Freedom Fest, Organized Crime and Restaurants, and Random Trivia

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Freedom Fest, Organized Crime and Restaurants, and Random Trivia

Aimee Bissonette (Author of Children’s book North Woods Girl—a story of a girl and her grandmother) and Frank signing books at Wolf and Beagle Bookstore in Park Rapids I had the opportunity to sign Murder Book as it sold at Wolf and Beagle Bookstore in Park Rapids. It is a gem of a store and I talked to people from a variety of states who stopped in as they passed through. Aimee Bissonette, author of the children’s book North Woods Girl, was also signing books. North Woods Girl is a book about a grandmother enjoying rural Minnesota with her granddaughter. I stopped at 3rd Street Market next door and had an amazing white bean and vegetable soup and a pastrami sandwich with horseradish—all under $7.

Freedom Fest in Pierz was another success. I particularly enjoyed Brothers Tone and the Big Groove and the Fabulous Armadillos (see pictures below). I’ve heard upwards of 5000 people attended again. I love celebrations of music!

What era was the origin of bootlegging? The obvious guess was prohibition, but the practice started much earlier. The Civil War. Confederate soldiers were not allowed to bring moonshine into the camps, so many snuck booze into the camps in their boots and pants legs.

Restaurant sign language? Oddly enough, there are hand signs that the owners of elite East coast restaurants give to their staff to clue them in on when they are sitting with a group of people. If the owner loosens his tie, it means “The meal is on the house.” If the owner points the tip of his finger to his nose it means, “These people aren’t very important.” If the owner points to the floor it means, “This would be a good time to ask these people if they would like another round of drinks.” In LA the signs are less discreet. Two fingers in a sideways “V” means “VIP” or very important person. Holding the hand palm up means, “bring them some more bread.” Pointing to the belly button means “they are celebrating a birthday.” A hand over the lapel means “help” is needed at this table.

Organized crime and Restaurants: Organized crime has been involved in the restaurant business in New York City since the late 1800’s when Jewish, Irish and Italian gangs competed for power. A gang known as Murder Inc. was composed of Italian and Jewish members. The Italian American mafia rose to power during prohibition in the 1920’s. (One ritual involved holding a burning picture of a saint, while taking an oath of loyalty.) In 1970, Congress passed the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (better known as the RICO laws) which allowed prosecutors to go after the sources of revenue for the mafia. During the 1980’s and 1990’s, numerous high level mobsters were prosecuted, which significantly weakened the mob. The mafia is still active in gambling and loan sharking, and still hasn’t left the restaurant industry. The hold in the restaurant industry in New York is through linens (every restaurant needs to get their linens cleaned) and garbage pick-up. It works like this. If you open a new business in New York City you get a visit from a private garbage company that tells you, “Even though we’re more expensive than the public garbage collectors you will work with us. If you don’t, you might find yourself struggling with fires and health code violations. If you do, everything will be easier.” In summary—it’s not as bad as it used to be, but it’s still there.

Why was the spitball banned? In 1920, Cleveland Indians shortstop died 12 hours after being a hit by a pitch thrown by Yankees pitcher Carl Mays.   Chapman’s death led to banning the spitball later that year. Raymond Chapman is the only professional baseball player who was killed by an injury sustained in a major league game. It would be another 30 years before batters started wearing helmets. By the way, I strongly suggest enjoying an amateur baseball game. In the past couple weeks I’ve enjoyed some great baseball involving the Pierz Brewers, Pierz Bulldogs, Lastrup Lakers and Buckman with Billy Goats. Today Buckman beat Lastrup on hit with 2 out in the bottom of the 9th that bounced off a diving shortstops glove. Noah Boser hit a homerun to tie the game in the bottom of the 8th.

It’s probably not Donald Duck’s fault: Fewer children were named “Donald” last year than previous years.

Jacquelyn Kennedy became involved with billionaire Aristotle Onassis after both John Kennedy and Robert Kennedy were murdered. When Jackie was told Aristotle didn’t seem to be the right person for her to develop a relationship with, she responded, “Aristotle has a staff of 70 guards to protect my children. He seems like exactly the right person.”

Quotes from this past week’s interviews:

What year did you graduate?
                Answer: After the 12th year.

Are you in a relationship?
                Answer: I don’t know, she won’t return my calls.

Did your parents have any other children?
                Answer: I don’t know. I wasn’t really paying attention.

You said you were close by, in your car, when the crime was committed. Which direction was the car facing?
                Answer: Straight ahead.

Sometimes reality is the funniest.

Thanks for listening,

Frank

Brenda, Olivia and Preston at Café Ena on Grand Avenue in Minneapolis

Brenda outside Café Ena (The restaurant is named after the owner’s daughter)

Preston conducting the Crosstown Community Band at an outdoor concert in Minneapolis

Preston

Preston and Olivia

The Crosstown band becomes smaller as members enjoy summer vacations

The Fabulous Armadillos at Freedom Fest in Pierz with Pam O’Neil singing lead

Paul “Stretch” Diethelm of The Fabulous Armadillos plays one of many astonishing solos

Brother’s Tone and the Big Groove at Pierz Freedom Fest: John Tetrault (bass guitar), Mark Norgren (electric guitar), Dave Girtz (behind on drums), Jim Norwood (acoustic guitar), Karla Jensen (Vocalist), Camilla Larson (Vocalist), Kaitlyn Jensen (Vocalist), Joe McGown (keyboard), Dwight Nelson (Trumpet), Craig Mesenbring (Trumpet), Zach Miller (alto saxophone), Preston Weber (tenor saxophone), Dave Larson (Trombone). Andy Spofford (lead singer and guitar) had to miss this event.