This week’s dining tip (see back story in Jan. 1 RANTS): It is the classic greasy spoon (and we mean that only in the fondest sense). We’re talking about Olga’s on Belcher Road just north of Nursery. Terrific breakfast and lunches at very affordable prices complete with one or two surly waitresses you expect (no, demand) in a place like that. Like one or two other spots in our yearlong restaurant suggestions, it’s cash only.

Saluting one of the two most unique towns in Pinellas County

Tarpon Springs is justifiably proud of its Greek heritage. One need only walk down Dodecanese Blvd. (named for the Greek Islands from where many Tarpon residents originated) and view the sponge boats and shops, the authentic Greek restaurants and various static displays celebrating the heritage of this terrific community. Their Epiphany celebration in January is unparalleled anywhere in the country. For years, the legendary Pappas Restaurant drew standing room only crowds. Tarpon Springs is a Pinellas gem, unmatched anywhere else in Florida – anywhere else in the United States.

Tampa Bay, politics and stuff:

1. Our prayers are with Sen. John McCain and his family.

2. The St. Petersburg-Clearwater Airport continues to grow with another double digit increase in passengers last month. You would feel a whole lot better about the growth if not for the fact that so much of the increase is based on one airline with a shaky reputation.

3. We guess it will rate a front page headline on a week when a sizable retailer does not close down or file Chapter 11. Gymboree is closing down two of its four bay area locations.

4. This blog is no fan of Scientology but a Calvary Baptist Church pastor’s recent remarks on the cult are reminiscent of the church’s then pastor O.E. Burton’s over the top comments on Catholicism in the 1950s.

5. Quote of the week: “There are expectations of her. The expectations are not the status quo.” Pinellas Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, part of the selection committee choosing Pinellas County’s new attorney – Jewel White. Well said sheriff, now is it unreasonable to expect the same from your office?

The diamond, the media and other stuff:

6. The somewhat trustworthy 5:05 Newsletter reports: Organizers in L.A. are planning to make a 1.3-mile-long pizza using 8,000 pounds of dough and 3,600 pounds of cheese. Said residents of L.A., “Is it possible to get that gluten free”?

7. Couple Rays’ notes: our all-time favorite Rays’ name, Jumbo Diaz, has been designated for assignment. No need for the cheap shot last week by the Times beat writer at Colby Ramus. As the old Joe South song admonishes – “walk a mile in my shoes”.

8. From one of our six confirmed readers this tidbit: Seven players who need to hang ‘em up - CC Sabathia, SP – New York Yankees; Chase Utley, 2B – Los Angeles Dodgers; Ichiro Suzuki, RF – Miami Marlins; Carlos Ruiz C – Seattle Mariners; Bartolo Colon, SP – Minnesota Twins; Carlos Beltran, LF/DH – Houston Astros and local guy Ryan Howard - released from Atlanta Braves. We might quarrel with Beltran who is down in the 230s right now but tends to heat up in the second half. Otherwise, put a fork in them.

9. In the early 60s, he played a young hood on The Untouchables; ten years later, he was impersonation wizard, Rollin Hand, on Mission Impossible and then there was the 1990s Oscar for playing Bela Lugosi in Ed Wood. The extremely versatile Martin Landau passed away last week at 89.

10. You’ve lived in the bay area (or anywhere else) for a long time if you remember when it was standard practice to throw confetti during a parade.

Number one hits – only the name is the same

Compliments of that rock and roll encyclopedia Jerry Osborne and his “Mr. Music” column, here are four titles you’ll remember that hit number one not once but twice however with entirely different lyrics – My Love by Petula Clark and later by Paul McCartney; Best of My Love first by the Eagles and later by Emotion; I’m Sorry initially by Brenda Lee and later John Denver; finally 1959’s Venus by Frankie Avalon and in the early 70s by Shocking Blue.

SNEAK PEEK AT NEXT WEEK – TRAMS, NEW PUBLIX AND BUCKY F. DENT