Today is not my birthday. I'm sure those of you who don't know me very well would be misled by a title like that. I just have something to say about it. My birthday is awesome, or brilliant, for those of you who are British (lucky).
Why is it awesome? Is it because I get presents? Could it be the amount of free beverages I get the 21st time around? Possibly because without it I would not exist? Well...yes. All of those make it awesome. But I am not talking about birthdays in general, I'm talking about mine.
Let me take you back. The date: September 9th, ten years ago. It was probably the second most celebrated day that year right behind Christmas. Everyone was swept away by the date: 9/9/1999. No one could ever imagine that many nines on one day until now. In an objective and completely unbiased fact, it was the greatest day of the century. No one has seen anything quite like it since 8/8/1888, and most of those people were dead. Plus, there was 8/8/1888, 7/7/1777, 6/6/1666, but what comes after 9/9/1999? Nothing. It's the biggest date this millenium with more than 80% of the numbers matching.
Not to mention the SEGA DREAMCAST came out that day. Easily the best video game entertainment system of our generation.
When your birthday has the same date as it is the month, it's always cool when the last digit of the year also matches. This year, for example is 2009. So my birthday is 9/9/2009. Basically, it's a big deal.
If today is your birthday....Happy Birthday!
4.8.09
3.8.09
It's Genius Really
I've always wanted to be a zookeeper in an awkward situation with a coworker. It's definitely blockbuster movie material. Think about it. I would say things like "Let's talk about the elephant in the room." The camera would then pan out to a large elephant standing next to me. Or I could say "I need to get this monkey of my back." The camera would pan out to a monkey doing backflips on my shoulders.
The movie would involve me saying one english idiom after another, followed by the camera zooming out to reveal a literal interpretation. It's genius really.
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I read an article today about a man who revived a 45 million year old specie of yeast and then used it to brew beer. His original intent was to find some sort of medicinal purpose, but after exhausting any practical uses for it, had a friend talk to a brewer about making a prehistoric beverage. Apparently the drink tastes good too. It actually received excellent reviews from distinguished beer drinkers (red necks).
I really want to try this beer, merely for nostalgic purposes. I want to see if it will bring me back to a simpler time. A time when man did not have a care in the world. Because he didn't exist. A time when the most anything had to worry about was getting eaten by a 20 foot flesh-eating T-Rex on a rampage. A time when mosquitos were the size of my head and dying via tar pit was an inconvenient possibility. In essence, the good times. Plus it would be really cool to drink something that's 45 million years old. It's genius really.
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I found out recently that the lady who protests in front of UD every Friday (the Hazing Lady for those of you who know her) teaches or taught or did something at Magnificat High School. It blew my mind to find out she does anything other than stand in front of the school Friday afternoons. I could have sworn I was paying for her services through my tuition. Doesn't every college have a woman who makes you feel incredibly awkward by singing to you as you try to cross the street? It's genius really.
-------------------------------------------------------
And then there's this:
It's genius really.
The movie would involve me saying one english idiom after another, followed by the camera zooming out to reveal a literal interpretation. It's genius really.
-------------------------------------------------------
I read an article today about a man who revived a 45 million year old specie of yeast and then used it to brew beer. His original intent was to find some sort of medicinal purpose, but after exhausting any practical uses for it, had a friend talk to a brewer about making a prehistoric beverage. Apparently the drink tastes good too. It actually received excellent reviews from distinguished beer drinkers (red necks).
I really want to try this beer, merely for nostalgic purposes. I want to see if it will bring me back to a simpler time. A time when man did not have a care in the world. Because he didn't exist. A time when the most anything had to worry about was getting eaten by a 20 foot flesh-eating T-Rex on a rampage. A time when mosquitos were the size of my head and dying via tar pit was an inconvenient possibility. In essence, the good times. Plus it would be really cool to drink something that's 45 million years old. It's genius really.
------------------------------------------------------
I found out recently that the lady who protests in front of UD every Friday (the Hazing Lady for those of you who know her) teaches or taught or did something at Magnificat High School. It blew my mind to find out she does anything other than stand in front of the school Friday afternoons. I could have sworn I was paying for her services through my tuition. Doesn't every college have a woman who makes you feel incredibly awkward by singing to you as you try to cross the street? It's genius really.
-------------------------------------------------------
And then there's this:
It's genius really.
28.7.09
Two Post Tuesday
This man is nuts
I have no words.
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The strangest thing happened on my way to work today. I drove instead of taking the bus because I had no change. Stupid RTA only takes exact change. I was on the highway when a cop guns it a couple hundred feet in front of me. I was pumped, hoping that someone was about to get pulled over. No one did.
The cop began to swerve through all four lanes, not letting anyone through. Having no idea what was going on, I began to think the man behind the wheel stole the car and was F-ing with everyone on the freeway. After about 5 minutes of this nonsense, he stops and I notice a car to the left with a flat tire. The cop gets out of his car and makes everyone sit there while the man drives over to the right side of the rode, away from immediate danger. All that and I didn't even get to see a major 10 car pileup. Disappointing...
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I was on my way home yesterday from playing a few games of basketball with some friends when Mariah Carey's Touch My Body came over the airwaves. Nothing special, but considering it's such a sexually driven song, it got me wondering: do singers ever make love to their own music?
I can't help but think someone like Mariah Carey will only do it to the tune of her own music. If I was a famous singer I think I would too.
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Here are a couple websites I have been looking at the past couple weeks. One is LOL funny, the other not as funny but is awesome.
Emails from an Asshole: This man finds ads in classifieds, and harrasses the people who placed the ads. Some hilarious interactions follow (Thanks Darja for this one).
1000 Awesome Things: A collection of the small things in life that are truly awesome. I would agree with about 95% of the things on this site. Every one that I can really connect with puts a huge smile on my face. Check it out.
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Two posts today. Sorry, I had some catching up to do.
I have no words.
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The strangest thing happened on my way to work today. I drove instead of taking the bus because I had no change. Stupid RTA only takes exact change. I was on the highway when a cop guns it a couple hundred feet in front of me. I was pumped, hoping that someone was about to get pulled over. No one did.
The cop began to swerve through all four lanes, not letting anyone through. Having no idea what was going on, I began to think the man behind the wheel stole the car and was F-ing with everyone on the freeway. After about 5 minutes of this nonsense, he stops and I notice a car to the left with a flat tire. The cop gets out of his car and makes everyone sit there while the man drives over to the right side of the rode, away from immediate danger. All that and I didn't even get to see a major 10 car pileup. Disappointing...
----------------------------------------------------
I was on my way home yesterday from playing a few games of basketball with some friends when Mariah Carey's Touch My Body came over the airwaves. Nothing special, but considering it's such a sexually driven song, it got me wondering: do singers ever make love to their own music?
I can't help but think someone like Mariah Carey will only do it to the tune of her own music. If I was a famous singer I think I would too.
----------------------------------------------------
Here are a couple websites I have been looking at the past couple weeks. One is LOL funny, the other not as funny but is awesome.
Emails from an Asshole: This man finds ads in classifieds, and harrasses the people who placed the ads. Some hilarious interactions follow (Thanks Darja for this one).
1000 Awesome Things: A collection of the small things in life that are truly awesome. I would agree with about 95% of the things on this site. Every one that I can really connect with puts a huge smile on my face. Check it out.
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Two posts today. Sorry, I had some catching up to do.
Heartwarming Email
I received the sweetest, most heartfelt email today. It's such a good feeling to know that someone can care about me so much. I think I'll share it with you guys.
Hello Daniel,
I am writing on behalf of the Internet Sales Team here at Pat O'Brien Chevrolet to say that we miss you.
We care about your needs at Pat O'Brien and wanted you to know that we didn't forget about you.
We were also wondering if there was anything we could do for you?
Would you like another fresh quote on a vehicle from us? You originally sent a request in for a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt Base Coupe. Have you changed direction? We know that many times your initial request isn't necessarily what you end up being interested in based on your wants, needs and / or budgetary concerns.
Have you been to our website recently to view all of our current specials on new and used vehicles? At Pat O'Brien's Website we post all of our New and Used vehicle inventory online and our UpFront Pricing Guarantee on each and every vehicle there.
Do you have any concerns we can address for you? jsetele@patobrienchevy.com Please note that you can call me on my cell phone, or even text message me at 440.376.1030 if that would be more convenient for you.
We are looking forward to hearing from you and thank you for the opportunity to serve you at Pat O'Brien Chevrolet.
Thank you for your time,
Jim
Such a thoughtful e-mail. He even gave me his cell phone number just in case I ever had any problems in my life that I wanted to get off my chest. I've never had a friend quite like this car dealership. And they miss me! :)
Unfortunately, we're not as close of friends as I thought. If we were, Pat O'Brien (POB) Chevy would know that I bought a car already.
From a rival dealership.
I would tell them, but I can't bear to break their heart after such a warm and thoughtful email. Letting go is such a hard thing to do...
Sidenote: I wonder what a "fresh" car quote looks like. I didn't know they could go bad. I wonder if they smell like rotten milk when they do. Gross.
Hello Daniel,
I am writing on behalf of the Internet Sales Team here at Pat O'Brien Chevrolet to say that we miss you.
We care about your needs at Pat O'Brien and wanted you to know that we didn't forget about you.
We were also wondering if there was anything we could do for you?
Would you like another fresh quote on a vehicle from us? You originally sent a request in for a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt Base Coupe. Have you changed direction? We know that many times your initial request isn't necessarily what you end up being interested in based on your wants, needs and / or budgetary concerns.
Have you been to our website recently to view all of our current specials on new and used vehicles? At Pat O'Brien's Website we post all of our New and Used vehicle inventory online and our UpFront Pricing Guarantee on each and every vehicle there.
Do you have any concerns we can address for you? jsetele@patobrienchevy.com Please note that you can call me on my cell phone, or even text message me at 440.376.1030 if that would be more convenient for you.
We are looking forward to hearing from you and thank you for the opportunity to serve you at Pat O'Brien Chevrolet.
Thank you for your time,
Jim
Such a thoughtful e-mail. He even gave me his cell phone number just in case I ever had any problems in my life that I wanted to get off my chest. I've never had a friend quite like this car dealership. And they miss me! :)
Unfortunately, we're not as close of friends as I thought. If we were, Pat O'Brien (POB) Chevy would know that I bought a car already.
From a rival dealership.
I would tell them, but I can't bear to break their heart after such a warm and thoughtful email. Letting go is such a hard thing to do...
Sidenote: I wonder what a "fresh" car quote looks like. I didn't know they could go bad. I wonder if they smell like rotten milk when they do. Gross.
27.7.09
Erie, PA: A Priceless City in an Otherwise Bland State
***Jessica: If you read this post, I apologize in advance for completely tearing apart your hometown. I'm sure Erie is a wonderful place. If you are ever in Euclid, feel free to make fun of it all you want.***
***Those of you from Cincinnati: I don't apologize***
The title is somewhat misleading, and by somewhat I mean completely misleading. Erie may very well be a great place, but I did not get a full experience. I've only been there twice for their local attractions; Waldameer Park and Splash Lagoon. I went to Waldameer yesterday, and judging by the crowd in attendance, Erie can be none other than a high class town (Two words come to mind when I think of Erie: mohawks galore!).
We were a little hesitant about taking the trip since there was a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon (I went with my two brothers and one of my sisters). We go anyway, hoping for the best. Sure enough, as soon as we enter the great state of Pennsylvania, it starts POURING! I begin to get depressed knowing I just drove an hour and a half to the middle of nowhere and probably won't be able to ride anything. What a comforting welcome to a new state. Fortunately for us, mother nature was just messing with us and clear skies appeared as soon as we arrived.
Waldameer Park is a relatively small park, but is surprisingly fun. It is home to one of the best wooden coasters in the world: The Ravine Flyer II. This coaster and the Georgia Cyclone at Six Flags Over Georgia have changed my perspective on wooden roller coasters forever. Being a frequenter to Cedar Point, I have not experienced any good wooden rides. But now that I am expanding on my roller coaster knowledge, I'm slowly being won over by the wood.
On top of the Ravine Flyer II, other fantastic attractions include the X-Scream (a free-fallin drop tower), the Screaming Dragon (a roller coaster where the seat spins in circles while you ride), the Wacky Shack (a semi-haunted house), and the Seadragon (a giant swinging dragon, similar to the Ocean Motion at Cedar Point).
While waiting in line for lunch, I had a conversation with a man who was having a downer day at the park. Why so? He ran out of snuff halfway through the day and was just itching to get his hands on some more! I felt sorry for the man, but since I'm not into chewing tobacco, could not help him out in any way. After that convo, I knew there was no way this day could go wrong. To make it even better, he was wearing Crocs with socks! I was in heaven. Waldameer Park, on top of being incredibly fun, is ripe for blogging!
You should also know that I braved their Sky Ride, which was twice as frightening as any other one I have ever been on. It was basically a ski lift, with only a thin bar in front of me. I was on edge the entire time, but made it off safely.
So yeah...I won't bore you with every detail about the park, but it was fun. I would recommend it. There are a lot of rides that are sure to impress.
During lunch today at work, a few coworkers just so happened to mention amusement parks they have been to recently. One was talking about how the people are completely different going from Disney World one year to King's Island the next. He said compared to Disney, people at King's Island are incredibly trashy (since it calls Cincinnati as its hometown, I couldn't agree more). This man obviously has never been to Erie, PA. All I can say is, WOW. I thought the Dirty South was bad. I was pleasantly surprised by the locals. After being there, I 100% believe the Civil War only ended because the North was willing to take Erie from South. The South thought Erie was too trashy for them and decided to trade it for an end to slavery. The South totally won out on the deal. The North would be kicking themselves for several years after (I should be a history teacher). I felt like I was in the middle of a trailer park the entire time.
Next park on the agenda is Cedar Point again in August. I already posted about CP earlier this summer, but I'm sure there will be some stories to share, so I'll keep you posted.
***Those of you from Cincinnati: I don't apologize***
The title is somewhat misleading, and by somewhat I mean completely misleading. Erie may very well be a great place, but I did not get a full experience. I've only been there twice for their local attractions; Waldameer Park and Splash Lagoon. I went to Waldameer yesterday, and judging by the crowd in attendance, Erie can be none other than a high class town (Two words come to mind when I think of Erie: mohawks galore!).
We were a little hesitant about taking the trip since there was a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon (I went with my two brothers and one of my sisters). We go anyway, hoping for the best. Sure enough, as soon as we enter the great state of Pennsylvania, it starts POURING! I begin to get depressed knowing I just drove an hour and a half to the middle of nowhere and probably won't be able to ride anything. What a comforting welcome to a new state. Fortunately for us, mother nature was just messing with us and clear skies appeared as soon as we arrived.
Waldameer Park is a relatively small park, but is surprisingly fun. It is home to one of the best wooden coasters in the world: The Ravine Flyer II. This coaster and the Georgia Cyclone at Six Flags Over Georgia have changed my perspective on wooden roller coasters forever. Being a frequenter to Cedar Point, I have not experienced any good wooden rides. But now that I am expanding on my roller coaster knowledge, I'm slowly being won over by the wood.
On top of the Ravine Flyer II, other fantastic attractions include the X-Scream (a free-fallin drop tower), the Screaming Dragon (a roller coaster where the seat spins in circles while you ride), the Wacky Shack (a semi-haunted house), and the Seadragon (a giant swinging dragon, similar to the Ocean Motion at Cedar Point).
While waiting in line for lunch, I had a conversation with a man who was having a downer day at the park. Why so? He ran out of snuff halfway through the day and was just itching to get his hands on some more! I felt sorry for the man, but since I'm not into chewing tobacco, could not help him out in any way. After that convo, I knew there was no way this day could go wrong. To make it even better, he was wearing Crocs with socks! I was in heaven. Waldameer Park, on top of being incredibly fun, is ripe for blogging!
You should also know that I braved their Sky Ride, which was twice as frightening as any other one I have ever been on. It was basically a ski lift, with only a thin bar in front of me. I was on edge the entire time, but made it off safely.
So yeah...I won't bore you with every detail about the park, but it was fun. I would recommend it. There are a lot of rides that are sure to impress.
During lunch today at work, a few coworkers just so happened to mention amusement parks they have been to recently. One was talking about how the people are completely different going from Disney World one year to King's Island the next. He said compared to Disney, people at King's Island are incredibly trashy (since it calls Cincinnati as its hometown, I couldn't agree more). This man obviously has never been to Erie, PA. All I can say is, WOW. I thought the Dirty South was bad. I was pleasantly surprised by the locals. After being there, I 100% believe the Civil War only ended because the North was willing to take Erie from South. The South thought Erie was too trashy for them and decided to trade it for an end to slavery. The South totally won out on the deal. The North would be kicking themselves for several years after (I should be a history teacher). I felt like I was in the middle of a trailer park the entire time.
Next park on the agenda is Cedar Point again in August. I already posted about CP earlier this summer, but I'm sure there will be some stories to share, so I'll keep you posted.
22.7.09
Red Robin! Yummmmmmmm
I went to Red Robin yesterday with a friend and a few people I didn't know. We were on our way to this fine establishment when said friend asked, "What is your favorite thing at Red Robin Dan?" Granted, she has never been to the best burger joint on the planet with me, but I've decided that the only people who truly know me are the ones who know what I order at Red Robin just about every time.
The Red Robin Bacon Cheeseburger. Easily the best slab of cow topped with pigs, vegetables, and condiments in North America (if there are Red Robins internationally, then the best in the world). Typically medium-well, and more often than not with pepperjack cheese. If anyone wants to know how to make me feel on top of the world, this is it.
Depending on what kind of mood I'm in (and the amount of money I have at the time), I will splurge on a freckled lemonade. Red Robin's signature beverage, this delightful treat will quench your thirst and keep you coming back for more. Fortunately for the patron who orders it, they are bottomless, just like the fries, so drink up! One of the best parts of the lemonade is the fresh strawberries they put right in the drink! So satisfying.
Speaking of bottomless fries, if you can actually eat any more after the giant burger they give you, you can get all the fries you want. Their fries are almost always scorchingly hot, so be careful, you might burn yourself! And yes, just like everything else, they are incredibly delicious. If you're lucky, you may even get some fries before your meal even comes out! Next time you go, make sure to ask for some fries while you wait for your food.
Here's to hoping that someone high up in Red Robin sees my blog and decides to give me free Red Robin for life.
As I was saying, I tend to get the same thing just about every time I go. It's not that I haven't tried new things either. It's just, whenever I do, I'm left disheartened knowing I could have had a much better burger in the Bacon Cheeseburger (not that any of Red Robin's burgers are sub-par Mr. Top Executive that is reading my blog. Please still give me free burgers!) It's just nice to have something in life to rely on, and so far the only thing I have found is this delectable burger.
Feel honored knowing that you are now part of the select few that truly know me.
The Red Robin Bacon Cheeseburger. Easily the best slab of cow topped with pigs, vegetables, and condiments in North America (if there are Red Robins internationally, then the best in the world). Typically medium-well, and more often than not with pepperjack cheese. If anyone wants to know how to make me feel on top of the world, this is it.
Depending on what kind of mood I'm in (and the amount of money I have at the time), I will splurge on a freckled lemonade. Red Robin's signature beverage, this delightful treat will quench your thirst and keep you coming back for more. Fortunately for the patron who orders it, they are bottomless, just like the fries, so drink up! One of the best parts of the lemonade is the fresh strawberries they put right in the drink! So satisfying.
Speaking of bottomless fries, if you can actually eat any more after the giant burger they give you, you can get all the fries you want. Their fries are almost always scorchingly hot, so be careful, you might burn yourself! And yes, just like everything else, they are incredibly delicious. If you're lucky, you may even get some fries before your meal even comes out! Next time you go, make sure to ask for some fries while you wait for your food.
Here's to hoping that someone high up in Red Robin sees my blog and decides to give me free Red Robin for life.
As I was saying, I tend to get the same thing just about every time I go. It's not that I haven't tried new things either. It's just, whenever I do, I'm left disheartened knowing I could have had a much better burger in the Bacon Cheeseburger (not that any of Red Robin's burgers are sub-par Mr. Top Executive that is reading my blog. Please still give me free burgers!) It's just nice to have something in life to rely on, and so far the only thing I have found is this delectable burger.
Feel honored knowing that you are now part of the select few that truly know me.
20.7.09
The Sky Ride (Almost) Kills Again...
You may remember my post a couple months ago about my fears of the Sky Ride, a high wire balancing act found at most amusement parks that almost always ends in death...well...not usually...well...never. Basically, I don't understand why someone would risk their life like that knowing there's a possibility of being "dangled to death."
Today I found out something rather appalling while at work. I was reading internet articles for 3/4th's of the day, as usual, and found out someone was seriously injured on this death trap. A man fractured his vertabrae falling 35 feet into some shrubbery below. I won't bore you with any more of the details, and some of you may say that my fears are still not justified by this particular accident. I'll post the article though as proof of the incident, since most of you probably don't believe an accident can occur on this operating graveyard (Because it is likely to kill you while you ride it. I wasn't sure if that joke was a bit of a stretch so I thought I would be kind enough to explain it. I'm such a gentleman).
The man injured was a kicker for a college football team. Looks like he may be out the rest of the season due to his stupid lifestyle choice to hang around the mechanical grim reaper. Poor guy, but I'm not at all surprised.
Today I found out something rather appalling while at work. I was reading internet articles for 3/4th's of the day, as usual, and found out someone was seriously injured on this death trap. A man fractured his vertabrae falling 35 feet into some shrubbery below. I won't bore you with any more of the details, and some of you may say that my fears are still not justified by this particular accident. I'll post the article though as proof of the incident, since most of you probably don't believe an accident can occur on this operating graveyard (Because it is likely to kill you while you ride it. I wasn't sure if that joke was a bit of a stretch so I thought I would be kind enough to explain it. I'm such a gentleman).
The man injured was a kicker for a college football team. Looks like he may be out the rest of the season due to his stupid lifestyle choice to hang around the mechanical grim reaper. Poor guy, but I'm not at all surprised.
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