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I'm sure every occupation has stories about clueless customers/clients. Often, in several completely different businesses, I've become so frustrated trying to decipher a customer's intent that I've resorted to; "Let's go back to the very beginning. The sun comes up in the morning ...." When I'm still met with that "deer in ther headlights" stare , I add, "The sun is that big, round yellow thing, and up is ^ that way?" SB (Then again, when my computer malfunctions, the shoe is on the other foot. )

If we, as Americans, have come to take for granted service that's at least superficially courteous, sanitation of a relatively high standard, and and some resemblance of order and construct from our dining experience, I'd say that's not such a bad thing. On the other hand, I'm sure x% of modern Americans, here and abroad, react to the deviation from our accepted norm with boorish behavior, which is bad. However, I suspect the percentage of early Americans, modern Chinese, medieval Europeans, or ancient Egyptians who are/were "hypersensitive jerks" would be about the same. SB (The same x% of extraterrestrials are probably louts too?)

Now THAT is just plain silly! SB

Perhaps everybody does it because it works? I studied psychology, and I've been in the restaurant and other retail operations off and on for over 30 years, and it doesn't make much sense to me either. In fact, it could be argued that since almost nobody can computethe Sales Tax in their head, it makes even less sense than ever. Still, I doubt if many businesses, large or small, are likely to abandon the practice soon. Coincidently, Reuters had a story yesterday on gasoline pricing in tenths of a cent: A tenth of a penny may not sound like much, but that just goes to show what an insidious scheme this is. You know what they say: A tenth of a penny here, a tenth of a penny there . . . If you buy 1,000 gallons of gasoline, exactly one gallon at a time, Big Oil will have ripped you off to the tune of a whole dollar! SB (who, btw, currently rounds off to 50 cents in his store)

"In general", it's easy to identify the "smart retailers". They make money and stay in business, the others lose money and go out of business. There are millions of reasons why. They're not trying to "trick" people. They're just doing what traditionally works. This IS the crux of the matter. Type "psychology of pricing" into Google and start reading. Consumers are an odd bunch. I agree 100%. Once again, I agree 100%. In fact, I think because of the unique nature of the business, restaurants might even be the exception to the rule in this case. You'll have to convince them though. (I've tried) Once again, I agree, but harken back to; is the restaurant making money and staying in business? If so, it's making a profit, (or at least breaking even and hoping to make a profit some day), so the practice must result in enough revenue to at least offset the potential savings on ink? People are funny. Retailers just aim to please. It's hit and miss. SB (many years in the retail and restaurant buisnesses)

Most don't even give it a first thought, and that's why it works. Retailers aren't stupid. Small town grocers and restaurant owners, and other businesses, figured this out long before psychologists studied it. You don't think gas stations would like have that extra tenth of a cent/gallon on all the fuel they ever sold? SB

Ask any retailer. Believe it or not, it works! SB (you can fool enough of the people enough of the time ....

Under the circumstances, would anybody actually prefer to be seated next to the only other occupied table? Unless there is some extenuating circumstance, leaving an empty table between parties is the safer practice, and a good restaurant should understand that. SB (prefers to sit with his back against the wall, and near an exit)

Before you even enter the establishment, note the cleanliness of sidewalk out front. And if you really want a good indication of a restaurant's fastidiousness, go around back and check out the alley, especially around the garbage containers. SB (btw: also hates those restroom blow driers)

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To get a really good deal, pay in Venezualian Bolivars at about 2,150/$! SB

I took my date to one of the finest restaurants in New York for a special occasion. "Halfway through the main course...another couple was seated directly next to us," even though there were "several empty tables!" Our "intimate dinner was ruined." Where do these people get off. Couldn't they tell we wanted to be alone? And when I brought the matter to their attention they look at me like I was crazy! I could even see the other party talking about as behind their napkins. My date was completely devastated, and wouldn't eat again for days. Even my dog, sensing something was amiss, wouldn't touch the left over foie gras I brought home for him. I was so embarrassed I asked my credit card company to refuse to honor the payment for dinner, but they said even accute embarrassment isn't reason enough for them to take action. (and I almost always make my minimum monthly paymen to them on time!) What's this world coming to? I wrote a letter to Tom Sietsema of the Washington Post so he can alert his readers to the shockingly insensitive and inept behavior of this establishment's staff. I figured this was the only place I could find a sophisticated enough audience to commiserate with me. SB

Who? Moi! SB (positively sick about people blaming whiners for everything)

For everyday cooking, faithful Betty Crocker! (my Mom's old copy) For fancier fare, Julia & Jacques Cooking at Home For baking, The King Arthur Flour 200th Anniversary Cookbook For "technical" matters, Shirley Corriher's Cookwise SB (for inspiration, anything by MFK Fisher)

Don't forget that Ben & Jerrys, Toms of Maine, Bruce Aidell, Sharfenberger and other companies beloved by faithful customers weren't firebombed or forced out of business by armed thugs. They SOLD OUT! For big bucks. I'm not saying they're wrong for having done so, but what do you owe them? Apparently the dedication and devotion was a one-way street? Everything isn't always as simple as sacred cows vs oxen gored. SB

I'd no sooner argue about anyone's conscience than their religion or politics, but some arguments of this sort, (and I'm not even using this one as an example), remind me of the old expression, "cutting off your nose to spite your face." There are plenty of things to be indignant about compare to things to enjoy, and life is short. SB (who, for the record, may be the only living Amercian to never have eaten at MacDonalds)

The Butter Tart recipe looks good! I think I'll try it. Also, looking back over the Canadian Foods link I found this: "And the traditional Newfoundland beer snacks, salted dried caplin and salted dried squid, served after heating on top of the woodstove. And hey, there's fish 'n' brewis; and damper dogs (though I believe the Aussies do something similar); and toutens. ...and I haven't seen anyone make pink potato salad outside Newfoundland (it's got pickled beets in)." Although Zach's Canadian ancestors are Newfies (sp?) I have to draw a line somewhere! After all, he's only half Canadian. SB (but I'll bet he'd love the Ketchup flavored potato chips)

Remember that the "multinationals" provide the marketing power and distribution system to bring these products to your store efficiently and reasonably priced. Moral or political considerations of practical matters can be inconvenient and costly. I'll tend to scew my purchases toward smaller or local companies, even if their products cost a bit more, but it's usually because of perceived quality issues. SB (but, that's just me)

My de facto grandson, who's half Canadian, is staying with us. Is there anything special I could serve for Victoria Day, other than vinegar or gravy on his french fries? SB (at 2 1/2 he's too young to drink beer)

add to fried rice

Not unless it translates into a fear of purchase? SB

An important point. Sanitation and cleanliness are expensive in both time and money. We fail to appreciate that standards generally adhered to in our modern supermarkets are actually a luxury. Cleanliness may be next to Godliness, but it's a lot more expensive.

FYI: According to King Arthur Flour, that amounts to: 4 sticks of butter 2 cups of sugar 9 large eggs 4 cups of flour SB ("incredibly rich" is an understatement)

Those are interesting looking knives with a good history. I may try one. My '54 Ford had an engine turned dash panel. From the Warther site: "Warther knives have been made for many famous people including: Ronald Reagan, Frank Lloyd Wright, Gerald Ford, Nelson Mandela, George Bush Sr., George W. Bush Jr., and Perry Como." What an interesting group of "famous people". SB (Perry Como was one of my Dad's favorite singers)

FYI: The Minnesota Hisorical Society is currently developing an exhibit to coincide with the State's 150th Anniversary in 2008 of 150 special persons, places, items or ideas that originated in Minnesota. The Bundt Pan has been nominated in the Technology and Industry category. SB (BTW: I nominated it)