The closest thing you're likely to find to a perpetual MONEY machine.

Just got back from a new-to-me traffic court. I pulled in to the smallish parking lot behind it, and saw what might be the most amazing stroke of punitive brilliance I have ever encountered.

They start court at 4, but from my experience with such things, that means you'd better be there by 3:30 if you want a prayer of getting out before 6. The entire car park is either cordoned off for cop cars or labeled "ONE HOUR PARKING 9 AM-5 PM."

Now moi? Attorneys get their cases called first. I was in and out in record time, with a decent result for the client, even, so I beat the hour with plenty to spare. But the substantial crop of ordinary folk who got there before or just after me? Shooting parking tickets in a barrel, if the cops or meter maids are mean enough to do it.

----

Leaving soon for my weekly upper body workout. We'll be doing the Schwarzenegger routine from ten years ago:

* Lateral raises in front of gym shorts;

* Presses;

* Lunges;

and, nine months later or so,

* Shrugs.