"Morocco and the boom boom" written by Paul on estrip.org

Category: travel

04/14/07 11:51 - 39ºF - ID#38883

Morocco and the boom boom

Back in 1997 I spent October in Morocco. Recently, I was saying how I did that at just the right time before it seemed especially scary but the person I was telling said, Morocco is not the middle east. After giving me a cup of mint tea and a cigarette, I remember one of the merchants in marakesh telling me that I had nothing to worry about because they had a law that if someone messed with a tourist, they would be executed. While I thought it sounded quite extreme, I guess I felt safer in a way.

That kind of law means nothing to the kind of people that actually blow themselves up as happened this week in Casablanca.

By JOHN THORNE AP Writer. © 2007 AP. RABAT, Morocco - Two brothers strapped with explosives blew themselves up near an American cultural center in Casablanca Saturday, and police arrested another three suspects - including one wearing ... explosives.

Honestly, I still felt uncomfortable there and wore one of those traditional, hooded, one-piece outfits the whole time. It was dark brown, I was really tan and had a full beard so I blended ok. It's sad to think I would never visit there again, but I really don't think it is worth it.

Permalink: Morocco_and_the_boom_boom.html
Words: 219
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: buffalo

04/10/07 06:46 - 38ºF - ID#38839

I still say tear down the terminal

We went to dyngus day the Central Terminal. It was kind of a stupid place to be in freezing cold weather and I can't believe it is "safe " - I had figured they had cleaned it up more until I got inside. When I saw asbestos wrapper furnace piping all shredded up in the ceiling of the room that had food I knew it was as craptastic as ever.

I still think they should just knock it down, even though I got a death threat (e:paul,31900) for saying it before (e:paul,31144) . To me it represents one of those absurdities about Buffalo. I am all about preserving history, living in the city, preserving architecture, etc but I think you have to also learn to say when its too far gone. I still cannot believe they let kids in paper masks clean that nasty shit up.

::Download Flash Video::

Okay, on to other topics.

Like snow in April

::Download Flash Video::

The day before easter, (e:lilho) tried to kill us with a heart attack. This was the second breakfast for the day that came before noon.

Easter night I tried to punch a hotel in the wall of my office closet to see how much bigger it could be. I want to put a bathroom there this summer so that we can open up the space under the foyer stairs and return it to its free standing glory. That way (e:terry) can have a piano underneith it, but we can still have a bathroom on the first floor.

(e:lilho) tried to pretend to be Dolly Parton and (e:matthew) took pictures of it, I wish we had a video instead it would have been much more entertaining.

On the way home rfom lunch today I saw this dolly in the window in one of the closed down shop fronts on main street near Allen. What is up with that building, why are all those store front vacant and why did they leave just this doll in this awkward position and is it black or tan?

metalpeter writes at 05:58:27 04/11/07 - Comment #17404: I will admit I have never been to the central terminal but I think that it would be a great location to film Movies. It looks like the type of place that when the world end would still be standing. I will admit that I'm not sure how it can be reused but I think it should be reused in some manor.

jenks writes at 04:31:14 04/11/07 - Comment #17399: Ok, must admit I don't know what or where central terminal is (was), but just from those pix it looks like a gorgeous building! Why tear it down??

joshua writes at 04:11:50 04/11/07 - Comment #17397: They just need to find a purpose for the place that would justify such an outlay of money to restore it, although I think that if people are waiting for public money to restore it for the sake of preservation... they better not hold their breath long.

imk2 writes at 10:48:24 04/11/07 - Comment #17390: wait a minute.....you guys were at the terminal too on dyngus day? wtf? we were there...how come i didnt see you? and why didnt you guys come to the other places to party like real polish people do?

uncutsaniflush writes at 08:59:52 04/10/07 - Comment #17376: And I still say that the Central Terminal is wonderful and should be restored.

I think your qualms about the project would be non-issues with better funding.

james writes at 08:29:29 04/10/07 - Comment #17374: As no one has reissued a death threat yet... wait... ya know what. Just be careful opening up your mail. Especially the large ticking boxes.

Capisce?

tina writes at 08:02:25 04/10/07 - Comment #17372: Hey paul! this is really funny, because i 'm having my senior thesis art show at Central terminal this sunday from 2-6 pm and i was just there today to install then i read your journal

but nevertheless you guys should come see me at the show! even though its old and cold there, but it'll be a cool art show!

paul writes at 07:32:16 04/10/07 - Comment #17368: I added your credit. Do you want me to erase them?

matthew writes at 07:13:41 04/10/07 - Comment #17367: You stole the "Dolly Ho" pics I took! and you didn't even credit Me for them. Bastard!

Permalink: I_still_say_tear_down_the_terminal.html
Words: 378
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: volunteer

04/08/07 08:44 - 30ºF - ID#38807

Call For Action Volunteers

I saw this online tonight and thought seeing as my mother is the director of Call for Action, I should probably also advertise their call for volunteers here.

Call for Action is seeking volunteers for one day a week commitment from 10 am to 1 pm. Volunteers are especially needed on Monday. Basic computer knowledge is necessary. Call for Action is a non-profit network of consumer hotlines affiliated with local broadcast partners. Contact: Maria Visco at (716) 879-4968

On another note I have no poctures of easter food this year. I forgot to bring my camera ;( I think it is the first holiday I haven't taken pictures of the food in like 5 years. We celebrated at my cousin's inlaws and had traditional polish food, yum.

Is anyone else going out for Dyngus Day tomorrow?

Permalink: Call_For_Action_Volunteers.html
Words: 131
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: business

04/08/07 01:21 - 30ºF - ID#38803

Computers For Children

I was just driving by Computers for Children on Delaware on the way to Easter Dinner at my cousins inlaws and saw that it had a "space for rent" sign.

I wonder if that means they closed, or moved or just have some space for rent. Does anyone know?

Permalink: Computers_For_Children.html
Words: 49
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: food

04/07/07 11:47 - 24ºF - ID#38783

Europa Bistro

(e:lilho) and I went to Europa Bistro (464 Elmwood Ave) for dinner last night.

The food was pretty good and the waitress was seriously like gay guy turns straight hot - at least I thought so.

While we were there with some random girl and I played this game where I would shout out an emotion and then give her like two seconds to pose for it. Sorry the pics are dark, it was dark in there.

"Serious" Face on a Nameless Bitch

I also recorded a bit of the ambient conversation. It gave you an idea for what it was like. It had the Gemutlichkeit of a german Kneipe which I enjoyed.

::DOWNLOAD SOUND::

At the end we ordered an order of esgargot to go for (e:matthew). He loves those little bugs.

I got squid croquettes. I never had anything so squidy and good.

I was reading the review in Bill Rappaporte's restaurant

and saw this review from 01/07 and I have to agree, they should construct a little door way around the entrance like they have at Betty's.

The cons are a chilly room, because the tables are near the front door, which opens directly to the outside. Too bad the huge bar could not be put in the front so diners could sit more warmly and more relaxed in the back. We might accept the tight quarters, but a cold room has to be fixed.

Permalink: Europa_Bistro.html
Words: 254
Location: Buffalo, NY
Last Modified: 06/03/11 03:51

Category: weather

04/07/07 12:04 - 24ºF - ID#38779

Turning to dust

The study, published online in the journal Science, predicted a permanent drought by 2050 throughout the Southwest - one of the fastest-growing regions in the nation.

The data tell "a story which is pretty darn scary and very strong," said Jonathan Overpeck, a climate researcher at the University of Arizona who was not involved in the study.

Fuck you southwest. Let's see how much everyone extols your virtues and copious opportunities when you are dried up and crunchy from lack of water. I am never going to agree to ship water down from the great lakes if that is what you are thinking.

The prospect of a drier Southwest is particularly troublesome because the region has some of the nation's fastest growing cities, including Las Vegas and Phoenix.

Richard Seager, also from Lamont-Doherty and a lead author of the paper, said the region will have to rethink how it uses water. Governments "need to plan for this right now, coming up with new, well-informed, and fair deals for allocation of declining water resources," he said.

james writes at 01:34:50 04/07/07 - Comment #17223: We should give water to people who live in absurd places like the desert.

We should give air to the people who settle in undersea villages.

We should give our brains to zombies.

Good, glad that place will dry out. I mean, it is a fucking desert. People aren't supposed to live in a desert. That is why it is a desert and not, let's just say, a temperate forest zone with ample water for cities.

joshua writes at 10:46:37 04/07/07 - Comment #17221: Opportunity for what, dying of thirst? Haha.

I'd sell water to them - but I would make it extraordinarily expensive. I'm talking megabucks. You don't want to die of thirst? Then you will pay.

Or, what they could do is solve the problem on their own through investing their own money in technology. Doubt that will happen.

Or, they could do what countless other groups of people who deal with natural tragedies do - get the hell out and settle somewhere else.

I don't particularly care about LV, or Phoenix, or any of those places. I really don't. Especially LV, full of degenerates and whose history is as shady as any city's history. If they were forced to scatter it wouldn't break my heart. Life's tough, wear a helmet!

lilho writes at 06:16:03 04/07/07 - Comment #17219: wow! so great thing im moving there, and you wont give me water. i dont really agree with thye whole thing either. but, the world is already a pretty fucked up place, and my name aint sarah a. ho for nothing. i will come back and steal the water, peaches!

paul writes at 12:14:36 04/07/07 - Comment #17216: That would be so freakin' great, like the way they guard the mexican border with militia's now.

mike writes at 12:07:22 04/07/07 - Comment #17215: they are totally gonna get our water. Maybe we should arm ourselves and start some kind of Great Lakes Defense Militia.

Permalink: Turning_to_dust.html
Words: 202
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: food

04/05/07 09:37 - 23ºF - ID#38765

The Biggest Pork Rinds2

Yes, It snowed today. I am over it. I have a video when it snowed on April 19th. While it does tend to snow between october and april, it by no means snows everyday. But here it is, the way I saw it this morning.

While at the Washington Market. I saw these enormous pork rinds (WIKIPEDIA - Chicharrones). I have never seen such a freakin disgusting snack which just re-enforces my feelings that Mexican food is disgusting food. I mean I am alergic to Cilantro and Avacados to start out with and I hate beans. I know that everyone will hate me for that, but I really don't like it.

Like if you have seen tony's hands, that should give you an idea. Each individual piece was enough to wrap a football.

Look how disgusting they are.

Yummy

zobar writes at 03:23:32 04/06/07 - Comment #17206: BBQ-flavored pork rinds are one of my favorite snacks. (e:dragonlady7) won't even stay in the same room if I'm eating them. At least she doesn't steal them like she steals my Chee-Tos.

Once I went to visit Mr & Mrs (e:dragonlady7) and discovered a bag of pork rinds on top of their fridge. It did not seem like the kind of snack her parents would have, but I had just driven all the way across New York State and I was a bit munchy. As I ate them the dog started looking at me all funny. I thought she was better behaved than that, but whatever. Her dad didn't say anything but when her mom came in she told me '...those are for the dog.' Hmph!

- Z

mrdeadlier writes at 10:17:23 04/06/07 - Comment #17197: One of my father's favorite snacks in the whole world is pork rinds. I grew up eating them not realizing what I was actually putting in my body. Yech! Only other food more unsettling (figuratively and literally speaking) to me is tripe.

carolinian writes at 01:45:34 04/06/07 - Comment #17195: I tend to find mexican food a little disgusting myself. However, there are exceptions. Mole sauce is yummy--a non desert usage of chocolate! How cool is that?!

james writes at 12:52:21 04/06/07 - Comment #17193: I fucking hate you for all eternity you bean hating piece of shit.

And yet, I have to love you for showing me what has to be the most disgusting food man's foolish hand has wrought.

leetee writes at 11:56:16 04/05/07 - Comment #17190: I love mexican food. Don't much care for the pork rinds either, though. However, i think i would cry if i couldn't have cilantro and avacados. I think seafood is smelly icky. Good thing we all have different tastes.. or i would have to wait even longer for a table in my favie restaurants!!

uncutsaniflush writes at 10:42:13 04/05/07 - Comment #17188: NOTE TO SELF: Don't invite (e:paul) out to dinner at a Mexican restaurant.

Those are real deep fried pork skins. I think that they are quite yummy. Unfortunately, my digestive system does not agree. So they don't look disgusting to me.

Alas, paul, I hate to disappoint you but I don't hate you for your food preferences.

If you want me to hate you will have to try a lot harder than that. <eg>

Permalink: The_Biggest_Pork_Rinds2.html
Words: 150
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: drugs

04/03/07 12:38 - 39ºF - ID#38725

Has anyone tried foxy?

I was reading about club drugs during my day of recuperating and pop culture and found all these references to 5-Methoxy-diisopropyltryptamine it is also called foxy (WIKIPEDIA - 5-MeO-DIPT) - which has been illegal since 2003.

It was listed along side GHB, LSD, ecstacy, and crystal -

I never ever heard of it. The article I was reading was about sindergarten, some sort of druggy school bus for elite high school students in NYC. You can read the whole article on radar

It sounds insane.

Here is some more info about foxy on erowid

and some medical info

Permalink: Has_anyone_tried_foxy_.html
Words: 125
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: vacation

04/02/07 07:44 - 50ºF - ID#38722

The love that never shuts up

Lesbian Straight guy thing.
While sick today I was reading pop culture articles instead of programing for once and came across this article written by a lesbian about the bond between straight guys and lesbians

Call me closed minded but I always kind of thought lesbians hated men. I guess I was wrong. She also mentions the lesbian shift from owning cats to owning dogs in the 90s. I never thought about that either. My favorite part of the article was her way of describing the hetero-female homo-male relationship as, "The love that never shuts up."

San Francisco recap
I still cannot believe (e:jacob) was there and we did not see each other.

(e:matthew) really likes escargot

I really like everything else

This fish was so fucked up. I guess they all flip like this as the grow up. Probably still tastes good with garlic butter.

Scared (e:matthew)

Here is some ice on Lake Erie as seen from the plane.

Here is sheridan park

And strawberry island

Some more pics from the trip.

Permalink: The_love_that_never_shuts_up.html
Words: 202
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: health

04/01/07 08:36 - 56ºF - ID#38713

Strep Throat

Well, my fourteen hour plane ride is over. I think I have strep throat now like I have never had before. My throat and lungs are on fire and I have a fever. Like it hurts to breathe and swallow. I hope I feel better in the morning, if not I am going to the doctor it feels so bad. I guess there is a rapid strep throat test now. Maybe there was always one and I just didn't have a doctor before. Argh.

I am so glad about being home in Buffalo. Big City life is really not for me. I think I would die of anxiety if I lived in San Francisco.