What Got To Me Today: Flying fish grounded

Saline District Library has got to be one of the most welcoming gathering places for families in our city.  It has a warm community feel paired with separate areas for everyone, all of which boast every resource imaginable to meet the needs of each individual visitor.  The staff and overall services of the library are so considerate of their patrons, so genuinely interested in those who enter, so so so attentive to the needs of each and every book lover, computer user, class taker, student studier, card holder, young and old.

This being said, you can imagine my surprise when I learned a recent art installment created by young library patrons and other community art groups had upset some members of the community.  Let me explain.  This summer, the Saline District Library, along with Saline Parks and Rec, Two Twelve Arts Center, SDMA and the City of Saline have implemented a program called "Make a Splash Saline."  The idea is to engage residents in the creative spirit of fun in the sun and water-theme based activities which include everything from a fishy library wall in the juvenile readers section and SCUBA night presentations to Under the Sea Puppet Shows and storytimes with swimming.

The most noticeable activity however, and perhaps the perfect visual of the summer theme, is the Windsock Art Installation visible all around town.  Kids and patrons of the library led by other community art groups, created a beautiful windsock to sail above the library.  Other windsocks were also created and displayed around town in shops and businesses for a Fish Finder treasure hunt, as well as for sheer decoration, whimsy and enjoyment. In honor of the event, and as the true representative of "Make A Splash Saline", the library chose to hang their windsock high and proud on their flagpole, temporarily replacing the American flag.  Unfortunately, this upset some members of the community.  In true form for the library, which strives to consider the feelings of everyone in the community, a note from the SDL director today stated:

"We certainly would never mean to create hard feelings in the community. We have moved the windsock to an alternate location and raised the flag back on the flagpole. We always appreciate hearing from our patrons and friends and strive to create a local resource where all members feel valued."

That's our library for you, so considerate, so genuinely interested, so attentive. I would expect nothing less. Certainly, they felt this was the right move and I applaud their ability to correct any discomfort.  So why is this "What Got To Me Today"? I just can't get my head around the idea that someone must have thought the library was being, I don't know, unpatriotic?  Insensitive? Biased even? by showcsing the art created by the community's children?

As far as I'm concerned the SDL is the absolute one place in our city that is none of the above.  It is the most politically correct venue I've observed.  It is the epitome of community, where all are respected and all are free to gather without predjudice.  There is no doubt, if you look within their walls and their programming, their commitment to community, family, and country is evident.  They fly the American flag every single day, and thought it might be special for the kids who created the wind sock to see their work from the library's highest point, visible far and wide.  It was a temporary substitution to give a visual to the community and city-wide summer celebration.  If ever there was a time to temporarily substitute the American flag, with all due respect, this was it.

Of course, this is just me in a shark infested rant, and no, my kid wasn't one of the windsock creators.  I was just rubbed a little the wrong way by the idea there were some out there who actually thought the library was acting a bit short of duty.  Nothing could be further from the truth.

Food Review: Now that is a pulled pork sandwich!

It is true I have never done a food review.  I love to eat and I watch a lot of those cooking shows but am hardly a "foodie".  I cook for my family every night,  am constantly looking for healthier, tastier options to try, and have learned why certain cravings pop up unexpectedly.

  Chocolate for celebration, salt when I'm ticked off.

Sometimes I just don't want to cook.  When that happens, either my husband "cooks" which means Chinese take-out or a quick call to the pizza delivery guy, or we get the family together and take a trip to our favorite local yummerie, the Brecon Grille in Saline.

I'm not going to go on about the entire menu, the ambiance, the fact that we genuinely like the family who owns the place or the people who hang out there...you'll have to check that out for yourself.  I'm not going to elaborate on the award-winning seafood chowder served hot and chunky in a mug every Friday night.  I'm going to talk about what I think is the absolutely yummiest, comfiest, heartiest sandwich on the menu--BG's version of the Pulled Pork Sandwich.

I'm not sure why I'm such a fan of this type of sandwich, maybe it's my upbringing where it was prepared quite a bit.  Nowhere and at no time, however, had I found pulled pork perfection, until I tried this most awesome sandwich, whipped up at the BG by Nick (the man in the kitchen), overseen of course, by Paul, the owner.

Again, I'm not a culinary expert so I probably won't use terminology like that of trained professionals-but I'll do my best.  This giant sandwich is PILED high with the most tender shredded pork, smothered in just the right blend of sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, and topped off with slaw ( a recipe in itself) and shredded cheddar cheeses, sharp and perfect. It is served on an equally giant, warm onion roll, and it is so full of soft and mushy goodness that I prefer to eat it with a fork...so not to risk losing any of it onto my blouse.  I choose to pair it with sweet potato fries. These are served with a Bistro sauce, which has just the mildest kick of horseradish in it...the perfect spicy compliment to the sweet and smoky sandwich.  Wash it down with a coke or one of BG's icy brews and it is the perfect way to settle into the rest of your evening (or afternoon if you're having it for lunch).

So this sandwich has become my guilty pleasure.  I made a slight mention of it in one of my previous articles this month,  promoting the Bid for a Cure event, and have since had several inquiries so I thought I'd better elaborate on the subject.  If you are a fan of this kind of fare...wander over to the Brecon Grille in downtown Saline, 101 West Michigan Ave.  Tell them April sent you...and then let me know what you think!

Sports For Chicks: Spain Wins!

It was a long game on Sunday between the Netherlands and Spain in the 2010 World Cup.  Well into overtime (which in Soccer freaks me out because you never know how much time you are going to get--it is based on the number of time-outs when the clock doesn't stop), in the 116th minute, Spain's Andres Iniesta scores the only goal of the game.  Spain beats the Netherlands 1-0 and takes home the cup. 

Sports For Chicks: Nadal at his best!

I have to say it wasn't the most exciting match I've ever watched, but still worth  watching...(hello, it is Rafa we're talking about...I think I'd watch him playing Scrabble!). Anyway, he swept three games out of five to beat Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic.

Berdych has a mean serve, and I think that is what kept him in the game at all.  I think the match seemed less dramatic because of those serves, there wasn't a lot of volleying or breathtaking shots like we've become accustomed to when we watch Nadal and Federer or even Nadal and Roddick.  Nonetheless, it was a nice way to wind down Wimbledon (women's doubles are still in progress).

Bring on New York and the U.S. Open.  Nadal commented he is looking forward to the match, as he has never won a U.S. Open Title.  I am looking forward to seeing Federer back out there.  Unlike some of the commentators on NBC, I do not believe Federer is on his way out.  I predict Nadal and Federer in the finals in New York.

Sports For Chicks: Wimbledon Update Ladie's Finals

I set my alarm this morning so not to miss the Ladie's Final match on center court at Wimbledon.  Serena Williams did not disappoint as she won her 13th major title, catching Billie Jean King's record.

Williams beat Vera Zvonareva of Russia 6-3, 6-2.  Zvonareva was graciousl, yet disappointed, thanking her team who helped her get back in the game after several injuries/surgeries.  She even secured a seat in her box for her surgeon to attend the finals.

Rafal Nadal will face Tomas Berdych in the Men's Finals tomorrow morning.  I'll be setting my clock for that one too!

Sports For Chicks: Courts heat up at Wimbledon

Okay so things are crazy enough when Roger Federer doesn't make it to the semi- finals.  He was beaten in the quarter finals by Berdych, ranked twelfth in the world, from the Czech Republic.  Well, now that Berdych has also beat out Djokovic from Serbia, he will face my Rafa (you may know him as Rafael Nadal from Spain) in the finals on Sunday. This is going to be some crazy good tennis!

Can you imagine the hype going on in the Czech Republic this weekend?  Holy cats...this guy has a shot to beat the number one and two ranked, hottest tennis celebrities of the day all in one tournament.  I can't wait to see this match!  Typically, I am one to root for the underdog...but not this time.  I'm a true Rafa fan and will be cheering him on, especially after his rough season last year. 

As for the ladies...Serena Williams, in my opinion, is one of the most powerful women in sports.  She is just a mountain of strength, agility, speed, talent and personality...and she looks fashionable while she's at it!  She was wearing a bolero jacket over her tennis dress, which were both white, with red shorts underneath...she looked fabulous!  Who else dresses that well while competing?  Her sister, Venus, of course.

Serena will face Vera Zvonareva of Russia (ranked 21) in the finals tomorrow.

Sports For Chicks: Don't throw Vick back to the pound just yet

Michael Vick of the Philadelphia Eagles is in the headlines again.  Depending on which reports you read, he is either in real trouble and headed back to the dog house, or quite honestly, he is in no trouble at all. I've read three articles about an incident that took place June 25th at a club in Virginia Beach where Vick was celebrating his 30th birthday, none of which are conclusive.

Turns out, shortly after Vick and his group had left the club, there was a shooting in the parking lot, injuring a man named Quanis Phillips.  Who is that?  Mr. Phillips is a co-defendant of Michael Vick in the dog fighting disaster that took place a few years ago.  Different articles are posting different twists.  Both say the shooting was the result of a minor altercation that took place during the birthday bash.

So what is the big deal?  Michael Vick is on probation.  As part of the conditions for probation, he is not to have contact with any other felons (Phillips), and further, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodall gave Vick a very tight margin of error when he let him back in the game.  Any association with former dog fighting pals is a sure ticket off the field.

So...back to the reports of the incident.  Quantis Phillips was indeed in the VIP section of the club where Vick's party took place.  Where reports differ, is one suggests Phillips was part of the party, the other suggests he was asked to leave as soon as he crashed the party.  This is a very big difference.

The most important piece of evidence here has got to be the list of invitees.  If Phillips is on the list, that it is a real shame.  If he is not on the list, this becomes a non-incident for Vick, or even a good thing since Vick's people would have asked Phillips to leave, and when he didn't, Vick left instead.

I, personally, was disgusted by Vick's behavior years ago and thought he got a just sentence as a consequence of the animal abuse he played such a huge part in.  It is also my opinion he paid his dues in jail, he is now a spokesperson for PETA trying to educate others on the errors of his ways, and he has humbly accepted whatever the NFL has offered him, without complaint.  I have an easier time supporting someone rehabilitated like Vick, then I do someone like Ben Roethlisberger who is STILL behaving criminally and getting away with it while raking in the big bucks.

Anyway, I hope Vick truly was trying to separate himself from Phillips at his party.  I hope Phillips was not an invited guest.  If he was, however, only Vick is to blame.  After all he has been through, lets hope he knew better.