Last night I parked on the street where 7-11 is on the corner, so I got my 6-pack of Magic hats there. I also got 2 Japanese noodle soups, and a Haagen Daz dark chocolate chocolate pop. They have good noodle soups there, though there collection was rather sparse by previous standards, there were still some that looked acceptable, though I don't think I've had them. I forget the brand, Sapporo maybe? The pop was the only one remaining, and it was in a box at the bottom of the freezer with some assorted ice cream products. It was a little beat up. It cost 3 dolluhs. I had it last night, it was a little crystallized, but definitely edibible. I thought about the idea of asking for a discount, because the box was all beat up, as I was eating it. It's sometimes a dubious venture buying ice cream during the summer from convenience stores in this neck of the woods, but this 7-11 is pretty good.
Having parked on that street, I knew where I was gonna get my coffee this morning. This time they weren't out of it. I'm often a little annoyed at how people hang out where the coffee is. Don't they know I have to get stirrers, and half n half, and so forth? I typically have no justification for this feeling though, but I can't stop it from happening. I don't think they had any buttered rolls in the wax paper today, though I hardly even looked.
The coolant leak is definitely getting worse. I intend to have them take a look when I get my next oil change in about 3000 mi (~5 weeks). I hope it holds up til then and it isn't anything serious.
As I drove by the sign on the GCP (heading east, the sign is on the west side), I saw a crew that was excavating around it. So, they're taking it out, I wondered? Pretty crazy. Finally some action!
Friday, September 14, 2012
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Encounter with a Praying Mantis
I had a prolonged encounter with a Praying Mantis yesterday. In hindsight it reminds me of a conversation I had in the alleyway at work with someone. He told me about how a grasshopper at the beach, in Michigan I think, had once signaled to him to get people off the beach. The grasshopper had selected him because he was the alpha male. He and his friends started leaving the beach at once, and then I think the rest of the people there also left. Soon after there was a tornado, or windstorm, or something. So, the signaling was successful.
Yesterday afternoon, when I drove from the parking lot by the building I work in to the gym (a tenth of a mile or 2) I noticed, when I was half way or so to the gym, that there was a praying mantis in the center of the windshield on the passenger side. He was huge. Throughout the time he was on the windshield I thought he (could be a she, I guess) was a grasshopper. Now I realize he was not a grasshopper. I parked by the gym and was surprised that he wasn't blown off by the wind from the car moving. I was concerned that he had lost his habitat by the other building, but I just left him there anyway. I went to the gym, and when I got back to the car I had forgotten about him and started my trip home.
Around the time I was approaching the exit to the place that I work, about a 3 minute drive, to my astonishment, I noticed that he was still there. I was very surprised that not only didn't he get off the car, but he was able to hold on-at times I must've been going 30 mph or so. At that point I just kept on driving and turned onto the parkway where speeds get up to around 60 mph. I watched him as I accelerated and he oriented himself into the wind. He would sometimes bring his right arm up, but he looked surprisingly stable. I thought that, since I had to get gas, I would go to the closest gas station on the way home and let him off there. First I had to get onto the expressway, and then get off a couple miles later. The gas station was not far from there.
As I exited the parkway to get on the expressway I had to slow down. I noticed, as maybe I had noticed before, that he seemed to be having more trouble as I slowed down. He fidgeted all over the place. I got down to maybe 40 mph, and then got on the expressway and got up to about 55-60 mph. I tried to go slower than usual, and stayed in the right lane. He was still moving his right arm around quite a bit, but, to my surprise, he was doing ok.
Then I exited the expressway, and slowed down as I got on the service road and started to prepare to make a right turn. I probably slowed down sooner than I normally would have, out of concern for him. But he really started to struggle, and before I knew it he went flying off. I wasn't happy about that, but there was little I could do about it at that point. At least I had tried, though it seemed that speeds around 40 were more problematic than 60, something I hadn't imagined. I guess that the winds right on the windshield are worse at 40 mph than at 60 mph due to some aerodynamic phenomenon.
I called my mother on the way home, as I usually do, and told her about it, expressing my concern for it. She said, I'm sure it's OK. Well, I'm not.
In the alleyway today I saw a hummingbird, which is very unusual for me, and the crickets are getting louder, as they do this time of year.
Yesterday afternoon, when I drove from the parking lot by the building I work in to the gym (a tenth of a mile or 2) I noticed, when I was half way or so to the gym, that there was a praying mantis in the center of the windshield on the passenger side. He was huge. Throughout the time he was on the windshield I thought he (could be a she, I guess) was a grasshopper. Now I realize he was not a grasshopper. I parked by the gym and was surprised that he wasn't blown off by the wind from the car moving. I was concerned that he had lost his habitat by the other building, but I just left him there anyway. I went to the gym, and when I got back to the car I had forgotten about him and started my trip home.
Around the time I was approaching the exit to the place that I work, about a 3 minute drive, to my astonishment, I noticed that he was still there. I was very surprised that not only didn't he get off the car, but he was able to hold on-at times I must've been going 30 mph or so. At that point I just kept on driving and turned onto the parkway where speeds get up to around 60 mph. I watched him as I accelerated and he oriented himself into the wind. He would sometimes bring his right arm up, but he looked surprisingly stable. I thought that, since I had to get gas, I would go to the closest gas station on the way home and let him off there. First I had to get onto the expressway, and then get off a couple miles later. The gas station was not far from there.
As I exited the parkway to get on the expressway I had to slow down. I noticed, as maybe I had noticed before, that he seemed to be having more trouble as I slowed down. He fidgeted all over the place. I got down to maybe 40 mph, and then got on the expressway and got up to about 55-60 mph. I tried to go slower than usual, and stayed in the right lane. He was still moving his right arm around quite a bit, but, to my surprise, he was doing ok.
Then I exited the expressway, and slowed down as I got on the service road and started to prepare to make a right turn. I probably slowed down sooner than I normally would have, out of concern for him. But he really started to struggle, and before I knew it he went flying off. I wasn't happy about that, but there was little I could do about it at that point. At least I had tried, though it seemed that speeds around 40 were more problematic than 60, something I hadn't imagined. I guess that the winds right on the windshield are worse at 40 mph than at 60 mph due to some aerodynamic phenomenon.
I called my mother on the way home, as I usually do, and told her about it, expressing my concern for it. She said, I'm sure it's OK. Well, I'm not.
In the alleyway today I saw a hummingbird, which is very unusual for me, and the crickets are getting louder, as they do this time of year.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Liquor, Gym Clothes, and Parking
I had 6 Bluepoint Toasted Lager bottles at home last night after 1 Pinot Noir at supper. I did not have any of the Chinese liquor, which I received as a gift, and which is in the freezer. I had hoped that the flavor of Chinese liquor would be helped (suppressed) by putting it in the freezer. And though it is no worse, the flavor is not much weaker. I'm told it should be drank warm, which doesn't sound good at all. I don't like warm Sake either. The liquor is pretty strong, 52% alcohol. There is about 1/3 of the bottle left. It is a very peculiar flavor to the western palate, it tastes a little like something rancid, but nothing could live in that. Don't misunderstand me, I'm grateful for it, and I'll drink it. Of course, some western alcohol tastes bad too, but this tastes bad in a different way. I imagine it may be an acquired taste with all that entails. I wonder if it is typical to add to it and make some sort of cocktail. I tend to think not. I don't have much to add to it anyway, but maybe some fruit juice would help. I thought about having some last night after the beer, but I decided not to, and today I'm glad.
The box that the liquor came in is very elaborate. It took me some effort to open it, and I still don't know what the right way to open it would be. The bottle is significantly smaller than the box. I wonder, when I said to the giver, that there was 1/3 left if she thought I had drank more than I actually had. She expressed some disapproval at the small amount remaining.
I brought 3 sets of gym clothes with me today on my back. I normally bring one set at a time, but I decided to fill the annoying sketchers backpack thing with 3 instead of carrying a plastic bag each day. Carrying a bag is a bit tedious when getting coffee, with the stirring and all particularly.
I continue to park regularly on the north side of the boulevard. Tonight, being Tuesday, is a particularly good night for this. I remember when I thought Tuesday was the worst night to park. At that time I parked almost exclusively on the south side. It takes a long time for me to develop a parking strategy, and I also imagine it will change over time, as the factors that determine an optimal parking spot change, and perhaps to a lesser extent, as I learn more. I am subject to alternate side of the street parking and I have been for over 8 years. One thing I've learned is that it's not worth looking around for a good spot too much. A lot of times taking a spot that's further away is quicker in the long run. It's also not worth trying to fit in a tight spot. It can make the adjacent parkees upset, and it takes a toll on the power steering. I like to leave at least a foot on either side. Sometimes I break that last rule though, and sometimes I regret having broken it. The worst part is often worrying about it after I've parked. It's just not worth it for someone with my temperament.
The box that the liquor came in is very elaborate. It took me some effort to open it, and I still don't know what the right way to open it would be. The bottle is significantly smaller than the box. I wonder, when I said to the giver, that there was 1/3 left if she thought I had drank more than I actually had. She expressed some disapproval at the small amount remaining.
I brought 3 sets of gym clothes with me today on my back. I normally bring one set at a time, but I decided to fill the annoying sketchers backpack thing with 3 instead of carrying a plastic bag each day. Carrying a bag is a bit tedious when getting coffee, with the stirring and all particularly.
I continue to park regularly on the north side of the boulevard. Tonight, being Tuesday, is a particularly good night for this. I remember when I thought Tuesday was the worst night to park. At that time I parked almost exclusively on the south side. It takes a long time for me to develop a parking strategy, and I also imagine it will change over time, as the factors that determine an optimal parking spot change, and perhaps to a lesser extent, as I learn more. I am subject to alternate side of the street parking and I have been for over 8 years. One thing I've learned is that it's not worth looking around for a good spot too much. A lot of times taking a spot that's further away is quicker in the long run. It's also not worth trying to fit in a tight spot. It can make the adjacent parkees upset, and it takes a toll on the power steering. I like to leave at least a foot on either side. Sometimes I break that last rule though, and sometimes I regret having broken it. The worst part is often worrying about it after I've parked. It's just not worth it for someone with my temperament.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Beer Glasses
I crossed the boulevard a number of times over the weekend, but I'll try not to dwell on that. There is a new bar on 44th st, between 8th and 9th avenues, in the city proper. I don't recall the name. My friend and I went in to check it out Sunday. She had a Guinness and I a Stella. A man there sitting next to us had just taken a transatlantic cruise, and tested me on what they call Stella in England. I said I knew, because I did, they call it wifebeater. He said it was called that because most beers in England are 3% alcohol, and Stella is 5%. So, men there are not used to that level of alcohol, and get more drunk than they expect. I did not know that. I'm not sure if I believe it, but he seemed pretty competent.
The Stella and Guinness were both in the miniature glasses they have now. Especially around New Year's they hiked the average price of a beer around here from $6 to $7, and started serving it in smaller glasses. I'd guess these glasses are about 13 oz. They actually even keep the shape of the glass the same in some cases (e.g.-Guinness) to make it harder to tell. This really makes a person feel like they're being ripped off. If you're gonna increase the price of a beer, than don't shrink the glass too. I actually feel embarrassed when visitors come to New York and are met by this underhanded maneuver. I wouldn't think it would trick anybody, but unfortunately, it must work to some degree or else they wouldn't do it. I have seen some bars revert back to the nominal size, so there must be some repercussions. The guy at the bar maintained that it looked like a proper pint. I can't imagine why, although perhaps it was the disorientation from the cruise. Either way, I remain a bit puzzled.
We were considering some chicken wings. They had 6 chicken wings for $11. Which is also ridiculous. It's hard to imagine how good these chicken wings would have to be to warrant that, but there was no particular reason to think that they would be that good. So, we passed, and went elsewhere. We wound up at one of the few reasonably priced restaurants remaining in the area. It was Indian, we found it up on 53rd, I think. Not bad.
Previous to that I had driven to Westchester with her, her dog and bird. Her dog barked a lot at the bird, who kept on saying "Hi Cutie". Reportedly, the bird kept on saying this because he was stressed out. I don't blame him with the dog and all.
The Stella and Guinness were both in the miniature glasses they have now. Especially around New Year's they hiked the average price of a beer around here from $6 to $7, and started serving it in smaller glasses. I'd guess these glasses are about 13 oz. They actually even keep the shape of the glass the same in some cases (e.g.-Guinness) to make it harder to tell. This really makes a person feel like they're being ripped off. If you're gonna increase the price of a beer, than don't shrink the glass too. I actually feel embarrassed when visitors come to New York and are met by this underhanded maneuver. I wouldn't think it would trick anybody, but unfortunately, it must work to some degree or else they wouldn't do it. I have seen some bars revert back to the nominal size, so there must be some repercussions. The guy at the bar maintained that it looked like a proper pint. I can't imagine why, although perhaps it was the disorientation from the cruise. Either way, I remain a bit puzzled.
We were considering some chicken wings. They had 6 chicken wings for $11. Which is also ridiculous. It's hard to imagine how good these chicken wings would have to be to warrant that, but there was no particular reason to think that they would be that good. So, we passed, and went elsewhere. We wound up at one of the few reasonably priced restaurants remaining in the area. It was Indian, we found it up on 53rd, I think. Not bad.
Previous to that I had driven to Westchester with her, her dog and bird. Her dog barked a lot at the bird, who kept on saying "Hi Cutie". Reportedly, the bird kept on saying this because he was stressed out. I don't blame him with the dog and all.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Crossing the Boulevard, Part 2
People think plants are green, but plants reflect green light, making
them purple, the opposite of green. In the same way, people appear as what they reflect,
and so they're appearance is the opposite in a way of what they are. Coming home last night I was crossing the boulevard again, having parked on the north side of it. A woman was well on her way across it, carrying a 12 pack of Corona in one hand and talking on her cell phone with the other. She was carrying the 12-pack in a bag, no doubt from Walgreen's too. She put it down a couple times, mainly because she had to stop at the islands because the traffic was bad. Walgreen's only sells 12 packs. I wonder if that's a good idea for city living. I once carried a 6 pack across the boulevard on crutches in one turn of the lights. It's about 16 lanes.
This morning I crossed the boulevard again, not surprisingly. I got my coffee at 7-11. They didn't have regular coffee. They only had decaf and pumpkin spice. I opted for the pumpkin spice. They had light cream available so I used that instead of half n half. I put too much in. I usually put it in the cup before I put the coffee in, maybe I should put it in afterwards, since it's not hard to mix like sugar and I can better gauge the amount I'm putting in by the cloudiness of the coffee. I wish they had the buttered rolls in wax paper there. They've only had the ones in cellophane lately. Aside from the fact that the ones in wax paper are generally fresher, the ones in cellophane don't keep well. I think the cellophane doesn't breath, and the water vapor inside ruins the roll. Or maybe the rolls they use are softer to begin with, or maybe both, but they're generally not worth getting.
This morning I crossed the boulevard again, not surprisingly. I got my coffee at 7-11. They didn't have regular coffee. They only had decaf and pumpkin spice. I opted for the pumpkin spice. They had light cream available so I used that instead of half n half. I put too much in. I usually put it in the cup before I put the coffee in, maybe I should put it in afterwards, since it's not hard to mix like sugar and I can better gauge the amount I'm putting in by the cloudiness of the coffee. I wish they had the buttered rolls in wax paper there. They've only had the ones in cellophane lately. Aside from the fact that the ones in wax paper are generally fresher, the ones in cellophane don't keep well. I think the cellophane doesn't breath, and the water vapor inside ruins the roll. Or maybe the rolls they use are softer to begin with, or maybe both, but they're generally not worth getting.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Crossing the Boulevard
I went to Walgreen's yesterday getting back after work. I needed toilet paper and paper towels. I was also out of shaving cream. Lately, I've been using soap, but I received some shaving cream and I was using that most recently. I actually don't remember how I came by the shaving cream, but I had just run out of it and although I think using soap is quite doable I have to admit that shaving cream is easier, and I decided I would get some. I was almost at the counter when I realized I had forgotten to get some. As I was carrying a not small package of TP, 2 rolls of paper towels, a Delish! brand frozen pizza (which didn't fit in the basket), and a 12 pack of becks (bottles) I wasn't happy about going for the shaving cream, but I did. I had regular type shaving cream a la Barbasol or the like, but this time I got Edge with Aloe. I had to walk home from here, about a five minute walk.
They still don't have Excedrin, which I prefer. What is going on with that? I know there was a recall many months ago, but I've yet to see signs of it since then. I got the Walgreen's brand, extra strength, 100 tablets, which I guess is fine. I wonder if the ratio of Aspirin to Acetaminophen is the same as with Excedrin? By itself, Acetaminophen does nothing for my headaches.
The walk across the boulevard is long and I feel a bit foolish carrying the 12 pack, which was not in a bag. I got the Nice! brand TP, which is rather thick and therefore will go relatively fast, but that's OK. I think it was a 6 pack. That was the smallest size they had, of any brand, except for the single rolls. The 12-pack was only $14 plus tax, it was on special. I don't think many people realize, but Duane Reade is owned by Walgreen's.
I brought my umbrella yesterday. I left it in the car. I think I have 2 sets of dirty gym clothes in there too, and a bottle of Apple syrup (which was a gift). I should bring those things in tomorrow, as I'd like to do laundry over the weekend.
I had 7 Beck's last night, but I didn't feel them much. I guess I ate a lot.
They still don't have Excedrin, which I prefer. What is going on with that? I know there was a recall many months ago, but I've yet to see signs of it since then. I got the Walgreen's brand, extra strength, 100 tablets, which I guess is fine. I wonder if the ratio of Aspirin to Acetaminophen is the same as with Excedrin? By itself, Acetaminophen does nothing for my headaches.
The walk across the boulevard is long and I feel a bit foolish carrying the 12 pack, which was not in a bag. I got the Nice! brand TP, which is rather thick and therefore will go relatively fast, but that's OK. I think it was a 6 pack. That was the smallest size they had, of any brand, except for the single rolls. The 12-pack was only $14 plus tax, it was on special. I don't think many people realize, but Duane Reade is owned by Walgreen's.
I brought my umbrella yesterday. I left it in the car. I think I have 2 sets of dirty gym clothes in there too, and a bottle of Apple syrup (which was a gift). I should bring those things in tomorrow, as I'd like to do laundry over the weekend.
I had 7 Beck's last night, but I didn't feel them much. I guess I ate a lot.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
The Trip
The trip to Tennessee went without a hitch. The oil level remained constant, and I had no coolant alarms, or issues. I stopped off in western Virginia and had the third pound cheeseburger at Hardee's. It was just fine, but the distinctive charbroiled flavor of my youth is apparently lost to the sands of time. I also wish they just had the regular cheeseburgers they used to have back in the day. Why do they have to get bigger and fancier? You can always eat a lot of the smaller ones if you want more. I had also stopped off at a burger king further up I-81 a few hours earlier. I got 2 double cheeseburgers. They were fresh, and pretty delicious (such was not the case at a Burger King heading back. The double cheeseburger I had then had been sitting around a bit). The patty on top of one of them, the only one I looked at, seemed pretty small, but it was good anyway. Nothing to drink at that location. It was near a carnival.
I didn't make the trip down non-stop. I stopped overnight at an Econo Lodge. It was a little suspect, but turned out just fine. Came out to $62 and change.
Getting back to the Burger King experience I had heading back. It was in Stauton, Virginia. I had taken some coffee there too. I initially got off the highway there to get some coffee at Starbuck's, but I had a bit of trouble finding it and wound up at Burger King (again). Figured I'd get the coffee there, and have a double cheese while I was at it. The cashier said I'd have to wait for the coffee. A couple minutes later he came back with it (a little curious), and also gave me some things of half n' half. I went over to stir my 2 packets of sugar into my medium coffee while the double cheese was being 'prepared'. Initially, I couldn't find the stirrers at the soda bar, so I used a straw. After I started using it I saw a few stirrers in a tray there mixed in with some used sugar packets. I went over to the counter and stirred my coffee as I waited for the double cheese. The cashier asked me if there were many stirrers left, seeing that I was using a straw. I said, that there were, I just didn't see them. Then, I said that they were a little low, but there were some. Later, as I ate my double cheese (to stay), I think he may have gone over to the soda bar to check...
I didn't make the trip down non-stop. I stopped overnight at an Econo Lodge. It was a little suspect, but turned out just fine. Came out to $62 and change.
Getting back to the Burger King experience I had heading back. It was in Stauton, Virginia. I had taken some coffee there too. I initially got off the highway there to get some coffee at Starbuck's, but I had a bit of trouble finding it and wound up at Burger King (again). Figured I'd get the coffee there, and have a double cheese while I was at it. The cashier said I'd have to wait for the coffee. A couple minutes later he came back with it (a little curious), and also gave me some things of half n' half. I went over to stir my 2 packets of sugar into my medium coffee while the double cheese was being 'prepared'. Initially, I couldn't find the stirrers at the soda bar, so I used a straw. After I started using it I saw a few stirrers in a tray there mixed in with some used sugar packets. I went over to the counter and stirred my coffee as I waited for the double cheese. The cashier asked me if there were many stirrers left, seeing that I was using a straw. I said, that there were, I just didn't see them. Then, I said that they were a little low, but there were some. Later, as I ate my double cheese (to stay), I think he may have gone over to the soda bar to check...
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