WAITER ! There's a fly in my soup !!

Hmmm...

All of us have heard the saying, "Waiter, there's a fly in my soup!"; and, the responses, such as "Quiet, or everyone will want one," or, "Oh, I am so sorry sir, I'll have to charge extra for that."

I am not sure who originated the fly in the soup line, but I think that I can remember the late greats Jack Benny and Henny Youngman using it in their comedic spiels in the 1950’s and 1960’s.

Well, in almost 62 years, (from the time I was about 5 – I’m looking over the fence at 67 come this October 25th), of going to restaurants every now and then, it finally happened. There was a fly in my soup. How it got there is the interesting part.

Our son Clint and I met at McGrath's Fish House Restaurant at the Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood for a bite to eat before he went shopping for a suit. One of the items I ordered was an appetizer size order of steamed clams, with the requisite broth of butter, finely chopped garlic and basil, diced tomato, white wine, and clam juices. It is the kind of concoction that is meant for sopping up with butter-lathered sourdough French bread.

There was an annoying fly buzzing around our table. I waved it away from me and it continued to fly around all over the place. It was about two feet away from me and about two feet into the air, buzzing back and forth over our table.

The food server had just served the steamed clams. They looked great, and as if a nuclear reactor had heated them, steaming hot. Clint and I tried a couple of the clams and they were quite tasty.

The fly returned to annoy me, and I watched as it flew in an upward spiral above the large bowl containing an appetizer portion of clams. Suddenly, the fly stopped flying, as if an invisible missile had hit it. Its lifeless body fell straight into the clam broth. It was dead on arrival into that still very hot liquid. There was no effort to swim, no help me I’m drowning. It was dead.

I informed the food server, and she thought I was kidding – until I showed her the fly’s body, floating near the top of the broth. She went to inform the manager on duty. Clint took two pics of the fly. One with the fly in the broth, and one with the fly moved to a piece of diced tomato in a clamshell for a better look. (By the way, take a look at that small clam and see if it reminds you of anything.)

It took several minutes for the manager to appear. I explained what had happened, but he looked at me as if he thought it was not funny, almost as if it were an every day occurrence.

I thought the whole thing was funny, and tried to make light of the situation. I mentioned that at his next regional meeting, he would have a true fly in the soup story to tell others in his company. What a great opportunity!

To their credit, the manager removed the clam appetizer from the bill, and the food server provided a free dessert item, in lieu of another order of steamed clams.

DEEP SPACE

For those who know me, they realize that I have an interest in the night sky.

Unless one takes the time to look up at the stars, one will never see some fairly amazing things.

You do not need a fancy telescope, although that helps for viewing distant objects. A regular pair of binoculars comes in handy, sometimes; but mostly, just looking with your eyes produces some interesting results.

Someone forwarded me an email with a link to a short video about some Hubble Telescope activity. It truly is amazing to realize that astronomers pointed the Hubble to a dark area of space. What happened amazed everyone. That dark area of space revealed millions, if not billions of distant galaxies - not just planets - but big galaxies.

Sure, we see stars and some planets in the night sky; however, there really are BILLIONS of galaxies in the heavens. The Hubble video is almost breathtaking. Here are some links to it, and I hope they get you to the proper site so you can see this video:

http://www.wikio.com/video/1519366

http://gizmodo.com/5335503/an-amazing-galactic-photo-now-in-3d

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAVjF_7ensg&feature=email

Every once in a while I encounter someone who says they have never seen a satellite pass overhead. It is difficult for me to tell if they are pulling my leg. I enjoy watching a satellite when it is passing overhead. It always amazes me that a man made object is orbiting or flying high enough to reflect the light from the sun.

I have been watching for satellites since Sputnik and Echo1.

Where I live, in the "Pacific Northwest" it is possible to see satellites every night - that is, when there is a clear night. I admit it hurts my neck to look at the night sky. However, I resolved that by laying down on a mat. I pick a strategic spot for good north to south, and west to east viewing.

While in the presence of other people, we have seen some fairly amazing things. For instance, some satellites will stop, to a complete stop, pause a few moments, then continue.

Sometimes, a satellite will stop and change direction. Myself and others have seen a satellite make a 90 degree turn, go a short distance, then head in the original direction. We have seen a satellite make a 180 degree turn to reverse its direction.

Then, there are the satellites that stop, and jump forward three or four jumps, then go flat out at high speed, and disappear from sight within seconds. I wonder about those.

When a satellite stops, then jumps forward, stops again, then goes in a zig-zag direction, then in spirals or curly cues, over the course of three or four minutes, it makes me wonder how that happens.

After all, a satellite is in a stationary course in orbit around the earth, isn't it. How then, is it possible for satellites to maneuver?

That presents some interesting possibilities. Someone could be flying a craft high enough to reflect sun light. Or, maybe it is an unmanned craft being controlled by someone. What if these are examples of "hot dog pilots" from a military service from the U.S., Russia, China, France, England, etc.? It is possible that the U.S. military has "super secret" high flying aircraft, as yet unannounced to the public.

Whatever they are, there are some interesting views in the night sky, if you take the time to look. Since 1955, I have seen dozens of unidentified things flying in the sky - mostly at night, but sometimes during the late afternoon or early evening; AND, almost always in the presence of another person or other people. (Without using any alcohol.)

What if these are craft from elsewhere? I do not know the answer to that. However, I am very sure there are people who do know the answer, but they are keeping very quiet about it.

What Constitutes "Advanced Civilization?"

Recently, on The History Channel, there was a program about ancient civilizations. The narrator questioned how such remarkable engineering feats could be accomplished through the use of hand tools, by so–called “advanced civilizations” who were somewhat primitive by today’s standards.

The simple answer is, no one knows.

Did they come from outer space? No one knows. However, it is interesting to look at the placement of stones, and, the surgical incision–like grooves in some stones. Check out these links:
http://www.world-mysteries.com/mpl_6.htm

http://mayaruins.com/tikal.html

Suffice it so say that many researchers are convinced beyond any reasonable doubt, that our ancient ancestors did have visitors from outer space. After all, there are pictographs that show what appears to be space age uniforms and headgear – in various places on the globe, not just in Hackensack, NJ. Items, things we take for granted today, were not available, even in thought, 500 to 2,000 years ago.

The Mayans at Tikal, knew a lot about astronomy. They were able to accurately plot the movements of the planets; and, they somehow had the ability to predict solar and lunar eclipses far into the future. How did they do that? Where did they learn to do that? Who taught them how to do that?

Their society was agrarian, and somehow they scratched out an existence in a very hostile growing area.

How did they make calendars that could accurately go back into time, and, go far into the future?

At Tiahuanaco, before the invention of cranes, masonry saws, and electricity, these people managed to cut and place ‘polished’ stones with amazing engineering skill. How did they do that?

No one knows.

One of the proponents of the visitors from outer space, is Erich von Daniken. My “Activities Director” and I attended a lecture he gave in San Francisco, many years ago. However, his theories are not without the faint aroma of a bad fart.

http://www.skepdic.com/vondanik.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erich_von_D%C3%A4niken

Regardless, the stone masonry is remarkable, and the questions remain. I am not sure we will ever know how they did what they did – until the realization of time travel.

LUNAR LANDING LUNACY

In recent days there have been many comments about the "lunar landing" accomplished 40 years ago today.

Apparently, there is a thriving community of naysayers, or disbelievers, who believe the whole thing was a fake. All I can say is this: If it was a fake, it was a very good one.

I can remember a 1971 James Bond film, where the bad guys were chasing the good guy, right through a movie ‘set’ of a faked lunar landing. More than likely, that Bond film, Diamonds Are Forever, intentionally or unintentionally helped perpetuate the myth of a faked lunar landing.

Of course, you just know that if someone sees something in a movie, they believe it is true. Worse yet, some of those folks have a driver’s license and are registered voters.

If you look on Google for fake moon landing, there will be many, many sites offering theories.

To learn more about the actual moon landings, and the fierce competition between the U.S. and the then Soviet Union, here is an interesting link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moon_landing

I am in favor of another trip to the moon. The next one should be a multi-national effort, involving astronauts from three or four countries, in addition to the USA. Furthermore, interested countries should pony up their share of the cost.

With the technology of 2009 and 2010, there should be very excellent film coverage of everything from start to finish.

THREE AT A TIME

There is a “wives tale” that “celebrities die in threes,” within a very short time of each other. First, there was Ed McMahon, then Farrah Fawcett, followed by, Michael Jackson.

Ed was 86, heading for forever, Farrah was 62 and dealing with cancer, and Michael was almost 51, with a variety of health issues, including pain management. More than likely, none of them woke up with the expectation that they would die on the day when they did die.

For many years, each made their own special contributions to entertaining people.

Like him or not, Michael Jackson was a very innovative and talented entertainer.

However, Ron Upshaw, of the Ron and Don show, News talk 97.3 KIRO FM, (Seattle and Puget Sound area), made the following comment about the passing of Michael Jackson. “Thursday, June 25, 2009 @ 3:27pm Good riddance to the King of Pop I say good riddance to the King of Pop, my only regret is that he didn't die in prison where he belonged. I'm convinced he was a pedophile, and that's why I feel so strongly. What do you think? How do you feel?
~Ron”

Personally, I find it amazing how some people can be so uncaring, mean–spirited, and just plain nasty. Many people believe that Michael Jackson had a twisted, less than normal childhood, because he became a musical sensation by the age of 10. He spent his formative years, grinding out performance after performance with his older brothers, performing as The Jackson Five, in the goal – set by his parents – to mine or harvest as much money as possible, for as long as possible. He was the star. He was the special ingredient that made success.

Years later, during his trial, there was photographic evidence of Michael Jackson’s predilection for photographs depicting prepubescent males in a variety of sporting activities. More than likely, these were photos taken in European countries, at nudist camps, where most people would not raise an eyebrow at such photography.

Here, in the U.S., however, such photos almost brand, or would brand, someone as a pedophile. Still, one must wonder why an adult male would practically wallpaper the bathroom with such photos. Though for some people it does raise the possibility that Michael Jackson could have been bi-sexual. So what if he did have feelings toward both sexes?

The fact is, Michael Jackson DID have his day in court. I responded to Ron’s invitation to what do you think? What do you feel?, by making the following comment:

“Ron, MJ had his "day in court" and was found innocent. What you suspect, others suspect too; however, the California legal system found MJ innocent of ALL the charges against him. It is necessary to mention that adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, tend to repeat the offense on others. Not my opinion, but medical fact.”

Researchers report that sex abuse is not so much about sexual gratification, although that is part of it in some cases. Rather, most sexual abuse is about power and control, over other people. Usually, these victims are helpless to do anything about it, due to the threats of harm, against them or family members, etc. The threat of physical harm to the victim or others is part of the perpetrator's power and control issues. There are studies that show that many adult survivors of childhood sex abuse have a tendency to repeat the behavior.

Michael, Farrah and Ed will be missed, but will also be remembered for their unique talents.

BACKYARD GRILLING/BBQ

A question from Jon, in Arkansas: "What is the secret for grilling potatoes? Other than the nail, do you microwave for a few minutes, boil em?...an enquiring mind wants to know."

The secret is consistent heat. These were larger size spuds known as 'bakers' and required careful attention to make sure they were completely cooked. Inserting the "cooking nail," (found in the cooking gadget section of most grocery stores), helps distribute heat to the middle of the potato. Using tongs, of course, about ten minutes to a side, turn, ten more minutes, turn, etc., until they have had about 90 minutes cooking time.

I cooked these on Father's Day. The temp gauge on my cooking grill device ranged from about 175 to 300, as I added briquettes and adjusted, up and down, the tray holding the fire. Most of the cooking time was with the lid closed. Constant turning of the chicken, pork and potatoes, allows a better chance of complete cooking, without burning.

You can tell by the color of the chicken and pork that doneness is almost at hand. A closer look at the potatoes shows the nail protruding a bit. Look closely at the bottom potato and you will see a tiny dark smudge on the nail.

That shows the spot where I inserted the nail into the potato when I started cooking it. For whatever reason, as the potato cooks, the nail gradually comes out of the potato a little bit. In this example, a little more than one inch. Plus, as the potato reaches doneness, there are wrinkles on the skin. These potatoes ended up getting very happy with butter, fresh cut and chopped chives, and Knudsen's Hampshire Sour Cream.

Note, I usually DO NOT slather BBQ sauce onto cooking food, because doing so masks the flavor and appearance of the food, and risks burning the sauce. I like looking at the colors and smoke ring of the cooked meat.

However, I did prepare a batch of my nearly world famous BBQ sauce, so everyone could enjoy some on the side if they wanted to do that.

With blanched fresh asparagus, this was a great meal...!!

So, Jon, I guess the secret is consistent heat, frequent turning, and a careful eye for doneness; plus, the love of cooking good food for yourself and others to enjoy. Be sure to let me know how the potato caper goes in your backyard.

Photos courtesy of Clint, of CMC Productions.

RECENT NEWS COMMENTARY

A news item today mentioned that, despite the opposition of federal prosecutors, “U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman decided that John Hinckley, the man who tried to kill President Ronald Reagan, can spend more time away from his psychiatric hospital and apply for a driver's license.”

Some time prior to March 31, 1981, Hinckley had purchased a pistol and special ammo, intending to cause maximum damage, (Six Devastator rounds, which have lead azide-filled centers within lacquer-sealed aluminum tips designed to explode on impact, though all failed to do so), and tried to kill President Reagan. Hinckley wounded press secretary James Brady, police officer Thomas Delahanty, and Secret Service agent Timothy McCarthy. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Hinckley,_Jr.

Since 1981, Hinckley has been carefully hiding behind the smoke screen of mental illness, and, more than likely could still be a threat to others, especially Jodie Foster. By being confined to a mental hospital, Hinckley has been living the "country club" style of incarceration.

Gramps believes that if Hinckley is well enough to get a driver’s license, etc., maybe, just maybe, he is well enough to return to real confinement, for real punishment for his crime. (He was found innocent by reason of insanity.) His insanity should require life time confinement, to keep the public safe.

Hinckley tried to kill a U.S. president, and wounded others. According to a 1965 federal law, Hinckley should be in prison for the rest of his life for the attempted assassination.



D A V I D - L E T T E R M A N told a bad joke the other day, one in which he attempted to deride one of Governor Sarah Palin’s daughters. It was very definitely a bad choice for Letterman to even THINK about telling such a joke, let alone actually tell it to the studio and televised audiences. Yet, he and his joke writers thought it would be a great joke...

Gramps believes that whenever Mr. Letterman derides, or makes fun of others, more than likely he does so to mask his own insecurities.

Someone must point out that Mr. Letterman has a few deficiencies as well. Every day, David Letterman wakes up to a bad hair day, with that little tuft thing he has going on the front of his thinning pate. It would be far easier to shave his head.

Almost every day, Mr. Letterman dresses like a buffoon. Anyone who continuously chooses to wear white socks with suits, is a tad fashion impaired at the least. In addition, he seldom selects ties that compliment his appearance, further evidence of being reasoning impaired. However, maybe that isn’t his fault. Others who lack fashion sense for color coordination could be dressing him.

So, that is what he faces everyday - bad hair and bad clothing choices; and, to make himself feel better, he picks on others.

All of this points toward an over paid, marginal talent. Why? Real men do not make fun of minor children of celebrities. After all, during the election of 2008, POTUS candidate Obama made it very clear, that the families of candidates are off limits.

Yet, for whatever reason, David Letterman and his joke writers do not get it; that it is not OK to pick on others, especially children.