I don't know why I stress so much over finding a place for dinner. She would be happy just sitting anywhere with me. That's great, but I'd like for it be a unique and fun experience for her. All I want is to see a big ole smile on her face.
So....here are my thoughts so far. I need to make a res tonight!! This is for Friday or Saturday, whatever works best.
La Tee Da (still really want to try it...too cold for the patio?)
Left Bank (assuming I can even get a res)
Hutch's (loved it when we went there last time)
O'Connells
Tabree
What do you think? Help Jason to not stress.
Jason's Journal
My Podcast Link
05/19/2010 10:37 #51680
Making a ResCategory: potpourri
05/04/2010 08:34 #51500
Thank God I'm Not THIS GuyCategory: politics
With strong moral leadership like this, we can be assured Virginia has a bright future.
Seriously, I'm so happy I left the GOP
Seriously, I'm so happy I left the GOP
james - 05/04/10 09:32
I feel I can engage GOPers in rational debate on a lot of issues. With the stuff Cooch (his actual nickname, I believe) words no longer come out of my mouth, just hot, angry steam.
I feel I can engage GOPers in rational debate on a lot of issues. With the stuff Cooch (his actual nickname, I believe) words no longer come out of my mouth, just hot, angry steam.
04/30/2010 11:24 #51478
Several Changes Proposed to AZ LawCategory: politics
Several changes have been proposed to the AZ law. I've read very few articles, and heard from very few people who understand (or even want to understand?) what the law actually says. No Barry, you can't get hauled off from the ice cream shop. It is only 16 pages - not one of those 2,400 page abominations. Proposed changes linked below:
I also have a PDF of the original law if anyone wants a copy.
I have my problems with this so-called solution. It's misguided to the core. A law that doesn't distinguish between the good people who contribute to our country and the violent criminals who cause various problems is just not going to work. The former group will not help us get rid of the latter group, and realistically the former group isn't going anywhere.
I sympathize with Arizona in that due to Federal negligence over the course of time they have been unfairly put in a position that leads to this kind of desperate action. Breaking their response down into base accusations of racism and bigotry shows incredibly cynical, lazy thinking. They have real problems that have to be resolved. The opposite (roughly, don't get too literal on me on that) position, a sanctuary city policy, is something a lot of people look at and question. I would argue that position also fails to make the distinction between workers and criminals.
I'll give you one fairly well known example of how a sanctuary city policy ends up working for a city's citizens. In San Francisco, when an MS-13 member who had previously committed violent crimes as a teenager goes on to gun down a father and two children (look up Edwin Ramos) I think the policy fails. To be fair, Gavin Newsom later amended the policy, but the policy was short sighted to begin with. Remember, the people we want to bring into the fold can (and probably have) been mistaken for rival gang members as well.
Did anyone bother to boycott San Francisco?
I hate to put it this way, but US citizens should not be considered collateral damage by the government. I also don't think it's fair to the illegals, most of whom are here to escape shitty situations elsewhere, or to just provide for their families, to be considered collateral damage by the Arizona government. It is in everyone's interest for government to take a stand that distinguishes between the good and the bad, and punishes the bad. I have zero problem with an Edwin Ramos begin deported. He may get life in jail - but was justice served? Should we be pleased? No, I don't think so.
It is long past time for the Feds to start taking this thing seriously. We have to have control of our border and it is within our rights to control who is coming in. As far as I'm concerned the good folks who want to contribute to our economy should not have to live in fear of being arrested or deported. As I said before, they are not going anywhere. Arguments about mass deportation are null and void. Control the border, control immigration, separate the good from the criminals, and work like hell to get the criminals ejected.
I would offer the non-criminals two options. All of them would have to pay some kind of token fine. All of them would have to learn English. Some people just come here to work and then bring their dollars over the border to support their families. I would get them documented (thoroughly) and allow them to do so. People who want to become US citizens can do so as well, but they would have to get back in the queue, however long that takes, and perform some kind of national service. It doesn't have to be the army or anything. We can be imaginative. I'd like it to be something positive that contributes to local communities and will erase any doubt in anyone's mind about the God's honest truth, which is that they want to live and work among us. I am going to forgive their illegal entry, and if that makes me a flaming lib then so be it.
What's really sad is that it didn't have to come to this - I think George W. Bush put forward a measure in good faith. I think this is one area where his religion guiding his decision making was a good thing. Whether it was perfect or not is debatable I suppose, but he got creamed from both sides for what he did. We have to start somewhere reasonable. There are a bunch of other tangential discussions, unionization and so forth, that can be discussed later.
It is time to stop with the hyperbole, to start breaking bread again and not worry about who gets credit. I don't care how someone who earns citizenship votes. Every human being, healthy, lame, white, black, rich, poor, young, old has an inherent degree of human dignity that can never be erased from our core values as Americans. Every human being has value. We can stay who we are and control our borders at the same time. We have to.
I also have a PDF of the original law if anyone wants a copy.
I have my problems with this so-called solution. It's misguided to the core. A law that doesn't distinguish between the good people who contribute to our country and the violent criminals who cause various problems is just not going to work. The former group will not help us get rid of the latter group, and realistically the former group isn't going anywhere.
I sympathize with Arizona in that due to Federal negligence over the course of time they have been unfairly put in a position that leads to this kind of desperate action. Breaking their response down into base accusations of racism and bigotry shows incredibly cynical, lazy thinking. They have real problems that have to be resolved. The opposite (roughly, don't get too literal on me on that) position, a sanctuary city policy, is something a lot of people look at and question. I would argue that position also fails to make the distinction between workers and criminals.
I'll give you one fairly well known example of how a sanctuary city policy ends up working for a city's citizens. In San Francisco, when an MS-13 member who had previously committed violent crimes as a teenager goes on to gun down a father and two children (look up Edwin Ramos) I think the policy fails. To be fair, Gavin Newsom later amended the policy, but the policy was short sighted to begin with. Remember, the people we want to bring into the fold can (and probably have) been mistaken for rival gang members as well.
Did anyone bother to boycott San Francisco?
I hate to put it this way, but US citizens should not be considered collateral damage by the government. I also don't think it's fair to the illegals, most of whom are here to escape shitty situations elsewhere, or to just provide for their families, to be considered collateral damage by the Arizona government. It is in everyone's interest for government to take a stand that distinguishes between the good and the bad, and punishes the bad. I have zero problem with an Edwin Ramos begin deported. He may get life in jail - but was justice served? Should we be pleased? No, I don't think so.
It is long past time for the Feds to start taking this thing seriously. We have to have control of our border and it is within our rights to control who is coming in. As far as I'm concerned the good folks who want to contribute to our economy should not have to live in fear of being arrested or deported. As I said before, they are not going anywhere. Arguments about mass deportation are null and void. Control the border, control immigration, separate the good from the criminals, and work like hell to get the criminals ejected.
I would offer the non-criminals two options. All of them would have to pay some kind of token fine. All of them would have to learn English. Some people just come here to work and then bring their dollars over the border to support their families. I would get them documented (thoroughly) and allow them to do so. People who want to become US citizens can do so as well, but they would have to get back in the queue, however long that takes, and perform some kind of national service. It doesn't have to be the army or anything. We can be imaginative. I'd like it to be something positive that contributes to local communities and will erase any doubt in anyone's mind about the God's honest truth, which is that they want to live and work among us. I am going to forgive their illegal entry, and if that makes me a flaming lib then so be it.
What's really sad is that it didn't have to come to this - I think George W. Bush put forward a measure in good faith. I think this is one area where his religion guiding his decision making was a good thing. Whether it was perfect or not is debatable I suppose, but he got creamed from both sides for what he did. We have to start somewhere reasonable. There are a bunch of other tangential discussions, unionization and so forth, that can be discussed later.
It is time to stop with the hyperbole, to start breaking bread again and not worry about who gets credit. I don't care how someone who earns citizenship votes. Every human being, healthy, lame, white, black, rich, poor, young, old has an inherent degree of human dignity that can never be erased from our core values as Americans. Every human being has value. We can stay who we are and control our borders at the same time. We have to.
metalpeter - 04/30/10 17:36
1. I think the law was made to get rid of Mexicans and only mexicans (hey if you are Asian or Russian well who cares). Now people see that, they have to adjust the law and make it just, he this isn't some cold war time train or some spy movie where you have to have "Your Papers" on your person so lets not live like it was back then AZ.
2. This Modified Law sounds much better but I still have some issues with it.
A. If you are legal or illegal is a federal issue not a state issue.
B. It isn't fair to put this on cops. Federal agents or State Troopers that is one thing and that still doesn't seem right. But what this law does is makes a cop make a decision based on what is going on. That is the last thing this guy needs to be doing. The Priority is the crime or lack of crime and getting that sorted. Then on top of that thy have to worry about that as well.
Here is my example Illegal guy who works all day long and is going home to his family, is attacked by and beaten up by a legal gang member. Cops come and the guy who did nothing wrong get arrested. Would he even call the cops if it wasn't even a gang attack just some crack head who needs money?
I think that a lot of these people who pass laws seem to forget that at one time Their Family came here illegally and then once they had someone born here then they where legal. It is funny how each wave of immigrant thinks that the ones who come after them are evil, that has been going on for hundreds of years.
I also think that you are very right in that there is a difference between the good and the bad people and this law does nothing really to address this.
1. I think the law was made to get rid of Mexicans and only mexicans (hey if you are Asian or Russian well who cares). Now people see that, they have to adjust the law and make it just, he this isn't some cold war time train or some spy movie where you have to have "Your Papers" on your person so lets not live like it was back then AZ.
2. This Modified Law sounds much better but I still have some issues with it.
A. If you are legal or illegal is a federal issue not a state issue.
B. It isn't fair to put this on cops. Federal agents or State Troopers that is one thing and that still doesn't seem right. But what this law does is makes a cop make a decision based on what is going on. That is the last thing this guy needs to be doing. The Priority is the crime or lack of crime and getting that sorted. Then on top of that thy have to worry about that as well.
Here is my example Illegal guy who works all day long and is going home to his family, is attacked by and beaten up by a legal gang member. Cops come and the guy who did nothing wrong get arrested. Would he even call the cops if it wasn't even a gang attack just some crack head who needs money?
I think that a lot of these people who pass laws seem to forget that at one time Their Family came here illegally and then once they had someone born here then they where legal. It is funny how each wave of immigrant thinks that the ones who come after them are evil, that has been going on for hundreds of years.
I also think that you are very right in that there is a difference between the good and the bad people and this law does nothing really to address this.
03/08/2010 16:07 #51135
New York State Is Fucking AwesomeCategory: taxes
New York State wasn't just content to let me pay my taxes last year, they harassed me claiming I had never paid. Six months later they finally sent me a letter acknowledging what I'd already known, that I paid my mother fucking taxes long ago. I hate tax season. Between them and the federales I can't wait to see how much my middle class ass has to redistribute to the freeloaders. I always end up paying.
02/23/2010 14:40 #51067
When It Isn't A Man's WorldCategory: potpourri
Woman to be sentenced for fabricating a gang rape claim, that sent an innocent man to jail for four long years:
I know what some people are going to say. "Collateral Damage" or something to that effect. Well, too bad for the guy, uh, we feel poorly for him and all, uh, but uh...we can't punish her. Personally, I think she should get four years, same as him, alone in a cell. It of course wouldn't be equitable, as he was innocent and she was not, but it would be some kind of justice. There has to be a deterrent that prevents this from happening. This is why I don't go out....some women are plain nutso....
I know what some people are going to say. "Collateral Damage" or something to that effect. Well, too bad for the guy, uh, we feel poorly for him and all, uh, but uh...we can't punish her. Personally, I think she should get four years, same as him, alone in a cell. It of course wouldn't be equitable, as he was innocent and she was not, but it would be some kind of justice. There has to be a deterrent that prevents this from happening. This is why I don't go out....some women are plain nutso....
LOL! Thanks Tiny. You've saved me some shock and grief. Luckily I'll just be walking around the hood.
I ended up keeping my res and shedding my anxiety.
Just so you are prepared, there is a marathon this Friday evening blocking you-know-which-streets that they block all the time.
There is also a Greek food festival at the Greek church. The temperature's going to be 80 deg F. You could always cancel all reservations, not stress out and walk around. :-)
Well funnel cakes would be an awesome idea! If you are having second thoughts you can always go to Tempo. It is my favorite expensive place in Buffalo. Awesome everything, including service and date atmosphere.
I wish I could help you out, I know nothing about good places at all, that aren't chains. I don't even think I have ever made a reservation ever. I'm such a fucking loser in this department. Then why did I leave you a comment? The Point that I was trying to make is to Just Relax and Have fun. The reason I say this is every place once in a blue moon has bad service or waitress or an order gets messed up. So it isn't like This one place says you are this type of person and what happens with the food says something else about you. From what I have heard if it is a good date niether of you will even remember what you ate unless the food was really fantastic. Ok I'm going to shut up now.
Yeah Alex, a huge heart on this one. She's just the best, bottom line!! She would be happy eating funnel cake with me but I want it to be nice, thus the suffocating anxiety.
I think I'm having second thoughts here about my res. I've got a ton of shit to do so I'd better figure this thing out quickly.
Left Bank is always great, but as you know, can be hard to get in.
I've only been to Tabree once, but loved it, and they have an awesome patio in the back.
Trattoria aroma is (was) another of my faves, and decent date atmosphere.
Toro is good for dates, because you can try lots of stuff, and share.
And it's quite a hike, but Mulberry's in... lackawanna? is great. Casual (baseball memorabilia on the walls, etc) italian, but super delicious. Not uber-romantic, but still, good for a date. Seriously. Worth the hike!
Ooh and O'Connell's is delicious, kinda pricy.
Hutch's I think frankly is a little overrated- but still, always a safe bet for adate.
But more than all this- woohoo Jason seeing a girl that he's planning ten restaurants in advance with!! clap clap clap!
And I totally understand the desire to make everything perfect, and to stress about it, but like YOU said- she just wants to spend time with you, so don't get too worked up.
Oh, and thanks for talking food with me. Everyone loves going out for dinner. Except my friends! *drum roll*
If I'm doing the wrong thing let me know, I'm being like clinically anxious about it. I just want her to have a good time.
So much for Left Bank....they had nothing Friday or Saturday before like 10.
I chose Hutch's. You know, I always feel like whatever choice I make it's going to be wrong.
I hated Fiama.
hated.
I've wanted to try Curly's too. I've got like 10 restaurants on my list. A friend said Bacchus is nice also. The bottom line is I want to go to all 10 with her but there is only so much time.
Left Bank might be nice. Close to home too so we can walk. I bet that's a nice walk on Friday.
You know what, I took her to Kuni's last time we went out for dinner and it was really cool. I like what they've done with the place. I also noticed Kuni has kept his fab policy of hiring cute alt girls as servers.
I would say seabar or kunis is good for food that doesn't make you tired. Keep hearing good things about fmama too. Another plaCe I really like is curly's in lacakawanna but that's a little further out.
I have only been for brunch but I loved left bank. Getting a res for a deuce two days prior in buffalo shouldn't be hard. 7pm is when the dinner bell seems to ring in Buffalo, so go later if they have nothing then.
I think Left Bank is one of the most romantic settings and the food is amazing.
Of course, if you want a bit of hankypanky after, it will leave you in a food coma.