I have seen some choice graffiti in my time, but this is a new one on me. Sure beats all that stupid garbage about sitting on the toilet broken-hearted.



I found it scratched into a metal bistro table on Rutgers' College Avenue campus in New Brunswick, NJ. Apparently, from what I can tell, it's the Kool-Aid guy ( ) in drag. Note the fishnet stockings and high heels. Sweet.

I guess the artist almost got caught because the requisite "Ohh YEAHHHHHH" caption is unfinished.

Also, when I emailed the photo to someone, freaky old G-mail suggested some sponsored links, including this interesting one:

Do people really use that stuff? I can't tell if the Kool-Aid guy does or not.

OK, so I'm no tree-hugger, and I know some (e:strip)pers don't give a damn about the suburbs, but this story in the Buffalo News reminds me of some of the crap I was so happy about leaving behind in New Jersey.

Developer back to cut down foliage
Amherst officials say work appears to be legal

Amherst's foliage is on the chopping block - again.

Chain saws sputtered to life Thursday afternoon, clearing underbrush and felling more than 100 small trees in a Wehrle Drive plot owned by developer William Huntress. But while residents on nearby Bellingham Drive fretted over losing their backyard woodland, town officials assured residents that the developer's men appeared to be within legal bounds.

"We're just taking down all the trees that we are legally able to do," Huntress said.

Hey, why not? They're there, right? Who the fuck needs trees? Useless obstacles to creating a new vacant lot or something. This guy's got some nerve... Oh! But I'm just some sort of wacko environmentalist, right? And this developer is actually just doing what he needs to do to make a living, right? Read on:

Area homeowners were variously incensed and saddened by the renewed clearing.

"This is a spite cut," said Bellingham resident Ann Suchyna. "He [Huntress] will just destroy for the point of destroying."

"If Ann wants a park in her back yard, she should have moved in behind one," Huntress said.

OK, so maybe a little he-said, she-said bickering. They're probably both wrong. But remember the developer's snotty remark, OK? It's important. Now, keep going:

Construction of an office building on the site has long been stalled over a 1983 agreement between the town and the EPA, which forbids wetlands developers from connecting with the town's sewer line. Huntress' company, Acquest Wehrle LLC, which took over the land in 1997, has since sought a waiver from the regulation, but support from the Amherst Town Board has been tough to come by.

"There's no approval to build any kind of building on that property," [Amherst Assistant Building Commissioner F. Robert] Danni emphasized.

So wait... lemme see if I've got this straight... the developer bought the land 14 years AFTER the town's agreement with the EPA to preserve the wetlands area, and NOW he's complaining because the town won't give him a waiver to build an office building in that area? You've got to be kidding me.

I say, hey there asshole, if you wanted to build an office building, you should have bought property that's connectable to the town sewer line!

Ugh. For any of you who is sensitive to foul language or who has a developer in your family, I apologize if I've gone too far. But these bully tactics are total garbage, and no one should level a wooded area just because they're having a temper tantrum because they didn't do their own damn homework!

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUGH

I'm not really a vindictive person, but this really burns my ass:



For those who don't want to click over to the article, Ken Lay died of a coronary at his VACATION HOME in ASPEN.

Couldn't this prick suffer just a LITTLE for what he did to employees of and investors in Enron, not to mention the poor suckers in California and elsewhere who got to pay for this man's underhanded financial bullcrap?

Goddammit.

Weird article from the NYTimes (6/25/06):

Basically the article is written by a woman who, after getting frustrated with her good husband's annoying habits, decided to take a lesson from the people who train exotic zoo and water park animals. Apparently men can be trained after all...?!

I guess I'm posting the link basically to bait (e:chicoschica) (nice new pic, chica!) into some sort of a reaction, but I also couldn't resist the tangential connection to the marriage discussion revolving around (e:dragonlady7,37) .

I'm tempted to be insulted by the article but I think (like the husband in the article) I'm more amused than irritated. Hell, I even laughed out loud at one point -- an unlikely event when I'm reading the NYTimes. haha

Now that we've ostensibly found a place -- don't want to jinx anything here, but let's assume for argument's sake that the 3 br upper with a view of Delaware Park is going to happen (seems like all systems "go") -- we are facing the next big step: figuring out a moving plan. We're fortunate enough to have assurances of help with moving expenses, so we might be able to afford a professional mover instead of a big U-haul... what a luxury! But also, apparently, a potentially huge pain in the ass.

All of the how-to sites about choosing a mover emphasize getting recommendations from people you know, so...once again, beautiful and generous people of (e:strip), help!! Have you done an interstate move (or are you close with someone who has recently done one)? If so, can you recommend a moving company for us to check out? We'd be most grateful for your reco's. We can do all the follow up work (ICC #, AMSA certification, etc.), we're just looking for companies that people have had good experiences with.

Alternatively, I'm thinking PODS ...anyone use them before? Good/bad/ugly?

Thanks (e:peeps)....

Just read in the Buffalo News about a grocer who lived meagerly and gave away his fortunes to the needy and to deserving causes. Below is some irresponsible blogging...more like theft...but surely worth reading. I don't know about you, but I could stand to be more like Waldemar.

Waldemar Kaminski, who quietly ran a food stand in Broadway Market for more than 50 years, has been revealed to be a self-made millionaire and philanthropist who anonymously gave millions to Buffalo charities and neighbors in need. He died at home Wednesday night from complications of a long illness. He was 88.

"He didn't want anyone to know him, but I just had to thank him," said Anne Gioia, co-founder of the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, to which Kaminski donated several million dollars. "Now I think we should shout it from the rooftops."

He lived in a modest flat and didn't really buy much at all. He squirreled away his profits and shared them liberally with people and organizations in Buffalo.

Kaminski gave so much to so many that it's difficult to quantify just how much he's given. He donated millions to Roswell Park - including $1 million for an endowed chair in pediatrics and $1 million to build a two-acre park on the institute's campus.
He gave handsomely to other groups as well, including the Father Baker Home, the Salvation Army, Hilbert College and Camp Good Days and Special Times. He even helped neighboring families with mortgage payments, college tuition and lines of credit at his stand.
"It wasn't a handout. He was supportive and helped them maintain their dignity," said one of his nieces, Marsha Kaminski of Oakland, Calif.
"If they were helping themselves, he wanted to help, too," Eller said.
His gifts were kept quiet both because of his deeply humble nature and for his personal safety. Kaminski had been beaten and robbed several times over the years, and publicly revealing his wealth would only make him a larger target.
But now that he has died, no one who knew him is holding their tongue. The green space he helped create will be named "Kaminski Park" in his honor.

Good show, old man.

I'm really stunned right now. A friend -- not a close friend, but a guy I've known via the conference circuit for quite a few years now and one of my first contacts in Buffalo -- just died yesterday.

Paul S. was just 38 years old. Professor at UB, leaves behind a wife. I have no idea what the circumstances of his death were, just that he's gone.

Paul S. was a real advocate of the city of Buffalo -- he grew up in Buffalo and after completing his graduate studies he came back.

When I was deciding between Atlanta and Buffalo, I asked Paul S. for his help, and he wrote the following:

Buffalo is an awesome place to live -- way underrated by those who have never spent much time here. Cost of living is low, traffic a dream, food and restaurants excellent, good schools, several universities and colleges, pro sports in hockey and football (and Triple A in baseball), excellent theater and museums, Canada
just a few miles away, the lakes are great in the summer, good skiing a half hour away and great skiing an hour away (with easy access, low prices, and night skiing to boot!), very user friendly airport, some very hip and artsy areas. Most of our incoming faculty really dig it. [Name withheld] has turned down a
number of job offers over the years because he loves the area so much (he grew up and went to university in NYC).

Maybe less gritty and ultra-realistic than kookcity's brilliant love letter to Buffalo (e:kookcity2000,21) , but certainly written with conviction. And it helped convince me that Buffalo was worth moving to...which I still believe, despite all the bad shit about Buffalo that I hear and read.

Anyway, this isn't really about Buffalo, it's really about Paul S. I'm deeply saddened at the loss his death imposes on his wife, family, friends, UB faculty and staff, and UB students. And Paul, I'm sorry that we couldn't get to Buffalo soon enough to share a meal with you and your wife before your untimely passing.

Rest in peace, Paul.

In the interest of science, and (e:paul)'s degree, here are my answers to his (e:strip) survey (see (e:news,874) ) ....

People:

1. How did you find out about/why did you become of estrip?

Honestly, I don't recall. When I took a job in Buffalo I started a vigorous online search for all things Buffalo to get a sense of the local scene. Probably a Google search of "Elmwood strip" and maybe links from other Buffalo related sites?

2. How "out" are you about having a publicly accessible online journal. Do your friends know? Does your family know? Do your co-workers know? Does your boss know? Do you use your real name? Do you use your real photo?

I've told people about "the online blogging community" and my contact with (e:peeps) but I'm pretty sure no one except my partner knows that I write journal entries. I avoid using my real name on the site, but occasionally share it with (e:peeps) via email. Photo is real, but my face is partially obscured.

3. How many epeeps have you met real life?

None yet - but I'm looking forward to it when we move to Buffalo!

4. How has estrip changed the way that you meet people, on and/or off line?

It has definitely improved the speed of making social connections in a new city - correspondence with one (e:peep) seems to lead inevitably to a connection with a second and a third, etc.

5. How has estrip affected you love life?

Not at all - (e:chico) and (e:chicoschica) still a happy team with no new members. ;-)

6. How many of your friends have joined estrip because of your influence?

One - (e:chicoschica) ... I don't think she knew about the site until I joined and started talking about it.

7. Are you from Buffalo/do you live in Buffalo?
No/Not yet... August 2006

Equipment:

1. What type of hardware or software purchases have you made as a result of using estrip?

None, but because of (e:strip) I would consider looking into mobile internet technology. Was already using Firefox on my PC before (e:strip).

2. Have you used the mobile version of estrip? Why or why not?

No-- technology-deficient and motivation-deficient at the moment.


Lifestyle:

1. In what way has estrip changed your Internet surfings habits? Describe the amount of time you spend on estrip, when you use it and about how long?

I find interesting links from (e:strip)pers ... (e:kara) in particular has made some good suggestions. I spend less time looking at online newspapers and more time looking at (e:peeps)' journals...
I try to look at (e:strip) every day... probably [choke] three times a day at least, once in morning, once at lunch, once at coffee break time in afternoon (3pm), occasionally in the evenings. Probably altogether 1-2 hours per day, though the novelty hasn't worn off yet. :-)

1a. How many journals do you usually read per day?
Maybe 4-5...I try not to miss (e:jenks) , (e:hodown) , and (e:mrmike) among others

2. In what ways has estrip changed the way you perceive your local community?

Hasn't really changed the way I see my current local community in NJ, but because of (e:strip) I feel like (e:chicoschica) and I are moving to Buffalo with a ready-made network of friendly acquaintances who seem ready to help us settle in to our new city.

3. How has journaling about your life affected the way you spend your free time?

Yes, slightly... now I'm more likely to journal than to watch horrible garbage on TV. Also, when I see an interesting article online, I think about recording my thoughts and posting them online.

4. Has estrip changed your living situation in any way?

Not yet...but the (e:peeps) are doing their best to help us find new digs!

5. Do you find that you mediate/document more of your experiences now that you share them with others?

Yes, to a small degree - probably will increase with time

6. Has publishing on estrip affected the way that write?

No, I think I use the same awkward combination of proper English and text-msg-type shortcuts as I would with G-mail chat, AIM, etc.

7. Do you have other online journals? If so, with what service and has estrip affected your usage of that journal?

No/NA

8. Have you ever gotten in trouble for using estrip at work?

No, but I should.

9. If you have stopped using estrip, why?

NA

Well, kids, we may be nearing the finish line of the apartment search. On the basis of (e:libertad) 's tip, we have a new top contender. True, it doesn't have fancy new appliances (although the fridge is new). Nor does it have an open garage spot (teasingly, it has a garage but no spot - but there is off-street parking in the driveway). The kitchen is sort of small, definitely not eat-in. And the stovetop is electric (groan). Finally, it's not within easy walking distance of Elmwood.

So what makes this place at all attractive?

Location. Despite the Elmwood problem, the place is literally across the street from Delaware Park, and, more importantly, is less than 10 minutes' walk from my office - which is HUGE because the parking situation at work is dismal. So this would eliminate my need for a car, at least to get to and from work. Sweet!

Neighborhood. Apparently quiet. We like it quiet.

Second floor unit. Ah yes, no one walking above us, and a single older gentleman on the first floor. Did I mention that we like it quiet?

Amenities. Screened in sunroom in the front of the house that looks over the 198 through to the edge of the park. Rear sunroom with 11 windows and a southern exposure. Both have French doors to the living areas of the flat. Dining room with nicely detailed walls and a ceiling fan. Living room with ornate windows on either side of the decorative fireplace. Excellent hardwood floors throughout. A (admittedly tiny) half-bath off the master bedroom. Washer and dryer in the basement. Storage in the attic.

OK, so it's not Shangri-La, but it is three bedrooms and two sunrooms within easy walking distance of work, park, and Metro stop, with off-street parking, for $800 + utilities.

And the landlord lives in the house behind this one - no absentee landlord here.

So I think we may have a new frontrunner.

But...

...did I mention the 2+ bdrm for $975 including heat and a garage spot on Lexington between Elmwood and Delaware? hmmmmmmm...


Anyway, here are some pics of the place near the park that a colleague of mine graciously provided:

Living room, with a glimpse of the foyer:


Living room, with a glimpse of the front sunroom


One half of the kitchen (dw and pantry not shown)


Full bath:


Master BR and little 1/2 bath:


View of the street, the 198, and the edge of Delaware Park:


The rear of the house, w/sunroom visible above:


Thanks, J.O.! And also (e:libertad) . :-)

So the apartment hunt goes on... we're looking into a lead from (e:libertad) that's pretty promising -- an apt overlooking Delaware Park and a short walk to work, w/ off st pkg for (e:chicoschica) -- and we've got someone checking it out for us this weekend. Also, we're still in the mix for the pretty apartment with the open floor plan and garage on Gates Circle (see pics below).

Not sure about W Utica, it's a great apt but we're a touch apprehensive about the first floor issue...and I've had trouble getting ahold of the landlord this week (ever since I asked if we could talk to the first floor tenant about why she's moving upstairs).

I just heard back from a guy about an apt (another first floor, damn) on the 200 block of Ashland Ave (between Hodge and W Utica). Here's the skinny:

big 3+ BR
lg foyer
frml DR
big EIK, not fully updated but clean; fridge+range included (no dw)
pantry
BRs are on small side
HW floors
1 garage spot in garage at end of L-shaped lot to side/behind house
locking garage door (not automatic though, no power to garage)
rear entrance to house
snow removal and yard maintenance included
furnaces less than 5 yrs old
W/D (for first floor tenant)
alarm available, tenant pays monitoring
attic storage available, basement too if wanted

rent 850 +utils

sorry no pics of Ashland...maybe forthcoming...

Anyway, if (e:libertad)'s lead works out, we'll probably go with that. It will mean driving to meet you guys on Elmwood, but I promise we'll make the trip. :-)


Gates Circle pix...