Asylum-Seeking Children In Australia

We sometimes get so wrapped up in our own domestic problems that we don't realize other countries around the world may be facing similar issues.  Take Australia, for example.  Asylum seeking children from Sri Lankan and other countries have been trying to enter Australia.  For the most part they have been stopped, but those that do reach Australia's mainland by boat are sent to camps in Papua New Guinea and the South Pacific nation of Nauru where they face long periods of detention while they are processed.

Sound familiar?  It doesn't sound too much different than the flood of immigrant women and children from El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua coming to America for a better life.  It appears that there is a cover up in Australia regarding the condition of the immigrants.  The government apparently asked a former healthcare worker to cover up evidence that children held in the camps were suffering from widespread mental illness caused by their confinement.

Refugee advocates say that long-term detention, combined with a lack of clarity on where and when the asylum seekers may be resettled, contribute to a host of mental health problems at the facilities.

The detainees in Australia number in the hundreds at this point, much less than the thousands that are flooding our borders, but they face the very same problems.  We sometimes get so caught up in our own problems that we aren't aware other countries around the world are facing the same issues.  People who live in substandard conditions and are faced with bloodshed and possible death, are always going to want to come to a better place.  We need to find a way to allow people from other countries to come to America, but in a legal, non violent way.  After all, both America and Australia are countries of immigrants.  Housing them for months, sometimes years, in detention camps, is not the answer.  These pictures were drawn by some of the children in the Christmas Island detention center in Australia.

 

Lima Bean Casserole That You'll Actually Like

I was driving down Leucadia Blvd. recently and saw a sign for the annual lima bean festival.  I've heard about it for years, but have never gone.  Actually, I don't really like lima beans.  The only way I ever enjoyed them was the way my mom used to make them.  I've never eaten them any other way, and I don't think I would.  The lima beans she made were delicious.  It was the sauce that was so good.  The recipe below is close to what she used to make, however instead of molasses and brown sugar as the sweetener, she used grape jelly.  If you like lima beans, this may be a recipe you've never made before, and if you want to get adventurous, substitute the brown sugar and molasses with grape jelly.

LIMA BEAN CASSEROLE
1 lb. dry lima beans, soaked 3 tsp. salt 1/2 c. brown sugar 2 tbsp. dark molasses 1 tsp. pepper 1 tbsp. reg. mustard 1 stick butter, melted 1 c. sour cream Cook lima beans with salt until half done, then drain.  I use canned lima beans instead. Then add the brown sugar, molasses, pepper, mustard, butter, and sour cream. Grease a baking dish and pour in mixture. Bake 1 hour at 350 degrees.

Swedish Style Mustard Dill Sauce

One of my favorite summertime meals is poached salmon. I typically serve it with a cucumber salad, dressed with some sour cream and dill. It's so light, healthy and delicious. When I lived in Los Angeles, in the days when I entertained a lot, poached salmon was one of my favorite meals to serve to guests. We had a wonderful fish market in Brentwood called Phil's. It was there until around 1990, when it closed because of renovation to the strip mall in which it was housed. I would order a large poached salmon for a dinner party, and Phil's would prepare it, serve it on a wooden plank, and decorate it with dill and other greens, for a very reasonable price. The main course of my dinner would be taken care of! Dill sauce would be served with the salmon, and I have never been able to find the dill sauce that Phil's sold. I have given you here a very good dill sauce, not as smooth as one I remember, but great on salmon and all things Swedish. A great summer idea is to get a big wooden plank, and fill it with pickled herring, shrimp, cold potato salad, cucumber salad in vinegar and dill, and rye bread. Serve the dill sauce below on the side, and you'll really impress your guests. I hope you enjoy this dill sauce as much as I enjoyed writing and remembering the old days in Los Angeles. Swedish Style Mustard Dill Sauce•INGREDIENTS¼ cup whole grain mustard¼ cup Dijon mustard¼ cup white vinegar¼ cup chopped dill2 tablespoons vegetable oil1½ tablespoons sugar1½ tablespoons dry mustard powder.  Combine all ingredients in a small bowl, and whisk until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Have You Been A Victim Of Skimming?

I'm the last person in the world to know anything about skimming, a method used by thieves to steal your bank information and identity, as I've never even had a debit card or an ATM card. Seriously! My kids have always wondered how I've survived without one. The answer is CASH. You don't spend what you don't have. I realize that most of the world loves their ATM card, but the practice of skimming, a worldwide problem, may make you think twice, or at least pay closer attention the next time you withdraw money from an ATM or put a pin number in at a gas station.

Skimming is the theft of credit card information used in an otherwise legitimate transaction. The thief can procure a victim's credit card number using basic methods such as photocopying receipts or more advanced methods such as using a small electronic device (skimmer) to swipe and store hundreds of victims’ credit card numbers. Common scenarios for skimming are restaurants or bars where the skimmer has possession of the victim's credit card out of their immediate view.[9] The thief may also use a small keypad to unobtrusively transcribe the 3 or 4 digit Card Security Code, which is not present on the magnetic strip. Call centers are another area where skimming can easily occur.[10] Skimming can also occur at merchants such as gas stations when a third-party card-reading device is installed either out­side or inside a fuel dispenser or other card-swiping terminal. This device allows a thief to capture a customer’s cred­it and debit card information, including their PIN, with each card swipe.

Instances of skimming have been reported where the perpetrator has put over the card slot of an ATM (automated teller machine) a device that reads the magnetic strip as the user unknowingly passes their card through it. These devices are often used in conjunction with a miniature camera (inconspicuously attached to the ATM) to read the user's PIN at the same time. This method is being used very frequently in many parts of the world, including South America, Argentina,[ and Europe. Another technique used is a keypad overlay that matches up with the buttons of the legitimate keypad below it and presses them when operated, but records or wirelessly transmits the keylog of the PIN entered. The device or group of devices illicitly installed on an ATM are also colloquially known as a "skimmer". Recently-made ATMs now often run a picture of what the slot and keypad are supposed to look like as a background, so that consumers can identify foreign devices attached.Take a close look at the machine you are inserting your ATM card into. I wouldn't know what to look for, but apparently there are irregularities that a frequent user of ATM machines might spot. This practice by thieves is costing us billions of dollars a year, which we are all paying for, one way or another. Or, if you're like me, visit the bank regularly, and pay for your purchases in cash. It's a great way to keep within your budget. When you're out of money, you just stop spending.

Carmela's: Great Italian Food In San Marcos

I had almost forgotten about this little gem in San Marcos, when Richard and Laura suggested we dine there recently.  I had eaten there only once before, about five years ago, and why I never went back, I'll never know.  The food is delicious, especially the fish dishes and homemade pasta.

Carmela's is off the main drag of San Marcos, tucked away in the back of a shopping center.  It's been making fine food for lunch and dinner for the past 17 years.  The food is Abruzzi cuisine, a cross between Northern style (lighter) and Southern style (heavier).  They specialize in a variety of dishes for all palettes.  Zoran Lakovic, born in Montenegro (former Yugoslavia) comes from a family of restaurant entrepreneurs, while Carmela DiVentura was born in Abruzzi, Italy.  Her family has opened four well known restaurants in New Jersey. Here's some of the delicious dishes we recently enjoyed, to whet your appetite.

All main courses come with soup, salad, and bread, so you already know Carmela's is good value.  Main courses range from lasagna for $19.50 to shrimp and scallop alfredo for $25.  That's for your complete meal.  The night we were there we began with a wonderful, thick, cream of celery soup, followed by a green salad with an excellent dressing.  My main course was Chilean Sea Bass in a caper and dried tomato sauce.  The fish was place on top of a nice serving of cappelletti.  The fish was tender and flaky.  I absolutely loved it.  Ron ordered the shrimp and chicken parmesan, enough for two people, so we'll eat the leftovers tonight.  There are several veal dishes on the menu, many chicken options, and lots of fish.

Appetizers and salads abound, although with soup and salad included in the price of the entrée, few people indulge.  They have bruschetta, mussels or clams in red or white sauce, insalata caprese, antipasto rustica, and Caesar salad.  I could go on and on, but you get the picture.  They have just about everything you could ever want.  Richard ordered the pear sorbet for dessert, again, enough for at least two.  It came in a large bowl, two big scoops, topped with whipped cream.

Service was friendly and prompt.  The restaurant is not noisy, which is another positive for me.  The only negative at all was the bread.  I found it to be tasteless, and I'm not sure whether this was just a bad batch of bread or if this is the regular bread.  I didn't ask, but will do so next time I'm there.  Yes, I won't wait five years to go back again.  It's a terrific place to take visitors that's not super expensive and the food is great.  Add this to your "To do" list of restaurants, if you haven't already discovered it.

A Few Days In Boulder

Phil and Deborah have just moved into a big, beautiful house in Boulder, so we stayed with them one night.  The house is perfect for them, with lots of land and located on a cul-de-sac, where the kids can ride bikes and scooters.  On nights two and three we went to the new Hampton Inn, two minutes from their house.  It's a Leed certified building, and has every convenience you could want.  The rooms are oversized and extremely comfortable.  I highly recommend it.

On our way from the airport, we stopped at Phil's office.  It's right on Pearl Street in a three story building, where they occupy the third floor.  Phil just moved to a different office within the office, and we wanted to see it.  We were surprised when we walked in and saw him standing at his desk.  His desk is about a foot higher than a traditional desk, and he has no chair.  He stands all day.  He's not the only one that does that.  Several people in his company stand instead sit, and some have a treadmill that they work on.  One guy just burned out his treadmill after walking 12,000 miles at work. 

Most of our time was spent at Phil and Deb's house, but we did go out for a few meals.  We had lunch at West Flanders Brewery on Pearl Street, where they pride themselves in great food as well as great beer.  The menu is great, with lots of appetizers, like homemade pickles, deviled eggs, hummus and crackers, and much more.  Lunch consists of soups,  sandwiches, flatbreads, several varieties of mac n cheese, and burgers.  Ron ordered the Croque Monsieur with fries, and I had a beet carpaccio salad and a cup of their signature soup, tomato.  Everything was good, and other dishes I saw, like nicoise salad, burgers, and mac n cheese looked great.

We also had a wonderful evening at Boulder Chop House, with Phil and Deb.  It was great to spend an adult evening with them, something we haven't done in a long time.  The meal starts out with a delicious cornbread and butter for the table, then follows traditional chop house fare.  Steaks, lamb chops, pork chops, tuna, with a variety of salads, potatoes, and side vegetables to enjoy.  It was a wonderful evening and the ambience especially, was  memorable.P>

The weather was the only thing that didn't cooperate.  We checked before packing, and we prepared for beautiful 70-75 degree weather.  When we got there it was raining and in the 50's and the following day it was 37 degrees.  We had to borrow clothes from our kids, but it didn't keep us from having a wonderful time.  If you go to Colorado, my advice is not to believe the weatherman.  Be prepared for anything.

The Unlikely History of Hava Nagila

I thought the Jewish folksong Hava Nagila was hundreds of years old, and that Jews sang and danced the hora in shtels in Eastern Europe and Russia long ago. I was surprised to find out that the song itself is only about 160 years old! It's a song known by Jews and non-Jews alike, and has been sung by every famous singer of the past 50 years, from Elvis Presley, to Connie Francis, to Harry Belafonte. Here's a bit of where it came from and how it came to be one of the most recognized melodies in the world.Hava Nagila began its life as a Hasidic melody in the Ukraine. There it was sung as a nigun (wordless melody) among the Sadigorer Hasidim. Rebbe Yisroel Friedman (1798-1850) had settled there, built The Great Synagogue, and had a huge following. Around 1900, a group of Sadigorer Hasidim emigrated to Jerusalem and brought the nigun (wordless melody) with them. There it might have remained, had it not been for one man, Avraham Zvi Idelsohn,the father of Jewish musicology.Idelsohn was trained as a cantor in Russia and also studied classical music in conservatories in Berlin and Leipzig before settling in Jerusalem around 1905. As a passionate Zionist, Idelshon sought to collect and preserve the folk music of Jewish communities from around the world, while still seeking to pioneer a new style of modern national music that would unify the Jewish people as they returned to their homeland in Palestine. To that end, he arranged and composed many new Hebrew-language songs based on traditional melodies. Among them was Hava Nagila.Hava Nagila really caught fire in the U.S. in the 1950's. The Jewish folkdance, the hora, was danced while people sang. The title of the song means "Let us rejoice," and that is exactly what people are doing while singing and dancing. Most people, even Jews, have no idea what it means, where it comes from, or how it became so popular, but it is recognized as one of the most familiar tunes worldwide.I watched a documentary on the history of this song recently, and there were some really funny scenes in the movie. They asked African Americans in a New York deli, "What is Hava Nagila?" Some thought it was a food, most had no idea. The documentary showed a South Korean choir singing Hava Nagila, and an Egyptian exotic dancer singing it too. Some people hate the song, others love it, but there's no denying that when you hear that familiar melody you want to get up and dance. Next time you're at a wedding or Bar Mitzvah and dance the hora and sing Hava Nagila and rejoice in the celebration, you'll know a little bit more about how it became so popular.

Coffee Is Good For Your Eyes

I think I'm going to buy Starbucks stock. If the Cornell study that I just read really is true, more and more people will be drinking coffee. (If that's possible). Raw coffee, is just 1% caffeine, and it contains 7% to 9% chlorogenic acid, a strong antioxidant that prevents retinal degeneration in mice. The retina is a thin layer on the back wall of the eye with millions of light-sensitive cells and other nerve cells that receive and organize visual information. It's an extremely metabolically active tissue, demanding high levels of oxygen, which makes it prone to oxidative stress. The lack of oxygen and production of free radical lead to tissue damage and loss of sight. Degeneration of the retina can cause glaucoma, aging and diabetes.The study is important in understanding that natural foods can provide beneficial effects. Coffee is the most widely popular drink in the world, and the more we understand it, the more benefit we can get from that.Coffee has other benefits too. Previous studies have shown that coffee cuts the risk of Parkinson's, prostate cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's and other age-related cognitive declines. So have another cup of Joe. It's good for you. (the article I read did not mention whether caffeinated or non caffeinated coffee was studied. My guess is it was caffeinated.)

A Tiki Tasting

I recently went to a tiki tasting at Native Foods Café in Encinitas.  This is a vegan café, but don't stop reading this just because you saw the word "vegan."  With dozens of locations in California, Oregon, Colorado, Chicago and Washington D.C., someone must like the food.  I certainly did.  Not that I'm ready to convert, but the recipes made by Susan, one of Native Foods executive chefs was delicious, no matter what you call it.

I invited two of my health conscious and adventurous friends to join me.  Audrie (friend from the Y) and Charlene (friend from the dog park) enjoyed it just as much as I did, and we all plan to go again when they have another tasting in about 6 weeks.

Besides enjoying the food, I like the mission of the company, and how they are giving back to the community in a big way.  They have several charities to which they contribute both time and money.  All charities that they support either work for the ethical treatment of animals or environmental protection.  They support The Elephant Sanctuary and the Farm Sanctuary.  Check out their website and blog for more information on vegans, recipes, and organizations that support the ethical treatment of animals and environmental protection.

Native Foods has published a cookbook called "In Celebration Cookbook," which is in celebration of their 20 years in business.  The recipes are delicious "as is,"  or chicken, fish or beef can be added to stir fry dishes.

Go to the Native Foods website and get on their mailing list.  You will receive e-mails announcing specials and food tastings.  You'll enjoy the food tastings and will learn something new.  At the last tasting I learned about an ingredient called "seitan" which originated in Japan.  I had never heard of it before.  I learned that seitan is a protein substitute, and is made from wheat or spelt.  It's a great alternative for those that cannot tolerate soy. I also learned that a cup of pineapple provides 100% of the RDA of Vitamin C.  Hope to see you at the next tasting  and cooking demo.

Surgery:Eight Weeks Post Op

I was off to great start on my recovery from partial knee replacement surgery on July 9.  I used a walker for a day, and a cane for two days.  I was walking well within a week, taking 4X daily walks around the block, and in 12 days I was back at the Y.  Then things began to really slow down.

I was down to taking Norco 10 (vicadin and Tylenol) just a few times a day.  One reason for not wanting to take it was the drowsy, spacy feeling I had while on it.  I still needed mostly for night, as I simply could not get to sleep without it, and when I would wake up at 3am, the Norco would get me back to sleep.  The nighttime pain was the worse, and week after week when I thought it would improve, it didn't.

I went for my four week check up and Dr. Bugbee told me I was doing well.  When I complained that I still had pain, couldn't sleep and was tired most of the time, he told me to reduce my exercise and to remember what my body had been through.  I immediately cut back to five days at the Y, none of them terribly strenuous, although I was always tired after working out.  I would take a nice walk once a week with Fran that felt good, so I continued that.  The weeks rolled by.  I was definitely doing more, could walk faster, only iced when I felt like it (2X a day), had good flexibility, but tiredness and night pain continued. I decided it was time to call the doctor.

At exactly eight weeks, I called the doctor and told his wonderful nurse my story.  I still couldn't sleep, had night pain and was tired much of the time.  She told me everything was normal.  I have to be patient!  So that's what I'm trying to be.  I am taking Aleve now in the morning, and again at night if necessary.  I am off the Norco (five days now), so I'm not quite as tired, and the Aleve works great.  I was told by the nurse that at 12 weeks I should feel MUCH better. I hope so, as I know the long term effects of Aleve are not good.

I will report back to you again at 12 weeks and tell you how I feel.  Oh, how I'm looking forward to a good night's sleep.  I know everyone recovers differently, but I have heard from many knee replacement patients that three months is the beginning of feeling great.  I was with a woman who had her knee replaced six years ago.  She recalled that the recovery was very difficult, but after so many years couldn't give me any details.  She, like most people I talk to, are happy to have had the surgery, after all is said and done.  I hope I'll be saying that soon.

Plaza Camino Real Is Getting A Facelift

Westfield, owners of Plaza Camino Real mall at El Camino Real and the 78 freeway in Carlsbad, is getting a major facelift. For anyone who has ever shopped there you know this is way overdue. The center is 40 years old and needs an overhaul. If you drive by, you can see lots of construction at the east end of the center. This will be a new 24-Hour Fitness center, Regal Cinema, and dine in restaurants. Completion of this phase of the remodel is due later this year.Westfield's goal is to turn this aging mall into an upscale, outdoor retail center. The mall's roof will be removed and lush landscaping and intimate common areas will be added. The mall will feature a mix of national brand stores and local boutiques, sit-down and casual dining spots and other entertainment options.The Carlsbad Planning Commission is expected to consider Westfield's plans this fall. It sounds to me like permission to proceed is already a done deal. Why else would construction on much of the mall already be underway? Westfield has been smart to get the community involved. There have been meetings with the community and Westfield, to determine exactly what the residents of Carlsbad want. In the end Carlsbad will have a one-of-a-kind destination to be proud of.One other note on shopping centers in Carlsbad. The Strawberry Fields on Cannon (I don't know the exact boundaries) have been purchased by Rick Caruso, well known business man in Los Angeles, who has built, among others, The Grove in West Hollywood. He will create a shopping mall on the property in the near future, but he is taking his time. He is spending months and months meeting with residents of Carlsbad, to determine what their needs and desires are in a new center. He is even taking bus loads of residents to LA for the day to tour The Grove. He really seems to be listening, and in the end he will build a shopping mall that North County will love. It sounds like it's 4-6 years away, but that's something to look forward to.

What Is Helicopter Parenting?

Fran and I were out walking one day, talking about our grandchildren, and we both came to the same conclusion.  Parenting today is very different than when we were raising our kids and when our parents were raising us.  Today we have helicopter parenting, which is what Fran called it.  I had never heard the term before, but now that I've looked it up, I find it's been around since 1969.  At that time teens who felt their parents were hovering over them and scrutinizing everything they did coined the word.  Today it means something quite different.

A helicopter parent is one who is over focused on their children, according to Carolyn Daitch, Ph.D.  The parents take too much responsibility for their children's experiences and specifically, their successes or failures.  It is also call overparenting.  It means being involved in a child's life in a way that is overcontrolling, overprotecting, and overperfecting.  In toddlerhood, a helicopter parent might constantly shadow the child, always playing with and directing his behavior, allowing him zero alone time.

What are the consequences of helicopter parenting?  Many helicopter parents start off with good intentions.  They want to be engaged with their children and their lives.  This has benefits, like increasing feelings of love and acceptance, building self-confidence, and providing guidance and opportunities to grow.  However, it can backfire.  Often the parent does not allow the child to fail, which is important for children to experience.

Dr. Dunnewold says that the underlying message of a parent's overinvolvement is that "my parents don't trust me to do this on my own."  This message can lead to a lack of confidence.  How does the child learn to solve problems and cope with loss, disappointment or rejection if a parent is always there to pick them up?  Another consequence of helicopter parenting is undeveloped life skills.  Parents who are always tying their child's shoes, packing lunches and helping them dress  are not allowing the child to develop these skills themselves.

So how do you love and care for your child without hovering, without stifling?  Growing up involves some suffering for the parent as well as the child.  This means that the child will struggle with disappointment and failure.  It means letting your child do tasks that they are physically and mentally capable of doing.  Parents have to step back from solving all of  a child's problems in order to build the reliant, self-confident kids we need.

Fran and I started talking about this subject as we were commenting on birthday parties for preschoolers and elementary age kids.  When my kids were four and five they went to many birthday parties.  I would drop them off at the home of the birthday child, and pick them up two hours later.  They had a ball.  No mom and dad on the scene, no siblings, just a group of kids having a great time.  It's not that way anymore!  Today, the whole family attends the birthday party.  I don't know if this is a social experience for the parents, or that the parents are afraid to leave their children.  That's a topic for another blog.  Every generation parents differently, and we don't know if the current way of parenting is better or worse.  One thing we do know is that the next generation will do something different too.

What Is Coral Bleaching?

I was recently reading an article about coral reefs and their importance  in our ecosystem.  The article mentioned coral bleaching, which I had not heard of before.  Here's a little about coral bleaching that I found interesting.

Warmer water temperatures can result in coral bleaching. When water is too warm, corals will expel the algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues causing the coral to turn completely white. This is called coral bleaching. When a coral bleaches, it is not dead. Corals can survive a bleaching event, but they are under more stress and are subject to mortality.

In 2005, the U.S. lost half of its coral reefs in the Caribbean in a single year due to a massive bleaching event.

Comparison of satellite data from the previous 20 years confirmed that thermal stress from the 2005 event was greater than the previous 20 years combined.


There are other factors that can produce coral bleaching as well. In January 2010, cold water temperatures in the Florida Keys caused a coral bleaching event that resulted in some coral death. Water temperatures dropped 12.06 degrees Fahrenheit lower than the typical temperatures observed at this time of year. Researchers will evaluate if this cold-stress event will make corals more susceptible to disease in the same way that warmer waters impact corals.

Coral reefs are vital to our ecosystem. Reefs cover an area of over 280,000 km and support thousands of species in what many describe as the “rainforests of the seas”.
Coral reefs benefit the environment and people in numerous ways.

• Protect shores from the impact of waves and from storms;
• Provide benefits to humans in the form of food and medicine;
• Provide economic benefits to local communities from tourism.

They also yield more than $30billion annually in global goods and services, such as tourism and food, and coastline protection. In the past few years, global threats to coral reefs have been of increasing concern.  The coral reefs are the undersea equivalent of rainforest trees.  Through the photosynthesis carried out by their algae, coral serve as a vital input of food into the marine food chain.  The reefs provide  home and shelter to over 25%of fish in the ocean and up to two million marine species.  Eliminate the undersea trees, which mass coral bleaching is in the process of doing, and you'll eliminate everything that depends on it for survival.