We interrupt this blog with a Daddy obsession..

My love of entertainment, whether it be a good television show, book, or movie, keeps me sane and grounded.  Many people have different means of escape, these are mine.

In ten years, you will probably still remember that everything came to a halt when LOST was playing.  Ten years from now, people will still be studying LOST as one of the best (if not the BEST television show) ever.  What makes it so good?  Storytelling that leaves a little bit of mystery, little bit of intrigue, and a little bit of magic!  That is what LOST brings with each and every episode.  It begs its audience to be smart.  It challenges its audience to be on top of its game.  One of the few shows that gives its viewers the credit for having the intelligence to not only follow along, but strive to figure out what is around the next corner!!

Thanks to JJ Abrams, Damon Lindelof, and Carlton Cuse for taking me along on this Magical Mystery Tour!!

I leave you with one of my favorite scenes from the show.

John Locke in one of the most notable scenes of LOST.  A quote to live by spoken by him was, "Don't tell me what I can't do."  Tonight begins the end of the series and I can't wait to see how it all turns out.

Until next time,

Big Daddy

How does a person eat at a fancy restaurant and how would you set the table?

Looking back at some of my posts, I realize my heart was in the right place, but I was getting away (a little) from my intended subjects.  So today's post will be a reboot of sorts.

It wasn't long ago that we were watching something on TV and there was a big fancy dinner table with all kinds of fancy place settings.  The question quickly posed went like this, how can somebody eat with all that fancy stuff on the table, and how would you know where to put all of that fancy stuff?

The above place setting begs the initial questions the boys asked.  I am here to tell you that I have probably eaten no more than five times in my life at a place that is this fancy.  A couple of things to say here, would be that the food was probably pretty good, but not better than something Mom could do.  Also, if you are not on expense account, the price of the meal is probably a little higher than your Dad's pay grade.

All of that being said, I want you to be comfortable if you ever find yourself at this table.  The best rule of thumb regarding the silverware is to work from the outside in toward the plate.  Also, if you are not sure, make light conversation with those around you, while stealing a quick glance to see what others are doing (more often than not they may be doing the same thing).  If you are in a fancy restaurant, generally, the wait staff, will guide you along in the correct manner.

The above diagram shows a legend for how to set up a formal place setting.

This is a fairly simple diagram for correct placement.  If you are put in a situation where you are asked to help set up these settings, tell the host that you are not comfortable with doing so.  If that answer falls on deaf ears, here is a solution that might help you wing your way through the task. Place the items with  even amounts of letters in its name to the left of the plate and place the items with odd amounts of letters in its name to the right side of the plate.  Simple rule that works and is easy to remember.  Another rule, although not steadfast, is to place the smallest items on the outside and gradually increase with the largest items winding up closest to the plate .

Gracious, that is a lot to learn.  I am proud that we have that under our belts.  Tomorrow, we will tackle some more etiquette and eating issues.  

Just a quick note to-Sarah, Joseph, James, and Ms. Emily Margaret: If I haven't told you today, I sure do love you guys.

Have a wonderful day!!

A