I pretty much keep to myself but if someone talks to me while
I'm out somewhere, I'll have a conversation. Funny the things
people will come out with once in a while.

I have some drama going on right now that involves a lot of running
around and stress. So we were coming back home after a long day,
no food, let's stop and have dinner.

$5 appetizers, yes, please. We got potstickers and flatbread with
arugula and some kind of cheese. We ordered dinner, too.

I mean, if that's alright with everyone. Heh.

The appetizers were a lot. Then came dinner. A guy a few stools
down slid over to make room for some new arrivals (very considerate!),
gets comfortable and pipes up

You people eat a LOT! You got two appetizers and now dinner!

I had to laugh. Who says that? Yeah, well, that's why this is
coming home with us. But, hey, thanks for making me feel weird
about my order.

And nice to know the other patrons are keeping tabs.

nancy

On 1/6/2017 6:22 PM, Nancy Young wrote:
> I pretty much keep to myself but if someone talks to me while
> I'm out somewhere, I'll have a conversation. Funny the things
> people will come out with once in a while.
>
> I have some drama going on right now that involves a lot of running
> around and stress. So we were coming back home after a long day,
> no food, let's stop and have dinner.
>
> $5 appetizers, yes, please. We got potstickers and flatbread with
> arugula and some kind of cheese. We ordered dinner, too.
>
> I mean, if that's alright with everyone. Heh.
>
> The appetizers were a lot. Then came dinner. A guy a few stools
> down slid over to make room for some new arrivals (very considerate!),
> gets comfortable and pipes up
>
> You people eat a LOT! You got two appetizers and now dinner!
>
> I had to laugh. Who says that? Yeah, well, that's why this is
> coming home with us. But, hey, thanks for making me feel weird
> about my order.
>
> And nice to know the other patrons are keeping tabs.
>
> nancy

It's funny the things perfect strangers will sometimes say.

Jill

On Fri, 6 Jan 2017 18:22:52 -0500, Nancy Young
> wrote:

>I pretty much keep to myself but if someone talks to me while
>I'm out somewhere, I'll have a conversation. Funny the things
>people will come out with once in a while.
>
>I have some drama going on right now that involves a lot of running
>around and stress. So we were coming back home after a long day,
>no food, let's stop and have dinner.
>
>$5 appetizers, yes, please. We got potstickers and flatbread with
>arugula and some kind of cheese. We ordered dinner, too.
>
>I mean, if that's alright with everyone. Heh.
>
>The appetizers were a lot. Then came dinner. A guy a few stools
>down slid over to make room for some new arrivals (very considerate!),
>gets comfortable and pipes up
>
>You people eat a LOT! You got two appetizers and now dinner!
>
>I had to laugh. Who says that? Yeah, well, that's why this is
>coming home with us. But, hey, thanks for making me feel weird
>about my order.
>
>And nice to know the other patrons are keeping tabs.
>
>nancy

Here in NS stranger chit chat is frequent - kind of nice I feel. They
would be more likely to ask if what you were eating was any good
though

On Friday, January 6, 2017 at 5:23:03 PM UTC-6, Nancy Young wrote:
>
> So we were coming back home after a long day,
> no food, let's stop and have dinner.
>
> $5 appetizers, yes, please. We got potstickers and flatbread with
> arugula and some kind of cheese. We ordered dinner, too.
>
> The appetizers were a lot. Then came dinner. A guy a few stools
> down slid over to make room for some new arrivals (very considerate!),
> gets comfortable and pipes up
>
> You people eat a LOT! You got two appetizers and now dinner!
>
> nancy
>
>
You should have piped up and said y'all were out on work release.
Getting to eat out is such a rare treat you couldn't resist
ordering appetizers and dinner. As a last jab you should have
said what you were eating sure beats what the jail was going to serve.

;-)

On Fri, 06 Jan 2017 20:02:27 -0400, wrote:

>On Fri, 6 Jan 2017 18:22:52 -0500, Nancy Young
> wrote:
>
>>I pretty much keep to myself but if someone talks to me while
>>I'm out somewhere, I'll have a conversation. Funny the things
>>people will come out with once in a while.
>>
>>I have some drama going on right now that involves a lot of running
>>around and stress. So we were coming back home after a long day,
>>no food, let's stop and have dinner.
>>
>>$5 appetizers, yes, please. We got potstickers and flatbread with
>>arugula and some kind of cheese. We ordered dinner, too.
>>
>>I mean, if that's alright with everyone. Heh.
>>
>>The appetizers were a lot. Then came dinner. A guy a few stools
>>down slid over to make room for some new arrivals (very considerate!),
>>gets comfortable and pipes up
>>
>>You people eat a LOT! You got two appetizers and now dinner!
>>
>>I had to laugh. Who says that? Yeah, well, that's why this is
>>coming home with us. But, hey, thanks for making me feel weird
>>about my order.
>>
>>And nice to know the other patrons are keeping tabs.
>>
>>nancy
>
>Here in NS stranger chit chat is frequent - kind of nice I feel.

Northern Saratoga?

>They would be more likely to ask if what you were eating was any good
>though

Are you saying that the content of stranger chit chat is
geographically determined?

On Fri, 6 Jan 2017 18:22:52 -0500, Nancy Young
> wrote:

>I pretty much keep to myself but if someone talks to me while
>I'm out somewhere, I'll have a conversation. Funny the things
>people will come out with once in a while.
>
>I have some drama going on right now that involves a lot of running
>around and stress. So we were coming back home after a long day,
>no food, let's stop and have dinner.
>
>$5 appetizers, yes, please. We got potstickers and flatbread with
>arugula and some kind of cheese. We ordered dinner, too.
>
>I mean, if that's alright with everyone. Heh.
>
>The appetizers were a lot. Then came dinner. A guy a few stools
>down slid over to make room for some new arrivals (very considerate!),
>gets comfortable and pipes up
>
>You people eat a LOT! You got two appetizers and now dinner!
>
>I had to laugh. Who says that? Yeah, well, that's why this is
>coming home with us. But, hey, thanks for making me feel weird
>about my order.
>
>And nice to know the other patrons are keeping tabs.

pipe up

intransitive verb

: speak up

<don't worry, he'll pipe up if he feels he's being overlooked>

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pipe%20up

On Sat, 07 Jan 2017 12:38:40 +1100, Bruce >
wrote:

> Are you saying that the content of stranger chit chat is
> geographically determined?

Often. Sometimes it's culturally based, but it's definitely more
common outside large urban areas. I was brought up in the country and
have no problem striking up a conversation with the person behind me
in line. I'm always surprised (but not offended) when someone strikes
up a conversation with me, because it's behavior that's out of the
social norm for this particular area.


--
Avoid cutting yourself when slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold them.

On 1/6/2017 7:18 PM, Sqwertz wrote:
> On Fri, 6 Jan 2017 18:22:52 -0500, Nancy Young wrote:
>
>> You people eat a LOT! You got two appetizers and now dinner!
>
> My response to something like that is usually less than cordial. If
> my mouth happens to be full when a response is expected, well - use
> your imagination.

That would have been a mess! Skirt steak tacos.

I wasn't offended, I just thought well, you're clearly ordering
too much beer!

>> I had to laugh. Who says that? Yeah, well, that's why this is
>> coming home with us. But, hey, thanks for making me feel weird
>> about my order.
>
> I never sit at bars/stools. Next time get a booth. Houlihans?

Is there Houlihan's by you? We were just talking about stopping
in there on that same night. I didn't know they were all over
the country. I'm big on their stuffed mushrooms.

We sit at the bar there, too. I almost Always prefer to sit at the
bar. Nosy strangers and all.

nancy

On 1/6/2017 8:22 PM, wrote:
> On Friday, January 6, 2017 at 5:23:03 PM UTC-6, Nancy Young wrote:

>> The appetizers were a lot. Then came dinner. A guy a few stools
>> down slid over to make room for some new arrivals (very considerate!),
>> gets comfortable and pipes up
>>
>> You people eat a LOT! You got two appetizers and now dinner!

> You should have piped up and said y'all were out on work release.
> Getting to eat out is such a rare treat you couldn't resist
> ordering appetizers and dinner. As a last jab you should have
> said what you were eating sure beats what the jail was going to serve.

(laugh) I wish I'd have thought of a clever comeback like that.

nancy

On 1/6/2017 7:02 PM, wrote:
> On Fri, 6 Jan 2017 18:22:52 -0500, Nancy Young
> > wrote:

>> The appetizers were a lot. Then came dinner. A guy a few stools
>> down slid over to make room for some new arrivals (very considerate!),
>> gets comfortable and pipes up
>>
>> You people eat a LOT! You got two appetizers and now dinner!
>>
>> I had to laugh. Who says that?

> Here in NS stranger chit chat is frequent - kind of nice I feel. They
> would be more likely to ask if what you were eating was any good
> though

Actually, the funny thing is that happened more in the city. Here
in the burbs, it happens but not so much. And I wasn't offended.
He wasn't being mean, just one of those people who say what's on
their mind.

nancy

On Fri, 6 Jan 2017 21:36:14 -0500, Nancy Young
> wrote:

> On 1/6/2017 7:02 PM, wrote:
> > On Fri, 6 Jan 2017 18:22:52 -0500, Nancy Young
> > > wrote:
>
> >> The appetizers were a lot. Then came dinner. A guy a few stools
> >> down slid over to make room for some new arrivals (very considerate!),
> >> gets comfortable and pipes up
> >>
> >> You people eat a LOT! You got two appetizers and now dinner!
> >>
> >> I had to laugh. Who says that?
>
> > Here in NS stranger chit chat is frequent - kind of nice I feel. They
> > would be more likely to ask if what you were eating was any good
> > though
>
> Actually, the funny thing is that happened more in the city. Here
> in the burbs, it happens but not so much. And I wasn't offended.
> He wasn't being mean, just one of those people who say what's on
> their mind.
>
He probably thought he was being humorous. I doubt he would have said
it if you weren't slim and trim.


--
Avoid cutting yourself when slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold them.

On 1/6/2017 9:41 PM, Sqwertz wrote:
> On Fri, 6 Jan 2017 21:23:59 -0500, Nancy Young wrote:
>
>> On 1/6/2017 7:18 PM, Sqwertz wrote:
>
>>> I never sit at bars/stools. Next time get a booth. Houlihans?
>>
>> Is there Houlihan's by you?
>
> There are a couple here in San Antonio and I ate there maybe a week
> before Christmas. I know they have both the items you mentioned.

I get the connection now. No, this is just a little local pub chain.
I think they're down to 2 locations from 4.

>> I didn't know they were all over
>> the country. I'm big on their stuffed mushrooms.
>
> I did have to look them up to see if they were in your area - and was
> surprised how many of them there were. We had fried mushrooms stuffed
> with cheese and I thought they tasted a little off - maybe from frying
> the (blue?) cheese.

There are a couple of locations in my general area, neither around the
corner, so we hardly go there. One is a lot better than the other.
I do always get the mushrooms appetizer.

All this talk of appetizers and the thing is, we hardly ever order
them. They're a nice dinner off the Happy Hour menu at this one place
so we'll make a dinner of them once in a while.

Not that it's legal to call it Happy Hour any more,

nancy

On 1/6/2017 7:19 PM, Sqwertz wrote:
> On Fri, 6 Jan 2017 18:59:26 -0500, jmcquown wrote:
>
>> It's funny the things perfect strangers will sometimes say.
>
> Look at his drink on the bar and ask, "Is that your fourth of fifth?"
>
> -sw
>
That would be a great response!

Jill

On 2017-01-06 9:36 PM, Nancy Young wrote:
> On 1/6/2017 7:02 PM, wrote:
>> On Fri, 6 Jan 2017 18:22:52 -0500, Nancy Young
ough
>
> Actually, the funny thing is that happened more in the city. Here in
> the burbs, it happens but not so much. And I wasn't offended. He
> wasn't being mean, just one of those people who say what's on their
> mind.
>

We call it Frank disease, named for a friend of my brother. Whatever
comes into Frank's head comes out his month. He is a nice guy, but he
has no filter.

---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
https://www.avast.com/antivirus

On 1/6/2017 9:21 PM, sf wrote:
> On Sat, 07 Jan 2017 12:38:40 +1100, Bruce >
> wrote:
>
>> Are you saying that the content of stranger chit chat is
>> geographically determined?
>
> Often. Sometimes it's culturally based, but it's definitely more
> common outside large urban areas. I was brought up in the country and
> have no problem striking up a conversation with the person behind me
> in line. I'm always surprised (but not offended) when someone strikes
> up a conversation with me, because it's behavior that's out of the
> social norm for this particular area.
>
>
sf, I don't think you realize how snobbish that sounds. It's outside
the "social norm for this particular area"? To do what? Strike up
conversation with someone? What the heck is the social norm in your
area? Everyone in line should remain silent?

Jill

On Fri, 6 Jan 2017 22:11:30 -0500, Dave Smith
> wrote:

>On 2017-01-06 9:36 PM, Nancy Young wrote:
>> On 1/6/2017 7:02 PM, wrote:
>>> On Fri, 6 Jan 2017 18:22:52 -0500, Nancy Young
>ough
>>
>> Actually, the funny thing is that happened more in the city. Here in
>> the burbs, it happens but not so much. And I wasn't offended. He
>> wasn't being mean, just one of those people who say what's on their
>> mind.
>>
>
>We call it Frank disease, named for a friend of my brother. Whatever
>comes into Frank's head comes out his month. He is a nice guy, but he
>has no filter.

Does he have any of his own teeth left?

On 2017-01-06 10:12 PM, jmcquown wrote:
> On 1/6/2017 9:21 PM, sf wrote:
>> On Sat, 07 Jan 2017 12:38:40 +1100, Bruce >
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Are you saying that the content of stranger chit chat is
>>> geographically determined?
>>
>> Often. Sometimes it's culturally based, but it's definitely more
>> common outside large urban areas. I was brought up in the country and
>> have no problem striking up a conversation with the person behind me
>> in line. I'm always surprised (but not offended) when someone strikes
>> up a conversation with me, because it's behavior that's out of the
>> social norm for this particular area.
>>
>>
> sf, I don't think you realize how snobbish that sounds. It's outside
> the "social norm for this particular area"? To do what? Strike up
> conversation with someone? What the heck is the social norm in your
> area? Everyone in line should remain silent?
>


I don't think it was snobbish. It was just another way of saying that
people in here area tend not to talk to strangers.


---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
https://www.avast.com/antivirus

On 1/6/2017 9:25 PM, Nancy Young wrote:
> On 1/6/2017 8:22 PM, wrote:
>> On Friday, January 6, 2017 at 5:23:03 PM UTC-6, Nancy Young wrote:
>
>>> The appetizers were a lot. Then came dinner. A guy a few stools
>>> down slid over to make room for some new arrivals (very considerate!),
>>> gets comfortable and pipes up
>>>
>>> You people eat a LOT! You got two appetizers and now dinner!
>
>> You should have piped up and said y'all were out on work release.
>> Getting to eat out is such a rare treat you couldn't resist
>> ordering appetizers and dinner. As a last jab you should have
>> said what you were eating sure beats what the jail was going to serve.
>
> (laugh) I wish I'd have thought of a clever comeback like that.
>
> nancy
>
It might have backfired. I remember reading that many of the kitchen
workers and cooks at Luby's Cafeteria's in Memphis were staffed by
people on work release programs or had been convicted felons. There's
some sort of backup for this info but I can't attest to the veracity of
this link:

http://work.chron.com/jobs-hiring-felons-24698.html

Jill

On Fri, 06 Jan 2017 18:21:52 -0800, sf > wrote:

>On Sat, 07 Jan 2017 12:38:40 +1100, Bruce >
>wrote:
>
>> Are you saying that the content of stranger chit chat is
>> geographically determined?
>
>Often. Sometimes it's culturally based, but it's definitely more
>common outside large urban areas. I was brought up in the country and
>have no problem striking up a conversation with the person behind me
>in line. I'm always surprised (but not offended) when someone strikes
>up a conversation with me, because it's behavior that's out of the
>social norm for this particular area.

I guess big city people are more into stranger danger.

On 1/6/2017 10:11 PM, Dave Smith wrote:
> On 2017-01-06 9:36 PM, Nancy Young wrote:
>> On 1/6/2017 7:02 PM, wrote:
>>> On Fri, 6 Jan 2017 18:22:52 -0500, Nancy Young
> ough
>>
>> Actually, the funny thing is that happened more in the city. Here in
>> the burbs, it happens but not so much. And I wasn't offended. He
>> wasn't being mean, just one of those people who say what's on their
>> mind.
>>
>
> We call it Frank disease, named for a friend of my brother. Whatever
> comes into Frank's head comes out his month. He is a nice guy, but he
> has no filter.
>
We've probably all run into someone like that at least once.

> ---
> This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
> https://www.avast.com/antivirus
>
Oh dear, this sig line from Avast again? Ahhhh!

Jill

On 1/6/2017 10:42 PM, Sqwertz wrote:
> On Fri, 6 Jan 2017 22:12:21 -0500, jmcquown wrote:
>
>> On 1/6/2017 9:21 PM, sf wrote:
>>>
>>> Often. Sometimes it's culturally based, but it's definitely more
>>> common outside large urban areas. I was brought up in the country and
>>> have no problem striking up a conversation with the person behind me
>>> in line. I'm always surprised (but not offended) when someone strikes
>>> up a conversation with me, because it's behavior that's out of the
>>> social norm for this particular area.
>>>
>> sf, I don't think you realize how snobbish that sounds. It's outside
>> the "social norm for this particular area"? To do what? Strike up
>> conversation with someone? What the heck is the social norm in your
>> area? Everyone in line should remain silent?
>
> I was in culture shock when I moved from Suburban Pennsylvania to the
> San Francisco Bay Area. I quickly learned that you can't be as
> friendly as you could in PA. When striking up a conversation with a
> stranger, they either look at you strange/annoyed, don't even speak
> the same language, or they might think you're form a different planet.
> There are so many different lifestyles, religions, nationalities, and
> personal phobias that you have about an 7% chance of starting a
> cordial/brief conversation *if* you choose wisely. And that included
> work and school. And that was before cell-phones (now people just
> stare into those and avoid all conversation).
>
> I didn't think what she said was snobbish. And that carries a lot of
> weight coming from me :-)
>
> -sw
>
Perhaps I misinterpreted. I guess I have never lived anywhere it was
*not* "the norm" for someone to be polite and say hello. Especially if
you're standing in a checkout line for a while. It doesn't mean you
have to get into an extended conversation with anyone. It's not a
social commitment.

Jill

On 1/6/2017 10:21 PM, Sqwertz wrote:
> On Fri, 6 Jan 2017 21:57:02 -0500, Nancy Young wrote:
>
>> Not that it's legal to call it Happy Hour any more,
>
> Did the happy people get offended that it was implied that happiness
> could only last an hour?

Okay, I remember there was some uproar over happy hour, it promoted
excess drinking then driving, something like that.

So now you can't sell alcohol at below cost, or twefers or
anything along those lines.

I see attitude adjustment menus, haven't noticed a happy hour
promotion in a long time.

nancy

On Friday, January 6, 2017 at 10:12:27 PM UTC-5, Jill McQuown wrote:
> On 1/6/2017 9:21 PM, sf wrote:
> > On Sat, 07 Jan 2017 12:38:40 +1100, Bruce >
> > wrote:
> >
> >> Are you saying that the content of stranger chit chat is
> >> geographically determined?
> >
> > Often. Sometimes it's culturally based, but it's definitely more
> > common outside large urban areas. I was brought up in the country and
> > have no problem striking up a conversation with the person behind me
> > in line. I'm always surprised (but not offended) when someone strikes
> > up a conversation with me, because it's behavior that's out of the
> > social norm for this particular area.
> >
> >
> sf, I don't think you realize how snobbish that sounds. It's outside
> the "social norm for this particular area"? To do what? Strike up
> conversation with someone? What the heck is the social norm in your
> area? Everyone in line should remain silent?

That's pretty much the social norm here (Ann Arbor, MI).
I won't initiate a conversation with a stranger, and they
very rarely initiate one with me.

Cindy Hamilton

"Nancy Young" wrote in message news
I pretty much keep to myself but if someone talks to me while
I'm out somewhere, I'll have a conversation. Funny the things
people will come out with once in a while.

I have some drama going on right now that involves a lot of running
around and stress. So we were coming back home after a long day,
no food, let's stop and have dinner.

$5 appetizers, yes, please. We got potstickers and flatbread with
arugula and some kind of cheese. We ordered dinner, too.

I mean, if that's alright with everyone. Heh.

The appetizers were a lot. Then came dinner. A guy a few stools
down slid over to make room for some new arrivals (very considerate!),
gets comfortable and pipes up

You people eat a LOT! You got two appetizers and now dinner!

I had to laugh. Who says that? Yeah, well, that's why this is
coming home with us. But, hey, thanks for making me feel weird
about my order.

And nice to know the other patrons are keeping tabs.

nancy

=================

That was just nasty. Not his business what you eat. He is an idiot and
you can only laugh. Maybe he was jealous you could afford it))



--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk

"Nancy Young" wrote in message ...

On 1/6/2017 7:02 PM, wrote:
> On Fri, 6 Jan 2017 18:22:52 -0500, Nancy Young
> > wrote:

>> The appetizers were a lot. Then came dinner. A guy a few stools
>> down slid over to make room for some new arrivals (very considerate!),
>> gets comfortable and pipes up
>>
>> You people eat a LOT! You got two appetizers and now dinner!
>>
>> I had to laugh. Who says that?

> Here in NS stranger chit chat is frequent - kind of nice I feel. They
> would be more likely to ask if what you were eating was any good
> though

Actually, the funny thing is that happened more in the city. Here
in the burbs, it happens but not so much. And I wasn't offended.
He wasn't being mean, just one of those people who say what's on
their mind.

nancy

==================

I don't agree. If one can't say something nice one shouldn't say anything
at all to a stranger!



--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk

"Nancy Young" wrote in message ...

On 1/6/2017 9:41 PM, Sqwertz wrote:
> On Fri, 6 Jan 2017 21:23:59 -0500, Nancy Young wrote:
>
>> On 1/6/2017 7:18 PM, Sqwertz wrote:
>
>>> I never sit at bars/stools. Next time get a booth. Houlihans?
>>
>> Is there Houlihan's by you?
>
> There are a couple here in San Antonio and I ate there maybe a week
> before Christmas. I know they have both the items you mentioned.

I get the connection now. No, this is just a little local pub chain.
I think they're down to 2 locations from 4.

>> I didn't know they were all over
>> the country. I'm big on their stuffed mushrooms.
>
> I did have to look them up to see if they were in your area - and was
> surprised how many of them there were. We had fried mushrooms stuffed
> with cheese and I thought they tasted a little off - maybe from frying
> the (blue?) cheese.

There are a couple of locations in my general area, neither around the
corner, so we hardly go there. One is a lot better than the other.
I do always get the mushrooms appetizer.

All this talk of appetizers and the thing is, we hardly ever order
them. They're a nice dinner off the Happy Hour menu at this one place
so we'll make a dinner of them once in a while.

Not that it's legal to call it Happy Hour any more,

nancy

====

Why not? It is actually illegal?


--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk

On Sat, 7 Jan 2017 11:59:36 -0000, "Ophelia" >
wrote:

>"Nancy Young" wrote in message ...
>
>On 1/6/2017 7:02 PM, wrote:
>> On Fri, 6 Jan 2017 18:22:52 -0500, Nancy Young
>> > wrote:
>
>>> The appetizers were a lot. Then came dinner. A guy a few stools
>>> down slid over to make room for some new arrivals (very considerate!),
>>> gets comfortable and pipes up
>>>
>>> You people eat a LOT! You got two appetizers and now dinner!
>>>
>>> I had to laugh. Who says that?
>
>> Here in NS stranger chit chat is frequent - kind of nice I feel. They
>> would be more likely to ask if what you were eating was any good
>> though
>
>Actually, the funny thing is that happened more in the city. Here
>in the burbs, it happens but not so much. And I wasn't offended.
>He wasn't being mean, just one of those people who say what's on
>their mind.
>
>nancy
>
>==================
>
>I don't agree. If one can't say something nice one shouldn't say anything
>at all to a stranger!

I didn't say anything nice to the mother of three out of control kids
who ran the cart into my ankles! They then moved on to destruct a
pyramid display of maple syrup, hope it cost her a fortune!

On Sat, 7 Jan 2017 12:01:42 -0000, "Ophelia" >
wrote:

>"Nancy Young" wrote in message ...
>
>On 1/6/2017 9:41 PM, Sqwertz wrote:
>> On Fri, 6 Jan 2017 21:23:59 -0500, Nancy Young wrote:
>>
>>> On 1/6/2017 7:18 PM, Sqwertz wrote:
>>
>>>> I never sit at bars/stools. Next time get a booth. Houlihans?
>>>
>>> Is there Houlihan's by you?
>>
>> There are a couple here in San Antonio and I ate there maybe a week
>> before Christmas. I know they have both the items you mentioned.
>
>I get the connection now. No, this is just a little local pub chain.
>I think they're down to 2 locations from 4.
>
>>> I didn't know they were all over
>>> the country. I'm big on their stuffed mushrooms.
>>
>> I did have to look them up to see if they were in your area - and was
>> surprised how many of them there were. We had fried mushrooms stuffed
>> with cheese and I thought they tasted a little off - maybe from frying
>> the (blue?) cheese.
>
>There are a couple of locations in my general area, neither around the
>corner, so we hardly go there. One is a lot better than the other.
>I do always get the mushrooms appetizer.
>
>All this talk of appetizers and the thing is, we hardly ever order
>them. They're a nice dinner off the Happy Hour menu at this one place
>so we'll make a dinner of them once in a while.
>
>Not that it's legal to call it Happy Hour any more,
>
>nancy
>
>====
>
>Why not? It is actually illegal?

They used to cut the prices - often by half - during 'happy hour' and
all the stats showed some people would regularly gulp down all they
could and then proceed to drive home. DUI stats after happy hour
ended used to zoom. It was an excellent move to cut it out.

On 1/7/2017 12:50 AM, Sqwertz wrote:
> On Fri, 6 Jan 2017 23:20:40 -0500, Nancy Young wrote:


>> Okay, I remember there was some uproar over happy hour, it promoted
>> excess drinking then driving, something like that.
>>
>> So now you can't sell alcohol at below cost, or twefers or
>> anything along those lines.

> OK, so a law to outlaw discounted drink specials. A lot of
> restaurants any other businesses still use the term "Happy Hour" to
> refer to other specials other than drinks. Since I have never, ever
> partaken in a happy hour drink promotion I almost always associate it
> with food - half price appetizers, half off burgers, or even half
> price slushes and BOGOF chicken wings from Sonic Drive-Through.

Ha, yeah, the Happy part was not excitement over cheap chicken,
but Happy because you just belted down a couple of drinks after
work and before going home.

> So I was just wondering why there was law against half-price chicken
> wings :-)
>
> I know Texas has a law against BOGOF drinks, but not half-price
> drinks/pitchers or happy hour drink specials.

There are so many rules about booze that I'm not surprised about
the Happy Hour laws some states have. Probably not a great idea
to encourage people to down as many cheap drinks as they can in
an hour or so.

So this place, for instance, has an attitude adjustment period with
$5 appetizers. Nice selection. We can eat a nice dinner for $15 plus
drinks and tips. This isn't exactly health food but once in a while,
I like appetizers for dinner.

nancy

wrote in message ...

On Sat, 7 Jan 2017 12:01:42 -0000, "Ophelia" >
wrote:

>"Nancy Young" wrote in message ...
>
>On 1/6/2017 9:41 PM, Sqwertz wrote:
>> On Fri, 6 Jan 2017 21:23:59 -0500, Nancy Young wrote:
>>
>>> On 1/6/2017 7:18 PM, Sqwertz wrote:
>>
>>>> I never sit at bars/stools. Next time get a booth. Houlihans?
>>>
>>> Is there Houlihan's by you?
>>
>> There are a couple here in San Antonio and I ate there maybe a week
>> before Christmas. I know they have both the items you mentioned.
>
>I get the connection now. No, this is just a little local pub chain.
>I think they're down to 2 locations from 4.
>
>>> I didn't know they were all over
>>> the country. I'm big on their stuffed mushrooms.
>>
>> I did have to look them up to see if they were in your area - and was
>> surprised how many of them there were. We had fried mushrooms stuffed
>> with cheese and I thought they tasted a little off - maybe from frying
>> the (blue?) cheese.
>
>There are a couple of locations in my general area, neither around the
>corner, so we hardly go there. One is a lot better than the other.
>I do always get the mushrooms appetizer.
>
>All this talk of appetizers and the thing is, we hardly ever order
>them. They're a nice dinner off the Happy Hour menu at this one place
>so we'll make a dinner of them once in a while.
>
>Not that it's legal to call it Happy Hour any more,
>
>nancy
>
>====
>
>Why not? It is actually illegal?

They used to cut the prices - often by half - during 'happy hour' and
all the stats showed some people would regularly gulp down all they
could and then proceed to drive home. DUI stats after happy hour
ended used to zoom. It was an excellent move to cut it out.

====

Understood


--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk

wrote in message ...

On Sat, 7 Jan 2017 11:59:36 -0000, "Ophelia" >
wrote:

>"Nancy Young" wrote in message ...
>
>On 1/6/2017 7:02 PM, wrote:
>> On Fri, 6 Jan 2017 18:22:52 -0500, Nancy Young
>> > wrote:
>
>>> The appetizers were a lot. Then came dinner. A guy a few stools
>>> down slid over to make room for some new arrivals (very considerate!),
>>> gets comfortable and pipes up
>>>
>>> You people eat a LOT! You got two appetizers and now dinner!
>>>
>>> I had to laugh. Who says that?
>
>> Here in NS stranger chit chat is frequent - kind of nice I feel. They
>> would be more likely to ask if what you were eating was any good
>> though
>
>Actually, the funny thing is that happened more in the city. Here
>in the burbs, it happens but not so much. And I wasn't offended.
>He wasn't being mean, just one of those people who say what's on
>their mind.
>
>nancy
>
>==================
>
>I don't agree. If one can't say something nice one shouldn't say anything
>at all to a stranger!

I didn't say anything nice to the mother of three out of control kids
who ran the cart into my ankles! They then moved on to destruct a
pyramid display of maple syrup, hope it cost her a fortune!

=========================

I dare say you had a reason. The man who made comments to Nancy didn't.



--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk

On 1/7/2017 6:59 AM, Ophelia wrote:
> "Nancy Young" wrote in message ...

>> Actually, the funny thing is that happened more in the city. Here
>> in the burbs, it happens but not so much. And I wasn't offended.
>> He wasn't being mean, just one of those people who say what's on
>> their mind.

> I don't agree. If one can't say something nice one shouldn't say
> anything at all to a stranger!

Like Dave, I've just known people like that. My sil's father is
the same. No filter. Not a mean bone in his body but sometimes
he says things you wish he would have kept to himself.

I genuinely didn't take offense, I just thought it was a funny
story to tell. Okay, mildly amusing.

I was surprised when I saw the appetizers, at some point they
have decided to make them larger servings. It was a lot and we
polished them off. We hadn't eaten all day and were famished.
I'm not so delicate that I care if some random guy thinks I
eat too much. He probably ate a lot more than I did that day.

nancy

"Nancy Young" wrote in message ...

On 1/7/2017 6:59 AM, Ophelia wrote:
> "Nancy Young" wrote in message ...

>> Actually, the funny thing is that happened more in the city. Here
>> in the burbs, it happens but not so much. And I wasn't offended.
>> He wasn't being mean, just one of those people who say what's on
>> their mind.

> I don't agree. If one can't say something nice one shouldn't say
> anything at all to a stranger!

Like Dave, I've just known people like that. My sil's father is
the same. No filter. Not a mean bone in his body but sometimes
he says things you wish he would have kept to himself.

I genuinely didn't take offense, I just thought it was a funny
story to tell. Okay, mildly amusing.

I was surprised when I saw the appetizers, at some point they
have decided to make them larger servings. It was a lot and we
polished them off. We hadn't eaten all day and were famished.
I'm not so delicate that I care if some random guy thinks I
eat too much. He probably ate a lot more than I did that day.

nancy
====


You are a kind lady)))



--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk

On 2017-01-07 6:24 AM, Cindy Hamilton wrote:
> On Friday, January 6, 2017 at 10:12:27 PM UTC-5, Jill McQuown wrote:

>> sf, I don't think you realize how snobbish that sounds. It's outside
>> the "social norm for this particular area"? To do what? Strike up
>> conversation with someone? What the heck is the social norm in your
>> area? Everyone in line should remain silent?
>
> That's pretty much the social norm here (Ann Arbor, MI).
> I won't initiate a conversation with a stranger, and they
> very rarely initiate one with me.
>

I used to go to the gym at the Y closest to where I was working at the
time. The locker room was a very quiet place. There was very little
conversation except between the guys who were coming and going together.
After I retired a new Y opened up closer to our house so I switched to
that one. I was amazed at how much friendlier the users were. I met all
kinds of people in there.

On Fri, 6 Jan 2017 22:12:21 -0500, jmcquown >
wrote:

>On 1/6/2017 9:21 PM, sf wrote:
>> On Sat, 07 Jan 2017 12:38:40 +1100, Bruce >
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Are you saying that the content of stranger chit chat is
>>> geographically determined?
>>
>> Often. Sometimes it's culturally based, but it's definitely more
>> common outside large urban areas. I was brought up in the country and
>> have no problem striking up a conversation with the person behind me
>> in line. I'm always surprised (but not offended) when someone strikes
>> up a conversation with me, because it's behavior that's out of the
>> social norm for this particular area.
>>
>>
>sf, I don't think you realize how snobbish that sounds. It's outside
>the "social norm for this particular area"? To do what? Strike up
>conversation with someone? What the heck is the social norm in your
>area? Everyone in line should remain silent?
>
>Jill

They have two lines, one for locals and one for outsiders. lol
Here unless your family arrived on the Mayflower you'll forever be an
outsider. After living here 14 years I'm still a Downstater... and
Mayflower Van Lines doesn't count because that's who moved me here...
a great moving company, I've used them a few times for long distance
moves.

On Fri, 6 Jan 2017 23:11:50 -0500, jmcquown >
wrote:

>On 1/6/2017 10:42 PM, Sqwertz wrote:
>> On Fri, 6 Jan 2017 22:12:21 -0500, jmcquown wrote:
>>
>>> On 1/6/2017 9:21 PM, sf wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Often. Sometimes it's culturally based, but it's definitely more
>>>> common outside large urban areas. I was brought up in the country and
>>>> have no problem striking up a conversation with the person behind me
>>>> in line. I'm always surprised (but not offended) when someone strikes
>>>> up a conversation with me, because it's behavior that's out of the
>>>> social norm for this particular area.
>>>>
>>> sf, I don't think you realize how snobbish that sounds. It's outside
>>> the "social norm for this particular area"? To do what? Strike up
>>> conversation with someone? What the heck is the social norm in your
>>> area? Everyone in line should remain silent?
>>
>> I was in culture shock when I moved from Suburban Pennsylvania to the
>> San Francisco Bay Area. I quickly learned that you can't be as
>> friendly as you could in PA. When striking up a conversation with a
>> stranger, they either look at you strange/annoyed, don't even speak
>> the same language, or they might think you're form a different planet.
>> There are so many different lifestyles, religions, nationalities, and
>> personal phobias that you have about an 7% chance of starting a
>> cordial/brief conversation *if* you choose wisely. And that included
>> work and school. And that was before cell-phones (now people just
>> stare into those and avoid all conversation).
>>
>> I didn't think what she said was snobbish. And that carries a lot of
>> weight coming from me :-)
>>
>> -sw
>>
>Perhaps I misinterpreted. I guess I have never lived anywhere it was
>*not* "the norm" for someone to be polite and say hello. Especially if
>you're standing in a checkout line for a while. It doesn't mean you
>have to get into an extended conversation with anyone. It's not a
>social commitment.
>
>Jill

I've found that folks living in downtown large citys tend not to be in
any way sociable with anyone they don't know. In small towns anyone
passing on the street will get at least "Hi, nice weather today"... at
the market checkout a minimum two minute conversation is required lest
you're thought "Not quite right".

On 1/7/2017 7:01 AM, Ophelia wrote:

>
> All this talk of appetizers and the thing is, we hardly ever order
> them. They're a nice dinner off the Happy Hour menu at this one place
> so we'll make a dinner of them once in a while.

We usually order an appetizer. Then we may eat half our dinner and the
other half is lunch the next day. We get to try and enjoy a variety of
foods that way.

>
> Not that it's legal to call it Happy Hour any more,
>
> nancy
>
> ====
>
> Why not? It is actually illegal?
>
Yes, in some states
http://time.com/money/3962972/states-ban-happy-hour/

On 1/7/2017 7:21 AM, wrote:

>>
>> Why not? It is actually illegal?
>
> They used to cut the prices - often by half - during 'happy hour' and
> all the stats showed some people would regularly gulp down all they
> could and then proceed to drive home. DUI stats after happy hour
> ended used to zoom. It was an excellent move to cut it out.
>

Depends on who you ask
http://time.com/money/3962972/states-ban-happy-hour/
A 2005 study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,
meanwhile, began by acknowledging, “Happy hours, drinking contests, ‘all
you can drink’ specials, and the like encourage over-consumption by
reducing prices, a potent inducement to drinking large amounts of
alcohol in short time periods.” But at the time researchers found only
one study, conducted in Ontario, Canada, that directly tried to evaluate
if people actually drank less after happy hour bans went into effect.
Their findings? “No significant decline in alcohol consumption was
observed following the ban.”

On 2017-01-07 12:02 PM, Brooklyn1 wrote:
> On Fri, 6 Jan 2017 23:11:50 -0500, jmcquown >
>
> I've found that folks living in downtown large citys tend not to be in
> any way sociable with anyone they don't know. In small towns anyone
> passing on the street will get at least "Hi, nice weather today"... at
> the market checkout a minimum two minute conversation is required lest
> you're thought "Not quite right".

My father grew up in Beeton, a small town in southern Ontario. We used
to go for a drive up there once in a while when we lived in Mississauga.
My mother always used to wave to people on the street, much to my
father's embarrassment, but she would tease him and say that's what you
do in small towns. One Saturday afternoon we drove through the town and
stopped at the (one and only) stop sign. One of the locals came running
over and said "Aren't you little Donny Smith?".

On 2017-01-07 12:13 PM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
> On 1/7/2017 7:21 AM, wrote:
>
>>>
>>> Why not? It is actually illegal?
>>
>> They used to cut the prices - often by half - during 'happy hour' and
>> all the stats showed some people would regularly gulp down all they
>> could and then proceed to drive home. DUI stats after happy hour
>> ended used to zoom. It was an excellent move to cut it out.
>>
>
> Depends on who you ask
> http://time.com/money/3962972/states-ban-happy-hour/
> A 2005 study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,
> meanwhile, began by acknowledging, €œHappy hours, drinking contests, "all
> you can drink specials, and the like encourage over-consumption by
> reducing prices, a potent inducement to drinking large amounts of
> alcohol in short time periods.€� But at the time researchers found only
> one study, conducted in Ontario, Canada, that directly tried to evaluate
> if people actually drank less after happy hour bans went into effect.
> Their findings? €œNo significant decline in alcohol consumption was
> observed following the ban.€�


Happy hours had been banned here for some time and apparently were
allowed again, but they cannot advertise it as happy hour or post that
drinks are cheaper.

When I was in Winnipeg in the mid 1970s, beer parlors had to shut down
for a couple hours at dinner time. Apparently it was to discourage men
from sitting around drinking and so they would have to go home to their
wives and families for supper, and that would make it less likely for
them to go back out drinking later.

There have been a lot of changes in all the liquor regulations over the
last 40 years. No more men's parlors and separate ladies and escorts
rooms. We now have what we used to call New York style bars where you
can go in for a drink and not have to spend an equal amount on food.
Drinking and driving laws are much stricter and penalties much higher.
People serving alcohol have to take a training course and be certified
so they know some of the laws and liabilities they face. They cannot
serve anyone who is already intoxicated and cannot serve people enough
to become intoxicated.