My 2nd trip to Coney Island!

What a wonderful day! Alone, of course. But it's better that way. Allowed me to walk endlessly, to the west end of the boardwalk, to this bizarre community called Seagate, which is, well, GATED and by the sea. Like, you can't even WALK in. Sorry, something VERY weird about that to me in 2008. There's fucking BARBED wire running the length of the street and onto the sand, on top of high fences and brick walls. And a front gate with a guard. And inside...what? Utopia? Very, very SECT-like, if you ask me. I'm all for peace and quiet and security and safe neighborhoods, but c'mon...to have to go through a police gate EVERY time you leave or enter your nabe? Who'd WANT to live that way? Anyway, this isn't the point. My point was that I went to Coney Island, enjoyed the sun and sand, boardwalk, and Nathan's.

I finally went to Nathan's! And, wow, the 2ND good hot dog i've had this season from a famous hot dog place that I expected to deem wildly overhyped! AND I paid less than half-price...twice! You see, I had a 99-cent hot dog coupon...which the first girl inexplicably gave back to me. So I felt compelled to shove another dog in my mouth right before I left for the subway. SO good! The fries...eh. But a very good hot dog. I yearned to sit at one of the many outdoor tiki-type places and get drunk...but what fun is that alone? I also stared longingly at the Cyclone, ALMOST going on...but then pulling back. Unless my parents are cheering me on and waving every time I go by them, I don't find solo amusement park riding very fun. Hmm, something that I DO find odd doing alone...interesting. Mental note, Gregoire. So I believe this is the last year for the Cyclone before they either close it for good or shut it down for a couple years while they renovate the area, SO...I'm gonna need a coaster co-hort. ASAP. Spread the word.

I actually liked Coney Island more this time than the first time I went 2 years ago...maybe because it was a random Wednesday and not Memorial Day weekend like last time. Less infuriating chaos. Oh, I got wrestled into doing some promo for rappers boxing somewhere...I really have to read the flyer they gave me. God knows if, when, or where I'll be on your TV saying, "GUNS DOWN, HANDS UP!" It all happened so fast...only afterwards did I realize I was being used to urge rappers to end their gun violence. Look at me, Suburban White Boy intervening...awwww. I just hope I look good on TV if they air it. That's what REALLY matters. A very fine excursion.