This issue doesn't even fall "under the radar" anymore. It is so rampant in third world countries, yet not much is being done. It's a ring of women caught up in a prostitution and trafficking network that ruthlessly exploits women smuggled into the country, often illegally, from third world countries.
In prior eras, the slave trade was conducted openly, with ads prominently posted and the slaves paraded and inspected like animals, often at public auctions. Today's sex traffickers, the heirs to that tradition, try to keep their activities hidden, although the rest of the sex trade, the sale of women's services, is advertised on a scale that can only be characterized as colossal.
As a society, we're repelled by the slavery of old. But the wholesale transport of women and girls across international borders and around the US- to serve as prostitutes under conditions that in most cases are coercive at best-stirs very little outrage.
What's important to keep in mind is the great extent to which the sex trade involves real slavery (kidnapping and rape), widespread physical abuse, indentured servitude, exploitation of minors and many other forms of coercion. This modern-day variation on the ancient theme of bondage flourishes largely because of the indifference of the rest of us, and the misogyny that holds fast to the view of women-all women-as sexual commodities.
Of the thousands of foreign nationals that are believed to trafficked into the US each year, 80% are women and children, an overwhelming majority of whome are trafficked for sexual purposes.
Many of the children are actually sold by their families, others are kidnapped. Anyone who thinks that most of the women in prostitution want to be there are deluded. It's a violent, dangerous world, and those that didn't end up as hookers by force are usually there because they have no other option. There needs to be more serious consequences for human traffickers. This is an international problem that must be addressed. The movies you see on this topic are not fantasy. They are based on real life situations. The international community must take steps to end this barbaric practice. America has made a committment to try to eradicate human trafficking, by training law enforcement in foreign countries to spot such activities. It's a massive problem, and one that won't easily be eliminated. On a global level, how far have women really come?
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
My Birthday Dinner
I just celebrated my 66th birthday. I should say I'm still celebrating, as I've had no less than 3 dinners and a brunch for the ocassion. Most of the celebrations have been with friends, but one very special dinner included most of my immediate family.
I am alsway in LA on Friday, so my youngest son Phil, planned a quick business trip to Los Angeles to coincide with my time in LA and my birthday. Once I knew he was coming I planned a dinner which included Brian and Beth (oldest son and daughter-in-law), David, Phil, my mom and myself. We rarely get all three sons together, so I decided to make it an adult only evening. I think everyone had a great time. I know I did.
We went to Itzik Hagaddol, a well known Israeli restaurant in Encino. They have restaurants in Haifa and Tel Aviv as well. The evening began when the kids walked into the restaurant with a beautiful bouquet of flowers for me. I wasn't expecting that. We all sat down, got comfortable, and got ready for an Israeli feast. The food was delicious. I walked out absolutely bursting at the seems. We began with 20 salads, yes, 20. Hummus, baba ganoush, cabbages salad, egg salad, pickled beet salad, tabouli, eggplant salad, carrot salad, falaffel and a wonderful puffy bread, like pita, but puffed up. This was not all the salads, but it's all I can recall right now, and we could have as many refills as we wanted. Next came the main course. I had a delicious chicken schnitzel, others had lamb kebobs, chicken kebobs, and grilled lamb/beef balls on a skewer. Each dish came with two sides, like rice, potatoes, Israeli salad, or cabbage. I took most of my meal home. I couldn't believe how the people in the restaurant packed away the food. I never saw people eat like this.
We had a great time just being together. I really appreciated an evening with all my children, but was sad that Ron was not with us. He too, was very melancholy that afternoon and evening, knowing that he was missing out on a family gathering.
Brian and Beth ordered a delicious birthday cake for me from Bea's a well known bakery in Encino. Yellow cake, rasperry filling and white frosting with roses. Just what I wanted. It was beautiful, and a sweet ending to a very sweet evening.
It's so important to keep family together, especially when some members are going through hard times. So often families are torn apart during a crisis, but I feel our family has survived our long ordeal and grown stronger in the process. I am grateful to have them all, and they are a constant source of support. Our next family gathering will be when Ron gets home, and as soon as I have a date, I will ask them all to come here for a visit, with the grand children. I can't wait for that. In the mean time, I have great memories of this birthday, with both friends and family. Except for Friday visits with Ron, dinners like my birthday dinner are the moments I cherish most.
I am alsway in LA on Friday, so my youngest son Phil, planned a quick business trip to Los Angeles to coincide with my time in LA and my birthday. Once I knew he was coming I planned a dinner which included Brian and Beth (oldest son and daughter-in-law), David, Phil, my mom and myself. We rarely get all three sons together, so I decided to make it an adult only evening. I think everyone had a great time. I know I did.
We went to Itzik Hagaddol, a well known Israeli restaurant in Encino. They have restaurants in Haifa and Tel Aviv as well. The evening began when the kids walked into the restaurant with a beautiful bouquet of flowers for me. I wasn't expecting that. We all sat down, got comfortable, and got ready for an Israeli feast. The food was delicious. I walked out absolutely bursting at the seems. We began with 20 salads, yes, 20. Hummus, baba ganoush, cabbages salad, egg salad, pickled beet salad, tabouli, eggplant salad, carrot salad, falaffel and a wonderful puffy bread, like pita, but puffed up. This was not all the salads, but it's all I can recall right now, and we could have as many refills as we wanted. Next came the main course. I had a delicious chicken schnitzel, others had lamb kebobs, chicken kebobs, and grilled lamb/beef balls on a skewer. Each dish came with two sides, like rice, potatoes, Israeli salad, or cabbage. I took most of my meal home. I couldn't believe how the people in the restaurant packed away the food. I never saw people eat like this.
We had a great time just being together. I really appreciated an evening with all my children, but was sad that Ron was not with us. He too, was very melancholy that afternoon and evening, knowing that he was missing out on a family gathering.
Brian and Beth ordered a delicious birthday cake for me from Bea's a well known bakery in Encino. Yellow cake, rasperry filling and white frosting with roses. Just what I wanted. It was beautiful, and a sweet ending to a very sweet evening.
It's so important to keep family together, especially when some members are going through hard times. So often families are torn apart during a crisis, but I feel our family has survived our long ordeal and grown stronger in the process. I am grateful to have them all, and they are a constant source of support. Our next family gathering will be when Ron gets home, and as soon as I have a date, I will ask them all to come here for a visit, with the grand children. I can't wait for that. In the mean time, I have great memories of this birthday, with both friends and family. Except for Friday visits with Ron, dinners like my birthday dinner are the moments I cherish most.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Fifty Ninth Visit To Taft
Last week I got a call from a woman I met last year whose husband was facing a long prison sentence. She and her husband met with me several times in anticipation of their lengthy separation. I helped them understand what they would be facing both individually and as a couple. About two months before his sentencing I got a call from the wife saying that marshals had come to their door and taken him away. She didn't know where he was taken or why. Apparently they decided he was a flight risk (he'd been out on bail for over a year) and they took him to a small town in Minnesota. (that's where he was going to be sentenced). He was there for over 7 months, in a local jail cell, with nothing to do and no information about his future. He has since been sentenced to over 10 years in prison and has been transferred to Terminal Island. (he will arrive there by "diesel express", which I have written about before). In all that time his wife has not seen him, only talked to him on the phone. I can't imagine what the two of them went through these past months, and soon he will be less than an hour from her home.
We still have no word on Ron's official release date, and I think that is adding stress to both our lives. I know he has accepted the date they have given him, but is somehow hoping that his actual release will be sooner. We just have to wait patiently, which is hard sometimes.
I just got a call from Ron's friend Murray, that touched me deeply. He wanted my mailing address. Murray is sending us a gift certificate to Ruth's Chris, so that we can go out for a delicious and romantic dinner when Ron gets home. I was really moved, as was Ron, by such a meaningful gift. Thanks, Murray.
The weeks are going by, not flying by, but we're getting there. There's just not enough to do to keep a busy, curious mind occupied at Taft, but there is one bit of good news. A new inmate arrived last week, and he's a bridge player. Now they have 4, and plan to start playing everyday. It will definitely be something for Ron to look forward to. Now Ron is worried about the quality of the players. I told him he should be happy to have 4 bodies. At least spend a few hours playing bridge every week. At this point, who cares if they're good or not. I too plan to start playing a little more bridge, and hopefully that will make time pass more quickly for me too.
As the weeks go by Ron is opening up more about his feelings. He has put on a happy face for a long time, but recently he has gotten more real with me. He has many ups and downs now, waiting for final word on his release date. When he gets that I think he will settle in and live with it. Right now it's a roller coaster.
Thank goodness for great friends like Richard, David and Mark, who help keep Ron sane. I don't know how he'd get through this without them. Our visit Friday was very special, as it took place just before our 41st wedding anniversary (March 8). I couldn't be happier or prouder of the man I married. Friday one of Ron's close friends was visited by his wife, who informed him that she was divorcing him after 27 years of marriage. I know how sad he must be, what a difficult time this is for him, but I know he will emerge strong, with plenty of life left and time to find a deep, lasting relationship, like ours.
We still have no word on Ron's official release date, and I think that is adding stress to both our lives. I know he has accepted the date they have given him, but is somehow hoping that his actual release will be sooner. We just have to wait patiently, which is hard sometimes.
I just got a call from Ron's friend Murray, that touched me deeply. He wanted my mailing address. Murray is sending us a gift certificate to Ruth's Chris, so that we can go out for a delicious and romantic dinner when Ron gets home. I was really moved, as was Ron, by such a meaningful gift. Thanks, Murray.
The weeks are going by, not flying by, but we're getting there. There's just not enough to do to keep a busy, curious mind occupied at Taft, but there is one bit of good news. A new inmate arrived last week, and he's a bridge player. Now they have 4, and plan to start playing everyday. It will definitely be something for Ron to look forward to. Now Ron is worried about the quality of the players. I told him he should be happy to have 4 bodies. At least spend a few hours playing bridge every week. At this point, who cares if they're good or not. I too plan to start playing a little more bridge, and hopefully that will make time pass more quickly for me too.
As the weeks go by Ron is opening up more about his feelings. He has put on a happy face for a long time, but recently he has gotten more real with me. He has many ups and downs now, waiting for final word on his release date. When he gets that I think he will settle in and live with it. Right now it's a roller coaster.
Thank goodness for great friends like Richard, David and Mark, who help keep Ron sane. I don't know how he'd get through this without them. Our visit Friday was very special, as it took place just before our 41st wedding anniversary (March 8). I couldn't be happier or prouder of the man I married. Friday one of Ron's close friends was visited by his wife, who informed him that she was divorcing him after 27 years of marriage. I know how sad he must be, what a difficult time this is for him, but I know he will emerge strong, with plenty of life left and time to find a deep, lasting relationship, like ours.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Will Post Offices Become Obsolete?
A recent family dinner turned into a lively discussion on the future of the post office. The opinions were largely divided along generational lines. My mom, in her 80's had one opinion, my kids, in their 30's and 40's had an altogether different opinion. I was the middle man. I understood what my mom was saying, but sided with my kids about the realistic future of the post office.
The U.S. Postal Service recently reported that they would begin the process of closing 2,000 post offices next month. They are also reviewing 16,000 more for possible closure. All this is due to a record deficit of $8.5 billion. Lawmakers are looking to pass a bill that would make it easier to shut down underperforming branches. In the age of digital communications, online bill paying and Federal Express and UPS are the physical post offices still relevant? True, many people still need the postal service and in rural areas people may rely on their services for purchasing household goods and clothing. But the postal service is a business, and everyone is looking at the bottom line. Closing post offices will hurt many people, but Congress is in a cost-cutting mood, and may mandate these closures for economic reasons.
Our discussion at dinner went something like this. My mom focused on the needs of older people and rural families, who rely heavily on the mail. They receive catalogs and purchase much of what they buy from these catalogs. Older people, who may not have internet access, rely on the postal service to pay and receive bills and maybe even us the mail to receive their medication. On the other side of the discussion were my three sons, who told grandma that this is the digital age, everyone is online, everyone pays their bills on line, the post office is a thing of the past. I see both sides of this. I feel that the post office will be around for a long time, but with a more limited presence. The time is coming when the only way to pay bills will be online, like it or not. As the older population, the ones that don't have internet access die, the post office will become less and less necessary. Rural populations will eventually all have internet access. My mom argues that advertisers use the postal service and they won't want to see it go. My response is that advertisers will find other ways to get their name in front of you. Advertising is always evolving.
So the answer to the question posed at the beginning of this article, is yes and no. No, they probably won't become completely obsolete, but yes, their presence will be greatly reduced. Less post offices and less mail delivery. How many pieces of important mail do you actually get on a given day? I don't get much. Yes, I've got bills, but they're all online, as are bank statements, etc.
The unoffical creed of our founding fathers, "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds," may not be relevant in the digital age.
The U.S. Postal Service recently reported that they would begin the process of closing 2,000 post offices next month. They are also reviewing 16,000 more for possible closure. All this is due to a record deficit of $8.5 billion. Lawmakers are looking to pass a bill that would make it easier to shut down underperforming branches. In the age of digital communications, online bill paying and Federal Express and UPS are the physical post offices still relevant? True, many people still need the postal service and in rural areas people may rely on their services for purchasing household goods and clothing. But the postal service is a business, and everyone is looking at the bottom line. Closing post offices will hurt many people, but Congress is in a cost-cutting mood, and may mandate these closures for economic reasons.
Our discussion at dinner went something like this. My mom focused on the needs of older people and rural families, who rely heavily on the mail. They receive catalogs and purchase much of what they buy from these catalogs. Older people, who may not have internet access, rely on the postal service to pay and receive bills and maybe even us the mail to receive their medication. On the other side of the discussion were my three sons, who told grandma that this is the digital age, everyone is online, everyone pays their bills on line, the post office is a thing of the past. I see both sides of this. I feel that the post office will be around for a long time, but with a more limited presence. The time is coming when the only way to pay bills will be online, like it or not. As the older population, the ones that don't have internet access die, the post office will become less and less necessary. Rural populations will eventually all have internet access. My mom argues that advertisers use the postal service and they won't want to see it go. My response is that advertisers will find other ways to get their name in front of you. Advertising is always evolving.
So the answer to the question posed at the beginning of this article, is yes and no. No, they probably won't become completely obsolete, but yes, their presence will be greatly reduced. Less post offices and less mail delivery. How many pieces of important mail do you actually get on a given day? I don't get much. Yes, I've got bills, but they're all online, as are bank statements, etc.
The unoffical creed of our founding fathers, "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds," may not be relevant in the digital age.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
R and D Kitchen...Great American Food
One of my favorite chain restaurants has always been Houston's, a restaurant we went to often when we lived in LA. Unfortunately there is no Houston's in the San Diego area. I don't know why, but hopefully someday they'll be there. The restaurant group www.hillstone.com (of which Houston's and R and D are part of ) has many different concepts, their newest being R and D Kitchen. I just dined at the newest R and D, in Santa Monica.
It's on trendy Montana Ave and 13th street, in the space that used to house Wolfgang Puck's Cafe. The space has been completely redone. It is dark, with soft lighting over each booth. Yes, most of the restaurant is booths. It's sleek and contemporary, with a big bar, and lots of bar action. We ate early on a Friday night, and when we left around 7:15 the bar was hopping. No reservations, but the clientelle waiting didn't seem to have a problem hanging out and drinking while waiting for their table.
The only negative is the size of the menu. It's a small menu, but unless you eat there often, there is plenty to choose from. I had 1/2 Greek chicken with a lemon sauce, served with delicious, garlicky taboulli, tomatoes and olives. Really great, and it was just as good for lunch the next day. My mom had the seared tuna salad. Fantastic. Four large slices of seared ahi tuna on top of a wonderful salad that included fresh beets, potatoes, egg, olives, delicate lettuce leaves, in a lovely vinegrette. Other menu items included a great looking burger, a rubenesque sandwich, ahi burger, several types of fish specials that change daily, great fries served with dipping sauce, meatloaf and mashed potatoes, even a steak. I can't wait to go back again and try something else. There were lots of appetizers, like hummus and fresh baked pita chips. The bar drinks are exceptional (so I was told) and they have a few desserts, including a fresh baked carrot cake.
This particular restaurant was busy when we arrived at 5:30 with young, old, singles, and families. It's a very upscale area, lots of trendy shops and restaurants on Montana Ave. The funniest thing to me was the family sitting across from me. Mother, father and two little girls around 4 and 5. I didn't notice them too much while they were eating, but I sure noticed them when they got up to leave. The dad went the the back of the restaurant and fetched two scooters for the girls. The girls got out of their seats, and were wearing pajamas! (Dr. Dentons). They got on their scooters, and scootered through the restaurant on their way out of the restaurant. Only in LA!!
If this sounds good to you, R and D also has a location in Fashion Island, Newport Beach, a little closer to home. Try it, I think you'll like it.
It's on trendy Montana Ave and 13th street, in the space that used to house Wolfgang Puck's Cafe. The space has been completely redone. It is dark, with soft lighting over each booth. Yes, most of the restaurant is booths. It's sleek and contemporary, with a big bar, and lots of bar action. We ate early on a Friday night, and when we left around 7:15 the bar was hopping. No reservations, but the clientelle waiting didn't seem to have a problem hanging out and drinking while waiting for their table.
The only negative is the size of the menu. It's a small menu, but unless you eat there often, there is plenty to choose from. I had 1/2 Greek chicken with a lemon sauce, served with delicious, garlicky taboulli, tomatoes and olives. Really great, and it was just as good for lunch the next day. My mom had the seared tuna salad. Fantastic. Four large slices of seared ahi tuna on top of a wonderful salad that included fresh beets, potatoes, egg, olives, delicate lettuce leaves, in a lovely vinegrette. Other menu items included a great looking burger, a rubenesque sandwich, ahi burger, several types of fish specials that change daily, great fries served with dipping sauce, meatloaf and mashed potatoes, even a steak. I can't wait to go back again and try something else. There were lots of appetizers, like hummus and fresh baked pita chips. The bar drinks are exceptional (so I was told) and they have a few desserts, including a fresh baked carrot cake.
This particular restaurant was busy when we arrived at 5:30 with young, old, singles, and families. It's a very upscale area, lots of trendy shops and restaurants on Montana Ave. The funniest thing to me was the family sitting across from me. Mother, father and two little girls around 4 and 5. I didn't notice them too much while they were eating, but I sure noticed them when they got up to leave. The dad went the the back of the restaurant and fetched two scooters for the girls. The girls got out of their seats, and were wearing pajamas! (Dr. Dentons). They got on their scooters, and scootered through the restaurant on their way out of the restaurant. Only in LA!!
If this sounds good to you, R and D also has a location in Fashion Island, Newport Beach, a little closer to home. Try it, I think you'll like it.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Oceanside Museum: A Hidden Treasure
One reason many people balk at the thought of a day at the museum is that museums are large and the exhibits are overwhelming. The Oceanside Museum is a small museum with an eclectic mix of exhibits, often as many as 4 exhibits showing simultaneously. The Quilt Exhibit, Beyond Boundaries, is showing through March 13, and I highly recommend it. This is the third exhibit of it's kind that I've seen in Oceanside over the past 6 years, and they just get better and better.
This exhibit can only be seen locally. It is judged by members of Quilt Visions, a quilting organization at Liberty Station. This year they chose 39 quilts from over 600 entries, from over 20 states and 6 foreign countries. One floral quilt really caught my eye. It was over 10 feet wide by 6 feet high. I can't imagine how many hours of work went into that quilt. Some were contemporary, others abstract. Many different types of fabrics were used, including felt, silk and even batting.
We were guided through the exhibit by our very knowledgable docent, Beverly. If you do go, try to arrange a docent tour. They will provide you with one for as few as 8 people if you call ahead. After the tour and the obligatory stop at their incredible gift shop, we were off to lunch at Longboarders. This is a breakfast and lunch cafe in Oceanside that had recently moved to new, better digs. It's on the corner of Mission and Tremont. The food was very good, served by friendly young waiters.
I hope you have a chance to see this amazing exhibit. If you don't, keep the Oceanside Museum in mind for future outings. They always seem to have something interesting.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Egg, Green Chile and Cheese Casserole
I love breakfast and brunch. Many of my favorite foods appear on breakfast and brunch menus. I love casseroles, from mac and cheese to the egg casserole I have for you today. A few months ago I attended a wonderful pot luck brunch and my favorite food at the brunch was Judy's egg, green chile and cheese casserole. I had totally forgotten about this wonderful dish. I used to make it for dinner with a green salad and tortillas, but it's great as a breakfast or brunch item too. Here is my version of the dish.
Eggs, Green Chiles and Cheese Casserole
1 dozen eggs
1 pint sour cream
4 ounce can chopped green chiles
1 large grated longhorn or cheddar cheese or combination of both
Beat egg, then mix in sour cream. Spray 9X13 inch pan with cooking spray. Put a layer of cheese on bottom, layer of green chiles, and pour eggs and sour cream mixture on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until eggs are firm. Let it sit for 10 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve with salsa if desired.
Eggs, Green Chiles and Cheese Casserole
1 dozen eggs
1 pint sour cream
4 ounce can chopped green chiles
1 large grated longhorn or cheddar cheese or combination of both
Beat egg, then mix in sour cream. Spray 9X13 inch pan with cooking spray. Put a layer of cheese on bottom, layer of green chiles, and pour eggs and sour cream mixture on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until eggs are firm. Let it sit for 10 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve with salsa if desired.
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