Every week I sit down at the computer and try to think of catchy opening line or idea for the column. Often I will reflect on something that happened in my life that week. Or a more immediate problem like being hungry. Not that I eat more then the next guy. Just seems to be a universal topic. So I am sitting here munching on some 99 cent fat free animal crackers. Not bad, kind of plain, though they tend to stick to your teeth, but on with the column.

 

More food. I was interested to hear that Chef Shawn Loving, of the Farmington Hills restaurant Loving Spoonful 27925 Golf Pointe Boulevard, doubles as Detroit Piston Rip Hamilton's private chef. Breakfast lunch and dinner he prepares the best. Pickled beets and grilled chicken salad. Beef and pepper steak with corn. Parmesan chicken skewers. Crab-stuffed steak with barbecued salmon and white chicken lasagna. Even desserts like lemon cake or gooey butter cake. I heard no mention of animal crackers?

 

Did anyone think that guy on the WB ch 20's "Beauty and the Geek" reality show looked familiar? He was Josh Herman of Farmington Hills. The 27 year old University of Michigan grad won the contest making him the winning geek. He and his beautiful female partner will split the $250,000 first prize.

 

How can the BP gas station on Grand River charge $2.53 a gallon when the BP on Ford Road is charging $2.33? 20 cent difference for gas that probably came off the same truck on the same day.

 

I was interested to read Hank Borgman's letter to the Gazette. Mr. Borgman thinks $750,000 might be to much for the city to spend on a wheelchair accessible ramp from the old Junior High School down to the Shiawassee Park. While I am not familiar with the particulars I applaud Mr. Borgman for voicing his opinion. I have said over and over today's blank check government mentality needs to be addressed. When was the last time any of us spent $750,000 on anything. Yet big government writes checks like that without a second thought.

I personally wouldn't spend that much money on anything. Not even a big fancy Farmington house, with a library, skate board park, and a gazebo! This of course coming from the guy eating animal crackers from a plastic bag.

 

I enjoyed hearing about local musician Pat Brennan celebrating the release of his first solo CD. Mr. Brennan known around town as a musicians musician was influenced by everyone from Bach and Mozart to the Beatles, Van Halen and Frank Zappa. Pat performs every Thursday at Silky's part of Kernans Steak House 21931 Michigan Avenue in downtown Dearborn. For more information on Pat Brennan see the web site www.patbrennanmusic.com. On Wednesday's Silky's will host a get together with some of the area musicians including former members of Sunglasses After Dark, Bobby Lewis and the Crackerjack band, Jamie Coe and the Gigolo's, Ashley's All-Stars, Benny and the Jets, Karaoke and more.