Bartering is a 6000 year old method of exchange. It was used long before money was invented. People exchanged services and goods for other services and goods in return. Today, bartering has made a comeback, using more sophisticated methods, like the internet to exchange goods and services. In ancient times the system involved people in the same area, but today bartering is global.
Bartering was introduced by Mesopotamia tribes, adopted by the Phoenicians. Babylonians's also developed an improved bartering system. Goods were exchanged for food, tea, weapons and spices. Salt was another popular item exchanged. Salt was a valuable commodity, so valuable that Roman soldiers' salaries were paid with it. In the Middle Ages, Europeans traveled around the globe to barter crafts and furs in exchange for silks and perfumes.
Due to the lack of money in the 1930's because of the Great Depression, bartering became popular. It was used to obtain food and various other services. It was done through groups or between people who acted similar to banks.
Kids barter all the time. They trade toys, clothes, and other items that they no longer want, but their friend might. Adults barter too. I might offer my friend a sweater I no longer want (or doesn't fit anymore) for a purse she doesn't use. It happens all the time. In current political times, we might call this a quid pro quo. You give me something of value and I will give you something of value in exchange. Such an old concept, updated for the modern world.
Monday, December 30, 2019
Friday, December 27, 2019
Spreading Kindness By Feeding The Meter
Kindness Meters is the visionary idea of Carlton Lund, who years ago wanted to do something to bring kindness to the community, and make Carlsbad America's Kindest City. So far, Carlsbad does not have parking meters, but they now have several kindness meters. The purpose is for people who stroll around Carlsbad Village, to put extra coins in the kindness meters in order to raise money for local charities. With the help of Taylor Made Golf's $225,000 and IPS Group, Inc. who donated the meters, Carlsbad is working toward becoming America's kindest city.
In this age of bullying that has reached an extreme level, it is refreshing to see that some people are trying to reverse the trend. Movements like Pay it Forward and Kindness Meters do this. I've been told that many high schools and colleges now have kindness clubs. One of the most meaningful characteristics you can help develop in your children is kindness. Children learn by example, so if parents show kindness toward others, children will too.
Ron and I were out for dinner not long ago. We were in the parking lot, and I was putting him in the car, folding up the wheelchair, and putting it in the trunk. Along comes a little boy, maybe 11 years old, who had been eating in the restaurant and was sent out to his parents car to get something for them. The boy could see I was having a difficult time, so he politely came over to me and asked if he could help me. That was so unexpected, and I was so impressed. I didn't need his help, but I thanked him and told him how proud I was of his kindess, and that his parents must be very proud of him.
Look for the Kindness Meter next time you're in Carlsbad. The one I saw is at the corner of Carlsbad Village Drive and Highway 101. Donations made to the meter will be used to help local charities.
By the way, hardly a day goes by when I am out with Ron that someone, often a young man or woman 18-30, don't ask if they can help me. When people first started asking to help I thought it was just an isolated situation, but now I know how truly kind the people in the San Diego are. I get offers for help all the time, and I so appreciate it. Keep your kindness coming.
In this age of bullying that has reached an extreme level, it is refreshing to see that some people are trying to reverse the trend. Movements like Pay it Forward and Kindness Meters do this. I've been told that many high schools and colleges now have kindness clubs. One of the most meaningful characteristics you can help develop in your children is kindness. Children learn by example, so if parents show kindness toward others, children will too.
Ron and I were out for dinner not long ago. We were in the parking lot, and I was putting him in the car, folding up the wheelchair, and putting it in the trunk. Along comes a little boy, maybe 11 years old, who had been eating in the restaurant and was sent out to his parents car to get something for them. The boy could see I was having a difficult time, so he politely came over to me and asked if he could help me. That was so unexpected, and I was so impressed. I didn't need his help, but I thanked him and told him how proud I was of his kindess, and that his parents must be very proud of him.
Look for the Kindness Meter next time you're in Carlsbad. The one I saw is at the corner of Carlsbad Village Drive and Highway 101. Donations made to the meter will be used to help local charities.
By the way, hardly a day goes by when I am out with Ron that someone, often a young man or woman 18-30, don't ask if they can help me. When people first started asking to help I thought it was just an isolated situation, but now I know how truly kind the people in the San Diego are. I get offers for help all the time, and I so appreciate it. Keep your kindness coming.
Monday, December 23, 2019
EAT: Equine Assisted Therapy
Since the ancient Greeks, horses have been utilized as a therapeutic aid for people with all kinds of ailments. Hippocrates discussed the therapeutic value of riding in his writings. More currently, Hippotherapy was developed in the 1960's, when it began in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. It was used as an adjunct to traditional physical therapy. Therapeutic riding began with Liz Hartel from Denmark. Her legs were paralyzed from polio, but with therapy was able to win the silver medal for dressage in the 1952 Olympics. Therapeutic riding has been used in the U.S since the 1960's, when it was used to address orthopaedic dysfunctions like sciolosis. Today it is used for all kinds of disabilities, from blindness to mental illness.
Horses are trained and selected specifically for therapy before being integrated into a program. Any breed of horse can be used, but the horse must be calm, even-tempered, gentle and serviceably sound.
Today, equine-assisted therapy is used by medical professionals such as occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, psychologists, social workers and recreational therapists. It has been shown, along with more traditional methods of treatment, to improve the quality of life for those receiving it.
Horses are trained and selected specifically for therapy before being integrated into a program. Any breed of horse can be used, but the horse must be calm, even-tempered, gentle and serviceably sound.
Today, equine-assisted therapy is used by medical professionals such as occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, psychologists, social workers and recreational therapists. It has been shown, along with more traditional methods of treatment, to improve the quality of life for those receiving it.
Friday, December 20, 2019
Do You Know What Medical Benefits You Are Entitled To?
I thought I knew about the benefits of my health care plan, but I really only knew the basics, like deductibles, co-pays and prescription costs. There is much more to know, as I am quickly finding out. I feel that every patient with a terminal disease needs an advocate. The advocate may be a spouse, friend or other relative, or a professional.
As terminal diseases progress, the patient needs more care, more equipment, more of everything, especially nursing or some kind of home health care. How do you find out what you're entitled to? I started by asking the home care social worker, who led me to the ALS Clinic, who led me to the social worker who dealt only with ALS issues. If you have Parkinson's or MS or Alzheimers, there are specific people that can help you. The social worker will tell you what you are entitled to with the insurance you have, and help you get exactly what you need.
I thought I knew a lot, but I didn't. Did you know that each city (San Diego for us) has grant money that can be given to help patients with specific diseases? If you have Alzheimers, there is a lot of money available. If you have ALS, there is no grant money available.
Pallitive care is something that most people can take advantage of. You just have to know who to ask and what to ask. There is help out there for everyone. It's a matter of getting to the right person who can guide you. I talked to neighbor of mine last month. His wife has both Alzheimer's and MS. He and his daughter have been doing all the caregiving for his wife, when he could be taking advantage of grants and home health care to assist. We have to advocate for ourselves and our loved ones. There is a lot of help out there, if you know where to find it.
As terminal diseases progress, the patient needs more care, more equipment, more of everything, especially nursing or some kind of home health care. How do you find out what you're entitled to? I started by asking the home care social worker, who led me to the ALS Clinic, who led me to the social worker who dealt only with ALS issues. If you have Parkinson's or MS or Alzheimers, there are specific people that can help you. The social worker will tell you what you are entitled to with the insurance you have, and help you get exactly what you need.
I thought I knew a lot, but I didn't. Did you know that each city (San Diego for us) has grant money that can be given to help patients with specific diseases? If you have Alzheimers, there is a lot of money available. If you have ALS, there is no grant money available.
Pallitive care is something that most people can take advantage of. You just have to know who to ask and what to ask. There is help out there for everyone. It's a matter of getting to the right person who can guide you. I talked to neighbor of mine last month. His wife has both Alzheimer's and MS. He and his daughter have been doing all the caregiving for his wife, when he could be taking advantage of grants and home health care to assist. We have to advocate for ourselves and our loved ones. There is a lot of help out there, if you know where to find it.
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Dim Sum in Vista at Kung Fu Noodles
My friend Charlene told me about a Chinese restaurant in Vista that she thought I might like. She was right. What she didn't tell me was that it served traditional dim sum items and very little else. That was fine with me. I love dim sum, and going all the way to Convoy Street for dim sum is not always feasible.Kung Fu Noodles is on E. Vista Way, just across from the new Sprouts in Vista. It's in a shopping center. There are lots of comfortable tables and it is modern and clean. It is not a traditional dim sum restaurant in that you order at the counter, then they bring out the dishes as they are ready. It does not have the full array of dishes you might find at a more traditional dim sum restaurant, where waiters and waitresses come around with carts loaded with delicious buns, baos, meats and vegetable dishes.
At Kung Fu Noodles you can count on fresh, handmade noodles, which makes their noodle soups delicious. They also offer Dan Dan noodles, and chicken chow mein. The rest of the menu is devoted to a variety of small buns, filled with pork, shrimp, chicken or vegetables, or larger baos that are steamed or boiled. My favorite was the bean bao. Pot stickers are pan fried and are delicious. Ron's favorite dish was the fried chicken wings. I don't usually eat them, but they looked so inviting, I tried one. It was crispy on the outside, with the chicken tender and juicy inside. We also tried a scallion and sesame seed pancake which was good, but a little heavy.
This is not a restaurant for those seeking a traditional Chinese restaurant. It is strictly noodles and soups, buns and baos and potstickers. It's really good, and I can't wait to go again and try some other menu items.
Monday, December 16, 2019
An Evening With Ruth Reichel
I've been reading Ruth Reichel for as long as I can remember. Chef, food critic, magazine editor, author and lecturer has been involved in the American food scene since the 1960's. She was born in 1948 in New York City, the daughter of German immigrants, who became one of the most influential people in food and culture in our country.
She is on tour now, plugging her latest book, Save Me The Plums. I saw her interviewed, followed by a Q and A, in La Jolla last week. It was an interesting evening for a foodie like me.
Ruth married in the 1960's and moved to Berkeley with her husband. The culinary revolution of the 1970's was just about to take off, and Ruth was there and became part of it. Alice Waters was there, and as Ruth told us, her favorite restaurant in all the world is still Chez Panisse.
Ruth spent most of her career as food critic for the LA Times and the New York Times. She talks in many of her books about the great lengths she would go to eat at a restaurant undetected. She would use disguises, as she felt this was the way to get a sample of what the restaurant was really like, not what they would do special for a food critic.
She was also the editor of Gourmet Magazine for many years, until the closing of Conde Nast (parent company) in 2009. She had never managed a large group of people before, but Gourmet was desperate to land her as their new editor, and she took the job. She knew nothing about magazine editing, but with the help of supportive staff, she learned and lead. Unfortunately the magazine could not survive the technology of the 21st century. The owner of Conde Nast, Si Newhouse, did not change with the times, and could never fully commit to a digital presence.
Ruth lives in the Berkshires today and continues to write and lecture. She is a delight to listen to. What a treat to hear from one of the leaders of the culinary revolution! Now I may have to buy her new book and read it.
She is on tour now, plugging her latest book, Save Me The Plums. I saw her interviewed, followed by a Q and A, in La Jolla last week. It was an interesting evening for a foodie like me.
Ruth married in the 1960's and moved to Berkeley with her husband. The culinary revolution of the 1970's was just about to take off, and Ruth was there and became part of it. Alice Waters was there, and as Ruth told us, her favorite restaurant in all the world is still Chez Panisse.
Ruth spent most of her career as food critic for the LA Times and the New York Times. She talks in many of her books about the great lengths she would go to eat at a restaurant undetected. She would use disguises, as she felt this was the way to get a sample of what the restaurant was really like, not what they would do special for a food critic.
She was also the editor of Gourmet Magazine for many years, until the closing of Conde Nast (parent company) in 2009. She had never managed a large group of people before, but Gourmet was desperate to land her as their new editor, and she took the job. She knew nothing about magazine editing, but with the help of supportive staff, she learned and lead. Unfortunately the magazine could not survive the technology of the 21st century. The owner of Conde Nast, Si Newhouse, did not change with the times, and could never fully commit to a digital presence.
Ruth lives in the Berkshires today and continues to write and lecture. She is a delight to listen to. What a treat to hear from one of the leaders of the culinary revolution! Now I may have to buy her new book and read it.
Friday, December 13, 2019
It's Time For Persimmons
I'm surprised at how many people I know have never tried a persimmon, in fact, when shown one, don't even know what it is. I had a prolific persimmon (American type) in my backyard in Los Angeles, so I was busy eating and cooking with them every fall for many years. I also had a neighbor who had several trees, and graciously shared them with neighbors. I couldn't possibly eat them all, so I waited for them to ripen, then cut them in half, took the stem off, and froze them in baggies for eating during the rest of the year. Frozen persimmons are the perfect sweet treat. Just let them defrost a bit, then eat. They are soft and ever so sweet. It wasn't until I moved to San Diego that I discovered the more popular persimmon, the Japanese variety called Fuya.
American persimmons are called Hacyiya, and were native to this country, eaten by Native Americans. They become available in the fall. They are a deep orange, and must be extremely ripe and soft before eating. If you happen to eat an unripe Hicyiva, you will regret it. It is tannic, and the taste left in your mouth is horrible, but hard to describe. On the other hand, Fuya persimmons, are smaller and should be eaten when hard, like an apple. Fuya persimmons were brought to this country by the Japanese. I remove the top stem and quarter them. They are so delicious.
Many recipes use persimmons. A holiday favorite is persimmon pudding, dark brown in color, very sweet, and topped with whipped cream. Fuya persimmons are often cut and added to salads. Hachiya are used more in baking, like persimmon cookies, puddings, jams and butters.
If you have never tasted one, I suggest you do. Just remember, if you get the Hacyiva type, be sure it is very soft, almost mushy, before eating. The Fuya you can eat right away. Persimmons are one of the fruits that I look forward to every fall.
American persimmons are called Hacyiya, and were native to this country, eaten by Native Americans. They become available in the fall. They are a deep orange, and must be extremely ripe and soft before eating. If you happen to eat an unripe Hicyiva, you will regret it. It is tannic, and the taste left in your mouth is horrible, but hard to describe. On the other hand, Fuya persimmons, are smaller and should be eaten when hard, like an apple. Fuya persimmons were brought to this country by the Japanese. I remove the top stem and quarter them. They are so delicious.
Many recipes use persimmons. A holiday favorite is persimmon pudding, dark brown in color, very sweet, and topped with whipped cream. Fuya persimmons are often cut and added to salads. Hachiya are used more in baking, like persimmon cookies, puddings, jams and butters.
If you have never tasted one, I suggest you do. Just remember, if you get the Hacyiva type, be sure it is very soft, almost mushy, before eating. The Fuya you can eat right away. Persimmons are one of the fruits that I look forward to every fall.
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
What is Voice Banking
On our most recent visit to the ALS Clinic, Dr. Ravits asked us if either one of us had ever heard about "voice banking." Neither one of us had. He explained that many people with ALS or other neurological diseases where they may lose some or part of their auditory ability to communicate, are voice banking.
Voice banking is a process that allows a person to record a set list of phrases with their own voice, while they still have the ability to do so. This recording is then converted to create a personal synthetic voice.
When the person is no longer able to use their own voice, they can use the synthetic voice in speech-generating communication devices to generate an infinite number of words and sentences. The voice created will be synthetic and not be a perfect replica of the person’s natural speech, but it will bear some resemblance.
The purpose of this is to save phrases, laughs, jokes, favorite sayings, etc. in the voice of the person before he or she can no longer speak. It sounds like a great idea, although it is not something we plan to do yet.
In fact, Dr. Ravits said that Ron may never have ALS affect his speech, as it is almost six years since his first symptoms appeared and he has not developed any respiratory or speech problems. If and when the time comes, voice banking seems like a great idea.
I checked it out on line and there is an app for that. There's an app for everything these days. You can load the app on your phone, then record whatever you want to say. "I love you, give me a kiss, please get my phone for me, where is the remote, how's your mom? Pepper I love you, how are the grandkids? and how are Brian, David and Phil? and what's for dinner?" are phrases that come to mind.
As I'm sitting here writing this, I'm thinking this is a great way to preserve an elderly family member's voice. There is nothing that brings a person to life more than hearing their voice. Many people have family members record their life story, or parts of their life, for future generations to enjoy. This is similar, but for ALS patients or others who lose the ability to speak, voice banking helps preserve this.
Monday, December 9, 2019
Why Do So Many Restaurants Serve Bad Coffee?
It's not a problem finding a good cup of coffee in San Diego. The problem is, most of the good coffee is served in cafes or coffee houses, not in restaurants. Starbucks, Peets, Coffee Bean, Bird Rock, Better Buzz and Philz are just some of the many coffee houses serving great coffee. Now, go to a coffee shop, a place where they serve breakfast and lunch, and try to find a good cup of coffee. That's a challenge.
Several years ago I decided that if I ordered a cup of coffee in a restaurant and it wasn't good, I would send it back and have it removed from the bill. Now when I order coffee I always ask, "Is it good, because if it's not, don't bring it." I usually get one of two answers: 1. Well, it's really not very good, or 2. It's pretty good, and I'll bring you a cup and if you don't like it, I'll take it back. Almost never does a server unequivocally tell me the coffee is good. Two exceptions: Shorehouse Kitchen in Carlsbad and Breakfast Republic in Encinitas both have great coffee.
Other favorites that I frequent for breakfast do not have good coffee, so I stop at Starbucks first and bring my Starbucks to breakfast. The Broken Yolk, The Tamarack Pie Shop, 101 Diner in Encinitas (one of my favorite breakfast places, but the coffee is no good). I could go on and on. Why can't they make a good cup of coffee? Restaurants could add 25cents to the cost of the coffee and buy good coffee. I just don't get it. I also don't get why anyone drinks bad coffee when good coffee is just a few steps away.
No restaurant has ever asked me not to bring my Starbucks into their restaurant. I don't think they will, but if they do, I will have a lot to say.
Several years ago I decided that if I ordered a cup of coffee in a restaurant and it wasn't good, I would send it back and have it removed from the bill. Now when I order coffee I always ask, "Is it good, because if it's not, don't bring it." I usually get one of two answers: 1. Well, it's really not very good, or 2. It's pretty good, and I'll bring you a cup and if you don't like it, I'll take it back. Almost never does a server unequivocally tell me the coffee is good. Two exceptions: Shorehouse Kitchen in Carlsbad and Breakfast Republic in Encinitas both have great coffee.
Other favorites that I frequent for breakfast do not have good coffee, so I stop at Starbucks first and bring my Starbucks to breakfast. The Broken Yolk, The Tamarack Pie Shop, 101 Diner in Encinitas (one of my favorite breakfast places, but the coffee is no good). I could go on and on. Why can't they make a good cup of coffee? Restaurants could add 25cents to the cost of the coffee and buy good coffee. I just don't get it. I also don't get why anyone drinks bad coffee when good coffee is just a few steps away.
No restaurant has ever asked me not to bring my Starbucks into their restaurant. I don't think they will, but if they do, I will have a lot to say.
Friday, December 6, 2019
Do You Have A Hair Coloring Horror Story?
I never seem to be happy with my hair color. It's too dark when I leave the salon, it's too light several weeks later. What's a girl to do? Well, I put the question out to some friends of mine recently, and discovered that many of them did their own hair, and honestly, most of them looked better than those spending $100 at a salon. So, I decided to listen to them, and try to color my own hair.
Actually, for my first effort, it looks pretty good. It's not quite the color I wanted, and I didn't get all the grey covered as well as it should be, but it looks pretty good. In four weeks I'll try again, and this time hopefully get the color right.
Back in college many of us got the urge to color our hair, usually with disastrous results. One friend of mine ended up with a color so bad she had to frantically search for an open salon to "fix" her mistake. Other people I have talked to overprocessed their hair, and had much of their hair fall out.
Today, the products are kinder and gentler, and mistakes can easily be corrected. I remember when our son David came home from a bus trip around the U.S. when he was in 11th grade, with orange hair and SD carved into his hair. (he was a big Chargers fan). Ron just about had a fit, but I told he NOT to overreact, and he listened. In three weeks the hair had grown out, and that was the end of it.
You can go on the internet today, hire a colorist to evaluate the best color for your hair, then buy the product from them. One of my friends did that, and her hair looks gorgeous. I'm going to stick with the product I just used, but try to get the color a little darker. It's going to save me time and money, commodities that I don't seem to have enough of these days.
Actually, for my first effort, it looks pretty good. It's not quite the color I wanted, and I didn't get all the grey covered as well as it should be, but it looks pretty good. In four weeks I'll try again, and this time hopefully get the color right.
Back in college many of us got the urge to color our hair, usually with disastrous results. One friend of mine ended up with a color so bad she had to frantically search for an open salon to "fix" her mistake. Other people I have talked to overprocessed their hair, and had much of their hair fall out.
Today, the products are kinder and gentler, and mistakes can easily be corrected. I remember when our son David came home from a bus trip around the U.S. when he was in 11th grade, with orange hair and SD carved into his hair. (he was a big Chargers fan). Ron just about had a fit, but I told he NOT to overreact, and he listened. In three weeks the hair had grown out, and that was the end of it.
You can go on the internet today, hire a colorist to evaluate the best color for your hair, then buy the product from them. One of my friends did that, and her hair looks gorgeous. I'm going to stick with the product I just used, but try to get the color a little darker. It's going to save me time and money, commodities that I don't seem to have enough of these days.
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
Barbeque Comes To Bressi Ranch
While everyone else was out shopping for Thanksgiving dinner, Ron and I went to WR Kitchen and Bar in Bressi Ranch for lunch. What attracted us was the brisket sandwich, which you don't see everywhere. Ron loves barbeque, so we had to try it. So glad we did.It's a comfortable restaurant, with tables for two, four, or long tables for a big crowd. It's easy and fast to eat here, but you don't feel rushed. Enter the restaurant, and order your food at the counter in front of you. Then, find a table, and your food will be brought to you when it's ready. The food was delicious, and everything I didn't get to try on my first visit looked delicious, so we will definitely go back soon to try something. Ron ordered the brisket sandwich, with cole slaw, pickles and swiss cheese. For $12, or for any price, it was a winner. I ordered a barbeque chopped salad, with black beans, cheese, lettuce and tomatoes, in a nice barbeque dressing. The french fries were delicious too. On another visit we want to try the tri tip sandwich with carmelized onions, crispy fried onions, baby back ribs, and several side dishes that sound amazing.
Everything is a la carte, so when you start to add extras, the price rises. Our lunch for two was $30, which really isn't bad. WR Kitchen and Bar is a great addition to the excellent restaurant choices in Bressi Ranch. We've got Mediterranean, gourmet tacos, gourmet salads and sandwiches, and now barbeque. Coming soon is an Italian restaurant, which I can't wait to try. If you live in the area near Bressi Ranch there's no reason to go far to have a great meal. WR Kitchen and Bar is just another great restaurant in the new section of Bressi Ranch.
Monday, December 2, 2019
Partial Cliff Collapse in Del Mar
This wasn't the first and it won't be the last cliff to collapse in the North San Diego. Just a few months ago, part of a cliff collapsed in Encinitas, killing several people. The collapse in Del Mar occurred after 48 hours of heavy rain washed away part of the cliff near the Del Mar train station.. The station has not been used in years, but the rain washed away part of the train tracks, so service between Del Mar and San Diego was closed temporarily.
I have recently read a great deal about climate change, and one thing is for sure. The cliffs along La Jolla, Del Mar, Solana Beach and Encinitas will someday be gone. We don't know when, it could be 10 years or 50 years, but erosion will eventually take them down.
I watch little children play on the beach below Fletcher Cove, and even with signs that say "Unstable Cliffs," parents still allow their kids to play close to them. It's just a matter of time. Perhaps some of these areas should be closed. The area in Del Mar where the partial cliff collapse occurred is frequented by children and adults. There's a park nearby, and walking paths below the cliffs that are in constant use. I know. I lived there for seven years and used to walk that area all the time. I hope another tragedy doesn't have to take place like what happened in Encinitas to get people's attention. In my opinion, areas with unstable cliffs above should be closed to the public. It's just tempting fate to have people walking and playing where a cliff could collapse.
On Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, my mom was taking the train home from Oceanside to Los Angeles.(the Del Mar train closure took place on Saturday so she was not affected). As we're driving to the train station my mom says, "I hope the rain didn't wash out any of the train track." The next day, part of the train tracks in Del Mar WERE washed out. Smart lady.
I have recently read a great deal about climate change, and one thing is for sure. The cliffs along La Jolla, Del Mar, Solana Beach and Encinitas will someday be gone. We don't know when, it could be 10 years or 50 years, but erosion will eventually take them down.
I watch little children play on the beach below Fletcher Cove, and even with signs that say "Unstable Cliffs," parents still allow their kids to play close to them. It's just a matter of time. Perhaps some of these areas should be closed. The area in Del Mar where the partial cliff collapse occurred is frequented by children and adults. There's a park nearby, and walking paths below the cliffs that are in constant use. I know. I lived there for seven years and used to walk that area all the time. I hope another tragedy doesn't have to take place like what happened in Encinitas to get people's attention. In my opinion, areas with unstable cliffs above should be closed to the public. It's just tempting fate to have people walking and playing where a cliff could collapse.
On Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, my mom was taking the train home from Oceanside to Los Angeles.(the Del Mar train closure took place on Saturday so she was not affected). As we're driving to the train station my mom says, "I hope the rain didn't wash out any of the train track." The next day, part of the train tracks in Del Mar WERE washed out. Smart lady.
Friday, November 29, 2019
New Words In The Urban Dictionary
When I spent a few days in Colorado, I learned a thing or two about texting etiquette and some new words in the urban dictionary. One word that kept coming up was ghosting. I thought I was current on language, but apparently not. In addition to ghosting, here are a few other words that were new to me.
1. On fleek means looking perfect
2. Bible- when used at the beginning of the sentence, it means you are telling the truth.
3. cyberslacking-using ones employers Internet and email for personal activities.
4. zaddy-a zaddy is a many who oozes sex appeal.
1. On fleek means looking perfect
2. Bible- when used at the beginning of the sentence, it means you are telling the truth.
3. cyberslacking-using ones employers Internet and email for personal activities.
4. zaddy-a zaddy is a many who oozes sex appeal.
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
The Tragedy of Pine Ridge Reservation
I'd never heard of Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, the most impoverished area of the United States, until I got a text from my son Phil. Phil was on the Pine Ridge Reservation for a project with Conscious Alliance, a non profit from Boulder, with a mission of eradicating hunger in the U.S. As you can imagine, Phil said it was a very intense experience. Since I knew nothing about this area or the Native Americans that live there, I did a little research.
The Lakota Sioux Tribe lives in South Dakota, right near the border of Nebraska. There are about 19,000 people living on the reservation. In White Clay, Nebraska, a town of 14 people just a few miles from the reservation , there are 4 liquor stores. These liquor stores sell over 4 million cans of beer to the 19,000 tribe members that live just a few miles away. At the moment there is a Supreme Court decision waiting to be made that will close White Clay and the 4 liquor stores forever. Opponents of this happening say that having the liquor stores there is just free enterprise. That argument can be had some other time. Alcoholism is one of the major problems in Pine Ridge. Additionally, youth suicide is four times the national average. Trump has cut Native American programs nationwide, and the situation will only get worse. Most families live on about $5,000 per year, in addition to hand outs from the federal government, in the form of food, housing and health care.
Because of the closure of the liquor stores in White Clay, bootleg liquor is now produced by the Native Americans, so closing the liquor stores has done nothing to reduce alcoholism. Drinking gets these impoverished people away from reality. Most Pine Ridge residents are living on government handouts. Commodity products that are given to the locals include mostly carbohydrates, like flour and rice. Fruits and veggies are scarce, so when a Subway finally opened on the reservation, locals were thrilled to be able to get vegetables in their Subway sandwich. Some had not eaten a cucumber or pepper in months because the high cost of these items in local supermarkets. Because of poor nutrition, one half of all members of the Lakota Sioux Tribe in South Dakota are diabetic.
Conscious Alliances's efforts to improve life for the Pine Ridge people through their service project/holiday food drive/giveaway is a good beginning, but there is so much that needs to be done to turn life around for these people. No one should go hungry in America. Hopefully other non profits will follow the lead of Conscious Alliance and try to improve the health and nutrition of all Americans.
The Lakota Sioux Tribe lives in South Dakota, right near the border of Nebraska. There are about 19,000 people living on the reservation. In White Clay, Nebraska, a town of 14 people just a few miles from the reservation , there are 4 liquor stores. These liquor stores sell over 4 million cans of beer to the 19,000 tribe members that live just a few miles away. At the moment there is a Supreme Court decision waiting to be made that will close White Clay and the 4 liquor stores forever. Opponents of this happening say that having the liquor stores there is just free enterprise. That argument can be had some other time. Alcoholism is one of the major problems in Pine Ridge. Additionally, youth suicide is four times the national average. Trump has cut Native American programs nationwide, and the situation will only get worse. Most families live on about $5,000 per year, in addition to hand outs from the federal government, in the form of food, housing and health care.
Because of the closure of the liquor stores in White Clay, bootleg liquor is now produced by the Native Americans, so closing the liquor stores has done nothing to reduce alcoholism. Drinking gets these impoverished people away from reality. Most Pine Ridge residents are living on government handouts. Commodity products that are given to the locals include mostly carbohydrates, like flour and rice. Fruits and veggies are scarce, so when a Subway finally opened on the reservation, locals were thrilled to be able to get vegetables in their Subway sandwich. Some had not eaten a cucumber or pepper in months because the high cost of these items in local supermarkets. Because of poor nutrition, one half of all members of the Lakota Sioux Tribe in South Dakota are diabetic.
Conscious Alliances's efforts to improve life for the Pine Ridge people through their service project/holiday food drive/giveaway is a good beginning, but there is so much that needs to be done to turn life around for these people. No one should go hungry in America. Hopefully other non profits will follow the lead of Conscious Alliance and try to improve the health and nutrition of all Americans.
Monday, November 25, 2019
A Spy In Buckingham Palace
I was watching the third season of The Crown, and was shocked to learn that the art historian for Buckingham Palace was actually a spy, working for the KGB. I quickly got on the computer to find out all the details.
Sir Anthony Blunt was appointed Surveyor of the Kings Pictures, and kept that post for several decades, even after it was discovered he was spying for the Russians. Blunt was actually recruited in the 1930's, but it wasn't until the early 1950's when he was appointed art historian for Buckingham Palace, that he was in a position to gain access to sensitive information. Over the 15 years before the truth was revealed, Blunt turned over more than 2,000 sensitive documents and bits of information to the Russians.
Why, when Blunt was found out, was he not prosecuted and removed from his position? The answer is that British intelligence did not want to reveal how they had let a spy into Buckingham Palace. They determined that it would be too damaging to their reputation, so this information was kept secret until it was finally revealed by Margaret Thatcher in 1979. At this time he was stripped of his knighthood. When authorities originally found out Blunt was a spy, he was kept on in his position, but was obviously watched like a hawk. Queen Elizabeth never spoke to him again. She and her husband wanted him removed and tried for treason, but for the good of the country, they did not.
Every country has its secrets. Sometimes we think we are the only country with scandal and intrigue. That's just not so. However, when you find that a Russian spy has infiltrated Buckingham Palace, it really is shocking.
Sir Anthony Blunt was appointed Surveyor of the Kings Pictures, and kept that post for several decades, even after it was discovered he was spying for the Russians. Blunt was actually recruited in the 1930's, but it wasn't until the early 1950's when he was appointed art historian for Buckingham Palace, that he was in a position to gain access to sensitive information. Over the 15 years before the truth was revealed, Blunt turned over more than 2,000 sensitive documents and bits of information to the Russians.
Why, when Blunt was found out, was he not prosecuted and removed from his position? The answer is that British intelligence did not want to reveal how they had let a spy into Buckingham Palace. They determined that it would be too damaging to their reputation, so this information was kept secret until it was finally revealed by Margaret Thatcher in 1979. At this time he was stripped of his knighthood. When authorities originally found out Blunt was a spy, he was kept on in his position, but was obviously watched like a hawk. Queen Elizabeth never spoke to him again. She and her husband wanted him removed and tried for treason, but for the good of the country, they did not.
Every country has its secrets. Sometimes we think we are the only country with scandal and intrigue. That's just not so. However, when you find that a Russian spy has infiltrated Buckingham Palace, it really is shocking.
Friday, November 22, 2019
Citizen Scientists Can Help Slow Extinction
Depending on who you listen to, the number of species that have become extinct on the planet is between 85%-99%. That means, that of all the species, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and insects that once roamed the planet, only a fraction of them remain today, and because of human interference in the natural order of things, those left are dying out 1,000 times faster than they normally would. The good news is that new technologyi is helping conservation make big strides.Here's an example: In 2010, at an army base in Baghdad in Iraq, someone brought U.S. service member Jonathan Trouern-Trend a frog in a plastic bottle. The brightly colored amphibian had been hiding in the latrine. Trouern-Trend was known as the guy who could identify critters. Before releasing the frog in a nearby pond, he uploaded a picture of it onto his mobile app iNaturalist, which connects a worldwide community of people who report sighting of animals and plants online. App users informed him that he'd found a lemon-yellow tree frog, in an area where they had never been seen before. The species' known range had suddenlty expanded.
This kind of citizen science has exploded in recent years thanks to the smartphone. It is giving conservationists hope that new technology can slow extinctions. Conservationists can calculate the extinction rate of the known species by keeping track of how many die out each year. The rapid rate of extinction is mostly due to human-caused habitat destructionb and climate change.
The analysis of conservationists reveals that before humans evolved, less than a single species per million went extinct annually. If the current trend continues, the result might possibly be the sixth mass extinction in Earth's history. Crowdsourcing and citizen scientists are helping to keep this from happening.
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
Who Was Jim Crow?
We all know about Jim Crow laws, those repressive laws in the south that kept African Americans from all kinds of things, from sitting in the front of a bus, to going to the movies, to attending the school of their choice, to eating lunch where they wanted. My friends and I were returning from the movies one Sunday, when we all wanted to know who Jim Crow was. Was he a real person or a fictional character?
The origin of the name "Jim Crow" dates back to before the Civil war. In the early 1830s, the white actor Thomas Dartmouth “Daddy” Rice rose to stardom by performing minstrel routines as the fictional “Jim Crow,” a caricature of a clumsy, dimwitted black slave. Rice claimed to have first created the character after witnessing an elderly black man singing a tune called “Jump Jim Crow” in Louisville, Kentucky. He later appropriated the Jim Crow persona into a minstrel act where he wore blackface and performed jokes and songs in a stereotypical slave dialect. For example, “Jump Jim Crow” included the popular refrain, “Weel about and turn about and do ‘jis so, eb’ry time I weel about I jump Jim Crow.” Rice’s minstrel act was a huge hit among white audiences, and he later took it on tour around the United States and Great Britain. As the show’s popularity spread, “Jim Crow” became a widely used derogatory term for blacks.
So there you have it. Jim Crow was NOT a real person, but a fictional character. Why the repressive Jim Crow laws used the name of this fictional character, I do not know.
The origin of the name "Jim Crow" dates back to before the Civil war. In the early 1830s, the white actor Thomas Dartmouth “Daddy” Rice rose to stardom by performing minstrel routines as the fictional “Jim Crow,” a caricature of a clumsy, dimwitted black slave. Rice claimed to have first created the character after witnessing an elderly black man singing a tune called “Jump Jim Crow” in Louisville, Kentucky. He later appropriated the Jim Crow persona into a minstrel act where he wore blackface and performed jokes and songs in a stereotypical slave dialect. For example, “Jump Jim Crow” included the popular refrain, “Weel about and turn about and do ‘jis so, eb’ry time I weel about I jump Jim Crow.” Rice’s minstrel act was a huge hit among white audiences, and he later took it on tour around the United States and Great Britain. As the show’s popularity spread, “Jim Crow” became a widely used derogatory term for blacks.
So there you have it. Jim Crow was NOT a real person, but a fictional character. Why the repressive Jim Crow laws used the name of this fictional character, I do not know.
Monday, November 18, 2019
What is Sous Vide?
Sous vide French for "under vacuum," also known as low pressure long time cooking. (LTLT). It is a method of cooking in which food is place in a plastic pouch or a glass jar, tightly sealed, and cooked in a water bath for longer than usual cooking times. (usually 1-7 hours). Typically, the cooking temperature is around 55-60 degrees Celsius for meat, higher for vegetables. The intent is to cook the product evenly and retain moisture.
In the 1970"s the method of food cooked low and slow was adopted by Georges Pralus, a French chef for Restaurant Troisgros and Bruno Goussault, chief scientist of Sterling, Virginia based food manufacturerer Cuisine Solutions. Goussault and Pralus independently worked on development of sous vide in the 19970"s and eventually became collaborators.
Any type of meat, fish, chicken or vegetable can be cooked in this style. I first experienced a steak cooked in a sous vide at my son Philip's house in Boulder. I was sure the meat would be dry and overcooked, but it was probably the most perfectly prepared steak I have ever had. Pork and pork chops cooked to you exact desired doneness, and the meat is moist and juicy. Whatever you cook seems to come out better in a sous vide machine.
It goes against everything I thought I knew about cooking meat, but somehow meat, fish and chicken come out perfectly done and tender. After spending an an hour discussing the sous vide with my friends at the dog park, I may just have to go out and get one.
In the 1970"s the method of food cooked low and slow was adopted by Georges Pralus, a French chef for Restaurant Troisgros and Bruno Goussault, chief scientist of Sterling, Virginia based food manufacturerer Cuisine Solutions. Goussault and Pralus independently worked on development of sous vide in the 19970"s and eventually became collaborators.
Any type of meat, fish, chicken or vegetable can be cooked in this style. I first experienced a steak cooked in a sous vide at my son Philip's house in Boulder. I was sure the meat would be dry and overcooked, but it was probably the most perfectly prepared steak I have ever had. Pork and pork chops cooked to you exact desired doneness, and the meat is moist and juicy. Whatever you cook seems to come out better in a sous vide machine.
It goes against everything I thought I knew about cooking meat, but somehow meat, fish and chicken come out perfectly done and tender. After spending an an hour discussing the sous vide with my friends at the dog park, I may just have to go out and get one.
Friday, November 15, 2019
Who Was Ida B. Wells (1862-1931
Ida B. Wells was an African American journalist, abolitionist and feminist who led an anti-lynching crusade in the United States in the 1890's. We went on to found and become an integral part of groups striving for African American justice.
Ida B. Wells was born a slave in 1862, in Holly Springs, Mississippi. About six months after Ida's birth, she and her family, as well as the rest of the slaves of the Confederate states, were decreed free by the Union thanks to the Emancipation Proclamation.
Her father was active in the Republican Party during Reconstruction, and was involved in starting what is now Rust College. It was here that Ida received her early schooling. Unfortunately, tragedy struck her family when she was only 16. Both parents and one of her sibling died in a yellow fever outbreak, leaving Wells to care for her other siblings.ever resourceful, she convinced a nearby country school adminstrator that she was 18, and landed a job as a teacher.
Later on, Ida B. Wells attened Fisk College, where she wrote about issues of race and politics. Some of her articles were published, and her career as a journalist began. While working as a teacher in a segregated public school in Memphis, she became a vocal critic of the condition of blacks only schools.
She became an anti-lynching activist when three African American men opened a grocery store, taking business away from a white-owned store in the neighborhood. The African American men were arrested while trying to guard their store against attack and sent to jail. While in jail, a lynch mob took them from their cells and murdered them. Wells wrote an editorial that incensed some of the city's whites, and she was warned that if she ever returned to Memphis, she would be killed. She staid up north, and wrote an in-depth report on lynching in America for the New York Age, and African American newspaper run by former slave T. Thomas Fortune.
Wells went on to become a co-founder of NAACP. She created the first African American kindergarten in her community and fought for women's suffrage. In 1930 she made an unsuccessful bid for the Illinois state senate.
Ida B. Wells was born a slave in 1862, in Holly Springs, Mississippi. About six months after Ida's birth, she and her family, as well as the rest of the slaves of the Confederate states, were decreed free by the Union thanks to the Emancipation Proclamation.
Her father was active in the Republican Party during Reconstruction, and was involved in starting what is now Rust College. It was here that Ida received her early schooling. Unfortunately, tragedy struck her family when she was only 16. Both parents and one of her sibling died in a yellow fever outbreak, leaving Wells to care for her other siblings.ever resourceful, she convinced a nearby country school adminstrator that she was 18, and landed a job as a teacher.
Later on, Ida B. Wells attened Fisk College, where she wrote about issues of race and politics. Some of her articles were published, and her career as a journalist began. While working as a teacher in a segregated public school in Memphis, she became a vocal critic of the condition of blacks only schools.
She became an anti-lynching activist when three African American men opened a grocery store, taking business away from a white-owned store in the neighborhood. The African American men were arrested while trying to guard their store against attack and sent to jail. While in jail, a lynch mob took them from their cells and murdered them. Wells wrote an editorial that incensed some of the city's whites, and she was warned that if she ever returned to Memphis, she would be killed. She staid up north, and wrote an in-depth report on lynching in America for the New York Age, and African American newspaper run by former slave T. Thomas Fortune.
Wells went on to become a co-founder of NAACP. She created the first African American kindergarten in her community and fought for women's suffrage. In 1930 she made an unsuccessful bid for the Illinois state senate.
Monday, November 11, 2019
Nancy Reddin Kienholtz 1944-2019
Long before I had heard of Nancy Reddin Kienholtz, I was a fan of her husband Ed Kienholtz. It must have been in the 1970's when LACMA had an Ed Kienholtz exhibit, showing painting, sculpture and installations. It was the provocative installations, denouncing societal ills like sexism, racism and child abuse, that made me a fan. His work made me think.
In 1972 Nancy Kienholtz was an amateur photographer. She met and fell in love with Ed, and was his student and collaborator on sculpture and installations for decades. Ed taught Nancy to weld, solder, cast figures and paint. For years, his installations bore only his name as artist, but in 1981 that changed. Ed Kienholtz had an exhibit at the Galerie Maeght (in France), when he surprised his wife by declaring that all their work for the first nine years they were together was retroactively THEIR work, and from then on, all work was signed by Ed and Nancy Kienholtz.
Both Ed and Nancy were untrained artists, although Nancy said she attended the "School of Ed." Ed told Nancy to follow her "eye." Their work is so thought provoking, often disturbing, denouncing much of what we see in society today. The objects used in their art was picked up from junk stores, throw away junk found on the street, old abandoned cars, beds, chairs, etc. They would use these items to create a social statement. Nancy Reddin Kienholtz died recently at age 75.
In 1972 Nancy Kienholtz was an amateur photographer. She met and fell in love with Ed, and was his student and collaborator on sculpture and installations for decades. Ed taught Nancy to weld, solder, cast figures and paint. For years, his installations bore only his name as artist, but in 1981 that changed. Ed Kienholtz had an exhibit at the Galerie Maeght (in France), when he surprised his wife by declaring that all their work for the first nine years they were together was retroactively THEIR work, and from then on, all work was signed by Ed and Nancy Kienholtz.
Both Ed and Nancy were untrained artists, although Nancy said she attended the "School of Ed." Ed told Nancy to follow her "eye." Their work is so thought provoking, often disturbing, denouncing much of what we see in society today. The objects used in their art was picked up from junk stores, throw away junk found on the street, old abandoned cars, beds, chairs, etc. They would use these items to create a social statement. Nancy Reddin Kienholtz died recently at age 75.
Friday, November 8, 2019
Where Do Pretzels Come From?
According to legend, an Italian monk invented the pretzel in the 7th century. He took bread dough and twisted it to look like folded hands praying, to reward children for learning their prayers. The pretzels were dubbed "pretiolas", meaning "little rewards."
In 1510, pretzels took a dramatic turn. When Ottoman Turks attempted to invade Vienna by digging tunnels underneath the city walls, the monks in the basement who were baking pretzels, heard what was happening and alerted the rest of the city, helping to defeat the Turkish attack. As a reward, the Austrian emperor gave the pretzel bakers their own coat of arms.
In the 17th century the pretzel came to symbolize undying love. Royal couples in Switzerland used a pretzel to seal the bond of matrimony.
In 1861, Julius Sturgis founded the first commercial pretzel in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Sturgis takes credit for develping the first hard pretzel. (he may have left them in the oven too long.)
In 1935, the first automated pretzel maker was developed. With it, a factory could make up to 250 pretzels an hour, far more than when they were made by hand. Today, Pennsylvania remains the American pretzel making capital, making as much as 80% of all U.S. pretzels.
Wednesday, November 6, 2019
Restaurant Closures In San Diego
One of my favorite restaurants in Hillcrest is closing. It's Brooklyn Girl. I'm sorry to see it go, but competition is keen. Also closing in North Park is Urban Solace, another long time favorite. Further north, Rimels in Cardiff by the Sea is closing. Their other restaurant in Del Mar closed last year. I thought The Flying Pig Pub in Vista was a night time hotspot, but it too is closing. The reason given was that it's location cannot support the price of the restaurant, and people in Vista are looking for more casual, quicker dining experiences.
Urge Gastropub in Oceanside is also closing it's doors. We loved this place, eating outside close to the beach was very pleasant. However, eating indoors was noisy beyond belief. They have a larger location in San Marcos, which is always packed. Urge is expanding in other areas, as they are getting ready to open in Riverside, and will open in Temecula in 2020. Finally, I almost forgot about Brian Malarky's Searsucker in Del Mar, which has closed. He does have another restaurant opening soon in the area, though.
One opening I want to mention. Prager Brothers bakery is opening on Coast Highway in Encinitas. It is right next door to NaPizza. Those in the area will love this culinary addition. Great bread, pastries and sandwiches make this great for a quick meal, or to load up on stuff to take home. I go to their Carlsbad location all the time. I love their bread and flatbreads. Croissants are buttery, flaky and delicious. That will be a new place for Fran and I to stop after our Saturday morning walk.
Also opening in Del Mar is One Paseo, the new shopping center on Del Mar Heights Road. Lots of great eating opportunities here, and small boutique shops, which I hope can survive.
Things are always changing on the food scene, so I just wanted to keep you up to date. Happy eating.
Urge Gastropub in Oceanside is also closing it's doors. We loved this place, eating outside close to the beach was very pleasant. However, eating indoors was noisy beyond belief. They have a larger location in San Marcos, which is always packed. Urge is expanding in other areas, as they are getting ready to open in Riverside, and will open in Temecula in 2020. Finally, I almost forgot about Brian Malarky's Searsucker in Del Mar, which has closed. He does have another restaurant opening soon in the area, though.
One opening I want to mention. Prager Brothers bakery is opening on Coast Highway in Encinitas. It is right next door to NaPizza. Those in the area will love this culinary addition. Great bread, pastries and sandwiches make this great for a quick meal, or to load up on stuff to take home. I go to their Carlsbad location all the time. I love their bread and flatbreads. Croissants are buttery, flaky and delicious. That will be a new place for Fran and I to stop after our Saturday morning walk.
Also opening in Del Mar is One Paseo, the new shopping center on Del Mar Heights Road. Lots of great eating opportunities here, and small boutique shops, which I hope can survive.
Things are always changing on the food scene, so I just wanted to keep you up to date. Happy eating.
Monday, November 4, 2019
Running Numbers: A Bygone Era
Harlem, once known as the cradle of the numbers rackets, has seen this illegal activity dry up. Actually, running numbers probably began in Chicago back in the 1880's, but its prevalence in Harlem in the last half of the 20th century made it a part of daily life. A neighborhood numbers runner came around to collect and jot down the bets of housewives, businessmen and barflies. One could place a straight bet on a three-digit number or a combination bet that was harder to hit but paid off handsomely. Right now, few people still play the numbers, and they are all older people who have been playing for years.
The tools have not changed, even though technology has, over the past 100 years. The games still rely on figures from designated horse racing tracks on particular days. Running numbers is illegal, both for the runner and the customer, although few people are prosecuted these days. It was an early form of the lottery. Man has loved gambling and games of chance since the beginning of time. Today the numbers game is pretty much gone, but gambling has become a part of daily life for many. Today, most gambling is legal.
I became interested in the history of running numbers because of a book I just finished, called Dapper Dan, by Daniel Day. Dan is a lifetime resident of Harlem, who wrote a book about the ups and downs of his life, from playing dice on the street, to selling drugs, to prison, trips to Africa which largely influenced his life, to famous fashion designer. It's quite an interesting read, and I was intrigued by his several references to numbers runners. Now all one has to do is pick up the phone, or turn on the computer to make a bet. My, have things changed.
The tools have not changed, even though technology has, over the past 100 years. The games still rely on figures from designated horse racing tracks on particular days. Running numbers is illegal, both for the runner and the customer, although few people are prosecuted these days. It was an early form of the lottery. Man has loved gambling and games of chance since the beginning of time. Today the numbers game is pretty much gone, but gambling has become a part of daily life for many. Today, most gambling is legal.
I became interested in the history of running numbers because of a book I just finished, called Dapper Dan, by Daniel Day. Dan is a lifetime resident of Harlem, who wrote a book about the ups and downs of his life, from playing dice on the street, to selling drugs, to prison, trips to Africa which largely influenced his life, to famous fashion designer. It's quite an interesting read, and I was intrigued by his several references to numbers runners. Now all one has to do is pick up the phone, or turn on the computer to make a bet. My, have things changed.
Friday, November 1, 2019
What is Marmite?
I had never heard of Marmite until I ran across it as I was reading something, can't remember what. I found the name strange, and I had to find out what it was. Little did I know that it's a staple in most British homes, and is very popular in Canada, New Zealand and Australia.
What is it you ask and what does it taste like? It is a yellowish brown paste like substance, the remains of yeast used in beer brewing, that is mixed with a variety of other flavors, to produce a strong, salty spread, that is eaten mostly on toast. Most people say it's an acquired taste. I think that's another way of saying you won't like it on your first try.
Marmite was invented by a German, Justus von Liebig, in 1902, but is a product found mainly in the U.K. It is so popular that on the 100th anniversary of the product, Guinness Marmite produced 300,000 jars of Guinness flavored Marmite, followed by Champagne Marmite.
Marmite, produced by Unilever and a few other food companies, has been banned in Denmark because of the number of added vitamins and minerals it contains. It has also been banned in Canada for containing illegal additives. (who knows what they are).
Marmite can be found in the U.S. in British food stores and possibly some specialty stores, like Bristol Farms. After reading what those tasting it for the first time had to say, I am not that anxious to try it. I'll stick to Nutella!
What is it you ask and what does it taste like? It is a yellowish brown paste like substance, the remains of yeast used in beer brewing, that is mixed with a variety of other flavors, to produce a strong, salty spread, that is eaten mostly on toast. Most people say it's an acquired taste. I think that's another way of saying you won't like it on your first try.
Marmite was invented by a German, Justus von Liebig, in 1902, but is a product found mainly in the U.K. It is so popular that on the 100th anniversary of the product, Guinness Marmite produced 300,000 jars of Guinness flavored Marmite, followed by Champagne Marmite.
Marmite, produced by Unilever and a few other food companies, has been banned in Denmark because of the number of added vitamins and minerals it contains. It has also been banned in Canada for containing illegal additives. (who knows what they are).
Marmite can be found in the U.S. in British food stores and possibly some specialty stores, like Bristol Farms. After reading what those tasting it for the first time had to say, I am not that anxious to try it. I'll stick to Nutella!
Monday, October 28, 2019
Have You Ever Been To Oatman, Arizona?
Oatman was named to honor Olive Oatman, a young Illinois girl who had been taken captive, along with her sister, by Indians during her pioneer family's journey westward in 1851 and forced into slavery. The rest of her family was slaughtered. Why she and her sister were spared, is not known. Olive was later traded to Mohave Indians, who adopted her as a duaghter and tattooed her face in the custom of their tribe. In 1856 she was released at Fort Yuma, Arizona. She went on to have an interesting career as a speaker.
Since gold was discovered in the Black Mountains, Oatman became a gold mining town for nearly half a century, but in 1941 the US. government ordered the town's gold mining operation shut down as part of the country's war effort. When a new Route 66 was built that bypassed the old route, Oatman was all but abandoned.
The reason I have even heard of Oatman, Arizona, is because I am reading a book, The Blue Tattoo, by Margot Mifflin about the life of Olive Oatman. It's a fascinating story, and led me to want to learn more about the town. Now it is an abandoned ghost town, but if you're ever in the vacinity and see a sign for Oatman, you will know what it once was and how it was name.
Friday, October 25, 2019
Off The Strip Eating in Las Vegas
I had a most delicious ramen dish. The broth was rich and flavorful, with pieces of pork and pork belly, vegetables, poached egg on top. Yum! Other dishes included Saimen bowl, which is a fish cake with rice and veggies, furikaka shrimp plate, short rib plate, burgers, chashu pork donburi bowl, and crispy shrimp bao bao. The last dish is something I would try next time. It was two little baos, slit open and filled with shrimp and veggies and sauce. I think they also have it with pork and chicken. It sounds so delicious. Breakfast and lunch is all they have, but it's so fresh and delicious you won't want to miss it if you're in the area. Also, it's only a mile or two from the Sketchers outlet.
The other restaurant we went to on the recommendation of a friend who lives in the area, is a local French bistro in Summerlin called Oh La La. Free parking, and very good handicap access were other reasons why we went there. The prices were moderate. Our bill for the two of us, including a $15 glass of wine for me, was about $75. We had beef tartare, escargots, baked brie with bread and onion soup. No main course, but, we were absolutely stuffed. It's a great little find outside of the bright lights of the strip.
Ask a local for places off the strip for dinner. You'll generally find great food at moderate prices. Yes, the celebrity chefs all have restaurants on the strip, but you pay a hefty price to eat there. I'm not sure you're getting your money's worth. For us, having to deal with a wheelchair, access is very important. Also, go to Caesar's valet and you might wait as much as 20 minutes for your car!!! We're sticking to the smaller, off the strip restaurants for now.
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Support For Caregivers
When Ron was first diagnosed with ALS, we were asked if we wanted to join a support group. At the time we felt it would be extremely depressing, as Ron was functioning normally at the time. Even today, as the disease has slowly progressed and he is able to do less physically, we both feel the support group is not for us. I have known many people over the years with other diseases like Parkinsons and cancer, who have joined support groups. For many, support of others who face similar problems is very therapeutic.
Caregivers, regardless of who they are taking care of, face similar issues. I was out to lunch recently with a friend whose husband is declining and needs her help now, and she had a great idea. How about a support group for caregivers? Regardless of what disease they are dealing with, caregivers have many things in common. Talking about one's frustrations with others is very therapeutic. I can't wait to find a small group of caregivers that want to get together and vent. It really makes one feel better to know that their frustrations are normal, and talking about it makes the caregiver feel better.
I have been caring for Ron for several years now. It has changed my life in many ways, as it has changed Ron's. He is dependent on me for most of his daily activites, which certainly must be hard on him. It has taught me patience, lots of patience. It has made me learn to make the best of the time I have without Ron. Most of all, it has taught me to appreciate everyday and everyone who is important to me. The one thing we can never get back is time, so we no longer waste time going out with people we don't like, just to be polite, or doing anything that we don't enjoy.
To all you caregivers out there, make sure you have someone in your life to talk to. If you are angry or frustrated, you need to talk about it to someone. It's normal. Besides the frustrations, there is a lot of satisfaction derived from caregiving. Nothing makes me happier than to see Ron in the morning after breakfast, dressed and ready for a day of bridge or poker or work, with a smile on his face and, looking forward to life. That is very rewarding.
Caregivers, regardless of who they are taking care of, face similar issues. I was out to lunch recently with a friend whose husband is declining and needs her help now, and she had a great idea. How about a support group for caregivers? Regardless of what disease they are dealing with, caregivers have many things in common. Talking about one's frustrations with others is very therapeutic. I can't wait to find a small group of caregivers that want to get together and vent. It really makes one feel better to know that their frustrations are normal, and talking about it makes the caregiver feel better.
I have been caring for Ron for several years now. It has changed my life in many ways, as it has changed Ron's. He is dependent on me for most of his daily activites, which certainly must be hard on him. It has taught me patience, lots of patience. It has made me learn to make the best of the time I have without Ron. Most of all, it has taught me to appreciate everyday and everyone who is important to me. The one thing we can never get back is time, so we no longer waste time going out with people we don't like, just to be polite, or doing anything that we don't enjoy.
To all you caregivers out there, make sure you have someone in your life to talk to. If you are angry or frustrated, you need to talk about it to someone. It's normal. Besides the frustrations, there is a lot of satisfaction derived from caregiving. Nothing makes me happier than to see Ron in the morning after breakfast, dressed and ready for a day of bridge or poker or work, with a smile on his face and, looking forward to life. That is very rewarding.
Monday, October 21, 2019
The Wisdom of the Crowd
Dr. Lisa Sanders, longtime author of a medical article in the New York Times Magazine, is on to something. She is trying to find a diagnosis for individuals with rare diseases. She has a new show on Netflix, called Diagnosis, and I am hooked.
Dr. Sanders seeks out the most unusual cases that doctors are stumped by and puts them out on the internet. She feels the wisdom of the crowd will help if not find a cure, at least give the patient a diagnosis. Dr. Sanders puts the information out, hoping people with similar symptoms, or researchers from around the world that may be working on an unusual disease, to see her post, and speak out. Often an individual case will get thousands of responses, with doctors and lay people offering their opinions. Through the use of the internet, Dr. Sanders has brought families with rare conditions together so they have a community of people who understand what they're going through, even if there is no cure. In other cases, the internet helped a young woman from Las Vegas find a cure for her chronic extreme muscle pain, from a team in Turin, Italy, who just happened to be researching her specific condition.
To me, this is one of the great uses of the internet. It has become a resource and an informational source like no other. People from all over the world can contribute in a big way to solving medical mysteries. There is nothing more frustrating than going from doctor to doctor to try to get a diagnosis on your condition. I know this first hand from the 6 months it took for Ron to get an ALS diagnosis, and this is a disease doctors know a little about. Take a rare condition that doctors may have never seen, and the situation becomes much worse.
If you have the time, check out Diagnosis on Netflix. I have watched four episodes, and can't wait to watch the next one. Episode one is my favorite. It shows the power of persistence, the awesome reach of the internet, and it has a happy ending.
Dr. Sanders seeks out the most unusual cases that doctors are stumped by and puts them out on the internet. She feels the wisdom of the crowd will help if not find a cure, at least give the patient a diagnosis. Dr. Sanders puts the information out, hoping people with similar symptoms, or researchers from around the world that may be working on an unusual disease, to see her post, and speak out. Often an individual case will get thousands of responses, with doctors and lay people offering their opinions. Through the use of the internet, Dr. Sanders has brought families with rare conditions together so they have a community of people who understand what they're going through, even if there is no cure. In other cases, the internet helped a young woman from Las Vegas find a cure for her chronic extreme muscle pain, from a team in Turin, Italy, who just happened to be researching her specific condition.
To me, this is one of the great uses of the internet. It has become a resource and an informational source like no other. People from all over the world can contribute in a big way to solving medical mysteries. There is nothing more frustrating than going from doctor to doctor to try to get a diagnosis on your condition. I know this first hand from the 6 months it took for Ron to get an ALS diagnosis, and this is a disease doctors know a little about. Take a rare condition that doctors may have never seen, and the situation becomes much worse.
If you have the time, check out Diagnosis on Netflix. I have watched four episodes, and can't wait to watch the next one. Episode one is my favorite. It shows the power of persistence, the awesome reach of the internet, and it has a happy ending.
Friday, October 18, 2019
Harumama: Sushi and So Much More
I do love Asian food, so when I heard about Harumama several months ago, I got excited. It took me a while to get there, but it was worth it. Harumama is a mix of sushi, baos, noodles and bowls. It is so good. They have two locations, one in San Diego, the other on Madison St. in old Carlsbad. I visited the Carlsbad location.
The restaurant itself is spacious inside and very comfortable. I sat outside on the covered patio, right near a table where they put all the food ready to serve, so I got to see everything. The menu has the typical offerings, like Krab wontons, fried rice, potstickers and sushi. But it is much, much more. They are known for their character baos. These are order (2 per order) of steamed buns filled with red bean, beef, pig, nutella, chicken or custard. They are decorated to look like Snoopy and other well known characters. Very cute. They also have bao bao's, which I especially liked. They take a bao, split it in half, and fold it to look like a taco, then fill it with deliciousness. Pork sausage, duck, crispy shrimp, fried eggplant. There are lots of interesting flavor on top, like taro chips and pickled cucumbers or onions. The noodles, although I didn't sample them, looked delicious. Vegetable, beef brisket and truffle are just a few of the noodle dishes.
As if this weren't enough, they also have fresh made every day ramen broth. /vegetable, chicken or beef broth, with maybe a dozen add ons to make this one delicious meal: noodles, poached egg, bamboo shoots, bean sprouts, kale, etc. Bowls are also available, like poke bowls with salmon or ahi tuna or more traditional chicken bowls with rice.
The coup de grace is dessert. They have the Japanese shaved ice (looks like snowflakes) filling up the middle of a plate, with fruit surrounding the snowflakes. It is unique and delicious.
Harumama is a wonderful place to try with a group. That way, you can share everything and enjoy many delicious flavors. Enjoy.
The restaurant itself is spacious inside and very comfortable. I sat outside on the covered patio, right near a table where they put all the food ready to serve, so I got to see everything. The menu has the typical offerings, like Krab wontons, fried rice, potstickers and sushi. But it is much, much more. They are known for their character baos. These are order (2 per order) of steamed buns filled with red bean, beef, pig, nutella, chicken or custard. They are decorated to look like Snoopy and other well known characters. Very cute. They also have bao bao's, which I especially liked. They take a bao, split it in half, and fold it to look like a taco, then fill it with deliciousness. Pork sausage, duck, crispy shrimp, fried eggplant. There are lots of interesting flavor on top, like taro chips and pickled cucumbers or onions. The noodles, although I didn't sample them, looked delicious. Vegetable, beef brisket and truffle are just a few of the noodle dishes.
As if this weren't enough, they also have fresh made every day ramen broth. /vegetable, chicken or beef broth, with maybe a dozen add ons to make this one delicious meal: noodles, poached egg, bamboo shoots, bean sprouts, kale, etc. Bowls are also available, like poke bowls with salmon or ahi tuna or more traditional chicken bowls with rice.
The coup de grace is dessert. They have the Japanese shaved ice (looks like snowflakes) filling up the middle of a plate, with fruit surrounding the snowflakes. It is unique and delicious.
Harumama is a wonderful place to try with a group. That way, you can share everything and enjoy many delicious flavors. Enjoy.
Monday, October 14, 2019
Talk To Me
I walked into Starbucks in Solana Beach one Friday morning and was greeted by a nice young man who leaned forward and said, "Talk to me." That greeting immediately put a smile on my face. He took my order, and when my phone was scanned for payment and my name came up, he called me by name. I told him how enjoyable he had made my ordering experience. He was happy to hear that.
I told him that it was so nice to see someone who loved their job, and strived to be the best at it. He thanked me, and said that I was probably his 200th customer of the day, but that he was my 1st barista of the day, and that my interaction with him should be as good as the first person he served this morning. He made the experience so enjoyable that I felt compelled to write this blog.
No matter what your job is, it's your choice to make what you want of it. You can be a star at any job you do, and this young man certainly has made himself a barista his customers will remember.
I told him that it was so nice to see someone who loved their job, and strived to be the best at it. He thanked me, and said that I was probably his 200th customer of the day, but that he was my 1st barista of the day, and that my interaction with him should be as good as the first person he served this morning. He made the experience so enjoyable that I felt compelled to write this blog.
No matter what your job is, it's your choice to make what you want of it. You can be a star at any job you do, and this young man certainly has made himself a barista his customers will remember.
Friday, October 11, 2019
Valentina: Neighborhood Restaurant in Leucadia
New restaurants are popping up almost weekly in North County. It's hard to keep up. We dined a few weeks ago at a new restaurant on Coast Highway in Leucadia called Valentina. We enjoyed our meal, but felt it was pricey, with just average service. It has only been open for a few months, so hopefully things will improve.
Valentina is a cute little restaurant right on the Coast Highway. Parking is a problem. There isn't any. Most people end up parking in the dirt near the train tracks across the street. I was with Ron, in a wheel chair, and getting Ron into the restaurant and getting the car parked, was a real challenge. Once we did get seated, the tables were difficult to accomodate a wheel chair.
I think the theme of the restaurant is Spanish, as they have Spanish language music playing and other references to Spain. The menu itself is all over the map. Starters include frites and aioli, albondigas and marinara, beet terrine, and gazpacho soup. Mussels in wine, mac and cheese, grilled salmon and veggies, gnocchi pesto and steak and fries are just some of the offerings. I had a tomato and burrata salad which was absolutely delicious. It was drizzled with thick aged balsamic vinegar, and was my favorite part of the meal. Richard ordered the gazpacho soup, which was only fair. I also ordered steak tartare. It too was only far. Laura ordered mussels in wine, and was disappointed . Ron had steak and fries. The first plate came with cold fries, but when it was returned and brought out again, it was delicious. They cooked another steak for us by mistake, and we took that one home. Pepper enjoyed it over the next few days.
Valentina has lots of room for improvement, and I hope they will do just that. It's a family run restaurant which I like to support, and the owners are trying hard to please. Some of the dishes were excellent, others only fair, so I will probably give it another try. For us, the challenge is parking. It is tough for the handicapped, so food has to improve for us to make the effort.
Valentina is a cute little restaurant right on the Coast Highway. Parking is a problem. There isn't any. Most people end up parking in the dirt near the train tracks across the street. I was with Ron, in a wheel chair, and getting Ron into the restaurant and getting the car parked, was a real challenge. Once we did get seated, the tables were difficult to accomodate a wheel chair.
I think the theme of the restaurant is Spanish, as they have Spanish language music playing and other references to Spain. The menu itself is all over the map. Starters include frites and aioli, albondigas and marinara, beet terrine, and gazpacho soup. Mussels in wine, mac and cheese, grilled salmon and veggies, gnocchi pesto and steak and fries are just some of the offerings. I had a tomato and burrata salad which was absolutely delicious. It was drizzled with thick aged balsamic vinegar, and was my favorite part of the meal. Richard ordered the gazpacho soup, which was only fair. I also ordered steak tartare. It too was only far. Laura ordered mussels in wine, and was disappointed . Ron had steak and fries. The first plate came with cold fries, but when it was returned and brought out again, it was delicious. They cooked another steak for us by mistake, and we took that one home. Pepper enjoyed it over the next few days.
Valentina has lots of room for improvement, and I hope they will do just that. It's a family run restaurant which I like to support, and the owners are trying hard to please. Some of the dishes were excellent, others only fair, so I will probably give it another try. For us, the challenge is parking. It is tough for the handicapped, so food has to improve for us to make the effort.
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