Just another lame holiday where men are shamed by the ugly corporate world into emptying their bank accounts on jewelry and other crap. Since I technically have never been spoiled on a V-Day like I have spoiled my girlfriends, I'm going to spoil myself big time this year. I deserve it. I haven't decided exactly what I'm going to do, though.

Here's yet another question from Jason which probably won't get a serious response: Anybody ever gone on a first date on Valentine's Day?

Jason

With all of the nonsense out of the way I would like to ask you all if anyone is involved with these activities? Anyone want to talk about it? My interest is piqued.

Jason

Your analysis of media consolidation is much better than your analysis of our financial situation in New York State (We're in the bottom 3rd of incomes in NYS so we must be doing great). Although I believe that having media outlets owned by fewer and fewer entities is very dangerous, I don't think that any alternative media outlet available today is any more reliable or unbiased. Think about it - media which gives us the facts...all of the facts...and only the facts. Where is it going to come from? Where? Who among you can shed your partisan skin layer and honestly answer this question? I'm looking for an answer too.

Jason

"To be a man's own fool is bad enough, but the vain man is everybody's."
- William Penn

Tonight I saw a note on a vehicle parked outside of Kuni's which said "Your van is ugly. Please park it some place else. - Kuni's Staff". I thought it was pretty obnoxious so I attached the quote to said note and posted it on Kuni's door. The quote also applies to others here in this very space.

I don't know which is more appropriate - call people silly names, or do a "sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me." I wonder which has more value to you - the question of lost liberties in and of itself, or the opportunity to spew venom at someone. I really do wonder that sometimes.

Simply put, get over yourself. Do it today. There isn't much you can teach me when it comes to this stuff. I know damn well how innocents have gotten the shaft. I share in the sentiment that this has to stop. I also know damn well that driving up and down Elmwood taking photos of its restaurants and churches is not going to get you in trouble, so it's ridiculous to think that the boogeyman is going to come after you. Don't be silly. Go and take your photos and do the project. I'm sure it will be a good experience. We can take my car if you want. Someone else still has to bring the contraband.

Jason

John Ashcroft doesn't care if you drive up and down Elmwood taking photos for your project. I'm visualizing you guys driving down the street, heads ducked down low, mumbling to each other about guys in black suits and sunglasses coming out of nowhere to take you to the clink. I think as long as you're not around, oh, say, a nuclear facility or some kind of military base you'll be fine.

In case that's not enough to relieve you all of your uber-paranoia, I'll offer to go with and wear my grandfather's medals. Hell, we can take my car. I'll yell out the window about how we're snapping photos. Nobody's going to care. If anybody gives us any lip I'll go ahead and flash my voter registration card to assert my authority. Someone else has to bring the contraband.

Jason