DARIEN CENTER —
There’s nothing like a rock concert to make a person feel old again.
Surrounded by teens and 20-somethings during the recent Green Day show at Darien Lake, I couldn’t help but feel a little bit like a man in a Darth Vader costume at a “Star Trek” convention.
My wife and I had loads of fun, mind you. But, in attending our first concert together in at least 18 months, several pieces of evidence conspired to make me feel as though my best concert-going days may be behind me.
• We entirely missed the opening (AFI). Despite having paid to see that band just as much as the headliner, I can’t say that it bothered me in the least.
• In my more vibrant days, I would have nervously canvassed the concert grounds until I saw the beer vendor. When we got in, all I had my mind on was making sure I got something to eat so I wouldn’t get hungry halfway through the show.
• A cup of beer cost $11. As my wife so accurately pointed out, there was a day when I wouldn’t have thought twice about paying that much. That day is long gone. I mean, $11? Seriously?
• And $40 for a T-shirt? That would pay for an entire afternoon at Chuck E. Cheese, for cryin’ out loud.
• As I heard some kids shouting out the words to “Basket Case” and other early Green Day hits, I couldn’t help but ask myself whether they were alive when the song was released (1994, if you’re interested). Whipper-snappers.
• I was quite relieved to be so close to the restroom, which I utilized three times during the performance. Hold it, schmold it, I gotta go when I gotta go.
• Standing through the duration of the show wasn’t much of a challenge — or so I thought until I sat down. My feet ached halfway through the drive home, and I felt it in my legs even as I went up to bed. I guess I need to stretch first next time.
• I didn’t wear earplugs during the show. But that’s only because I forgot to grab them out of my coat pocket before we left the house. I had every intention of wearing them.
• Not only did we entertain the notion of leaving before the show was over, but we also followed through on that idea, walking out during the final song of the set and listening to part of the encore as we sauntered to the car. How can one or two songs compare to the extra sleep that’s to be had by beating the horrific traffic?
I mean, right? Right ... ?
Lifestyle
Not so ready to rock
- Lifestyle
-
-
Cutting the travel time
For the most part, there is a lot of planning that goes into traveling. Some like to handle the details on their own, making arrangements on the phone or using travel websites to book hotels, planes, vehicles and so on.
But lately, working with a travel agent is becoming more popular.
-
March motivation
Making the commitment to stay fit during these cold Western New York months can sometimes be easier said than done. The resolution to eat healthier, or to ditch the nicotine fades as we settle back into our evermore hectic schedules. But with spring looming just over the horizon, maybe you’re in need of a technologic solution to get back on track, or hopefully take your fitness goals to the next level.
-
Justin Bieber makes dream come true for child with brain tumor
In August, Avalanna Routh "married" teen singing sensation Justin Bieber. This week, she finally got to meet her husband.
-
Viral video: Toddler rescued from inside arcade game
A 2-year-old girl’s curiosity got her stuck inside an arcade game, where she had to be rescued by firefighters.
-
Video: Jennifer Hudson sings tribute to Whitney Houston at Grammys
The Grammys on Sunday night were filled with tributes to the late Whitney Houston, who died Saturday in a Beverly Hills hotel at the age of 48.
-
10 most romantic hotels in the U.S.
Valentine’s Day will be here soon, and a romantic getaway may be just what the heart needs. TripAdvisor has released its list of the 10 most romantic hotels in the country, based on travelers’ reviews about the beautiful scenery, friendly staffs and romantic amenities like hot tubs and fireplaces.
-
VIDEO: Punxsutawney Phil makes his prediction
More than 18,000 people descended on Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney for the annual Groundhog Day celebration.
-
Gadgets Galore
The 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas has come and gone, but the gadgets introduced there likely will be part of our future for years to come. Record numbers were set with attendance, vendors, and square footage of exhibit space. Innovations were unveiled, and in some cases, expectations dashed.
-
Viral video: Bungee cord snaps, woman survives 360-foot fall
A 22-year-old woman from Australia survived with relatively minor injuries after her bungee cord snapped and she plunged into a crocodile-infested river in Zimbabwe.
-
Viral video: Marriage proposal rejected at basketball game
Having your marriage proposal rejected is heartbreaking. Having your marriage proposal rejected on camera in front of thousands of people at a sporting event? Well, that’s a viral video on YouTube.
- More Lifestyle Headlines
-





