It might be easy to say “I’ve saved the best for last.” But it would be a lie. I’ve saved these for last, and only the final song of the day is truly a classic. But I heard you all loud and clear last year when you applauded the weird stuff. Consequently, I’m going out with a bang. Next year we will return to classics. But for now, a robust selection of strange stuff suited to this blog.
Frankly, I don’t know where Western civilization would be without yodeling. You can ponder that while you listen to this Yodeling Christmas Song:
Last, and definitely far from least, I end this season with one of my favorites. I wish each of you a blessed and Holy Christmas. Now, listen to those kids from Gary as they sing Santa Claus Is Coming To Town – The Jackson 5:
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.
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 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 Haitiis 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 Avengerby 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!
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.
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.
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
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.
