Ideal Diner: Restaurant Review.

Posted on by

I have graced the pages of this blog with a multitude of reviews over the last few years. Some were fascinating, most pedestrian, a few just stupid. Here’s another one to put in one of those groups as you see fit. I refer to the Ideal Diner of Minneapolis. Any place that I’ve gone to eat for over 32 years has got something going on inside other than decent coffee.

Before we go any longer without a plug, it’s so close to Christmas and you’re almost out of time. You’d best buy a copy of Assault on Saint Agnes so that your family still loves you.

There is no such thing as too much chicken-fried steak. Especially when it comes to gravy application. I heartily endorse this one. Yes, those hash browns and eggs are as close to perfect as you can get. The toast has exactly the right amount of butter to boot.

I have eaten pancakes in a lot of places. Some of them high-end, some true dives (submarines). None of them even comes close to these. I don’t know if they sprinkle fairy-dust on them, include sugar in the batter, or pay off God to make them perfect, but you don’t need syrup on them. You barely need butter. Hands-down they are the best pancakes I’ve ever consumed.

Let’s all be honest – there’s something cool about the chromed diner look. This picture is a bit blurry, but the place is always spotless and the walls gleam.

One part of the magic in places like the Ideal is that you get the flat-top grill show for no extra charge. Watching an artist on the grill is a thing of beauty – they make the task an acrobatic performance as they swoop into the freezer, ladle lard, flip eggs, and rack up toast. I especially love hearing the sizzle as my bacon comes ready.

Air holes and bubbles tell you just how light this flapjack is without any fancy terms.

Somebody is getting a great pancake: Me!

I’ve enjoyed this view for three decades. I will be going back often in the next three (God willing.)

My advice is go in with a plan. They stack them up like cord-wood in this this place. The motto is “14 stools, one counter, no bathroom.” When you hit the door (and forget about it after 9 in the morning on a Saturday) you see the wall of people. Grab a menu, shuffle to the left or the right, and be ready when they ask for your order. You will not be forgotten. As a stool opens up, your order is already down on the grill. Coming at you a few minutes later, you have plenty of time to enjoy your breakfast, but don’t linger. Only jerks linger. Get off the stool, go to the coffee place and waste their time. The Ideal has people to feed and you’re stealing oxygen. They’d never tell you that, but when they smack that check down, it’s time for you to get up.

Tell them I sent you.

Oh, and if you read this far, and are kind enough to share the blog on Facebook, drop me a comment on the blog. The first person to do so will be getting a spiffy Ideal Diner coffee mug in the mail.

The Two Best Books You Can Buy For Christmas.

Posted on by

The title this day is a bit shameless, because I honestly think my book Nicholas of Haiti, and the book of my dear friend Timothy Moynihan, Prodigal Avenger, are the two best buys this Christmas. 

Now, before you get enraged, and tell me “The Bible is the only book you ever need,” you have to understand that I’m talking about modern Christian fiction. Please put down the knife, I agree on the Bible. But we’re talking about books that heathen like me might enjoy. More importantly, we’re talking about books that I might have enjoyed prior to being born again.

Let’s start with Nicholas of Haiti. Simply stated, it’s a modern retelling of the tale of Saint Nicholas of Myra. I took some minor liberties with it to bring it forward 1700 years, but the story hews remarkably close to his legend. While most do not realize it, Nicholas of Myra became our modern Santa Claus (Saint Nicholas, get it?) and is a vital part of western culture. Outside of the Apostles and Mary, he had more churches named for him than any other saint.

So, Nicholas of Haiti is replete with miracles, a growing spiritual awareness on the part of Nick Bacon, and is written in the style of an action thriller. No dull parts were used in the construction of the book. Ideal for readers seeking a different view on human trafficking, it is designed for church and reading groups with a series of study questions at the end of the book.

All proceeds from the Kindle and paperback sales are being donated to a charity that supports children in Haiti. 

The second book is Prodigal Avenger by Timothy Moynihan. It’s not often that I get excited about a book in the Christian fiction genre. It’s even less often when I get excited by a book written by someone I know seeking an endorsement. (You see, authors bug each other with this kind of favor, and you hate to tell your friend his book stinks.)

I need not have worried: Prodigal Avenger is THE SINGLE BEST MILITARY THRILLER I’VE EVER READ IN CHRISTIAN FICTION. Yes, that was all caps. It is deserved. You see, Moynihan has been there and done that like I have. I’m not claiming anything but having been privileged to have served with the best. Moynihan is the same – but it’s freaking obvious that he’s seen all sorts of nifty/grim things in his years in the military. He’s one of those guys who downplays his Ranger qualification. Let me tell you: it’s nothing to sneeze at, and I could never have completed the training. 

Realistic, funny, great dialogue, plausible scenarios, redemption component, and just great writing. I’ve known Tim for about 5 years, and he’s gone from a guy at a conference seeking his “true north” in the writing world, to a man challenging the top writers in the military fiction genre. 

So, quit messing around and go buy a copy of both books for your friends and relatives. Buy them for your coworkers. Buy them for your church reading group. (Yup, study questions and all. If you get a megachurch to read my book, I will probably come and discuss it with you if you’re anywhere reasonable close to Minnesota – or it’s warm. Definitely if it’s warm for the next 4 months.)

But buy them. And do it now so they arrive before Christmas. You probably should buy both Kindle versions as well so you can read them yourself. That way when the recipient of your gift starts raving about how wonderful they are you can sagely say, “Yes. I know.”

*********************** *********************** ************************ ************************ **************************
NEW BOOK IS OUT!

My second novel, Nicholas of Haiti, is now available. Go fetch your credit card for the Kindle, print, and audio book versions. This is not a sequel to Assault on Saint Agnes, but a unique book in the speculative Christian fiction world.

Audio book cover on the left, Kindle cover on the right.

Please follow me on Twitter, and “Like” the Facebook author page.

Don’t forget to subscribe (the box is on the right side of the page) to be eligible for free e-books and other benefits! Oh yeah – grab a copy of Assault on Saint Agnes if you’re of a mind.

Christmas Music Videos – December 14th.

Posted on by

Some of you have asked, “Good grief. Do you hunt for these all year?” Yes. All year. I start in January. So, you can see, it’s nothing but the very finest in strange Christmas music videos that I bring to you.

MY FAVORITE video today, largely because it is a wonderful bit of propaganda, is Feliz Navidad from the Nigerian Paramilitary and Military forces.

Next up, two of my favorites combine for a duet. I miss Tom, and lament the proclivity of the rich and famous to abuse opioids. Such a loss. Tom Petty & Stevie Nicks Silent Night

This next one… Danged if words explain it. But the hat is worth the watch. Jingle Bells on guitar, keyboard and harmonica

Yes, we’re heading down strange street now, this artist bills himself as “Vibralph.” Vibraphone Do You Hear What I Hear

Last, but far from least, we have a traditional classic. Yes, it’s just plain unsettling, but the guitar work is stellar: Silver Bells as performed by Twisted Sister

Pearl Harbor Day Christmas Music Videos

Posted on by

Nothing says “Christmas” quite like the promise of something spectacular and festive from Tommy Tune. How Bing Crosby ever took the title from him is beyond me. Here we’ve got New York At Christmas to prove that point.

Speaking of Der Bingle, here’s another classic: Mele Kalikimaka

Because you may have been overwhelmed with the spirit of sweaters by Tommy Tune, or overdosed on poi, I’m going to throw in something much more to my tastes. Black Umfolosi Christmas Tune

Heading back to the land of sweaters and strange behavior, I’d like to present Christmas at Ground Zero, another Christmas standard by Wierd Al Yankovic

In the Americas, we’d like to think we have a handle on our musical heritage. Only my friend Robson will fully appreciate the Brazilian Christmas Carol I have for you in this link.

Today’s last entry also comes from this hemisphere. I love Haiti, and have had the honor of being serenaded by small children singing in Creole. There is a huge plus to being Papa Noel in Port Au Prince. Without further ado, I give you Miu Haiti Haiti Joyeux Noel.

Wait – I may have lied… I did. One more for today. Silent Night in Portuguese. Because.

Nicholas Of Haiti Is Now Available. And, It Appears I Am Famous.

Posted on by

First things first: my second novel, Nicholas of Haiti is now available. It is an all new story, and NOT the sequel to Assault on Saint Agnes – that’s coming in the next 12 months.

Here are the links:

Kindle, print, and audio book versions.

Audio book cover on the left, Kindle cover on the right.

Now, on to the famous part: Frank Rajkowski, a reporter for KSTP did a wonderful article on Santa from the business perspective and was kind enough to feature me. Please take a few minutes to head over to the site and read the article. It’s way nicer than I probably deserve, and it was humbling to be asked to represent the local Santa group, North Star Santas.

Next, the widely read book blog by Amanda Geaney, Christian Shelf-Esteem, featured my story today. I talk about how Nicholas of Haiti came to be, and how God influenced the work. Okay, He wrote the book and I just typed. It’s that simple. Please take the time to read some of the other reviews, she does a great job covering Christian fiction, and was very gracious in allowing me to post my story.

There will also be an interview on Minnesota Public Radio, and another major review (I’m hoping it’s kind) coming in the next 10 days.

I hope that all of you who like what you read here will buy a copy of my book. All proceeds for the Kindle and paperback versions are being donated to charity, I’m only keeping the royalties on the audio book. Nicholas of Haiti is a great read for book groups, and it contains discussion questions following the book to guide the conversation.

As always, be blessed and I’ll be back soon.

*********************** *********************** ************************ ************************ **************************
NEW BOOK IS OUT!

My second novel, Nicholas of Haiti, is now available. Go fetch your credit card for the Kindle, print, and audio book versions. This is not a sequel to Assault on Saint Agnes, but a unique book in the speculative Christian fiction world.

Audio book cover on the left, Kindle cover on the right.

Please follow me on Twitter, and “Like” the Facebook author page.

Don’t forget to subscribe (the box is on the right side of the page) to be eligible for free e-books and other benefits! Oh yeah – grab a copy of Assault on Saint Agnes if you’re of a mind.