"Hungover already?" written by James on estrip.org

05/07/08 09:14 - 54ºF - ID#44267

Hungover already?

Last weekend I was in Premier and exclaimed "Oh my god! Swiss wine? That has to be terrible!" and picked up a bottle. A pinot noir with a label that looks like a Marsden Hartley treatment of the Swiss flag.

Well, it was terrible. It tasted like jammy prison hooch. So much so I was picking phantom raspberry seeds from my teeth and a drug offenders penis from places lower. An hour after my single glass I am hungover.

Take it away Kids!

Permalink: Hungover_already_.html
Words: 92
Location: Buffalo, NY

05/07/08 09:24 - 61ºF - ID#44261

Good News, Better News.

Hi,

This isn't about politics for the most part. It is about my next favorite topic, me. So last night, my man did better than all of the polls predicted except one, and that polling place has a horrible track record. But then, I was reading this morning and I took a look at my bookmark. It is a letter from the bank with my student loans. As it turns out, I owe about 20,000 less than I thought. Which means my monthly payments are about half what I thought they would be.

I am so happy this morning.

Kisses,

-James

Permalink: Good_News_Better_News_.html
Words: 100
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: politics

05/06/08 02:21 - 62ºF - ID#44254

She Beat John McCain in a Shot Contest

Not having any legitimate arguments as to why she should still be in the race or why her opponent is unfit to lead camp Clinton offers a new argument:

Hillary Clinton is the Only Candidate Who Can Drink John McCain Under the Table

Is this the funniest moment of the campaign, or the saddest?

Permalink: She_Beat_John_McCain_in_a_Shot_Contest.html
Words: 73
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: politics

05/06/08 12:19 - 59ºF - ID#44253

Stop Interviewing Stupid People, Please.

Why do they do it?

With this extended primary season I have spent many a Tuesday listening to the radio while at work. It is still way too early in the day for the news to be able to report anything, but they do anyway. They talk to someone from each candidate's office, they chat with someone from the state's election committee, and then they interview the most uninteresting people on the planet.

This is the person who says something like "I am voting for Barack Obama because it is time we had an African American president." or "Hillary Clinton. I think a woman president is overdue." or "I don't know who to vote for, I am torn."

1) Yes, getting a black man in office will be revolutionary. Any black man. As long as they are black.

2) Men are from Mars and women are from Venus. Mars is the god of war, and so a woman will get us out of Iraq.

3) You aren't sure yet? You do know this primary has been running for over half a year, right? Were you in a coma or something and just woke up?

But these are the people who invariable get interviewed for their 'man at the poll' sound clip. Why do they feel the need to do this. When there is a story about pork contamination they don't ask random people for their opinions on hot dogs.

ugh, can this election be over now?

Permalink: Stop_Interviewing_Stupid_People_Please_.html
Words: 243
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: gym

04/29/08 02:37 - 47ºF - ID#44185

Allentown Athletix: Part the Fifth

Hi,

The final figures are in. First, Bill and Pete at Allentown Athletix are both a pleasure to work with. If they google AA and find this journal, thank you guys, you kick several flavors of ass.

It will work to $299 in one payment or $50 for six months. That is still a $170 savings. Again, it is preferred that a payment in full is made.

So, you may sign your souls over to me via this final head count. This is starting to feel like an elementary school field trip with all this counting.

Me
Jim
Paul
Terry (I am going to assume yes because Paul is in)
Fing
Dave
Yvonne
Steve! (Thanks for joining us)
Mike (?)
Chico

So, confirm and we can get started.

Permalink: Allentown_Athletix_Part_the_Fifth.html
Words: 124
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: mom

04/29/08 10:46 - 40ºF - ID#44182

My mom

My mom works a crazy job. I have no idea what it is. She has been working there since the mid 70's and although she has no college degree her peers have PhD's in computer science. So, they put a lot of demands on her including frequent international conference calls.

Today she called me in the middle of both our busy work days to be reassured, once again, that Hillary Clinton wont be the nominee. This is about the seventh time she has called in a panic. I did the right thing. I sat her down, told her to breath, and had her look at CNN's election page. We looked at the delegate counter together. With their delegate calculator I showed her that even if she wins the remaining states she is still behind.

It was a forty minute conversation, interrupted occasionally because she was on a conference call with people in Atlanta, Sacramento, and India and needed to check in on them.

But, at the end she felt much better and was breathing normally.

I love her.

Permalink: My_mom.html
Words: 178
Location: Buffalo, NY

04/26/08 01:38 - 76ºF - ID#44154

Allentown Athletix: Part the Fourth

Awesome,

This is awesome. This afternoon I met with Pete, Allentown Atheltix's representative. He gave us what I think is a really sweet deal.

Normal fees for a year long membership payed in full are
$449 plus a $20 activation fee: $469.

A group of seven people (the original figure I gave him)
$299, no activation fee.

So we save $170.

That includes their fitness classes:
Abs, Ju Jitsu, Pilates, Yoga, Belly Dancing and QUEEN CITY ROLLER GIRL EXPERIENCE WITH MIA MAULER. How awesome is that?

The would like a single payment for membership. We have not determined when this would start yet, that is depending on when we are all ready to go. I would like to do this by June 1st though.

If a single payment cannot be made you would pay $50 every month of six months. If you chose this and miss a payment or stop the rest of the group picks up your tab. Which would make us all very angry. So, I too would prefer a single payment for as many people as possible.

Next year, when we are due to renew, chances are we can get the same rate provided rates in general do not increase, which they do every two years. Last time they went up by $20 a year.

Finally, he was expecting a list of 7 people. When I gave him a list of 12 people he was a little surprised. So, our rates may go down a little more.

So, I will wait until next weekend. When they contact me regarding the final rate and ask for a show of hands again. So rest those hands up kidos.

kisses,

-James

chico writes at 09:57:15 04/05/09 - Comment #47347: Sweet. Thanks (e:james) !!

james writes at 09:48:39 04/05/09 - Comment #47346: I can't recall how much the new one is. But the increase was less than $50. It might have been $25

libertad writes at 09:38:50 04/05/09 - Comment #47342: I want to renew mine. Did you say it would be $50 more?

james writes at 09:33:43 04/05/09 - Comment #47339: Well, I will be organizing a renewal drive (e:chico). Even if I have to co-opt a bunch of others to still get it.

chico writes at 09:29:12 04/05/09 - Comment #47338: I've not been the best (e:strip)per this year, but am hoping the discounted rate still applies upon renewal... I like Allentown Athletix a lot and plan to re-up.

paul writes at 08:28:11 04/05/09 - Comment #47337: Are you rejoining this year? Looking at their site, (e:terry), (e:matthew) and I would have got about the same deal for a 3 person family plan. I think we are going to take time off for the summer and maybe buy a machine. Not sure yet but its coming up soon.

james writes at 08:40:40 04/29/08 - Comment #34513: YIPPY SKIPPY!

libertad writes at 09:49:37 04/28/08 - Comment #34493: So it turns out that I can afford to go. After prepaying all my bills there is still money left over. (I seriously have changed a lot of financial karma) Can't swing the entire year membership all at once at the moment. I can definitely pay over a six month period. I would like to look at the equipment first and would also like to go after I get out of work to see how busy it is. Can I call him to set up a time to come for a visit?

I think that I am so used to going with out, that I automatically decided that I can't afford it.

libertad writes at 01:41:54 04/27/08 - Comment #34463: That does sound like a good deal, but I think that my mystery friend and I are not going to take part. With my expenses going up quite a bit I think that I will stick with Buff state. If you need more people though I could send out an email to the people in my office and someone might want to join since Allentown is so close. Just let me know and I will send it asap.

dragonlady7 writes at 06:58:21 04/27/08 - Comment #34451: THE QUEEN CITY ROLLERGIRL EXPERIENCE WITH MIA MAULER is a lot of fun, actually. (I really like how that's all in caps.) It involves no roller derby and no hitting of other people. It's really intense, though-- lots of cardio, a bunch of kickboxing, some weight training (low weight high reps type stuff, so more for strength/toning than for bulk), and then my personal favorite, power yoga.
But the best part is all the cracking wise Mia does, and of course the glitteringly clever Knockouts (and occasional Saucy and I don't know why no Dollies ever come) who show up and expose themselves er I mean, yell obscenities, er, I mean, um, work out.
I was meaning to join the gym too but I can do that under the QCRG's group rate so I'll do that instead. But I'd be happy to work out with you guys some time if you start a mutual-reminder-social event type thing.

paul writes at 04:41:40 04/26/08 - Comment #34438: If you want to move close rot number one on that search, put your journal with a creative title in your fav links list and post the link to the chat. That usually bumps it up a couple.

james writes at 04:31:03 04/26/08 - Comment #34436: No, (e:Paul), you rock.

fing: racquetball scares the bajesus out of me, but you could get me to play a game of squash. I have never played squash or injured by it, thus I am willing to play.

In order to play racquetball you have to make a reservation, and you will get that info when all is signed for. But the WNY Racetball Association plays ever monday night, so you should think about playing with them.

Imk: Allentown Athletic field trip! I love it. And thanks for the heads up, I will let them know when we chat next. ^_^

imk2 writes at 04:27:47 04/26/08 - Comment #34434: btw, your journal is the fifth search result when you google allentown athletix. you should let them know that when negotiating the discount. let them know that their generosity is providing them with free advertisement.

imk2 writes at 04:25:43 04/26/08 - Comment #34433: this so awesome, i'm totally in. i just need you guys to promise that you all will MAKE me go. because i know that i wont want to. so i need you all to nag me and force me to go. are we all going to go together to work out? like have workout field trips to allentown athletix?

fing writes at 04:07:51 04/26/08 - Comment #34432: James thanks for doing all the leg work. I have been trying to figure out what to do with my Gym membership and wishing it was closer to work. Maybe we should have an (e:strip) racquetball tournament. :)

paul writes at 04:00:13 04/26/08 - Comment #34431: That is so awesome - you rock (e:james).

Permalink: Allentown_Athletix_Part_the_Fourth.html
Words: 272
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: gym

04/25/08 03:58 - 71ºF - ID#44140

Allentown Athletix: Part the Third

Aloha children,

I have a meeting with Bill Mahr from Allentown Althetix tomorrow. We will be going over our options, so I will have ideas about costs and stipulations and what not. So I will fill you folks in on the details tomorrow sometime.

He wants a list of names of people interested. They don't do high pressure sales like Buffalo Athletic Club so he wouldn't use any info to leave voice messages begging you to take a tour.

Here are my beloved (e:peeps) so far:

Paul
Terry
Imk
Mike
Libertad
Libertad's mystery friend
Chico
Felly
Mr.Fing
Lauren

if you are not on this list, your coolness is slightly diminished.

-James

edit* You are all still members of the cool kids club. Each and everyone of you whether your name is on this list of not.

I love you all.

Permalink: Allentown_Athletix_Part_the_Third.html
Words: 142
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: gym

04/24/08 07:21 - 68ºF - ID#44130

Allentown Athletic part the second

Howdy,

I just heard back from someone at Allentown Athletix. They would be willing to do a group rate if we commit to a year long membership. He would like to schedule a meeting. So, I am looking to get a more accurate head count. If you responded in my last journal, bug your boy friends/girl friends/life chums/what ever the heck you have so I can give him a more definite number. The meeting wouldn't be until next week sometime, but get back to me.

People who have expressed interest:

Paul
Felly
Imk
Mike
Chico
Terry
Libertad
Libertad's mystery non-blogging friend

Let me know kids

james writes at 03:46:33 04/25/08 - Comment #34396: marvelous! I will add her to the list

libertad writes at 03:31:11 04/25/08 - Comment #34394: I have a friend that might want to join in too, but she isn't the type to blog, so I don't think she would join estrip.

james writes at 03:24:10 04/25/08 - Comment #34392: Don't worry about it Dave. It is a filthy world we live in. ^_^

Terry: AWESOME!

terry writes at 10:31:34 04/25/08 - Comment #34377: I am officially down with putting my name on the list for group membership info.

libertad writes at 09:12:30 04/24/08 - Comment #34369: Sorry about my last comment. Didn't think of how you are trying to get people to join and I guess it did seem like I could be implying that there was shit smeared in the lockers at Allentown, but yes I was referring to Buff State.

james writes at 08:21:19 04/24/08 - Comment #34367: ya, I know cost might be a factor for a number of people. That is why I want to drop a large bundle of people on their lap.

And just in case anyone didn't get that "shit smeared on the locker doors" line, the men's locker room at Buff State are pretty filthy. The facility director assured me that it was "chew", which they only ever cleaned a portion of.

But Mike, I will see if I can make an exception for you.

mike writes at 08:16:18 04/24/08 - Comment #34366: if there is nothing smeared on the locker room doors, than I am not in!

libertad writes at 07:53:39 04/24/08 - Comment #34365: I didn't see the first part. Guess I'm having a hard time keeping up lately. I would be interested but definitely based on cost. Buff state has real cheep membership for alumni, but their hours are not great for me. I like Allentown's 3 months for $99 deal, but that is one time only. Actually I would love to due that during the summer/spring/early fall season every year and do Buff State the rest of the year. If you could bring that up to him that would be awesome. So can you also make sure there is no shit smeared on the locker doors? That would be great.

Permalink: Allentown_Athletic_part_the_second.html
Words: 108
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: gym

04/23/08 02:37 - 67ºF - ID#44115

I have an awesome Estrip idea

Howdy,

I know (e:Paul) and (e:libertad) have expressed interest in Allentown Athletix. This August I am going to be getting a membership there no matter what. But what about group membership?

If enough people are interested in going there I would approach them and talk about getting a group rate. If this sounds good to you post a comment.

It will be glorious.