Niagara's Watercooler

26/10/2024

In this week's Shenanigans podcast, we're down to a duo, although Allyn does pop in for a few moments of slurred thoughts. It's the triumphant return of Walden! He and a Craig went to a hockey game in Geneseo, probably to the chagrin of the other parents there. Talking about slacker movies brings up that Kevin Smith finally got the rights for "Dogma" from that really bad guy. And Walden learns that the really bad guy got his start in Buffalo. It's World Series time, so we need Griffin back to go over his pre-season picks. Also, Walden and Craig want to make some changes to the NFL coin toss rules. As always, this podcast should be listen only with caution in public and at work. We are adult humor.

In this week's Shenanigans podcast, we're down to a duo, although Allyn does pop in for a few moments of slurred thoughts. It's the triumpha...

24/10/2024

A special book review as the author of this book will be at the Lockport Public Library on Monday evening: At the Coffee Shop of Curiosities is a fabulous book with rich characters and a small town appeal. Come see Heather Webber at the library Monday night at 6:30pm.

At the Coffee Shop of Curiosities - Heather Webber Forge Books 336 Pages The author of today’s book review will be at the Lockport Public L...

23/10/2024

Still working on George Washington. This book, the 16th that I've read, is about his time in the military -- both during the French & Indian War and during the Revolution. This book had a lot of great insight about the wars, especially the Revolution. It was a good read for sure.

General George Washington: A Military Life - Edward G. Lengel Random House 512 Pages As the quest to read about the US Presidents chugs on,...

19/10/2024

In this week's Shenanigans podcast, we're still functioning as a trio. One of us (who wasn't actually here this week) wants us to be more topical. So,,,we start off topical. Make sure you keep your breast health near the top of your list -- men and women. It's all about salt lamps and new basement smells as we start off the show. Allyn goes deep into conspiracy theories and the northern lights make the list this time. We talk about living in the moment rather than living through the screen of your cell phone and Monty Python is still awesome. Even after so many years. As always, this podcast should be listen only with caution in public and at work. We are adult humor.

In this week's Shenanigans podcast, we're still functioning as a trio. One of us (who wasn't actually here this week) wants us to be more to...

18/10/2024

My book review this week is The Defector by Chris Hadfield. This is the second book in a series that started with The Apollo Murders. While I don't typically write reviews for a series, this book could stand on its own. Chris Hadfield, former astronaut, writes a fantastic piece of historical fiction. This was among my favorite books of the year.

The Defector - Chris Hadfield Mulholland Books 368 Pages Back in 2021 when Chris Hafield released his first novel, The Apollo Murders , I k...

12/10/2024

In this week's Shenanigans podcast, we talk about the perks of being Gen-Xers and some of the issues we had as the same. Like being a human TV remote and learning how to use commercial breaks wisely. Kids these days have no idea. Hurricanes have been big in the news lately. Allyn learned something very important about those pesky little chestnuts we find on the ground this time of year. Vinnie goes on a long dialogue about home life. While the rest of us may not agree with all his points, he has to do what works for him. As always, this podcast should be listen only with caution in public and at work. We are adult humor.

In this week's Shenanigans podcast, we talk about the perks of being Gen-Xers and some of the issues we had as the same. Like being a human ...

11/10/2024

My Presidential Reading Project is still ongoing. Volume 15 is The Grand Idea about George Washington's plan to make a canal of the Potomac River. Before the Erie Canal, our first president tried to create a similar project in Virginia.

The Grand Idea: George Washington’s Potomac and the Race to the West -- Joel Achenbach Simon & Schuster 384 Pages The main biographies ...

09/10/2024

This week's book review is The Last Election by Andrew Yang. You might remember that Yang ran for president in 2020 as a third party candidate. In this thriller novel, he explores nefarious machinations in play behind the scenes as another election closes in. If this is the way our government really works, we need to keep a closer eye on things that are happening.

The Last Election - Andrew Yang & Stephen Marche Akashic Books, Ltd. 256 Pages With a presidential election looming in just a few short wee...

05/10/2024

In this week's Shenanigans podcast, we have a return guest! Lucy makes a surprise appearance. In typical Lucy fashion, we end up talking more seriously about things than we normally would. That doesn't mean there isn't funny. There's always funny. We talk about the Simpsons being renewed yet again and the comedic genius of Tim Conway. Nostalgia TV is at an all-time high, but does that mean it's any good? Parenting and dating in modern times is much different than what we went through back in the day. Would any of us withstand the new pressures when trying to find a mate? Probably not. As always, this podcast should be listen only with caution in public and at work. We are adult humor.

In this week's Shenanigans podcast, we have a return guest! Lucy makes a surprise appearance. In typical Lucy fashion, we end up talking mor...

04/10/2024

Volume 14 in my Presidential Reading Project. Because I have a tendency to procrastinate, this project has taken far longer than it should have. And OCD. I have too many books in this project right now. I will be fixing that. Anyway, here is the 14th book I've read on George Washington. You Never Forget Your First.

You Never Forget Your First - Alexis Coe Penguin Books 304 Pages If there’s one thing that I’ve noticed in my endeavor to read presidenti...

03/10/2024

In this week's book review, we go with a little satire of the American political season. As we enter the silliest of silly season in politics, this read will lighten the mood. And don't we need that? A little levity in a world of darkness. This book will make you laugh at the absurdity, especially when you realize that it very likely isn't that far from the truth.

Mr. Texas -- Lawrence Wright Knopf Publishing 336 Pages Satire is a dying art. Everyone is so easily offended and sarcasm somehow needs to ...

28/09/2024

In this week's Shenanigans podcast, the foursome is without Rich and Walden, but we do have Vinnie. There's a ton of talk about the P Diddy debacle and how far we think those threads sink into the Hollywood elite. Craig went to Farm Aid this past weekend and we talked a bit about some of the events connected to that. Allyn has a new slew of home remedies that we really can't recommend to anyone. The best burger contest in Canada has us wondering what we could do ourselves? It may be time for a burger contest at the podcast. As always, this podcast should be listen only with caution in public and at work. We are adult humor.

In this week's Shenanigans podcast, the foursome is without Rich and Walden, but we do have Vinnie. There's a ton of talk about the P Diddy ...

26/09/2024

SEVEN years ago today, George and I restarted Shenanigans. Over 350 episodes later, we're still going. We miss George, but we persevere in his memory.

21/09/2024

In this week's Shenanigans podcast, we are down to a trio due to extenuating circumstances, and we fly through a very quick show. It's almost anti-climatic. There is a lot of NFL talk and where we think it stands after two weeks. Tom Brady still sucks, and Tua should probably retire. How much is too much money for a quarterback who hasn't won anything yet? The league is setting new standards for mediocrity. Speaking of mediocrity, this episode also includes Allyn's new dating technique -- using the sun to accentuate his attributes. But dude, the sun doesn't cast a shadow. While this may be one of our tamer shows, please be aware, this podcast should be listen only with caution in public and at work. We are adult humor.

In this week's Shenanigans podcast, we are down to a trio due to extenuating circumstances, and we fly through a very quick show. It's almos...

14/09/2024

In this week's Shenanigans episode, we fall completely off the rails at one point. There must have been some magic in that whiskey that Rich brought from Tennessee. We debate on the best BBQ techniques, with Walden and Vinnie trading recipes and the rest of us clamoring for a contest where we judge. As always, this podcast should be listen only with caution in public and at work. We are adult humor.

In this week's Shenanigans podcast, we're off and running after Rich brings some whiskey goodness direct from his trip to Tennessee. With su...

07/09/2024

In this week's Shenanigans podcast, we took the week off because of Labor Day. So we dive WAAAAAAY back in time to nine years ago when we first started the podcast. Trump hadn't been President yet, Hillary still had hopes and dreams, and George was befuddled by Math and English. This is either episode two or three of the original Shenanigans podcast. Howie makes a surprise appearance and things go off the rails very early. There are a lot of sonic hiccups, but there are some literal nuggets of gold in the comedy. As always, this podcast should be listen only with caution in public and at work. We are adult humor.

In this week's Shenanigans podcast, we took the week off because of Labor Day. So we dive WAAAAAAY back in time to nine years ago when we fi...

31/08/2024

In this week's Shenanigans podcast, the group is all back together after a tumultuous week of just two people, one of whom was most definitely Mat. We had a get together at Allyn's house over the weekend, which was a lot of fun. Mat was even there. We talk about mixed drinks, and what makes a good one. Some of us are cool with pre-mixed concoctions. Others are not. Ted Lasso may be making a comeback, which we are all excited for. Allyn went to a winery in Canada, and now we're thinking about doing a distillery tour here. Maybe we should do a show from that tour? Allyn found his dream car. He just needs to find matching outfits for he and Rich to wear while they tool around town in it. Allyn is a popular guy as his phone proves by going off with sext messages every fifteen seconds. As always, this podcast should be listen only with caution in public and at work. We are adult humor.

In this week's Shenanigans podcast, the group is all back together after a tumultuous week of just two people, one of whom was most definite...

24/08/2024

In this week's Shenanigans podcast, it's something a bit different from the norm. It's mainly the duo of Rich and Mat, while Allyn and Craig skip the show for a free concert in Buffalo. Although Craig and Allyn make a quick, two minute appearance to keep the streak alive. Does anyone remember the old wading pools at the local parks? Most were decommissioned decades ago, but now they're being replaced by splash pads. Dental work sucks...Rich should know. There's a little talk about the moon landing. Speaking of space, Kevin Spacey is back in the news. Craig and Allyn call in, along with some free advice from Yoko. As always, this podcast should be listen only with caution in public and at work. We are adult humor.

In this week's Shenanigans podcast, it's something a bit different from the norm. It's mainly the duo of Rich and Mat, while Allyn and Craig...

17/08/2024

In this week's Shenanigans podcast we are enthralled by Australian break dancing. Like a train wreck, you just can't stop watching. Walden and Craig went to a concert over the weekend and were surprised and a little freaked out by the venue's spotlights. They need to warn people. Allyn explains that his underwear laughs at him, and he doesn't like it. We learned there are podcast awards, and that we have to nominate ourselves. Brain Rot language is invading our youth. Full stop. Complete meltdown. Speaking of brain rot, what is some of your favorite slang from your generation? As always, this podcast should be listen only with caution in public and at work. We are adult humor.

In this week's Shenanigans podcast we are enthralled by Australian break dancing. Like a train wreck, you just can't stop watching. Walden a...

10/08/2024

In this week's Shenanigans podcast we have a new guest, and boy, does he get off to a fast start. Allyn is still milking his recent surgery for all it's worth, including attempting to use it as an incentive to get people to come to the podcast this week. Dating and music and money woes all make a quick appearance. It's the Olympics and there have been some very noteworthy events happening. There is some talk about the old neighborhoods and Allyn and Trey have a really good time just sipping some wine all show. As always, this podcast should be listen only with caution in public and at work. We are adult humor.

In this week's Shenanigans podcast we have a new guest, and boy, does he get off to a fast start. Allyn is still milking his recent surgery ...

03/08/2024

In this week's Shenanigans podcast we start off talking about Allyn's surgery. His full frontal lobotomy was successful. You won't even notice a difference. Walden and Craig went to a new bar to check it out and had a great time, even if some of the memories were fuzzy. It's the Olympics. Rich has an idea to save money for the Games. Walden has more ideas for the Olympics, too. It's jury duty time. So, who likes it and who tries to get out of it? Who knew there was such a thing as ambidextrous pitchers? We talk about some old school and new school gamin consoles. As always, this podcast should be listen only with caution in public and at work. We are adult humor.

In this week's Shenanigans podcast we start off talking about Allyn's surgery. His full frontal lobotomy was successful. You won't even noti...

01/08/2024

George Washington is still on my reading list. I really need to move on to John Adams. However, here is Volume 13 in my Presidential Reading Project. This edition is The Ascent of George Washington by John Ferling. I can tell you it's not my favorite. Ferling attempts to do something that should have been done long ago -- he attempts to give us an unfettered look at the man without being blinded by the hero worship. That is a bold and worthy task. However, in my opinion, Ferling tries too hard to make Washington a villain with no hope for redemption as he matures and changes.

The Ascent of George Washington - John Ferling Bloomsbury Press 464 Pages My initial intention for a presidential reading project was to rea...

30/07/2024

In this week's book review, I go back in time a bit to a futuristic tale by Arthur C Clarke and Stephen Baxter, which seems much more realistic twenty-four years after it was published. New technology threatens the status quo so the race is on to control it. Two and a half decades ago, two prescient authors penned a tale that could very much be taken from today's headlines.

The Light of Other Days - Arthur C Clarke & Stephen Baxter Tor Books 320 Pages Not all the book reviews I do are going to be brand new bo...

27/07/2024

In this week's Shenanigans podcast, we somehow get on the subject of retirement. Some of us are far closer to that moment than seems possible. Feetfinder...who has heard of this website? It's a weird website. Lots of dog talk this week. Allyn has a house full of guests as we try to record and one meanders by the studio a couple times but only mumbles off mic. Allyn is introduced to GWAR. It should be an interesting exploration for him. As always, this podcast should be listen only with caution in public and at work. We are adult humor.

In this week's Shenanigans podcast, we somehow get on the subject of retirement. Some of us are far closer to that moment than seems possibl...

23/07/2024

This week's book review is Shadow State by Frank Sennett. This thriller is snatched from the headlines, giving the reader a frightening look at what could happen tomorrow. Who can you trust when you can't trust the government, nor your closest friends? This is a political thriller that is simply a face paced nightmare of tomorrow's news.

Shadow State - Frank Sennett Crooked Lane Books 288 Pages Thrillers that are written after grabbing attention from the headlines are always...