"Summer be swirling round the drain pipe" written by Mrmike on estrip.org

08/19/07 09:11 - 68ºF - ID#40627

Summer be swirling round the drain pipe

I resumed my moonlighting with the Buffalo Bills on Friday night. While it was fun, it was a reminder that summer is almost done for all intensive purposes. Ran into a few acquaintances and enjoyed both a little hilarity and a little boredom as preseason football is less exciting than watching paint dry. It's fun to be involved as you get to watch the full time Bills folk freak about having things ready for incoming fans. You'd think they be little more accustomed to the rigamarole.

Nice way to make some extra cash. Anyhoo, from my perch in section 125, you could feel the crazy wind that made shivering a realistic possibility. But it was a nice end to a day away from the Time Warner nonesense. Slept in, carbed up at Betty's, did my bit at the game and was drinking on my deck by 11:30. Only thing missing was company.

Rested in Saturday and strolled over to take number one son to Tae Kwon Do and would up with the whole lot chomping on Chicken, Cheddar and Broccoli pizza watching Forrest Gump for the umpteenth time.

Got a little more industrious today and got up and actually did laundry before catching up with the ex and kids for dinner. A good weekend, I think it was an omen when the kids and I spent an hour watching Family Guy reruns on Thursday.

Back to being a cable apologist tomorrow, but the Zoo is looking for someone with my talents so I'm working on a package as to why I should be the guy.

Bring on the week.

Permalink: Summer_be_swirling_round_the_drain_pipe.html
Words: 267
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: holiday

08/14/07 10:28 - 70ºF - ID#40549

Son and the Beach

Wrapped my only significant vacation on Sunday with a bang. Number One Son and I took off for Woodlawn Beach and I was very surprised in a good way. Bennett Beach is beautiful and the county is wrecking it so along with the lack of the pool, I was remembering (e:terry) 's journal about swimming. My boy went to a day camp earlier this summer that spent a day at Woodlawn and he was pining to go back. Got to tell you, it was awesome to get out and wave hop the afternoon away.

I'll post photos soon. But you pay seven bucks to park and for use of the park. The beach was spacious so it never felt crowded on either water or sand. There are reasonably clean locker & changing rooms. It felt great. When I got something out of my truck today and a little remaining sand came out, you couldn't help but laugh a little.

Would head back this weekend if it wasn't threatening to be September weatherwise.

In other news, I'm going to moonlight for the Buffalo Bills again this season and it was nice to get a raise to do it and a special little pack of parking passes. Did my morale good and made me wish the fulltime employer would take note.

Other morale booster, was doing some cable related business with a very attractive woman bout my age and when we shook hands, my colleagues swear she was checking my ring finger. Methinks they are yanking my chain, but hell I'll take being checked out if that is the case. Put a spring in my step for the rest of the shift. Omen of things to come I hope.

Here's the view from my beach chair

Perhaps (e:strip) should collectively jump in the lake before the end of the season.

Last one in blogs for Buffalo Rising

Permalink: Son_and_the_Beach.html
Words: 318
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: idle musing

08/09/07 10:52 - 69ºF - ID#40464

Some questions w/o answers

How sad is Music is Art going to be at the fair?

Why did MIA feel the need to try and cozy up to the Elmwood Festival when they would have been fine to put on their own thing?

If Ch 2 has two dollar day at the Fair Wednesday night and Ch 4 has four dollar day Thursday, Can I skip Ch 29 day?

Why do some drivers do 30 mph when going from the 198 onto the Niagara Section of the thruway where the sprint is even faster?

Why did my Mom feel the need to tell me my car sounded different when I pulled up when I didn't notice a thing?

How come the Buffalo Airport takes a decidely more serious and thorough approach to security than JFK?

Why is it going to rain on the only day we had set aside this week for the beach?

Am I not meant to swim this summer?

Is that God's way of saying "Keep your shirt on, fat boy?"

Should I be flattered when my son says the bald spot looks smaller?

Why do people get so excited over Chef's or LaNova's when there is also DiTondo's and Bocce's?

Can I count one for me when my younger sister told me that she is cribbing copy for her wedding announcement from the one I wrote back in 90?

Is Antoinette's Ice Cream sundaes the true cure for ails ya?

When did the prizes at Dave and Buster's turn to such crap?

Why did it take three trips at the IHOP this morning to get the correct check for breakfast?

Jus Wonderin

metalpeter writes at 06:57:35 08/10/07 - Comment #22047: Not that I work for the festival nor did I say I would work for free but I will be there as early as I can get there Saturday. But I think I can answer those two questions? First of all I think that it is sad that MIA only got 1 day and had to leave the city and compared to other years I know it won't be as good. But I don't think it will be sad there I'm going to go and try to have a good time. I think the people at MIA know that all day music and art is way to intense for the People of Buffalo. Most people here won't go to something for an entire day. I also think that they know that a lot of the bands people don't know. They also know that people won't come in to the city 2 days in a row just for their festival. But if you are near another festival or event then people at that event can visit yours and people can go back and forth. The reason I know in my mind that this is true is that MIA could have had their festival any weekend during the summer but they pick the weekend of "The Art Fest". So they where piggy backing off "The art Fest". I know they would say that isn't true but I don't believe them. If Robie wanted to he could have a two day fest this weekend and people would show up for it. But when I couldn't take the heat anymore I would go home for a few hours and come back. But see I live in the Niehboorhood most people once they leave won't come back unless they live near by. also when you are at the same time as another festival and close by people find you without looking and that means you need less advertising. That is my theory at least. I also wonder if he thought that the city might not give him the permits they needed at another time during the summer. I think for this year the Fair is the right way to go and hope that something in Buffalo for 2 days can be worked out for next year and I also hope they raise lots of money. I don't have answers for any of your other questions.

tinypliny writes at 11:04:53 08/09/07 - Comment #21985: Some of those questions fit the profile of Murphy's Law. :/

and do you mean to say that I should add DiTondo's and Bocce's in your recommendations for best pizza?

Permalink: Some_questions_w_o_answers.html
Words: 266
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: wanderin'

08/08/07 10:50 - 81ºF - ID#40439

Perspective is a funny thing

Was out galavanting with my faithful traveling companion yesterday. I wasn't clear where you entered Woodlawn beach & the State Park so we went to find out. It's funny what you can pick up along the way. Coming down on the other side of the skyway, we got a great view of the massive wind turbines that are at water's edge in Lackawanna. I know they've been there for awhile, but this was the first time they caught my eye. Would have taken a picture, but I was without any place to pull over.

Something kinda eerie about them. These propellers are huge and I never noticed them in all my trips last year coming back from work at the Bills games. It's nice to get a new look at the surroundings now and again.

CHico and Chica's pictures remind me it's been too long for a good gorge hike. Fun to watch the "terrified" jetboat riders.

The pending storm yesterday did a funny thing. On the way back home, we swung by the marina for overpriced cold beverages and the blackness of the clouds created an unusual effect for a steamy August day, a near deserted Marina.

We had a good time anyway.

Off to the Fair tonight --- Preview night.

Permalink: Perspective_is_a_funny_thing.html
Words: 216
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: outdoor movie

08/07/07 11:56 - 74ºF - ID#40422

The Drive In

Number one Son and I repaired to the Transit Drive in the other night and it is such a throwback. The minivan crowd is forced to tie their hoods down not to obstruct vision. The staff hands you a flyer with where on your radio to pick up the movie sound. We got to see a double feature for $11.00. I brought our drinks at the Co-op, but I did snag a bucket of popcorn at the show for 4? Can you imagine the Regal only charging 4 for a bucket? Me, neither. Two lounge chairs and a boombox. That is the way to see Underdog (which wasn't bad actually).
Other blockbusters were on the other screens.

Something different, but worth the bargain price.

Permalink: The_Drive_In.html
Words: 121
Location: Buffalo, NY

08/05/07 12:34 - 78ºF - ID#40390

Goin' to the Drive In Tonight

Gonna see the Underdog/Ratatouille selection. Not my choice, but number one son is with me for the week and he got to pick. His sibilings and their mom are en route to the Michigan Women's Festival, so we have some guy time this week. So, culture isn't quite to hibrow this week

I read the current Harry Potter book this week. It was a really good book. The thing is huge, but written in a way that you can lose yourself in the narrative. Only secret that I'll spill is that Col. Mustard did it in the conservatory with the lead pipe.

Got the week off and already life feels a little brighter. My direct supervisor changed and who she "Is" varies from day to day. It's a little surreal watching somebody else deal with being overwhelmed. The downside is the answer to a question can change depending on when you ask it. I do pretty well on commissions and was expecting a nice pile to come with the check that is arriving this week, but somebody (her) forgot something and now we have to wait another two weeks to see the $ for July. Argh.

Stole out of work early to see Lucinda Williams at Artpark and it was well worth it. Aside from having a 'thing" for her, it dawned on me that both Artpark and the Canal Concerts have better lineups then the Square does this year. Although, I do plan on showing up for Dropkick Murphys when they get here in September -- certain freedoms to staghood I guess.

It's nice out, we're going golfin'

Later peeps

Permalink: Goin_to_the_Drive_In_Tonight.html
Words: 271
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: potpourri

08/02/07 01:30 - ID#40356

"Hot enough for you"

I'm spending the bulk of my time at the Time Warner office in Amherst and I'm trying to find the comedy in the inherent insanity. For example, three separate incidents yesterday: a couple comes to the counter and without fail, the male steps up and shows his knowledge by "asking about our DSL." Without missing a beat, the woman gently informs him that that is the phone company, we're at the cable store." Funny, sometimes, I don't even have to be here.

I had to stop downtown to apply for another position and stepped into see my current supervisor and I wound up getting dressed down for a few errors in the billing system. Makes you wish you don't show up sometimes. I was on my own time, and quietly hpoing to sneak out, instead I wound up refreshing my mind over what happened to one customer abour 10 days ago. No problem except that I talk to over 100 people typically on a variety of issues.

Feh, two days from vacation. Boy do I need it. The folks out here are spoiled, lazy and whiny but I do what I do what I do.

94 in Amherst at the moment -- Tell me there is nothing to global warming, go ahead, go ahead.

Not going anyplace on this vacation, just going to be nice to get some time away from the work to relax and hang with number one son while his sisters and Mom head off to the Women's Music Fest in Michigan. Tis' our time for guy stuff, rainy day at Dave and Buster's, sunny day golfin or going to a Bisons game and stuff like that.

I was mesmorized at the coverage of the Bridge disaster in Minneapolis last night. Given the vicisstudes of rush hour there, I'm amazed the death tally isn't higher. We've got CNN on in the office at the moment and they are on the edge of not having much new to say. The Minneapolis paper had a headline of "Down, Down, Down." It's a Rupert Murdoch world and we're just living in it.

Did win a Weggies gift card the other day, so the beer will be quality this evening.

Stay cool, peeps

Permalink: _quot_Hot_enough_for_you_quot_.html
Words: 369
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: traffic

07/31/07 08:08 - 62ºF - ID#40323

Yield doesn't mean "Goafuckinghead"

Knew Monday was going to live up to its name as I was leaving for work. I entered Gates Circle to catch the 33 by Elmwood.. Apparently, coming from the other direction on Delaware the notion of stopping a little and then entering the circle (Basically, waiting your fucking turn) was applying as a oblivious fuck in an SUV decided to go faster right in, anybody else be damned. Jerkass scared the shit out of me. Wasn't driving angry till then.

I get to my current office and had to seperate two customers who were actually grumbling out their place in line. One of my colleagues screwed her wrist up and couldn't lift anything. She was trying and doing the best she could, downside was all that stuff came to me and that spoiled rotten overprivileged middle aged fucksticks don't know how to behave.

I actually yelled "Do I have to pull this store over?" I guess with enough elan that no one said a word. I love my job.

Going home, I felt like I had a finished a 15 round fight. Cruising back via the 290, I watched as two separate SUVs (Must be something about them that cause brain damage) slip right in front of a Semi to make their lane change with about half a car length to spare.

Very grateful that there was some Labatt's in the fridge.

metalpeter writes at 06:59:08 07/31/07 - Comment #21456: I admit that I don't drive but if I did I would stay away from that circle. I'm sorry it is death (ok well maybe not at those speeds) waiting to happen. You have to many streets coming togather at that circle. But the bigger problem is that Circles arn't really commonplace so you get a lot of people who don't understand right of way and what a yeild sign means. I can tell you that basicly it means that anyone entering the circle has to give the right of way to people allready in the circle. But when you are behind someone you don't know when they are going to turn out and onto what street so you have to be carefull. But there is one odd thing about a Yeild sign that I think a lot of people may not know. It has nothing to do with pedestrains. A stop sign does and lights do. But when at that circle that yeild sign is only about entering the cirlce. When I walk it based on right of way I could wait for forever almost. Then when crossing it you can't really when walking because you don't know when they car you see is going to turn out so it is really tough. Yeah when you cross there is a raised part to stand on but there used to not be. Let me tell you that was some fucking scary shit just standing between those yellow lines. I think if people would just be patient then the problem you had wouldn't happen, but good luck with that.

james writes at 03:32:05 07/31/07 - Comment #21441: I was in the car with a friend, a Buffalo native who has been driving for nearly a decade. You would think the subtle nuances of traffic safety would have either dashed his oblivious brains across the dashboard or sunk into said soft pink brain and allowed him to live yet another year as a driver.

Well, we pull up to gates circle and the bastard just drives right in, both lanes in the circle screech to a halt. I swear I heard the impact of several cars and the screams of a thousand burning babies as we drove ignorantly along.

When I yelled at him he said "what? I thought they had to yield in the circle.

jackass.

So, apparently the mind of the driver is built off the grid and things like cirlces just confound them.

jason writes at 08:31:12 07/31/07 - Comment #21431: Hahahaha. Nice display of bollocks, Mike. Well done, man. Well done.

Permalink: Yield_doesn_t_mean_quot_Goafuckinghead_quot_.html
Words: 230
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: omens

07/26/07 11:54 - ID#40262

It's gonna be a good day.....

Didn't sleep very well last night, which there is nothing unusual about that, but I had a big interview this morning. Trotted out a nice light grey suit. Ipod cooperated and played some nice upbeat stuff through traffic. The interview went well and was free of the bullshit questions and actually talked about the job instead of my greatest weakness (blue eyes and a killer smile). Makes you want the job just because of the freedom from the nonsense. Interview finishes with me getting enough time to get home to change before the actual work day gets going. I hit the road and the Allentown Trading Company is stocking Aero Bars. Rapture! I know you can get em elsewhere, but seeing them (an awesome candy bar) on the shelf was a sign.

Got back in the car and the IPOD cranks up my u2 Buffalo Bootleg for the jaunt down the 290.

These are positive signs.

Permalink: It_s_gonna_be_a_good_day_.html
Words: 155
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: monday

07/23/07 09:32 - 62ºF - ID#40217

Grumble, grumble

For the past six years or so, the ex and I have been splitting the cost of a membership at the Holiday Inn on Delaware. They have a pool club that for a flat rate you get unlimited swimming pool access from 10am to 10pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day. It's not a bad deal and we can get cooled off with the hassle of the border or packing cars like you're temporarily moving. Basically, throw your suit on and go. The fact that the hotel bar delivers out to you helps too. Previous summers had us ordering LaNova for dinner and getting drinks from the bar.

I do wonder about the buffoons who own the place. They had a watermain break near the pool that put a serious crimp on operations out there. Shit happens, I understand that. They are getting ready to open the pool for what is left of the summer. Since two thirds of their usual swimming season is shot, the Hotel isn't going to run a pool club since the fucksticks in management couldn't come to any kind of consensus on how to price it. Two thirds of the season is gone. Deduct two thirds from the price, doesn't seem that hard to me. That sort of logic made me the befuddled male I am today. It's that sort of muddleheaded thinking that just pisses me off. You'd think they want to cultivate previous pool club so we all come back in 08.

Jerkasses.

In other news, here's a sign that I spent too much time fixing computers of the weekend. Simpsonized myself