A great Saturday morning to you; even though my thermos delivered coffee which was on the edge of appropriate hotness [Marcia had made it hours earlier – reason below].

This is the first, the very first, full week where our great city’s ‘astute’ leadership declared the ‘Nati to be a Sanctuary City. Well, the morning after that event I went on an earlier than usual walk so that I could catch city vehicles – police, fire, litter patrol, mayoral limo, etc. – all driving around with their windows open. I was so totally primed to hear the dulcet tones of Gregorian Chants come pouring forth. After all, I was now in a sanctuary wasn’t I?

No such luck, same old rap-crap came thumping by.

”Funny how “States’ Rights” is a dog whistle for racism, but “Cities’ Rights” is somehow a form of noble resistance against The Man” ~ Alan Storm

Wild & Wonderful World of ‘Fake News’ – You just have to live in a cave if you haven’t seen reference made to ‘fake’ news (‘propaganda’ in my day).

Well. Luckily here is an answer – our Public Libraries [we’re extremely fortunate in that ours is a 5-star entity and is rated as one of the top libraries in the nation].

So, if ‘fake’ news is an issue for you, our library’s on-line site has a drop-down menu for Research Databases. Easily found here is a massive on-line resource of “Opposing Viewpoints in Context”. A clear pro-and-con listing on most any political or social subject via the most respected entities available.

Another reference center offers “Points of View”. Here is where counterpoints are easily found including more than 1,300 essays.

What I am driving at is, that considering the current political hysteria we stop re-tweeting Breitbard or Huffpro, or MSNBC, et al. Stop reposting nonsense memes on Facebook. Do the research yourself.

Then, don’t just scour for ‘gotchas’ from within sources you agree with, but also look for the counterpoint. Empower yourself and separate fact from fiction.

Then maybe, just maybe, our ‘ship’ will stop heeling to only one side or the other. Maybe our ship will right and our current captain can steer it.

I think that the way it works is that should we not like the ‘cruise’ we’re on we can re-book every four years. In the meantime, climb on deck, enjoy the breezes, and capture the sunshine.
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I love Customer Service – and no-one is better at it than Costco. So good in fact that what I got this week from them is almost over-the-top.  Also, what I received is almost scary as to their knowledge and record keeping of my in-store behavior.

We got a card telling us that their Kirkland Signature Mediterranean Sea Salt Grinder which we purchased a month or so ago might not grind properly!

Huh?

Our recently purchased plastic, throw-away, salt grinder could ‘spit’ out a complete (and therefore ‘coarse’) grain of salt versus a ground up grain of salt.

So, Mr. Costco, your concern is appreciated very, very much. I’ll inspect very carefully each time I use it. But, truth be told, I love the way it operates – small and coarse grains in combination – but should I tire of this feature I’ll be sure to return it for a full refund.

Thank you so much.

The tale of the ‘Terminator’ – begins with a specially made 38” hot Mettwurst (grilled and infused with Cayenne pepper) placed on its 36” bun and a bed of grilled sweet peppers then covered with shredded Kraut.

Last evening there was a sort of party at Mecklenburg Gardens restaurant. It was for the viewing of the Food Channel airing of a segment they called; Das Wurst Chefs in Cincinnati (paying homage to the city’s German heritage). Marcia and I were there late last year when the filming took place.

One piece to add excitement to the evening was a contest to eat a complete “Terminator” within an hour – 3 took the challenge [one was a pro]. They could not leave their seats, no potty breaks, and each was given a 5-gallon bucket next to them. Yep, you probably guessed it, the pro (fittest looking) out psyched and out ate his opponents – then ate a cream puff for dessert.

Marcia’s friend is a member of the family which owns the place and we sat with her. For us it was not just coffee and a cream puff, but a complete sampling of amazing German style dessert pastries.

All this resulted in a horrid night. I woke up to a mate having a coughing spell, listening to very loud EMT calls [one ‘man’ down alert after another], and some radio show where the hosts were having a party. Marcia slammed the door on her way out of the bedroom. Trust me, it really was ‘bizarro’ world.

Having said that, our dinner evening was a total delight.

Power of the mind – Yesterday I ran across an ad for stating; “It’s like whipping seaweed over burning wood. Ya, Laphroaig is like that!”

In my mind’s eye not only could I smell and taste it, I really, really wanted a wee dram.

And then Marcia wonders why I have this ‘affair’ with Marketing and Advertising – when done well that is.

Finis – A small (tiny) round of applause please. This week, beginning with warmish weather then a cold snap for the past days, I managed to walk 23.5 miles in 6:55 hours. Thank you very much!

Then thanks to Marlene and Donn for visiting with and sending photographs of Marcia’s two favorite aunts ‘Naje’ (91) and ‘Dodie’ (93), two amazing ladies and as cute as I’ve ever known them.

Please keep Vince in your thoughts. Yesterday he had a PET scan (number 5) and will get the results on Monday.

You just know that in the northern hemisphere it’s winter, cold, and much snow (but we have none). So it’s no wonder that the news is filled with the mention of ‘snowflakes’ and just last night of the ‘Snow’ Full moon.

Make it a great week everyone.

Cheers.

Dirk