Departure Time: 7:32
Arrival Time: 8:16
Weather as I call it: Sunny but cold...Brush fire weather
Paper Guy: Wearing the Boston Globe parka
Shady Gas Price: $2:35
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
So, while I was driving through town, this guy crossed the double lines...and I mean gets waaaaaaaaaay over in the other lane...like he's driving in London to pass this woman in front of him. I thought to myself, "Gee, that was a little extreme..."...
Well, wouldn't cha know...that I got behind said woman and she was the slowest, most erratic driver evah!
I was behind her for about 2 miles...It was painful...when I was finally able to pass her legally...I looked in to see what was the deal...and of course...she was blabbing away on her cell phone...who she was talking to for that long at 7:47 in the morning...I dunno...but just another case for the "Shut up and Drive" campaign.
3/16/2006
3/15/2006
Wednesday March 15, 2006
Departure Time: N/A
Arrival Time: N/A
Weather as I call it: Sunny but cold and windy
Paper Guy: N/A
Shady Gas Price: N/A
Yelled at other drivers: Nah
Feared for my life: Nope
------------------------------
Beware the Ides of March! BEWARE!
Anyway, I went to a presentation about the Web 2.0...you know...like the "Internet 2" kinda stuff...
Talking 'bout when the 'net first came into prominence, information was categorized and developed in a taxonomy (think the Yahoo! directory)...Now information is developed and categorized in a 'folksonomy'...(think Wikipedia)
Here's a rundown of other Web 2.0 stuff:
Web 1.0 --> Web 2.0
DoubleClick --> Google AdSense
Ofoto --> Flickr
Akamai --> BitTorrent
mp3.com --> Napster
Britannica Online --> Wikipedia
personal websites --> blogging
evite --> upcoming.org and EVDB
domain name speculation --> search engine optimization
page views --> cost per click
screen scraping --> web services
publishing --> participation
content management systems --> wikis
stickiness --> syndication
Love it...even though there is some stuff on the list that I haven't heard of yet. Everyone wants to generate media...including some dude who blogs about his drive to work each business day. Back to the regular ride tomorrow.
Arrival Time: N/A
Weather as I call it: Sunny but cold and windy
Paper Guy: N/A
Shady Gas Price: N/A
Yelled at other drivers: Nah
Feared for my life: Nope
------------------------------
Beware the Ides of March! BEWARE!
Anyway, I went to a presentation about the Web 2.0...you know...like the "Internet 2" kinda stuff...
Talking 'bout when the 'net first came into prominence, information was categorized and developed in a taxonomy (think the Yahoo! directory)...Now information is developed and categorized in a 'folksonomy'...(think Wikipedia)
Here's a rundown of other Web 2.0 stuff:
Web 1.0 --> Web 2.0
DoubleClick --> Google AdSense
Ofoto --> Flickr
Akamai --> BitTorrent
mp3.com --> Napster
Britannica Online --> Wikipedia
personal websites --> blogging
evite --> upcoming.org and EVDB
domain name speculation --> search engine optimization
page views --> cost per click
screen scraping --> web services
publishing --> participation
content management systems --> wikis
stickiness --> syndication
Love it...even though there is some stuff on the list that I haven't heard of yet. Everyone wants to generate media...including some dude who blogs about his drive to work each business day. Back to the regular ride tomorrow.
3/14/2006
Tuesday March 14, 2006
Departure Time: 7:24
Arrival Time: 8:08
Weather as I call it: Rainy at times...definitely foggy...around 48 degrees
Paper Guy: Bright yellow raincoat
Shady Gas Price: $2.23
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
The biggest thing I can report today was the tremendous fog that surrounded Boston. It was so thick that the Hancock tower disappeared from view...I couldn't see any part of it as I drove towards the Beacon St. exit on Storrow Drive. A bit disconcerting, to say the least. When you can't see the Hancock from 5 or 6 blocks away, you know the fog is thick.
Arrival Time: 8:08
Weather as I call it: Rainy at times...definitely foggy...around 48 degrees
Paper Guy: Bright yellow raincoat
Shady Gas Price: $2.23
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
The biggest thing I can report today was the tremendous fog that surrounded Boston. It was so thick that the Hancock tower disappeared from view...I couldn't see any part of it as I drove towards the Beacon St. exit on Storrow Drive. A bit disconcerting, to say the least. When you can't see the Hancock from 5 or 6 blocks away, you know the fog is thick.
3/13/2006
Monday March 13, 2006
Departure Time: 7:22
Arrival Time: 8:05
Weather as I call it: Cloudy but warm...the liquor store sign said it was 49 degrees
Paper Guy: Baseball cap, black jacket with fuzzy external shoulder pads to help with the two bags he has slung over himself.
Shady Gas Price: $2.23
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Mondays are uneventful....which is a good thing.
New Paper guy has a pony tail. I saw it as he turned around to walk back to his post...defeated because he did not make a sale and the light had turned green...ending the opportunity.
Arrival Time: 8:05
Weather as I call it: Cloudy but warm...the liquor store sign said it was 49 degrees
Paper Guy: Baseball cap, black jacket with fuzzy external shoulder pads to help with the two bags he has slung over himself.
Shady Gas Price: $2.23
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Mondays are uneventful....which is a good thing.
New Paper guy has a pony tail. I saw it as he turned around to walk back to his post...defeated because he did not make a sale and the light had turned green...ending the opportunity.
3/10/2006
Friday March 10, 2006
Departure Time: N/A
Arrival Time: N/A
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and a little warmer...40s
Paper Guy: N/A
Shady Gas Price: N/A
Yelled at other drivers: N/A
Feared for my life: N/A
------------------------------
Came into work late today...we had another doctor appointment for the baby...
I want to add another rule to my list.
4. If you are going to pull into traffic, never make eye contact.
Arrival Time: N/A
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and a little warmer...40s
Paper Guy: N/A
Shady Gas Price: N/A
Yelled at other drivers: N/A
Feared for my life: N/A
------------------------------
Came into work late today...we had another doctor appointment for the baby...
I want to add another rule to my list.
4. If you are going to pull into traffic, never make eye contact.
3/09/2006
Thursday March 9, 2006
Departure Time: 7:23
Arrival Time: 8:04
Weather as I call it: Some cloud cover...it's about to get warmer
Paper Guy: Back to work slinging two newspaper sachels
Shady Gas Price: $2.19
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: It got a little tense on Storrow.
------------------------------
Of all people, there was a cabbie driving about 30 m.p.h. in the left lane...One really angry Nissan Murano driver was trying to get around him...which included trying to get around me at one point.
When he finally passed the cabbie, the one finger salute did makes its way out of his driver side window.
Just so you know, I was not a subject of his non-verbal communciation...but I did think there was a small chance I would get a piece of that rage.
Arrival Time: 8:04
Weather as I call it: Some cloud cover...it's about to get warmer
Paper Guy: Back to work slinging two newspaper sachels
Shady Gas Price: $2.19
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: It got a little tense on Storrow.
------------------------------
Of all people, there was a cabbie driving about 30 m.p.h. in the left lane...One really angry Nissan Murano driver was trying to get around him...which included trying to get around me at one point.
When he finally passed the cabbie, the one finger salute did makes its way out of his driver side window.
Just so you know, I was not a subject of his non-verbal communciation...but I did think there was a small chance I would get a piece of that rage.
3/08/2006
Wednesday March 8, 2006
Departure Time: 7:17
Arrival Time: 8:09*
Weather as I call it: Sunny...30's...it's like heaven, really.
Paper Guy: N/A
Shady Gas Price: $2.19
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Let's just look at the facts:
*I had to stop and get gasoline...so it probably added 6 or 7 minutes to my drive time.
Paper Guy wasn't there...stack of papers was...Did he leave us too?
Shady Gas Price is coming down...what's up with that...?
Congested again in front of the Museum of Science...not sure what the deal is.
Arrival Time: 8:09*
Weather as I call it: Sunny...30's...it's like heaven, really.
Paper Guy: N/A
Shady Gas Price: $2.19
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Let's just look at the facts:
*I had to stop and get gasoline...so it probably added 6 or 7 minutes to my drive time.
Paper Guy wasn't there...stack of papers was...Did he leave us too?
Shady Gas Price is coming down...what's up with that...?
Congested again in front of the Museum of Science...not sure what the deal is.
3/07/2006
Tuesday March 7, 2006
Departure Time: 7:18
Arrival Time: 8:03
Weather as I call it: Sunny and 35 degrees...utopia
Paper Guy: He had his hood up...made 2 sales while I was stopped.
Shady Gas Price: $2.25
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I was just frustrated getting to work today. There was so many cars on the road.
I took Memorial Drive instead of driving by the Museum of Science to pick up Storrow Drive...just too many people to get through.
Paper Guy knows A.B.C. Always Be Closing.
Arrival Time: 8:03
Weather as I call it: Sunny and 35 degrees...utopia
Paper Guy: He had his hood up...made 2 sales while I was stopped.
Shady Gas Price: $2.25
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I was just frustrated getting to work today. There was so many cars on the road.
I took Memorial Drive instead of driving by the Museum of Science to pick up Storrow Drive...just too many people to get through.
Paper Guy knows A.B.C. Always Be Closing.
3/06/2006
Monday March 6, 2006
Departure Time: 7:20
Arrival Time: 8:02
Weather as I call it: Sunny and 35 degrees, it's like paradise.
Paper Guy: Green Globe parka, green hat...made a sale while Iwas at the light.
Shady Gas Price: $2.27...HEY, wha happened?
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Easy Monday morning...you would think that it would be a tougher day...not so...
I bet you we have a rainy spring...it's been extremely dry lately....
New Paper Guy will surprise us all with his pink raincoat.
Arrival Time: 8:02
Weather as I call it: Sunny and 35 degrees, it's like paradise.
Paper Guy: Green Globe parka, green hat...made a sale while Iwas at the light.
Shady Gas Price: $2.27...HEY, wha happened?
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Easy Monday morning...you would think that it would be a tougher day...not so...
I bet you we have a rainy spring...it's been extremely dry lately....
New Paper Guy will surprise us all with his pink raincoat.
3/03/2006
Friday March 3, 2006
Departure Time: 7:20
Arrival Time: 7:57
Weather as I call it: Looking a lot like yesterday, but windy.
Paper Guy: Same green hat...jeans...goatee
Shady Gas Price: $2.13
Yelled at other drivers: No, but I did yell.
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
1. It's the ugly season in Boston...windy days in late winter where the snow has melted to reveal all the sand and trash that collected on the ground during colder days. I saw lots of soda cans and paper wrappers blowing around on the roadways today. Street sweeping starts up soon though.
2. Some school bus stopped in front me and put on its blinking lights. All the kids piled in and the bus started to roll on...suddenly some twerp comes jogging across the street, so the whole process starts up again. I yelled out, "C'mon kid!".
3. If you haven't checked out "The IS Lists", do so today. There is a link on the right nav. Here is my attempt at one:
If you would like to add to the list, please leave a comment.
Arrival Time: 7:57
Weather as I call it: Looking a lot like yesterday, but windy.
Paper Guy: Same green hat...jeans...goatee
Shady Gas Price: $2.13
Yelled at other drivers: No, but I did yell.
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
1. It's the ugly season in Boston...windy days in late winter where the snow has melted to reveal all the sand and trash that collected on the ground during colder days. I saw lots of soda cans and paper wrappers blowing around on the roadways today. Street sweeping starts up soon though.
2. Some school bus stopped in front me and put on its blinking lights. All the kids piled in and the bus started to roll on...suddenly some twerp comes jogging across the street, so the whole process starts up again. I yelled out, "C'mon kid!".
3. If you haven't checked out "The IS Lists", do so today. There is a link on the right nav. Here is my attempt at one:
| Old Paper Guy | New Paper Guy |
| Maybe working a new cornah | His demeanor could be warmah |
| Told the Globe to "Go To Hell" | Always working the hard sell |
| Probably won the lottery | The embodiment of "Woe is Me" |
| Taking in the Jamaican breeze | Paper pushing in deep freeze |
| Stinkin' rich | Herald's bitch |
If you would like to add to the list, please leave a comment.
3/02/2006
Thursday March 2, 2006
Departure Time: 7:26
Arrival Time: 8:15
Weather as I call it: Sunny and around 30 degrees....
Paper Guy: Meet the new boss...same as the old boss.
Shady Gas Price: $2.13
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
First...yesterday's post was my 100th post. Celebrate good times.
Secondly...the corner has a new paper guy....this dude is all business. Wearing a fluorescent green winter hat and holding up a Boston Herald so that the headline was clearly displayed to all stopped at the light, this guy stormed down the line of cars with a scowl on his face and a look of determination in his eyes. New Paper Guy is the yin to the old Paper Guy's yang.
I would rather not talk about the old Paper Guy's yang. While it is sad to think the old Paper Guy is gone for good, New Paper Guy looks to be another intriguing subject/weather indicator for the blog.
See you out there...on the road.
Arrival Time: 8:15
Weather as I call it: Sunny and around 30 degrees....
Paper Guy: Meet the new boss...same as the old boss.
Shady Gas Price: $2.13
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
First...yesterday's post was my 100th post. Celebrate good times.
Secondly...the corner has a new paper guy....this dude is all business. Wearing a fluorescent green winter hat and holding up a Boston Herald so that the headline was clearly displayed to all stopped at the light, this guy stormed down the line of cars with a scowl on his face and a look of determination in his eyes. New Paper Guy is the yin to the old Paper Guy's yang.
I would rather not talk about the old Paper Guy's yang. While it is sad to think the old Paper Guy is gone for good, New Paper Guy looks to be another intriguing subject/weather indicator for the blog.
See you out there...on the road.
3/01/2006
Wednesday March 1, 2006
Departure Time: 7:29
Arrival Time: 8:17
Weather as I call it: Sunny and a balmy 25 degrees
Paper Guy: He's gone
Shady Gas Price: $2.13
Yelled at other drivers: Welllllllllll....
Feared for my life: Ish
------------------------------
A KeySpan Energy van pulled in front of me...I read the sign that was hanging on the back out loud...."Caution - Slow Moving Vehicle". I then muttered, "Great".
Strange slamming on the brakes in front of the Museum of Science...I got a li'l scared.
I need to call the Globe or the Herald and find out what happened to Paper Guy. I now feel bad about never taking his picture.
Arrival Time: 8:17
Weather as I call it: Sunny and a balmy 25 degrees
Paper Guy: He's gone
Shady Gas Price: $2.13
Yelled at other drivers: Welllllllllll....
Feared for my life: Ish
------------------------------
A KeySpan Energy van pulled in front of me...I read the sign that was hanging on the back out loud...."Caution - Slow Moving Vehicle". I then muttered, "Great".
Strange slamming on the brakes in front of the Museum of Science...I got a li'l scared.
I need to call the Globe or the Herald and find out what happened to Paper Guy. I now feel bad about never taking his picture.
2/27/2006
Monday February 27, 2006
Departure Time: 7:13
Arrival Time: 7:52
Weather as I call it: Sunny...very cold...very windy...9 degrees
Paper Guy: Tip your 40...he's not there.
Shady Gas Price: $2.13
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Paper guy wasn't there...No stack of newspapers...no milk crate...nothing.
Wear your black arm band.
I saw some guy behind me open his driver side door while we were stopped at a red light. Suddenly, liquid flowed down onto the asphalt...not sure if it was coffee or vomit...it was nasty looking either way.
I will be flying to NYC for a conference tomorrow...see you Wednesday.
Arrival Time: 7:52
Weather as I call it: Sunny...very cold...very windy...9 degrees
Paper Guy: Tip your 40...he's not there.
Shady Gas Price: $2.13
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Paper guy wasn't there...No stack of newspapers...no milk crate...nothing.
Wear your black arm band.
I saw some guy behind me open his driver side door while we were stopped at a red light. Suddenly, liquid flowed down onto the asphalt...not sure if it was coffee or vomit...it was nasty looking either way.
I will be flying to NYC for a conference tomorrow...see you Wednesday.
2/24/2006
Friday February 24, 2006
Departure Time: N/A
Arrival Time: N/A
Weather as I call it: Windy...Sunny though
Paper Guy: N/A
Shady Gas Price: N/A
Yelled at other drivers: Not much
Feared for my life: Nope
------------------------------
High winds!! You could really feel it on the upper deck of the Tobin Bridge today...Being from the Merrimack Valley, I wasn't familiar with the Tobin growing up...I think I was in my 20s when I finally went over it.
Thoughts: I didn't understand how tall the bridge was in my youth...so I found it confusing that people chose to jump off the Tobin to commit suicide, especially since it was above water...Now knowing how tall it really is, water will not soften your fall...no matter how soft the Mystic River is...
Toll Booth operators have become increasingly more friendly in the past few months...it is a bit unsettling.
Let’s hope Paper Guy is back next week...I would hate for him to become a blog footnote...Plus, I have no ideas for a replacement in my daily rundown...
PLEASE PAPER GUY...COME BACK!
Arrival Time: N/A
Weather as I call it: Windy...Sunny though
Paper Guy: N/A
Shady Gas Price: N/A
Yelled at other drivers: Not much
Feared for my life: Nope
------------------------------
High winds!! You could really feel it on the upper deck of the Tobin Bridge today...Being from the Merrimack Valley, I wasn't familiar with the Tobin growing up...I think I was in my 20s when I finally went over it.
Thoughts: I didn't understand how tall the bridge was in my youth...so I found it confusing that people chose to jump off the Tobin to commit suicide, especially since it was above water...Now knowing how tall it really is, water will not soften your fall...no matter how soft the Mystic River is...
Toll Booth operators have become increasingly more friendly in the past few months...it is a bit unsettling.
Let’s hope Paper Guy is back next week...I would hate for him to become a blog footnote...Plus, I have no ideas for a replacement in my daily rundown...
PLEASE PAPER GUY...COME BACK!
2/23/2006
Thursday February 23, 2006
Departure Time: N/A
Arrival Time: N/A
Weather as I call it: Thin clouds above, yet murky...blocking buildings from view
Paper Guy: N/A
Shady Gas Price: N/A
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Our son had a doctor appointment at 10 so I had to come into work later...and I followed a different path to work today.
I am still on "Pins and Needles"...wondering if Paper Guy will be back...next week? Ever?
As usual, the amateurs were out on Storrow Drive around 11 AM...Mr. Green Grand Am needs to step it up and practice some other time.
Arrival Time: N/A
Weather as I call it: Thin clouds above, yet murky...blocking buildings from view
Paper Guy: N/A
Shady Gas Price: N/A
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Our son had a doctor appointment at 10 so I had to come into work later...and I followed a different path to work today.
I am still on "Pins and Needles"...wondering if Paper Guy will be back...next week? Ever?
As usual, the amateurs were out on Storrow Drive around 11 AM...Mr. Green Grand Am needs to step it up and practice some other time.
2/22/2006
Wednesday February 22, 2006
Departure Time: 7:24
Arrival Time: 8:01
Weather as I call it: Sunny...temps around the 30 degree mark
Paper Guy:Peeps....he just isn't there. I am beside myself.
Shady Gas Price: $2.15
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Until Paper Guy comes back, I will wear a black arm band. He better be back next week. Today, I drove by and the milk crate was flipped over. It's a sad scene, folks.
The community service crew was out on Storrow Drive in their fluorescent green shirts carrying large trash bags...thankfully not holding up traffic.
Hoping Paper Guy is relaxing on a sandy beach somewhere...
No, not Wollaston.
Arrival Time: 8:01
Weather as I call it: Sunny...temps around the 30 degree mark
Paper Guy:Peeps....he just isn't there. I am beside myself.
Shady Gas Price: $2.15
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Until Paper Guy comes back, I will wear a black arm band. He better be back next week. Today, I drove by and the milk crate was flipped over. It's a sad scene, folks.
The community service crew was out on Storrow Drive in their fluorescent green shirts carrying large trash bags...thankfully not holding up traffic.
Hoping Paper Guy is relaxing on a sandy beach somewhere...
No, not Wollaston.
2/21/2006
Tuesday February 21, 2006
Departure Time: 7:11
Arrival Time: 7:46
Weather as I call it: Sunny...temps in the upper 30s
Paper Guy: N/A - I was sooooo bummed. More later.
Shady Gas Price: $2:15
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I drove by the island where Paper Guy usually stands proud and all I saw was a sad stack of newspapers and a milk crate. Where'd ya go, daddy-o? I hope to see him tomorrow.
Gas price is down doobie do down down. Gotta love that....
School vacation week for the kiddies of MA*...streets are a little cleaner. Travel time was awwwwwwwwwwwwwesome today.
*Kids who attend public school in Massachusetts have the week off for February vacation. Sweet A.
Arrival Time: 7:46
Weather as I call it: Sunny...temps in the upper 30s
Paper Guy: N/A - I was sooooo bummed. More later.
Shady Gas Price: $2:15
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I'm back!
I drove by the island where Paper Guy usually stands proud and all I saw was a sad stack of newspapers and a milk crate. Where'd ya go, daddy-o? I hope to see him tomorrow.
Gas price is down doobie do down down. Gotta love that....
School vacation week for the kiddies of MA*...streets are a little cleaner. Travel time was awwwwwwwwwwwwwesome today.
*Kids who attend public school in Massachusetts have the week off for February vacation. Sweet A.
2/07/2006
Tuesday February 7, 2006
Departure Time: 7:21
Arrival Time: 8:04
Weather as I call it: Sunny skies but colder than last week
Paper Guy: Brown hat and back to the parka
Shady Gas Price: $2.27
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Had a few tailgaters today...but nothing to get me yelling and/or screaming...
Wellup, DrivingToWork will be on hiatus for a least a week and a half...My wife and I will be at the hospital...I can't wait to get the kid driving.
Arrival Time: 8:04
Weather as I call it: Sunny skies but colder than last week
Paper Guy: Brown hat and back to the parka
Shady Gas Price: $2.27
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Had a few tailgaters today...but nothing to get me yelling and/or screaming...
Wellup, DrivingToWork will be on hiatus for a least a week and a half...My wife and I will be at the hospital...I can't wait to get the kid driving.
2/06/2006
Monday February 6, 2006
Departure Time: 7:23
Arrival Time: 8:07
Weather as I call it: Sunny -- a little cooler
Paper Guy: Had his Members Only jacket on today with his brown hat
Shady Gas Price: $2.29
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I think I hit every red light today on the way to work. It made me feel like I couldn't get going...not the best commute for a groggy post-Superbowl Monday.
But.....looking at the duration of my trip, it wasn't a long time in the car.
Arrival Time: 8:07
Weather as I call it: Sunny -- a little cooler
Paper Guy: Had his Members Only jacket on today with his brown hat
Shady Gas Price: $2.29
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I think I hit every red light today on the way to work. It made me feel like I couldn't get going...not the best commute for a groggy post-Superbowl Monday.
But.....looking at the duration of my trip, it wasn't a long time in the car.
2/03/2006
Friday, February 3, 2006
Departure Time: 7:15
Arrival Time: 8:12
Weather as I call it: Rainy, 43 degrees
Paper Guy: Looking really miserable...struggling to keep his papers dry.
Shady Gas Price: $2.29
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: Not today
------------------------------
A few 'emergencies' slowed down my trip....for some reason, 4 cop cars blocked off the main road in town so I had to take an alternate route...
There was another 'emergency' and I choose to take an alternate route.
Just not a good Friday...near flooding in places.
Arrival Time: 8:12
Weather as I call it: Rainy, 43 degrees
Paper Guy: Looking really miserable...struggling to keep his papers dry.
Shady Gas Price: $2.29
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: Not today
------------------------------
A few 'emergencies' slowed down my trip....for some reason, 4 cop cars blocked off the main road in town so I had to take an alternate route...
There was another 'emergency' and I choose to take an alternate route.
Just not a good Friday...near flooding in places.
2/02/2006
Thursday February 2, 2006
Departure Time: N/A
Arrival Time: N/A
Weather as I call it: N/A
Paper Guy: N/A
Shady Gas Price: N/A
Yelled at other drivers: N/A
Feared for my life: N/A
------------------------------
My wife and I had another doctor's appointment again this morning so I came into work late.
It looks like the baby's coming next Wednesday...or at least labor will be induced then...DrivingtoWork will be on hiatus for a bit starting next week.
Arrival Time: N/A
Weather as I call it: N/A
Paper Guy: N/A
Shady Gas Price: N/A
Yelled at other drivers: N/A
Feared for my life: N/A
------------------------------
My wife and I had another doctor's appointment again this morning so I came into work late.
It looks like the baby's coming next Wednesday...or at least labor will be induced then...DrivingtoWork will be on hiatus for a bit starting next week.
2/01/2006
Wednesday February 1, 2006
Departure Time: 7:19
Arrival Time: 8:08
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and 35 degrees
Paper Guy: Was wearing his brown hat and parka
Shady Gas Price: $2.29
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
A good hump day drive. Nothing too out of the ordinary. I should put together a list of rules for Boston Morning Commuting.
Rule 1: Everybody's in a hurry -- Respect that fact.
Rule 2: Never snooze at a light
Rule 3: If you are slow, stay right.
More to come.....
Arrival Time: 8:08
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and 35 degrees
Paper Guy: Was wearing his brown hat and parka
Shady Gas Price: $2.29
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
A good hump day drive. Nothing too out of the ordinary. I should put together a list of rules for Boston Morning Commuting.
Rule 1: Everybody's in a hurry -- Respect that fact.
Rule 2: Never snooze at a light
Rule 3: If you are slow, stay right.
More to come.....
1/31/2006
Tuesday January 31, 2006
Departure Time: 7:16
Arrival Time: 7:58
Weather as I call it: Overcast, misty but 42 degrees
Paper Guy: Brown hat on today...started to walk into the street to make a sale.
Shady Gas Price: $2.29 <-- Wow.
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: Not today
------------------------------
Here's the sitch: I forgot to add this to yesterday's post. Two people cut in front of me yesterday...did I react appropriately? Absolutely. I didn't flip off anybody. You let it happen unless they really do something ridiculous.
....which leads me to my next point...I love people don't exactly stop when they come to a 3 way intersection where they have to turn left. They sorta ease their way into traffic and then they expect you to let them in...Strange, courageous stuff.
I saw the temp. on a spinning bank sign today...the same that was displaying the temperature as extremely hot a while back...looks like they fixed it.
Arrival Time: 7:58
Weather as I call it: Overcast, misty but 42 degrees
Paper Guy: Brown hat on today...started to walk into the street to make a sale.
Shady Gas Price: $2.29 <-- Wow.
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: Not today
------------------------------
Here's the sitch: I forgot to add this to yesterday's post. Two people cut in front of me yesterday...did I react appropriately? Absolutely. I didn't flip off anybody. You let it happen unless they really do something ridiculous.
....which leads me to my next point...I love people don't exactly stop when they come to a 3 way intersection where they have to turn left. They sorta ease their way into traffic and then they expect you to let them in...Strange, courageous stuff.
I saw the temp. on a spinning bank sign today...the same that was displaying the temperature as extremely hot a while back...looks like they fixed it.
1/30/2006
Monday January 30, 2006
Departure Time: 7:14
Arrival Time: 7:57
Weather as I call it: Misty
Paper Guy: Brown hat...windbreaker....no shades
Shady Gas Price: $2.31
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: Nope
------------------------------
Sometimes all the lights turn green for you...today was a good day for commuting...
I didn't get flipped off either.
Arrival Time: 7:57
Weather as I call it: Misty
Paper Guy: Brown hat...windbreaker....no shades
Shady Gas Price: $2.31
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: Nope
------------------------------
Sometimes all the lights turn green for you...today was a good day for commuting...
I didn't get flipped off either.
1/27/2006
Friday January 27, 2006
Departure Time: 7:25
Arrival Time: 8:12
Weather as I call it: Sunny and breezy - 72 degrees. Ok, not really.
Paper Guy: Wearing his brown hat and scarf set.
Shady Gas Price: $2.31
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: Nah
------------------------------
So, I got flipped off today. Let me see if I can explain the scene.
I came up to a red light. This particular road has 4 lanes. After the light turns green, all traffic progress to another traffic light, which is always red, about 150 feet away. The good news is that all four lanes of traffic continues to the next light. There are no lane drops. The bad news is the lane farthest to the right becomes a "straight only" lane...and I need to go left at the second light.
Well, I usually get myself into one of the three correct lanes at the first light. Today, not so much. I was in the right lane and I needed to get over. If I couldn't, I would obey the law and go straight...BUT if I saw any opportunity to get left, I would. The light turned green. One car hesitated. I didn't. I got in front of this guy and stopped at the red light right behind another car....no big deal.
Here I was, sitting at the red light and I just happened to look in my rear view mirror....and the dude behind me took this opportunity to express his thoughts about my maneuvering. His 'bird' was flipped sideways, parallel to the top of his dashboard. I guess it's like shooting guns in the movies...you always want to hold the barrel sideways because it just looks cooler.
As an added bonus, he opened his eyes wide as his bird was flipped to let me know he was downright "loco" and I made the mistake of my life getting pulling in front of him. I had a few choices...I could respond or do nothing. Since I had my sunglasses on, he probably couldn't tell I could see what he was doing. I remained motionless and watched him go back to fiddling with his radio or picking sesame seeds out of his passenger side seat's fabric. It was amazing to see how fleeting his road rage was.
After the light turned green, I progressed as I normally do and lost him immediately....so the dude wasn't even in a rush. If he had blown by me in a huff, then I would understand. I think he was mad that I caught him dosing at a red light...one of the cardinal sins of driving in Boston.
Don't you know I have a blog, punk? Don't mess with me.
Did I do something that was worthy of the bird? Please comment and let me know.
Arrival Time: 8:12
Weather as I call it: Sunny and breezy - 72 degrees. Ok, not really.
Paper Guy: Wearing his brown hat and scarf set.
Shady Gas Price: $2.31
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: Nah
------------------------------
So, I got flipped off today. Let me see if I can explain the scene.
I came up to a red light. This particular road has 4 lanes. After the light turns green, all traffic progress to another traffic light, which is always red, about 150 feet away. The good news is that all four lanes of traffic continues to the next light. There are no lane drops. The bad news is the lane farthest to the right becomes a "straight only" lane...and I need to go left at the second light.
Well, I usually get myself into one of the three correct lanes at the first light. Today, not so much. I was in the right lane and I needed to get over. If I couldn't, I would obey the law and go straight...BUT if I saw any opportunity to get left, I would. The light turned green. One car hesitated. I didn't. I got in front of this guy and stopped at the red light right behind another car....no big deal.
Here I was, sitting at the red light and I just happened to look in my rear view mirror....and the dude behind me took this opportunity to express his thoughts about my maneuvering. His 'bird' was flipped sideways, parallel to the top of his dashboard. I guess it's like shooting guns in the movies...you always want to hold the barrel sideways because it just looks cooler.
As an added bonus, he opened his eyes wide as his bird was flipped to let me know he was downright "loco" and I made the mistake of my life getting pulling in front of him. I had a few choices...I could respond or do nothing. Since I had my sunglasses on, he probably couldn't tell I could see what he was doing. I remained motionless and watched him go back to fiddling with his radio or picking sesame seeds out of his passenger side seat's fabric. It was amazing to see how fleeting his road rage was.
After the light turned green, I progressed as I normally do and lost him immediately....so the dude wasn't even in a rush. If he had blown by me in a huff, then I would understand. I think he was mad that I caught him dosing at a red light...one of the cardinal sins of driving in Boston.
Don't you know I have a blog, punk? Don't mess with me.
Did I do something that was worthy of the bird? Please comment and let me know.
1/26/2006
Thursday January 26, 2006
Departure Time: 7:25
Arrival Time: 8:13
Weather as I call it: Unsettled weather...I think it snowed a little last night.
Paper Guy: Shades. Winter coat. Doing the backwards walk.
Shady Gas Price: $2:31
Yelled at other drivers: Nope.
Feared for my life: A little bit...
------------------------------
Got my car back...after paying 800+ bucks. Let's see what my warranty will cover...not all of it I am sure...
The one thing that was scary on the way to work was the van that decided to take a right onto the esplande right around the hatch shell...
I mean, that doesn't happen every day...and it's not cool that the dude in front of you has to slam on his brakes to accomodate....made my heart rate bounce up a bit.
I fixed my table that I put in yesterday's post...now you don't have to scroll to see my reviews.
Arrival Time: 8:13
Weather as I call it: Unsettled weather...I think it snowed a little last night.
Paper Guy: Shades. Winter coat. Doing the backwards walk.
Shady Gas Price: $2:31
Yelled at other drivers: Nope.
Feared for my life: A little bit...
------------------------------
Got my car back...after paying 800+ bucks.
The one thing that was scary on the way to work was the van that decided to take a right onto the esplande right around the hatch shell...
I mean, that doesn't happen every day...and it's not cool that the dude in front of you has to slam on his brakes to accomodate....made my heart rate bounce up a bit.
I fixed my table that I put in yesterday's post...now you don't have to scroll to see my reviews.
1/25/2006
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Departure Time: 7:15
Arrival Time: 8:08
Weather as I call it: Snow again...but people were driving better in it today.
Paper Guy: Holding an umbrella today!
Shady Gas Price: $2.31
Yelled at other drivers: Not really
Feared for my life: Nope, although the brake response in the loaner car is different than mine...so I had a time figuring out when I should brake.
------------------------------
I needed to bring some CDs to listen to on my drive to work today. It may be 2005-2006 on the outside...but inside the car, it's 1967-1968.
Arrival Time: 8:08
Weather as I call it: Snow again...but people were driving better in it today.
Paper Guy: Holding an umbrella today!
Shady Gas Price: $2.31
Yelled at other drivers: Not really
Feared for my life: Nope, although the brake response in the loaner car is different than mine...so I had a time figuring out when I should brake.
------------------------------
I needed to bring some CDs to listen to on my drive to work today. It may be 2005-2006 on the outside...but inside the car, it's 1967-1968.
| Band/Artist | Album | Grade | Comments |
| Love | Forever Changes | B+ | Hippie Dippy LA rock. Some of the lyrics are unforgiveable but the horn parts are nice. |
| Van Morrison | Astral Weeks | A- | I don't think any song has a chorus...and after 4 listens, I still don't understand what he's singing most of the time...but it's great background music |
| Velvet Underground | The Velvet Underground and Nico | B- | I almost gave it a C+ grade...I am trying...there are a few good songs on here, but I think I have to give it more listens. |
| Johnny Cash | Live at Folsom Prison | A | I am soooo on the Cash bandwagon....and I don't care. I should have bought this album 10 years ago when it was on my list...I bought Rocket to Russia instead. |
1/24/2006
Tuesday January 24, 2006
Departure Time: 7:16
Arrival Time: 8:08
Weather as I call it: Sunny but colder and I was waiting to hit some black ice.
Paper Guy: Parka back on with brown hat and the return of the shades
Shady Gas Price: $2.31
Yelled at other drivers: I had an verbal conversation with myself (details below)
Feared for my life: No, but I was anticipating death
------------------------------
HEY MBTA BUSES! Please move over when you pick up your riders. You have plenty of room. No one is parked in front of your stop. Please make way for us peeps driving loaner cars.
I have my sunglasses, my satellite radio, and my lumbar support in my car. I want my car back.
Arrival Time: 8:08
Weather as I call it: Sunny but colder and I was waiting to hit some black ice.
Paper Guy: Parka back on with brown hat and the return of the shades
Shady Gas Price: $2.31
Yelled at other drivers: I had an verbal conversation with myself (details below)
Feared for my life: No, but I was anticipating death
------------------------------
HEY MBTA BUSES! Please move over when you pick up your riders. You have plenty of room. No one is parked in front of your stop. Please make way for us peeps driving loaner cars.
I have my sunglasses, my satellite radio, and my lumbar support in my car. I want my car back.
1/23/2006
Monday January 23, 2006
Departure Time: 7:19
Arrival Time: 8:24
Weather as I call it: Snow! Not too heavy but you can tell it took people by surprise.
Paper Guy: Winter coat with his hood up...snow had collected on it. No shades.
Shady Gas Price: $2.31
Yelled at other drivers: No, but it was frustrating today
Feared for my life: Surprisingly no
------------------------------
It's weird, but people seemed to forget how to drive in snow today. For a light snow storm, people seemed to be taking it very seriously.
I need to take a picture of Paper guy. I am sure he will freak out and punch in my window...but this is the kind of risk I take for the blog.
I had to bring the car in for a tune up. I need to get it back before the end of today so I can drive to work tomorrow.
Arrival Time: 8:24
Weather as I call it: Snow! Not too heavy but you can tell it took people by surprise.
Paper Guy: Winter coat with his hood up...snow had collected on it. No shades.
Shady Gas Price: $2.31
Yelled at other drivers: No, but it was frustrating today
Feared for my life: Surprisingly no
------------------------------
It's weird, but people seemed to forget how to drive in snow today. For a light snow storm, people seemed to be taking it very seriously.
I need to take a picture of Paper guy. I am sure he will freak out and punch in my window...but this is the kind of risk I take for the blog.
I had to bring the car in for a tune up. I need to get it back before the end of today so I can drive to work tomorrow.
1/20/2006
Friday January 20, 2006
Departure Time: 7:19
Arrival Time: 8:07
Weather as I call it: Sunny and warm. Winter is over (I'm joking of course)
Paper Guy: Shades were on. Windbreaker
Shady Gas Price: $2.31
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: Nope
------------------------------
Paper guy made a sale. I think the Herald is 50 cents, but this guy handing Paper Guy a $1.00 bill and then shake off the change. I love the 'shaking off the change' hand gesture. It's close to 'shaking off the dealer' when you play Black Jack, but not quite.
Arrival Time: 8:07
Weather as I call it: Sunny and warm. Winter is over (I'm joking of course)
Paper Guy: Shades were on. Windbreaker
Shady Gas Price: $2.31
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: Nope
------------------------------
Paper guy made a sale. I think the Herald is 50 cents, but this guy handing Paper Guy a $1.00 bill and then shake off the change. I love the 'shaking off the change' hand gesture. It's close to 'shaking off the dealer' when you play Black Jack, but not quite.
1/19/2006
Thursday January 19, 2006
Departure Time: N/A
Arrival Time: N/A
Weather as I call it: Sunny and mild...a little windy
Paper Guy: N/A
Shady Gas Price: N/A
Yelled at other drivers: Wweeeeeeeeeeellll.
Feared for my life: Nope
------------------------------
The wife and I had to go to the doctor's office today in the morning...so I drove to work a lot later than I usually do.
Somehow, the guys who drive rusty vans who hunch way over their steering wheels wrapping both arms around them to make sure the airbags are pressed firmly onto their chests who take the broken lines as not lane boundaries but challenges to overcome in their quests to cover as much surface as possible are ALL on the road at 10:30 AM.
When I finally get the chance to pass them, I always take a look...and they always appear legally blind.
Arrival Time: N/A
Weather as I call it: Sunny and mild...a little windy
Paper Guy: N/A
Shady Gas Price: N/A
Yelled at other drivers: Wweeeeeeeeeeellll.
Feared for my life: Nope
------------------------------
The wife and I had to go to the doctor's office today in the morning...so I drove to work a lot later than I usually do.
Somehow, the guys who drive rusty vans who hunch way over their steering wheels wrapping both arms around them to make sure the airbags are pressed firmly onto their chests who take the broken lines as not lane boundaries but challenges to overcome in their quests to cover as much surface as possible are ALL on the road at 10:30 AM.
When I finally get the chance to pass them, I always take a look...and they always appear legally blind.
1/18/2006
Wednesday January 18, 2006
Departure Time: 7:29
Arrival Time: 8:15
Weather as I call it: Misty...colder but no ice
Paper Guy: Had a black wool hat on
Shady Gas Price: $2.29
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
AS I drove by the old Hancock tower, the beacon was a-steady red...must be rain.
Arrival Time: 8:15
Weather as I call it: Misty...colder but no ice
Paper Guy: Had a black wool hat on
Shady Gas Price: $2.29
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
AS I drove by the old Hancock tower, the beacon was a-steady red...must be rain.
1/17/2006
Tuesday January 17, 2006
Departure Time: 7:28
Arrival Time: 8:14
Weather as I call it: Sunny but cold
Paper Guy: Had his brown scarf on today. He made a sale while I was at the light
Shady Gas Price: $2.29 (down a bit)
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Pretty easy drive today. I am guessing the colleges and universities are not back in session yet. I have been enjoying easy commutes, but we will have to see if it continues or not.
Arrival Time: 8:14
Weather as I call it: Sunny but cold
Paper Guy: Had his brown scarf on today. He made a sale while I was at the light
Shady Gas Price: $2.29 (down a bit)
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Pretty easy drive today. I am guessing the colleges and universities are not back in session yet. I have been enjoying easy commutes, but we will have to see if it continues or not.
1/13/2006
Friday January 13, 2006
Departure Time: 7:17
Arrival Time: 8:00
Weather as I call it: Sunny and warmish...45 degrees.
Paper Guy: Looking good in his windbreaker...doing the backwards walk
Shady Gas Price: $2.31
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: Not today
------------------------------
Early Friday for me...! I think I should do some analysis and compare the duration of my drives before and after a 7:20 departure. Today 43 minutes, but I left at 7:17. Yesterday, I left at 7:24....duration = 46 minutes.
Arrival Time: 8:00
Weather as I call it: Sunny and warmish...45 degrees.
Paper Guy: Looking good in his windbreaker...doing the backwards walk
Shady Gas Price: $2.31
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: Not today
------------------------------
Early Friday for me...! I think I should do some analysis and compare the duration of my drives before and after a 7:20 departure. Today 43 minutes, but I left at 7:17. Yesterday, I left at 7:24....duration = 46 minutes.
1/12/2006
Thursday January 12, 2006
Departure Time: 7:24
Arrival Time: 8:10
Weather as I call it: The January Thaw continues...Very mild.
Paper Guy: Sitting down in his chair!! He was maxing AND relaxing.
Shady Gas Price: $2.31
Yelled at other drivers: Ish...I beeped at a truck crossing 2 lanes to exit.
Feared for my life: Two times
------------------------------
Not really sure why I was so jumpy today...First off, I saw a Jeep in my rearview and I swore I was going to merge right into him...I guess objects really are closer than they appear. Anyway, the heart rate jumped up a few beats per minute.
Then, there was a bad merge on Soldier's Field Road near the Elliot Bridge. Some people can merge well...some people can't...lots of brakes slammed...lots of lives feared.
I shouldn't have had that cup of coffee this morning.
Arrival Time: 8:10
Weather as I call it: The January Thaw continues...Very mild.
Paper Guy: Sitting down in his chair!! He was maxing AND relaxing.
Shady Gas Price: $2.31
Yelled at other drivers: Ish...I beeped at a truck crossing 2 lanes to exit.
Feared for my life: Two times
------------------------------
Not really sure why I was so jumpy today...First off, I saw a Jeep in my rearview and I swore I was going to merge right into him...I guess objects really are closer than they appear. Anyway, the heart rate jumped up a few beats per minute.
Then, there was a bad merge on Soldier's Field Road near the Elliot Bridge. Some people can merge well...some people can't...lots of brakes slammed...lots of lives feared.
I shouldn't have had that cup of coffee this morning.
1/11/2006
Wednesday January 11, 2006
Departure Time: 7:24
Arrival Time: 8:10
Weather as I call it: Mostly cloudy...pretty mild again today
Paper Guy: Navy blue coat, Navy blue hat, and shades!
Shady Gas Price: $2.31
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: Feeling nice and safe
------------------------------
Few things:
Can't beat the temps this week. "They" say highs will reach 60 degrees on Friday. Who needs Aruba when you have balmy temps right here in Boston and vicinity?
My wife will not be going to work for the time being. She is on maternity leave...and I am sure she will find things to do around the house even though I keep telling her 'bed rest' is her only option...So, I need to take Miss Thang down as a contributor to this blog...I never got why she got twice as many profile views as me.
State cops have a habit of pulling over tanker trucks on my way to work. Not sure what they are doing wrong, but if all the tanker trucks could obey the law...it would make my commute a lot easier. It's hard to get around a pulled over tanker truck on a road with no emergency lane.
Arrival Time: 8:10
Weather as I call it: Mostly cloudy...pretty mild again today
Paper Guy: Navy blue coat, Navy blue hat, and shades!
Shady Gas Price: $2.31
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: Feeling nice and safe
------------------------------
Few things:
Can't beat the temps this week. "They" say highs will reach 60 degrees on Friday. Who needs Aruba when you have balmy temps right here in Boston and vicinity?
My wife will not be going to work for the time being. She is on maternity leave...and I am sure she will find things to do around the house even though I keep telling her 'bed rest' is her only option...So, I need to take Miss Thang down as a contributor to this blog...I never got why she got twice as many profile views as me.
State cops have a habit of pulling over tanker trucks on my way to work. Not sure what they are doing wrong, but if all the tanker trucks could obey the law...it would make my commute a lot easier. It's hard to get around a pulled over tanker truck on a road with no emergency lane.
1/10/2006
Tuesday January 10, 2006
Departure Time: 7:32
Arrival Time: 8:21
Weather as I call it: Very Sunny and mild
Paper Guy: No show...where are you, buddy?
Shady Gas Price: $2.29
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
The sun was blinding today. I had a hard time seeing a few bicyclists right around the Museum of Science. Thankfully, other people were wearing their sunglasses today. I was sure Paper Guy would have his shades on when I passed him, but I think he was on his potty break.
Arrival Time: 8:21
Weather as I call it: Very Sunny and mild
Paper Guy: No show...where are you, buddy?
Shady Gas Price: $2.29
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
The sun was blinding today. I had a hard time seeing a few bicyclists right around the Museum of Science. Thankfully, other people were wearing their sunglasses today. I was sure Paper Guy would have his shades on when I passed him, but I think he was on his potty break.
1/09/2006
Monday January 9, 2006
Departure Time: 7:39
Arrival Time: 8:19
Weather as I call it: Overcast...
Paper Guy: N/A
Shady Gas Price: N/A
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: Nope
------------------------------
I drove my wife to work today and I encountered some overly-friendly toll takers throughout the trip. Lots of "Good Mornings" and "Thank Yous" shouted at me when I was handing out my cash. Makes you feel warm inside...like somebody cares.
Arrival Time: 8:19
Weather as I call it: Overcast...
Paper Guy: N/A
Shady Gas Price: N/A
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: Nope
------------------------------
I drove my wife to work today and I encountered some overly-friendly toll takers throughout the trip. Lots of "Good Mornings" and "Thank Yous" shouted at me when I was handing out my cash. Makes you feel warm inside...like somebody cares.
1/06/2006
Friday January 6, 2006
Departure Time: 7:34
Arrival Time: 8:26
Weather as I call it: I think it was about 38 degrees.
Paper Guy: Parka and scarf
Shady Gas Price: $2.25
Yelled at other drivers: Not today
Feared for my life: Feeling safe
------------------------------
A nice sane Friday. Can't beat temps in the high thirties...no really. There is a big difference between minus five and thirty eight degrees.
Arrival Time: 8:26
Weather as I call it: I think it was about 38 degrees.
Paper Guy: Parka and scarf
Shady Gas Price: $2.25
Yelled at other drivers: Not today
Feared for my life: Feeling safe
------------------------------
A nice sane Friday. Can't beat temps in the high thirties...no really. There is a big difference between minus five and thirty eight degrees.
1/05/2006
Thursday January 5, 2006
Departure Time: 7:33
Arrival Time: 8:26
Weather as I call it: Misty and dreary
Paper Guy: Standing stoically - wearing his raincoat.
Shady Gas Price: $2.25
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: Nope
------------------------------
You can tell people are getting back into their regular routines again. I am driving with more and more cars since Tuesday.
Arrival Time: 8:26
Weather as I call it: Misty and dreary
Paper Guy: Standing stoically - wearing his raincoat.
Shady Gas Price: $2.25
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: Nope
------------------------------
You can tell people are getting back into their regular routines again. I am driving with more and more cars since Tuesday.
1/04/2006
Wednesday January 4, 2006
Departure Time: 7:31
Arrival Time: 8:20
Weather as I call it: Mostly cloudy
Paper Guy: Parka, brown hat and scarf set (nice!)...and shades.
Shady Gas Price: $2.21
Yelled at other drivers: No...but I did yell.
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I yelled at some dude crossing the street while driving through town...Although he does have the right of way, he was walking a little slow for my tastes. Let's work together, people. I won't hit you if you don't take your time, k?
Arrival Time: 8:20
Weather as I call it: Mostly cloudy
Paper Guy: Parka, brown hat and scarf set (nice!)...and shades.
Shady Gas Price: $2.21
Yelled at other drivers: No...but I did yell.
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I yelled at some dude crossing the street while driving through town...Although he does have the right of way, he was walking a little slow for my tastes. Let's work together, people. I won't hit you if you don't take your time, k?
1/03/2006
Tuesday January 3, 2006
Departure Time: 7:32
Arrival Time: 8:18
Weather as I call it: Rainy and dreary...It was supposed to snow.
Paper Guy: Looking really sad with his black raincoat and a plastic bag over his newspapers. No shades today.
Shady Gas Price: $2.21
Yelled at other drivers: A few times
Feared for my life: A little bit
------------------------------
I think people were still drunk this morning.
Anyway, a good start to the year/month/week/day....
Arrival Time: 8:18
Weather as I call it: Rainy and dreary...It was supposed to snow.
Paper Guy: Looking really sad with his black raincoat and a plastic bag over his newspapers. No shades today.
Shady Gas Price: $2.21
Yelled at other drivers: A few times
Feared for my life: A little bit
------------------------------
I think people were still drunk this morning.
- Two, count 'em, two people decided at the last moment that they had to exit from the left lane. When you are travelling down a three lane road in the middle lane, this sitch can be an ish. (sitch = situation...ish=issue). Twice I had to stare at peeps trying to cross two lanes to exit Soldier's Field Road. Wha' happened? Did you two forget where you were going this morning....?
- I had to yell at somebody pulling a u-ey (is that how you spell it?) where they shouldn't have.
Anyway, a good start to the year/month/week/day....
12/29/2005
Thursday December 29, 2005
Departure Time: 7:40
Arrival Time: 8:17
Weather as I call it: Overcast and foggy.
Paper Guy: Back on the scene..making a sale to a county sheriff
Shady Gas Price: $2.17
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Fog coming off the Charles today...I thought I would see some Loch Ness monster type thing poke his head through the mist, but no dice.
Here's hoping we'll see less traffic jams in 2006.
Arrival Time: 8:17
Weather as I call it: Overcast and foggy.
Paper Guy: Back on the scene..making a sale to a county sheriff
Shady Gas Price: $2.17
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Fog coming off the Charles today...I thought I would see some Loch Ness monster type thing poke his head through the mist, but no dice.
Here's hoping we'll see less traffic jams in 2006.
12/28/2005
Wednesday December 28, 2005
Departure Time: 7:36
Arrival Time: 8:13
Weather as I call it: Sunny and cold but no wind today
Paper Guy: He wasn't at his post today...this has happened before
Shady Gas Price: $2.17
Yelled at other drivers: Eh.
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
There was this dude who liked to tailgate...he tailgated his way into getting stuck behind a slow car...and I was able to laugh at him as I passed by on the right.
Arrival Time: 8:13
Weather as I call it: Sunny and cold but no wind today
Paper Guy: He wasn't at his post today...this has happened before
Shady Gas Price: $2.17
Yelled at other drivers: Eh.
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
There was this dude who liked to tailgate...he tailgated his way into getting stuck behind a slow car...and I was able to laugh at him as I passed by on the right.
12/27/2005
Tuesday December 27, 2005
Arrival Time: 8:05
Weather as I call it: Chilly and partly sunny
Paper Guy: The full winter ensemble...parka, scarf, hat...the hood was up today.
Shady Gas Price: $2.17
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Relatively easy drive in to work today. If 60 percent of the work force didn't travel by car in the morning on a regular basis, my commute would be spectacular.
One of those cold mornings where the wind was blowing just right so that everyone's exhaust fumes were spiraling upwards like little tornados out of their tailpipes.
Weather as I call it: Chilly and partly sunny
Paper Guy: The full winter ensemble...parka, scarf, hat...the hood was up today.
Shady Gas Price: $2.17
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Relatively easy drive in to work today. If 60 percent of the work force didn't travel by car in the morning on a regular basis, my commute would be spectacular.
One of those cold mornings where the wind was blowing just right so that everyone's exhaust fumes were spiraling upwards like little tornados out of their tailpipes.
12/22/2005
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Forgot to mention a "Happy Winter Solstice" to everybody yesterday. Better late than never.
No work until Tuesday December 27....but lots of driving to other destinations between now and then.
Soooooooooooowah, stay safe. Stay sane.
No work until Tuesday December 27....but lots of driving to other destinations between now and then.
Soooooooooooowah, stay safe. Stay sane.
12/21/2005
Wednesday December 21, 2005
I had a funeral to go to this morning...and although I drove to work later on in the day...there wasn't much to report.
Well, let's just say that even at 12:30 in the afternoon, there are still plenty of people driving around to clog up 93 North around Milton and Quincy.
Well, let's just say that even at 12:30 in the afternoon, there are still plenty of people driving around to clog up 93 North around Milton and Quincy.
12/20/2005
Tuesday December 20, 2005
Departure Time: 7:32
Arrival Time: 8:19
Weather as I call it: More cold temps. Hey, it's December in Boston.
Paper Guy: Same outfit as yesterday...but I noticed a scarf today.
Shady Gas Price: Holding steady at $2.17
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Another easy drive. Next week should be even better.
Let's discuss solar glare. Ok, now I wear sunglasses every time I drive to work...except when it's cloudy...cuz doing that would be...unsettling.
When the sun is out in its full glory this time of year, it causes blindness faster than alcohol poisoning. It troubles me that peeps aren't wearing proper eye protection driving to work this time of year.
What did ZZ Top say, "Get yourself some cheap sunglasses?" Oh yeah.
I can't believe I just quoted ZZ Top in my blog.
Arrival Time: 8:19
Weather as I call it: More cold temps. Hey, it's December in Boston.
Paper Guy: Same outfit as yesterday...but I noticed a scarf today.
Shady Gas Price: Holding steady at $2.17
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Another easy drive. Next week should be even better.
Let's discuss solar glare. Ok, now I wear sunglasses every time I drive to work...except when it's cloudy...cuz doing that would be...unsettling.
When the sun is out in its full glory this time of year, it causes blindness faster than alcohol poisoning. It troubles me that peeps aren't wearing proper eye protection driving to work this time of year.
What did ZZ Top say, "Get yourself some cheap sunglasses?" Oh yeah.
I can't believe I just quoted ZZ Top in my blog.
12/19/2005
Monday December 19, 2005
Departure Time: 7:27
Arrival Time: 8:11
Weather as I call it: Sunny but cold...27 degrees
Paper Guy: Globe parka, Black winter hat, and shades!
Shady Gas Price: $2.17
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
The holiday season is upon us...look at that arrival time!
Here is the chart I mentioned in my last post.
Arrival Time: 8:11
Weather as I call it: Sunny but cold...27 degrees
Paper Guy: Globe parka, Black winter hat, and shades!
Shady Gas Price: $2.17
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
The holiday season is upon us...look at that arrival time!
Here is the chart I mentioned in my last post.
12/16/2005
Friday December 16, 2005
Stats
Thanks for being patient. I had to compile all the data, which took a while...and then I decided to clean it up a bit (sorry, I didn't count my time on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving).
Without further delay:
Average trip time by day
Monday: 50 Minutes
Tuesday: 53 Minutes
Wednesday: 52 Minutes
Thursday: 55 Minutes
Friday: 54 Minutes
Average trip time by month
Half of September: 52 Minutes
October: 53 Minutes
November: 52 Minutes
December (so far):52 Minutes
So not much difference....Later I will post a chart of the shady gas price over time.
Thanks for being patient. I had to compile all the data, which took a while...and then I decided to clean it up a bit (sorry, I didn't count my time on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving).
Without further delay:
Average trip time by day
Monday: 50 Minutes
Tuesday: 53 Minutes
Wednesday: 52 Minutes
Thursday: 55 Minutes
Friday: 54 Minutes
Average trip time by month
Half of September: 52 Minutes
October: 53 Minutes
November: 52 Minutes
December (so far):52 Minutes
So not much difference....Later I will post a chart of the shady gas price over time.
12/09/2005
Friday December 9, 2005
Departure Time: 7:33
Arrival Time: 8:32
Weather as I call it: Heavy Snow
Paper Guy: Fully bundled up...newspaper in a plastic bag...no shades.
Shady Gas Price: $2.04 !
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Snow hits Boston! Schools closed everywhere because of one inch on the ground...When I was in school, they never cancelled for this trival amount of snow (they are predicting 3-6 inches). Now I don't care because it lightens the number of cars on the roads.
Big thanks to the taxi that couldn't pick a lane on Soldier's Field road today. I didn't yell at you...but you were annoying me enough to post it in the blog. I probably could have shaved 3 minutes off my time this morning if you had let me pass you.
***I am off from work all next week...although I won't have a daily capture of my trip, I will post some analysis of the last few months...stay tuned***
Arrival Time: 8:32
Weather as I call it: Heavy Snow
Paper Guy: Fully bundled up...newspaper in a plastic bag...no shades.
Shady Gas Price: $2.04 !
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Snow hits Boston! Schools closed everywhere because of one inch on the ground...When I was in school, they never cancelled for this trival amount of snow (they are predicting 3-6 inches). Now I don't care because it lightens the number of cars on the roads.
Big thanks to the taxi that couldn't pick a lane on Soldier's Field road today. I didn't yell at you...but you were annoying me enough to post it in the blog. I probably could have shaved 3 minutes off my time this morning if you had let me pass you.
***I am off from work all next week...although I won't have a daily capture of my trip, I will post some analysis of the last few months...stay tuned***
12/08/2005
Thursday December 8, 2005
Departure Time: 7:44
Arrival Time: 8:24
Weather as I call it: Sunny and cold
Paper Guy: N/A
Shady Gas Price: N/A
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Late start today but I drove my wife to work...and we take advantage of the HOV lane. The South Station exit ramp has shifted so it is a straighter shot into the intersection.
Arrival Time: 8:24
Weather as I call it: Sunny and cold
Paper Guy: N/A
Shady Gas Price: N/A
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Late start today but I drove my wife to work...and we take advantage of the HOV lane. The South Station exit ramp has shifted so it is a straighter shot into the intersection.
12/07/2005
Wednesday December 7, 2005
Departure Time: 7:33
Arrival Time: 8:21
Weather as I call it: Cold...sunny but cold
Paper Guy: The Boston Globe parka was in full effect...but back with the gray hat today.
Shady Gas Price: $2.09
Yelled at other drivers: Yes
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Some woman on her cell phone going 30 on Storrow Drive got me fired up.
"Shut up and drive!"
Arrival Time: 8:21
Weather as I call it: Cold...sunny but cold
Paper Guy: The Boston Globe parka was in full effect...but back with the gray hat today.
Shady Gas Price: $2.09
Yelled at other drivers: Yes
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Some woman on her cell phone going 30 on Storrow Drive got me fired up.
"Shut up and drive!"
12/06/2005
Tuesday December 6, 2005
Departure Time: 7:30
Arrival Time: 8:22
Weather as I call it: Light snow
Paper Guy: Same outfit as yesterday but his hood was on his head.
Shady Gas Price: $2.09....Hey, WHA' Happened?
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I saw a state trooper pull over a woman who ran the red light after she came off the Gilmore bridge.
Again, I had less trouble today driving in the snow than I do when driving in the rain.
Arrival Time: 8:22
Weather as I call it: Light snow
Paper Guy: Same outfit as yesterday but his hood was on his head.
Shady Gas Price: $2.09....Hey, WHA' Happened?
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I saw a state trooper pull over a woman who ran the red light after she came off the Gilmore bridge.
Again, I had less trouble today driving in the snow than I do when driving in the rain.
12/05/2005
Monday December 5, 2005
Departure Time: 7:33
Arrival Time: 8:24
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and cold
Paper Guy: Boston Globe parka, crimson winter hat (New!), and the shades.
Shady Gas Price: $2.06 (BOO!)
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: Nope
------------------------------
First significant snow in Boston came this weekend...it was weird to see the old T. Rex outside the Museum of Science with a layer of snow on his head.
Arrival Time: 8:24
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and cold
Paper Guy: Boston Globe parka, crimson winter hat (New!), and the shades.
Shady Gas Price: $2.06 (BOO!)
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: Nope
------------------------------
First significant snow in Boston came this weekend...it was weird to see the old T. Rex outside the Museum of Science with a layer of snow on his head.
12/02/2005
12/01/2005
Thursday December 1, 2005
Departure Time: 7:40
Arrival Time: 8:31
Weather as I call it: Sunny and 40s
Paper Guy: Same look as yesterday...but the smile just wasn't there today.
Shady Gas Price: $1.95
Yelled at other drivers: Yeah
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Since we left late today, we had to deal with moms and dads dropping off their kids at school and thinking that normal road rules don't apply to them....
Some woman decided to pull back into traffic without looking...I think I shouted, "What the...?"
Arrival Time: 8:31
Weather as I call it: Sunny and 40s
Paper Guy: Same look as yesterday...but the smile just wasn't there today.
Shady Gas Price: $1.95
Yelled at other drivers: Yeah
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Since we left late today, we had to deal with moms and dads dropping off their kids at school and thinking that normal road rules don't apply to them....
Some woman decided to pull back into traffic without looking...I think I shouted, "What the...?"
11/30/2005
Wednesday November 30, 2005
Departure Time: 7:32
Arrival Time: 8:22
Weather as I call it: Some rain and warm
Paper Guy: Tan jacket, winter hat, shades, and a big welcoming smile for all!
Shady Gas Price: $1.99 still...
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
The Leverett Circle construction is almost complete...It's amazing how smooth traffic is moving through it even though it isn't finished yet. It's psychological...I tell you.
We still need a pedestrian footbridge to be built.
Arrival Time: 8:22
Weather as I call it: Some rain and warm
Paper Guy: Tan jacket, winter hat, shades, and a big welcoming smile for all!
Shady Gas Price: $1.99 still...
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
The Leverett Circle construction is almost complete...It's amazing how smooth traffic is moving through it even though it isn't finished yet. It's psychological...I tell you.
We still need a pedestrian footbridge to be built.
11/29/2005
Tuesday November 29, 2005
Departure Time: 7:32
Arrival Time: 8:24
Weather as I call it: Cloudy but warmer...maybe topping 50 degrees?
Paper Guy: N/A
Shady Gas Price: N/A
Yelled at other drivers: N/A
Feared for my life: N/A
------------------------------
I haven't been yelling or fearing much lately...wait until winter really kicks in.
I drove my wife to work so I didn't see the regular stuff.
I did see a guy on the Mass Pike heading west with a sign on the back of his mini SUV that stated: "Please don't honk your horn at me. I just got a speeding ticket for $200". He was doing about 55 M.P.H. in the middle lane...I passed him on the left...no honking necessary.
Arrival Time: 8:24
Weather as I call it: Cloudy but warmer...maybe topping 50 degrees?
Paper Guy: N/A
Shady Gas Price: N/A
Yelled at other drivers: N/A
Feared for my life: N/A
------------------------------
I haven't been yelling or fearing much lately...wait until winter really kicks in.
I drove my wife to work so I didn't see the regular stuff.
I did see a guy on the Mass Pike heading west with a sign on the back of his mini SUV that stated: "Please don't honk your horn at me. I just got a speeding ticket for $200". He was doing about 55 M.P.H. in the middle lane...I passed him on the left...no honking necessary.
11/28/2005
Monday November 28, 2005
Departure Time: 7:37
Arrival Time: 8:24
Weather as I call it: Cloudy but warmer...40's?
Paper Guy: Tan coat, winter hat, shades
Shady Gas Price: $1.99
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I think I am close to having enough data to make some charts and plot out which days really are better than others. Mondays do seem to be the easiest/shortest...
Stay tuned.
Arrival Time: 8:24
Weather as I call it: Cloudy but warmer...40's?
Paper Guy: Tan coat, winter hat, shades
Shady Gas Price: $1.99
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I think I am close to having enough data to make some charts and plot out which days really are better than others. Mondays do seem to be the easiest/shortest...
Stay tuned.
11/25/2005
11/24/2005
11/23/2005
Wednesday November 23, 2005
Departure Time: 7:24
Arrival Time: 8:10
Weather as I call it: Sunny and snowing lightly...no, I am not kidding. Also, pretty cold.
Paper Guy: Tan coat with lots of layers...winter hat...and he introduced a scarf today!
Shady Gas Price: I didn't see it...maybe I should update this post later?
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: Nope
------------------------------
I am thankful for my easy commute. I will be off tomorrow and Friday. Good luck to all the drivers who still need to work during the holiday.
Arrival Time: 8:10
Weather as I call it: Sunny and snowing lightly...no, I am not kidding. Also, pretty cold.
Paper Guy: Tan coat with lots of layers...winter hat...and he introduced a scarf today!
Shady Gas Price: I didn't see it...maybe I should update this post later?
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: Nope
------------------------------
I am thankful for my easy commute. I will be off tomorrow and Friday. Good luck to all the drivers who still need to work during the holiday.
11/22/2005
Tuesday November 22, 2005
Departure Time: 7:27
Arrival Time: 8:18
Weather as I call it: Rainy
Paper Guy: A Boston Globe parka with his winter hat...no shades.
Shady Gas Price: $1.99
Yelled at other drivers: Once
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I have this theory that Boston drivers are more cautious in the rain than they are in the snow...As you can see, my departure and arrival times do not support this theory today. Many people have split for Turkey Day and the roadways are not as congested...but I probably could've shaved 5-10 minutes on today's travel time if peeps had just powered through some yellow lights.
I yelled at someone who started slowing down before the light turned yellow...I guess they felt the staleness of the green light and ensured themselves a steady, sane stop at the intersection. I believe I shouted something like, "Are you kidding me?"
Arrival Time: 8:18
Weather as I call it: Rainy
Paper Guy: A Boston Globe parka with his winter hat...no shades.
Shady Gas Price: $1.99
Yelled at other drivers: Once
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I have this theory that Boston drivers are more cautious in the rain than they are in the snow...As you can see, my departure and arrival times do not support this theory today. Many people have split for Turkey Day and the roadways are not as congested...but I probably could've shaved 5-10 minutes on today's travel time if peeps had just powered through some yellow lights.
I yelled at someone who started slowing down before the light turned yellow...I guess they felt the staleness of the green light and ensured themselves a steady, sane stop at the intersection. I believe I shouted something like, "Are you kidding me?"
11/21/2005
Monday November 21, 2005
Departure Time: 7:33
Arrival Time: 8:25
Weather as I call it: Sunny and temps in the 40s
Paper Guy: Tan jacket! Winter hat! Shades!
Shady Gas Price: $1.99 WOW...it only took 13 days! A milestone, indeed.
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: Not today
------------------------------
Paper guy had a folding chair (in the folded position) and a US Postal Service bin in his "area" today...his area being the median strip near the intersection of Route 28 and Broadway in Somerville. He must sit down until the traffic gets going.
Arrival Time: 8:25
Weather as I call it: Sunny and temps in the 40s
Paper Guy: Tan jacket! Winter hat! Shades!
Shady Gas Price: $1.99 WOW...it only took 13 days! A milestone, indeed.
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: Not today
------------------------------
Paper guy had a folding chair (in the folded position) and a US Postal Service bin in his "area" today...his area being the median strip near the intersection of Route 28 and Broadway in Somerville. He must sit down until the traffic gets going.
11/18/2005
Friday November 18, 2005
Departure Time: 7:33
Arrival Time: 8:26
Weather as I call it: Sunny and cool
Paper Guy: N/A
Shady Gas Price: N/A
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I drove my wife to work this morning...so I didn't see the normal stuff BUT:
In Medford, they are selling gas for $1.87 a gallon. Shady gas price has a long way to go.
A state trooper stared into the car to make sure our vehicle was heavily occupied. Yes, we did have 2+ people in the car. No need to pull us over.
See you Monday.
Arrival Time: 8:26
Weather as I call it: Sunny and cool
Paper Guy: N/A
Shady Gas Price: N/A
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I drove my wife to work this morning...so I didn't see the normal stuff BUT:
In Medford, they are selling gas for $1.87 a gallon. Shady gas price has a long way to go.
A state trooper stared into the car to make sure our vehicle was heavily occupied. Yes, we did have 2+ people in the car. No need to pull us over.
See you Monday.
11/17/2005
Thursday November 17, 2005
Departure Time: 7:37
Arrival Time: 8:25
Weather as I call it: The sun is back. 44 degrees...or so.
Paper Guy: No hat...black jacket...and the shades.
Shady Gas Price: $2.05 (The station's down the street are at $2.03...hint, hint!)
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I am still fighting this cold a bit...so my right eye kept tearing up during the drive today...If you were on my left side, I saw you--no problems...If you were on my right side--you were underwater.
Paper guy appears as if he is mumbling to himself as he looks through the lines of cars to find customers...I'm not sure if his mumbles are audible since my windows have been rolled up over the last few months.
He may be cursing under his breath...or singing a happy tune. I prefer the latter theory.
Arrival Time: 8:25
Weather as I call it: The sun is back. 44 degrees...or so.
Paper Guy: No hat...black jacket...and the shades.
Shady Gas Price: $2.05 (The station's down the street are at $2.03...hint, hint!)
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I am still fighting this cold a bit...so my right eye kept tearing up during the drive today...If you were on my left side, I saw you--no problems...If you were on my right side--you were underwater.
Paper guy appears as if he is mumbling to himself as he looks through the lines of cars to find customers...I'm not sure if his mumbles are audible since my windows have been rolled up over the last few months.
He may be cursing under his breath...or singing a happy tune. I prefer the latter theory.
11/16/2005
Wednesday November 16, 2005
Departure Time: 7:38
Arrival Time: 8:26
Weather as I call it: Foggy and damp
Paper Guy: The hat is back on today...
Shady Gas Price: $2.05
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I don't get this one scene...Every once in a while, I see pedestrians trying to cross Storrow Drive. They have somehow accomplished getting across one direction of traffic...which is a feat in itself...scurrying across two lanes of cars going 55+...pretty good. Now, they are stuck standing anxiously in the divider..wait for that split second where they can hustle across the last two lanes of traffic.
Peeps, let's get into footbridges...that's what they are there for.
Arrival Time: 8:26
Weather as I call it: Foggy and damp
Paper Guy: The hat is back on today...
Shady Gas Price: $2.05
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I don't get this one scene...Every once in a while, I see pedestrians trying to cross Storrow Drive. They have somehow accomplished getting across one direction of traffic...which is a feat in itself...scurrying across two lanes of cars going 55+...pretty good. Now, they are stuck standing anxiously in the divider..wait for that split second where they can hustle across the last two lanes of traffic.
Peeps, let's get into footbridges...that's what they are there for.
11/15/2005
Tuesday November 15, 2005
Departure Time: 7:32
Arrival Time: 8:24
Weather as I call it: Cloudy with some rain along the way
Paper Guy: Black jacket and shades!
Shady Gas Price: $2.05
Yelled at other drivers: Not today
Feared for my life: No sir
------------------------------
I hope you picked the under on the gas price.
Feeling sorta under the weather today. It didn't effect my driving all that much.
Arrival Time: 8:24
Weather as I call it: Cloudy with some rain along the way
Paper Guy: Black jacket and shades!
Shady Gas Price: $2.05
Yelled at other drivers: Not today
Feared for my life: No sir
------------------------------
I hope you picked the under on the gas price.
Feeling sorta under the weather today. It didn't effect my driving all that much.
11/14/2005
Monday November 14, 2005
Departure Time: 7:28
Arrival Time: 8:19
Weather as I call it: 55 degrees and sunny...global warming anybody?
Paper Guy: N/A
Shady Gas Price: N/A
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: Nope
------------------------------
Drove my wife to work today. The tolls on the Tobin bridge are under construction...still...so traffic was backed up for a good mile on dangerous Route 1.
I am a big fan of the South Station exit in the 93S tunnel. It's pretty sweet to come up the ramp to street level and be met with not only a traffic light but also a traffic cop who will wave you through red lights and make pedestrians stop for you.
Usual stuff tomorrow...what's the over/under on the gas price? $2.10?
Arrival Time: 8:19
Weather as I call it: 55 degrees and sunny...global warming anybody?
Paper Guy: N/A
Shady Gas Price: N/A
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: Nope
------------------------------
Drove my wife to work today. The tolls on the Tobin bridge are under construction...still...so traffic was backed up for a good mile on dangerous Route 1.
I am a big fan of the South Station exit in the 93S tunnel. It's pretty sweet to come up the ramp to street level and be met with not only a traffic light but also a traffic cop who will wave you through red lights and make pedestrians stop for you.
Usual stuff tomorrow...what's the over/under on the gas price? $2.10?
11/11/2005
Friday November 11, 2005
Departure Time: 7:29
Arrival Time: 8:03
Weather as I call it: Sunny and a "brisk" 40 degrees
Paper Guy: Didn't see him today
Shady Gas Price: Didn't see it today
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I will tell you one thing....when schools are not in session...when many people have the day off...driving to work is a whole lot different. I took 93S to Storrow Drive today....smooth sailing.
I drove down Storrow and rode in between lanes...because I could.
Remember the veterans today....like Grandpa George.
Arrival Time: 8:03
Weather as I call it: Sunny and a "brisk" 40 degrees
Paper Guy: Didn't see him today
Shady Gas Price: Didn't see it today
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I will tell you one thing....when schools are not in session...when many people have the day off...driving to work is a whole lot different. I took 93S to Storrow Drive today....smooth sailing.
I drove down Storrow and rode in between lanes...because I could.
Remember the veterans today....like Grandpa George.
11/10/2005
Thursday November 10, 2005
Departure Time: 7:32
Arrival Time: 8:26
Weather as I call it: Cloudy with temps dropping fast
Paper Guy: Ok. Same black coat, but no hat and nooooo shades...or glasses....whoa.
Shady Gas Price: $2.15 as a guess...
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
---------------------------------------------
No state police today. Maybe enough people got caught over the last two days.
No close sideswiping incidents today.
Once winter gets going, maybe I can audio blog about the long snow-filled commutes. Just the thing to past the time...
Arrival Time: 8:26
Weather as I call it: Cloudy with temps dropping fast
Paper Guy: Ok. Same black coat, but no hat and nooooo shades...or glasses....whoa.
Shady Gas Price: $2.15 as a guess...
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
---------------------------------------------
No state police today. Maybe enough people got caught over the last two days.
No close sideswiping incidents today.
Once winter gets going, maybe I can audio blog about the long snow-filled commutes. Just the thing to past the time...
11/09/2005
Wednesday November 9, 2005
Departure Time: 7:35
Arrival Time: 8:29
Weather as I call it: Thin layer of clouds blocking the sun...a little chilly.
Paper Guy: This week's wardrobe...but the shades were in effect.
Shady Gas Price: $2.15
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: Yeah.
-------------------------------------
Yesterday and today...pretty similar. Another almost sideswipe on the way to work (see Feared for my life response above) and State police pulling people over on Soldier's Field road again. Tip for fellow commuters: do not floor it after the light in front of WBMX turns green...If you are headed westbound, you will be in for a surprise.
Some dude who was stopped at a light opened his driver side door so he could spit on the street...all while talking on his cell phone. Is there some etiquette around spitting while on your cellular telephone?
Arrival Time: 8:29
Weather as I call it: Thin layer of clouds blocking the sun...a little chilly.
Paper Guy: This week's wardrobe...but the shades were in effect.
Shady Gas Price: $2.15
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: Yeah.
-------------------------------------
Yesterday and today...pretty similar. Another almost sideswipe on the way to work (see Feared for my life response above) and State police pulling people over on Soldier's Field road again. Tip for fellow commuters: do not floor it after the light in front of WBMX turns green...If you are headed westbound, you will be in for a surprise.
Some dude who was stopped at a light opened his driver side door so he could spit on the street...all while talking on his cell phone. Is there some etiquette around spitting while on your cellular telephone?
Wednesday November 9, 2005 (supplemental)
To paraphrase my "Welcome to AudioBlogger" email, I am revolutionizing the revolution!
11/08/2005
Tuesday November 8, 2005
Departure Time: 7:32
Arrival Time: 8:25
Weather as I call it: Partly cloudy and warm. I didn't wear my jacket today.
Paper Guy: Same new outfit from yesterday.
Shady Gas Price: $2.18...let's get under two dollars!
Yelled at other drivers: Once
Feared for my life: Once-ish
-----------------------------------------------
This guy decided that he wanted to move his car to be in the exact same place as mine as the light turned green. I yelled at him.
There was a state cop pulling people over on Soldier's Field Road near the Watertown line. I think the speed limit is 35 or 40 miles an hour around there. Be careful.
Arrival Time: 8:25
Weather as I call it: Partly cloudy and warm. I didn't wear my jacket today.
Paper Guy: Same new outfit from yesterday.
Shady Gas Price: $2.18...let's get under two dollars!
Yelled at other drivers: Once
Feared for my life: Once-ish
-----------------------------------------------
This guy decided that he wanted to move his car to be in the exact same place as mine as the light turned green. I yelled at him.
There was a state cop pulling people over on Soldier's Field Road near the Watertown line. I think the speed limit is 35 or 40 miles an hour around there. Be careful.
11/07/2005
Monday November 7, 2005
Departure Time: 7:32
Arrival Time: 8:23
Weather as I call it: Mostly cloudy and cool. High around 50 degrees
Paper Guy: Whoa. Black coat. Brown winter hat. New look!
Shady Gas Price: $2.18...I was calling for this price last week...give or take a cent.
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: A little bit.
----------------------------------
1. Big changes in the normal items: Paper guy's brand new wardrobe. Shady Gas Price is at a new low. Good times.
2. Sneezing while driving is pretty scary...but I think I have mastered the ability to get a snapshot of what is happening on the road right before the sneeze forces me to close my eyes. Then when I reopen my eyes, there is less of a surprise...I usually can recover quickly after a sneeze. I wonder if I could master sneezing with my eyes wide open? Would that be 'freak show' unique or what?
3. There was a nearly avoided sideswiping accident on Soldier's Field Road today. Some pickup truck realized he had to exit at Central Square and almost took out a Volkswagen Passat by merging into the right lane without checking his blind spot. After a few horn blasts, the pick up driver swerved back into his lane. I am amazed this sort of collision doesn't happen more often.
Arrival Time: 8:23
Weather as I call it: Mostly cloudy and cool. High around 50 degrees
Paper Guy: Whoa. Black coat. Brown winter hat. New look!
Shady Gas Price: $2.18...I was calling for this price last week...give or take a cent.
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: A little bit.
----------------------------------
1. Big changes in the normal items: Paper guy's brand new wardrobe. Shady Gas Price is at a new low. Good times.
2. Sneezing while driving is pretty scary...but I think I have mastered the ability to get a snapshot of what is happening on the road right before the sneeze forces me to close my eyes. Then when I reopen my eyes, there is less of a surprise...I usually can recover quickly after a sneeze. I wonder if I could master sneezing with my eyes wide open? Would that be 'freak show' unique or what?
3. There was a nearly avoided sideswiping accident on Soldier's Field Road today. Some pickup truck realized he had to exit at Central Square and almost took out a Volkswagen Passat by merging into the right lane without checking his blind spot. After a few horn blasts, the pick up driver swerved back into his lane. I am amazed this sort of collision doesn't happen more often.
11/04/2005
Friday November 4, 2005
I took the day off from work today...but let me take some time to discuss the Leverett Circle debacle.
I am not sure who this Leverett person is or was, but the circle is awful. It's the place where Storrow Drive, Route 28, and the onramps to Route 93 meet...and some other smaller roads like Nashua St.
They have taken down the elevated pedestrian walkways, so now there are big crosswalks for people to use...since there is a Green line stop nearby. Pros: prettier intersection. Cons: more traffic.
The worst part for me is the lack of a right turn arrow for cars coming off Route 28. Right now, if you travel south down 28, you are meet with a standard traffic light. Unfortunately, people don't know they can turn right on red.
Please see this post for more information.
There is still a lot of work to be done on this intersection....and it seems like it hasn't improved in the past 8 months.
I am confident that everything will be finalized soon enough..
I am not sure who this Leverett person is or was, but the circle is awful. It's the place where Storrow Drive, Route 28, and the onramps to Route 93 meet...and some other smaller roads like Nashua St.
They have taken down the elevated pedestrian walkways, so now there are big crosswalks for people to use...since there is a Green line stop nearby. Pros: prettier intersection. Cons: more traffic.
The worst part for me is the lack of a right turn arrow for cars coming off Route 28. Right now, if you travel south down 28, you are meet with a standard traffic light. Unfortunately, people don't know they can turn right on red.
Please see this post for more information.
There is still a lot of work to be done on this intersection....and it seems like it hasn't improved in the past 8 months.
I am confident that everything will be finalized soon enough.
11/03/2005
Thursday November 3, 2005
Departure Time: 7:29
Arrival Time: 8:25
Weather as I call it: Partly cloudy. 55 degrees
Paper Guy: Autumn Wardrobe (See yesterday's post)
Shady Gas Price: $2.29
Yelled at other drivers: Not today
Feared for my life: No
----------------------------------------------
I can't believe nobody commented on the post from yesterday. Baboons? That's comedy gold.
I wish I could do something to stop tailgaters. Maybe it should be a rule that they give me a piggyback ride up 4 flights of stairs if they are caught hugging my rear bumper for over 2 miles...not sure how we will implement that one.
Arrival Time: 8:25
Weather as I call it: Partly cloudy. 55 degrees
Paper Guy: Autumn Wardrobe (See yesterday's post)
Shady Gas Price: $2.29
Yelled at other drivers: Not today
Feared for my life: No
----------------------------------------------
I can't believe nobody commented on the post from yesterday. Baboons? That's comedy gold.
I wish I could do something to stop tailgaters. Maybe it should be a rule that they give me a piggyback ride up 4 flights of stairs if they are caught hugging my rear bumper for over 2 miles...not sure how we will implement that one.
11/02/2005
Wednesday November 2, 2005
Departure Time: 7:27
Arrival Time: 8:26
Weather as I call it: Sunny and cool
Paper Guy: I think we know what his official uniform is for Autumn
Shady Gas Price: $2.29
Yelled at other drivers: Not particularly.
Feared for my life: Thankfully, not today.
--------------------------------------------
Do you ever look in your rear view mirror and see some guy in the middle of a giant yawn and for a moment do you wonder, "Who is that baboon behind me?"
I do...I do all the time.
Arrival Time: 8:26
Weather as I call it: Sunny and cool
Paper Guy: I think we know what his official uniform is for Autumn
Shady Gas Price: $2.29
Yelled at other drivers: Not particularly.
Feared for my life: Thankfully, not today.
--------------------------------------------
Do you ever look in your rear view mirror and see some guy in the middle of a giant yawn and for a moment do you wonder, "Who is that baboon behind me?"
I do...I do all the time.
11/01/2005
Tuesday November 1, 2005
Departure Time: 7:30
Arrival Time: 8:22
Weather as I call it: Sunny and 57 degrees.
Paper Guy: What do you think he was wearing? (Answer: tan jacket/teddy bear ear warmer)
Shady Gas Price: $2.31...Down doobie doo down down.
Yelled at other drivers: Once
Feared for my life: Sorta
-------------------------------------------
Arrival Time: 8:22
Weather as I call it: Sunny and 57 degrees.
Paper Guy: What do you think he was wearing? (Answer: tan jacket/teddy bear ear warmer)
Shady Gas Price: $2.31...Down doobie doo down down.
Yelled at other drivers: Once
Feared for my life: Sorta
-------------------------------------------
- Some minivan jumped the double line, but he wasn't going that fast so I didn't fear for my life although it was a potentially dangerous situation.
- I yelled at some guy with a smirk on his face as he crossed the street in front of me. He was in the crosswalk, so the law states I must stop...but his pace and the expression on his face was unnecessary. The exact exclamation was "C'mon man!"
10/31/2005
Monday October 31, 2005
Departure Time: 7:26
Arrival Time: 8:17
Weather as I call it: Sunny and 60's -- better than snow
Paper Guy: Teddy bear ear warmer
Shady Gas Price: $2.35 ---should be $2.19
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
-------------------------------------
I thought I would see more drivers in costume today. No such luck....just commuters in the same costumes they wear every workday.
Arrival Time: 8:17
Weather as I call it: Sunny and 60's -- better than snow
Paper Guy: Teddy bear ear warmer
Shady Gas Price: $2.35 ---should be $2.19
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
-------------------------------------
I thought I would see more drivers in costume today. No such luck....just commuters in the same costumes they wear every workday.
10/28/2005
Friday October 28, 2005
Departure Time: 7:33
Arrival Time: 8:26
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and in the 40's
Paper Guy: He loves his beige with teddy bear print ear-warmer-head-thing.
Shady Gas Price: Holding steady at $2.39
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: Nope
-----------------------------------------------
I don't know if anyone else saw this sign, but there is a bank that I see on my way to work that has one of those electric signs that displays a whole bunch of info: their mortgage rates, the date, the time, and the temperature. When I drove by it today, something was a little off:
Rate: 3.25% (seems right)
Date: Oct. 28th (correct)
Time: 7:48 AM (maybe a few seconds off)
Temp: 264º F (I don't think Paper Guy would be wearing his head gear in that kind of heat.)
Maybe the bank was presenting a reading from the planet Venus. I wonder if the rates are lower there?
Arrival Time: 8:26
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and in the 40's
Paper Guy: He loves his beige with teddy bear print ear-warmer-head-thing.
Shady Gas Price: Holding steady at $2.39
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: Nope
-----------------------------------------------
I don't know if anyone else saw this sign, but there is a bank that I see on my way to work that has one of those electric signs that displays a whole bunch of info: their mortgage rates, the date, the time, and the temperature. When I drove by it today, something was a little off:
Rate: 3.25% (seems right)
Date: Oct. 28th (correct)
Time: 7:48 AM (maybe a few seconds off)
Temp: 264º F (I don't think Paper Guy would be wearing his head gear in that kind of heat.)
Maybe the bank was presenting a reading from the planet Venus. I wonder if the rates are lower there?
10/27/2005
Thursday October 27, 2005
Departure Time: 7:30
Arrival Time: 8:25
Weather as I call it: Cold...but at least it wasn't raining.
Paper Guy: Same exact outfit as yesterday...yes, really.
Shady Gas Price: $2.39
Yelled at other drivers: Yes. See below.
Feared for my life: No
--------------------------------------------
Hey Dump Truck Driver!
Thank you for moving over into the right lane as if to formally invite me to pass you. I was surprised when you moved back in front of my car just as I started accelerating. Confused, I did wonder about your driving techniques as the lanes dropped from two to one and I was forced to crawl to a stop behind you. There was a name spray painted on one of your mud flaps. You may have heard me yell out "Thanks, Ray!" as I finally passed you in East Somerville.
Arrival Time: 8:25
Weather as I call it: Cold...but at least it wasn't raining.
Paper Guy: Same exact outfit as yesterday...yes, really.
Shady Gas Price: $2.39
Yelled at other drivers: Yes. See below.
Feared for my life: No
--------------------------------------------
Hey Dump Truck Driver!
Thank you for moving over into the right lane as if to formally invite me to pass you. I was surprised when you moved back in front of my car just as I started accelerating. Confused, I did wonder about your driving techniques as the lanes dropped from two to one and I was forced to crawl to a stop behind you. There was a name spray painted on one of your mud flaps. You may have heard me yell out "Thanks, Ray!" as I finally passed you in East Somerville.
10/26/2005
Wednesday October 26, 2005
Departure Time: 7:30
Arrival Time: 8:26
Weather as I call it: The sun is back, but colder...40ish
Paper Guy: Back with the teddy bear ear warmer wrap thing
Shady Gas Price: $2.39 I think.
Yelled at other drivers: I saw a co-worker on Soldier's Field Road...so I yelled at him.
Feared for my life: No.
---------------------------------------
Pretty uneventful today. I should rant about the Leverett Circle intersection at some point...but let me build up more rage about it...it's always better with more rage behind the typing.
Arrival Time: 8:26
Weather as I call it: The sun is back, but colder...40ish
Paper Guy: Back with the teddy bear ear warmer wrap thing
Shady Gas Price: $2.39 I think.
Yelled at other drivers: I saw a co-worker on Soldier's Field Road...so I yelled at him.
Feared for my life: No.
---------------------------------------
Pretty uneventful today. I should rant about the Leverett Circle intersection at some point...but let me build up more rage about it...it's always better with more rage behind the typing.
10/25/2005
Tuesday October 25, 2005
Departure Time: 7:32
Arrival Time: 8:30
Weather as I call it: Nor' Eastah...wind driven rain
Paper Guy: Back for the attack. I felt bad for him today. Tan Jacket, No Shades, Black Ear Warmer
Shady Gas Price: $2.41 Wow.
Yelled at other drivers: Once, after I dropped my wife off at the T. This woman almost hit me.
Feared for my life: No.
--------------------------------------------
A branch flew off a tree and hit my windshield. My wipers had fun with it for about 20 minutes. Even though it was raining hard today, my commute wasn't that bad. It could have been much worse and much longer. Looking around work today, it looks like most people are still out on the road right now.
Arrival Time: 8:30
Weather as I call it: Nor' Eastah...wind driven rain
Paper Guy: Back for the attack. I felt bad for him today. Tan Jacket, No Shades, Black Ear Warmer
Shady Gas Price: $2.41 Wow.
Yelled at other drivers: Once, after I dropped my wife off at the T. This woman almost hit me.
Feared for my life: No.
--------------------------------------------
A branch flew off a tree and hit my windshield. My wipers had fun with it for about 20 minutes. Even though it was raining hard today, my commute wasn't that bad. It could have been much worse and much longer. Looking around work today, it looks like most people are still out on the road right now.
10/24/2005
Monday October 24, 2005
Departure Time: 7:31
Arrival Time: 8:24
Weather as I call it: Partly sunny and cool
Paper Guy: He wasn't there?
Shady Gas Price: $2.45
Yelled at other drivers: Yes, One woman decided to jump the double yellow line and drive towards me on Memorial Drive
Feared for my life: Once, see above.
--------------------------------------------
Peeps, Paper Guy wasn't there this morning. Yet, his newspapers were...?
Stay tuned.
Arrival Time: 8:24
Weather as I call it: Partly sunny and cool
Paper Guy: He wasn't there?
Shady Gas Price: $2.45
Yelled at other drivers: Yes, One woman decided to jump the double yellow line and drive towards me on Memorial Drive
Feared for my life: Once, see above.
--------------------------------------------
Peeps, Paper Guy wasn't there this morning. Yet, his newspapers were...?
Stay tuned.
10/21/2005
Friday October 21, 2005
Departure Time: 7:32
Arrival Time: 8:26
Weather as I call it: Sunny and clear
Paper Guy: I need more space to describe his ensemble.
Shady Gas Price: $2.49
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: Nope
---------------------------------------------------
Arrival Time: 8:26
Weather as I call it: Sunny and clear
Paper Guy: I need more space to describe his ensemble.
Shady Gas Price: $2.49
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: Nope
---------------------------------------------------
- I saw a mattress on the side of the road today.
- Paper guy was wearing his tan jacket and shades and on top of his head, he has a strange ear-warmer-type-thing. These are the things I know: It was tan, it didn't cover the top of his head, it covered his ears, it had a teddy bear print.
- One year ago was the best drive to work ever. You could feel the electricity charging through the city. Finally, the Red Sox had beat the Yankees.
Driving west on Storrow Drive and seeing that someone had updated the sign and made the verb past tense made it all real.
10/20/2005
Thursday October 20, 2005
Departure Time: 7:31
Arrival Time: 8:32 (Ugh)
Weather as I call it: Clear skies and sunny...These are the good autumn days
Paper Guy: Tan jacket and shades...no need for the winter hat today.
Shady Gas Price: $2.49 --this price should be lower by now.
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: Nope
----------------------------------------------------
I am not sure what the heck happened today. My theory is: Oprah Winfrey went to Medford, MA and started performing her magic.
YOU GET A CAR!
AND YOU GET A CAR!
AND YOU GET A CAR!
AND YOU GET A CAR!
and all the recipients of these free cars decided to drive through the intersection depicted below at 7:55 this morning.
Arrival Time: 8:32 (Ugh)
Weather as I call it: Clear skies and sunny...These are the good autumn days
Paper Guy: Tan jacket and shades...no need for the winter hat today.
Shady Gas Price: $2.49 --this price should be lower by now.
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: Nope
----------------------------------------------------
I am not sure what the heck happened today. My theory is: Oprah Winfrey went to Medford, MA and started performing her magic.
YOU GET A CAR!
AND YOU GET A CAR!
AND YOU GET A CAR!
AND YOU GET A CAR!
and all the recipients of these free cars decided to drive through the intersection depicted below at 7:55 this morning.
It was brutal....
10/19/2005
Wednesday October 19, 2005
Departure Time: 7:31
Arrival Time: 8:21
Weather as I call it: 51 degrees. Sunny.
Paper Guy: Tan Jacket. Winter hat. The Shades. He was yearning for a sale today.
Shady Gas Price: $2.49
Yelled at other drivers: I did say, "hey" at someone pulling into my lane
Feared for my life: Not today.
----------------------------------------------
Two bumper stickers. Same car.
Arrival Time: 8:21
Weather as I call it: 51 degrees. Sunny.
Paper Guy: Tan Jacket. Winter hat. The Shades. He was yearning for a sale today.
Shady Gas Price: $2.49
Yelled at other drivers: I did say, "hey" at someone pulling into my lane
Feared for my life: Not today.
----------------------------------------------
Two bumper stickers. Same car.
What does this say about the driver?
(I am an ex-hippie who used to get beaten up on the playground)
Maybe they should make that phrase into a bumper sticker.
Just joking, fellow commuter.
10/18/2005
Tuesday October 18, 2005
Departure Time: 7:28
Arrival Time: 8:24
Weather as I call it: Mostly cloudy...some rain...around 50 degrees.
Paper Guy: Same outfit as yesterday. Same exact outfit as yesterday.
Shady Gas Price: $2.53
Yelled at other drivers: I did smirk at one lady who was trying to pull in front of me from a parallel parked position
Feared for my life: Not today.
------------------------------------------------------
Please forgive me, ma'am. Yes, I did cut you off as the lanes merged from two to one. Yes, I did look in my side view mirror a little too late to see you there. Yes, I did deserve the little 'toot' from your little Toyota's horn. I do apologize. I hope you noticed my head hang in shame as I put up my left hand to communicate my acknowledgement of the mistake I made.
Arrival Time: 8:24
Weather as I call it: Mostly cloudy...some rain...around 50 degrees.
Paper Guy: Same outfit as yesterday. Same exact outfit as yesterday.
Shady Gas Price: $2.53
Yelled at other drivers: I did smirk at one lady who was trying to pull in front of me from a parallel parked position
Feared for my life: Not today.
------------------------------------------------------
Please forgive me, ma'am. Yes, I did cut you off as the lanes merged from two to one. Yes, I did look in my side view mirror a little too late to see you there. Yes, I did deserve the little 'toot' from your little Toyota's horn. I do apologize. I hope you noticed my head hang in shame as I put up my left hand to communicate my acknowledgement of the mistake I made.
10/17/2005
Monday October 17, 2005
Departure Time: 7:28
Arrival Time: 8:14
Weather as I call it: Partly Sunny 53 degrees
Paper Guy: Tan Jacket and winter hat (I guess I didn't get him in trouble...but it is way too early for the winter hat.
Shady Gas Price: I didn't see it today. I was too busy running a red light.
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
I don't think everybody works on Monday. Without looking at the data, I would have to say that my Monday commute tends to be easier than other days. Now that I think of it, maybe most people get "late starts" on Monday...and I take advantage of it by leaving two minutes under half past seven.
Arrival Time: 8:14
Weather as I call it: Partly Sunny 53 degrees
Paper Guy: Tan Jacket and winter hat (I guess I didn't get him in trouble...but it is way too early for the winter hat.
Shady Gas Price: I didn't see it today. I was too busy running a red light.
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
I don't think everybody works on Monday. Without looking at the data, I would have to say that my Monday commute tends to be easier than other days. Now that I think of it, maybe most people get "late starts" on Monday...and I take advantage of it by leaving two minutes under half past seven.
10/14/2005
Friday October 14, 2005
Departure Time: 7:39
Arrival Time: 8:38
Weather as I call it: I am officially depressed. Increasing more consistent rain the closer I got to work.
Paper Guy: Tan jacket...wild glasses...see details below.
Shady Gas Price: $2.57
Yelled at other drivers: I called some woman in a Jeep Liberty an 'idiot'.
Feared for my life: I hydroplaned a little on Soldier's Field Rd. and it got my heart rate up a bit.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Interesting report on Paper Guy today. So, as I approached his intersection...I could see someone in a Black Taurus was waving at him to call him over. Paper Guy seems to instantly recognize this person and starts hustling over to the car. There was a quick exchange of pleasantries....and then something odd happened. It looked to me that person in Taurus was trying to pay for his paper, but Paper Guy waved off his payment. Then, some awkward touching begins. I think Paper Guy wanted to hug this person, but physically couldn't get through the half-opened window to make a proper embrace. Paper Guy gave the person some hearty shoulder pats...and then the light turned green.
Later on, I passed this Taurus and noticed it was a guy behind the wheel. Surely, he's a fan of the blog and they were 'playing it up' for the report.
P.S. I hope I didn't get Paper Guy in trouble.
Arrival Time: 8:38
Weather as I call it: I am officially depressed. Increasing more consistent rain the closer I got to work.
Paper Guy: Tan jacket...wild glasses...see details below.
Shady Gas Price: $2.57
Yelled at other drivers: I called some woman in a Jeep Liberty an 'idiot'.
Feared for my life: I hydroplaned a little on Soldier's Field Rd. and it got my heart rate up a bit.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Interesting report on Paper Guy today. So, as I approached his intersection...I could see someone in a Black Taurus was waving at him to call him over. Paper Guy seems to instantly recognize this person and starts hustling over to the car. There was a quick exchange of pleasantries....and then something odd happened. It looked to me that person in Taurus was trying to pay for his paper, but Paper Guy waved off his payment. Then, some awkward touching begins. I think Paper Guy wanted to hug this person, but physically couldn't get through the half-opened window to make a proper embrace. Paper Guy gave the person some hearty shoulder pats...and then the light turned green.
Later on, I passed this Taurus and noticed it was a guy behind the wheel. Surely, he's a fan of the blog and they were 'playing it up' for the report.
P.S. I hope I didn't get Paper Guy in trouble.
10/13/2005
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Departure Time: 7:38
Arrival Time: 8:25
Weather as I call it: Will the sun ever shine again? Light intermittent rain
Paper Guy: N/A
Shady Gas Price: N/A
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
-------------------------------------------------
I drove my wife into work today so I didn't see the regular stuff. Witnessed a senseless act of kindness today. While sitting at a red light in front of the new convention center in Southie, a taxi actually moved out of my way to allow me to make a right turn on red. Now, he stuck himself dangerously into the intersection...and he cut off the person stopped in the left lane at the light...but he let li'l old me go through.
He must have read my post from yesterday and knew I mean business...and when you have the cabbies on your side, you are one step closer to ruling the road.
Arrival Time: 8:25
Weather as I call it: Will the sun ever shine again? Light intermittent rain
Paper Guy: N/A
Shady Gas Price: N/A
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
-------------------------------------------------
I drove my wife into work today so I didn't see the regular stuff. Witnessed a senseless act of kindness today. While sitting at a red light in front of the new convention center in Southie, a taxi actually moved out of my way to allow me to make a right turn on red. Now, he stuck himself dangerously into the intersection...and he cut off the person stopped in the left lane at the light...but he let li'l old me go through.
He must have read my post from yesterday and knew I mean business...and when you have the cabbies on your side, you are one step closer to ruling the road.
10/12/2005
Wednesday October 12, 2005
Departure Time: 7:28
Arrival Time: 8:26
Weather as I call it: Gloomy. The Hancock tower appears to be swallowed by the sky.
Paper Guy: Wearing the winter hat! Shades! Also made a sale as I drove by. Good job!
Shady Gas Price: Holding steady at $2.65
Yelled at other drivers: Well, I beeped once
Feared for my life: Ish
----------------------------------------------------
Ok.
1. Backhoes cause for big problems. They aren't made for speed...and that makes for cars that ride behind them to make hasty decisions in order to get around them (see "Feared for my life" section above).
2. Right on red is allowed unless posted. Let me explain. You can take a right turn at a red light after coming to a complete stop and make sure it is safe to proceed unless there is a sign posted that states "No Turn On Red". Let's get into it, peeps. (See "Yelled at other drivers" section above...I actually beeped a few times.)
3. Storrow Drive/Soldier's Field road is for "pleasure vehicles only"... but 18 wheelers still get on the road somehow. It happened today...and I was glad I was travelling westbound...and not stuck in the mess on the other side of the divider.
Arrival Time: 8:26
Weather as I call it: Gloomy. The Hancock tower appears to be swallowed by the sky.
Paper Guy: Wearing the winter hat! Shades! Also made a sale as I drove by. Good job!
Shady Gas Price: Holding steady at $2.65
Yelled at other drivers: Well, I beeped once
Feared for my life: Ish
----------------------------------------------------
Ok.
1. Backhoes cause for big problems. They aren't made for speed...and that makes for cars that ride behind them to make hasty decisions in order to get around them (see "Feared for my life" section above).
2. Right on red is allowed unless posted. Let me explain. You can take a right turn at a red light after coming to a complete stop and make sure it is safe to proceed unless there is a sign posted that states "No Turn On Red". Let's get into it, peeps. (See "Yelled at other drivers" section above...I actually beeped a few times.)3. Storrow Drive/Soldier's Field road is for "pleasure vehicles only"... but 18 wheelers still get on the road somehow. It happened today...and I was glad I was travelling westbound...and not stuck in the mess on the other side of the divider.
10/11/2005
Tuesday October 11, 2005
Departure Time: 7:33 (Damn you, Columbus)
Arrival Time: 8:32
Weather as I call it: Dreary. I don't think I have seen the sun in four days
Paper Guy: Tan Jacket...no shades
Shady Gas Price: $2.65
Yelled at other drivers: Zero
Feared for my life: Nope
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Long weekend so no post on Monday. I did see someone almost drive into oncoming traffic on Route 28. That was a surprise. Thankfully, they figured it out before it got...unsightly.
Arrival Time: 8:32
Weather as I call it: Dreary. I don't think I have seen the sun in four days
Paper Guy: Tan Jacket...no shades
Shady Gas Price: $2.65
Yelled at other drivers: Zero
Feared for my life: Nope
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Long weekend so no post on Monday. I did see someone almost drive into oncoming traffic on Route 28. That was a surprise. Thankfully, they figured it out before it got...unsightly.
10/07/2005
Friday October 7, 2005
Departure Time: 7:27
Arrival Time: 8:20
Weather as I call it: Partly Sunny and Humid...I thought it was October.
Paper Guy: Button-up shirt...no need for the jacket today.
Shady Gas Price: $2.67
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: Not today
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A pretty uneventful commute...but some thoughts:
I am now 93.6% sure that if I come up behind an SUV that is going slow and weaving back and forth between lanes, there is a cell phone involved.
Maybe I should chart out departure times and arrival times after a few months of recording them...maybe there are some trends?
Enjoy the weekend, fellow drivers. See you out on the roads.
Arrival Time: 8:20
Weather as I call it: Partly Sunny and Humid...I thought it was October.
Paper Guy: Button-up shirt...no need for the jacket today.
Shady Gas Price: $2.67
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: Not today
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A pretty uneventful commute...but some thoughts:
I am now 93.6% sure that if I come up behind an SUV that is going slow and weaving back and forth between lanes, there is a cell phone involved.
Maybe I should chart out departure times and arrival times after a few months of recording them...maybe there are some trends?
Enjoy the weekend, fellow drivers. See you out on the roads.
10/06/2005
Thursday October 6, 2005
Departure Time: 7:34 (I am seeing a pattern here)
Arrival Time: 8:26
Weather as I call it: Foggy again...When did we move to San Fran?
Paper Guy: Blue sweater and the shades
Shady Gas Price: $2.71
Yelled at other drivers: Once
Feared for my life: Once
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If you are driving on the road with me--traveling in the opposite direction--and you cross the double yellow lines to pass another car...and it seems as if we are going to be in some sort of head on collision...Two things will happen:
1. Yelling
2. Fearing
Vans stink!
Arrival Time: 8:26
Weather as I call it: Foggy again...When did we move to San Fran?
Paper Guy: Blue sweater and the shades
Shady Gas Price: $2.71
Yelled at other drivers: Once
Feared for my life: Once
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If you are driving on the road with me--traveling in the opposite direction--and you cross the double yellow lines to pass another car...and it seems as if we are going to be in some sort of head on collision...Two things will happen:
1. Yelling
2. Fearing
Vans stink!
10/05/2005
Wednesday October 5, 2005
Departure Time: 7:34 (ooof!)
Arrival Time: 8:18
Weather as I call it: Foggy and cloudy still.
Paper Guy: Shades and Jacket
Shady Gas Price: $2.71 (must be the reserves keeping prices down)
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: Nope
The last two days have been pretty great getting through town. I am not really sure why, but both the high school and the middle school that we pass each day have seemed...closed. There is no explantion on the school's official website.
It's odd but welcomed.
Arrival Time: 8:18
Weather as I call it: Foggy and cloudy still.
Paper Guy: Shades and Jacket
Shady Gas Price: $2.71 (must be the reserves keeping prices down)
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: Nope
The last two days have been pretty great getting through town. I am not really sure why, but both the high school and the middle school that we pass each day have seemed...closed. There is no explantion on the school's official website.
It's odd but welcomed.
10/04/2005
Tuesday October 4, 2005
Departure Time: 7:24
Arrival Time: 8:15
Weather as I call it: FOGGY...overcast skies
Paper Guy: No shades...but he did have his jacket on.
Shady Gas Price: Didn't see it.
Yelled at other drivers: Once-ish
Feared for my life: Nope
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Arrival Time: 8:15
Weather as I call it: FOGGY...overcast skies
Paper Guy: No shades...but he did have his jacket on.
Shady Gas Price: Didn't see it.
Yelled at other drivers: Once-ish
Feared for my life: Nope
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- I shrugged my shoulders at one driver who pulled her SUV so far into my lane to make a left turn I could not pass. When I say I shrugged my sholders, I mean I did a full, palms up and out shrug so that she understood that I was confused by her action.
- I have to congratulate the guy who was driving the 1992 Pontiac LeMans. Let me count the reasons why:
- His phone use caused him to drive about 22 miles per hour and weave in and out of lanes...
- Which caused me to be caught at a red light...
- Which caused me to look over at him (since I tried to pass him before the red light) and saw that he was using a car phone that Fred Flintstone might have used
- To top it off, his hood was smashed up a bit...so he has had his trouble.
God speed, fellow commuter!
10/03/2005
Monday October 3, 2005
Departure Time: 7:33 (late start Monday)
Arrival Time: 8:24 (Everyone else did too.)
Weather as I call it: Fair skies...60's
Paper Guy: Wearing a beige Members Only type jacket. Shades--On!
Shady Gas Price: $2.75
Yelled at other drivers: zero
Feared for my life: not today
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Who is the Paper Guy? He's just a guy who is trying to do the best he can everyday. For the purposes of this blog, he is my independent weather indicator. Unlike my pampered, cube dwelling butt, this guy has to work outside for a living. He sells newspapers to the waiting drivers sitting at the red light. He walks up and down the line of cars looking for those who want to enrich their lives with one or both of Boston's major dailies...and God bless him, he always makes sales quickly and never holds up traffic. Ride on, Paper guy. Soon, your heavy snow gear will make the report, unfortunately....
Arrival Time: 8:24 (Everyone else did too.)
Weather as I call it: Fair skies...60's
Paper Guy: Wearing a beige Members Only type jacket. Shades--On!
Shady Gas Price: $2.75
Yelled at other drivers: zero
Feared for my life: not today
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Who is the Paper Guy? He's just a guy who is trying to do the best he can everyday. For the purposes of this blog, he is my independent weather indicator. Unlike my pampered, cube dwelling butt, this guy has to work outside for a living. He sells newspapers to the waiting drivers sitting at the red light. He walks up and down the line of cars looking for those who want to enrich their lives with one or both of Boston's major dailies...and God bless him, he always makes sales quickly and never holds up traffic. Ride on, Paper guy. Soon, your heavy snow gear will make the report, unfortunately....
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