Pumping Gas

Departure Time: 7:17
Arrival Time: 8:05
Weather as I call it: Cloudy but hot...the elderly should take note.
Paper Guy: MIA! Maybe he's hiding from the heat.
Shady Gas Price: Rising like the temperature: $2.99
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

I had to get gas this morning...I was no longer running on fumes, but the car's memories of said fumes. I am still pretty proud that I have kept my fuel intake to 2 fill-ups a month. Probably not a good thing for my car..but better for my wallet. So, my commute's duration was padded by 5 minutes at least.

After I filled up my car, I noticed I left my gas tank 'door' was still open...so I had to pull over and close it.

I thought it was an omen of bad things to come, but outside of a few tailgaters...everything was fine.

Solving Problems With Problems

Departure Time: 7:16
Arrival Time: 7:59
Weather as I call it: Bright sunshine! I was glad I had my shades on.
Paper Guy: Blue polo shirt and his shades...looking as glorious as the sun.
Shady Gas Price: $2.97
Yelled at other drivers: Eh...
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

Lots of things to type about...

First off, Don't even think about raising tolls!

And now, my trip:

In town, there is a left turn I have to take. It's at a traffic light, which does not have a "green arrow" but a "delayed green light" for those of us turning left. Now, it's not posted that it is a delayed greeen light...you just have to learn from watching others, I guess...

That's the Massachusetts way. If you aren't totally familar with the roadway, you don't belong on the roadway.

Today, I was waiting for the light to turn green so I could take a left turn. There were 3 cars ahead of me, so I knew that by the time I entered the intersection...the opposite side's light would turn green and I would have to yield to oncoming traffic. I paused, seeing a blue Toyota starting off and going straight through. I did see that there were about 6 cars lined up on the other side, so I knew my wait wouldn't be long. As I was patiently waiting, I noticed that the fifth car wasn't paying attention...and she hesitated. Because she hesitated, she left me with about 4 car lengths of space/time to turn left...I saw the opportunity and took it. When she saw me making my move...she FLOORED it. I didn't yell at her, but I did wave my index finger at her and spoke aloud.

"You hesitated." I said.

I think she sped up so that no one else would cut in front of her...I know that feeling...but she shouldn't be driving to endanger because she made a mistake.

The state cop presence at Leverett Circle has been building the past few weeks. Not sure if they are making things better, since I think most people are weary about what they are doing there. See this post to learn more.

I saw some guy doing a little dusting using a white rag on his dashboard and a woman was doing a little dusting of her face with a blush brush.

A good start to the week...

Justin Case

Departure Time: 7:00
Arrival Time: 7:44
Weather as I call it: Thin clouds...warm
Paper Guy: Definitely wearing the same shirt as yesterday
Shady Gas Price: $2.97
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

I got an early start, but decided to use Memorial Drive this morning. I just didn't feel like waiting in the crawl to get on to Storrow...

I probably added about 5 minutes to my trip. Oh well.

Here's something that some of us wished we have to help us in our morning commute.

Trunk Monkey

Back in the day, I knew guys who kept a baseball bat in their trunk...and they gave that bat a name: "Justin".

Justin Case.

So You Can Rest Medicine

Departure Time: 7:15
Arrival Time: 7:57
Weather as I call it: Sunny and humid
Paper Guy: I think he has a number of green polo shirts...although the color is similar, they are different shirts
Shady Gas Price: $2.97
Yelled at other drivers: Not really
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

I feel there is a increased level of animosity and stress on the roadways lately...I get the sense that people are ruder on the road than normal...not cooperating with their fellow driver.

Maybe it's the heat, maybe it's the latest traffic woes, maybe it's the unrest in the Middle East.

Maybe it's just me...I have been under the weather the past few days...taking NyQuil before bed isn't helping my morning happiness...and probably blurring my view on the world.

I'm just sensitive right now.

Objects in Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear

Departure Time: 7:19
Arrival Time: 8:06
Weather as I call it: Hazy sunshine...it's hotter today
Paper Guy: I think he likes that green shirt...he was smiling from ear to ear when I passed him.
Shady Gas Price: $2.99
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

Always be sure you look in your mirrors before you change lanes...I saw an exchange of middle fingers between a green Ford Explorer and a tan Chevy Cavalier right outside Wellington Circle...I don't know who was at fault, but they had an equal amount of disdain for each other.

Don't Forget To Get His License Plate Number

Departure Time: 7:11
Arrival Time: 7:54
Weather as I call it: Mostly sunny
Paper Guy: Wearing the same shirt as yesterday
Shady Gas Price: $2.99
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

There was an accident on Storrow today...three cars involved and it made getting onto "The Drive" a bit slow...everyone got around the scene pretty easily. It looked like a kid in a BMW with a large "Boston University" sticker in the back window rearended an older woman in a newer model Altima. Looked like they were exchanging paper when I rolled by them.

Summertime and the Livin's Easy

Departure Time: 7:10
Arrival Time: 7:47
Weather as I call it: Humidity gone...clear skies here...60s...not too bad
Paper Guy: Green polo shirt...looking snappy.
Shady Gas Price: $2.97
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

What can you say? Not a bad day for driving...even though the weekend was full of clouds and stickiness...and threats of showers and car stealing (went to a party in Southie)...you can't complain about today.

Even the Globe is saying the traffic hasn't been as bad as expected from the tunnel closures...Me? I have to agree...but my commute would not be affected anyway.

Aftermath of Beryl

Departure Time: 7:20
Arrival Time: 8:01
Weather as I call it: Cloudy...remnants of Tropical Storm Beryl
Paper Guy: Light blue polo shirt
Shady Gas Price: $2.95
Yelled at other drivers: No...well, I said something
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

I didn't go to work yesterday...due to a family emergency...so as you may have noticed...there was no post.

A woman driving a white Honda Civic hesitated in traffic while I was behind her...so I got a little frustrated. She had this pink"Hello Kitty" throw pillow pressed against her back window...so I said, "C'mon Hello Kitty..." and I laughed a bit as she got it together.

On Storrow Drive, they decided it was a good idea to "weed wack" at 7:47 in the morning...they shut down a whole lane of traffic...but it didn't befront me none...just as long as I got to work this Friday.

Just Add Water

Departure Time: 7:28
Arrival Time: 8:08
Weather as I call it: Thin layer of clouds...hazy sunshine
Paper Guy: Same outfit as yesterday
Shady Gas Price: $2.95
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

So, there was a water main break last night and it messed up traffic this morning...Coupled with the tunnel shutdown, it looked like a big headache for people using 93. I have been lucky...I have not been troubled with these issues....but bad things come in 3s...

I am not one to predict doom and gloom, but if a sink hole suddenly appears in the middle of Storrow Drive...don't say I didn't warn you.

I Just Act 57 Years Old

Departure Time: 7;17
Arrival Time: 8:02
Weather as I call it: Pretty hot this morning...hazy
Paper Guy: Polo shirt today...
Shady Gas Price: $2.95
Yelled at other drivers: Ish
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

I took the day off yesterday...but I am back today.

Pretty good drive today. I saw a few bold moves like the guy who used a left turn only lane to pass about four cars...Incredibly, he drove pretty normally afterward. Usually, if you pull a bold move like that you are announcing to the world that you are really in a hurry...and then you proceed to drive erratically towards your destination. I think this guy just had a momentary lapse of sensibility and then went back to a state of control.

Some clueless bunch of teens (I am such an old man) made me shout out a bit...it really wasn't a shout...it was at a normal conversation volume...but I did say to them, "What are you doing?" as they took a right turn with their left blinker on.

And A Starbucks On Every Corner

Departure Time: 7:21
Arrival Time: 8:05
Weather as I call it: Sunny...warm...the radio said it was 70 degrees
Paper Guy: Same outfit as yesterday...he looked a little sweaty today.
Shady Gas Price: $2.95
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

There is this new land development that looks to be near completion. I drive by this place every day...ok, most days....and I have been tracking its progression.

The development is called Station Landing and it has been growing pretty steadily for as long as I can remember (August 2004 or so...that's as far back as I can remember).

If you go to the site, you will see that they use the @ symbol in their branding...which I am guessing was a decision made in 1994 and they stuck to it. I would rather they went with this slogan "Come live at Station Landing.com, where the com is short for community!" Meh.

In this new development, there is a Starbucks...Although it located at a very busy intersection, it is very hard to get to since the two major routes that meet here are divided highways...I think there will be a lot of commuters pawing at their windows trying to figure out how they can turn their car around and pull into the lot to get their mochachinos.

World Keeps On Turning

Departure Time: 7:07
Arrival Time: 7:46
Weather as I call it: Cloudy...Muggy...and 77 degrees if I believe the liquor store sign
Paper Guy: Long sleeved shirt today...the shades were back on.
Shady Gas Price: Holding steady at $2.99
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: Meh

------------------------------

Granted I left earlier than usual today, but my commute was pretty light. I am still hearing about back-ups on 93 coming from the North....but if you are cutting across from East to West on the minor routes, things have been, well, rather normal.

When I merged onto Storrow Drive this morning, some guy in a black Accord got close to sideswiping me...I didn't exactly fear for my life but it certainly got my blood pumping. I should examine that first Storrow merge right before the MGH/Charles St. exit. As my father would say, "That one's a beaut."

I had to toot my horn at a minivan today. She wasn't going to take the opportunity to "turn right on red". After I alerted her to the fact that there was no "No Turn On Red" sign posted through a simple horn beep, she proceeded to look both ways and roll down the street. You could hear the people behind me clapping since they all wanted to do the same thing.

Still Down - Still Closed

Departure Time: 7:12
Arrival Time: 7:56
Weather as I call it: Overcast...hazy
Paper Guy: He had his glasses on...long sleeved shirt
Shady Gas Price: $2.99
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

Maybe it was the gloomy skies today that added to my forlornness on the drive...but there was no mistaking that Monday night's tunnel collapse has affected me. The more I think about it, the more it angers me. I know I typed some incendiary things yesterday, but I couldn't stop myself.

I tried to stay a fan of this project...but now I have a hard time defending the Big Dig. Was it a big mistake? I don't know....but certainly the project's mismanagement was.

My commute wasn't affected much at all today. Co-workers are telling me stories of long drives from the North and South...

Like an old friend told me once: "Things have to get a lot worse before they get any better." Well, I think it's a lot worse now.

Big Dig Tunnel Section Collapse

Departure Time: 7:21
Arrival Time: 8:09
Weather as I call it: Hazy sunshine...humid.
Paper Guy: He is wearing a polo shirt...and shades.
Shady Gas Price: I didn't see it today.
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

Traffic was bad today...I wasn't affected much...but for anyone driving the Pike or Route 93 it looked to be a nightmare. Last night, there was an accident in one of the Big Dig tunnels. It happened in the eastbound (going to Logan Airport) tunnel that connects the Ted Williams Tunnel and Route 93 North. A huge piece of the ceiling collapsed and crushed a car driving underneath it. The driver of the vehicle was able to get out, but his female passenger was killed.

The highway was closed this morning...which made for major tie ups. The Callahan has regained its title as the only tunnel to Logan Airport...

I altered my commute slightly...since Leverett Circle was a mess because many drivers were taking Storrow Drive east to 93 South to the Callahan tunnel as an alternative to the Mass Pike. I took Memorial Drive West and embraced each and every red light.

Many drivers cut into my lane without any acknowledgement throughout my trip...I just let it go. Today is a bad day for the city. It marks another realization that this project cost way too much money for the job to be finished cheaply. Where did that 14+ billion go? It's apparent now that they did not put it into the materials nor quality inspections. I hope whomever got rich off the Big Dig feels a little remorse for taking money off the top.

More of the Tunnel Tragedy can be read on Boston.com.

What Is The Name of Maple Tree Seeds?

Departure Time: 7:13
Arrival Time: 7:51
Weather as I call it: Partly Sunny...warm...
Paper Guy: Wearing a polo shirt...not exactly sure, but definitely a shirt of the short sleeve variety.
Shady Gas Price: $2.99
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

I had a few Samaras stuck on my window wipers which I thought would blow off as I drove today...not so much.

I guess it really isn't summer around here until Paper guy starts rocking the shortsleeves.

Good drive this Monday...I was taking it slow because there were many state cops around. I didn't want to get pulled over for driving normally.

But The Sun Is Eclipsed By The Moon

Departure Time: 7:15
Arrival Time: 7:54
Weather as I call it: Clear and sunny
Paper Guy: Ready for the weekend
Shady Gas Price: $2.99...wah.
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: Yeah

------------------------------

I fixed my driver side window...I had some trouble with replacing the power window master switch (which cost me $91 with tax)...but once I figured out how to disconnect the wiring, it was a snap, crackle, pop job. Now, I can get some breezes going through the car.

Some dude decided to switch lanes on me on Storrow...of course...made me freak out a bit...had to toot the horn..but I didn't yell.

Saw a state cop with not a radar gun...but a radar rifle...it looked like it had a scope on it. Once I saw him, I slammed on the brakes...but I guess I wasn't going too fast. It kinda ticked me off since I was jamming to Pink Floyd's Brain Damage/Eclipse at the time.

"And all that you eat...and everyone you meet...(everyone you meeeeeeet!)"

Sometime Rain Will Surprise You

Departure Time: 7:20
Arrival Time: 8:04
Weather as I call it: Rain I did not expect this...
Paper Guy: No shades...looking like he was not expecting the rain either.
Shady Gas Price: $2.95
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

I had to get gas today...so I think the duration of my commute was extended by 5 minutes at least. Total gas bill today: $41.50. Sheesh.

Plus, with the rain, I was driving a little more cautiously...especially on Storrow Drive. They are still cleaning up from the 4th...making travel a little hectic...but not awful.

Happy July 5th Booo!

Departure Time: 7:16
Arrival Time: 7:52
Weather as I call it: Hazy sun
Paper Guy: The summertime outfit is: the buttondown shirt and shades
Shady Gas Price: $2.95
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

Hey, welcome back. The commute was easy like Sunday Moooorning.

I saw some guy driving a spray painted black Honda CRX with a fire extinguisher that was mounted between his driver side door and his windshield. I wonder what that is for? He may have been afraid of spontaneous combustion.

My gas light came on within 5 minutes of my drive...thankfully, I took a few left turns and it extinguished. No gas light on...no problem.

Independence Day

Departure Time: 7:16
Arrival Time: 7:56
Weather as I call it: Cloudy
Paper Guy: Made a sale!
Shady Gas Price: $2.91
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

Saw a dude in scrubs riding a motorcycle in E. Somerville...must be a summer semester Tufts student...

The interior of my car is starting to smell a little...funky...

I think it's due to the lack of proper ventilation...I called a dealership near my house. They have the master switch I need so I can roll down my driver side window again.

Hey, have a safe and sane 4th of July...more peeps die in car accidents during this holiday than any other...even more than New Year's Eve...or so "they" say.

Eh, be careful.

New Slang

Departure Time: 7:16
Arrival Time: 7:58
Weather as I call it: Partly Sunny for most of my trip
Paper Guy: Shades and buttoned up shirt
Shady Gas Price: $2.91
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

Lots of people were having a hard time staying in their lane today...I didn't mind much. Today is my Wednesday. I work tomorrow and then I am taking Thursday and Friday off...add that to the holiday weekend and it's six days off total...

That's what we call Sweet A!

School's Out For Summer

Departure Time: 7:16
Arrival Time: 7:55
Weather as I call it: Damp...cloudy...72 degrees
Paper Guy: Waved and smiled at somebody driving by...standard summer outfit
Shady Gas Price: $2.91
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

No school 'til September...which means no buses, no kids, and no ridiculous back-ups in town.

So this weekend was 'fix annoying things in the car' weekend. Yeah, POWER PACKED with EXCITEMENT.

I Krazy Glued my Sirius radio receiver to the dash...Still holding up as of this morning.

The other thing I did was take some compressed air to clean out my power window switches on the driver side door...since it was getting harder to open and close my window with the switch...

Well, I made it worse...Now my driver side window doesn't work at all...thank goodness it is stuck in the closed position...so I don't have to use plastic and duct tape to keep the rain out...

It should be easy peasy to buy a new "master switch" and replace it...but I wouldn't have this problem if I had a manual crank...plus my forearms would be toned too.

I May Be Old But I Am Wiser

Departure Time: 7:10
Arrival Time: 7:48
Weather as I call it: Hazy sunshine
Paper Guy: Summer outfit.
Shady Gas Price: $2.91
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

So, there was this teenage guy and who I can assume was his girlfriend...riding around in a mid 90's white Mustang...and they blow a stop sign to pull in front of me.

They just happen to be going the same way I am...I realize this after the fourth intersection we drive through...so I decided to keep my eye on them...

He was driving agressively...and he thought he knew shortcuts...so when he took one and then ended up behind me, I chuckled to myself.

When he tried another one and ended up even further behind me...I chortled.

You find the fastest route through experience...trial and error...you keep at it until you find the groove. Very rarely do you find it on a whim...on a first try.

You can't beat me. I've worked too hard for it.

Two Lanes - Pick One

Departure Time: 7:12
Arrival Time: 7:54
Weather as I call it: Partly sunny
Paper Guy: I think he is wearing his official summer outfit
Shady Gas Price: $2.91
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: Negative

------------------------------

I pick up Storrow Drive at Leverett Circle. There is definitely a "turn only" lane, but the middle lane could be used to turn right onto Storrow since the on-ramp is also two lanes wide. Well, the line of cars in the turn only lane was long and slow. I utilized the middle lane instead..and didn't have any trouble turning right....I may try this method again.

Summer's Here And The Time Is Right

Departure Time: 7:09
Arrival Time: 7:48
Weather as I call it: Sunny and much lower humidity...clear skies
Paper Guy: Looking good...same shirt as yesterday
Shady Gas Price: $2.91
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

So, no ish today...fine driving conditions.

After I parked the car and started walking towards my work's building, I met up with a co-worker. She stated that her ex-boyfriend had a theory about how women looked while they were driving. According to him, all women fit into 3 cateories:

A. They are singing

B. They look clueless

C. They look bitchy.

Female co-worker said she agreed with his theory. I don't know...The last two are open to broad interpretations...no pun intended...seriously.

I Think The Kids Call It "Drifting"

Departure Time: 7:19
Arrival Time: 8:07
Weather as I call it: Less hot...less humid...and less hazy than yesterday
Paper Guy: Another collared shirt..and a good story...see below.
Shady Gas Price: $2.93
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: Yes...see below.

------------------------------

1. Paper guy made a sale today...right in front of me...but the difference today, and this is the first time I have ever experienced this with Paper guy...was that traffic was moving.

We had a green light ahead of us and cars were flowing through the intersection. Paper guy was walking on the left side of the road, letting people know he was there. A guy in BMW, which happened to be the next car ahead of me, decided that he needed to buy a paper...he couldn't wait...Paper guy's offer was too tempting...so he stopped...and the transaction happened...Two quarters for Paper Guy...a nice, crisp Tuesday morning edition of the Herald for the Beemer dude.

After the sale, Paper guy raised his left hand, palm out, and smiled wide as if to tell me and everybody behind me that he was sorry he held up traffic, but he's had a job to do. I smiled and waved back....and I didn't feel one pang of anger as I noticed the traffic light turn from yellow to red.

Paper guy is great.

2. I did something stupid...and I paid for it...

First off, I was passing a van (I HATE vans) on the right...which is illegal.

While I accelarated to pass this slow-moving van, the road curved.

I misjudged the curb and jumped onto the sidewalk.

I felt like I had lost control of the car for a moment, which made my heart race.

I feared for my life....but thankfully...I was able to recover quickly...

No one was harmed...and I am still here blogging.

Hungover Drones

Departure Time: 7:19
Arrival Time: 7:59
Weather as I call it: The three 'H's...I don't know how else to describe it...Hazy, Hot, and Humid. One of those low visibility days
Paper Guy: Buttoned up shirt...
Shady Gas Price: $2.93
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: Nope

------------------------------

Summer started today...I don't care what the calendar says. I don't care what the weather guys says.

I don't care what the mayor says. I wish it were Christmas today.

Actually, I don't...the hotter the better...

Look at that time! My theory is that most people get late starts on Monday mornings so I miss most of the volume...or maybe lots of peeps call in "sick".

Not sure.

Time To Get Sirius

Departure Time: 7:19
Arrival Time: 8:02
Weather as I call it: Mostly sunny
Paper Guy: A nice solid colored button-up shirt and the shades
Shady Gas Price: $2.95
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: Nope

------------------------------

Pretty good drive today...Summer break for the school children must be starting up by next week.

My satellite radio receiver is leaning over. The glue I used to adhere it to my dashboard has become partially unsticky due to the summer heat...It's kinda dangling there like a loose tooth.

See you Monday...

Red Light, Green Light

Departure Time: 7:22
Arrival Time: 8:09
Weather as I call it: Rainy
Paper Guy: The knitted winter hat serves as his rain guard
Shady Gas Price: $2.95
Yelled at other drivers: Yeah
Feared for my life: Nope

------------------------------

Ok.

So there was this guy who decided to SLOW DOWN at an intersection while the light was still green...yes, it was about to turn yellow...but there was PLENTY of time for both of us to get through...Plenty.

I just happened to be right behind him as we travelled through two other intersections...no problems...

At the third one, this dude proceeds to blow through a red light and as I was stopped, I saw him blow through another one....

Did he have something against me? Did he want to first slow me down and then bolt as fast as he could to get away from me?

Sheesh.

Happy (Freak) Flag Day

Departure Time: 7:19
Arrival Time: 8:06
Weather as I call it: Partly sunny and I hear it's going to rain later
Paper Guy: Big smiles and shades
Shady Gas Price: $2.95
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

There were two breakdowns today...very weird. One of them was being pushed out of by a state trooper...The other one was stopped in the left lane near Lechmere..driver side door open, hazards on, and people milling about... I had to fight to change lanes...

I spent 42 bucks to fill my gas tank...mainly because I was running on fumes. I think I put over 14 gallons in...and I think the capacity is 15.9...

Tom Waits For No Man

Departure Time: 7:16
Arrival Time: 8:06
Weather as I call it: Mostly sunny and warm - 60s
Paper Guy: Slicked back hair and shades
Shady Gas Price: Surprisingly holding steady at $2.95
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

Man, it was good to get back at it. The worst part was trying to get onto Storrow Drive...which seemed to be caused by some dude selling Boston Heralds for a quarter...Don't people know they can get their papers from the best paper guy in the world in Somerville?

Follow the Link

Departure Time: 7:08
Arrival Time: 7:49
Weather as I call it: Rainy...not too heavy...not too light.
Paper Guy: Rain coat, hat, no shades, plastic on the papers.
Shady Gas Price: $2.97
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

Rain slowed me down today...I was so ahead of schedule that it didn't phase me.

Hate to say it, but I am taking two more days off...and I will be back on June 13th...

I leave you with a picture that defines driving in Boston:



and a link for those of you who are true DrivingtoWork fans: Picture Pages!

The Number of the Beast

Departure Time: 7:17
Arrival Time: 8:01
Weather as I call it: Partly sunny...50's
Paper Guy: Shades and light coat...looking good...I think he got a haircut.
Shady Gas Price: $2.95
Yelled at other drivers: Yeah...
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

In town, I met up with an arch-nemesis of mine...well, she wasn't given arch-nemesis status until today...

Now, I have seen this lady before...but she hasn't done anything too crazy to make the blog in the past...

No matter--she makes the blog today not because of one over-the-top dumb thing...but due to the fact that her breadth of work needs to be recognized...I am conscious of her now because her poor driving is consistent. I have definitely encountered this woman about three times in the past. I have come to this realization because her behavior today jogged my memory...Her driving performance is so distinct; there is no question I have been behind her before.

She drives a black SUV (natch) with stickers on the back that display her daughters' names (I suspect) and their affiliation to some school's cheerleading squad...

She likes to pull grand U-Turns right in front of people...it's amazing the turning radius she has...but she goes from a double parked position on the opposite side of the street to turning her SUV around 180 degrees right across the double yellow lines and keeps on driving as if it was a perfectly normal maneuver.

After you get behind her, it's slow going, she slides from one side of the lane to another, she hesitates at green light...she's annoying.

So, hats off to you...Lady friend. May our next encounter be many months from now.

6/6/06

Monday, Monday, Monday, Monday, Monday, Monday, Monday, Monday.....

Departure Time: 7:22
Arrival Time: 8:10
Weather as I call it: Partly sunny...cooler...drier...55ish...
Paper Guy: MIA...musta been taking a dump at the Dunkin'
Shady Gas Price: $2.95
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

How about that title? Read it to yourself in a monotone voice...people will think you are crazy...but it will help you to understand how groggy I was today.

With colleges not in session...I think there are less clueless peeps on the roads in the morning...seriously...I can't say the last time I felt frustration...

It's been good....outside of being tired...

How Do You Predict The Weather?

Departure Time: 7:13
Arrival Time: 7:53
Weather as I call it: Cloudy...some light rain in places
Paper Guy: Same outfit as yesterday...he baffles the mind...his clothing does not reflect the weather at all...ponderous, man...ponderous
Shady Gas Price: $2.95
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

A couple of things: I guess I didn't win Red Sox box seats from the survey I filled out....but then again, how would I know?

If you drive a big truck and you are in the left lane, you better know how to haul *ss...if not, get in the slow lane with grandma.

June Is Busting Out All Over

Departure Time: 7:20
Arrival Time: 8:05
Weather as I call it: Partly sunny...but muggy
Paper Guy: A light (as opposed to heavy) V-neck sweater..and a white button-up collared shirt...weird.
Shady Gas Price: $2.95
Yelled at other drivers: Yes
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

5 months down in 2006...7 to go.

I yelled at the MBTA bus that didn't pull all the way over to pick up passengers...Dude, get out of the way...

Lots of runners, bikers, rollerbladers, etc now that the weather is warm...and the gas prices are high...

Give Me a Footbridge!

Departure Time: 7:12
Arrival Time: 7:54
Weather as I call it: Cloudy...but promise of clearing in the air...I still didn't wear a jacket...but maybe I should have.
Paper Guy: No hat..shades...I think it may have been the same outfit as yesterday.
Shady Gas Price: $2.95
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

Another issue-free drive...

I noticed that the bike path along the Esplande is named...It was on a sign sticking out of the ground proclaiming that this bike path was the "so and so" bike path...I didn't see the exact name...

I want something named after me...Heck, if Fiedler can have a footbridge, so can I...

I call the Darmouth St. footbridge...call the EnuhCork footbridge now...

Actually I will take any footbridge that traps the most trucks over 12 feet in height.

Please Come To Boston In The Spring Time

Departure Time: 7:16
Arrival Time: 7:58
Weather as I call it: Sunny...I didn't wear a jacket
Paper Guy: No hat..shades...
Shady Gas Price: $2.95
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

Happy Post-Holiday commute...not too bad on the roadways today...thought I would catch some peeps sleeping at the wheel...but no dice.

I had thoughts that the traffic volume would decrease now that colleges are out for the summer...not so...I haven't been able to detect any difference in the number of collegiate commuters.

Time to Take Some Time Off

Departure Time: 7:24
Arrival Time: 8:09
Weather as I call it: Partly Sunny
Paper Guy: Hair slicked back...shades...making sales.
Shady Gas Price: $2.97
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

Not a bad commute....nobody stalled their car in front of me...no accidents...no incidents..

I will be off until next Tuesday...so take it easy out there....

Plate Problems

Departure Time: 7:09
Arrival Time: 7:48
Weather as I call it: Sunny again
Paper Guy: Shades today...with the black McDs windbreaker
Shady Gas Price: $2.97
Yelled at other drivers: Yes
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

You can add 'bird poop' to the list of stuff on my car hood.

I would have had a 7:04 departure time if I didn't have a problem with my license plate. When I walked out to the car today, I noticed that the plate attached to my front bumper was holding on by a thread...or by one single screw...not sure why...but instead of fixing it, I took the whole thing completely off and got on the road...not sure if that was against the law or not...I didn't get caught in any case.

Some woman stalled on Route 28 today...At least I think she stalled. She threw on her hazards and sat there. I was right behind her and I panicked a bit. I think I shouted, "You've got to be kidding me..." She was able to get it going pretty soon...but for a few seconds, I thought I was stuck.

My Forest On My Car Hood

Departure Time: 7:14
Arrival Time: 7:54
Weather as I call it: Sunny..and a little windy
Paper Guy: Light brown knit cap and glasses...not sunglasses.
Shady Gas Price: $2.97
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

Now that my wife has the CR-V...she gets to park it in the garage...Mostly because I was waking up the baby everytime I opened the garage door in the morning...but slightly because she's the boss. Not sure what the true percentage split is between those two factors...

Since I park outside, I am noticing lots of "stuff" collects on my hood...including:

• Little green leaves


• Small black seeds of some sort


• Tree branches


• Pollen

I find myself staring at this stuff throughout the drive....wondering when it will come off....I think it's time for the car wash.

Friday Isn't a Dry Day

Departure Time: 7:10
Arrival Time: 7:54
Weather as I call it: Light rain progressively getting heavier as I drove along
Paper Guy: No hat No shades Not happy
Shady Gas Price: $2.97
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

The further west I went...the more the rain came down...

I ran into some slow spots...I think people were letting go of the wheel and burying their faces into their hands to cope with the rain.

Some people can't handle it.

One With Machine

Departure Time: 7:14
Arrival Time: 7:55
Weather as I call it: Partly Sunny...high 50s
Paper Guy: No hat and shades...
Shady Gas Price: $2.99
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

Easy Peasy drive today...There are times when driving seems effortless...when you feel one with your car...One of those times was this morning. No police, no issues, no bad weather, just good times.

Here's a close up of Paper Guy...still kinda blurry but that's what happens when you take a picture while driving.

No California Stops in Boston

Departure Time: 7:20
Arrival Time: 8:08
Weather as I call it: Sunny and of course a bit humid
Paper Guy: McD's black windbreaker...and the shades
Shady Gas Price: $2.99
Yelled at other drivers: Meh
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

So the sun finally came out today...after 8 days of rain, we have some dry pavement to tread on...

There was this white pickup that tried to take a left turn while I was driving through town. I made him think twice. He yielded to me....which was the right move...there's nothing better than that split second lurch where the driver is making that decision of "Should I go?" and the rational side of their brain tells them to step on the brake.

At the intersection of the Monsignor O'Brien Highway and Storrow Drive, there is a red light. Most people take a right at this light to get onto Storrow Drive...

You know, "turning right on red" is allowed in this state...but you have to come to a complete stop first...Most people at that intersection sorta slide through, making a quick look to the left and flooring it to get onto Storrow...I call that a California Stop.

Wellup...today...there was a state trooper standing near this intersection to remind us: This is Boston, not L.A.

He didn't pull me over...but I watched him pull over another guy in my rearview...The state trooper pointed at the driver in a forceful way...as if he was shouting out "YOU!" at the same time...and then pointed to the curb so let the driver know where he should park his car.

I learned my lesson...Don't do anything stoopid near state police barracks.

Maybe I'll Build an Ark

Departure Time: 7:13
Arrival Time: 7:54
Weather as I call it: Yeah. It's raining again.
Paper Guy: You tell me...see below
Shady Gas Price: $2.99
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

I think a lot of peeps are staying home and not dealing with driving through the new Venice...It's been really easy for me. Not a lot of stress...

I know this photo has been a long time coming...but here is PAPER GUY in his all of his rain gear glory!

Soon I Will Be Sailing To Work

Departure Time: 7:12
Arrival Time: 7:54
Weather as I call it: Rain...heavy rain throughout the trip
Paper Guy: Gray and blue raincoat...no shades
Shady Gas Price: $2.99
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

1. Massachusetts is underwater...really...it's been raining and raining and raining and...well you get the picture...there has been many road closings and lots of flooding. Take a look at some of the flood photos from around the area. You will happy to know that the roads I use to get to work are totally passable.

2. I was sleepy today...my eyes were heavy by the time I pulled into the parking lot at work. I may need to drink some caffeinated beverage before I get behind the wheel...which will probably lead to more yelling and fearing...

3. Traffic volume should be getting a bit smaller starting this week...colleges should be out for the summer...which means less yelling and fearing.

Foggy Streets and State Troopers

Departure Time: 7:29
Arrival Time: 8:20
Weather as I call it: Foggy
Paper Guy: Shades and earwarmer!
Shady Gas Price: $2.99
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

Happy Friday to you. I don't know if it was the fog or the late start or a combination of both but it was a long drive to work today. But with the volume and the limited visibility, I still didn't have a bad drive...just a long one.

I saw a lot of Massachusetts State Police cars on my drive. One was monitoring speed towards the end of Soldier's Field Road. Another one was overlooking the trimming of trees on the same road. The third one was driving behind me...making me nervous for no reason...I always think I am going to get pulled over...just because I'm me.

"They" being Major League Baseball

Arrival Time: 7:57
Weather as I call it: Light Rain
Paper Guy: He had his hat on..and his shades were back
Shady Gas Price: $2.87
Yelled at other drivers: Yeah...
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

They, you know..."they"...have the long rubber tubes out to count cars.

You have seen them...they are black, about a half inch wide, laid across the roadway, and are attached to some mechanical box...When you drive over them, there is a noticable bump in the road.

These tubes are all over Storrow Drive and Solidier's Field Road. Hopefully with the data they are collecting with the tubes along with the survey I filled out a few weeks ago, "they" will make good decisions when they start working on the tunnel.

I had to beep at a guy in a green minivan who wasn't paying attention at the light. Although his back window was tinted, I could see that we was in the midst of a long stretch when the light turned green. I yelled something in the vein of, "Wake up, Sweetheart and let's get moving..." and he did.

Holding On To Nothing But The Wheel

Departure Time: 7:17
Arrival Time: 7:59
Weather as I call it: Light to heavy rain at times
Paper Guy: Hat was back on..no shades
Shady Gas Price: Holding steady at $2.87
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

I was noticing that my steering wheel is worn on the left side...and the left side only.

I was wondering if I take more left turns than right...it's weird...but I counted the number of left turns I take to get to work. 5 left turns...but I take an equal number of right turns each trip.

I think the wear of my wheel comes from just my driving style. I hold the wheel with my left hand...and I drink coffee, eat bagels, change the radio station, wave to people, etc with my right.

Can You Polish a Turd?

Departure Time: 7:15
Arrival Time: 7:58
Weather as I call it: Mostly cloudy...some sun in spots...probably pushing 55 degrees
Paper Guy: I think the hat is gone for the season
Shady Gas Price: $2.87
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

There was an aggressive MBTA bus in town today. After he was done dropping off passengers, he threw his weight around...narrowly missing a minivan as he pulled back into traffic...think of this lumbering yellow and white hulk of a vehicle jerking quickly to the left while a limber (in comparison) maroon Windstar maneuvered wildly out of the path of the incoming bus.

Ok, the scene wasn't close to being that cool...but that's the most interesting thing that happened today.

This Is What It's All About

Departure Time: N/A
Arrival Time: N/A
Weather as I call it: Sunny...a great spring day in Boston
Paper Guy: N/A
Shady Gas Price: N/A
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

I had a trip to the dentist before I went to work today...so I didn't collect the normal metrics....

Since most of the stuff I write about in this blog is seemingly negative, I just want to point out that today was a great day for driving. Sun shining...the leaves are back on the trees...the chill of winter is gone until much later on this year...The roads are clear of ice and snow...people are running along the Charles...Everybody was driving with each other rather than against each other.

It was a day that reminds you of the reasons why you live here rather than somewhere else in the world.

Cell Phone Talking Blues

Departure Time: 7:15
Arrival Time: 7:57
Weather as I call it: Sunny and seasonal
Paper Guy: No hat and shades...singing to himself
Shady Gas Price: $2.87
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

I saw somebody driving down the street covering their face with multiple sheets of 8 x 11 paper. Were they hiding? Were they covering up a sneeze? Were they reading a report (while driving) and then the wind blew it in their face? I don't know..probably best left unexplained.

So, I encountered a slow moving vehicle...and it was having a hard time staying in the lane...

I passed the woman...and as I looked in, she was on her cell phone.

At the next light, I kept watching her in my rearview...it definitely wasn't a quick call...she was involved in an intense conversation. My question to you is: Who the heck could she be talking to at 7:40 AM with that intensity?

She's not the first person I have seen chatting away at the crack of dawn behind the wheel. I just don't get it. I guess after 8 hours of sleep, she needed to fill the silence again...

Sun Returns Gasoline Burns

Departure Time: 7:22
Arrival Time: 8:11
Weather as I call it: Wispy clouds obscuring sun in East...blue skies in the West
Paper Guy: No hat..shades...so you know it's gotta be warmer.
Shady Gas Price: Didn't see it today
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

Slow going in town because I was behind a big truck that had a hard time slowing down for pedestrians crossing the street...Objects not in motion tend to stay not in motion?

It's been a good week...not a lot of yelling or fearing.

How about this for a profile picture?

No More Mr. Nice Guy

Departure Time: 7:22
Arrival Time: 8:16
Weather as I call it: Light Rain
Paper Guy: A huge umbrella...It was one of these 8 panel numbers with an alternating pattern of crimson and white. He IS a Harvard man
Shady Gas Price: $2.89
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

Ya ever get behind a person who lets everybody pull in front of them, stops for every pedestrian, cautiously manuevers around every pot hole, etc.?

Yeaaaaaaaaaaah....I was behind that person today.

I think they were looking for a Nobel Peace Prize nomination. Whenever they encountered an opportunity to be nice, they were.

Now, I am all for being nice...but there is a point where it becomes annoying...especially when they are not standing up for their own unalienable "right of way" rights.

Sometimes you have to just push through.

May Showers Bring April Flowers

Departure Time: 7:22
Arrival Time: 8:12
Weather as I call it: Rainy...just rainy.
Paper Guy: Winter hat but appropriately not wearing his "shades" today....Shades is another word for sunglasses.
Shady Gas Price: $2.89
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

Funny thing I saw today...A woman was crossing the street in town and as she got to the other side of the street, a car passed her by.

As the car passed by, it splashed a little bit...and I mean a little bit...of water in her direction...

Well, I guess enough of the water splashed into her shoes and it provoked the woman to react unusually...

She started to dance as if her feet were on fire...Think of what it may look like if you are watching someone walk on hot concrete in summer with no shoes on...sorta that quick hopping between your two feet to diffuse the pain.

The look on her face was one of disbelief...nearing horror.

Anyway, the scene made me chuckle.

May Day! May Day!

Departure Time: 7:10
Arrival Time: 7:47
Weather as I call it: Cloudy...50s
Paper Guy: Paper guy still wears the winter hat
Shady Gas Price: $2.89
Yelled at other drivers:Nope
Feared for my life:Not today

------------------------------

Should we twirl 'round the May pole? Is Maypole one word?

Pretty easy drive today....Monday are generally pretty easy...

Easy like Monday morning......................

Just doesn't have the same effect, no?

Control Your Road Rage!

Boston Driving Rules

Departure Time: 7:10
Arrival Time: 7:50
Weather as I call it: Sunny and amiable...yeah, that's right
Paper Guy: Rockin' the McD's windbreaker again
Shady Gas Price: $2.89
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

The Boston Morning Commute Driving Rules as compiled by me:

Rule 1: Everybody's in a hurry -- Respect that fact.

Rule 2: Never snooze at a red light.

Rule 3: If you are slow, stay right.

Rule 4: If you are going to pull into traffic, never make eye contact…but be swift.

Rule 5: Blinker use is optional when switching lanes.

Rule 6: Pick a lane and stay in it...Do not ride the white dotted line down the middle.

Rule 7: Don't tailgate.

Rule 8: During a “slow merge event”, follow the “one car after another” format.

Rule 9: Exiting on the right from a left lane is never acceptable.

Rule 10: Keep your rage down to a miminum – remember Rule 1 when angry.

Storrow Drive Improvement Study

Departure Time: 7:29 --> Late start
Arrival Time: 8:22
Weather as I call it: Sunny and agreeable...yes, I typed agreeable
Paper Guy: Wearing a black McDonalds windbreaker...which is so IN this spring
Shady Gas Price: $2.89
Yelled at other drivers: Yes
Feared for my life: Yes

------------------------------

You can see that if I leave 10 minutes later, it adds 10 minutes to my trip duration. I think a pre-7:20 departure time is the sweet spot.

Big News: As I was driving by the Museum of Science, I saw a sign that stated something to the effect of: Storrow Drive survey -- please take one...

There were two guys handing out surveys to gather information for the upcoming repair on the Storrow Drive tunnel.

I rolled down my window and gladly took one. If I mail it back with a valid return address, I have a chance to win box seats to a Sox game. Cool.

They were also handing them out at the intersection near the Eliot Bridge. The two guys at this location seemed to be having a bit of trouble just getting peeps to roll down their windows while they were stopped at the red light....When one of the guys started to come towards my car, I held my survey up and smiled. He gave me a thumbs up and walked to the next car.

I swear I saw some dude eating cereal out of a bowl while driving this morning. I may be seeing things.

Also, some station wagon decided to try to exit right from the left lane while I was driving alongside him...I blared my horn at him and called him an idiot.

He almost caused another accident with some other car...I saw the tire smoke in my rearview.

Guy, put down the survey and drive.

Lower Gas Prices => Raise Approval Ratings

Departure Time: 7:16
Arrival Time: 8:00
Weather as I call it: Sunny and pleasant...yeah, I typed pleasant..so what?
Paper Guy: Working the other side of the intersection...I guess the traffic coming down Winter Hill in Somerville was had the dollar bills a-waving this morning
Shady Gas Price: $2.89 My gasoline bill last night was 37 bucks.
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

I saw a guy riding a scooter today...I wonder how many miles per gallon it gets ('city' miles of course...don't want to ride that thang on the highway)...?

Some peeps on Epinions say they get 100-125 miles per gallon. Whoa!?! If Boston didn't have winter 8 months out of the year, I would get one....

Who am I kidding? I wouldn't get a scooter because I would become the laughing stock of the company. My wife entertained the idea of buying a Vespa for her commute...until her sister said that she would throw "things" at my wife as she putt putt putted by.

The Prez is working to lower the cost of gas...Man, that guy will do anything for a higher approval rating.

Tuesday IS The Most Productive Day

Departure Time: 7:19
Arrival Time: 8:09
Weather as I call it: Sunny...really sunny...very bright as I left the house...probably due to the reflection off the rain
Paper Guy: MIA...must have been in the Dunkin' Donuts bathroom
Shady Gas Price: $2.87
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

Lots of congestion today...Sometimes Tuesday can be a tough day in terms of traffic. Not sure why, but probably because Tuesday is the most productive day of the work week. Peeps just want to get to work early...so they all leave the same time I do...and throw off my trip duration average. Man, can't these college kids party on Monday night too? (Party responsibly, of course.) Then, they would leave later and not mess with my 'flow'....as they say in my neighborhood.

Slippery When Wet Isn't Just A Bon Jovi Album

Departure Time: 7:18
Arrival Time: 8:02
Weather as I call it: Light mist...colder.
Paper Guy: Brown hat and in the middle of the street making a sale.
Shady Gas Price: $2.87
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

Hey...It's rainy...it's Monday....Here's the story:

This guy with New York plates was really annoying me today...he was trying to merge...and had his right blinker on...but there was no room for him to merge over.

I have to thank Paper Guy...since he made a sale in the middle of the street, it caused the break in traffic that allowed annoying NY plates guy to get the heck out of my way.

Some school van braked hard on Storrow in front of me...so I did the same. I skidded about 10 feet...just enough to freak me out...yet I didn't fear for my life.

Need to put together the Boston Driving Rules post....I should remember to do that this week.

Commuting for Dummies

Departure Time: 7:20
Arrival Time: 7:56
Weather as I call it: Sunny...High 50's
Paper Guy: Like a beacon of life...standing strong in the sun...wearing shades..no hat
Shady Gas Price: $2.79
Yelled at other drivers: Kept quiet
Feared for my life: Cherished my life.

------------------------------

Ideal driving weather conditions...low volume...no hassles...

If I were training peeps to be Boston drivers, today would be a good introduction.

Off tomorrow...see you out there on the roads ---> Monday.

I'm A Smoker...I'm A Joker

Departure Time: 7:16
Arrival Time: 7:52
Weather as I call it: Overcast...kinda damp...makes my bones ache. That's how I know I am old.
Paper Guy: Same outfit as yesterday. Too cold in the mornings still
Shady Gas Price: $2.73 and rising
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

Since school is out of session for the kiddies in town (April vacation, you know), getting through has been very easy.

I saw a guy with the LOUDEST shirt I have ever seen. I swear I saw it as a bright spot from two miles away.

Lots of smokers in town. I saw many peeps flicking butts out of their windows...all opne only three inches...just the right width to let smoke out and not a lot of cold air in.

You Better Listen To Your Radio.

Departure Time: 7:18
Arrival Time: 7:58
Weather as I call it: Mostly Cloudy
Paper Guy: I think he's back to a brown winter cap. Mornings are still cold for him.
Shady Gas Price: $2.69
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

No radio station vehicles to knock me off the road today.

The leaves are shooting off the tree branches again...soon we won't remember what a bare tree looks like.

How's your Patriot's Day?

Departure Time: 7:17
Arrival Time: 7:48
Weather as I call it: Mostly Cloudy
Paper Guy: I think I saw him wearing a crimson winter hat...as I zoomed by!
Shady Gas Price: $2.67
Yelled at other drivers: Yes
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

So, if you are driving a school bus to help runners get to the Boston Marathon's start in Hopkinton...then you can cut in front of traffic to pull into the Museum Of Science parking lot. OH! OK...NOW I get it....I didn't know that before today.

The worst thing that happened was the person who was driving the truck for the radio station WFNX who cut me off on Storrow. There was a maintenance truck stopped in the right most lane...with his hazards on So, as I was merging onto Storrow, I saw this truck ahead of me and I tried to merge over one lane....I saw that everyone else was following the "one car after another" rule...very harmonious...Well, when it came my turn to merge....'FNX truck wouldn't let me in...and cut me off. I yelled out something not nice...

When I got into work, I used their site's feedback link and sent them this message.

"I don't know who was driving the FNX truck around 7:30 this morning, but that person cut me off on Storrow Drive. It doesn't make a good case to tune in when your moving billboard is causing near accidents during the morning rush. Please let the person know that they should be a little more considerate on the roadways, especially when driving a vehicle that is promoting the station."

It was probably some intern...or even worse... Stephen Mindich driving to the Phoenix offices near Fenway.

Hey next time, be nice...

How Good is Friday?

Departure Time: 7:17
Arrival Time: 7:54
Weather as I call it: Partly Cloudy...had to put the shades on in Somerville
Paper Guy: The MAN IN BLACK..no hat...shades.
Shady Gas Price: $2.65
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: Nope

------------------------------
Schools out of session today...some businesses are closed...Tis Good Friday.

I didn't see if the new "Reverse Curve - Reversed Curse" sign was still there. Storrow was unusually congested...and I had to pay attention to the road. Wah.

Dependency On Foreign Oil

Departure Time: 7:14
Arrival Time: 8:01
Weather as I call it: Overcast...storm clouds abrewing
Paper Guy: N/A
Shady Gas Price: N/A
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

Took the Tobin into work today...because I had to fill up the tank before I drove to work...My gas line actually came on when I was stuck in traffic waiting to get onto Storrow. Probably another reason I yelled.

35 bucks...ooooof.

Frustration Times Three

Departure Time: 7:18
Arrival Time: 8:14
Weather as I call it: Sunny and warmer
Paper Guy: Still winter for Paper Guy
Shady Gas Price: $2.63...wah.
Yelled at other drivers: yeah
Feared for my life: Nope

------------------------------

Where do I start? So much to talk about.

1. Lots of bikes out today...with talk of gas prices rising to 4 dollars a gallon this summer, I might be biking to work soon...(Note to self: lock down bikingtowork.blogspot.com domain)

2. It was a bear to get on to Storrow Drive today. I originally blamed it on pedestrians since there is a crosswalk right before the ramp. (Of course, this was my theory before I knew what was happening further along Storrow......wait for it....wait for it)....Hey peeps, when the light is green, you gotta go. To my fellow commuters on foot...when the light is green...please patiently wait until the walk signal tells you it is safe to cross. Believe me, there will be pull-lenty of time to cross the street.

So, after sitting in the line of cars to get onto Storrow for over 10 minutes, I yelled out "COME ON!"...and then beeped my horn at the dude up front when the light turned green.

3. Somebody has replaced the "Reverse Curve" sign with a small replica...This green sign is probably one tenth the size of the original sign...it is hanging down from the Longfellow bridge on small chains...it's painted green and has two phrases on it

"Reverse Curve"
"Reversed Curse"

Sweet A. I hope the Mass. Highway Dept. lets it stay up.

4. The real source of everybody's Storrow Drive issues was of course an 18 wheeler that was stuck underneath a foot bridge that had a height of 12 feet. Remember, Storrow Drive is for pleasure vehicles only....

Here's a photo of the old sign...the day they took it down...If they take down this new sign, it won't be a photo op.

Major Boston Holiday

Departure Time: 7:16
Arrival Time: 8:03
Weather as I call it: Sunny and seasonal
Paper Guy: Crimson hat again
Shady Gas Price: $2.59
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: Nope

------------------------------

Pretty uneventful drive today. Paper guy walked right in front of my car to make a sale. It was a gutsy move since I hadn't come to a complete stop yet.

Opening day at Fenway this afternoon...the third biggest Boston holiday...next to Evacuation Day (which just happens to be March 17th) and Patriots Day (third Monday of every April)...It does make sense that Boston Holidays happen in the spring. We like to celebrate winter's end.
b>

It's just another manic....ah, shut up.

Departure Time: 7:17
Arrival Time: 7:57
Weather as I call it: Sunny 45 degrees
Paper Guy: Wearing a crimson winter hat...must be a Harvard fan
Shady Gas Price: $2.59
Yelled at other drivers: Nope...
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

Guys,

Check out that arrival time...40 minute duration...are you kidding me? Right on.

It's sunny, but it's still cool...

No yelling. No fears...just love for everyone....yes love...ok, how about fond wishes?

Another brilliant example of Boston engineering

Departure Time: 7:14
Arrival Time: 7:55
Weather as I call it: Basically the same day as yesterday
Paper Guy: Basically the same outfit as yesterday...no smile though
Shady Gas Price: $2.59
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------
TGIF! Another easy ride...so I will take time to talk about this dangerous intersection that I drive through each day:



The photo above is from local.live.com...check the site out when you can. Anyway, this photo captures one of the most interesting intersections in the Boston area. It's always a crazy time in the place where the Monsignor O'Brien Highway and Cambridge St. and the Green line railway meet.

The trolley cars you see on the bridge are a part of the MBTA's Green line subway system....America's oldest subway system....They are rolling into the stop called Lechmere..which is the most north of all the Green line stops.

The issue with this intersection is that you have three (3) lanes of traffic that are set to travel under the trolley bridge...but the space under the bridge can really only accommodate two lanes!!

If you look at the photo, you can see two arrows which indicate that these lanes are for cars going straight under the bridge. (The white van is stopped above the third arrow...I HATE VANS.) Do you see how the white dotted lines sorta trail off as they get closer to the bridge? That's because the beams that hold up the bridge are only two car widths wide....well, maybe more like two and a half car widths wide...but it still makes for tight passage...especially with peeps who are driving Grandma to MGH or something...and the beams are real old Lower Deck type beams...painted green but still the rust comes through.

If you are in the area, give it a try. There is nothing like driving so close to the person next to you that your sideview mirrors touch.

Riding down your freeways......

Departure Time: 7:15
Arrival Time: 8:00
Weather as I call it: Sunny and 45 degrees
Paper Guy: Big smile on his face...shades..and a brown winter hat
Shady Gas Price: $2.55
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
A pretty effortless ride to work today. Paper guy looked like he just won the street-corner-worker lottery...(a little known lottery) his smile was infectious.
Kudos to the dealership. They fixed everything I needed fixed in the CR-V for no charge....but there's still not getting a link from me.

01:02:03 04/05/06

Departure Time: N/A
Arrival Time: N/A
Weather as I call it: Dude...it's snowing.
Paper Guy: N/A
Shady Gas Price: N/A
Yelled at other drivers: N/A
Feared for my life: N/A

------------------------------

Yeah it snowed this morning...and anyone who said they couldn't believe it...well, this is Boston...not L.A.

I had to drop the CR-V at the dealership so they could fix some stuff...drove down 128...peeps were driving in the breakdown lane...legally...but I don't know about driving at 85 MPH.

When the Rain Comes....

Departure Time: 7:15
Arrival Time: 8:05
Weather as I call it: Rain...heavy at times
Paper Guy: He has his umbrella...and his hat back on his head.
Shady Gas Price: $2.49...but the station down the street had it at $2.59
Yelled at other drivers: Once, but I will explain.
Feared for my life: Twice.

------------------------------

I think we all know by now that rain lengthens my commute. I wish it had snowed more this winter (not really) because I would have been able to compare rain traffic with snow traffic...since I do believe that peeps drive better in snow than rain.

The crawl to Storrow Drive was puddle-ridden...and getting wetter as time went on...not from the rain falling down...but from another source...

There was this guy...in a green Chevy Cavalier...opening his door and spitting on the ground...every light cycle when we were stopped, he would open his door and spit...and spit...and spit....and spit...It didn't make the bagel I ate for breakfast feel all that good in my stomach...

Yikes.

As for the fear or in this case fears...I hydroplaned a little bit and then I didn't see a red Prelude when I was trying to change lanes...thankfully, I stopped myself before I hit him...but the heartrate jumped to 147 BPMs...(that's an estimate).

Opening Day

Departure Time: 7:17
Arrival Time: 8:00
Weather as I call it: Partly sunny
Paper Guy: No hat on his head...but hat in his hand...not ready to let go of winter yet.
Shady Gas Price: $2.49
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

First Monday after the clocks 'spring ahead'...I was really expecting lots of sleepy drivers on the road...not so much...People seemed to have their wits about them.

Sox open up their season in Texas today...soon, Paper guy will be wearing Hawaiian shirts. Now that will be a photo op.

150-point Mechanical and Appearance Inspection

Departure Time: 7:19
Arrival Time: 8:05
Weather as I call it: Sunny and 50s
Paper Guy: No hat again today.
Shady Gas Price: $2.49 Oooof.
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

I drove the CR-V today to work. I felt like a soccer mom. Wah.

Saw a woman singing at the top of her lungs in my rearview. Her passenger didn't seem happy. I tried to read her lips...I couldn't figure out what she was singing.

I forgot to mention on Thursday that I saw a runover possum on the road when I was stopped at a light. It was pretty flat.

When Moving Through Kashmir...

Departure Time: 7:21
Arrival Time: 8:18
Weather as I call it: Sunny and 50 degrees...It's like Tuscon, AZ.
Paper Guy: WHOA! No hat! SPRING IS HERE!
Shady Gas Price: $2.39
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------
I won't use this day in my number crunching...I had to pick up my dry cleaning today...which of course was some excuse-laden affair of computers breaking down and incompetent coworkers...Lady, just give me my clothes..

They are also "cash only"...so I had to hit an ATM before I went in...If this dry cleaner weren't a block from my house...I would probably go elsewhere.

Paper guy had no hat on today...his hair was slicked back...It taint spring 'til Paper guy sez so.

Picking up the second car today...It will be fun to drive it to work tomorrow.

Beepin' Happy

Departure Time: 7:24
Arrival Time: 8:07
Weather as I call it: Sunny and 45 degrees
Paper Guy: Still feeling winter
Shady Gas Price: $2.39
Yelled at other drivers: Nope
Feared for my life: Nope

------------------------------

First off, I am still adjusting to the new alarm clock my wife bought for us...the old one worked fine...but she thought it was dirty looking...with crud stuck in the buttons.

Sooooooooooooowah, I didn't wake up until 6:55...whoops...

My departure time was still reasonable...and my travel time was pretty respectable. I swear people move slower in the winter.

TWO! (second point) Some older lady was in front of me and she was applying makeup or something when the light turned green. I gave her a little toot.

If I can get home on time this evening...I may pick up my dry cleaning.

Making My Point With A Horn Blast

Departure Time: 7:12
Arrival Time: 7:56
Weather as I call it: It's sunny, it's warmer...what does Paper Guy think?
Paper Guy: Still winter for the Paper Guy...black hat and coat.
Shady Gas Price: $2.39
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

I didn't yell at anybody today...but there was a woman who pulled a California stop at a red light. Yes, turning right on red was allowed at that intersection...but only after coming to a complete stop...

So, to make sure she understood that she made a mistake, I laid on my horn as I drove under my green light for a good 5 seconds...

And yes, she was driving a mini van.............

Ah poop, I forgot to pick up my dry cleaning today.

Raging in Slummerville

Departure Time: 7:15
Arrival Time: 8:02
Weather as I call it: Clear skies, sunny, 45 degrees...the hard season is coming to a close.
Paper Guy: Black hat, black coat...shades!!
Shady Gas Price: $2.39
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

Great looking day...optimal driving weather.

I saw this one woman and she was the object of two cars worth of road rage.

One guy was older, seemed sorta out of it...but he was yelling at this woman because she hesitated at the green light...

Then, these kids almost caused an accident because they forced themselves in front of her...I felt bad...She needs to hang in there.

Paper guy made a sale...working the soft sell. He talks to his customers. It warms the heart...really.

Catch me if you can't

Departure Time: 7:15
Arrival Time: 7:53
Weather as I call it: cloudy and warmer...40s
Paper Guy: Wearing a green baseball cap...now that is a sign of SPRING!
Shady Gas Price: $2.39
Yelled at other drivers: a little bit
Feared for my life: a little bit

------------------------------

I usually don't treat Storrow Drive like the Autobahn...but today I thought I would fire it up...of course this is the day Ms. Minivan slams on her brakes for no reason...

You van drivers (mini and regular size) are going to get the best of me someday.

Dry Cleaning Blues

Departure Time: 7:16
Arrival Time: 8:03
Weather as I call it: Sunnyish--cold
Paper Guy: He had the shades on with his winter garb
Shady Gas Price: $2.39
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

So I had to stop off at the dry cleaners before I drove to work today. Now I know Michael Stipe would tell me not to wear clothes that need to be dry cleaned, but what can I say, these sweaters were gifts and they are dry clean only.

I walk in and I get this long-winded excuse-laden explanation about why I can't get a slip this morning. It is made quite clear that I need this slip (of paper..I am guessing) so that I can pick up my sweaters next Tuesday. Blame was thrown...frustration was vented....

Me, I didn't care...Lady, we'll see each again on Tuesday. Just make sure you don't put any holes in my sweaters....

And out the door I went...

Another Boston driving rule

Departure Time: 7:12
Arrival Time: 7:54
Weather as I call it: Overcast skies and still not spring
Paper Guy: Black winter hat...black parka
Shady Gas Price: $2.39
Yelled at other drivers: No...but I could have
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

Tailgating is the worst. Here's another rule: Don't tailgate. So, I am driving...minding my own business...I look behind me...there's maroon Infiniti guy eating my bumper. Not sure what his rush is, but I also see that while we are waiting at the red light, he is shaving with an electric razor. On top of that, he buys a paper from Paper Guy.

Once we start moving, he passes me on the right...which gets him that much faster to the next red light.

Guy, where are you going?

Reunited...and it feels so good

Departure Time: N/A
Arrival Time: N/A
Weather as I call it: Sunny and cold...sorry to sound like a broken record.
Paper Guy: N/A
Shady Gas Price: N/A
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------
No more dates in the titles...Need to be more interesting.

Went into work late today...did not want to include this day in the data. That's why you are seeing the N/As.

Sooooooooooooo glad old paper guy is back. I really wanted to be able to report what he was wearing when spring does in fact get here.

Boston Driving Rule #6...Pick a lane and stay in it...Do not ride the white dotted line down the middle....

It makes you want to yell when you see people do this...

Monday March 20, 2006

Departure Time: 7:24
Arrival Time: 8:07
Weather as I call it: Cold 27 degrees..but sunny.
Paper Guy: HE WALKS AMONG Us
Shady Gas Price: $2.39
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: Ish...

------------------------------


1. Spring has Sprung. Ok, it really hasn't...

2. Lots of weirdos merging haphazardly today...nothing I couldn't handle...but a little unnerving.

3. I could not believe my eyes. It was if I was seeing a ghost. I actually slapped myself across the face a number of times to make sure I wasn't dreaming...but yes...OLD PAPER GUY IS BACK!!

I don't know where he's been, I am just happy he is back patrolling the same corner. The world is right again. (He was wearing a black parka/black knit hat, by the way)

Here's to new beginnings.

Friday March 17, 2006

Departure Time: 7:15
Arrival Time: 7:57
Weather as I call it: Bright and sunny...
Paper Guy: Wearing his bright green hat...must be St. Patty's day
Shady Gas Price: 2:35
Yelled at other drivers: No
Feared for my life: No

------------------------------

I saw some guy in a pickup truck...yelling out his window at a old lady who pulled out in front of him...he was justified.

Driving To Work Rule #5: Blinker use is optional only when switching lanes...ok? If you are turning, let people know...if you are merging into another lane...no need. If you do that, we know you are an amateur...

Thursday March 16, 2006

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.