Pop Art = Roy Lichtenstein

My mom and I spent an afternoon at the Skirball in Los Angeles on Sunday.  The Skirball is a cultural center, focusing on Jewish culture.  While we were there, we saw the Noah's Ark exhibit, which was just extraordinary.  Children and adults with both love it.  We also saw an exhibit called American Dreams, about Jews and the history of baseball.  Any baseball fan will want to see this.  But what we actually went to see, was the Roy Lichtenstein exhibit.

Roy Lichtenstein is one of my favorite artists of the last half of the 20th century.  He came on the scene in the early 1960's.  He originally began as abstract expressionist, but soon changed course.  He felt there were too many artists in that movement, and decided to do something else.  He decided to take the comic book style and elaborate on it, and voila, a new art movement was begun.  It was called Pop Art, and Lichtenstein is definitely the finest example of this type of art.

Lichtenstein worked (printed) at Gemini G.E.L., the premier print studio of its time.  Other contemporaries of Lichtenstein, like Ellsworth Kelly, Robert Rauschenberg, and Claus Oldenberg, also worked there.  I was lucky enough to know one of the owners of Gemini, Stanley Grinstein.  He and his wife's interest in modern art led to founding of Gemini.  I was fortunate to  have been able to observe famous artists at work in the studio,  and see  many prints before they were finished and available to the public.  I will never forget one day when Ellen, Stanley's daughter, took me to the studio.  I had commented on how vibrant I found the colors that Lichtenstein used.  She wanted to show me what  old prints from the 1960's that had been in a dark drawer for 30 years actually looked like.  They were shades brighter than anything that had been exposed to light.

One of the more interesting things that Lichtenstein did was take the style of famous artists, and make them his own.  He did this with Picasso, Van Gogh and Monet.  He did an fascinating series of haystacks, in the Monet style, but with his own twist.  At the Skirball exhibit they had a full scale copy of his take on Van Gogh's bedroom.  You know the painting, with the bed and the chair.  Lichtenstein's picture is influenced by Van Gogh, but very much his own.

Lichtenstein died in the late 1990's, but still had time to do so much.  He was a skilled artist who created an art movement, Pop Art.  Here are just a few of his hundreds of contributions to the art world.  Get to the Skirball if you can.  There's so much to see there.

 

Oh Rats

I never liked rats, and after two experiences with rats in the house, I despise them.  Here are my two rat stories.

We had been living in our newly built house in Del Mar for about six months, when I noticed that the telephone cords in my bathroom looked like they had been eaten away.  They had, by Ricky the rat as we came to call this elusive oversized rat that took weeks for the exterminator to exterminate.  If he had chewed the phone cords in the master bath, that meant he'd been in the bathroom and probably in our bedroom.  I was not happy.  Traps were set in the attic, where there was evidence of rats, but we could not set them in the house because we had two dogs at the time.  The night I saw Ricky run by my bed on his way to the bathroom was the last straw.  I called pest control and told them to come out immediately.  It was Sunday, but they came, and within two days had finally caught Ricky.  I'm not sure exactly how they finally caught him, and I don't really care, but rats were out of my life until a few years later.

We were living in Carlsbad.  We had a very old dog, Barney, at the time, who couldn't hear or I guess smell very well, because we had a family of rats who were making nightly visits to our kitchen, and Barney slept through it all.  I didn't.  I hear rustling in the kitchen, and being the coward that I am, woke Ron.  He was slightly better at attempting to solve the problem.  He went with a flashlight, but as soon as there was light on the scene, the rat disappeared.  We called the pest company, the same one we used in Del Mar, and they came out to inspect.  They found that there was probably a family of rats in the walls of the house.  This is very hard to get rid of.  We put a sticky trap in the kitchen and yes, we caught one.  I screamed as Ron put the rat and trap in a plastic bag and dumped it outside.  This was not the end of the problem, as there was a whole family.  I don't know how many children they had, but it took weeks resolve, and several more sticky traps and lots more screaming.

So now you see why I have such antipathy for the rat.  I was going to tell you some interesting facts about rats, but actually more personal stories are a little more interesting.  I'll give you some interesting facts about some of the 56 known species of rats at another time.

American Jerusalem: Jews and the Making of San Francisco

I enjoyed watching this movie  recently with a group of Brandeis women, and learned so much.  Jews from Bavaria began emigrating to the U.S. in the 1840's, and many of them settled in San Francisco.  The Gold Rush drew people from all over the world seeking fame and fortune from the Gold Rush.  Many Jews determined that their fortune lay more in business, something they knew from the old country.  They could sell goods to miners, which might be more lucrative than mining for gold.  Many had been merchants in Bavaria, and so they continued this tradition by opening businesses in San Francisco and sold to city folks and miners

In 1848, people were coming from all over the world for gold.  Over the next several decades, 250,000 Jews left Central Europe, mostly young and not devout.  It was a long, dangerous trip to get to San Francisco.  One of the most famous immigrants  was Adolf Sutro. Sutro took on the Bank of California and got his Sutro Tunnel built, which made mining safer and more efficient.  He went on to become the largest land owner in San Francisco, and finally, the first Jewish Mayor of San Francisco.

  When Jewish immigrants arrived, they started mutual aid societies, even before synagogues were started.  In 1851, two synagogues were started. In 1866, one of these temples, Temple Emanuel, built a big, beautiful temple in San Francisco, to let everyone know they had arrived, and were part of the community.

Another famous early Jewish immigrant was Levi Strauss, and we all know how he started as a merchant, then went on to manufacture the most famous clothing item ever, jeans.  Believe it or not, Strauss had a sign on his building that said "White labor."  He used only white labor, and did not use Chinese workers.  His attitude toward Chinese is distressing, but he was not alone.  You would expect Jews to sympathize with the plight of poor Chinese labor, but many did not.  For all the good Jews did in building the city of San Francisco, their dislike and lack of desire to help another group that needed help, is unfortunate.  Jews were a vital force in the building of San Francisco.  They came as immigrants, but within a few short years they were leaders of business and industry.

Some Unique Hotels

At some point in your travels, you've probably seen most of the places on your bucket list.  I'm far from there, but for those who are, the next thing you might look for is some really unique hotels.  There are some amazing hotels around the world built of ice, underwater, in the sides of cliffs, and up in the trees.  Here are some that you might seek out on your next adventure.

The Fairy Chimney Hotel in Turkey looks like an alien landscape.  The Caves Resort in Jamaica is dramatic and something you might enjoy.  Hotel de Glace in Canada is just one of many hotels built out of ice.  Other ice hotels are located in Scandanivan countries.  Sala Silvermine is a hotel in Sweden, which is underground, and the Poseidon Undersea Resort in Fiji, is underwater.  Iglu Dorf Hotel in Switzerland is another igloo type hotel.  Ngorngoro Crater Lodge in Tanzania is a gorgeous safari lodge.  The Ice Hotel in Sweden is the largest ice hotel in the world.  Another igloo style hotel can be found in Finland, Kakslauttanen Igloo Village.  Finally, The Mirrorcube Tree House in Sweden is so exotic.  Rooms of glass hang nearly invisibly among the trees.

If these exotic hotels don't get you yearning to plan a trip I don't know what will.  Staying at any of these incredible hotels would be quite an experience.  I'm already thinking about Scandanivia and one of the ice hotels.

Helping Stray Dogs

I got a call from my sister this morning.  We don't talk very often, but she had an interesting story to tell today, and I thought I would pass it on to you.

Madeleine lives in Lake Elsinore, at the top of a hill on a cul-de-sac, surrounded by a canyon.  During the heat of the summer, Madeleine noticed that a German shepard mix dog was roaming the canyon, looking for water.  It was about 110 degrees, so without water, she wasn't going to last long.  Day after day Madeleine would see the dog roaming around, but the dog would run away every time she was called.  Finally, Madeleine decided to put a water bowl and some kibble near her house.  She did, and the next morning, much of the water and kibble was gone.  Madeleine did this for several days, but was unable to get the dog to come close to her.

In desperation Madeleine called the humane society.  They set up a trap to catch the dog, and in a few hours the dog was lured into the trap and caught.  Madeleine did not know at the time that this particular humane society killed animals that did not get adopted in a week.  When she went to the humane society to visit the dog, she noticed that there were several other dogs that looked similar to the one she had just found and caught.  How was she going to make sure that this dog lived?  She had a clever idea.

She decided to sponser the dog, which involved advertising on the internet, so that people would know this dog needed a home.  Low and behold, in three days, a former military man suffering from PTSD, looking for a companion, came into the shelter due to the advertisement, and a match was made.  The man got a wonderful, and the dog was saved from being euthanized.  What a happy ending.  I'm so glad Madeleine went the extra mile to advertise this dog and find her a home.  This was a win/win situation.

Have You Tried A Pitaya Bowl?

I've been eating acai bowls for several years now.  The acai is a South American fruit that is high in vitamins and minerals.  It's on lots of menus these days, and is absolutely delicious.  I was at the Lotus Cafe with friends one day, when I noticed that their menu offered a pitaya bowl.  I asked what it was, and found out it was another South American fruit, one with a more tart taste than acai.

Pitaya is also known as dragon fruit.  It's either pink or white on the inside, with tiny, edible black seeds.  It was originally grown in Central and South America, but it is now grown all over the world.  It has the consistency of kiwi.  It is high in magnesium, iron, fiber, vitamin B2, vitamin C, and anti oxidents.  I tried the pitaya bowl, and loved it.  The pitaya is blended with ice and almond milk, to the consistency of sherbet.  It is placed in a bowl, and topped with granola, coconut, and a fruit.  Mine was topped with bananas, strawberries, and blueberries.  It looked like an American flag.  Gorgeous to look at and so delicious.  I couldn't believe I at the whole thing.  Acai (sweet) and pitaya (more tart) are both healthy and delicious.  Next time you're out for breakfast or lunch and want something different, give either one a try.  You'll be happy you did.

More Add On Fees

Remember when travel started to change dramatically, with add on fees for everything from additional fuel costs, to baggage fees, food service charges, and charges for advance seat selection?  A $200 ticket could be more like $275 by the time all additional fees were tacked on.  Then, hotels, not to be left behind, started adding fees.  For many years resorts have been charging what they call a "resort fee,"  whatever that means.  Now things are getting worse.

In order to increase their bottom line, hotels have added additional fees to many hotels.  First, some of the hotels that used to include a free breakfast, no longer do.  I was recently at a Courtyard by Marriott, a hotel that used to have a wonderful free breakfast served daily.  Not anymore.  Now they have a designated area for the purchase of hot and cold breakfast items, and in many cases, Starbucks.  A bowl of oatmeal was $6.95 at a Courtyard I recently stayed in.  A full breakfast will cost you close to $15!  Also, many hotels used to offer in room coffee.  Many still have it, but at a cost.  Each K-cup will cost you $3.50.  Parking has been added to many hotels that didn't charge in the past.  Resort fees are to be expected everywhere these days, and can be very costly.  Finally, some hotels charge for the use of the business center and wi fi.

You must consider all these costs when book a hotel room, especially hotels that used to include breakfast, and no longer do.  That is a huge expense, especially if traveling with a family.  It's amazing how corporations invent new ways to increase revenue.  Since most of these  charges are add ons, only a savvy traveler will notice that hotels have risen, when you include all the extras.  Know what you're getting when you book your next hotel.

The Important Work of The League of Women Voters (LWV)

I went to listen to two representatives from the LWV speak at our clubhouse today.  They were giving us the facts on the 17 propositions listed on our November 8 ballot.  Many of these propositions are complicated.  Yes means No, No means Yes.  You're going to need some help sorting it all out.  I got what I was looking for, and now feel able to make an informed decision on the propositions.

The LWV was formed around 100 years ago, just after women were granted the right to vote.  Women decided that if they were going to vote, they should know the issues and make educated decisions.  Today, the LWV purpose is two fold.  First, it works to educate  the public about the issues.  Second, it advocates for some candidates and initiatives.  By going to the website www.votersedge.org you can get all the information on propositions and candidates, and follow the money.  You can find out who supports what, and how much money is being spent on each proposition.  Great information to have.

I urge everyone to go to a presentation by the LWV and find out the facts about the propositions we will be voting on.  Some of them are very important, and will be permanent.  If you can't do this, at least check out their website and get the straight facts on the various propositions.  Most of  us don't have the time or inclination to research 17 propositions.  Thank goodness for the LWV.

Vacation Means Good Food

My trip to Nashville and Chicago with my mom was so much fun.  We both love to eat, and I thought I'd just mention a few of our favorite spots, just in case you're thinking of visiting either of these cities.
Nashville:  The best meal we had was our first night in town at a Mediterranean restaurant called  The Butcher and Bee.  Fantastic, is all I can say.  A corn pudding to die for.  You've got to try it if you're in Nashville.  Pinewood Social, for coffee, after dinner drinks, or a meal.  We went for coffee.  it is so unique.  It's a huge room, divided up into cozy areas with sofas and chairs and dining tables.  Very upscale, wonderful drinks.  They have a bowling alley in the back.  It's a great place to relax and kick back when you're tired of the hustle and bustle of Broadway.

Chicago:  It's hard to get a bad meal in Chicago.  Two standout breakfast spots were Kanela Breakfast Club (several location)  and Beatrix.  At Kanela Breakfast Club I had a wonderful French toast with apricot flavored creme fraiche on top and sitting on a bed of apricot puree.  Mom had avocado toast with spicy chickpeas.  Delicious. At Beatrix, I had the most delicious lemon ricotta pancakes I've ever had.  The lady we met on the street who gave us this recommendation, and walked us to the restaurant, was right.  Our breakfast was great.  For dinner, our favorite was Monteverde, a neighborhood Italian restaurant serving modern Italian food.  This was one of the best meals I've had in a long time, and the items on the menu were so unique.  My describing them will not do them justice, but trust me, if you go to Chicago try to get a table at Monteverde.  We also tried Swift and Sons in Fulton Market.  This is a traditional grill, with steaks, seafood, and chicken.  Great starters, like lobster bisque and caesar salad and steak tartare, which I ordered.  It's like Ruth's Chris or Flemmings.  We loved it.  Another restaurant called the Grand Lux, right on Michigan Ave, was wonderful, especially for lunch.  It's owned by the Cheesecake Factory, so you know it's good.  We had two of the best salads I've ever had there.  These were the standouts on our trip.

Oh, I should mention that we saw Garth Brooks getting into his car in Nashville, and Pam Tillis walking down the street.  They were both on music row, where all the music publishing houses are.  It was a great time for us.  My mom was disappointed to find out that people from Nashville don't have much of a southern accent.  We heard more southern accents from the tourists in Chicago!

Oh Rats, Part 2

As much as I hate and fear rats, they are pretty interesting.  Here are some facts about rats that you probably didn't know.  I'm not sure you need to know this information, but I found it interesting.

1.  Rats' front teeth grow 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 inches each year.  They wear them down by continuously gnawing on everything around them, from brick, to cement, to lead pipes.

2.  A female rat can mate as many as 500 times with various males during a six-hour period of receptivity-a state she experiences about 15 times per year.  Thus, a pair of brown rats can produce as many as 2,000 descendants in a year if left to breed unchecked.

3.  A rat can tread water for three days and survive being flushed down the toilet.

4.  There are 56 species of rats.  Many live near humans, but they are often found in remote habitats like marshlands and rain forests.  Some species of rats are even endangered.

5.  A rat can fall as far as 50 feet and land uninjured.

6.  Rats do not sweat.  They regulate their temperature by constricting or expanding blood vessels in their tails.

7.  Rats are known to transmit several potentially fatal diseases to humans, including viral hemorrhagic fever plague, Weil's disease and Q fever.  The good news is that is rare for a human to get rabies from a rat.

8.  Rats don't have gallbladders or tonsils, but they do have belly buttons.

Just thought you should know.

The Poke Trend

Poke has been popular for years in Hawaii, but it's popularity is quickly catching on here on the mainland.  Poke is raw fish, usually tuna, that is seasoned with garlic, chilis and onions.  A poke bowl, which is a new food trend on the West Coast, is similar to a burrito bowl, only with an Asian flair.  Rice on the bottom, seasoned raw fish on top, and several veggies on top of that.  Sliced onion, chopped green onion, sliced avocado, soy sauce, roe, cherry tomatoes and sesame seeds are the most popular condiments.

I was in LA a few months ago and tried to visit a poke restaurant, but couldn't because we arrived before opening.  Now I see San Diego is loaded with poke restaurants, none of which I have tried, but that Carlsbad now has Yoshino, a poke restaurant, that I will try for lunch very soon.  Food trends change rapidly.  Sushi, pizza and burgers seem to be most popular right now, but poke may catch on.   It's fresh and delicious and very healthy.  I can't wait to try Yoshino, North County's first poke restaurant.

Just for your information, and for barbeque fans, Texas Roadhouse, on El Camino and the 78 is just about to open.  Another place for North County residents to try.  We're getting lots of new restaurants all of a sudden, and I hope many of them are good enough for a second visit.

Old Words Take On New Meanings

I've often thought about how old words have taken on new meanings.  For example, the word "gay."  It used to mean lively and fun, but it now also means homosexual.  When you were introduced to someone years ago as someone's partner, you probably thought they were referring to a business partner.  Today, partner may also me living partner.  The technological changes have provoked linguistic and cultural change.  Here are some examples.

Canoe:  Old meaning= a long narrow boat.  New= A twitter conversation that has picked up too many usernames for an actual conversation to take place.

Friend:  Old meaning=one attached to another by affection or esteem.  New=to add a person to one's list of contacts on a social-networking site.

Cloud:  Old meaning=a visible mass of particles of condensed vapor.  New=Any of several parts of the Internet that allow online processing and storage of documents.

Sandbox:  Old meaning=a low box filled with sand for children.  New=An environment in which software developers or editors can create and test new content.

Ping:  Old meaning=a sharp sound like that of a striking bullet.  New=To make contact with someone by sending a brief electronic message, as a text message.

Tweet:  Old meaning=A chirping sound.  New=A very short message posted on the twitter website.

Other words that have taken on new meanings in the last 20 years are like, handle, swipe, text, troll tag, profile, unplug and viral.

Dictionaries are constantly being updated, not only for the addition of new words each year, but for the addition of new meanings for old words, most of which have come about due to the internet.