Belvoir ILE SG 29A

You’ve all seen them online, the blogs, maybe a wiki or two, possibly an RSS Aggregator; but when we mention social bookmarking, Twitter, and online photo sharing the stare begins to go blank.

Well before you burn this post consider what these tools can do for you. Not just in the work context, but also when you are away on temporary duty, or a longer deployment. These tools are characterized as “social” for a reason.

So whether you are trying to establish a more social communications with your family, or trying to find a more effective way to work collaboratively with geographically separated agencies then hang in here, web2.0 tools are for you.

Another great influence on my life came when I was a 1^st Lieutenant and assigned to 1-319^th (Airborne) Field Artillery Battalion. Hailing from Ohio, then Staff Sergeant Michael D. Bruck became my leader counterpart when I was assigned as a Fire Direction Officer. How to describe the man, confident, determined, goal oriented, intelligent, and as cool under pressure as could be. But, he knew how to take immature youngsters and turn them into men! I would say that he was uncompromising, knew what was right, and would not relent when it came to accomplishing the mission. In short, he could be relied on.

Besides his leadership skills he was also an authority in his job. He was a Fire Direction Non-commissioned Officer. I would say that he was probably as good as one could expect, I don’t think I ever found him at a loss for a job related question, of the many I had. And it was a pleasure to work with Michael, he was all about business, but also had a sense of fun as well. I don’t think there is anything about fire direction that he did not know.

Michael Bruck is truly a great American. As he told me later in his career when he served as an Army recruiter; “we have the best that America has to offer serving and joining the ranks.” And I believe him.

When I first enlisted in the Army in 1973 I still recall how shocked I was. This was an Army of a different character. As the recruiting standards were so low there became units that could not be trained. I think of those times as shameful for America. But when I think back on my association with Michael I am proud of the quality military we have become. Mike, though I thanked you at the time I consider you a mentor, teacher and a truly great leader that illustrates the strength of our nation! Hank   

HUNGRY and looking for a fun filled atmosphere?  Generous Georges Positive Pizza and Pasta Place this is the best bang for your buck and is conveniently located on Duke Street about a mile outside of historic Old Town Alexandria. Specializing in generously sized portions, the food lives up to the hype as well.  I was there last weekend and enjoyed a large (HUGE) pizza with some friends.  We had three guys and one lady “chowing down” and were barely able to finish it off.  The ingredients were fresh and the selection of pizzas and pastas were extensive enough to appeal to customers who maintain the most “selective palates.”  Looking for a twist?  I was impressed with the creativity of the owner.  The restaurant specialty is called a “pasta pie” which, as the name reflects, are pasta noodles on a hand tossed pizza crust. For those who also enjoy a brew, the “generous” in the name applies as an understatement to the small barley ocean that is delivered to your table. 

This restaurant’s atmosphere is a one of a kind – “must see to believe” establishment.  It could be described as modern art with a twist… or a huge squeeze of childish fun.  Not the most romantic place to take a first date, but truly a lively and family friendly place.  The night we were there a balloon blower was wandering the tables making tremendously elaborate creations for kids of all ages. A definitely fun place for families and friends to hang out and share a good quality informal meal in a rock’n atmosphere.

Interested? Head to the website: http://www.generousgeorge.com/index.html

Location of GENEROUS GEORGE’S POSTIVE PIZZA & PASTA PLACE
3006 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-370-4303
FAX (703) 751-1464

Sunday – Thursday: 11:00am to 10:00pm

Friday – Saturday: 11:00am to 11:00pm

Contributed by Steve K.

Cultural training, a great restaurant, and a great thing to do! 

In 1943, at the age of 17, Ingvar Kamprad, on the Elmtaryd farm, in the village of Agunnaryd, in the country of Sweden, started IKEA (Ingvar Kamprad Elmtaryd Agunnaryd).  My daughter Anneli’s mormor and morfar will be happy that I am reviewing a Swedish “restaurant.”  In case you wondered, mormor and morfar are Swedish for maternal grandmother and maternal grandfather.  My in-laws are of Swedish descent, and they maintain a close hold on the culture.  Anneli’s morfar sings to her in Swedish. So, most of you think IKEA is just a store, and it definitely is a wonderful one.  It is a great place to visit, especially if you have never been to an IKEA store.  Ingvar’s goal was to provide functional household items, that have good form, at a very affordable price.  The interesting thing is that when my wife and I shop there, I look at many of the items as being very functional, and Marta looks at many of the items as having wonderful form.  So, the goal of providing function and form is met, and I think the items are very reasonably priced.  All in all, a very neat store.

Now, onto the restaurant review.  IKEA is located south on I-95 between exits 158 and 156, right next to the Potomac Mills mall.  So, if you are going to the mall, or to IKEA, I definitely recommend eating in the IKEA cafeteria.  It is definitely a cafeteria setting, with no-nonsense that pushes prices higher.  The “main dishes” are about $5, with a max of $8.

“Swedish” Dishes:

• Swedish Meatballs:  Of course we must start with this main staple of all good smorgasbords.  As you eat them, you can think of the Muppets’ Swedish Chef and say “bork, bork, bork!”  Great meatballs, served with boiled potatoes, gravy, and lingonberry sauce.  The intent is to dip the meatball in the lingonberry sauce, and this definitely gives the meatballs a great taste.  Lingonberries are similar to cranberries, and are present in many Swedish dishes.
• Gravad Lax:  Swedish specialty using fresh raw salmon pickled with sugar, salt, pepper, and fresh dill.
• Apple baked salmon:  For those who like their salmon cooked. 
• Shrimp, hard boiled egg sandwich:  Another smorgasbord staple (pre-assembled, as you would normally have to assemble yourself in a smorgasbord.)
• Swedish almond cake, Swedish apple cake, Lingonberry Mousse Cake

Other than that, you can eat pasta marinara, prime rib (but it all looks medium done, and I don’t believe in prime rib cooked past rare), soup dagens (of the day), salads, club sandwiches, and there is plenty for the kids.  The kids can eat PB+J, meatballs, chicken fingers, hot dogs, fries, or pasta in small dishes that are only a couple dollars.

As you get to the soda dispenser, look for the lingonberry juice soda, definitely something to try! You can get a meal, dessert, and drink for about $10. Don’t let this opportunity pass you!  You are twenty minutes from one of the 33 IKEA stores in the USA.  Make a day of it, go for the 99 cent breakfast (scrambled eggs, bacon, Swedish potatoes served from 0930 to 1100), wander through the entire store, and then have a wonderful lunch.

Store Hours:

• Mon-Fri 10am – 9:30pm
• Saturday 9am – 9:30pm
• Sunday 10am – 8pm
  

Restaurant Hours:

• Monday – Friday 9:30am-8:30pm
• Saturday 8:30am-8:30pm
• Sunday 9:30am-7:00pm

For more info:  www.ikea.com

Farval!

Contributed by Ron H.

Fort Belvior Bowling Alley For Lunch.

What a concept? As a small group we venture over to the bowling alley or a little competitive drive and fill our stomachs.  It was a great time by all that came and the food was not that bad for the cost.  We arrived at the bowling alley, proceeded over to the counter to get our shoes and pay for our games.  At the counter when you pay for the two games and receive your shoes, you also get a coupon for one #1 Combo at the resturant counter.  If you do not want the #1; which is a hamburger and fries you can upsize the combo and pay the difference, which is what most of us did.  The food was not that bad and the fun that came with it was even more fun to be had by all.  If I was looking for a real meal this is not the place to go, but if your looking for fun and a time to relax and get a bit to eat this is definitely a place to go.

On a scale of 1-10 I would give two ratings: Fun gets a 10 and the Food gets a 5.

Contributed by Kathleen S.

After 3 months at ILE do you find your stomach asking you questions?  Have you heard this one lately?  Doggone, (your name here) not another bologna and cheese tonight! If so head out to Mikes American Grill in Springfield for a great meal and better yet some great beer. (I recommend Mikes Lager). If I’ve got your attention read on….if not go back to your bologna and cheese. In their own words: “From the outside, this Springfield landmark looks like a converted turn of the century warehouse.  The truth is, until 1986, it was a gravel lot with a fireworks stand. Inside, we took our cues from the forties. We know the plaid carpets don’t match; they reminded us of Grandma’s sofas. Our neon clock boasts “Good eats since 1947.” That was the year Mike (our president and co-founder) was born. Vintage Major League Baseball and local photos remind you of long ago. Another neon clock warns, “Be Nice…or Get Out.”  

Some friends and I headed out to Mikes on Wednesday night to check it out for ourselves…we were not disappointed.  The atmosphere is great and perfect for any occasion.  I’d recommend that you call ahead for seating …the parking lot will be full so instead of risking a ticket or a trip to the tow company just park across the street in the “strip mall” lot. The menu will not overwhelm you with choices but trust that whatever you choose will be good.  I can personally recommend the Grilled Pork Chops.  Cooked to perfection and served with corn salsa and redskin masked potatoes this makes an excellent choice.  If you are a pasta guy or gal I’d highly recommend the Jambalaya Pasta.  The Creole sauce is great and will is not so hot that you loose the flavor of the food.  If you’re looking to try something new give the Grilled Portobellos and Warm Goat Cheese a try.  Highly recommend by one of the folks in my party. Mike’s features a great wine list and a good selction of beer as well.  Again, I’d give the Mike’s Ale or Lager a try. 

Well hopefully I’ve sparked enough interest that you’ll want to give Mike’s a try….if so here’s how you get there. 

From Franconia Road:
Take Franconia Rd. West (Springfield Mall on left). Stay in right lane. Before you pass the Beltway exits, take a right on Commerce Street. From Commerce Street, make a right onto Backlick Road. Mike’s is on the left (brick building).

From I95 North: Take Exit 169B, Franconia, Old Keene Mill. Turn right onto Bland St. At first light, take a left onto Amherst (Kinko’s will be on right). Mike’s is one block down on the right. Or, at second light, turn left onto Backlick, and Mike’s is one block down on the left.

Enjoy!!!!  http://www.greatamericanrestaurants.com/mikesmain/  

Contributed by Josh W.  Go Mountaineers 

Wanna make the most of your time here?  Start early and get locked in to some fun tours of the DC area.  After 9/11 much has changed and now things can take a bit longer. Tours of the U.S. Capitol, Pentagon, and White House are possible, yet they need to be arranged through your congressman – Either House or Senate is fine.  (If someone in your class has some “connections”- start there- because you can get a customized tour.)  The nice thing is that this has become a one stop shop.  Once you talk with the congressman’s representative you can set up all three of these tours, or at least apply for slots (White House)-  all with one call.

Who are your congressmen?  Click or cut and paste the link below: http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/

From Virginia?  I had a great experience with Sen John Warner’s office coordinating our Staff Group’s tour of the capitol.  Some congressmen had websites that you have to email and wait for a response, but I would recommend that you try another legislator that arranges tours by calling on the phone.  As your instructors say- “You’re not getting the full ILE experience if you just sit in your room and do your homework – you gotta get out and see the DC area.”  These are great group experiences and family/friends can come as well. 

Contributed by Steve K.