I gave a tour to some fellows from Japan yesterday. About a dozen young men from various car companies.....Toyota, Honda, Mitsubishi, and there is where the irony comes in. Yesterday was the 63rd anniversary of the dropping of the Atom Bomb on Nagasaki. Mitsubishi, during the war, was the primary producer of fighter planes for the Japanese Imperial Army and Navy.

   I hadn't thought of it at the time (the anniversary), and looking back, I doubt if I would have mentioned it. What's past is past, and we all learned our lessons about global war, and the use of nuclear weapons. Besides, the group was more interested in hearing about the jet aircraft, so that's where we spent our time.

   Escorting the group were a couple of interpreters, and it was somewhat disconcerting to be talking about a plane, and listening to the interpretation at the same time. An unusual tour to say the least.

  One of my favorite things about giving tours is that you meet such a diverse group of people who come thru the doors. For instance, among the customers yesterday was a family from India, a gentleman from Portugal, and the aforementioned Japanese group. Wow.

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    Pat and I headed for the Ribfest, where we met the kids, and Addison was taken by the balloons. She loves balloons, and had the time of her life, while the rest of us scarfed. I enjoyed a rib sampler, a brisket sandwich, and of course, an elephant ear.

     I love me some Ribfest.

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   America........we lost a good one yesterday, as word came that Bernie Mac passed at the age of 50. Bernie was a funny guy, and from what I understand, one of the nicest people in Hollywood. His show "The Bernie Mac Show" still plays in re-runs, and if you never saw it, catch it whenever you can. It's a hoot. He was also part of the ensemble for the "Ocean's" movies.

     R.I.P. Bernie.

     America.........will miss you.