Things to read...

If time is short, I'd suggest reading at LEAST The Prologue and Legend of The Pinto Bean Posts!

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Go North, young man!


Well I've learned an important lesson today... Few exciting things happen in the rain, so I guess there's not too much to talk about, but we'll see! I spent the night in Reading, PA. This is the same Reading of monopoly Reading R.R. fame. Try as I might though, I couldn't find anyone willing to sell me the title to the RR for my $200. I guess it doesn't really matter anyhow, since I don't own the other three... Anyhow, I stayed with a buddy from the Army whom I've known for about 11 years now. The reminiscent stories flowed freely, the Old Milwaukee flowed even more freely, and Rockstar just flowed, mostly on the bushes.... I drove about the city a bit and had a GREAT Italian sandwich at the place pictured here. If you ever pass thru indulge in the tasty goodness! I guess it pays to eat at a local place that's owned by Authentic Italians, unlike that danged Olive Garden...



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Picture shamelessly stolen from wikipedia! This is the Pagoda










Anyhow, I awoke this morning with the idea of going up and taking pictures of what's called "The Reading Pagoda" (pronounced 'Redding' as I was quickly corrected.) Unfortunately the fog was thicker than mashed potatoes made with extra cream, and the drizzle wasn't a whole lot of help either. I saw this and made the command decision to go elsewhere and headed out to Allentown. I tried to backroad as best as possible there, but traffic was heavy no matter what and no matter how much I whined, the drizzle wouldn't stop. Once in Allentown I drove around for quite awhile to see the town, and I must say, the areas I saw were beautiful. I've never seen a city with so many parks, and the quaint "shotgun houses", as my buddy from Reading called them, while being close packed, were still very attractive for "city housing". I've noticed a lot of change in the general architecture as I've ventured north so I figure I should give this mention. The houses in PA and NJ are much more often brick or hewn stone as opposed to the wood of the south. They also are long and narrow (hence the shotgun nickname) and closely built to each other. In the country, I see almost no pine trees, and the rolling green hills are neverending. If you all ever get the opportunity, I'd try to get up here and have a look!

In Allentown I met with a reporter for a very large paper and we talked for quite some time. As opposed to the other interviews I've done, this one was approached with a lot more skepticism. After showing my ID card, student I.D., DNA sample, and complete health screening to include a prostate check, she was satisfied that I was who I claimed and the interview proceeded. Given what she told me about the numerous fakes and need to maintain good reporting, I understood all the skepticism though so I held no grudges, though I thought the prostate exam MAY have been a little unnecessary. I have to wonder if the Middle Manager didn't get to her after realizing he was thwarted by the resiliency of the Bean... We shall see.... We shall see.... So I spent a good portion of my overcast afternoon with them, getting the interview done. If it gets published i'll be sure to link it back here! Rocky managed to NOT go all Cujo on anyone today, which firmly cemented in my head that the blame for his episode the other day lays in the constipation. Well technically now lays in somebody's front yard... Yeah sorry about that!
Well folks, sorry for the lackluster reporting today, but remember, tomorrow's another day, and you aren't laid up in a humid suburban with an anal gland popping, semi-wet, and mostly retarded dog!! Goodnight!!
****************************NEWS FLASH****************************
I just got e-mailed that one of my life's dreams was achieved tonight! Apparently someone here submitted me to Fark, and it made it on! Yayyyyy! Now I can tell all my friends to "pay up suckas!" I TOLD them I'd be on there one day and without police involvement!!

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Just found your blog linked off Fark. I'll be sure to continue commented and it's official, you're bookmarked!

-Bethany

RaptureReplay said...

Let me know when you come through Missouri or anywhere near St. Louis Danny. I too am a vet but never went OCONUS. I got out of the Marines as a SGT and am waiting for my tattoo waiver to go through so I can get back in. (I can't believe they wont let me right back even though the tattoos were added while I was in). I've got a place for you to stay and a fenced in yard if you bring your pooch around. He/she will also have 5 other dogs to romp around with (one of which is my 3 legged pit bull).

j dot matt dot norris at gmail

Deane Geiken said...

Just found your blog. Excellent! If you find yourself traveling west via I-74 in Illinois, let me know! I can set you up with a place to sleep, a pal for your pup to play with, and some good food to fill you up!

David M said...

The Thunder Run has linked to this post in the - Web Reconnaissance for 06/05/2008 A short recon of what’s out there that might draw your attention, updated throughout the day...so check back often.

Unknown said...

Yeah, I found out about you on fark too. :) Also thought I'd mention www.couchsurfing.com if you need places to stay along the way- it might be helpful! Good luck! :)

Unknown said...

Yeah, I found out about you on fark too. Just wanted to let you know about www.couchsurfing.com if you need places to stay along the way...good luck! :)

Anonymous said...

godspeed Daniel. Thank you for your service to this country. I look forward to reading about your adventures as you see it. Say hi to Rocky.

Anonymous said...

I too found your blog from the link on Fark, I made a small contribution to the effort, I wish it was more, doesn't seem near enough for all you have given us. God bless and good luck!

Steve

SC_Shadetree said...

Fark rocks!

If you make it to SC I've got a guest room and a garage full of tools for you to use. Oh, and the beer-fridge is out there too. Only problem may be the title bout for "most retarded dog", as I've got a couple of real winners too!

Sending good thougts your way.

JR.

Anonymous said...

Hi Dan,
Let me know if you coming out to Long Island or NYC-plenty of places to stay! I linked up your first posts on my blog www.longislandgirl.vox.com and I'll pass on the request for donations to everyone in my address book! I can never thank you enough for your sacrifices for OUR country, and I am humbled to your upbeat attitude. Love your writing, and I can relate to the dog issues! I'll keep checking up on your adventures....Joanne
or you can email me jolo219 at optonline dot net

Anonymous said...

oh, and I sent you some gas money thru paypal! stay safe! -Joanne

Anonymous said...

I found you through "Chuck Z's" blog.."From my position..on the way" I'll be checking in to follow your story...and the RockStar's....

Georgia said...

Greeting and Salutations!

Let me start by saying I found you via FARK and was completely moved by your quest. I know people have probably bombarded you with invitations and suggestions (I'll probably do that through email) as well as kind words. Words I probably can't top, but at the least, I lend my support to you. I'm broke right now but when I get paid next week I will try and send what I can. As the mother of a 6 year old, and, the "main squeeze" of a man who dedicated 6 years of his life to the Army, I just want to say thank you for being you. Your service and commitment are appreciated but your character surpasses even those honorable and noble deeds because it continues to lead you into the field of medicine. Good luck and keep posting, I'm sure we'll be checking in on you regularly. :)

Be safe!

Anonymous said...

Have fun, stay strong, and enjoy every detour that pops up.

shannon said...

I didn't have a FARK day yesterday, and I just saw you on Daily Dish. Good thing I'm well-read...kinda. In an "internets must amuse me" sort of way.

Anyway, I'll keep you bookmarked, too. And gas cash is on the way. Godspeed, Daniel, and have a wonderful journey.