Column for July 21, 2005

Can you believe I saw a "back to school" commercial on TV already? Come on, I didn't even notice my kid was out of school yet. We did buy one of them new blow up pools for the summer. The guy who invented that was a genius. Have you seen them? A blue blow up ring, like a life preserver, only as big as the diameter of the pool. Then you fill it with water the ring stays or floats to the top, which pulls the sides up and keeps the water in. No fuss, no muss, almost instant swimming pool.

The All-Star game is always a sure sign of summer. It marks the half way point for baseball. This year the Tigers seem to be doing what they hoped they would for the last 15 years. That is get a couple of the young players to produce. To become real major league players.

Hosting the All-Star game is always a big media event. This year the game held in Detroit seemed to be a win-win for everyone involved. The city came off good. Lots of people, lots of press, lots of money and good times.

My friend Gino the Mailman and I went down to Commercia to soak in the All-Star excitement. I had been to All-Star games in Tampa and Boston so with this year being right in our back yard, I kind of felt obligated to go and I am super glad I did.

The downtown area was clean, fun and exciting. While I was down there I did my call in to JT the Brick's national Fox Sports Radio Show and standing beside me was Mick Foly. Mick of WWE wrestling fame, also wrestled as Cactus Jack and Mankind wrote the New York Times best seller book about wrestling was as nice as could be. He and his son were in town taking in the game. Turns out Foly is a huge baseball fan and has a book coming out later this year about the game.

After the excitement I talked Gino into stopping at the famous Lafayette Coney. He had the loose burger, I had the standard coney. I have to tell you it was incredible. A truly first class coney dog.

I see GQ magazine said the Millers Bar on Michigan Ave in Dearborn has one of the best burgers in the world. Also I see there is a new California Del Taco on Telegraph and Ford Road. Fresh made fish tacos that might be worth the drive.

Restaurant News Magazine says the top five restaurant chains in the United States are 1-McDonalds, we could have guessed. 2-Burger King, I know some kids that love BK. 3-Wendy's, good salads and I love the Frostys but to often seems like I get slow service. 4-Subway, I am surprised they are bigger then Taco Bell. Number 5-Taco Bell.

Little Caesar's came in at number 37, maybe if they get hockey back Mike Illtich will sell more pizza. Remember Benny and the Jets band can play your club, event, yard party or even a pizza party for $250.