Re: Another Drive4show 'Anything goes' thread

[Diggers]

First topic message reminder :

Of course there are shades of grey but ultimately nobody can be sent to jail for saying they would like to kiddy fiddle but won't as it's illegal and cannot include consent by definition.
They go to jail when they break the law by looking at images or worse acts. So what do you do, change the laws ? Having an open debate won't change the laws, it will still come down to the same thing.
So whether they are deemed evil by society or not is ultimately fairly irrelevant as far as I can see. The end game remains the same.

[navyblueshorts]

You know, there may actually be some pretty bright people out of Eton....as well as the blue-blood inbreds who got their place due to their 'breeding'.

Bliar is far worse, IMO, than Cameron could ever be...and I don't think much of Cameron either.

[navyblueshorts]

He's a pathological liar, and takes the idea of politicians saying what you want to hear to a dangerous extreme. That's without taking the religious aspect into account - the fact that he posthumously converted his avowedly atheist father-in-law to mormonism should ring so many alarm bells. He can believe what he wants, but those beliefs should surely call into question his suitability to lead the world's largest economy and second(?) largest army?

Spot on I reckon. Would be hysterically funny, if not so serious, if Romney gets in.

[1GrumpyGolfer]

Mysti, I commute in to work in NYC. Downtown area is still a bit hit and miss. There are still power outages, subways and tunnels flooded in the Midtown to Downtown areas.

The bus tours are still running but they have probably adjusted the tour due the clean up. These are a good idea as you get a flavour and history of the city plus you can jump on, jump off whenever you want to explore an area a little more. Times Square area, 5th Avenue shopping and Central Park areas are all good.

If you're staying in the Central Park area there is the Stardust Diner on the corner of Sixth Avenue and 55th St which is close to the bottom end of Central Park. This was seen, used in the early Spiderman films as the diner where Spiderman's love interest (can't remember the character name) worked. It's a little pricy though. A good place for breakfasts is Burger Heaven, good food and very good value. There's one on 49th St between Madison and Fifth and another on 53rd between Madison and Fifth.

There are a lot of Steak places around. Some good but pricy ones I've eaten in are Ruth's Chris (51st St between Sixth and Seventh), Morton's (45th St between Fifth and Madison) and BLT Prime (22nd St between Park Ave South and Lexington Ave). There is this popover thing in BLT Prime which is delicious, it's a combination of a cheese straw and yorkshire pudding. It's huge but very light. They give you a recipe card to take away with you.

Drop me a PM and we can chat some more

[mystiroakey]

Cheers grumps.. I do wanna go to a couple of top restaurants.. especially a good steak place!

i am inbetween 5th and 6th so so i will look out for them

[gaelgowfer]

Ah, brilliant Grumpy: some touristy info on NY. My daughter and pal are visiting there in February. One of the places they are keen to visit is Harlem to listen to some genuIne soul music. On hearing this, I immediately got the worry beads out! I would imagine that two white attractive young women who speak with funny accents are probably going to stick out like the proverbial sore thumb?!

[kwinigolfer]

Not sure if Grumpy agrees, but I also always enjoyed the "Irish" ChopHouses, Neary's for one, but there are others.
Smith and Wollensky's (49th and 3rd) used to serve great steaks - not sure if they're still on top of their game with notoriety.

Be a bit dodgy right now, perhaps, but Greenwich Village, Soho etc are must go-to areas, terrific inexpensive food and much more interesting shops. I tend to stay in the Union Sq area these days, some reasonable hotels, lots of good food and decent diners.

Personally, I find Pro Basketball the biggest yawn on the planet. Bunch of overpaid divas who don't start playing until the final two minutes - if it's still close by then. Much prefer the NHL but of course they're on strike!

[gaelgowfer]

mysti ... don't know whether or not you are aware of this but with all the travel disruption between there and here I picked up one piece of useful info re accommodation should you get stuck on t'other side. If you fly with a british airline, they'll foot your accommodation bill but if it's american, they won't. Might be worth checking your travel insurance to see if this is covered if you are flying 'american'.

[Diggers]

Gael, NY is pretty safe all over and Harlem no worse than anywhere. Just like Brixton in London, all gentrified these days.

[gaelgowfer]

Thanks Diggers. It can't be too "gentrified" for me. Still, be aware that the worry beads will be on standby until they come home!

[Diggers]

Gael, if the apple hasn't fall far from the tree I'd fear for anyone who gave your daughter any hassle.

[Shotrock]

NYC and the "true" steak -- I would vote for Sparks or Peter Lugar.

http://www.sparkssteakhouse.com/
http://www.peterluger.com/

If you want one of the finest dining experiences on the planet (IMO) here's the ticket (suggest you win the lottery first):

http://perseny.com/

Going to NYC Wednesday as a matter of fact, in and out same day, commuter hell.

[kwinigolfer]

Sr,
Peter Luger's on my list when I visit the lad in Brooklyn . . . . .

We used to have business get-togethers over lunch at the Gramercy Tavern - always impeccable food and service.

[Shotrock]

Kwin - Great call on Gramercy Tavern. Or Union Square Cafe. Or Craft. Tourist traps all over, but if you know where to go, some really good options.

[gaelgowfer]

Gael, if the apple hasn't fall far from the tree I'd fear for anyone who gave your daughter any hassle.

[kwinigolfer]

Sr,
I went to Union Sq Cafe on 9/11, just to get away from the TV - "I'm sorry sir, our staff is depleted and our menu is limited". But their burger was just what I needed!
Incredible sight that day as roads below 14St were blocked off and hordes of people covered in dust and ash were straggling their way, apparently in a daze, towards Union Square and the return to a semblance of civilization. Extraordinary.

[mystiroakey]

mysti ... don't know whether or not you are aware of this but with all the travel disruption between there and here I picked up one piece of useful info re accommodation should you get stuck on t'other side. If you fly with a british airline, they'll foot your accommodation bill but if it's american, they won't. Might be worth checking your travel insurance to see if this is covered if you are flying 'american'.

I booked through ba but it's American airways flights- so not sure what that means... My travel ins is in my natwest gold account..I can never be bothered to read it. I might check it out. Ta.

[JAS]

mysti ... don't know whether or not you are aware of this but with all the travel disruption between there and here I picked up one piece of useful info re accommodation should you get stuck on t'other side. If you fly with a british airline, they'll foot your accommodation bill but if it's american, they won't. Might be worth checking your travel insurance to see if this is covered if you are flying 'american'.

I booked through ba but it's American airways flights- so not sure what that means... My travel ins is in my natwest gold account..I can never be bothered to read it. I might check it out. Ta.

If your TI is through Natwest Mysti it'll probably be along the same lines as mine through RBS. When I got stuck in 'Cisco 2 years ago because of the snow at Heathrow they paid out to a maximum of £250 (which didn't fully cover me 3 nights in a 'Cisco hotel). United Airlines just didn't even want to start having a conversation about it, it was just a straight "not our problem, have a nice day"

[mystiroakey]

i had a problem with my supposed breakdown through natwest earlier this year- it was a shocking service through green flag- was not impressed!

I will check it out- because BA's insurance is only 20 quid.

[mystiroakey]

NYC and the "true" steak -- I would vote for Sparks or Peter Lugar.

http://www.sparkssteakhouse.com/
http://www.peterluger.com/

If you want one of the finest dining experiences on the planet (IMO) here's the ticket (suggest you win the lottery first):

http://perseny.com/

Going to NYC Wednesday as a matter of fact, in and out same day, commuter hell.

Cheers - How much is per se per head?

I cant seem to find a menu- it only seems to talk about a taster menu!

strange web site- took 1 minute to load!!

[kwinigolfer]

If a menu doesn't show prices, it's likely very bad news for the diner . . . .

[JAS]

So....other side of the ponders....which way is it gonna go tomorrow??

I just cant help thinking that too many Americans just aint smart enough to work out how intelligent Obama actually is. Those wishing to kick him out must clearly have memory spans less than 4 years.

[Plunky]

If you're going to see a show and are looking for dinner, we liked Tony's Di Napoli just off times square. It's family style Italian , lots of food and served pretty quickly. Must try the zucchini Fritti appetizer ! Corner Bistro in Greenwich village will get you a decent beer and burger if you're in that area. There's a place called Gingerman in NY that boasts a ton of beers on tap -- keep meaning to try it but havent been there yet.
I haven't been in to NY since sandy. My building just reopened today but I would have spent more time commuting than working,so I worked from home.
Gas still in very short supply so we're trying to walk everywhere to keep our quarter tank for emergencies.

Almost forgot, don't drink the tea. They don't know how to make it !
[b]

[kwinigolfer]

JAS,
If Nate Silver says Obama is nailed on to win it, book it!
I don't think most British people appreciate just how conservative America is, Obama would probably fit quite nicely in to the British Conservative Party, Romney has been edging towards the centre but in reality the country will lurch far to the extreme right if he's elected.

He'd just be a puppet president and Ryan and those to the right of him would take over. The 47%, plus women, plus anyone of colour would be sunk. Be good news for Canada though.

Oh yes, And my address would likely change.

[mystiroakey]

If a menu doesn't show prices, it's likely very bad news for the diner . . . .

If a menu doesn't show prices, it's likely very bad news for the diner . . . .

yep and i do not like a suprise.. I think i can safely say i wont be going to that restaurnt, as amazing as it looks, maybe one day when i have made my million!!

I love the look of them steaks at peterluger though i might be trying that place out..

[super_realist]

I've just seen on Golfspy that G-Mac has released a clothing line- For everyone who wants to look like a fat accountant ten years older than they actually are.

[mystiroakey]

No way!

haha

fair enough poults- but gmac!

[Diggers]

It seems Obama has far more respect outside the USA than at home , bit like Maggie Thatcher in that respect. Even those who are still voting for him seem to be doing so in a slightly disapointed manner.
He's really lucked out that he's up against a fairly weak opponent and that the Republicans are so rabid right now they are unifying the Democrats to keep them out.

[Roller_Coaster]

Mysti - I had a shufty at Per Se - when I got to one of the menus it looked like it was $295 per head. But that did include service and was fixed price. Bargain!

For no logical reason whatsoever and based on absolutely no personal experience, I've never fancied going to NY. Vegas I loved, San Francisco I loved, San Diego I loved and Toronto (yes I know it's Canadia) I loved.

Never met anyone that didn't say NY was fantastic to visit but it has never grabbed me. Even I find me weird for this!

[JAS]

What's coming across to me is that the majority of Americans don't actually realise the perilous state their nations finanances got into under Bush. To expect that mess to be turned into prosperity in 4 years is a bit unrealistic.
Obama did offer hope and perhaps the gap between genuine hope and subsequent reality has been a bit hard to swallow for many.

Romney?? I think he's just another slightly more articulate version of Bush, not hard really as your average 5 year old is more articulate than Dubya. Doesn't make him any less dangerous though and listening to some of the wild promises he's making, yep, I can see where the Pathological liar tag is coming from.

[JAS]

Mysti - I had a shufty at Per Se - when I got to one of the menus it looked like it was $295 per head. But that did include service and was fixed price. Bargain!

For no logical reason whatsoever and based on absolutely no personal experience, I've never fancied going to NY. Vegas I loved, San Francisco I loved, San Diego I loved and Toronto (yes I know it's Canadia) I loved.

Never met anyone that didn't say NY was fantastic to visit but it has never grabbed me. Even I find me weird for this!

Jeez for $295 I'd want to take the waitress home for "dessert"

[mystiroakey]

so 200 a head- ok - i would probally stretch for valentines or something. but considering my hotel is over 300 per night i think i will give it a miss this time around!!

TBH i allways wanted to go vegas first- and actually considered it this time. I was supposed to go NY this week- but pushed it back due to the disatser!

But then just hearing so many peops talk about the place I have my heart set on it!

RE: election.

I am not a massive expert- but i like obama and really dont like romney.

Is it actually possible for a Presedent to make his mark these days anyway- Arnt they just puppets to massive corporations!

The way I look at is the US presedent needs to be loved and respected around the world . He is there spokesman- if not close to being the western worlds spokesman- And obama fits the bill!

[navyblueshorts]

Re. U.S. election. What seems to be coming across to me is just how divided the country is. Rabid support on either wing and ne'er the twain to meet. Old, white GOP supporters and young, ethnic Democrat supporters. At least there's hope for the future - the old, white folks are going to be pushing up daisies before too long.
Hope Obama wins but I won't hold my breath.

Kwini/Shot/Plunky/etc

Am I right in thinking that a lot of stupidity over the last four years seems to be the pig-headedness in the Senate etc? Seems a bit rich to be blaming Obama when he was in as deep a hole as was possible to comprehend (maybe too many don't and therein lies a problem) coupled with avowed attempts to obstruct his policies wherever possible.


Mysti

Re. corporate puppet masters. Think you have a worrying point. Look at the money spent on this election - heard it was in excess of $2bn this morning. Insane and surely open to abuse.

[Doon the Water]

I have noticed that every time there is a gang of supporters behind Romney there is never a Black/Asian face.
My wife first noticed this and I find it quite facinating.

[Diggers]

I have noticed that every time there is a gang of supporters behind Romney there is never a Black/Asian face.
My wife first noticed this and I find it quite facinating.

To be honest you wont see many black faces behind Obama unless they are his family. He's hardly made any high level black appointments and its the black community that is becoming increasingly disenfranchised in the States. Youth unemployment amongst blacks is the highest its ever been.
Again its a bit like the Thatcher analogy, having a woman in power didnt help women overall and nor has having a black man as President helped the cause of the black population in the States. Not that Im promoting positive discrimation but Obama to a large degree got to power on the back of showing anything is possible...ie a black man could become President....but the black community hasnt seen anything that has made their lifes any better.
I have to be honest, if Obama wasnt black I suspect that he would be up there with Carter as wash out Democrat Presidents. However people still arent quite ready to give up on the dream yet, which is good for me as Id rather see a democrat in power, but ultimately I dont think that Obama is a brilliant politician unfortunately. Maybe if he gets in he can prove himself in the second term, but historically second terms are often tougher so he would be bucking the trend if that was the case.

[super_realist]

Obama is a brilliant orator, but without much behind him, talks a good story, I agree if he wasn't mixed race he wouldn't be that popular.

[Diggers]

George Galloway is a brilliant orator Super, but I wouldnt want him to run the country.
Its funny how much credit is giving to a politician for their speech making skills, that just tends to get them into office, its what they do once they get their that should count. We need good managers, not great talkers.

[super_realist]

I didn't say I wanted him to run the country, merely that he might be a superficial face without any substance.

Even our toff/chimney sweep politicians would make mincemeat of an American polititcian in a studio debate.

[Diggers]

Our politicians are constantly making idiots of themselves at Prime Ministers QT with the petty childish squabbling from both sides. They end up looking like bullys, children or morons most of the time. Pathetic.
Then most of them get outperformed on Question Time by the non political guests or journalists. All they do is a give pat answers and ignore the question, but they arent even any good at it as a rule.
Usually the only time you get any sense from a politician is when they arent seeking higher office or are close to retirement.

[mystiroakey]

NBS - 2 billion!!

ok well thats bordering on lunacy

[super_realist]

That's what I mean Diggers, they aren't very good, but you don't need to be to outwit an American politician. They are a bit like the evangelists they have over there, speak loudly and confidently, but say absolutely nothing, a bit like a Mac argument.

[incontinentia]

What is this gangnam nonsense?? I hear its gone to no. 1 but have neither seen the video nor heard the song. Is anyone here a fan? ( other than mclaren)

[McLaren]

mysti

Why are you paying 300 a night for a hotel? You need to get on priceline or something similar.

When going somewhere like NY i tend to look out for magazine reviews or internet reviews of restaurants in the month or two before I go and save the ones I like onto a map. That way wherever you end up after the days activities you have somewhere to eat you like the look of.

[navyblueshorts]

That's what I mean Diggers, they aren't very good, but you don't need to be to outwit an American politician. They are a bit like the evangelists they have over there, speak loudly and confidently, but say absolutely nothing, a bit like a Mac argument.

You're making the mistake of conflating a berk like Romney or Dubya with every U.S. politician. I suspect there are plenty of very capable politicians over there.

Digs

Re. Obama and whether he's any good or not. You'd have to say he's been a bit ham-strung wouldn't you? Not sure it reflects well on people if they thought he was some sort of Messiah, especially given what he inherited.

[kwinigolfer]

I'm very heavily pro-Obama but the impression that he's a good communicator is an illusion and if the worst comes to the absolute worst and he loses today, it will be in large part due to the fact that, throughout his presidency, he's been terrible at conveying his achievements.

Plus, he's neglected to "go there" during his campaign on such fundamental issues as immigration (Romney's for "self-deportation" - good luck with that!), global warming (Romney's energy policies would accelerate it, plus most of his supporters deny its existence), and the Surpreme Court (ban on all abortions even in the case of r*a*p*e).

And all this is compounded by the fact that the media never seeks the truth in any interviews, they just throw "softballs" and let the politician a free pass regardless of the truth.

On top of all that, there's the presence of BIG money, even in local elections. A woman a street away from me has ponied up over $1M just to try and get a Tea Party fleabag elected for State Treasurer - how do you combat crap like that? (And don't ask me why they "elect" positions like "Auditor", "Treasurer", "Attorney General"; opportunity for corruption inevitable.)

Meanwhile, there are no nationwide standards as to who can vote so long as they're 18. Criteria differ from State to State to suit the politicians in charge of State Government - hence all the difficulty in voting in "minority" parts of Florida and Ohio where the vote is heavily Democrat. Tip of the iceberg.

[gaelgowfer]

If you can't see how Romney is many, many times worse than even Dubya, then there's not much point in trying to discuss it. Suffice to say he scares the Poopie out of a lot of intelligent people, and me.

Why do you think he is so much worse ? The Republicans biggest worry about him is he is too Liberal.

He's a pathological liar, and takes the idea of politicians saying what you want to hear to a dangerous extreme. That's without taking the religious aspect into account - the fact that he posthumously converted his avowedly atheist father-in-law to mormonism should ring so many alarm bells. He can believe what he wants, but those beliefs should surely call into question his suitability to lead the world's largest economy and second(?) largest army?

Smithers ... couldn't get this out of my head and had to find out just how they went about such a process.
From this link ...

http://www.businessinsider.com/confirmed-romney-family-had-ann-romneys-atheist-father-posthumously-baptized-into-the-mormon-church-2012-1

This practice requires a living person who has already been baptized to undergo the immersion in water again on behalf of the dead. No word on who this person might have been in Davies' case.

and ...

When Newsweek asked Romney whether he had performed any proxy baptisms in the past, Romney responded "I have in my life, but I haven't recently."

The arrogance of this church and its followers is quite simply breathtaking.

Just goes to prove the old adage that truth is indeed stranger than fiction.

[SmithersJones]

If you can't see how Romney is many, many times worse than even Dubya, then there's not much point in trying to discuss it. Suffice to say he scares the Poopie out of a lot of intelligent people, and me.

Why do you think he is so much worse ? The Republicans biggest worry about him is he is too Liberal.

He's a pathological liar, and takes the idea of politicians saying what you want to hear to a dangerous extreme. That's without taking the religious aspect into account - the fact that he posthumously converted his avowedly atheist father-in-law to mormonism should ring so many alarm bells. He can believe what he wants, but those beliefs should surely call into question his suitability to lead the world's largest economy and second(?) largest army?

Smithers ... couldn't get this out of my head and had to find out just how they went about such a process.
From this link ...

http://www.businessinsider.com/confirmed-romney-family-had-ann-romneys-atheist-father-posthumously-baptized-into-the-mormon-church-2012-1

This practice requires a living person who has already been baptized to undergo the immersion in water again on behalf of the dead. No word on who this person might have been in Davies' case.

and ...

When Newsweek asked Romney whether he had performed any proxy baptisms in the past, Romney responded "I have in my life, but I haven't recently."

The arrogance of this church and its followers is quite simply breathtaking.

Just goes to prove the old adage that truth is indeed stranger than fiction.

Scary, isn't it?

[mystiroakey]

why?

because i like to stay in half decent places..

its a very pricey city mate.. And that isnt overly extravagant for NY..

even the the pretty awfull accomodation in NY can set you back 200 a night!!

(btw i never go below 4 star for leisure)- for work thats different- i dont care!

[Diggers]

That's what I mean Diggers, they aren't very good, but you don't need to be to outwit an American politician. They are a bit like the evangelists they have over there, speak loudly and confidently, but say absolutely nothing, a bit like a Mac argument.

You're making the mistake of conflating a berk like Romney or Dubya with every U.S. politician. I suspect there are plenty of very capable politicians over there.

Digs

Re. Obama and whether he's any good or not. You'd have to say he's been a bit ham-strung wouldn't you? Not sure it reflects well on people if they thought he was some sort of Messiah, especially given what he inherited.

He's not the only incoming President to be hampered Navy, and as for inheriting a mess...well no President gets elected because the one before them did a brilliant job. Its pretty much par for the course.

[super_realist]

It would have been amusing if he'd had to exhume his fathers rotting corpse to be immersed in the arms of the person performing the baptism.

The Bible Bashers in America are really what provides the public perception with the stereotype that Americans are stupid.

He'd probably go down well in Ireland with his crackpot abortion views though. They're just as backward there.

[Diggers]

why?

because i like to stay in half decent places..

its a very pricey city mate.. And that isnt overly extravagant for NY..

even the the pretty awfull accomodation in NY can set you back 200 a night!!

(btw i never go below 4 star for leisure)- for work thats different- i dont care!

Last time I went we booked the Soho House hotel, a really good hotel and we booked a suite, cost a bomb but I'd just got engaged the week before. Everyone assumed Id propose in NY but to be contrary I proposed in Brighton the week before.
Anyway the night before we flew out I got some kind of bug, barely madet he flight and spent 3 days in a luxury hotel unable to drink booze, eat anything much or make the beast with two backs with my fiance.
Gutting.

[Sponsored content]