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06/10/2008: "NASCAR Heaven"

As I settle in here in lovely central Georgia, I'm starting to notice certain trends.

The first thing you need to know about this place is that this is truly NASCAR country. I can't tell you the number of businesses I've seen for the first time that I already know because they sponsor a car - Cracker Barrel stores, BB&T Bank, Zaxby's Restaurant, Aaron's Rent-To-Own - and the list goes on. Looks like NASCAR is pretty good for getting brand recognition. It's also worth noting that I haven't stopped at any of them, so maybe it's not that good an investment ...

Another curious thing is the large number of businesses you don't normally see. There's a lot of pawn businesses - mostly to pawn your car - but that makes a little sense. This is a proud area, but hardly an affluent one. At least that shows that the folks are committed to paying their debts, as opposed to skipping off to BK like in SoCal.

The other thing you see way too many of is ... Japanese steakhouses? There's like a half dozen of them just on the main drag in Warner Robins. I ate at one tonight, and it was pretty good, but I can't imagine the large number of them - is this Georgia's Little Tokyo or something? Inquiring minds want to know.

It's been a good trip so far, with business going well. The only real disappointment was when I stopped at the Bruester's Ice Cream Store next to the hotel, just to find they're out of peach. Hello - Georgia Peach? Isn't it against state law to run out???

For the geeks in the crowd, you can download this file and use it in Google Earth to see exactly where I am - right down to the sweltering trailer. Just run the file from the link, extract the file in the ZIP file, and double-click it to open Google Earth. What? You don't use Google Earth - only the coolest free program in the world? Download it now, man!