"By the way, Plainview is not very good."

Not as tired as I was last week but pretty tired as I didn't hit the hay until about 1 a.m. I'm really groggy this morning and am not expecting to move too hard today although my legs feel pretty fine, probably since I gave myself yesterday off from running. The last few minutes of Lee Morgan's "Boy, What A Night" take me from MSG to the Post office. I don't normally ride whilst listening to my growing jazz collection but it was paused as it's part of a playlist designed to wake me up. That it's aptly-titled considering my night at Jones Beach is coincidence. This song is off The Sidewinder which is one of the better selling non-Miles Davis/John Coltrane jazz records. I didn't know that when I bought it but it's extremely solid and he died way too soon. I have a lot to say about 1960s jazz but am saving it for my personal essay that I may try to get published.

"Remedy" by Black Crowes comes on in the Post Office's underpass. Also part of the same playlist, but it rocks and it's supposed to get me moving. Last night someone told me that people from Plainview and Oceanside are one and the same, all cut from the same cookie sheet. I wouldn't necessarily disagree too much, but for some reason Plainview-ites I've encountered have this air of condescension about them. If you have an opinion of something -- say for example, "I just had the best slice of pizza I've ever had," the Plainviewer within earshot will rebuke you with: "No! The BEST slice of pizza is at a place called Dino's, in Plainview. You'll puke up what you just had after you have one of Dino's grandma slices, in Plainview." I do not tell people their opinions are wrong and I don't try to one up them on their own personal bests. Should someone share with you their favorite what-have-you, I just think it's good they can actually commit to having a favorite and leave it alone. By the way, Plainview is not very good. It's just like any other suburban spot and many of its inhabitants are of unsavory and meager character.

Passing the Meatpacking District, "Deliver Me" by Robert Randolph comes on. Also very positive, upbeat and rocking. I didn't like his second album as much as the first one, but it's still quite good.

I have no watch today and am holding the water bottle in my left hand. It doesn't feel like I'm moving very fast. I switched to a different list and put on "I Love It Loud" by Kiss. I first heard this on "Beavis & Butthead" and own it on Alive III. I have played this as "testing" music for when I work karaoke jobs on weekends but am now convinced I should sing it next time hit a karaoke bar. I cannot hit David Lee Roth's notes but I should be able to pull off Gene Simmons'. I mention the album this is from because at the end of the song, they get ready to introduce "Detroit Rock City" but before they do, another song comes on (DRC was earlier in the list but not played today) and instead Motorhead's "Born To Raise Hell" takes me the rest of the way. I'm singing some of the lyrics as I pass the WFCs and I don't know how loud I could be singing but no one seems to mind because it's Friday. I pull up to the Broadway office and the song ends. I did this ride in about 23 minutes -- not bad for a groggy Oceanside kid.

I am happy to report that yesterday was round-trip day #275. I haven't been on a subway in 2 weeks. I did every day on the bike this week (and last week, for that matter. I was off on Monday so naturally didn't take the subway). Stuck it to the MTA and am keeping it better shape than if I'd remained docile on the 4 or 5.

Thank you for reading.