Poke Chop Will Be Your New Favorite For Poke

If you know me at all, you know sushi is one of my favorite meals to dine out on.  I just love it, so when the poke craze hit California several years ago, I was excited.  At first there were very few places to get good poke, but today it is such a hit that you find it in almost every shopping center.

Melanie is one of my friends who also loves poke.  Between the two of us we have probably tried a dozen or so different restaurants.  Most are pretty good, but she introduced me to one that really stands out.  

Poke Chop began in 2016 in Pacific, and expanded over the next few years to include to locations in Hillcrest.  Now, they have come to North County.  They are in Encinitas, right off the 5 freeway, near The Crack Shack.  Melanie and I met there for lunch in November, and I couldn't stop raving about the food.

How can you rave about rice, raw fish and a few toppings?  Well, if you like poke, try it and you will see why I am raving.  The fish is as fresh as can be.  The tuna is a beautiful red, with no streaks of gristle in it which you often find in places that don't purchase the best fish.  The vegetables are so fresh.  They all have a great crunch.  The edemame are bright green and crisp.  The sauces, mild, spicy, sweet, savory are also delicious.

You can build your own bowl or sushi burrito, or order one of the dozen or so combinations they have listed on the menu, all a different variety of fish, veggies and sauce, with names like The Chopper, Lucky Charm, and Dyno-Sea Bomb.

Small (2 scoops of fish, and plenty for me), or if you're really hungry medium (3scoops), and if you want enough for dinner and probably lunch the next day, order a large (5 scoops).  The Encinitas location has a nice outdoor patio which is sunny at lunchtime, so you won't be cold.

If you're crazy for poke, please try Poke Chop.  You'll be happy you did.

 

Are You Getting The Covid-19 Vaccine?

 Now that the Pfizer vaccine is available, seniors will be among the first to receive it.  The question is, will they take it?  I will!!!  I was having coffee with a friend recently who said she would not take the vaccine until she saw more long term evidence of its efficacy and effects.  The problem with that is TIME.  If you wait another year to get the vaccine, that means you will stay in for the next year, because without the vaccine, the virus will still be around.

Her argument is that the polio vaccine took 4 years to develop and distribute.  The difference is that this time around, we put all hands, worldwide, into developing a vaccine.  I don't think that was done with polio.  I certainly don't believe everything I read or hear, but I do believe that the epidemiologists and virologists who are studying the results are giving us the straight story.  At some point you have to put your trust in someone, and I trust science.  I believe that the vaccine is safe.

The Stolen Generations

 I watched the Netflix movie The Sapphires the other night and was aghast at the racism against indigenous peoples and some of the horrific practices carried out for decades.  Actually, the movie was excellent and I do recommend it, but it sure got me thinking, about the sins of Australia, and of course, the sins of America.

Between 1910 and the 1970's, many First Nations children were forcibly removed from their families as a result of various government policies in Australia.  The generations of children removed under these policies became known as the Stolen Generations.  The removal of these children left a legacy of trauma and loss that continues to affect Indigenous communities to this day.  Policies focused on assimilating children into white society.  Children of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and white parentage were particularly vulnerable to removal.  The government though because of their light skin they could be assimilated more easily into white society.  Children taken from their parents were taught to reject their heritage and forced to adopt white culture.  Their names were often changed, and they were often forbidden from speaking their native language.  

You can only imagine the affects of this practice on the children, the parents and the community.  Many were psychologically, physically and sexually abused while living in state care.  The effort to make stolen children reject their culture often created as sense of shame, and an inability to pass culture on to the next generation.  The children generally received a very low level of education, which had lifelong economic implications.  Grieving parents often turned to alcohol.  Most never recovered from the trauma of having their children removed.

A report issued by the Australian Government in 1995 estimated that between 10-33% of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children were separated from their families between 1910-1970 and that this was a breach of fundamental human rights.  

I have been reading a lot about racism recently, and the utter racism of this practice really got to me.  Sometimes we think we are the only ones with racist thoughts and practices, but then we learn of the Stolen Generations. At another time I will examine some of our racist practices over the years.  There are many, and it's a complicated topic, but I will show you some of the things we have done in the past that we should be ashamed of.

Gift Exchange Covid-19 Style

 My poker group has a holiday party every December.  In days gone by it has taken place at someone's home.  A delicious potluck is served, followed by the gift exchange.  Each person brings a gift of no more than $20.  Each person gets a number, and in order, presents are opened.  When your number is called, you may either open a new gift or steal a gift from someone else.  It is such fun.  How could we do that during the pandemic?  Well, Fran, Melanie, Carol and Susan figured it out.

Fran and Melanie were the moderators.  Each person sent by mail or delivered their $20 gift to Fran or Melanie.  That was the easy part.  On the night of the zoom party, here's what happened.  Carol drew numbers from a hat and assigned each person a number.  Fran and Melanie had pre numbered all the gifts.  Person number 1 opened gift number one, then person number two either opened gift number two or stole the number one gift.  And so it went until all 17 gifts were opened.

Gifts were great this year.  My final gift was a set of four super soft tie dyed face masks.  I was so excited about receiving them, as my orange scarfs are looking shabby.  My original gift was a cute cuddly sloth, but he was stolen, so I stole the masks from someone else.

At the end of the evening, Carol and Susan who acted as elves, took the list of everyone's final gift and made plans to distribute them to all the party goers.  It was such fun to see everyone in the holiday spirit, many drinking champagne or wine and eating popcorn.  So creative.

On New Year's Eve I have been invited to a zoom party, and knowing the people involved, figures to be just as much fun.  I can hardly wait.

We've Always Been Interested in Deep Sea Exploration

 Oceans cover 70% of the earth's surface, yet their depths remain largely unexplored.  It is estimated that 90-95% of the deep sea remains a mystery.  It is truly the planet's final frontier.

Exploration of the deep sea actually began with the Vikings in the 8th century.  They would lower a weighted string down to see how deep the ocean was.  In 1521 Ferdinand Magellan attempted to measure the depth of the Pacific Ocean.  He also used a weighted line but did not touch the bottom.  Numerous explorers and scientists explored the depth of the sea over the centuries, but it wasn't until 2012 that James Cameron, with the vessel Deepsea Challenger, completed the first solo dive to the bottom.

Robotic exploration is how we explore today, using ROV's (Remotely operated vehicles) tethered vehicles that are controlled by researchers on the ship.  TheROV's carry cameras, manipulator arms, sonar equipment and sample containers.  AUV''s (autonomous underwater vehicles) operate without human control.  They generate maps, measure temperature and chemicals and take photographs.  This is the future of deep sea exploration.  The deepest part of the earth's oceans is in the Mariana Trench, nearly 7 miles below sea level.  

What this all means is that man has always wanted the challenge of exploring unknown lands, planets, and oceans, and with 7 miles of water beneath us, there's lots to explore.

Do You Need A Pulse Oximeter?

Fran has a doctor friend who works with seniors who have Covid-19.  He keeps track of seniors who have tested positive and are at home recovering.  He feels a pulse oximeter is an important piece of equipment for these people.

What is a pulse oximeter?  It's a tiny gadget that you put on your finger that measures the oxygen saturation in your red blood cells.  It tells you how well your heart is pumping oxygen.  It reads out a percentage to tell you what your oxygen saturation level is.  One of the symptoms of Covid-19, shortness of breath may be difficult to self access.  Some covid patients develop "silent hypoxia."  They feel well but they have dangerously low levels of oxygen, which may lead to pneumonia or respiratory trouble, which could quickly turn deadly.

The pulse oximeter is not expensive, and may be a worthy investment for anyone, particularly seniors living alone, at this time.  It is best to check with your primary care physician to hear what he/she has to say, but for a $20 investment, what can it hurt?  Since I live alone, I am going to get one.  Amazon will be making another delivery to me next week.  Hardly a week goes by that I don't order something, mostly frivolous items, but this is something I think I need. 

Food Insecurity and Homelessness During The Pandemic

 Look at the lines of cars waiting to pick up food from food banks throughout this nation.  Some waiting up to five hours to get a box of food.  This is not fake news, folks, regardless of what some may say.  This is real.  Can you imagine in America that 1/3 of the people are food insecure?  In California alone, 6 million people are food insecure, and in the country as a whole, 54 million people don't know if their family will have food on the table next week.  Food is a basic need.  Does this remind you of food lines during the Depression?  It does.  I wasn't around, but I've seen enough pictures and heard enough stories to know how bad it was.

My mom, who was a teenager during the depression and remembers it well, says that things are much worse now.  The depression was an economic crisis.  This pandemic is both an economic crisis and a health catastrophe.

The homeless are hit harder than probably any other group during the pandemic.  Covenant House, a national organization that works to eliminate homelessness among children, is hard at work to do what they can.  One of their fund raising tools is a concept called Sleep Out.  I was listening to Stephanie Ruhl, an MSNBC journalist one morning, and she talked about the program.  She had just done Sleep Out with her two school age children.  She and her children spent a night sleeping outside, and raising money at the same time.  Although they were not sleeping on the ground with a thin blanket as a covering, they got a feel for what sleeping outside night after night, might be like.  Her kids got an appreciation for what they have, and hopefully help them become citizens that work for improving the welfare of all.

So, at this holiday time, if you're in the mood for giving, Covenant House is a great charity.  Or, as I plan to do, consider a Food Bank in your own community.  We need to help each other at this time.  We will get through this.

Can New Businesses Open During a Pandemic? You Betcha

 Fran and I walk in Encinitas most Saturday mornings, and for the past month or so, we have noticed that a new business was "coming soon."  We wondered how The Broad Street Dough Company could make it at a time when 60% of small businesses are closing.  After stopping in for a doughnut (actually two) after a 10,000 step walk today, we know why.

Broad Street Dough Co. is from New Jersey!  It is owned by a sister and brother, the sister already having opened several shops in New Jersey.  Her brother lives here in Encinitas, so it seemed perfect for them to bring their delicious baked goods to our neighborhood.

Being a fan of V.G.'s raised donuts, I was a little skeptical about a place that only served cake donuts.  All my skepticism was gone at first bite.  The donuts are definitely cake, but not so dense and heavy as you might expect.  They are made right in front of you, so they couldn't be any fresher and they're nice and warm.

I ordered a cinnamon and sugar donut, probably their plainest donut.  I also ordered a donut topped with maple glaze and walnuts.  Fran ordered a pumpkin donut.  Delicious is all I can say.

The batter for the donuts is in a large mixer, just waiting for customers.  When customers arrive, batter is formed into donuts and cooked.  Then the donut goes to the finishing station, where the customer chooses toppings for the warm donut.  

We were there on their fourth day of business, waited about 15 minutes for our donuts (including standing in line), and didn't mind the wait at all.  Eventually there will be tables and chairs inside the restaurant, but for now, your donuts are boxed up and if you want to eat them on the spot, which you will want to do, there is lots of seating in the lumberyard.

The owners are friendly, helpful and hard working, a combination that should mean success.  In fact, they are already looking for another location.  Next time you're in the mood for something sweet and decadent, give Broad Street Dough Co. a try.  View fullsize

Nantucket (caramel, sea salt)

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Route 35 (chocolate, M&M's)

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Belmar Bliss (blueberry, powdered sugah)

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S'mores Galore

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Is It The Flu Or Covid-19?

With flu season upon us, what should you do if you get sick?  How will you know the difference between seasonal flu and Covid-19?  There are many similar symptoms, but some that are unique to Covid-19.

Because of the lack of travel from the Southern Hemisphere to North America, and because of the diligent use of masks and social distancing by the people in Australia and New Zealand, it is likely that the flu season will be less extreme for us than in the past.  Use of masks and social distancing will automatically make the spread of both Covid-19 and seasonal flu less.

Both flu and Covid can present itself with similar symptoms.  Fever, chill, runny nose, cough are all symptoms of both illnesses.  Covid-19 may have other symptoms, including loss of smell, serious breathing difficulty, pain or pressure in the chest, blue lips or blue face, confusion and incoherent answers to simple questions and loss of consciousness, are all symptoms that may possibly be Covid-19.  If you have any of these  symptoms, it's time to get tested, immediately.

The likelihood is that this will be a very light flu season because of the efforts we are all taking to keep ourselves safe from Covid-19.  If you have any unusual symptoms, like those listed above, get yourself to a doctor right away.  Let's all stay safe, get through the winter, and hope that spring will bring control over the virus and return to a more normal life.

 

Supermarkets and Food Trends During Covid-19

 It's been 7 months since Covid-19 changed our lives.  Even those who didn't go to the supermarket pre covid seem to want to go now.  It's something to do.  I know many families that go together.  It's an outing!

Prices have gone up, that's for sure.  Our shopping trips are also more expensive because we are eating almost all our meals at home.  We are cooking more complicated meals, and baking too.  Many shoppers have built or stocked bomb shelter pantries.  Did you try to buy toilet paper in March or April?  For months, most grocery stores were void of pasta, flour, yeast, soup and much, much more.

We have been in a nostalgia phase.  Little Debbies, Lucky Charms, and Twinkies were big sellers in the beginning of the pandemic.  Sourdough starter and flour, OMG.  There has been a 600% rise in the sale of yeast.  People are making homemade bread, rolls and pastries.  Kombucha clubs have been organized.  I'm not sure what you do in a Kombucha club.  Maybe try different Kombuchas and drink them on a Zoom meeting, like a wine club.  

The sale of pasta, beer, wine, and baking supplies have increased enormously.  Pasta is still in short supply on market shelves.  Kroeger announced that 8 years of projected growth took place in one month!  People are moving into more complex cooking , a trend that might continue.  If you can't go to a Michelin starred restaurant, why not make great food at home?  

With all the increase in supermarket spending, it hasn't seemed to hurt the industry that delivers ingredients to you for a meal you make at home.  I'm talking about Blue Apron and Hello Fresh.  Of course Uber Eats and GrubHub are still very popular.  I guess you could say we're a food obsessed society right now.  As restaurants and bars open up (I hope not too soon), it will be interesting to see if supermarket sales rise or fall.  Time will tell.

Hottest Gifts For The Holidays

If you're like me, you're always looking for gifts that are unusual, or at least something other than a gift card or check.  Gift cards are an easy way to go, but often I am looking for something unique.  Here are a few of the hottest selling holiday gifts this season.

1.  Nano Sparkle.  It's a cloth, that if it does what they say it does, is amazing.  It is supposed to clean scuffs and scratches with just a rub of the cloth.

2.  QGrips.  This is a corkscrew looking product used to remove earwax.  Everyone always tells you not to use QTips (I do anyway), and this is a gentler way of removing much more wax.

3.  Odyssey Blanket.  This is a weighted blanket for your bed.  A weighted blanket is supposed to lead to relaxation, and who doesn't need to relax?  When we owned race horses, we used a weighted blanket on skittish horses, especially on July 4.

4.  Ecopower Plate.  This is a snap on product that you put on electric outlet plates to light up halls or anywhere.  It will keep you from using night lights.

5.  XWatch.  This is a smart watch made by a European company to compete with Apple Watch, although about 1/3 the price.  Sounds interesting.

6.  Nokia Fit.  This flexible device fits on your finger to count your steps, and is also a phone.  It is waterproof and alerts you to notifications like texts.  I don't know anything more about.

I'm giving many family members a donation to a local food bank this year, since the need is so great and we have so much.  That won't be appreciated by all, so here are just a few other options I have.  Happy shopping everyone. 

Choosing Our President

Do you remember when you were back in school, having class votes for president of the U.S.?  I sure do.  I remember as early as elementary school having class votes on who we wanted for president.  Of course everyone just parroted what their parents were saying, so the vote always went the way the parents voted.

I don't think they do that so much anymore, but the kids sure seem to talk politics more today, and at a very young age.  Here's an example.  David and Tracy (my son and daughter-in-law) asked their son Calvin, who just turned six, who he would vote for.  He liked Trump.  Why?  He likes the way Trump looks, big and strong, and he likes the big airplane in the background at his rallies.  This is from a six year old!  That's very much what many of his followers like about him.

 Although our country is  politically divided today, at least more people are engaged, and will continue to stay engaged.  Maybe we'll even go back to teaching civics in high school so that young people getting ready to vote can know how the system works.

Michelin Starred (Well Almost) Restaurants in San Diego

 Because of the pandemic, Michelin decided not to review restaurants in San Diego this year with the goal of getting a star.  Instead, they found "hidden gems" in San Diego, relatively new restaurants that are highly rated.  Here they are.

1.  Dija Mara in Oceanside.  I have not been there, but have always wanted to try it.  It is Balinese fusion food, similar to Indonesian food.  It's on Coast Highway.

2.  Morning Glory in Little Italy.  I'm not sure why this restaurant is on the menu.  It's a breakfast place, but it must be good.

3.  Tuetano Taqueria in San Ysidro.  It's a little hole in the wall taqueria.  If it wasn't so far away, I'd try it right away.  Tuetano means bone marrow, and bone marrow taco is one of their specialty.  It's owned by a young woman who's family is in the restaurant business on both sides of the border, but Tuetano Taqueria is owned and operated by their young daughter.

4.  Soichi Suchi is on Adams in North Park.  It looks fantastic, and I may just have to give it a try.

5.  Sushi Tadakoro is another sushi restaurant near Old Town.  

I've got a list of places to try.  Dija Mara, because of its location, will probably be the first one I try.  I can't wait.

Shopping in Pacific Palisades

I spent election day in Los Angeles, and that night watching the election results.  What an emotional rollercoaster.  To relieve some of the stress on Tuesday, my mom and I drove out to Pacific Palisades, for a little shopping and lunch at  Palisades Village , a small mall developed by Rick Caruso (The Grove), right in the heart of the Palisades.  It looks like a beautiful New England village on the outside, and the interior walking and eating areas have a park like feel.

If you shop there, bring your checkbook.  All the stores are very high end, mostly independent shops.  The restaurants are, too.  The only chain stores were LuLu Lemon and Amazon Books.  It's a great place for window shopping, and very dog friendly.  Dogs, dogs, everywhere.  There's a community seating area in one part of the mall, and several nice restaurant choices.  We opted for Edo, a coffee bar with fabulous sandwiches, salads and desserts.  Edo is part of the e. baldi restauarant group.  E. Baldi is a fine Italian restaurant in Beverly Hills, and Edo, although just a small coffee bar and light lunch choices, is outstanding.  My mom had avocado toast with a poached egg and roasted tomatoes on top.  It was delicious.  I had a chopped chicken salad with quinoa and avocado, also outstanding.

Sometimes you don't feel like navigating a huge mall like Century City or UTC.  Although the choices are not the same, Palisades Village is a pleasant way to spend a few hours walking, window shopping and talking over a good cup of coffee.  If you're in the area, it's worth a stop.

Creating The Carolinas

I was playing  pickleball one day with one of my British friends from Ocean Hills, and out of nowhere, she asks me, "Why is there a North Carolina and a South Carolina, instead of just one Carolina?"  I had no answer, not a clue.  Of course I told her I would find out and get back to her.  Here's what I found.

During the 1600's while England was trying to colonize the New World, mother England experienced the greatest turmoil in her history.  After the brutal dictatorship of Oliver Cromwell, Charles 11 returned to the British throne in 1660.  The colonies that were created during his rule were known as Restoration Colonies.  It was in this environment that the Carolinas were created.

The southern part of Carolina served first as support for the British West Indies.  Soon the slave economy of the sugar plantations reached the shores of Carolina.  Plantations producing sugar, rice and other crops became profitable, as slaves in the tens of thousands soon inhabited Carolina.  Charles Town, later known as Charleston.  African slaves became the majority of the population  

In the northern area of the Carolina colony, the earliest inhabitants were displaced former indentured small tobacco farms.  Slavery existed here, but in smaller numbers than in the neighboring regions.  Northern Carolina, like Rhode Island in the North, drew the region's discontented masses.  

As the two locales evolved separately and as their differing geographies and inhabitants followed different courses, calls for a formal split emerged.  In 1712 North Carolina and South Carolina became distinct colonies..  It was a peaceful divorce.

We're All In This Together

 In times of war, pandemic or economic recession, Americans pull together.  We all do what we should for the good of us all.  Think back to WW11 and restrictions that were imposed on Americans to keep us safe.  One such edict was the use of black out shades.  It was required to keep black out shades shut in case of enemy attack.  The same thing was done in the United Kingdom.  No one complained that their civil rights were being impinged upon.  Of course people didn't like these restrictions, but everyone followed orders to keep us all safe.

In times of war, many restrictions were put in place.  Most of them were rations on things like gas, electricity, meat, etc.  Everything went into the war effort, and people were happy to help.  The government needed aluminum during WW11 and had a drive to collect aluminum pots and pans from citizens.  Everyone chipped in to help.  No one said their rights were being taken away.  Americans wanted to help each other and win the war.  

Fast forward to 2020, and here we are, faced with the pandemic.  How do we beat this virus?  The single best way is by using safe practices, encouraged by the scientists.  Hand washing, social distancing, and wearing a mask will help keep us safe.  Since when did wearing a mask to keep yourself and your fellow Americans safe become the loss of individual liberty?  We're all in this together, and the best way to stay safe is to follow safety practices.  Wearing a mask is the single best thing we can do to prevent infection.  It's not a matter of individual liberty being denied.  It's a matter of keeping people safe.

Whether it's turning the lights out to keep safe during war, observing curfews in times of street violence, or wearing a mask to keep safe during a pandemic, we must all do our part.

Are We Headed Toward Authoritarian Rule?

 We've heard it before.  It looks like we're headed toward authoritarian or fascist rule.  Many poo poo it, saying "Oh, that could never happen in America."  I remember years ago when I used to listen to  Robert Kennedy Jr.'s radio show,  Line of Fire.  It was during the era of George Bush Jr, and he would talk about the ten signs of fascism, and check off all the signs that had already taken place.

Now here we are 15 years later, and fascism is again raising it's ugly head.  You see our rights and traditional American values being slowly chipped away.  Here is a checklist of what to look for in an authoritarian regime.

An Authoritarian Checklist

1. Taking sides with a foreign power against domestic opposition.
2. Detention of journalists.
3. Loss of press access to the White House.
4. Made-up charges against those who disagree with the government.
5. Use of governmental power to target individual citizens for retribution.
6. Use of a terrorist or other incident to take away civil liberties.
7. Persecution of an ethnic or religious minority, either by the Administration or its supporters.
8. Removal of civil service employees for insufficient loyalty or membership in a suspect group.
9. Use of the Presidency to incite popular violence against individuals or organizations.
10. Defying the orders of courts, including the Supreme Court.

Holiday Gift Giving

40 years ago I discovered the delicious results of making homemade liqueurs.  Take a clean, sterilized jar, add fruit (raspberries, strawberries and oranges are great), add sugar, and a quart of vodka.  Put the jar in a dark place for about 3 months, turning the bottle frequently.  You can actually shake it as the fruit disintegrates.  After 3 months, strain the liquid, preferable through a coffee filter, to remove all fruit particles.  You are left with a sweet, after dinner, liqueur.  It is so delicious, but it takes time, not enough time this year to make for gifts.  But, here's an alternative that you can have ready in about a week.

Try infused alcohol.  You can do it with vodka, gin, rum or tequila.  Just take a large sterilized glass jar and put in your ingredients.  Wait 3-7 days, strain it, removing all the fruit and spices.  You are left with delicious infused alcohol, that can be used in mixed drinks, cooking or just enjoying as is.  Here are a few combinations you might enjoy.

1.  Cinnamon cranberry orange whiskey

2.  Pineapple infused rum

3.  jalapeno lime infused tequila

4.  lemon ginger cardomom gin

5.  strawberry vanilla bean vodka

These combinations are just some of the many you might enjoy.  Infused alcohol makes a great hostess gift, holdiday or birthday gift.  I hope you enjoy.

  

Lead, Follow, or Get Out Of The Way

 This is a quote attributed to Thomas Paine, from the 1700's.  It was later modified by General George Patton, who said, "Lead me, follow me, or get out of my way."

I can't think of a more fitting quote to describe how Joe Biden should proceed with his desire to get the Coronovirus under control.  President Trump is definitely not leading on this urgent matter.  He's not following either, because there's no policy to follow.  So, Mr. President, get out of the way and let the president elect, Joe Biden, lead us out of the abyss.  

At a time when over 172,000 new positive cases were identified in early November and over 115,000 Americans are DYING everyday, we need a strategy, a well ordered plan, to get more aggressive testing and tracing going, a distribution plan ready to go when the vaccine is ready, and a national plan that all can follow.  We CAN do this if everyone cooperates.  We have had no clear leadership on the virus for the past 8 months.  Joe Biden desperately wants to beat this virus.  Let him do his job.

Why is the Trump administration blocking the duly elected president's efforts to work towards a peaceful transition of power, and a seamless transfer of duties by those working on the virus?  It makes no sense to me.  He clearly knows he will not be president on January 20, 2021.  So, please Mr. President, get out of the way and let the new administration do their job, so they are ready and able to crush this virus as soon as possible after they take office.

So When Did Starting A Sentence With The Word "So" Become The Thing To Do?

 Have you noticed how often people start a sentence with the word "so"?  When did this happen?  I watch a lot of talk show/political shows and listen to a lot of podcasts.  It's the same on both.  When someone is asked a question by the moderator, chances are the answer is going to begin with the word "so."  It has nothing to do with race, class, or education.  Everyone does it.  Just pay attention to interviews in particular, and you will see how often "so" begins the answer.  

Is it even correct grammar to start a sentence with the word so?  Starting a sentence with a conjunction can be totally acceptable.  I researched this, and it turns out that "so" isn't used now anymore than it was 50 or 100 years ago, to start a sentence.  I don't know why it bothers me, but it seems like the person is trying to stall, to figure out how to answer the question.  Actually, so is used at the beginning of a sentence to invite discourse.  Human beings need a way to initiate talk.  If "so" keeps us talking, I'm all for it.

My Thoughts

 This is not a political blog, and I was never much interested in politics until the days of George W. Bush.  As the years went by, I got more and more involved, watching a lot of political news and working for candidates.  I have been glued to the TV for several years now, but I think that is coming to an end.

Over the past 4 years, Ron and I were both very involved in politics, and were very upset when Hillary lost.  What I have felt during the past almost 4 years in indescribable.  My level of anxiety has been so high.  I would never know what crazy or dangerous thing would happen next.  I am heartened by the fact that more people wanted to end this craziness than not.  But, over 70 million people voted for Donald Trump, which means Joe Biden has one hell of a job ahead of him.

Joe Biden will be a steady hand, a calm leader, one who relies on facts and science to guide him.  His first job will be to try to get the pandemic under control.  Who knows how it will be raging by January?  I hope people don't expect everything to get fixed at once.  It will take time, but he will have good, strong leaders to get us where we need to be.  He will work on healing our divisions.  He is the man to do it.  He knows everyone, and is a deal maker.  Most importantly, I can go to sleep with a clear mind, and wake up and not have to feel I have to turn on the TV.  I have confidence that Joe Biden will lead us back to "Normal." 

I Will Miss Alex Trebek

 After 37 seasons, and over 8,200 episodes of Jeopardy, it's longtime host, Alex Trebek, has died.  In March, 2019, Trebek announced to the world that he had stage four pancreatic cancer.  He passed away peacefully at home on Sunday morning.

Alex Trebek was born in Canada, and proud of it.  He mentioned it often on the show. He  began is career as a reporter for the Canadian Broadcasting Corp.  In 1966, while still in his 20's, he switched from journalism to hosting game shows.  It wasn't until 1984 that Trebek landed his big break, when Merv Griffin chose him to emcee the revival of Jeopardy.  Jeopardy was paired with Wheel of Fortune, and the two shows became a formidable block in the hour leading up to prime time.  Trebek won five daytime Emmy Awards.

His longevity was reflected in a personal milestone, passing Bob Barker's appearances on The Price is Right, and becoming the person who had hosted the most game show episodes, in the Guiness Book of Records.

Trebek loved that Jeopardy popularized intelligence.  Himself a very bright man, he was hands on when it came to clues.  He reviewed every clue for each show.  

For years, Ron and I watched Jeopardy religiously at night, often competing to see who could answer the most questions.  Perhaps the most exciting period on Jeopardy was when Ken Jennings was on.  People tuned in every night just to see if he'd win again.  Alex Trebek always developed a rapport with the contestants, whether they were there for one night or 100 nights.  Whoever thought it could be exciting to was nerds answer questions, most of which most people don't know the answers to?

Well, Alex Trebek made it interesting and exciting, and he will be missed.  He was 80 years old.

There's A New Drink In Town

Going down the beverage aisles of any supermarket is overwhelming.  Water of all types, tea, sports drinks and sodas.  Well, there's a new beverage in town.  It's called Hoptonic tea, and although I haven't actually tasted it yet, I can't wait to do so.  

Hoptonic was designed to fit into an active lifestyle.  The beverage was developed by several young entrepreneurs from the food and beverage industry.  They all liked to drink craft beer, but they wanted something non alcoholic to drink after a beer or two.  Thus, hoptonic tea was invented.  

The ingredients in each flavor are simple:  carbonated water, organic tea (black tea, chamomile or green jasmine), and hops.  Depending on the flavor of the tea, rose petals or lavender or other floral scents might be added.

At this time Hoptonic Tea is only available in the Bay Area.  Their goal is to expand into Southern California and across the country.  You can go to their website, hoptonictea.com to find out where this product can be purchased or how to buy it on line.

At the moment there are several flavors available.  Sparkling Chamomile Tea with Lavender, Sparkling Jasmine Tea, and Sparkling Early Grey Tea.

As if there aren't enough beverage choices in the market now, here's another.  I can't wait to try it.

Orzo With Spinach and Feta

 Have you read the New York Times lately?  It has changed.  Alot.  They must realize that many people are home now, and responding by having many food articles and recipes, crafts and projects and puzzles, in the paper everyday.  There used to be a food section once a week, but lately there are food articles and recipes in the Times every day.

Here is a recent recipe, which I made for myself one night, that was delicious.  The best thing about it is that it can either be the main course, or served as  a side dish with meat, fish or chicken.

                                        One Pan Orzo With Spinach and Feta

2 T. unsalted butter

4 large scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced, 

2 large garlic cloves, minced

8 ounces baby spinach leaves, coarsely chopped

1 tsp. kosher salt

1 3/4 c. low sodium chicken or vegetable stock

1 tsp grated lemon zest

3/4 c. crumbled feta

1/2 c frozen peas, optional

1 c. chopped fresh dill or parsley or cilantro

Heat medium skillet, add butter, scallions and garlic and cook for a few minutes.  Stir in chopped spinach and salt.  Cook until spinach softens, then stir in stock and bring to a simmer.  Add orzo, lemon zest, and the remaining salt.  Cover and simmer until orzo is cooked throug, about 10-14 minutes.  I had to add additional stock.  Stir in cheese and peas and dill, cover and cook for another minute.  Sprinkle each dish with more cheese and the reserved scallions.

This is simple, delicious, and vegetarian, which I really like.  I had a nice glass of red wine with it, and a plate of sliced tomatoes.  Enjoy.

New Openings in North County San Diego

I never thought I would be writing about new business openings, mostly restaurant openings, during the height of the pandemic.  Restaurants are closing!!  How on earth are restaurants opening at this time, and is does this make good business sense?

Nicks, one of my favorite restaurants in San Clemente  and several other Orange County locations, finally opened in October, in One Paseo, in Del Mar.  Although I didn't have the best meal when I was there for dinner in October, I will definitely give it another try.  I think I ordered the wrong thing.  I strayed from my favorite choice, the prime rib sandwich or the steak salad.  I went for the fried chicken and mashed potatoes, which was over salted to me. The restaurant itself is beautiful, and has lots of open air dining.

In Cardiff by the Sea, a new restaurant called Waverly, has taken over where Rimel's failed.  I have not been there personally, but it's on my list of places to try.

Around the Lumberyard in Encinitas, lots is changing.  On the west side of Coast Highway Brixton, a men's clothing line is opening.  On the east side of the street, a new Himalayan restaurant is opening.  I don't know if this is the same owners as Himalayan Kitchen in Encinitas, because there is no name posted yet, but I look forward to trying it.  A gourmet ice cream sandwich shop is also soon to opening in the Lumberyard.  Also around the Lumberyard, Prager bakery has been open for about six months now, and is doing a fantastic business.  There's a line of about 10 people waiting to get into the store every time I pass it.  

On Convoy, you might want to try Famous Waffle Sandwich, a popular sweet and savory waffle shop from Asia.  

In La Jolla on Prospect, you can now find Spiros, a Mediterranean restaurant.  They have another location in Coronado.  The La Jolla location has lots of outdoor seating, and is a good choice for those that want to eat outside.

So, if you're feeling safe in doing so, here are some new restaurant choices.  I have several that I will try in the next few months. 

Voter Suppression is Nothing New

 Many years ago I heard a speech by a Republican congressman (I can't remember who it was and can't seem to find it) who said that best way for Republicans to win elections was to suppress the vote.  That was said out loud and in public a few decades ago, but the fact of the matter is that voter suppression is nothing new.  It has been around ever since people of color and women were given the vote, and continues to this day.

In the beginning, efforts to suppress the vote came in the form of poll taxes, unusual tests that were given at the polls, like knowing some little known fact from history.  Suppression also took place by limiting the number of polling places, or placing polling places far away, so that poor or senior citizens would have difficulty getting to the polls.

Now we're in the 21st century, and many states are still trying their best to suppress the vote.  South Carolina just approved a measure that makes it necessary to have a witness to your signature in order to make your vote count.  If you are old and poor and possibly live alone, getting someone to witness your signature is difficult.  Other current efforts to keep people from voting include reducing the number of polling places so that citizens will have to travel further, having groups of poll watchers (one poll watcher is legal) in front of polling places to intimidate voters, and shortening hours and days for voting.

Voting is one of our most cherished rights.  We should be making it easier, not harder, for people to vote.  That is, if we want all citizens to have an opportunity to participate in the voting process.  That is what we want in a democracy.  Other forms of government have different rules, but as long as we are democracy, every citizen has a right, and duty, to vote.  Our country is now, more than ever, a melting pot, in which many thoughts and ideas abound.  Everyone's voice must be heard.

Dog Attack At Ocean Hills

 I've got a lot to handle right now.  The death of Ron just 4 months ago, and the pandemic, which brings fear and isolation.  I did not need something else, but I got it just the same.  On Saturday, October 17, Pepper and I were attacked by a neighborhood dog.

Let me go back to the beginning.  About a year ago, I was standing with Pepper (my dog) at the corner early one morning.  The next thing I knew, a dog was barreling down the street (from 2 blocks away) at full speed.  I was terrified, but was able to pick up Pepper and hold him in my arms.  When the dog attacked, she bit my coat and Pepper, breaking the skin, but not causing any serious damage.  Our dogs have never met, so I was stunned by this, and curious as to why my dog would be chosen for the attack.  The owner paid the vet bills and promised to get the dog trained and to walk the dog with a muzzle.  That did not happen.

Back to October 17,2020.  I was walking on my street, when I saw the same dog walking on a leash up the main street, Leisure Village Way.  For safety, I ducked into the driveway of the house I was in front of, to wait for the attack dog to pass.  She must have smelled Pepper.  She bolted from the owner's hand and raced toward me, with teeth barred, and ears pinned back.  I was panicked.  Pepper was squirming, as he wanted to run from danger, and I could not get him in my arms.  The result was that my arm was bitten, scratched, swollen and bloody, and Pepper spent 14 hours in the emergency room.  Broken fibula, bites and contusions all over legs and stomach, and trauma.  

All I can say is that the law favors the attacking dog, not the victim.  I will get my medical bills paid and hopefully a little more, but will forever fear this dog might do it again.  No, animal control does not remove the dog from the home.  No, our HOA and security do little more than warn the owner to control her dog.

If you have a dog and live in a community with an HOA, check with them to see what their policy is for aggressive dogs.  Most HOA's have a policy for nuisance dogs, but ours has no policy for aggressive dogs.  From now on I plan to walk with a walking stick.

What's Happening?

I used to turn on the nightly news and find out what was happening nationally, internationally and locally.  Now, almost all you hear is political news.  There's a big beautiful world out there, but we hear nothing but politics these days.  Here I have listed a number of things that are happening elsewhere in the world.

1.  Desert Growth.  Because of climate change, the Sahara, for example, has been extended 6,000 square kilometers since 1990.

2.  Decreased cancer.  Did you know that cancer has decresed 20% in 20 years?

3.  Deaths in stadium construction in Qatar for 2022 World Cup. It is estimated that up to 1,000 workers could die during construction of stadiums needed for 2022 World Cup in Qater.  The subject is handled with great secrecy because Qater wants to keep up the image of a rich Arab state.

4.  Antibiotics are becoming less effective.  

5.  Modern slavery exists.  35 million people worldwide are enslaved.  The concept refers to when a person obtains an economic benefit as a result of depriing another of his or her individual freedom.

6.  Coltan mine slavery.  Coltan is a material used in the making of smartphones.  It is mined in Rwanda, by slaves.

7.  Blood smuggling.  There are human farms in poor countries like India, where humans are chained and blood is drawn to be sold later on the black market.

I found some of these things very disturbing.  We sometimes get so focused on ourselves and the drama we are enduring that we forget there's a world out there full of many injustices.  There are some good things, too, like reduction in the amount of cancer worldwide.  Mostly, it's just more depressing news.  I am going to look for some feel good stories to send your way soon.

  

How Seaweed Can Help Climate Change

 Nothing I write here is new, but with the Amazon burning last year, and the western United States on fire this year, we need to take another look at the importance of seaweed.

An increasing body of research is documenting the potential of seaweed farming to counter climate change as deforestation decimates rainforests and other crucial carbon sinks.  Seaweed grows fast, really fast, whereas trees take decades to reach maturity.  Seaweed can grow as much as one meter per day!  Cultivating seaweed forests that absorb planet-warming emissions that are fireproof, seems the way to go.

Seaweed forests or farms as they are often called are highly efficient at storing carbon.  Seaweed also ameliorates acidification, deoxygenation and other impacts of global warming that threaten the biodiversity of the seas and the source of food and livelihoods of  hundreds of millions of people.  

Farming seaweed in just 3.8% of the federal waters off the California coast could neutralize emissions from the state's $50 billion agriculture industry.  Finally, seaweed farms can be integrated with fish and other marine life, to grow enough protein to serve the world.  It's something we all need to take a closer look at.

Some Sage Advice

I don't think I've ever asked my readers to advise me on anything in all the years I've been writing this blog, but I am now.  My mom Dorothy, age 97, living in her own home where she intends to stay for the remainder of her life, wants to remodel.  Her beautiful home in Westwood is in need of some updating.  She is getting estimates on remodeling her bathroom, getting rid of her bathtub (unsafe), putting in a huge shower, and making everything handicap accessible, should that be needed.  The remodel will take about a month.  There will be workers in her home everyday.  Should she do it?  Is it safe to do?  Is it too risky?  

Your thoughts on the matter would be greatly appreciated.  No, this is not something she HAS to do, but it would make her life safer and more enjoyable, and if not now, when?  Please respond with your thoughts either on this blog in the comments section, or e-mail me.  I know that if she doesn't do it now, she will probably never do it. 

Dog Behavior

 I met a nine year old dog today that had been fostered, then adopted by a woman a few years ago.  The dog spent the first 4 years of his life in a cage.  He was not talked to, touched or played with.  Why would anyone have a dog and treat it like that I do not know, but there are crazy people out there.  In any event, this dog was finally rescued from this environment, and fostered by a true dog lover, Kathy.

Kathy was not ready to adopt the dog, named Cue, but was willing to foster him until a proper home could be found.  Kathy soon found out a few important things about Cue.  Cue was depressed.  He never wagged his tail, never came up to Kathy for a little petting, in short, he didn't know what to do.  Also, when he first started walking around Kathy's house he saw every obstacle, a shoe, a chair or a box, as an obstacle, like the door of the cage had been an obstacle.  How sad.  He would walk around in the backyard and not realize that he could walk through a plant, push it with his nose, and move around the planting area.  He saw everything as an obstacle!

After three years, Kathy was unable to find a forever home for Cue, so she adopted him.  It took three years for him to wag his tail, and years for him to find out that he could walk around the backyard without every plant seeming like a barrier.  Cue is now nine years old.  He has never learned what it means to chase a ball or play with another dog.  Poor guy just doesn't get it.  

Cue is the cutest guy.  He's about the size and shape of a Basset Hound, yet he has long shaggy hair and big brown eyes that look at you with such love.  It's hard to imagine that anyone would mistreat a dog like Cue, in fact any dog.

In the time of the pandemic, dogs offer something special.  They are available for unconditional love, affection and cuddles, something we can't do with most humans.  They will love you no matter what, and they give their owners a chance to get up close and personal, something we all need.  What would we do without them>

Stress In The Age of Covid-19

 Anyone that doesn't feel a degree of stress now hasn't been paying attention.  It's like we've been hit with the seven plagues:  virus, economic hardship, fire, hurricane, and threats to our democracy.  That's not seven, but that's more than enough!!

If you go to visit a doctor today, one of the first questions they will ask is how you are feeling emotionally.  For most, the answer is that they're feeling anxious much of the time.  If you're not worried about the election and a peaceful transition of power or continuation of power, you've got plenty of other issues to worry about.  Raging fires in the west like we've never seen before, hurricanes in the south and southeast that are destroying towns, and as if that weren't enough, the possibility of a woman's right to choose moving us BACK, instead of forward and health care being taken away from over 10 million people at the height of a pandemic with no substitute in sight and oh, how about protesting in the streets over the killing of unarmed black men and women?  I offer no solutions to any of these issues, but I do have a few ideas on how to keep calm, how to keep sane.

1.  Turn off the TV!!  Hour upon hour of watching these events play out in front of you is not good for your mental health.  I try (not always successfully) to keep my consumption of news to 3 hours a day.

2. Take a walk.  I walk 4 times a day because my dog needs to go out, but even without a dog, a good walk in the morning and a good walk at night is good to clear your mind.

3.  Meditate.  I listen to a podcast called Daily Breath, by Deepak Chopra.  Each meditation is from 3-10 minutes, and just listening to it, being still, and focusing on his voice is very therapeutic for me.

4.Read and watch books and movies that are uplifting.  Where I used to read books and watch movies that would entertain and teach, I am now looking for entertainment that is just for fun.  Any suggestions?

5.  Call a friend.  I was out for dinner recently with friends, and we were talking about to stay connected during Covid-19.  Charlene told us about a 90+ year old friend of hers that every week, went through her address book and called people she hadn't talked to in a while.  They were always delighted to hear from her, and she felt so good about making the call.  Ron used to do the same thing.  At least once a week he would call a few of his friends just to see how they were.  He did this up until two weeks before he died.

6.  Get involved in a project.  My project has been cleaning out my closets, rearranging furniture and straightening the garage.  Others my sort old photos, do small repair projects around the house, cook, do puzzles, learn an instrument or another language.  There's a whole world of things to do out there, even if you're home.  Involvement in a project helps take your mind of the current situation.

7.  Talk to someone.  Hopefully you have someone you can talk to, tell your hopes and fears to.  A brother or sister or a good friend will work.  If you don't have someone call your doctor, rabbi or priest and get a referral.  Everyone needs someone to talk to during this time.

White Bean Caprese Salad

 I love to cook, and for the first time in a long time when I cook, I am cooking for an audience of one.  Prior to Ron's death, I was always trying to please him.  Now, I make what I want.  So, here's a recipe Ron would have hated, but I made it for lunch on a hot day last week, and I loved it!  It takes all of five minutes to make.  It's filling and healthy.  I hope you try it.

                               White Bean Caprese Salad

1 14 ounce can white beans, like cannellini (I used great northern beans) rinsed

5 ounces cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

5 ounces small mozzarella balls, torn into bite size pieces

1/4 cup loosely packed basil leaves, torn

2 T. olive oil, or more if needed

kosher salt and black pepper

2 tsp good (thick)balsamic vinegar, plus more if needed

Coarse, flaky salt

Combine beans, tomatoes, cheese and half the basil and toss.  Add the olive oil and seas with salt and pepper.  Put on serving plates, then drizzle blasamic vinegar and top with the remaining basil.  Finish with flaky salt.  Serves about 3 people as a main course.  Enjoy.

A Foodie Weekend in LA

For the last several years it's been difficult to spend much time with my mom.  When Ron's condition worsened, it became almost impossible to go to Los Angeles.  Since Ron's death, I am making up for lost time.  

Since the pandemic hit, my mom has been isolated in her home in Los Angeles.  She has a wonderful companion that lives with her, but she doesn't get out too much.  Most of her friends are fearful, and many have disabilities that make getting out difficult.  

Susie to the rescue.  I go visit my mom about once a month now, usually spending a Friday, Saturday and Sunday with her.  Occasionally she comes down here for a few days, so we have been spending some quality time together lately, and loving it.

My last trip to LA took place on the first weekend in October.  We ate home Friday night.  A delicious brisket and potatoes (wine and appetizers first), followed by a nightcap of Bailey's Irish Cream.  I had forgotten how much I loved that!    We also discovered Emily in Paris, which we binge watched all weekend and finished the first season.  It is a new series created by Darren Star (Sex in the City), and is just a lot of fun.  I highly recommend it.

Saturday I spent the morning in Woodland Hills with Brian and Beth, Spencer and Ryan.  I hadn't seen them since early June, and it was great to catch up.  Saturday night we planned dinner at La Bruschetta, a longtime favorite Italian restaurant.  We arrived and ordered drinks, and while purusing  the menu, Mom noticed some smoke in the back of the restaurant.  She thought nothing of it because she figured they were barbequing.  Just then, there was a big explosion followed by crackling sounds.  We all got up and quickly ran out to the street.  It turned out to be an electrical fire from the building next door, but it added a bit of excitement to our dinner, which continued without incident after the fire department checked it out.

Sunday we went to Shutters, a beautiful boutique hotel in Santa Monica, right on the beach.  What a beautiful spot to enjoy a great breakfast of lemon ricotta pancakes and nice, strong coffee.  We enjoyed people watching and dog watching too!  

Finally, late Sunday afternoon we went to Century City to enjoy a wonderful meal at Din Tai Fung.  It's Chinese, of course, their specialty being noodles and buns.  They have opened outdoor seating in the mall which is very safe.  The mall was bustling.  I commented to my mom that you'd never know we were in the middle of a pandemic from the number of people shopping and eating on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.  I did notice, however, that most visitors were just looking and not buying.  It was a wonderful afternoon and we really felt "normal."

I can't wait for my next visit to LA.  We have scouted out other areas of Los Angeles that are busy, and will visit them.  For now, my next great eating adventure will be Sunday with Marilyn, where we will visit the new Nick's in One Paseo.

Fun With Friends

When was the last time you went out for the evening, had a few drinks, a great dinner, and enjoyed some good friends?  It's probably been a while.  Well, I did just this recently.  We all had a great time and felt safe doing it.

I always weigh the risk/reward before leaving the house.  Is what I am doing necessary or voluntary?  Will I be with people out of my "bubble"?  Will I be outside with social distancing?  I weigh all these factors before making my decision.  From what doctors and scientists know now, following these protocols is likely to keep you safe.  So, yes, I flew to Denver in August to see my children and grandchildren and yes, I go to visit my mom regularly, and yes, I go out to dinner with my friends.

We went to 333 Pacific, a favorite place for Ron and I when we were in the mood for lobster.  With the use of our Passport Cards, a lobster tail (2 tails) dinner is very reasonable.  333 also happens to have wonderful drinks.  I enjoyed an appletini, a departure from my normal red wine or margherita.  Fran had a key lime martini, which she loved.  I can't remember what the others drank, but they all enjoyed whatever they had.  Although the inside bar area was busy, as that is allowed now if food is also served, most people were outside.  333 has added a large outdoor dining area right in front of the Wyndham.  We enjoyed a balmy evening outside, with a magnificent sunset.

After such an enjoyable evening, I came home to the news that President Trump had tested positive for Covid-19.  No, Mr. President, you are not Superman, you can get the virus just like over 7million others have if you don't do everything to keep yourself and those around you, safe.  His reckless behavior is not only dangerous to him, but to everyone he comes in contact with.  Putting on a mask to save tens of thousands of lives seems like such a simple thing.  It's really tragic that it has become political and a sign of weakness.

During WW11 when London required lights out for everyone to keep the Nazis from knowing where to bomb, everyone complied.  Imagine what the result would have been if some had decided they didn't want to keep the lights off, and didn't comply.  The war may have had a different result.  We're at war with a virus, and everyone has to comply to beat it. 

Get Your Flu Shot

 Now, more than ever, it's important to get a flu shot.  Why?  We want to protect ourselves from the flu, and we know that the flu vaccine will do that.  We have a bit of a heads up from Australia and New Zealand as to what this flu season will look like.  They had a very light flu season, and that's because of social distancing, hand washing, mask wearing, and the flu shot.  Hopefully Americans will learn from this and get vaccinated as soon as possible.  I also think that with people staying home more and keeping away from crowds, the likelihood of picking up the flu are less.

The Covid-19 vaccine is a very different story.  We still don't know when it will be available and how effective it will be.  Scientists have not yet had the time to know what long term affects could be.  We don't know how quickly it can distributed, but the CDC says now that the Covid-19 vaccine probably won't be readily available until this time next year.

That means we all need to keep the course for another year.  Take all the precautions doctors are recommending, and get the flu shot.  Masks are not comfortable, they're not pretty, but they do protect us.  The fact that some may not like wearing a mask is just too bad.  I don't particularly like wearing a seat belt, but it keeps me safe.  I don't like slathering sunscreen all over my face and arms, but it keeps me safe.  It is reckless not to adhere to what scientists recommend.  Thousands of Americans have died, and many more will die, with or without masks or vaccines.  Let's take care of ourselves and our fellow Americans and keep the number of lost lives as low as possible.  Science rules.

Eating Out During Covid-19

 As you probably know by now, I love to eat out, so Covid-19 has put a real crimp in my style.  For many months we could not eat out, and take out is not something I enjoy.  Then things started to open, and at first I was hesitant to venture out, but after several experiences at restaurants, and seeing how the places I had been had gone overboard to keep customers safe, I have been eating out often.  Some places are better than others, but here's a short list of places I have enjoyed in North County in the past few months.  I have also eaten out in Los Angeles, as I have visited my mom several times and she loves to eat out and can't find many friends to venture out with, so we always have a few meals out while I am there.  I won't bore you with the L.A. restaurants, but there are some very good ones.  Here's are places I've enjoyed that are close to home.

1.  Black Rail (the old Tuscany) probably has the prettiest outdoor setting of them all.  It's a huge patio, tables spaced far apart, nice lighting, heating and friendly servers.

2.  101 Diner in Encinitas.  This has always been one of my favorite places for breakfast or lunch.  Their apple pancake can't be beat.  As many restaurants on their street have done, they have set up umbrellas and tables on the sidewalk and street.  It is festive and so much fun!

3.  Panera in Solana Beach or Carlsbad are great choices for outdoor dining.  They both have big patios and lots of seating, and the food is ok.

4.  Breakfast Republic in Encinitas is another one of my favorite breakfast spots.  They have also moved outside.  Numerous tables and umbrellas have been set up in front of the restaurant and in the parking lot.

5.  ShoreHouse in Carlsbad.  I love this place on State St. in old Carlsbad.  They have always had a huge outdoor eating area, but they have expanded it and put in more seating in the parking lot at the back of the restaurant.

6.  Del Lusso in Carlsbad is a relatively new Italian restaurant.  It opened just a few months before the pandemic hit.  Owner Walter is wonderful, and will do anything to make you feel comfortable.  They have a good patio in the front of the restaurant, and lots of great food choices.

7.  Broken Yolk in Encinitas, San Marcos and Oceanside.  It's not my favorite breakfast place, but they have done an excellent job of setting up a big outdoor restaurant in each of these locations.  Every time I go by one of them, they're packed.  (in a social distance sort of way). 

A few other places to consider are WR in Bressi Ranch, Pill Box in Solana Beach and Kings in Carlsbad are other good options.  

Eat out, and enjoy, but stay safe!!

The Uterus Collector

 I can hardly believe that in 21st century America the story I am about to tell could even be true.  A brave whistleblower recently came forward with allegations against an ICE dentention facility in Ocilla, Georgia.  Among the allegations was that female detainees, non or limited English speaking, had been subjected to hysterectomies while in custody.

Nurse Dawn Wooten filed the complaint.  She alleges that the Irwin County Detention Center, a private prison contractor, of a litany of violations.  The detainees were sent to a gynecologist outside the facility, where hysterectomies were performed, often without the womans' understanding of what was going to be done.  The nurses at ICDC called the doctor "the uterus collector."  They questioned why so many procedures were being done.  The nurses thought it seemed like it was an experimental concentration camp.  That is what I thought at first.  Nazi Germany.  Josef Mengele and Eudard Wirths.  Is this any different?

While Dawn Wooten's complaint concerns a single detention center, it reflects a broader patter of abuses that occur in ICE detention centers, particularly in facilities operated by private prison contractors. More than 1,200 sexual abuse complaints from adults,  (2010-2017), and more than 4,500 such complaints by unaccompanied children.  (2014-2018).  Where is the oversight of these adults and children for health and safety violations?

Dawn Wooten, who spoke up to her superiors many times in the past year regarding a variety of health and safety violations before blowing the whistle last week, was demoted.  She feels confident that her demotion was a punishment for speaking out.  

If in fact an investigation finds that these allegations are true, something is terribly wrong.  The system is broken, and this is just one of many agencies that needs a complete restructuring.  

Is covid-19 a Respiratory Disease or a Cardiovascular Disease?

 I've been listening to podcasts and reading the writings of Laurie Garrett recently.  She is the Pulitzer Prize winning reporter and expert on infectious diseases.  She's been writing about Ebola, Swine Flue and Covid-19 for decades.  When she speaks, people listen.  I was listening to her recent interview with Al Franken, and I learned a lot.

Covid-19 is not a respiratory disease, as first thought, but a cardiovascular disease.  Yes, those who contract Covid-19 often develop pneumonia.  The cells that this virus destroys are crucial cells for the proper functioning of the heart and blood and other organs like kidneys and liver.  The highest risk to developing cardiovascular disease are people with high blood pressure and diabetics.

Who is most likely to contract Covid-19?  Yes, elderly adults that may have several underlying conditions, but besides them, African Americans and Latino people of all ages. Part of the reason why, is they generally are less likely to have good medical care, and are often found to have untreated hypertension.  According to Laurie Garrett, true public intervention would consist of far more than just testing everyone for Covid-19.  

Laurie's idea is that even before testing for Covid-19, a person would be cuffed and it would be determined whether the person had hypertension.  That test takes less than one minute.  If the person was hypertensive, he would go to another line where he could be started immediately on medication and future treatment could be discussed.  Then, the person would get a finger prick to determine if they were diabetic or pre diabetic.  So, before one even had the Covid-19 test, it would be determined if they had two of the greatest underlying medical conditions in America that cause not only a higher mortality rate from the virus, but also cause many cardiovascular diseases that lead to early death.

This would be in the long run a cheap way to identify many people who otherwise are not aware of their condition and deal with it quickly and easily.  Of course this not going to happen, but it's nice to imagine how public health could intervene to really help.

It also answers the question as to why black, brown and indigenous peoples have a higher rate of Covid-19.  It's because of the health care they have not received, which leaves many of them with medical conditions they're not even aware of.  For now, let's keep testing as much as possible.  It's one of the important tools we have in fighting this pandemic.

The Social Dilemma

 If you have Netflix, a must watch is The Social Dilemma.  It's about how Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, etc., have changed us.  Many of  us have become addicted to social media, and social media has taken advantage of the time we spend on these platforms to influence what we do, what we buy, how we think.  You may not believe it, but it's true.

Never before have a handful of tech designers had such control over the way billions of us think, act and live our lives.  Statistically, the biggest impact is in the 10-15 year old range.  You've got to watch this movie to see what's going on with your pre-teen children and grandchildren.

A 5,000 person study found that higher social media use correlated with self-reported declines in mental health and life satisfaction.  The number of countries with political disinformation campaigns on social media have double in the past two years.  64% of the people who joined extremist groups on Facebook did so because the algorithms steered them there.  These are just a few of the many informative facts I discovered while watching the film.

It's best for you to watch the film yourself to determine how life changing addiction to social media can be.  I plan to have my children watch it.  It may alter the time they allow their kids to spend on social media.  I know it's hard right now with the pandemic raging, but when you find out about the far reaching affects of hours spent on social media, you might alter your use of these platforms.  Some of the people interview for this movie were executives at Facebook, Twitter, Uber, Pinterest and other social media platforms.  Many of them have discontinued the use of social media altogether, while others have modified their use.  Watch the film and make your own decision.

Reflections

 The start of the of Jewish New Year has always been a time of reflection for me.  2020 has been a hum dinger, so I've got a lot to reflect on.  Ron's health started to decline early in 2020, so most of my time was spent caring for him.  We did celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary in grand style on March 8, just days before our state was shutdown.  That is a day I will never forget, and I reflect on it often.  How many couples get to celebrate 50 years together?  What a happy day that was!

I reflect on how our family came together during Ron's illness, supported one another, and supported me.  I smile when I think about that.  I reflect on how alone I felt on the night Ron died, even though I was completely prepared for it.  You can speculate on what it will feel like, but until it happens to you, you don't really know.

I reflect on how Covid-19 has changed our lives for a long, long, time, and how that will impact my life going forward.  I am keeping very busy right now, with books, bridge, pickleball, golf and swimming, and visiting my mom in LA about once a month.  I would love to travel, meet new people and who knows what else, but that won't happen for quite a while,

I not only reflect on the past year at the start of the Jewish New Year, but I plan for the coming year.  That is hard to do right now.  For this year, my plans will be day to day.  No one knows what is to come.  The uncertainty about the future includes not only what will happen with Covid-19, but  the political future of this country, and what direction it will take.  That is very uncertain too.