Odds ‘n’ sods

Here, for your amusement and edification, are a few snippets that I’ve come up with to help me pass the time while I’m on the train to Boston (rated on a scale from 1 to 5 Gs):

The Big Apple

We went to New York for the Halloween Parade.  It was nice to visit places we’d only seen in the movies: Central Park; Madison Square Garden; Times Square; Broadway; Tiffany’s; 5th Avenue; Macy’s and stuff.  There were lots of yellow cabs.  We were served by someone dressed as a pimp when we went for a meal.  The parade was a bit of a let down and Mrs G nearly got crushed to death in the crowd.  I give it a rating of 2 Gs.

Corridor Party

We got back to our apartment block one evening and bumped into a few individuals we know.  Before you can say “that would be an ecumenical matter” there’s a pumpkin on Marissa’s abandoned desk (which may have been put there by me (the pumpkin that is, not the desk)) and we’re sitting around in the hall, shooting the breeze and drinking herbal tea.  Dane (of the famous “do the Dane” dance moves) produced a large bottle of whiskey which we drank from plastic cups.  One of our neighbours politely asked us if we’d mind being a little quieter (some of the people were laughing a bit too loudly – not me, obviously) and we happily complied.  A lovely impromptu time was had by all.  4 Gs.

Tailgating and football

The Yale vs Princeton match was my first (and so far only) live American Football match.  It took place on the wettest day of our visit.  Mrs G stayed home.  The folks I went with parked in a large grassy area around 11:00 and we stood under umbrellas drinking beer.  Other people had set up tarpaulins with barbecues.  The match started at 12:00 and we got in around 12:15.  Yale kicked Princeton’s arse 14 to nothing.  I missed both touchdowns (once due to beer drinking and once due to hotdog and giant soft bagel eating).  4 Gs.

Beer and Wings

Those of you privileged enough to be one of my friends on Facebook may have noticed that I regularly mention going to Archie Moore’s for Beer and Wings.  This has now become a regular Sunday evening fixture.  Around 6:30 to 7:00 we wander down and take over the large table in the back bar.  Some folk order Buffalo wings (bleuch) whereas those of us with more discerning palates have the barbecue sauce wings.  Fries and beer are also consumed in ridiculously large quantities (although not to the point of obesity and passing out I hasten to add).  There are usually at least eight of us there and sometimes the waitresses will join us if we’re still about when their shifts finish.  5 Gs.

Differences (Gs N/A)

We buy milk by the gallon and full fat has a red top.  Beer only displays the alcohol percentage if it differs from the norm (5.2%).  When driving you can turn right on a red light unless a sign advises otherwise.  All education (regardless of level) is referred to as “School”.  Nobody checks signatures on credit cards.  Staff on trains are pleasant and helpful.  Free wireless internet connections are readily available.  Patting your wife’s fanny in public will not get you arrested.