Coney Dogs and Wieners

Today, I treated myself to two Coney Dogs, fries, and a root beer for lunch. The Coney is a Michigan frank completely smothered with beef chili, chopped raw white onion, and yellow mustard. In some circles, grated Cheddar cheese is sprinkled liberally atop the concoctions – but, not today.

I dined at the Uptown Coney Island on Jackson Road just west of Ann Arbor proper. Renee, my server, was tall, attractive, blond and had an impatient energy to quickly take my order, deliver my meal and turn the table – much to the approval of Gus – the owner – who sat just across the short booth divider from my two-top table trading stories in Greek with another local restaurateur.

The last Coney’s I enjoyed were in downtown Detroit on a Sunday about a month ago. Federal jury duty loomed and I wasn’t exactly sure where the courthouse was located nor did I know parking options. The prospect of having to make a 60 mile near blind drive into the Motor City that coming Monday was daunting, so I made a test run.

To my happy surprise, the courthouse was just a half block away from two Detroit landmarks: American Coney Island and Lafayette Coney Island nestled side by side. After formulating my parking plan and locating the juror’s entrance (#OCD), I decided to catch an early lunch at one of the two – but which?

Not that tough of a decision, I decided to try a dog from each.

The older of the two, American Coney Island, was opened by Bill and Gust Keros in 1919 and was an anchor of the “grab and go” lunch for many years in a growing, vibrant early industrial city. Apparently, there was a falling out between the brothers and in 1936, Bill opened Lafayette Coney right next door and a fierce rivalry was born. Perhaps even an entire food genre was created – today, it is estimated that there are around 500 Coney diners in and around Detroit.

For additional history and information on how Detroit became the Coney Island capital, I refer you to a great website that has additional resources about the dog’s origins:  http://www.theatlanticcities.com/

The clear winner that day was Lafayette: the casing on the frank met my bite with a great snap, the onions had the right tang and the chili had a wonderful peppery tease. I found American Coney Island chili just a bit too sweet and the casing lacked the snap.

Speaking of winners, losers and Wieners, what about that mayor’s race in New York City? I’m aghast that Anthony Wiener is insistent on staying in the race after (what one would hope would be) public humiliation for electronic infidelities and a subsequent resignation from the U.S. House of Representatives, a public mea culpa hand-in-hand with his cuckolded wife where he proclaimed his full repentance and transformation, and now new revelations that his peccadillos never ceased.

The New York Times, one of his previously largest supporters, has excoriated Wiener and advocated that he drop out of the race – as have other political and media lions. His poll numbers are plummeting.

I don’t understand it. Does he believe that he can do anything he wants without consequence? Does he think Big Apple voters don’t care about lies and broken vows?

Of course, some years ago, Mayor Marion Berry was reelected in Washington, DC after being arrested and convicted on a drug charge. Maybe partisanship really can trump good sense.

Even though for an hour or so after eating Coney Dogs the taste will revisit through unrepentant hiccups, that is a far more welcome sensation than the bad taste that lingers from egotistic, amoral, politicos.

Coney Dog image from: Coney Dog Picture

Detroit is bankrupt and I don't feel so good myself

With apologies to Lewis Grizzard, the late great story teller from Georgia (see http://www.lewisgrizzard.com/), Detroit is bankrupt and I don’t feel so good myself.

The news cycle from the last few weeks has presented the thinking public with several opportunities for self-examination – especially of our core values. A fellow named Snowden is holed up at the Moscow airport looking for a home; the Internal Revenue Service has been proven to target organizations on the basis of their political leanings; the President announced that he would delay the enforcement of provisions of his tenure’s signature legislation; a jury found George Zimmerman not guilty yet a young man died at his hand; Detroit has filed for bankruptcy.

Oh, and I had a tooth explode while on a business trip to Chicago.

Edward Snowden, a contractor with high level security clearance stole secrets from the National Security Agency (NSA), left the country, and shared said secrets with Britain’s Guardian Newspaper. The information disclosed a far-reaching capability (and practice!) of data farming of individual communications both foreign and domestic. Here’s the issue: Snowden’s actions are both arguably treasonous and arguably heroic. He’s disclosed state secrets that reportedly have helped foil terror plots within our borders and he’s blown the whistle on practices that seem to run afoul of several key provisions of our Bill of Rights. I guess I’d be more comfortable with the hero argument if he hadn’t run.

With every stop of the “Wolverine” – Amtrak’s train service between Pontiac, Michigan and Chicago, Illinois – the pain intensified in my left jaw. By my arrival in the Windy City, even my left eye hurt. A call to my dentist (and friend) Scott left me admonished to find a local dentist to evaluate my situation.

The IRS is subject to many digs, jokes, and faux-horror stories. It appears, however, that our natural dismay may have more footing than we knew. Groups applying for particular tax status were delayed or denied because they were perceived by IRS personnel as having a political agenda contrary to that of the administration. Full blown investigations are underway and some allegations point to instances where groups of different political stripes were also subject to similar disservice. I have more than a casual discomfort that very powerful government agencies seem to operate in utter defiance of the First Amendment.

Fortunately, I walked past a small plaque that said “Setty Dental Practice” on my approach to my hotel. The plaque wasn’t more than 3” x 9” but I found it early Friday morning as I sought a local practitioner. I was in their waiting room at 7:45 am and was heartened to see the diplomas from the University of Michigan Dental School – a good omen. I was scheduled for an evaluation at 11:40 am.

The mandate to businesses that they must have (and prove) health insurance for their full time employees will not be enforced starting in 2014. This was a clearly stated provision of the law and the administration has chosen not to enforce the law. I don’t get it. I seem to recall a specific grievance about King George in the Declaration of Independence: “He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.” If a piece of legislation is passed and signed into law, shouldn’t it be enforced? Are we subjects to a king who can overrule the people’s legislature?

My Chicago dental exam pointed toward two possible courses of action: an immediate root canal or a course of antibiotics and pain relievers that would carry me through the weekend until I could see my own dentist. I chose the latter.

The Zimmerman case, to me, underscores a few things. Laws are imperfect. It is, however, important to respect these laws – even if imperfect. And legal does not necessarily mean moral. Almost exactly a year ago today, I awoke to a criminal attempting to crawl into my bedroom window. It would have been perfectly legal to lay and wait until said bad guy got into my home and then shoot him. It would not have been moral. Instead, I yelled, told him (assuming a "him") that I’d kill him if he came in and racked the shotgun. He didn’t enter. An important take away: we might not like a law and dislike a court outcome. But is it worse to be in a society where the application of laws is malleable based on situational public opinion, a judge’s whim, or the braying of political pundits? I think it would be.

Scott amended his calendar to get me into his office first thing on Tuesday morning – at least an hour’s worth of drilling and evaluation. My jaw hurt. We’ve decided on an intermediate course of action in hopes of avoiding a root canal or an extraction. The medications remain important.

Detroit, Michigan is the largest American city to file for bankruptcy. The Chapter 9 filing was submitted today – consistent with the emergency manager’s exhortation to creditors. Real attempts were made to negotiate settlements outside of bankruptcy and certain groups wouldn’t budge. Now, it will be interesting to see the painful outcomes of bankruptcy court.

Perhaps these creditors will find that the intermediate course of action would have saved much pain. I’m relatively certain that my pain meds won’t help.

Image from:  http://www.silverliving.com/blog/2013/05/will-ltc-bankrupt-the-nation/

Did the Magi consider a cannon?

Has anyone ever done something for you that changed your life? It was the perfect thing at the perfect time? Maybe it brought you back from the brink?

Hollywood writers seem to create exceptional depictions of friend/friend or lover/lover or spouse/spouse instances where the perfect thing was executed. Characters ready to cash in their chips are revived by the quirky, the romantic, the thoughtful, and the unbelievably well-timed.

Over this weekend, I had the chance to celebrate our 237th birthday with a number of wonderful folks. We had lamb on the spit, a smoked whole hog, two bands, and likely a world record “flip cup” competition along a sixty yard dock.

One of my biggest giggles came from a big boom – two actually. My friends Brent and Jennifer brought their cannon. Yes, I said cannon.

Perhaps some context would be helpful.

I met these two through some mutual friends and I immediately knew they were quality folk. She teaches fourth graders; he is a genius at restaurant construction and remodeling. Through numerous Facebook postings, there is no question how much they enjoy life, each other, and taking pictures of their feet in the sand! I’m beyond jealous – I’m inspired!

Last Christmas, Brent gave Jennifer a cannon. I’m pretty sure it didn’t come in a classic Tiffany blue box.

BOOM!

The cannon is about 18 inches tall, 24 inches long and has carriage wheels. The ramrod packs black powder and wadding – no projectiles are inserted through the muzzle – the goal is noise, not destruction.

The first volley welcomed the evening’s feature band; the second bid the setting sun goodbye. Both required palms pressed over ears and both were felt as well as heard. Brent shared that these were shots 15 and 16 through the bronze beauty.

I’m off topic (due to cannon envy!). Back to my point – what was a perfect gift you received just as you needed it? Who was it from? How did it feel? I invite you to use the comment section – maybe it’s contrary to “writing” a blog, but I want to hear your stories.

BOOM!

Oh, and I think I can guess what Jennifer would write!

Are we Wolverines?

Tonight, I unabashedly watched and cheered Encore Channel’s screening of “Red Dawn” – a film starring Patrick Swayze, Lea Thompson, Jennifer Grey, Charlie Sheen, et. al. directed by John Milius and released in 1984. At that time, our nation was still deeply steeped in the Cold War and we were nearing the end of President Reagan’s first term.

A quick synopsis – Soviet forces manage to punch a hole into our country from Texas to Colorado. A small gathering of high school students band as “Wolverines” and repel the occupying forces. Violence, war tactics, and melodrama ensue with success finally granted to the gritty insurgents.

Pithy erudites dismissed the film as jingoistic and as sappy and predictable as anything filmed during World War II.

Well, shucks. I argue that America was at one of its best periods during World War II. During WWII, everyone was involved and everyone sacrificed. The Hollywood elites supported the cause by producing upbeat movies that inspired patriotism. Our entire population threw in for our victory – rubber, sugar, petroleum, and other basics were rationed to allow our troops to repel tyrannical desires. (I had an earlier post praising the “back home” efforts here:Link to prior post).

So, the movie depicts heroic efforts on the part of high school students to protect our country - so, yes, go ahead and embrace Coleridge’s admonition about “willing suspension of disbelief” as to the students' military success and inspiration from by a plaque citing Teddy Roosevelt: "Far better it is to dare mighty things, than to take rank with those poor, timid spirits who know neither victory nor defeat.“ Oh, and remember that the kids successfully repelled regular army Soviets with tanks and seemingly unlimited munitions.

I’m pretty sure that it would be folly to expect this sort of patriotism from today’s high school students. In truth, I believe (I hope unfairly) that teens wouldn't disconnect from their IPods long enough to consider staging a resistance.

But, I also wonder about all of us. Since World War II, the general population hasn’t been asked to throw in collectively on anything. We borrowed for the Korean War out of the post-World War II “peace dividend” and borrowed our way through Viet Nam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Let’s face it – with the exception of the individuals and families who provided service men and women, none of us were the least bit inconvenienced by the battles.

The Affordable Care Act has changed the playing field. We managed to take a 30 million person problem and make it a 300 million person problem. As the layers of the onion are peeled, we are starting to see that significant sacrifices will be exacted from all Americans to enact this law.

Despite the sales efforts, it seems that personal health insurance will be affected, limited, and costlier. There is a real risk that incentives to our best and brightest will diminish and there will be shortages of doctors. At some point, somebody or somebodies will have to determine who is too sick to get healthcare. And, at some point, those decisions will be made on the basis of health histories: “oh, he used to smoke, don’t give him a transplant; oh, she’s had STDs, don’t offer her OB-GYN care.”

I’m tossing out some “what-ifs” without question. But, I’m pretty doggone certain about a key thing: as an entire population, we haven’t been inconvenienced by pretty much anything since WWII. I wonder how we will do with the broad costs that are coming from the Affordable Care Act?