Well this was a great week. In New York it rained every day since Sunday and now it's finally sunny. If it were up to me, the coming out of the sun should signal the end of the work week for all in the New York area who had to deal with this weather.
I should note that there was a three hour break in the rain on Wednesday. Just in time for the Mets game which I had tickets for. More on that over the weekend when I have more time.
This was a long and trying week for me so rather than a cheery post, you get to read another post taken from the Opie and Anthony playbook. Opie and Anthony are a radio show that invented the F-U Friday. They have a dedicated phone line for those who wish to rant about something or give someone the big F-U. This is not my first F-U Friday entry. For those less regular readers, here is another.
About a month ago I bought second round playoff tickets for the New York Rangers. They were eliminated in the first round so the game never happened. $500 later and five weeks later TicketMaster finally credited me $497.
Why not the full $500? Well after speaking to a sales rep (read: not customer service) they told me that their policy was that this charge was nonrefundable. I asked to be transferred to someone whom I can speak to about that and he transferred me to customer service. [Editors Note: I would be remiss if I did not give them a kudos, as everyone I spoke with at TicketMaster was American and spoke English well.]
The first rep I spoke with told me that was part of the terms I agreed to when I made the purchase. Does anyone actually read the terms to any of these transactions or do they just hit submit? Not that I likely would have read the terms of sale more carefully, I did not exactly have time.
You see, TicketMaster puts a time limit on each stage of the checkout process. If that time runs out, you lose the seats. So while I had 2 minutes to accept the seats they offered me and then maybe 4 minutes to enter my personal information and credit card, there was no time to go through the pages and pages of fine print. While on hold waiting for a supervisor, I had 10 minutes to check out their website and buried in, they mention that this fee is nonrefundable.
I know it's only $3 but there's the principle behind this matter. Everyone assumes that items can be returned (unused or unopened) for a refund. Why should this be any different? I never liked TicketMaster for a number of reasons. First, they are a monopoly. This is really the only site to purchase tickets to large events. Unless I go directly to a physical box office, most venues direct me to the TicketMaster site to purchase tickets. It's almost impossible for someone else to come and provide the means to sell tickets to major events (resellers don't count). Second, they charge fees for every little thing, adding almost $10 to the cost of the ticket. It would be even more if I had them overnight the tickets but I cheaped out and chose regular mail.
The long version of this story includes one supervisor getting snippy with me and then hanging out and when I called back to speak to someone else, I sat on hold for quite some time.
In the end I got my $3 refunded but that doesn't change anything. Today, TicketMaster is honored on this very special Friday.
Happy Friday!
"Friday night, Saturday, Sunday morning
just waiting for the afternoon so I can be a kid again."
-Edna's Goldfish, Veronica Sawyer
Friday, May 8, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
So this is the new year...
...and I feel VERY different!
My first real post on this blog (aside from the initial press conference to launch this) had the same title and opening. So what's the difference between this post and that first one? Well, with all my free time I've had the chance to compare where I am now to where I was a year ago at this time. Needless to say, this is the new year and I feel very, VERY different. For starters I now own some new(er) Death Cab for Cutie songs and can't get "Cath..." out of my head.
Most importantly, however, I am not sitting in a law library at this exact moment in time. In fact whenever you read this post, a year ago to the second I was probably be sitting in a law library.
For the past three years, prior to 2009, starting around April 15th I would take over a corner of the law library and prepare my outlines and study for the May exams. My only breaks would be class, food, and bathrooms. There were also occasional breaks to watch New York Rangers playoff games (with my notes) in the lounge and to go home to sleep and shower. Once exam period began, I spent about 15 hours a day in the school building studying. Makes you want to be an attorney!!!
It gets better. Really. Last year, for instance, April 15th marked the start of the summer of discontent [Editor's note: I wanted to include the track with the same name but couldn't find it]. After the marathon that is law school exams, a two-month ordeal known as bar prep began. This rite of passage kept me indoors for June and July. The closest thing this beach bum got to see of the beach was his weekly 6am bike ride along the south shore of Long Island before class. In 2008, summer began on August 1. Now do you want to be an attorney???
I am now enjoying my time not in school. My schedule does not revolve around classes but instead revolves around work, finding a new job, and trying to launch a new business. What will the rest of 2009 bring? Who knows?
2009 is more than 1/3 completed. Do you feel any different?
"We're going off the deepest end
to the summer of discontent,
I could be wrong,
I could alone,
I could pretend I'm superman"
-Corey, Summer of Discontent
My first real post on this blog (aside from the initial press conference to launch this) had the same title and opening. So what's the difference between this post and that first one? Well, with all my free time I've had the chance to compare where I am now to where I was a year ago at this time. Needless to say, this is the new year and I feel very, VERY different. For starters I now own some new(er) Death Cab for Cutie songs and can't get "Cath..." out of my head.
Most importantly, however, I am not sitting in a law library at this exact moment in time. In fact whenever you read this post, a year ago to the second I was probably be sitting in a law library.
For the past three years, prior to 2009, starting around April 15th I would take over a corner of the law library and prepare my outlines and study for the May exams. My only breaks would be class, food, and bathrooms. There were also occasional breaks to watch New York Rangers playoff games (with my notes) in the lounge and to go home to sleep and shower. Once exam period began, I spent about 15 hours a day in the school building studying. Makes you want to be an attorney!!!
It gets better. Really. Last year, for instance, April 15th marked the start of the summer of discontent [Editor's note: I wanted to include the track with the same name but couldn't find it]. After the marathon that is law school exams, a two-month ordeal known as bar prep began. This rite of passage kept me indoors for June and July. The closest thing this beach bum got to see of the beach was his weekly 6am bike ride along the south shore of Long Island before class. In 2008, summer began on August 1. Now do you want to be an attorney???
I am now enjoying my time not in school. My schedule does not revolve around classes but instead revolves around work, finding a new job, and trying to launch a new business. What will the rest of 2009 bring? Who knows?
2009 is more than 1/3 completed. Do you feel any different?
"We're going off the deepest end
to the summer of discontent,
I could be wrong,
I could alone,
I could pretend I'm superman"
-Corey, Summer of Discontent
Monday, May 4, 2009
I got a wave!!!
The name of this sad excuse for a blog is Death of the Courtesy wave, so it goes to follow that a number of posts relate to the actual courtesy wave. The courtesy wave is actually a metaphor of society as we know it, as depicted in a number of other posts labeled I-Society.
Now that I got that out of the way for the two people who may be confused, back to business. It is with great pleasure that I announce that this past weekend I got the wave!
I was in the city on Sunday with a friend, just minding my own business and out of nowhere, there it was...A hand directed at me with all five fingers extended. [Editor's note: I felt the need to add that last part because I have received a fraction of those fingers on many occasions.] I wish I could tell you what street I was on but unfortunately I got so cought up in the moment that the rest of the details are vague. It's like the opposite of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
And now to burst your collective bubbles...
Yes, the wave was real. Yes, it was in Manhattan. Yes, it was directed towards me. BUT I happened to be on my bicycle at the time (which is allowed) and the person waving to me was also on a bicycle.
I'm not going to get all preachy about being green and riding a bicycle because that is not me at all. On Earth Day I did not go out and get a Prius. I did however tell a bunch of people on the street trying to get me to become greener that they can do their part in cutting back on carbon dioxide (an alleged greenhouse gas) released if they would only stop breathing. Needless to say that while I don't "intentionally" destroy the environment, the vehicle that takes my bicycle to the place I go riding is usually an SUV that gets about 18-19 miles per gallon on the highway.
I'll tell you all about the ride in a later post but the point is that we should all take note of this cyclist's conduct and learn from him. I take part in a number of long distance cycling events and have found cyclists to be the friendliest and most courteous bunch around. This Sunday's event was no exception. Of all the riders on Sunday, I would say that a good 75% of those I encountered signalled to indicate a move they were about to make and then responded with a friendly wave.
Maybe it's because over the years we have learned the necessity to signal so we don't get hit by a car rather than actually being a good person, but whatever the reason, I'll take it. I get a little satisfaction in believing that if they signalled just so they don't get hit by a car, that incentive would no longer exist when there are only bicycles around them, yet they still signal.
Have you ever heard of the rival Cannondale and Schwinn biker gangs?
"I want to ride my bicycle,
I want to ride my bike"
-Queen, Bicycle Race
Now that I got that out of the way for the two people who may be confused, back to business. It is with great pleasure that I announce that this past weekend I got the wave!
I was in the city on Sunday with a friend, just minding my own business and out of nowhere, there it was...A hand directed at me with all five fingers extended. [Editor's note: I felt the need to add that last part because I have received a fraction of those fingers on many occasions.] I wish I could tell you what street I was on but unfortunately I got so cought up in the moment that the rest of the details are vague. It's like the opposite of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
And now to burst your collective bubbles...
Yes, the wave was real. Yes, it was in Manhattan. Yes, it was directed towards me. BUT I happened to be on my bicycle at the time (which is allowed) and the person waving to me was also on a bicycle.
I'm not going to get all preachy about being green and riding a bicycle because that is not me at all. On Earth Day I did not go out and get a Prius. I did however tell a bunch of people on the street trying to get me to become greener that they can do their part in cutting back on carbon dioxide (an alleged greenhouse gas) released if they would only stop breathing. Needless to say that while I don't "intentionally" destroy the environment, the vehicle that takes my bicycle to the place I go riding is usually an SUV that gets about 18-19 miles per gallon on the highway.
I'll tell you all about the ride in a later post but the point is that we should all take note of this cyclist's conduct and learn from him. I take part in a number of long distance cycling events and have found cyclists to be the friendliest and most courteous bunch around. This Sunday's event was no exception. Of all the riders on Sunday, I would say that a good 75% of those I encountered signalled to indicate a move they were about to make and then responded with a friendly wave.
Maybe it's because over the years we have learned the necessity to signal so we don't get hit by a car rather than actually being a good person, but whatever the reason, I'll take it. I get a little satisfaction in believing that if they signalled just so they don't get hit by a car, that incentive would no longer exist when there are only bicycles around them, yet they still signal.
Have you ever heard of the rival Cannondale and Schwinn biker gangs?
"I want to ride my bicycle,
I want to ride my bike"
-Queen, Bicycle Race
Friday, May 1, 2009
Do you like tofu?
Happy Friday everyone! The sky is blue, the birds are singing, what can go wrong? Okay, that was actually LAST weekend here in NYC. This weekend calls for 50s and 60s with rain. AWESOME!!! Should be perfect for the 5-Boro Bike Tour on Sunday. If you happen to be in any of those boroughs look for the guy on the black bike with the red helmet. That would be yours truly.
The week is over for me so I will try to give you a nugget of humor to help pass the time until you can start your weekend. Today's pick is ripped straight from the headlines. That's right folks, I am not making this up.
A Denver woman was denied her vanity plate containing the text "ILVTOFU." A vegetarian and mother of three (who also probably only eat the food that my food eats) requested this plate as a way to express herself and her love for all things not animal. The multi-grain woman was shocked when she learned that her request was denied. In fact the news left her a little crunchy. [These jokes just write themselves]. She was so miffed that she almost had a cow (I like mine medium-rare).
The state claimed that her message was obscene and they make a compelling case. One could easily read the plate as I-LV-TOFU, as the woman sought, or the state's reading of I-LV-TO-F-U. Maybe the state did a background check and found that she was arrested for lewd conduct on a number of occasions or was busted for prostitution. At risk of being hit with a slander suit, DotCW staff has not been able to confirm the allegations of her past and are provided solely for the purpose of humor.
Is this a case of bias towards the oat bran bunch? PETA reportedly offered to pay the $60 fee for the vanity plates so that should be enough reason to deny the request. Anyone that cannot enjoy a good steak or thinks that they can squeeze a soy and get milk probably needs a little more cow in their diet. If we've learned anything from "Meet the Parents," it's that you can't milk a soy. For those of you who do not believe anything in movies, take Lewis Black's word for it. If Sir Lewis Black (he has not actually been knighted but I use it as a term of respect) says it, then you know it's true.
Back to the news, this is the same state that denied plates such as 3RDFNGER and VINO. Do we want to protect kids from seeing these license plates and asking their parents what the big deal is about the third finger? What's the difference when they are probably going to see the middle finger first hand anyway and ask what that guy over with his finger out the window is going?
[Courtesy of ABC Denver. Actual story can be found here]
Happy Friday!!!
We wear our apathy with Abercrombie pride,
Cuz not caring is the latest fashion.
-Sprout, Lifecycle
The week is over for me so I will try to give you a nugget of humor to help pass the time until you can start your weekend. Today's pick is ripped straight from the headlines. That's right folks, I am not making this up.
A Denver woman was denied her vanity plate containing the text "ILVTOFU." A vegetarian and mother of three (who also probably only eat the food that my food eats) requested this plate as a way to express herself and her love for all things not animal. The multi-grain woman was shocked when she learned that her request was denied. In fact the news left her a little crunchy. [These jokes just write themselves]. She was so miffed that she almost had a cow (I like mine medium-rare).
The state claimed that her message was obscene and they make a compelling case. One could easily read the plate as I-LV-TOFU, as the woman sought, or the state's reading of I-LV-TO-F-U. Maybe the state did a background check and found that she was arrested for lewd conduct on a number of occasions or was busted for prostitution. At risk of being hit with a slander suit, DotCW staff has not been able to confirm the allegations of her past and are provided solely for the purpose of humor.
Is this a case of bias towards the oat bran bunch? PETA reportedly offered to pay the $60 fee for the vanity plates so that should be enough reason to deny the request. Anyone that cannot enjoy a good steak or thinks that they can squeeze a soy and get milk probably needs a little more cow in their diet. If we've learned anything from "Meet the Parents," it's that you can't milk a soy. For those of you who do not believe anything in movies, take Lewis Black's word for it. If Sir Lewis Black (he has not actually been knighted but I use it as a term of respect) says it, then you know it's true.
Back to the news, this is the same state that denied plates such as 3RDFNGER and VINO. Do we want to protect kids from seeing these license plates and asking their parents what the big deal is about the third finger? What's the difference when they are probably going to see the middle finger first hand anyway and ask what that guy over with his finger out the window is going?
[Courtesy of ABC Denver. Actual story can be found here]
Happy Friday!!!
We wear our apathy with Abercrombie pride,
Cuz not caring is the latest fashion.
-Sprout, Lifecycle
Monday, April 27, 2009
Life's Greatest Mysteries
New York City is the greatest city in the world. Sure it may not have the history of some other cities but moving into the present, this city has the most to offer and is the most important city in the world.
I say this as a biased New Yorker who has lived in Manhattan or no more than 40 minutes away my entire life. I've had the opportunity to see many sides of the city and from many angles. Whether it's just walking around my city and playing tourist (a spectator sport which always involves me mocking actual tourists), peering out from a rooftop or high floor apartment marvelling over the sheer size and beauty, or circling the island on my bike (bicycle, not motorcycle), there's nothing better, especially when it's sunny and in the 70s.
So where am I going with this? Among the marvels of NYC are some mysteries and secrets. There are rumors of an underground city accessible through the subway tunnels. And did you know that the Rockefeller family purchased some land across the Hudson River (in New Jersey) to ensure that the views from northern Manhattan will overlook a park rather than anything else so hideous that it could only come from Jersey?
One mystery which I apparently will never solve is what they are doing with the 59th Street Bridge. To avoid the tolls into Manhattan you can ride this span, also known as the Queensboro Bridge, from Long Island City (which is in Queens, not Long Island) to 59th Street on the east side of Manhattan. For years I've been going this way and notice cables, scaffolding and what looks like some tarp to keep debris from falling onto the roadway of the bridge from the upper portion of steel, cables, and whatnot [Editor's note: whatnot is not an actual construction term].
I've driven across this bridge hundreds of times at all hours yet have never seen anyone working on the bridge. In the last few weeks alone, I've been on the bridge early morning, mid-morning, mid- and late afternoon and early evening and late at night on weekdays and early afternoon and late nights on weekends. Many of those hours are off peak and are suitable for construction work. Yet I've never seen a hard hat, traffic cone, flashing yellow lights, spotlights or that annoying dude with the reflective vest and the orange flag.
Anyone want to take a stab at this one for me? What are they doing and when do they anticipate finishing it?
For more on this bridge, check out the Wikipedia entry here. And remember, if it's on Wikipedia, it has to be true!
I say this as a biased New Yorker who has lived in Manhattan or no more than 40 minutes away my entire life. I've had the opportunity to see many sides of the city and from many angles. Whether it's just walking around my city and playing tourist (a spectator sport which always involves me mocking actual tourists), peering out from a rooftop or high floor apartment marvelling over the sheer size and beauty, or circling the island on my bike (bicycle, not motorcycle), there's nothing better, especially when it's sunny and in the 70s.
So where am I going with this? Among the marvels of NYC are some mysteries and secrets. There are rumors of an underground city accessible through the subway tunnels. And did you know that the Rockefeller family purchased some land across the Hudson River (in New Jersey) to ensure that the views from northern Manhattan will overlook a park rather than anything else so hideous that it could only come from Jersey?
One mystery which I apparently will never solve is what they are doing with the 59th Street Bridge. To avoid the tolls into Manhattan you can ride this span, also known as the Queensboro Bridge, from Long Island City (which is in Queens, not Long Island) to 59th Street on the east side of Manhattan. For years I've been going this way and notice cables, scaffolding and what looks like some tarp to keep debris from falling onto the roadway of the bridge from the upper portion of steel, cables, and whatnot [Editor's note: whatnot is not an actual construction term].
I've driven across this bridge hundreds of times at all hours yet have never seen anyone working on the bridge. In the last few weeks alone, I've been on the bridge early morning, mid-morning, mid- and late afternoon and early evening and late at night on weekdays and early afternoon and late nights on weekends. Many of those hours are off peak and are suitable for construction work. Yet I've never seen a hard hat, traffic cone, flashing yellow lights, spotlights or that annoying dude with the reflective vest and the orange flag.
Anyone want to take a stab at this one for me? What are they doing and when do they anticipate finishing it?
For more on this bridge, check out the Wikipedia entry here. And remember, if it's on Wikipedia, it has to be true!
I am Ted Mosby
If you've never heard of Hulu, take that rock you've been living under and bash your skull in with it. Hulu is the greatest gift the internet has given us since sliced bread delivered to your home (thank you Fresh Direct). I started watching a bunch of new television shows this season and thanks to Hulu I can catch them online when I have time.
One of my regulars is How I Met Your Mother. I started watching about a year ago and was all caught up in about 2 weeks.
The show used to start with a scene featuring two teenagers on a couch and the caption "2025." The narrator, voiced by Bob Saget, addressed those "kids" telling them the story about the time when...(cut to present for the actual episode). The idea is that all these stories lead to the story of how Ted Mosby (one of the main characters) met his wife and mother of those kids.
Anyway, last week's episode, entitled "Mosbius Designs" tells the story of Ted as he starts up his own architecture firm out of his apartment. Ted is an architect by trade who was working for a large firm up until recently. I too should have been an architect. Here I am, un(der)employed and in debt with a law degree, when I really want to work in real estate, maybe for a developer. If I had the architecture background I could be planning something better than the awful looking buildings sprouting up in Manhattan and surrounding boroughs. Of course at the same time I am working on a number of business ideas, one of which is real estate related.
Ted has had an interesting relationship history. Some noteworthy relationships include an on-again-off-again with Robin (the token Canadian main character), the overplayed relationship with the divorcee from Jersey (played by Sarah Chalke of Scrubs fame), and that girl who was crazy but Ted was too clueless to see that.
Do you really think I am going to run through my relationship history? HA! I will say that I never dated a Jersey girl but did have a Robin who was not born in the United States. Ted and I are both single. By 2025, Ted is married and has two teenage children. I see myself married with children then too.
There are more similarities but here are a few minor differences. I dress a lot better than Ted and do not own a pair of g-kwok approved red cowboy boots (which made another appearance this week). Ted has a much nicer apartment than me and also a hot (albeit Canadian and in real life very pregnant) roommate.
Catch How I Met Your Mother on Monday nights on CBS or on your favorite legal (or illegal) website. And please do not call me Theodore, Theo, or even Ted.
They say that we're dreaming too big. I say this town's too small!
-Ryan Star, Brand New Day (Theme to Lie to Me)
[This quote feature is new but expect something on every post based on a song stuck in my head or something related to this post]
One of my regulars is How I Met Your Mother. I started watching about a year ago and was all caught up in about 2 weeks.
The show used to start with a scene featuring two teenagers on a couch and the caption "2025." The narrator, voiced by Bob Saget, addressed those "kids" telling them the story about the time when...(cut to present for the actual episode). The idea is that all these stories lead to the story of how Ted Mosby (one of the main characters) met his wife and mother of those kids.
Anyway, last week's episode, entitled "Mosbius Designs" tells the story of Ted as he starts up his own architecture firm out of his apartment. Ted is an architect by trade who was working for a large firm up until recently. I too should have been an architect. Here I am, un(der)employed and in debt with a law degree, when I really want to work in real estate, maybe for a developer. If I had the architecture background I could be planning something better than the awful looking buildings sprouting up in Manhattan and surrounding boroughs. Of course at the same time I am working on a number of business ideas, one of which is real estate related.
Ted has had an interesting relationship history. Some noteworthy relationships include an on-again-off-again with Robin (the token Canadian main character), the overplayed relationship with the divorcee from Jersey (played by Sarah Chalke of Scrubs fame), and that girl who was crazy but Ted was too clueless to see that.
Do you really think I am going to run through my relationship history? HA! I will say that I never dated a Jersey girl but did have a Robin who was not born in the United States. Ted and I are both single. By 2025, Ted is married and has two teenage children. I see myself married with children then too.
There are more similarities but here are a few minor differences. I dress a lot better than Ted and do not own a pair of g-kwok approved red cowboy boots (which made another appearance this week). Ted has a much nicer apartment than me and also a hot (albeit Canadian and in real life very pregnant) roommate.
Catch How I Met Your Mother on Monday nights on CBS or on your favorite legal (or illegal) website. And please do not call me Theodore, Theo, or even Ted.
They say that we're dreaming too big. I say this town's too small!
-Ryan Star, Brand New Day (Theme to Lie to Me)
[This quote feature is new but expect something on every post based on a song stuck in my head or something related to this post]
The Courtesy Wave is only Dead in Spirit
Over the weekend I was carded at the Inc Lounge at the Time Hotel. One of the girls I was with got grilled about the information on her license because she looks young. [Confession of an un(der)employed JD: This girl was more than legal for me and could legally drink in the US for a few years now. This is not the story of how your Uncle DotCW got arrested.] Before I put my license away I started reviewing the content of my license. At that moment I realized that I've had my license for almost 10 years.
I do a lot of driving. My last car lease gave me 45,000 miles but I wound up driving close to 55,000 miles over those three years. Fortunately I switched cars with the 'rents who used mine for local driving so I can continue my 60-120 mile daily commutes without getting slammed for going over my mile allowance. Yet with all this driving I cannot recall the last time I was the recipient of the courtesy wave.
Take yesterday for example. After riding 24 miles in Central Park, I went to Long Island to mark the first beach day in New York. Because of traffic I took a different route. I'm on the Van Wyck and some old guy in a Chevy Impala cuts me off. I was about one and a half car lengths from the car in front of me but he just shot in there and slammed on his brakes causing me to stop short. Just before cutting me off he was bearing right to go on the Jackie Robinson but then swung left through that painted white triangle by the exit ramp. Next thing I know he's right in front of me.
You would think the old guy would have given me the courtesy, but NO! I can understand the young people (like me), many of whom grew up without a care in the world and everything revolving around them--the card carrying members of the I-society, as I prefer to call them. But this guy was from a different generation, from a time when everyone gave the courtesy wave, a time when you smiled and waved at the guy in the car stopped next to you at a red light because you probably knew him from somewhere (and if not, you still smiled and wave just to be polite) NOT to see who can get through the intersection first. Clearly I was mistaken.
Fast forward to today where I am still trying to bring back the courtesy wave. This may take some time but everyone can do their part. I stand here today to tell you that while the courtesy wave is on life support, this blog is not. With a little help from you, the future can be a bright one. With a little less laziness from me, this blog's future can be just as bright. Let's all do our part to create this wonderful future (and vote for me for _____ in 20__!!!)
[Editor's note: while reading over this post, I noticed a few instances of a blog post reading like a political speech. It is for that reason that I chose to end the post as I did.]
I do a lot of driving. My last car lease gave me 45,000 miles but I wound up driving close to 55,000 miles over those three years. Fortunately I switched cars with the 'rents who used mine for local driving so I can continue my 60-120 mile daily commutes without getting slammed for going over my mile allowance. Yet with all this driving I cannot recall the last time I was the recipient of the courtesy wave.
Take yesterday for example. After riding 24 miles in Central Park, I went to Long Island to mark the first beach day in New York. Because of traffic I took a different route. I'm on the Van Wyck and some old guy in a Chevy Impala cuts me off. I was about one and a half car lengths from the car in front of me but he just shot in there and slammed on his brakes causing me to stop short. Just before cutting me off he was bearing right to go on the Jackie Robinson but then swung left through that painted white triangle by the exit ramp. Next thing I know he's right in front of me.
You would think the old guy would have given me the courtesy, but NO! I can understand the young people (like me), many of whom grew up without a care in the world and everything revolving around them--the card carrying members of the I-society, as I prefer to call them. But this guy was from a different generation, from a time when everyone gave the courtesy wave, a time when you smiled and waved at the guy in the car stopped next to you at a red light because you probably knew him from somewhere (and if not, you still smiled and wave just to be polite) NOT to see who can get through the intersection first. Clearly I was mistaken.
Fast forward to today where I am still trying to bring back the courtesy wave. This may take some time but everyone can do their part. I stand here today to tell you that while the courtesy wave is on life support, this blog is not. With a little help from you, the future can be a bright one. With a little less laziness from me, this blog's future can be just as bright. Let's all do our part to create this wonderful future (and vote for me for _____ in 20__!!!)
[Editor's note: while reading over this post, I noticed a few instances of a blog post reading like a political speech. It is for that reason that I chose to end the post as I did.]
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
My Own Personal Mentos Commercial
The following takes place between the hours of 11:45am and 1:15pm on Monday, March 30, 2009.
Remember those Mentos commercials of old where someone would be in a pickle, pops in a Mentos (or is Mento the singular form?), and suddenly everything works out. Add the jingle and a big smile while you flash your pack of Mentos and BOOM, you have one of the more popular commercials from the 90's.
So two Monday's ago I had to get to court in Manhattan to make a filing deadline. [Yes, I was playing lawyer.] Early in the morning I was putting the finishing touches on the memos and motions on Wrong Island (Long Island to the rest of you) and spent two hours at Fedex-Kinkos copying, inserting tabs and exhibits, and finally binding the documents. Of course to complicate things, I had to be on Wall Street at 1pm for a networking group meeting (my first meeting with this group).
I got home from Fedkos (for short) knowing I would never make the train I planned for, that would allow me to not rush to the meeting. By the time I showered and suited up, I had to rush to make that next train. That train wasn't getting into Penn Station until about 12:35pm and then I would have to wait for a subway and find my way to this building I had never been to before. I figured worst case scenario I would get to the meeting 5 minutes in but thought the meeting would never start on time anyway.
I took a seat on the train with my iPod trying to catch my breath after a marathon morning. So far things were going okay and at least it wasn't raining! [No, I didn't jinx the weather by saying that.] The train pulled into the Jamaica station where I would have to pick up a connecting train. Sure enough I saw the electronic display indicating that that train was running five minutes late. I immediately call the person who invited me to attend the meeting to let him know there were delays and I would probably be late.
The train finally arrives but next thing I know I'm sitting on the connecting train for another ten minutes not moving. Just my luck. Back to the iPod until we pull into Penn Station. Fortunately I had a MetroCard in my wallet so at least I wouldn't have to stop and purchase a new one. WRONG! I had $1.05 and needed $2 for the ride. So now I had to wait in line at the machines to refill my card. As I go to swipe my card I heard a train pulling in. I ran up the stairs hoping that of the 2 trains that run both uptown and downtown (4 possible trains) the train that just pulled in was mine and praying that the doors were still open.
It was the express 3-train heading downtown! Exactly what I wanted and I made it just in time for the famous "Stand clear of the closing doors please." Not thinking about anything I popped a Mentos (Mento just sounds funny) in my mouth because I needed a little sugar. As I settled into my seat for until the Wall Street stop I realized that I just starred in my own Mentos commerical. All that was missing was the perfect smile and the flash of the Mentos with the label facing the camera.
In case you're wondering I was only about 5 minutes late. The subway stop was right next door to the building I needed to be at and they had just started. Everyone was in the conference room and of course there were no more chairs so a receptionist ran to get one leaving me standing in the corner while they proceeded. It all worked out in the end and I made sure to arrive early to yesterday's meeting. I also was able to make it to court after the meeting and filed the documents just before the filing deadline.
This got me thinking...They obviously still sell Mentos mints and candies but they stopped with the commericals. Why??? Search on YouTube for Mentos commericals and you'll see the old spots and many parodies.
This is my favorite parody which also happens to be a music video from the Foo Fighters (they used to make such creative videos)
[10 points if you tell me why I tagged Scrubs in this post. I know the opening sounds right out of 24.]
Remember those Mentos commercials of old where someone would be in a pickle, pops in a Mentos (or is Mento the singular form?), and suddenly everything works out. Add the jingle and a big smile while you flash your pack of Mentos and BOOM, you have one of the more popular commercials from the 90's.
So two Monday's ago I had to get to court in Manhattan to make a filing deadline. [Yes, I was playing lawyer.] Early in the morning I was putting the finishing touches on the memos and motions on Wrong Island (Long Island to the rest of you) and spent two hours at Fedex-Kinkos copying, inserting tabs and exhibits, and finally binding the documents. Of course to complicate things, I had to be on Wall Street at 1pm for a networking group meeting (my first meeting with this group).
I got home from Fedkos (for short) knowing I would never make the train I planned for, that would allow me to not rush to the meeting. By the time I showered and suited up, I had to rush to make that next train. That train wasn't getting into Penn Station until about 12:35pm and then I would have to wait for a subway and find my way to this building I had never been to before. I figured worst case scenario I would get to the meeting 5 minutes in but thought the meeting would never start on time anyway.
I took a seat on the train with my iPod trying to catch my breath after a marathon morning. So far things were going okay and at least it wasn't raining! [No, I didn't jinx the weather by saying that.] The train pulled into the Jamaica station where I would have to pick up a connecting train. Sure enough I saw the electronic display indicating that that train was running five minutes late. I immediately call the person who invited me to attend the meeting to let him know there were delays and I would probably be late.
The train finally arrives but next thing I know I'm sitting on the connecting train for another ten minutes not moving. Just my luck. Back to the iPod until we pull into Penn Station. Fortunately I had a MetroCard in my wallet so at least I wouldn't have to stop and purchase a new one. WRONG! I had $1.05 and needed $2 for the ride. So now I had to wait in line at the machines to refill my card. As I go to swipe my card I heard a train pulling in. I ran up the stairs hoping that of the 2 trains that run both uptown and downtown (4 possible trains) the train that just pulled in was mine and praying that the doors were still open.
It was the express 3-train heading downtown! Exactly what I wanted and I made it just in time for the famous "Stand clear of the closing doors please." Not thinking about anything I popped a Mentos (Mento just sounds funny) in my mouth because I needed a little sugar. As I settled into my seat for until the Wall Street stop I realized that I just starred in my own Mentos commerical. All that was missing was the perfect smile and the flash of the Mentos with the label facing the camera.
In case you're wondering I was only about 5 minutes late. The subway stop was right next door to the building I needed to be at and they had just started. Everyone was in the conference room and of course there were no more chairs so a receptionist ran to get one leaving me standing in the corner while they proceeded. It all worked out in the end and I made sure to arrive early to yesterday's meeting. I also was able to make it to court after the meeting and filed the documents just before the filing deadline.
This got me thinking...They obviously still sell Mentos mints and candies but they stopped with the commericals. Why??? Search on YouTube for Mentos commericals and you'll see the old spots and many parodies.
This is my favorite parody which also happens to be a music video from the Foo Fighters (they used to make such creative videos)
[10 points if you tell me why I tagged Scrubs in this post. I know the opening sounds right out of 24.]
Friday, April 3, 2009
Don't you hate it when this happens...
Reporters call Hillary Clinton, get phone sex line
From CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney
(CNN) – Journalists who dialed in to a White House conference call Thursday hoping for a media-friendly reception got a far friendlier response than they were counting on.
Instead of hearing Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and National Security Advisor Jim Jones on the other end laying out foreign policy and security threats, reporters were greeted by a recording on a phone sex line.
"Do you have any hidden desires? If you feel like getting nasty, then you came to the right place," said a suggestive-sounding woman.
The White House says an aide merely mistyped the 800-dial in number — a mistake not likely to happen again.
It's a new administration, but an old problem: Some homeowners seeking mortgage relief from a Bush administration hotline in 2007 instead reached a Texas-based group that provides Christian education after President Bush slightly jumbled the correct number at a press briefing.
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/04/02/reporters-want-hillary-clinton-get-phone-sex-line/
Z-Man's take: Guess it's a nice change from when calls to phone sex lines originated in the White House. Then again, I never thought I would read anything about sex and that other Clinton fella in the same sentence. Oh how things come to a complete circle.
Happy Friday!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
I'm Alive
Just wanted to let everyone know that Z-Man is alive and well and will be back with regular posts before you can name every country and capital on this great planet.
Which reminds me...for my next vacation, I wanna go to Phuket, Thailand. Not because I like Thai food (they just call it food) but because it's funny when people try to pronounce it.
HINT: it does not rhyme with bucket.
Which reminds me...for my next vacation, I wanna go to Phuket, Thailand. Not because I like Thai food (they just call it food) but because it's funny when people try to pronounce it.
HINT: it does not rhyme with bucket.
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