d rather hear what YOU know. Do tell!