Memorial Day

I can write this post – with provocative or idiotic verbiage – because people have, through history, fought wars.

War sucks – no question, no debate. Anyone in the 21st century who believes that there are people who are “pro-war” may be an ideologue looking for villains or simply seeking outrage. As an aside, I know many people who spend life looking to be outraged . . . I’m probably a simpleton. I go through life looking to be elated.

Too many men and women have had to give their lives because they believe in our nation, our families, and our liberties. Our Constitution reacts against the tyrannical rule of Europe and gives citizens a broad range of powers over their own destiny. With control over our destiny, comes responsibility. That is, admittedly, a tough equation.

There are many things that a collective can do better than an individual . . . I believe that there is a danger when everything is assigned to the collective. But, I rant.

There are so many men and women (I haven’t found a confident total, but clearly, the number is higher than some state populations) who have lost their lives in wars in the cause of our great nation. All I can do is say “thank you.”

A good friend is taking her WWII veteran father on an “Honor Flight” to see the World War II memorial in Washington, DC. Of the nicer elements offered these heroes will be a “mail call” as they are flying home. I can picture some amazingly grizzled veterans on this flight in full weep as they relive the joy delivered by letters from home. I was welcomed to write one of these letters and never have had happier duty.

Look, there are many things that need attention and we may respectfully disagree on what that attention should be. I argue that there is no question that the men and women who serve our country deserve our thanks, praise and celebration.


Image reported to be in the public domain and can be found at:
http://www.acclaimimages.com/_gallery/_image_pages/0420-0907-2111-0047.html

Kitchen Cabinet

I really like my kitchen.

Bit by bit, I’ve assembled an ensemble of colors, work surfaces, recycled cabinets, good knives, useful implements, and helpful appliances. Many good friends have been fed from the kitchen and peals of laughter helped spice each meal.

In the morning, coffee launches the day while an egg becomes the basis for an omelet or a fried egg sandwich (with mayo!). . . Though, sometimes, microwaved Lean Cuisine lasagna helps open the day. I have a big refrigerator that, despite continually opening and reopening the door, doesn’t magically create the snack I’m craving.

I’m guessing that close to 1,000 people have been fed from this kitchen over the last 10 years. Everything from vegetarian paella to home-sourced venison has been on the menu. Usually, there is wine; often there is good wine.

I have this in my life because I got to see some amazing kitchens while visiting friends and potential contributors (I’ve spent the last 18 years helping match donors with the needs of charities). Being exposed to some amazing kitchens inspired me. I certainly do not have the resources to duplicate many of the amazing features – but, I do have some resourcefulness and pluck.

The stainless island centering the kitchen? From a used restaurant equipment supply house. The maple block counter? From a reclaimed lumber source. The range and hood? Both from close out sources. I also have the good fortune of having a mother whose entrepreneurial history includes a catering business – knives, pans, chafers, pots . . . thanks mom!

This really isn’t bragging – I promise. This is more an allegory for something I’ve come to discover. Let someone see and feel what success is like, and they have a better chance to achieve it.

Right now, I’m working with some friends to take an accidentally novel and successful concept with our pharmacy students and translating it to a broader audience. A high-end clothing store (I’d say the name, but I haven’t checked with them) allows us to bring students in and dress them in professional clothing. A short “fashion show” ensues. Seeing the physical transformation in the students once dressed in professional clothing is amazing: shoulders back, chest out, standing tall.

So, let’s try to bring this to broader range of young people who may never have thought they had a chance. Let’s show, at least at an introductory level, some teens what success looks like.

Now, I’m certain that this can be criticized as imposing a view of success that may not be shared by all but, hey, give me a better idea. I’ll take it.

Our plan is to roll this out in some mid-western urban centers. Want to help?

So here’s what I decided some time ago: Make a decision to make a difference in the world. It doesn’t require great resources, a pedigree, celebrity, or any particular brilliance. It is will. It is noticing things that can be better and taking action. Maybe, it means helping an elderly neighbor; taking a minute to listen to someone whose story needs to be told; allowing a young person to a taste success.

I learned a lot from seeing some great kitchens; what can we teach from showing others some opportunities?

Today’s newspaper brought frustration

Image of "Waldi" and Olympic Rings property of the IOC.

When I was ten, the first chips of innocence fell off my veneer.

Our family enjoyed watching the Olympics – seeing feats of athleticism, harrumphing over the seemingly masculine Soviet women’s teams, debating if “Waldi” – a multi-colored image of a Dachshund – was a good logo or stupid, and keeping count of medals earned. I remember being very upset watching the imposter jump into the final legs of the marathon – and seeing Frank Shorter’s confused and saddened expression as he doubted his lead.

Most of all, I remember the first time I saw hate. Eleven members of the delegation from Israel were murdered by terrorists as was a German police officer. The terrorists also were eventually killed.

Jim McKay, a recent hire by NBC, gave minute-by-minute updates on the hostage situation (aided by host of the games Chris Schenkel and a young Peter Jennings) and I’m certain I asked too many questions of my parents trying to understand what was happening. Why would anyone want to hurt the athletes? I still ask that question.

Today, on page B10 of the New York Times, Mary Pilon reports that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has refused petitions by the government of Israel and some U.S. lawmakers that a moment of silence be observed at the games’ opening ceremony to commemorate those events of forty years ago. The request was made on behalf of widows of the fallen athletes.

As I understand the IOC’s reasoning, they believe this will politicize the Olympics; possibly offending nations that are at odds with Israel.

Call me naïve, but aren’t the Olympics supposed to be a great “hold” button from politics where delegations from all corners of the world come together to compete in a spirit of sportsmanship and unity? The logo shows interlinked multi-color rings symbolizing a “oneness” out of many. These were not only Israelis who were killed, these were athletes who belonged to the entire world. I would have hoped that the IOC would jump at the chance to defy hate by commemorating these athletes. Is there a concern that they might lose advertising revenue in certain countries?

Yes, I’m a big boy and I know that the IOC doesn’t operate above the fray (remember the bribery scandals from not that long ago?). It just would be heartening to see the IOC do the right thing in this situation.

Here’s a link to the article: Impasse Over Tribute at Olympics .

Bloody well time

In Ypsilanti, Michigan’s historic Depot Town is a fixture since the 1990s:  the Sidetrack Bar & Grill. This is one of those places often described as having the “best hamburgers in the world” and does a brisk business among locals and pilgrims from throughout Southeastern Michigan.

Its proprietor, Linda French, has assembled a most eclectic and friendly staff who’ll remember your name, share pictures of pets saved to IPhones, and make any diner feel like family (I invite you to visit one of the better tall tales profiling an owner found at: http://www.sidetrackbarandgrill.com/trivia.php). One such member of Linda’s team is bartender Laura T_____.

It doesn’t take much to see that Laura takes great care in her work – the bar is clean and organized, customers served with a smile, and she even warns patrons not to let their cell phones get too close to the edge overhanging the wash basins. And she takes great pride presenting her weekly “Bloody Mary Bar.”

For six dollars, a customer receives a generous pour of vodka in a tumbler full of ice and is directed to the end of the bar to construct his or her custom potion. Purely in the cause of diligent research, I decided to check the offerings.

When I visited, there was an array of “fixings” that included stuffed olives (garlic or blue cheese), the mandatory pickles and celery, assorted hot sauces and citrus, and, as crowning garnishes, skewers packed with tomatoes, goat cheese, and bacon.

I’m an old school guy, who prefers adding the zing directly to the vodka prior to adding the mix. Four shakes of Tabasco, a couple of shakes of Worcestershire sauce, a touch of pickle juice, and some celery seed completes this step.

Next, adding the fruit . . . this day, garlic stuffed olives and a chunk each of lime and lemon.

Finally, add the mix, stir with a stalk of celery (or pickle) and lay the happy bacon skewer across the top.

Repeat as necessary.







To learn more about the Sidetrack Bar & Grill, see: http://www.sidetrackbarandgrill.com/


Image of the exterior of the Sidetrack Bar & Grill from the Ypsilanti Heritage Foundation website and can be found here: http://yhf.org/?page_id=726

Just the facts, ma'am

Reading the tea leaves on FaceBook recently has me down.  I'm seeing the level of snark rise exponentially. . . simple posts about family activities, sports, reunions, or other very light topics suddenly earn snarky comments usually tied to one's politics or their particular "litmus test" social or religious issue.

My question is:  what is the goal?  What is the motivation to hurl snark?  Does anyone really believe that interrupting someone, debasing them, or embittering their online experience will convert them to one's way of thinking?  Has anyone thought that these tactics may just harden the resolve of the person?

Look, here's a fact:  we all don't agree.  Vilifying or dismissing those who disagree can cut off opportunities to learn, to build relationships, perhaps to co-discover workable solutions.

I've spent most of today thinking about this topic, did a fair amount of reading, and tripped over some quotes that I find amusing. . .I hope you do too.

“Don’t confuse me with the facts. I’ve got a closed mind.” - U.S. Rep. Earl Fredrick Landgrebe while testifying at the Watergate Hearings 

"'Señor d’Anconia,' declared the woman with the earrings, 'I don’t agree with you!' 

'If you can refute a single sentence I uttered, Madame, I shall hear it gratefully.'  

'Oh, I can’t answer you. I don’t have any answers, my mind doesn’t work that way, but I don’t feel that you’re right, so I know that you’re wrong.'" - Ayn Rand Atlas Shrugged: (Centennial Edition) (p. 385). Plume. Kindle Edition.
 

“Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.”  - The Wizard of Oz (1939)

"I don’t care what the facts are! I know what I believe!" - Ann ____________ (one of those first dates I mention in an earlier post).

 

"I don't want facts to get in the way of opinions expressed here...(some of which I agree with)" - http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=3962996&mesg_id=3964613

"The fewer the facts, the stronger the opinion." - Arnold Henry Glasow (1905 -1998).

"Facts don't cease to exist because they are ignored." - Aldous Huxley (1894 – 1963)

"We rarely think people have good sense unless they agree with us." - Francois de La Rochefoucauld (1613 - 1680)

"Every man has a right to be wrong in his opinions. But no man has a right to be wrong in his facts." - Bernard Baruch (1870 – 1965)

Image of Jack Webb reported to the in the public domain