I woke up one morning and for some reason I put my hand on my back (maybe an itch) and felt something that I thought was a scab. I had Ron look at it. He said it looked black and wasn't sure what it was. I decided I would wait a few days and see what happened. Then I went to play pickleball, and one of the players is a nurse. I decided it couldn't hurt to ask her to look at it. I'm so glad it did. She examined it, and in a few seconds determined that it was a tick. Where in the world would I pick up a tick? Not sure, but I freaked out when Beth told me I had a blood sucking tick in my back. Removal was easy. I went and got a book of matches. Beth lit a match, let it burn out, then placed it on the tick. Half the tick came out with the first match, the rest came out with the second match. Whew, was I relieved. Then, I hurried home to check Pepper. Luckily, there were no ticks on him. I guess the reality is that you can pick up a tick anywhere, even living in the city. I'm just glad I had my pickleball group, especially nurse Beth, there to diagnose and operate on me. Teamwork got that pesky tick removed. Here are just a few facts about ticks that you may or may not know.
1. Ticks have four stages of life: egg, larva, nymph and adult.
2. There are about 850 tick species, some of which are capable of transmitting diseases such as Lyme disease, Ehrichia, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
3. Ticks feed on the blood of their host.
4. Ticks may appear as a small dark speck on your pet's fur.
5. Tick infestations are more common in dogs than cats.
6. Ticks are generally not born with disease agents. They acquire them during feeding and pass them along into other animals during subsequent feedings.
7. Pets may contract multiple diseases from a single tick bite.
8. The brown dog tick and the American dog tick are the most common carriers of disease among dogs.
9. Never remove a tick with your bare hands. Instead, using tweezers, grasp the tick close to the skin and pull gently. Or, do as Beth did and light a match and after blowing out flame, put the heat directly on the tick. It works.
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
Monday, May 28, 2018
Sushi In Carmel Valley=Zipfusion
I met a friend for lunch in April at a new spot for me, Zipfusion. It's my new favorite spot for anything Asian. The reason is that they not only have delicious sushi, sashimi, hand rolls and specialty rolls, but they have Korean food, ramen, bowls and noodle dishes. In other words, all my non sushi eating friends can find plenty to eat, and it's all delicious. The restaurant touts itself as a blend of Japanese and Korean cuisine, and it is exactly that.
My lunch companion had not seen each other in quite a while, so we had a lot of catching up to do. We spent the first half hour doing just that, talking about kids, grandkids and health. Finally, I ordered lunch for us from the sushi menu. We had soft shell crab roll, albacore roll, and several nigiri, I think tuna and salmon. It was all so fresh and delicious and beautifully displayed. Unfortunately our appetites did not allow us to order more. They have a big section on the menu of items that are 50% off. I think all of our food was from that section, as the bill for the two of us was only $36.00.
Zipfusion is so much more than a sushi restaurant. I saw delicious bowls of ramen brought to one table, and some noodle dishes to another. Zipfusion offers a number of Korean items, including Korean Hot Pot, or bulgogi, and Korean soft tofu soup. The menu includes many rice bowls and lots of interesting appetizers. Beer, sake and wine choices are vast, and there are even some interesting desserts. It's a great place for lunch or dinner if you live in the Carmel Valley or Torrey Hills area. If it wasn't so far away from where I live I would be a frequent visitor. Iwill be an infrequent visitor, but will surely stop by when I'm in the area.
wi
My lunch companion had not seen each other in quite a while, so we had a lot of catching up to do. We spent the first half hour doing just that, talking about kids, grandkids and health. Finally, I ordered lunch for us from the sushi menu. We had soft shell crab roll, albacore roll, and several nigiri, I think tuna and salmon. It was all so fresh and delicious and beautifully displayed. Unfortunately our appetites did not allow us to order more. They have a big section on the menu of items that are 50% off. I think all of our food was from that section, as the bill for the two of us was only $36.00.
Zipfusion is so much more than a sushi restaurant. I saw delicious bowls of ramen brought to one table, and some noodle dishes to another. Zipfusion offers a number of Korean items, including Korean Hot Pot, or bulgogi, and Korean soft tofu soup. The menu includes many rice bowls and lots of interesting appetizers. Beer, sake and wine choices are vast, and there are even some interesting desserts. It's a great place for lunch or dinner if you live in the Carmel Valley or Torrey Hills area. If it wasn't so far away from where I live I would be a frequent visitor. Iwill be an infrequent visitor, but will surely stop by when I'm in the area.
wi
Friday, May 25, 2018
Can Celebrities Make A Comback After Sexual Harassment Claims?
One of my favorite celebrity chefs in recent years is Mario Batalli, so I was devastated by his accusal of a decades long pattern of abusive behavior both in his empire and at restaurants owned by friends. Lewd, drunken behavior, including physical groping and drunken propositions were reported.
I used to love his show Molto Mario and more recently, The Chew. He is not just a great cook, but a personality that keeps you coming back for more. Now he is divesting himself of interests in all his entities, including Batali and Bastianich Hospitality Group (24 restaurants), where he has stepped away from daily operations. Eataly, the Italian food emporium in which he has a minor stake, took his products off its shelves. A remake of Molto Mario was cancelled, and he was removed from the show The Chew. After all that's happened, can Mario Batalli make a comeback?
Mario has never been known for his patience. He has been asking questions and exploring when and whether he should begin a comeback. Friends and associates say he is floating ideas, pondering timelines and examining whether there is a way for him to step back into his career, at least in some capacity. He is deeply introspective at this time, is seeking counsel on what his future might hold both personally and professionally. He told a colleague that his is trying to learn to be the wallpaper in the room and not the room itself. Mario has always had a philanthropic heart, and this month he is traveling to Greece and Rwanda to work with refugees.
Many friends and people in the business have advised him NOT to try to make a comeback. Anthony Bourdain is one who advises this. Few food celebrities want to be connected to him publically, but privately some suggest the time has come for a more nuanced approach to the scorched-earth policy toward men who have harassed women- one that allows something resembling redemption. Whatever he decides, I hope he is dealing with the issues that caused the problems in the first place. Saying "I'm sorry," which he has done, is not enough. He needs treatment to understand what he did and why. I am forgiving, and I'm all about second chances. It seems to me that Mario, whatever he does, should keep a low public profile, and continue to work on his mental health.
I used to love his show Molto Mario and more recently, The Chew. He is not just a great cook, but a personality that keeps you coming back for more. Now he is divesting himself of interests in all his entities, including Batali and Bastianich Hospitality Group (24 restaurants), where he has stepped away from daily operations. Eataly, the Italian food emporium in which he has a minor stake, took his products off its shelves. A remake of Molto Mario was cancelled, and he was removed from the show The Chew. After all that's happened, can Mario Batalli make a comeback?
Mario has never been known for his patience. He has been asking questions and exploring when and whether he should begin a comeback. Friends and associates say he is floating ideas, pondering timelines and examining whether there is a way for him to step back into his career, at least in some capacity. He is deeply introspective at this time, is seeking counsel on what his future might hold both personally and professionally. He told a colleague that his is trying to learn to be the wallpaper in the room and not the room itself. Mario has always had a philanthropic heart, and this month he is traveling to Greece and Rwanda to work with refugees.
Many friends and people in the business have advised him NOT to try to make a comeback. Anthony Bourdain is one who advises this. Few food celebrities want to be connected to him publically, but privately some suggest the time has come for a more nuanced approach to the scorched-earth policy toward men who have harassed women- one that allows something resembling redemption. Whatever he decides, I hope he is dealing with the issues that caused the problems in the first place. Saying "I'm sorry," which he has done, is not enough. He needs treatment to understand what he did and why. I am forgiving, and I'm all about second chances. It seems to me that Mario, whatever he does, should keep a low public profile, and continue to work on his mental health.
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Do You Have FOMO?
FOMO is an achronym for Fear Of Missing Out. I was playing a round of golf with my friend Carol, who first mentioned FOMO to me. You've got FOMO if you feel you have to do everything. Are you constantly running from one activity to another without a breather? Do you cut short a party to rush to another party? Do you take a trip to a new city and spend your time seeing everything that the city has to offer, rather than enjoying many sites in the city and saving the rest for another day? If any of these are you, then you might have FOMO.
Fear of Missing Out is not a medical diagnosis, but it's a great description for the person who is afraid they might miss something. Years ago, on one of our first trips to Europe, I ran Ron ragged. He couldn't figure out why I felt I had to see every site, visit every museum, take every tour. He kept saying that we were on vacation, and that he should not come home exhausted. He said we didn't have to see and do everything. It would still be there when we returned. Oh, boy, was he right.
I know people that spend their day running from one activity to another. Pickleball in the morning, hike in the afternoon, tennis in the late afternoon, and in between a trip to the pool, lunch with friends or attend a meeting. When the day is so full, and one is racing from one activity to another, do you really enjoy anything? I'm at the stage in life where I want to "stop and smell the roses." That doesn't mean that I don't want to do anything. Quite the contrary. It's just that I now have an inner voice that slows me down. I do not have FOMO, but I know plenty of people who do. I think they would like to slow down, but are unable. I say "take it easy." Give yourself a chance to reflect on life and the enjoyment your activities bring you. It's ok to miss some things. Enjoy what you do. You don't have to do it all.
Fear of Missing Out is not a medical diagnosis, but it's a great description for the person who is afraid they might miss something. Years ago, on one of our first trips to Europe, I ran Ron ragged. He couldn't figure out why I felt I had to see every site, visit every museum, take every tour. He kept saying that we were on vacation, and that he should not come home exhausted. He said we didn't have to see and do everything. It would still be there when we returned. Oh, boy, was he right.
I know people that spend their day running from one activity to another. Pickleball in the morning, hike in the afternoon, tennis in the late afternoon, and in between a trip to the pool, lunch with friends or attend a meeting. When the day is so full, and one is racing from one activity to another, do you really enjoy anything? I'm at the stage in life where I want to "stop and smell the roses." That doesn't mean that I don't want to do anything. Quite the contrary. It's just that I now have an inner voice that slows me down. I do not have FOMO, but I know plenty of people who do. I think they would like to slow down, but are unable. I say "take it easy." Give yourself a chance to reflect on life and the enjoyment your activities bring you. It's ok to miss some things. Enjoy what you do. You don't have to do it all.
Monday, May 21, 2018
Peruvian Food Comes To Carlsbad: Pisco
Peruvian food must be the trendiest food around right now. In North County alone, there are at least six Peruvian food. Why is it so popular? Because it's good.
Sammy's closed for a few weeks to redecorate the restaurant with a Peruvian theme. Not much was done, but it's very effective. Colorful umbrellas cover the entire ceiling, new lighting fixtures were installed, a coat of colorful paint was added, and a few Peruvian scenes were plastered on the wall. Seating is the same, except pretty red barstools look new. The food is the star at Pisco. There were six of us. We ordered the classic ceviche (halibut and sea bass in lemon and lime and spices), chicken and beef empanadas (we ended up ordering more, we liked them so much), grilled octopus salad (cold) in a red pepper sauce over potatoes, aji de gallina(a classic Peruvian dish of shredded chicken in a yellow pepper sauce, and chicken and rice (made with their delicious rotisserie chicken). Everything was outstanding. For dessert we were served a complimentary order of freshly spun cotton candy. We ordered fried plantains with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream, and shortbread cookies.
The service was excellent. Our waiter did everything he could to make sure our visit to Pisco was memorable. He succeeded. The bonus to this restaurant is that they take the Passport card! What a deal. Make reservations if you plan to go. We were there on a Tuesday, and the restaurant was full. Also, check out their excellent Happy Hour, everyday from 3-6. You can go for an early dinner and really save. Peruvian food is NOT spicy. It is just delicious, and I encourage you to visit Pisco.
Friday, May 18, 2018
Why Has Congress Stalled On Fixing Its Sexual Misconduct Issue?
The short answer is, they don't want to fix it. A few men and most women do want to change the law to make it more difficult for lawmakers to use their power for sex and to prevent an environment in which their top aides do the same. The House of Representatives voted in February to change the decades-old procedures for how staffers report sexual harassment and assault accusations. Right now it is near impossible for a victim of sexual harassment to even press charges. Congress makes its own rules about the handling of sexual complaints against its members and staff. Interns in particular have limited harassment protections under the unique employment law that Congress applies to itself. If a victim's case isn't immediately thrown out, the accuser must first agree to go through months of counseling and mediation. A special congressional office is charged with trying to resolve the cases out of court. As of now, Mitch McConnell has not had the senate take up the bill. Even though the House voted to change the law, the Senate also has to pass the bill. Now it is a very real possibility Congress may not pass any kind of legislation to change its culture of sexual harassment anytime soon.
Lawmakers say that sexual misconduct is rampant on Capitol Hill. That doesn't seem to matter. From 19997-2014, the U.S. Treasury has paid $15.2 million in 235 awards and settlements for Capitol Hill workplace violations. WE pay for the wrongdoing of congressmen. Something is very wrong here. We need to get rid of people in congress that don't demand equality in the work place. Women should not have to fear their male superiors. In fact, people who use power and position to gain sexual favors have no place in congress. Eight lawmakers lost their jobs or announced they would not run for reelection last year, amid sexual misconduct allegations. If congress does nothing, we must do something. Vote those who are not actively trying to change the culture in Washington, out of office. Just as I feel strongly that I will not vote for candidates that take money from the NRA, I do not want to vote for any candidate who is trying to maintain the "good old boys club" in Washington. This is the 21st century, and voters will not stand for an environment where women are forced to perform sexual favors to keep their jobs or advance their position. I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore.
Lawmakers say that sexual misconduct is rampant on Capitol Hill. That doesn't seem to matter. From 19997-2014, the U.S. Treasury has paid $15.2 million in 235 awards and settlements for Capitol Hill workplace violations. WE pay for the wrongdoing of congressmen. Something is very wrong here. We need to get rid of people in congress that don't demand equality in the work place. Women should not have to fear their male superiors. In fact, people who use power and position to gain sexual favors have no place in congress. Eight lawmakers lost their jobs or announced they would not run for reelection last year, amid sexual misconduct allegations. If congress does nothing, we must do something. Vote those who are not actively trying to change the culture in Washington, out of office. Just as I feel strongly that I will not vote for candidates that take money from the NRA, I do not want to vote for any candidate who is trying to maintain the "good old boys club" in Washington. This is the 21st century, and voters will not stand for an environment where women are forced to perform sexual favors to keep their jobs or advance their position. I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore.
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
Great Lunch At The Compass
I had an enjoyable lunch with my friend Karen at The Compass one cool, Friday in May. We've known each other for years, but never seem to get together that much. I jumped at the chance to spend some time with her, and I think we both had a great time. On her recommendation (she'd heard it was good from others), we went to The Compass in Carlsbad Village. It's right in the shopping center on the corner of Coast Highway, next to Jamba Juice. I got there a few minutes before noon, and by 12:15 the place was hopping.
It's a bar/restaurant, with lots of local beers, and lots of high top seating in the bar area. Around the perimeter of the restaurant are may 8 booths, where you would probably want to sit if you are dining, rather than just drinking. We had a wonderful lunch, and I look forward to a return visit, as there were many things on the menu I want to try. I had the tempura crab salad for $16. Fresh bibb lettuce with a delicious dressing, like thousand island but with a little kick, topped with most of the ingredients for a cobb salad: avocado, egg, olives, fingerling potatoes, tomatoes, and about 5 pieces of tempura crab. It was delicious. I would definitely recommend it. Karen ordered the cervice with fresh fried tortilla chips. It had mango, corn and tiger's milk in it, in addition to the more conventional ingredients. Excellent. The menu has mac n cheese, beef burger, lamb burger, caesar salad, clams, and so much more. If you're shopping in old Carlsbad and need to stop for refueling, The Compass is a great place to do so. I couldn't believe how busy the restaurant/bar was when we left around 1:15, mostly drinkers, but some diners too. Give it a try.
It's a bar/restaurant, with lots of local beers, and lots of high top seating in the bar area. Around the perimeter of the restaurant are may 8 booths, where you would probably want to sit if you are dining, rather than just drinking. We had a wonderful lunch, and I look forward to a return visit, as there were many things on the menu I want to try. I had the tempura crab salad for $16. Fresh bibb lettuce with a delicious dressing, like thousand island but with a little kick, topped with most of the ingredients for a cobb salad: avocado, egg, olives, fingerling potatoes, tomatoes, and about 5 pieces of tempura crab. It was delicious. I would definitely recommend it. Karen ordered the cervice with fresh fried tortilla chips. It had mango, corn and tiger's milk in it, in addition to the more conventional ingredients. Excellent. The menu has mac n cheese, beef burger, lamb burger, caesar salad, clams, and so much more. If you're shopping in old Carlsbad and need to stop for refueling, The Compass is a great place to do so. I couldn't believe how busy the restaurant/bar was when we left around 1:15, mostly drinkers, but some diners too. Give it a try.
Monday, May 14, 2018
Great Pacific Garbage Patch
That's the Pacific Ocean, I'm talking about. It is called the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, because that's exactly what it is. It is also called the Pacific trash vortex. It was discovered between 1985 and 1988. It is a gyre of marine debris particles in central North Pacific Ocean. The area contains high concentrations of plastic, chemical sludge and other debris, most of which is not detected by satellite imagery. That's because most of the waste is microscopic pieces, almost invisible to the naked eye.
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch formed gradually, as a result of ocean or marine pollution and by ocean currents. Improper waste disposal or poor management of trash has literally made our oceans a garbage can. A 2017 study concluded that of the over 9 billion tons of plastic that has been produced since 1950, 5.5 billion tons of plastic was is now littering our oceans and land. Less that 5% of plastic has been recycled and about 10% has been re-purposed. I think everyone knows what all this waste is doing to sea life. It is killing both fish and plants.
Plastic is ingested by sea life. It is also fed to young creatures. Many species are dying from malnutrition, being fed plastic instead of plants or microscopic animals. Plastic is also strangling some sea life, getting wrapped around their necks or beaks, from which they are unable to break free. It's a terrible situation. We also have the North Atlantic Garbage Patch, so the problem is widespread. Please, please, please, dispose of waste properly so that it is not dumped into drains that go to the ocean. This is one of the important areas related to climate where we MUST have government regulations that prevent companies from dumping waste in the oceans. I don't know what the Trump administration has done on this issue. If controls are removed, the problem will become worse, our sea life will disappear at an alarming rate, and who knows if the problem could ever be fixed? Let's hope our leaders are not stupid enough to let this happen.
Just for your information, here are the environmental rules that the Trump administration has removed, or is planning to remove.
Already removed
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch formed gradually, as a result of ocean or marine pollution and by ocean currents. Improper waste disposal or poor management of trash has literally made our oceans a garbage can. A 2017 study concluded that of the over 9 billion tons of plastic that has been produced since 1950, 5.5 billion tons of plastic was is now littering our oceans and land. Less that 5% of plastic has been recycled and about 10% has been re-purposed. I think everyone knows what all this waste is doing to sea life. It is killing both fish and plants.
Plastic is ingested by sea life. It is also fed to young creatures. Many species are dying from malnutrition, being fed plastic instead of plants or microscopic animals. Plastic is also strangling some sea life, getting wrapped around their necks or beaks, from which they are unable to break free. It's a terrible situation. We also have the North Atlantic Garbage Patch, so the problem is widespread. Please, please, please, dispose of waste properly so that it is not dumped into drains that go to the ocean. This is one of the important areas related to climate where we MUST have government regulations that prevent companies from dumping waste in the oceans. I don't know what the Trump administration has done on this issue. If controls are removed, the problem will become worse, our sea life will disappear at an alarming rate, and who knows if the problem could ever be fixed? Let's hope our leaders are not stupid enough to let this happen.
Just for your information, here are the environmental rules that the Trump administration has removed, or is planning to remove.
Already removed
- Flood building standards
- Proposed ban on a potentially harmful pesticide
- Freeze on new coal leases on public lands
- Methane reporting requirement
- Anti-dumping rule for coal companies
- Decision on Keystone XL pipeline
- Decision on Dakota Access pipeline
- Third-party settlement funds
- Offshore drilling ban in the Atlantic and Arctic
- Ban on seismic air gun testing in the Atlantic
- Northern Bering Sea climate resilience plan
- Royalty regulations for oil, gas and coal
- Inclusion of greenhouse gas emissions in environmental reviews
- Permit-issuing process for new infrastructure projects
- Green Climate Fund contributions
- Endangered species listings
- Hunting ban on wolves and grizzly bears in Alaska
- Protections for whales and sea turtles
- Reusable water bottles rule for national parks
- National parks climate order
- Environmental mitigation for federal projects
- Calculation for “social cost” of carbon
- Planning rule for public lands
- Copper filter cake listing as hazardous waste
- Mine cleanup rule
- Sewage treatment pollution regulations
- Ban on use of lead ammunition on federal lands
- Restrictions on fishing
- Fracking regulations on public lands
- Migratory bird protections
- Department of Interior climate policies
- Rule regulating industrial polluters
- Safety standards for “high hazard” trains
24
rollbacks are
in progress
in progress
- Clean Power Plan
- Paris climate agreement
- Car and truck fuel-efficiency standards
- Offshore oil and gas leasing
- Status of 10 national monuments
- Status of 12 marine areas
- Limits on toxic discharge from power plants
- Coal ash discharge regulations
- Emissions standards for new, modified and reconstructed power plants
- Emissions rules for power plant start-up and shutdown
- Sage grouse habitat protections
- Regulations on oil and gas drilling in some national parks
- Oil rig safety regulations
- Regulations for offshore oil and gas exploration by floating vessels
- Drilling in the Arctic Wildlife Refuge
- Hunting method regulations in Alaska
- Requirement for tracking emissions on federal highways
- Emissions standards for trailers and glider kits
- Limits on methane emissions on public lands
- Permitting process for air-polluting plants
- Use of birds in subsistence handicrafts
- Coal dust rule
- Haze rule for national parks
- Review process for forest restoration projects
10
rollbacks are
in limbo
in limbo
- Wetland and tributary protections
- Methane emission limits at new oil and gas wells
- Limits on landfill emissions
- Mercury emission limits for power plants
- Hazardous chemical facility regulations
- Groundwater protections for uranium mines
- Efficiency standards for appliances
- Efficiency standards for federal buildings
- Rule helping consumers buy fuel-efficient tires
- Aircraft emissions standards
Friday, May 11, 2018
I'm Mourning The Demise of Three Mourning Doves
I have a small succulent garden inside my front gate. A mother dove and her two babies had been hanging out on the ground in the garden for several days. I would come and go with Pepper, and we'd get very close to them, but they never budged. They were adorable, and I started looking for them every time I came in the front gate. This morning Pepper and I went for our morning walk about 7:15am, and there they were. They just looked at us but never moved. I said to myself, "How stupid can a bird be, to hang out on the ground." I was right. I went outside about 11am and I saw feathers everywhere, and some detatched wings. I knew someone would get them, probably a hawk or a cat.
I learned something that may explain why this dove family was camped out on the ground. It turns out they are exclusively seed eaters, and are constantly pecking at the ground to find seeds. They take more than they need, hoard them, and digest them later. It's a pretty dangerous life for these little guys. I also found out that mourning doves mate for life. The father dove of this little family is probably in mourning tonight. These doves are said to be closely related to the late, lamented passenger doves. Just thought you'd want to know all this. More useless information for your brain.
I learned something that may explain why this dove family was camped out on the ground. It turns out they are exclusively seed eaters, and are constantly pecking at the ground to find seeds. They take more than they need, hoard them, and digest them later. It's a pretty dangerous life for these little guys. I also found out that mourning doves mate for life. The father dove of this little family is probably in mourning tonight. These doves are said to be closely related to the late, lamented passenger doves. Just thought you'd want to know all this. More useless information for your brain.
Wednesday, May 9, 2018
Generate Hope Helps Victims of Sex Trafficking
My Newcomers group organized a most interesting lecture in late January. It was put on by Generate Hope, a 9 year old organization based in San Diego, who's mission is to help San Diego survivors of sex trafficking a safe home and all the resources needed for recovery and healing. What I discovered after listening to about an hour of statistics and horror stories, is that so much more is needed both here, and around the nation. Gangs who traffic young girls, create over $800 million per year just here in San Diego.
You probably are thinking like I did, that the gangs involved in sex trafficking are Mexican and Black. Not true. The perpetrators of sex trafficking cross all ethnic lines. California is #1 on the FBI list for trafficking of American girls. 80% of the victims are US born, 85%of traffickers are affiliated with gangs.
Sex trafficking is modern day slavery. It is forced, it is fraud, and it is coersion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. Americans are buying and selling Americans. Average age of a victim is 15. It usually takes three years for intervention by authorities in a sex trafficking case.
The three most lucrative forms of revenue for gangs are drugs, girls and guns. Girls are becoming the #1 way for gangs to make their money. Here's an example of how they operate: Gang members hang around places teenage girls frequent. It may be a middle or senior high school, the mall, a park, the beach, etc. The gang members are usually a little older than the girls they are targeting. They could be in their early 20's but will often tell the girls they a little younger. They lure them by promising them gifts, love and affection and security. Most of the girls targeted are vulnerable. They may come from single family homes and may not receive much love and affection at home. What ultimately happens is the gang member asks the girl to have sex with a friend of his as a favor. What might actually happens is the girl is be taken to a motel and raped, pictures of her performing sex acts are taken, and she becomes psychologically attached to the gang member. Actually, he's a pimp, and she is forced to have sex with up to 10 men per night.
Generate hope offers a safe place for victims of sex trafficking. They can earn their GED, learn job skills, and get the emotional support they desperately need. It will take so much more to get this epidemic under control than is currently being done. Let's hope that local district attorneys aggressively prosecute traffickers. There is no place, except jail, in our society for these low lifes.
You probably are thinking like I did, that the gangs involved in sex trafficking are Mexican and Black. Not true. The perpetrators of sex trafficking cross all ethnic lines. California is #1 on the FBI list for trafficking of American girls. 80% of the victims are US born, 85%of traffickers are affiliated with gangs.
Sex trafficking is modern day slavery. It is forced, it is fraud, and it is coersion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. Americans are buying and selling Americans. Average age of a victim is 15. It usually takes three years for intervention by authorities in a sex trafficking case.
The three most lucrative forms of revenue for gangs are drugs, girls and guns. Girls are becoming the #1 way for gangs to make their money. Here's an example of how they operate: Gang members hang around places teenage girls frequent. It may be a middle or senior high school, the mall, a park, the beach, etc. The gang members are usually a little older than the girls they are targeting. They could be in their early 20's but will often tell the girls they a little younger. They lure them by promising them gifts, love and affection and security. Most of the girls targeted are vulnerable. They may come from single family homes and may not receive much love and affection at home. What ultimately happens is the gang member asks the girl to have sex with a friend of his as a favor. What might actually happens is the girl is be taken to a motel and raped, pictures of her performing sex acts are taken, and she becomes psychologically attached to the gang member. Actually, he's a pimp, and she is forced to have sex with up to 10 men per night.
Generate hope offers a safe place for victims of sex trafficking. They can earn their GED, learn job skills, and get the emotional support they desperately need. It will take so much more to get this epidemic under control than is currently being done. Let's hope that local district attorneys aggressively prosecute traffickers. There is no place, except jail, in our society for these low lifes.
Monday, May 7, 2018
Salvation Army Opens First Supermarket
DMG Foods recently opened in Baltimore, Maryland. Do More Good, the slogan of the Salvation Army, is the name of their supermarket, aimed to give low income residents access to fresh, wholesome food. Their first store is in a 7,000 square foot warehouse in Baltimore. The market has an on site butcher, a deli, pre made meals and salads, plus many non perishable items. It aims to service about 1,200 local families and has created 15 local jobs.
The market is open to all, but is designed to give low income families the opportunity to purchase fresh, wholesome food. DMG Foods is non profit, so prices are lower than they would be at traditional supermarkets or farmers' markets. Many shoppers use SNAP, the government program for low income families. SNAP customers will receive complimentary items once a month, to further reduce the price of food for low income families.
Many low income families do not have access to a local supermarket with fresh food at a reasonable price. At least in Baltimore, they now do. It will be interesting to see how successful the Salvation Army DMG Foods is. If successful, look for more markets to open, giving more low income families the opportunity to buy quality food at a reasonable price. Way to go, Salvation Army!
The market is open to all, but is designed to give low income families the opportunity to purchase fresh, wholesome food. DMG Foods is non profit, so prices are lower than they would be at traditional supermarkets or farmers' markets. Many shoppers use SNAP, the government program for low income families. SNAP customers will receive complimentary items once a month, to further reduce the price of food for low income families.
Many low income families do not have access to a local supermarket with fresh food at a reasonable price. At least in Baltimore, they now do. It will be interesting to see how successful the Salvation Army DMG Foods is. If successful, look for more markets to open, giving more low income families the opportunity to buy quality food at a reasonable price. Way to go, Salvation Army!
Friday, May 4, 2018
More North County Restaurant Openings
I'm so excited! I just heard that PrepKitchen is coming to San Marcos. I know that's not so exciting to most of you, but for us in North County, we're always looking for good new restaurants, and more often than not, I'm disappointed. I know PrepKitchen, and it will be a great addition to the area. It is scheduled to open in April at Bloc C at North County. Another one of my favorite restaurants, Hillstone's R and D, will take over the old Bully's in Del Mar. Their opening is a long way off. They have had trouble with the planning commission (I know what that's like in Del Mar), and are planning a huge renovation. For those who haven't been there, you will love it. Moderately priced, delicious food. Look at the menu from their Santa Monica or Fashion Island location to see what's coming. You will love it.
Also in Del Mar, look for Creme and Sugar. They're originally from Orange County, and they serve tea and coffee, and all kinds of bakery items. It's in the Beachside Shopping center. Another hot new area is One Paseo, in Carmel Valley. Coming soon is Shake Shack and Tender Greens. Several other well known restaurants have already signed leases. In UTC, try Sweetfin Poke. I'm a real poke lover, and although I haven't tried Sweetfin yet, I will next time I'm shopping at UTC.
So there's a list of new restaurants to look for and keep you eating out for a while. I almost forgot to mention Bentley's in Encinitas. Bentley's closed several months ago after the owner died, and will become a Mexican restaurant. Nice location and ambience. I hope the food will be as good as the setting. Enjoy it all.
Also in Del Mar, look for Creme and Sugar. They're originally from Orange County, and they serve tea and coffee, and all kinds of bakery items. It's in the Beachside Shopping center. Another hot new area is One Paseo, in Carmel Valley. Coming soon is Shake Shack and Tender Greens. Several other well known restaurants have already signed leases. In UTC, try Sweetfin Poke. I'm a real poke lover, and although I haven't tried Sweetfin yet, I will next time I'm shopping at UTC.
So there's a list of new restaurants to look for and keep you eating out for a while. I almost forgot to mention Bentley's in Encinitas. Bentley's closed several months ago after the owner died, and will become a Mexican restaurant. Nice location and ambience. I hope the food will be as good as the setting. Enjoy it all.
Wednesday, May 2, 2018
Are Phone Booths Making A Comeback?
Probably not in a big way, but at the women-only club and work space the Wing, one small phone booth was installed. A year later, when another location of the Wing opened in SoHo, eight built-in, glass doored call rooms were included in the design.
I have often thought that listening to others' cell phone conversation was intrusive, rude by the cell phone user and poor etiquette. I must not be alone in this thinking. I remember one train trip from Oceanside to Union Station, Los Angeles, where I sat behind a woman who talked for over an hour to her friend about her boyfriend problems. I heard more information than I wanted or needed, and had finally had enough. I told her I was trying to sleep and her phone conversation was disturbing. She was very huffy and told me she had a right to talk on the phone. I told her I also had a right to enjoy my trip without listening to her conversation. The people sitting within earshot of her clapped and cheered, and she hung up the phone.
Look around your city. Can you find a pay phone? My guess is NO. I haven't seen one in years. How many unwanted conversations have you had to listen to over the years? Probably more than you care to remember. The idea conceived by the Wing is called Zenbooth, and is now in place in numerous companies. Volkswagen, Lyft, Meetup and Capital One have all purchased Zenbooths for their work places. Zenbooth is a one person, sound proof, eco-friendly, American made box, and is easily assembled. Especially with the trend toward open office spaces, the concept of the Zenbooth may actually catch on in the workplace. It is terribly distracting to constantly listen to someone's private conversations.
Let's face it. The cell phone is here to stay, but there may also be a place, a limited place, for the phone booth. Proper etiquette for use of the cell phone and texting is still being established, but I don't think using the cell phone in public and impinging on others will ever be acceptable. Keep your eyes open for a Zenbooth or other phone book, coming to a business near you soon.
I have often thought that listening to others' cell phone conversation was intrusive, rude by the cell phone user and poor etiquette. I must not be alone in this thinking. I remember one train trip from Oceanside to Union Station, Los Angeles, where I sat behind a woman who talked for over an hour to her friend about her boyfriend problems. I heard more information than I wanted or needed, and had finally had enough. I told her I was trying to sleep and her phone conversation was disturbing. She was very huffy and told me she had a right to talk on the phone. I told her I also had a right to enjoy my trip without listening to her conversation. The people sitting within earshot of her clapped and cheered, and she hung up the phone.
Look around your city. Can you find a pay phone? My guess is NO. I haven't seen one in years. How many unwanted conversations have you had to listen to over the years? Probably more than you care to remember. The idea conceived by the Wing is called Zenbooth, and is now in place in numerous companies. Volkswagen, Lyft, Meetup and Capital One have all purchased Zenbooths for their work places. Zenbooth is a one person, sound proof, eco-friendly, American made box, and is easily assembled. Especially with the trend toward open office spaces, the concept of the Zenbooth may actually catch on in the workplace. It is terribly distracting to constantly listen to someone's private conversations.
Let's face it. The cell phone is here to stay, but there may also be a place, a limited place, for the phone booth. Proper etiquette for use of the cell phone and texting is still being established, but I don't think using the cell phone in public and impinging on others will ever be acceptable. Keep your eyes open for a Zenbooth or other phone book, coming to a business near you soon.
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