Ay dios mio! It's Cinco de Mayo but it feels more like Cinco de Marzo (March). What better excuse is there to start the weekend on a Thursday? Let's not waste any time.
DRINK OF THE WEEK
The fifth day in May is when the Mexican army's victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 during the Franco-Mexican War is commemorated. Cinco de Mayo is actually a bigger deal in the United States than it is in Mexico, according to the History Channel's website it's not a federal holiday there. In the U.S., it has become a widely celebrated holiday honoring Mexican culture and heritage, or for those so inclined, an excuse to pound margaritas. Either way, here are a couple other festive drinks to try this Cinco de Mayo (found online):
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WHAT REALLY GRINDS MY GEARS
I have some serious road rage this week. Within a handful of days, I have nearly gotten into two potentially serious accidents and on Wednesday morning, witnessed some sheer idiocy that stopped traffic on a busy Fredonia street. It's time for an airing of grievances.
First, on Brigham Road in Dunkirk recently, some moron alternated between traveling at 15 and 30 mph while intermittently slamming on their brakes, as if they were searching for their destination but never really had one.
When I finally reached the small stretch of road before Waldorff Road where I was able to pass them, they decided to race me as a car quickly approached in the oncoming lane. I made it out of the way with milliseconds and centimeters to spare.
Next, on the construction-riddled Thruway (what a delight it will be to travel on during this spring and summer!), during those anxiety-inducing miles with a cement wall to your left and no shoulder to the right. I was in the left lane while a car in an emergency pull-off area decided to get back on the road - and suddenly crossed two lanes without warning, almost causing a multi-car pileup. Excellent work!
And last, but certainly not least, the insanity I witnessed on a busy street in Fredonia. A police car was pulled over behind a tow truck and cars in both lanes were stopped, presumably waiting for the officer to direct them since there was only enough room for one lane to pass. Instead of doing anything remotely logical, the man in the car nearest the cop turned on his hazard lights, got out and casually chatted with the officer in the middle of the road while all other confused drivers waited and were ignored.
To all of the offenders mentioned above I ask, what is wrong with you?
I can only assume that these drivers obtained their licenses through an online course on a shady website, by way of some glitch in the system or some kind of freak accident.
They should all be revoked. Do us all a favor and either hire a driver, find an alternate form of transportation or, best yet, don't leave your house.
April Diodato is the OBSERVER Lifestyles editor. Send comments and events to adiodato@observertoday.com
