Blazing Onion Burger Co.: A Great Burger Place Comes to The Alderwood Mall

Saturday night, I had the opportunity to go to a VIP event at the Blazing Onion Burger Company's newest location at the Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood, Washington. it's located where the old Ruby's Diner was until recently. Invites were applied for via an email address posted to the company's Twitter and Facebook profiles, and I was one of the lucky few to receive one.

Myself, Heather, and Alexis arrived at approximately 6:00 PM, and honestly, I expected chaos. I'd eaten at the restaurant's Mill Creek location once before, about two and a half years ago, and definitely loved the food and the beer selection. Being a pre-opening/employee training event, I expected a fair number of hiccups, and am pleased to report that I was blown away.

As I say, we arrived around 6:00, which was the time on Heather's ticket. Mine was set for 7:30. However, when we contacted the company about this, their CEO, Dave Jones, wrote back and told us to simply come at whichever time was convenient for us. This was great as we were seeing a movie, and when you have a 6-year-old with you, earliest is often best.

After arriving, we looked over the menu. No braille, so Heather did have to read it to me, but as they're not a national chain, I somewhat expected this. We went to the counter and placed our order. When you do this, you're given a choice of paying then or keeping your tab open. We elected to keep it open as I figured we might want dessert, and new I'd be sampling the draft beer list. Quite a few local and international micros to choose from. This makes for a very happy customer.

After ordering, we were given a device which, if I understood right, would light up and let us know when a table was ready. We were guided to our table, and my beer arrived within a few minutes. Heather and Lex had soft drinks, which are self-serve.

The soft drink fountain is awesome...However, for a blind person such as myself, totally inoperable. But for the sighted, and especially for the kids, it's probably the coolest pop machine in the world. It's all touchscreen-operated. When you press on, say, Coke, Heather explained that about 8 varieties of Coke then pop up in the submenu, and you select the one with which you'd like to fill your cup. Her only complaint was that the restaurant doesn't serve regular, unsweetened ice tea...Pretty much her drink of choice everywhere we go.

I'd ordered an appetizer of jalapeno poppers...One of my favorites. This is where my first, and really only, complaint of the night comes in. The poppers arrived, and each was cold in the middle. I discovered this after eating the first one. So, I asked for a box, and decided I'd bring them home. They offered to heat them further, but in my experience, that would be the second the meal would come out, so I don't mind a snack with the ballgame at home.

This leads me to one of their other innovations. On each table, there are a couple electronic items. Not entirely sure how to describe them, but essentially, there's a machine on the table with a couple buttons on it...You press one when you want service. Say, another beer or to order dessert. In the top of this machine is a slot. They insert what amounts to a small sign into it. When your order is ready to come to your table and is on its way, from what was described to me, it lights up so a server knows where to bring it. Back to the service button, however...I rarely had to use it. Other than actual bars, I've never seen a waitstaff so attentive. The second my beer was about to be empty, someone was right there to clear the glass and ask if I'd like a refill. I think the only times I had to press the button were to order dessert and to ask for the bill.

The food was superb. I had their Anaheim Chilli Burger, and got the regular and sweet potato fries mixture as my side. Lex had a grilled cheese sandwich with fruit, and was in heaven. Heather had a bacon cheeseburger, but instead of beef, elected to have it with a Wild Boar patty. They give you choices...For each burger, you can have the regular ground beef, or chicken, Turkey, or veggie. Those are at no charge. Then, they offer angus, buffalo, and wild boar. I may be missing a couple, but if I am, you'll simply be in for a nice surprise when you get there.

Dessert was a peanutbutter pie for me, a giant cookie for Lex, and I honestly can't remember what Heather had. All I know is, we left very full, and intend to come back...Possibly Tuesday, opening night. Hey, the sign says burgers are buy one/get one if you say you want the Angus beef. I'm not passing that up.

The staff was excellent. Attentive, friendly, and very helpful. The only things that I can say that would make this place even better would be the option of a beer larger than a pint, and possibly more things for the kids...Say, a kids' menu or coloring books, and crayons automatically supplied when you see a family has a small child with them. Don't get me wrong; as soon as my daughter asked for crayons, they were brought. So this isn't too big a deal, but would be nice.

As far as price and quality, I'd put the prices at similar to or slightly less than Red Robin. I'd put the quality several steps ahead of Red Robin, at least on their burgers. They have several entrees, and I've not yet tried those.

Lynnwood, you're blessed to have this new burger place in town. Take advantage of it. I know I will.

For more information, visit the company's website, www.blazingonion.com.

There's Helpful, And Then there's Harassment!

Before I get into this, I want all my sighted friends and family to
know that this isn't a post to bash the sighted world, or a
"pro-blind" post, or any of that...This is venting frustrations at the
idiots who don't get the fact that we CAN board a bus without
assistance generally, and to explain to a small segment of the
population as to what they should or shouldn't do when they meet a
blind person. Much of this is common sense, but as a friend of mine
has so often put it, common sense isn't all that common these days.

This post has been a long time coming, but today's incident made me
realize that now is the time.

So, I arrived at the South Everett Freeway Station, as I do just about
every morning. Heather guided me to the bench, and I sat down, and I
heard a voice on the bench next to me, talking on her cell phone.
Something in my mind said "That voice is familiar", but it didn't
register until the bus arrived, and she grabbed me by my jacket sleeve
and told me "I'm pushing you to the front of the line." My response
was "You REALLY want to play this game again? Thanks, but I've told
you before that I don't need your assistance."

I hadn't seen her in five or six months, so I'd hoped she'd maybe lost
her job, or was taking a different bus...But nope; she's back...At
least for today.

As we get up to the step, I had the rail, I began to step on, and she
grabs my jacket again, momentarily surprising me, and almost causing
me to lose my footing...Just what I need, another broken leg...Right?

So, we got on; she sat down in her area of the bus, I sat in mine. For
those who follow me on Twitter, you saw my rant...Essentially, I told
what happened. But after having conversations on Twitter with several
people, I realized maybe it's time for a little education of the
sighted community at large. Again, my friends and family are mostly
excellent at assisting me when I need it. Hell, even Alexis, my
6-year-old daughter, has mastered the art of guiding me from place to
place when needed. Not bad at all.

First, it's very simple. Unless you see that we're in danger, don't
grab a blind person by the arm, the shoulders, the backpack, or any
other appendage or article of clothing. You wouldn't want it done to
you; don't do it to us.

Second, don't assume we automatically need assistance...Most of us are
capable of asking for help. At the same time, it's always acceptable,
okay, and encouraged for you to ask us. However, if we say we've got
it, don't assume you know best and just grab and drag anyway. That's
been my biggest issue with this woman. She's told me on a couple of
occasions that she knows what's best for me, and for the line as a
whole, and that she's going to do it her way. I keep trying to get her
name, but she won't give it. Several friends have recommended that I
get a description, and if she gets in my face again, call the cops and
nail her for harassment and possibly assault...I'm not sure that it's
worth all that, but I WOULD like her to take her fake do-gooder
attitude and shove it someplace.

Again...Don't assume we're all helpless and lost. Ask if we need help
or wait for us to ask you, and don't simply grab and assume you know
where we're going.

In this case, from the bench, it's a straight shot to the bus...I can
navigate this by sound. Once I'm on the bus, let me know where a free
seat is...And that's usually about all the assistance I need when
boarding a bus...I don't need to be yanked or pushed because you think
you know better than me where I'm going. I swear, I'm going to risk an
assault charge and punch the next person who does this...For the
record, I've had at least 30 encounters with this lady.

This practice is also dangerous. I've heard from many blind friends
who've had people "help" them by guiding them to the wrong place just
because they've assumed they knew where the person was going.

As cheesy as the film is, it makes me think everyone should be
required at some point to view a film my O&M instructor/good friend
Jay Taska used to show all my schools/classes, "What to Do when You
Meet a Blind Person". The film's old...And by film, I mean he
literally showed it on an old projector...But the message is still
relevant.

We're just like the rest of you, except our eyes don't work. Our
brains and ears, for the most part, work fine.

Feel free to leave comments or ask any questions. This could make for
some good discussion.

Mormons: Good Hearts, But Where's Your Head?

Let me start by saying I have a lot of Mormon friends. This is in no way aimed at any of you guys...But, an incident yesterday reminded me of some of my past dealings with the religion, and why I'll never convert/join that particular sect. The presumptuousness just astounded me.

Okay...Here's the story. I took my bus a bit further north than usual. With Heather's new school schedule, I have to go to the Everett train station up north on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

I got off the bus, and was approached by a gentleman whose name I'll leave out, because I'm not necessarily picking on him specifically. He approached and asked if I had a minute. Unfortunately, I did. He said he'd noticed me on the bus because, as he put it, a blind person isn't very conspicuous. He then tells me he's LDS, and has taken the liberty of ordering me a braille Book of Mormon. He was a tad upset because he thought the book wouldn't weigh any more than a normal printed book...But he received it, and it weighed 35 pounds. I couldn't help but laugh.

I explained that I'd been given the book in college by a girl I was close friends with, and had already listened to it and was absolutely not interested. I also explained that, living in an apartment, I don't have the room to store that much braille. He asked what he could do with the book...I gave him my library's address, and suggested he send it to us and we may be able to find it a home. Rick's gonna be thrilled when that comes in. He said thanks, and headed on his way.

Here's where I take issue with this. First, I appreciate that the guy has his beliefs...However, I ask this of you the reader. Would you order a book, especially in a specialized format, for someone you may NEVER get the opportunity to talk to? Second, a lot of blind people don't even read braille. So, it's a bit presumptuous to assume the braille book will work for everyone.

Oddly, though I've dealt with every religious group trying to witness to me, convert me, or whatever, it seems the Mormons are the most relentless. I've had them give me unsolicited audio, braille, and of course approach me in public...They don't take no for an answer. I'm sure there's a lot of it in every religion or denomination, but having grown up in Arizona, I guessI've just SEEN it more from the mormon community than I have from, say, the Baptists.

So...My advice? Your hearts are in the right place...But before you go ordering braille or audio literature for a complete stranger with whom you've never had a conversation, maybe talk to the person first...Make sure it's something they're open to, and make sure it's something they have the room for.

Again, this was in no way meant to be Mormon-bashing...I guess it's just funny that I've had more of them give me unsolicited literature, just assuming they're doing me a favor because they got it in an accessible format. At least my JW friends have asked first.

Anyhow, just an observation triggered by last night's incident. Feel free to comment.

HB2033: Dangerous for Washington State Library and Blind/Disabled Populations

In the interest of full disclosure, let me start by saying that I
am an employee of the Office of the Secretary of State, Washington
State Library Division, Washington Talking Book & Braille Library.
This is written on my own time, at home, on my personal computer and
internet connection...The views are my own and do not necessarily
reflect those of OSOS.

In addition to working for the library, I'm also blind, and have
been since birth. Therefore, I benefit greatly from the services
provided by my own library, and have benefited from said services
while living in Arizona and Oregon, so I know the value of the service
we provide...Probably moreso than most of the state House members in
Olympia.

Today, we were informed about House Bill HB2033, which creates a
new Department of Heritage, Arts, and Culture. In an effor to
consolidate, the House wants to combine several divisions which it
apparently sees as similar, and i turn, from what was explained to
several of us, slash the various agencies' budgets by 20%. The
following is an email sent to us by Interim State Librarian Rand
Simmons. For the record, I have not spoken with Dr. Simmons in order
to request permission to re-post this email, but as it was sent via
state email, and contains strictly informational items, I hope this
will serve the purpose for which I intend it.

There is a bill now in the House (HB 2033) that would take the
State Library and the Legacy Project (oral history) out of the
Secretary of State’s office and place it in a combined Department of
Heritage, Arts and Culture (HAC), along with the two Historical
Societies, the Arts Commission, the Department of Archaeology and
Historic Preservation, the Tourism Board, and the Film Board. This
would also reduce the Library’s budget by 20%.

The bill also would switch the Heritage Center Fund to the
proposed Department of HAC along with the fund-raising capacity of the
State Library and the Legacy Project.

The Office of the Secretary of State is opposed to the bill. The
State Library has found a champion in the Secretary of State and we
see no compelling reason to move these programs to another agency.

There is concern that some parts of the State Library’s mission may
not be a good fit under the Heritage, Arts and Culture umbrella:

• · The State Library has an important role in the
  preservation of the record of state government through the state
  publications depository function, which requires close cooperation
  with the Digital Archives for the preservation of state publications
  in digital formats.
  
  
• · The State Library serves as the only regional federal
  depository library, ensuring that Washington residents have access to
  the records and research of the federal government.
  
  
• · The Library serves visually-impaired,
  physically-handicapped and learning disabled persons across the state
  through the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library through digital
  audiobooks, Braille, large-print books and a radio reading service.
  
  
• · There are State Library branches in the state
  psychiatric hospitals and the larger correctional centers, offering
  educational and recreational materials to support re-entry
  initiatives and treatment plans for residents;
  
  
• · The State Library works with public, school and academic
  libraries across the state, using federal funds to strengthen their
  services to their communities. This includes projects as diverse as
  collaborating on a broadband grant with NoaNet, organizing group
  purchases for libraries, and facilitating the E-rate application for
  libraries.
  
  
• · The State Library is actively involved in the statewide
  Early Learning movement and is a member of the Early Learning Public
  Library Partnership.

The bill, in its entirety, may be found Here

Rand states the crux of the concerns for the library division quite
well. There is also concern that the bill may include language to try
to move all of the services to Tumwater...This won't work for the
Washington Talking Book & Braille Library, as was determined a few
years ago when administration of the agency was movved from the City
of Seattle into the Office of the Secretary of State. We have far too
many volunteer programs, which account for a great deal of the work
that is done by the library...Most of those volunteers are in Seattle.
Also, many of our staff have specialized, hard-to-replace talents.
Moving to Tumwater would make continuing to work for the library
prohibitive for those who can't make a move with the library.

Second, there is some concern that this will have a negative effect
on prison libraries. I know some of you are saying "They're in
prison...They don't deserve libraries." Personally, I'd rather have
them spending their time reading than getting into more trouble.

In the end, for those of you here in Washington, particularly those
who utilize the services of the Washington Talking Book & Braille
Library, use another part of the state library, or no someone who
does, I ask that you look this bill over. Contact your legislators,
and either request the bill not be passed, or that the Washington
State Library be removed from the contents of this ill-conceived plan.

For anyone who knows me, you know I'm for smaller government, and
less government spending. However, I don't see how this particular
bill achieves that without worsening the unemployment problem in our
state, and obstructing services to the elderly, disabled, and other
vulnerable populations. HB2033 is, as a colleague of mine with whom I
rarely agree on anything put it, simply a shuffling of the deck chairs
on the Titanic...Things are getting moved, but they don't seem to
notice the ship's stil sinking. Tell the folks in Olympia to wake up,
and come up with some real solutions.