HAPPY THANKSGIVING

 

LEARNING A HARSH LESSON AT THE SPORTING GOODS STORE

 

 

 

On a trip to Richmond the other day, the wife and I stopped at our favorite sporting goods store to do a bit of shopping.  We noticed a number of differences since the last time we had stopped in: there were long lines of people waiting to look at handguns and AR-15 class rifles; shelves were empty; and prices had increased dramatically. The recent political uncertainties have encourage people of all ages, backgrounds, and creeds, to stock up on firearms and ammunition. However, there is one group of firearms enthusiasts that always stand out: the long distance marksmen.  These dedicated marksmen have a common theme, they are all dedicated to shooting as accurately as possible over long distances. 

These guys will spends big bucks on precision rifles that are used strictly for target shooting, and there is an entire industry built around competitive long distance shooting. Precision rifles tend to be more expensive than most rifles intended for hunting or self-defense. They feature extra heavy barrels, flat bottomed stocks, adjustable triggers, and other options which help steady the shooter and increase accuracy. The precision rifles we saw on the shelves began at $2500 and quickly increased in price. Fancy scopes for these precision rifles are also available, and many of these scopes cost more than the average hunting rifle. 

Having spent anywhere from $4000 to $6000 on a rifle and scope, plus several hundred dollars on top quality ammunition, marksmen will spend hundreds of hours at the range, in order to improve their shooting skills. These fellows are absolutely enamored of the idea of hitting a dime at a thousand yards, and that is just for beginners. There is no limit, no distance too long for the dedicated marksmen. The Internet is filled with guys arguing about the technical details of which rifles, scopes, ammunition, wind, distance, velocity, and so on will provide for the perfect shot. 

However, there comes a time when the great marksmen fail. Their accuracy disappears completely. Even when taking all factors into account: wind, distance, velocity, rate of fire, steady aim, quality of projectiles, etc, they will simply miss the target. Some of the older, more experienced guys will use a trick called "Kentucky windage" to help with their accuracy, but in the end it does them no good. Their projectiles go all over the place, everywhere except for the correct target. These poor fellows, for all their practice and attention to detail, fail in their accuracy every time they use the public toilet. 

WHO SANG IT BEST? THERE IS JUST ONE ANSWER.

The great tenor Luciano Pavorotti

Within the world of music there is always a debate as to is the best singer. Normally this is very difficult to judge, because most of what I will call "pop" singers stick to their own songs within their own genre of music. For example, someone like Kid Rock sings his own songs that belong to a certain type of music; Kid Rock would never sing something that was performed by the Beatles or Elvis Presley. There can be an argument made about copyrights or specialization of musical ability, and the such arguments are perfectly valid. However, in the world of opera, every tenor must sing the same music as every other tenor. Only in the world of opera can a real comparison be made between performers, because they must all sing the same exact things.

The aria call "Nessun Dorma" is found within the opera "Turandot", that was written by Puccini during the 1800's. The last part of the aria is especially challenging as it requires the singer to hold a note for an extended period of time. The following video showcases a number of performers, some them very good and some very bad. Generally speaking, folks who are "opera professionals" perform much better than everyone else.

After reviewing this video, most viewers agree that the great Luciano Pavarotti was the best. Some others were also very good, but none had Pavarotti's exceptional breathing control and ability to hold that last note for 18 seconds. Below is the entire performance, Pavarotti in the prime of his music career, a performance unequaled by anyone else.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS

 

 

 

 

I found a Youtube video that was pretty good, and I decided to share it with my viewers. I always try to be as accurate as possible when discussing food. This is a purely an American dish, and we should separate fact from fantasy.

First, pasta is eaten as a side dish in Italy, not as a main course.

Second, Italians do not use "sauce" as it's known in the US, they use fresh tomatoes.

Third, meatballs are purely an American thing, they are not found in Italy.

Fourth, if you are going to cook pasta, just buy the boxed version. 

 

 

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

OUR WEDDING JULY 08, 2007

It was a beautiful day.

OUR MASCOT

He's a cute little guy.

TODAY IS GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

Today is Greek Independence Day.
We remember the terrible sacrifices made by our forefathers in their struggle against the Turkish oppressor, so that we could live freely as Greeks and Orthodox Christians.

HE WAS THE BEST

 Luciano Pavarotti, he was the greatest singer of the Twentieth Century. Some folks will claim Placido Domingo was the superior operatic tenor, but I disagree. Nobody, and I mean nobody, could sing every high note like Pavarotti, and nobody had the same vocal ability and incredible breathing control needed to instantly go from a full throated bellow to a soft whisper. Below are some examples of the opera master's most popular arias.

This next one is one of my personal favorites. Pay close attention to his incredible power.

This was song was his signature aria. He took it from the realm of the commonplace and transformed it into something magical.

CHOOSING THE BETTER PROCESSED MEATS

Selecting a good quality meat can be a real challenge, even to the experienced shopper. I've been in the food service business for over 30 years, and I'm learning something new every day. Most of my meat purchasing knowledge is directed to fresh meats, for example I can immediately identify the quality of the steaks at a grocery store. However, I am not as knowledgeable when it comes to processed or cured meats, so I found this video to be quite informative. I will begin sharing more of these type videos, they are packed with good information.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Merry Christmas

Καλά Χριστούγεννα

Feliz Navidad

buon Natale

joyeux Noël

feliz Natal

Craciun Fericit

счастливого Рождества

Gëzuar Krishtlindjet

메리 크리스마스

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

THE DAY I COMPLAINED ABOUT OFFICER RUSTY

I TOLD THE TRUTH

(Names have been omitted to protect the innocent)

About 15 years ago, I made the acquaintance of a certain member of the Fredericksburg Police force. His name was Officer Rusty, for those of you that may have met him. This police officer was very aggressive and belligerent, with no gentlemanly social skills. He never spoke in a polite manner, and he constantly tried to intimidate everyone around him. I was never able to have a useful conversation with Officer Rusty, even after his retirement from active duty. 

Soon after I met Officer Rusty, a new police chief was brought in to lead the department.  The new chief was in town for no more than a month when some of his senior staff brought him to the 2400 Diner for lunch. I quickly introduced myself to the new chief. I always like to meet police, fire fighters, city council members, and other people like that, it's a good business practice to meet local authority figures. 

After I introduced myself, I explained to the police chief that I needed to report the behavior of one of his officers. 

I said "Chief, I need to report one of your officers. This officer tries to pick a fight with me every time he comes to our restaurant. He is not sociable to anyone, and many of my customers are afraid to go out in the parking lot when he is here. The previous chief would not deal with him, but since you are the new chief in town, perhaps you could talk to him and get him to calm down." 

The chief had a visibly concerned look and responded "Yeah I'd better look into this. What's his name?"

"Rusty." I provided.

The chief gave a perplexed look to his men and stated with some concern, "I don't know a Rusty." 

His staff shrugged their shoulders and feigned ignorance.

With a very business like attitude, and growing impatient with the report of this belligerent Officer Rusty, he pulled out a notepad and pen. He demanded information with a definite change in demeanor, "What does this guy look like?". 

I responded with as much detail as I could "He's got four paws, lots of sharp teeth and fur, and a tail."

The chief was completely taken aback, he exclaimed "What? What?!!" 

The officer sitting next to him nudged him gently, and provided the answer to all the riddles with a slight smile, "Chief, it's a K-9". 

 The chief's reaction is a classic. He face palmed himself, and gave a very audible "Ah!"

Officer Rusty was to retire a few short years later, and passed away soon after. I don't have any pictures of him, but the one below is a good representation. 

LET'S GO SALMON FISHING ON THE RAPPAHANNOCK RIVER

A TRUE FISH STORY

 

This happened few years ago, about 2006 or 2007.  I was working at the 2400 Diner one afternoon, and this gentleman came in and ordered a baked salmon. I prepared his salmon, and he was very appreciative of his meal. As a matter of fact, he was so appreciative of his meal, he told me how good it was...about six or seven times. I always appreciate it if someone compliments my cooking, but after the first few times it gets a bit uncomfortable. In order to steer the conversation into a different direction, I decided to throw him a curve ball. I told the gentleman that the secret to good salmon is to get it fresh, and that I catch fresh salmon from the Rappahannock River on a regular basis.

He responded with a certain degree of disbelief, he shook his head and exclaimed "I don't believe that for a second!".
This was a middle aged guy, not a young and naive fool. But I bravely pressed on. I gave him a bewildered look that would've made any actor proud, and tried to sound perfectly reasonable with my explanation.
I said "Look, when they blew up the Embrey Dam a few years back, all the salmon came out of the mountains. Now the river is full of great salmon." I continued with a conspiratorial whisper, "Why don't you get yourself a fishing pole, and go down to Old Mill Park and get yourself some fresh salmon?"
He was finally convinced, my showboating paid off. He looked at me straight in the eyes, and with a nod of his head "I think I'll try that."

(For those that don't know, salmon is an ocean fish, not a river fish. They visit fresh water rivers in Alaska and certain other cold climates in order to spawn. Regardless, there is no salmon within 1000 miles of Virginia.)

About a week later a police officer came to the Diner, and walked straight into the kitchen to pay me a visit. The officer was having a fit. He caught the man going into Old Mill Park with a fishing pole and all the normal supplies, looking for salmon. He even told the police officer that I sent him. It's been over ten years, and every time the police officer sees me he always asks if the salmon is still fresh. 

SPIDER-MAN IS WATCHING

We were at Gateway comics earlier today and we bought a few things.  As you can see from the picture, Spider-Man is watching closely and he is ready for action.

I WAS JUST REMEMBERING THINGS FROM LONG AGO

This song seems appropriate for my mood. 

This afternoon I was telling some customers and staff about things I've seen at the restaurant. There were so many people that have passed through our lives, but now it seems they are just shadows that haunt our memories. They were friends, neighbors, relatives, and customers. Many have passed on, others moved away, and a very few that are still with us.

MY AWESOME BREAKFAST THIS MORNING

 The above was my breakfast this morning. A deluxe patty melt and 2 fried eggs on grilled

 wheat bread, with cheddar cheese and onions.

My patty melt cooking on the grill. I prefer my patty to be about medium rare to medium.

As I was preparing my own breakfast, I was busy preparing this beauty. Country ham and eggs over medium, with freshly made home fries.

TODAY'S MUSIC SUCKS, IT LACKS SOUL

This is "GOOD" music!