Let's Get this Straight...

Okay, since I have started my new job I have cooked like I haven't cooked in a very long time.  That is to say a lot and quickly!  

It seems though, that people here in the Micropolis are not very informed about food.  Even the basic food that we serve there at the cafe.  

Today a lady asked for her eggs sunny side up cooked done.  I threw on two eggs and let them brown on the bottom.  When I brought them over to her she almost went "RainMan burned Eggo" on me.  She said, "I can't eat that!  The yolks aren't even cooked!"  After I calmed her down and explained that she had made a mistake in how she ordered her eggs I gave her the proper way to order what she wanted.  I think she was trying to look good in front of her people and only ended up looking foolish.  Nothing wrong with speaking plainly and within your knowledge base if it gets you the result you desire. 

And all you who still don't know...  A Western Omelet includes ham, green pepper, onion, and cheddar cheese.  You wouldn't believe how many different variations I have heard in the last two weeks.

"Under God"

Well election season is most certainly in high gear.  We have the old curmudgeon against the new change guy for president.  The state gubernatorial race is heating up between the established woman and that conservative guy from the town that does not recognize itself as a part of NC.  And we have Elizabeth Dole against Kay Hagan for the U.S. Senate.  

I got a piece of propaganda in the mail from the North Carolina Republican State Executive Committee.  They think Kay Hagan is a very bad person.   Allegedly she has visited with a group called the "Godless Americans Political Action Committee".  This horrible group, according to the propaganda I received from the NCRSEC, wants to take out "under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance.  

Me too.

You see the pledge was written by a Baptist minister, Francis Bellamy, way back in 1892.  His pledge, the original pledge, did not contain the phrase "under God".  This idea was started by the Knights of Columbus which is a Catholic fraternal organization that has as one of their founding principles, patriotism.  Is patriotism a bad idea?  Absolutely not.  

Here is where this starts to come full circle.  The Knights of Columbus started to petition the federal government in 1951 to add in the phrase and make it official.  Now who is a Political Action Committee?  After hearing a sermon by a Presbyterian minister President Eisenhower signed a bill, brought by two other men who heard the same sermon, on June 14, 1954.  

Here is Eisenhower's comment...  These words [“under God”] will remind Americans that despite our great physical strength we must remain humble. They will help us to keep constantly in our minds and hearts the spiritual and moral principles which alone give dignity to man, and upon which our way of life is founded.

Sounds good right?  Sure does, but should we need the federal government trying to influence our thoughts and moral principles?  Have we forgotten about Plymouth Rock?  Have you forgotten the construction paper pilgrim hat that we were forced to make and then wear to the cafeteria to eat the vilest form of Thanksgiving supper that a processed turkey can produce?  I think we have.  

These pilgrims put their lives on the line to escape the destination of the road that the Knights of Columbus started us down.  We do not need government to do anything but PROTECT our rights to freedom of worship and religion.  I can make up my own mind about the Almighty without the influence of the almighty U.S. government.

Think.  Then vote.

Life Change

Well this is a long time coming.   A lot of people have been in this with me and I have probably driven my wife half mad with all the different forms this has taken.  Well it's done and we are really happy about it.  Please celebrate with us as we make what we think is a great change for our family.

Chef,

This is to inform you that I am submitting my two weeks notice for the Executive Sous Chef position at Capital City Club.  My last day of employment will be October 16, 2008. 

I have chosen at this time to work for a company that contracts corporate dining.  Please know that much thought and prayer have gone into making this decision.  Not just by me, but by my family and close friends.  This move will allow me to spend more time with my family and to be involved with them on a more consistent basis.  It will also allow me to be available to my church without interference from my job.

I appreciate your willingness to work with me these past two years.  I hope that I have served the company well and have provided a building block on which the next Executive Sous Chef can continue to build.

I request that upon my leaving that I be formally separated from the company so that any owed compensation will be paid out in a timely manner. 

Thank you for your attention to this manner.

Sincerely,

David