Make sure you DVR the U.S. Open today before you head out to the King's parade. There is a 14 year old chinese kid named Zhang you have got to see. Oh, and Tiger and Phil, Bubba and Aaron, Johnny Vegas a guy who last time was sweeping toilets in Sydney and it is at Olympic and there is no more hockey, and, and, and...!
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Hooters
I paid for my lunch today and left no
tip for the staff, and I'd like to explain why.
Maybe it was the ubersweet way
the vote recruiter spoke to me on the telephone. Or maybe it was me
making the mistake of actually looking THROUGH
the ivy and seeing all the clean bodies walking around the range at
LACC, instead of averting my eyes and making do with the public pitch
'n putt that I have loved for 40 years on MY
side of the fence in Holmby Hills. Nevermind. It could also be that I
made a mistake choosing a hot Saturday in May to visit the Natural
History Museum downtown. But I am going to lay the blame at Hooters
on Figueroa. For when I got there, I was REALLY
READY
for some pampering, but after 90 minutes with the girls in orange, I
was thinking I might head under the Chavez Bridge. I figured “...well
it really couldn't really get any WORSE!”
-----
I
was surprised to find a Hooters south of Staples. The neighborhood
still drops off pretty fast between the new beating heart of downtown
and the Trojan campus, but there it was. Loud, raucous, and stuffed
with hot chicks stuffed into their trademark tangerine skins and
tightey whiteys. Optimism spiked in me as I found a spot at the bar,
and saw the Clippers were actually ripping San Antonio by twelve
early in the second half! The bar was filthy, but who cares? It's a
BAR,
right? Let me scrape away a clean spot, hunker down, and soon a hot
chick will kiss my ass and bring me shit. Well, not so much.
I
AM GREETED AT THE BAR
After
fifteen minutes I am confronted with the deadeye, level stare, and
flat, monotone utterance a trolling shark might make : watkanigitcha? (this
with just the right heavy pause before it) It lacked the cocked neck
and hand on hip, but you could hear it. It was there. My
contribution, my pissing her off seemed to be a mix of “He showed
up,” and “Do you have any idea of how big I was in Glenley? I
shouldn't even be doin' this shit!”
I
ask for a bar menu and was immediately told with shaking head that it
will be “twenty to twenty-five minutes to get an order into the
kitchen.” Right. She didn't say the food would take a while. She
just told me with a straight face that it would take her half an hour
TO TELL THE KITCHEN I WAS HUNGRY. I smile and say “no problem!”
It takes her fifteen minutes to come back and add (with a slightly
longer stare this time) “wood u like anything to drink.”
My
order of iced tea thrilled her, but she contained her elation and
HANDED
me my glass after yet another doll-eye (Jaws doll-eye, not Barbie)
stare, arm extended, no comment. I set the glass on the filthy bar,
and dreamed of kinder days, as the Clippers began to let their lead
slip away.
Her
partner, or replacement, came behind the bar after a half hour or so,
and she was an immediate upgrade. As I gave her my “Fried Pickles,
Please,” order, she burped liquid onto her amazing belly. It wasn't
gross until I typed it out. Actually, it was kind of hot until she
accused me of spitting on her. I am not making this up. I laughed and
ignored her and she left as the Clippers gave up rebound after
rebound and missed shot after shot.
The
pickles came and suddenly I wasn't a fifty year old child raper
anymore. I was a mark.
She
comes around the bar and gives me an adrenaline pumping stare and
says, “Wow. Those smell really good.”
I
don't THINK
I
blacked out, but I may have. What I remember is guffawing part out of
shock by finally being spoken to by one of these maidens directly
with something other than scorn, and partly out of amazement that she
thought I was going to feed her my fucking food after being treated
like a leper for most of an hour. I put my head down and let out my
only belly laugh of the day.
I
look up to see that San Antonio has caught and passed the Clippers.
Later I would hear that LA rolled over and put their face in the
pillow for a twenty four to zero run that they never recovered from.
The pickles did smell really good and they tasted better. I make a
mental note to find and grow the most earth sensitive home grown
cucumbers and pickle them in my own vinegar, breaded with sugar and
cheese and cracker crumbs and never have to succumb to whatever kind
of humiliation I was being subjected. But they tasted really good.
Especially with the tan table sauce.
The
clock was running down and I gave up the ghost. I had to BEG her to get my
check and when it finally arrived, I shoved a twenty in her hand
after a glance and got another binocular peer. The change came after
five minutes and I took every single and every coin from her, jammed
it all in my front pocket and left straight out onto Figueroa,
shaking my head at all of it. At the shitty service, the empty
beauty, the thin, harsh LA sun, and the spreading ooze of red shirts
birthed out of Staples, seemingly indifferent to the loss occurring
without them in front of their empty, cheap seats.
My
intention is for this letter to reach every server that has ever been
stiffed and didn't “get it.”
...and
that they read it, and get
it.
DD
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Conservative Readers! Join me in a special effort...
Conservative Readers! Join me in a special effort at team-building and hope-growing. Just read the following paragraph:
"I should like to ask conservative readers to join me in a special effort not to blur two significantly different ideas. For a good many years, and never more so than at the present, common practice in some conservative circles has made liberalism synonymous or almost synonymous with socialism. In the history of post-Civil War America, reformers have often co-operated with socialists and sometimes with Communists; modern American reform has been plainly influenced by socialism; at times many reformers have advocated certain specific measures, like the municipal ownership of power or TVA* developments, which are unmistakably socialist; it may even be, as many conservatives insist, that Rooseveltism ultimately leads to socialism. Yet at least up to the present the ultimate objectives of most American reformers and of socialists have been distinct."
"The socialist, however much he backed specific reform measures, has sought a society in which the principal means of production would be owned and operated by the state. The typical reformer, whether or not he approved of particular socialist moves, has sought a society in which the principal means of production would be left in private hands. Indeed, after the rise of fascism and Communism in the world, the "liberal," far from wanting to get rid of capitalism, increasingly thought of reform as the way to prevent capitalism from collapsing into totalitarianism. (Franklin Roosevelt was expressing a widely held reform attitude when he said: "I am that kind of a liberal because I am that kind of a conservative.") To slur over the distinction between reform and socialist objectives is to miss a key fact about the whole history of modern American dissidence." (Goldman, 1952)
Sixty years later we have the same discussion. All this summer, we will have the opportunity to participate in a great national debate to see whether the Reformers (Occupy) or the Conservatives (Republicans) will choose our next leader. I am going to start by chasing down the references in the above excerpt and taking a bite out of the rest of the book.
How do you feel about it? Are you represented in the fight? By which side? Or is it all bullshit thrown at us by powers unimaginable and un-accessible to us?
By the way, this guy, and this book, was commonly used in High Schools in the sixties and seventies. Think it would go through now? Why or why not?
DD
Eric F. Goldman, in the prelude to "Rendezvous with Destiny: A History of Modern American Reform. Alfred Knopf / Vintage Books: NY, 1952."
*TVA - Tennessee Valley Authority, a giant public works program of New Deal Depression America.
"I should like to ask conservative readers to join me in a special effort not to blur two significantly different ideas. For a good many years, and never more so than at the present, common practice in some conservative circles has made liberalism synonymous or almost synonymous with socialism. In the history of post-Civil War America, reformers have often co-operated with socialists and sometimes with Communists; modern American reform has been plainly influenced by socialism; at times many reformers have advocated certain specific measures, like the municipal ownership of power or TVA* developments, which are unmistakably socialist; it may even be, as many conservatives insist, that Rooseveltism ultimately leads to socialism. Yet at least up to the present the ultimate objectives of most American reformers and of socialists have been distinct."
"The socialist, however much he backed specific reform measures, has sought a society in which the principal means of production would be owned and operated by the state. The typical reformer, whether or not he approved of particular socialist moves, has sought a society in which the principal means of production would be left in private hands. Indeed, after the rise of fascism and Communism in the world, the "liberal," far from wanting to get rid of capitalism, increasingly thought of reform as the way to prevent capitalism from collapsing into totalitarianism. (Franklin Roosevelt was expressing a widely held reform attitude when he said: "I am that kind of a liberal because I am that kind of a conservative.") To slur over the distinction between reform and socialist objectives is to miss a key fact about the whole history of modern American dissidence." (Goldman, 1952)
Sixty years later we have the same discussion. All this summer, we will have the opportunity to participate in a great national debate to see whether the Reformers (Occupy) or the Conservatives (Republicans) will choose our next leader. I am going to start by chasing down the references in the above excerpt and taking a bite out of the rest of the book.
How do you feel about it? Are you represented in the fight? By which side? Or is it all bullshit thrown at us by powers unimaginable and un-accessible to us?
By the way, this guy, and this book, was commonly used in High Schools in the sixties and seventies. Think it would go through now? Why or why not?
DD
Eric F. Goldman, in the prelude to "Rendezvous with Destiny: A History of Modern American Reform. Alfred Knopf / Vintage Books: NY, 1952."
*TVA - Tennessee Valley Authority, a giant public works program of New Deal Depression America.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Regarding sentencing of underage violent offenders
Regarding sentencing of underage violent offenders:
Regarding sentencing of underage violent offenders
Yes, it is too young. Some sort of incarcerated,experimental, transition state would be better. We can not be guided only by the horrible crime, but by the needs of society. These kids -- if saved -- could serve society. After age 21 if not dramatically changed in demeanor and behavior, then throw the book at them. If, however, they "grow-up," acknowledge their crimes, make amends, maybe they could be allowed to serve as guards, or coaches, for similar offenders. They will not be the last. If we shovel them into a shallow grave, then as a society our fate will follow.
Regarding sentencing of underage violent offenders
Yes, it is too young. Some sort of incarcerated,experimental, transition state would be better. We can not be guided only by the horrible crime, but by the needs of society. These kids -- if saved -- could serve society. After age 21 if not dramatically changed in demeanor and behavior, then throw the book at them. If, however, they "grow-up," acknowledge their crimes, make amends, maybe they could be allowed to serve as guards, or coaches, for similar offenders. They will not be the last. If we shovel them into a shallow grave, then as a society our fate will follow.
Monday, March 12, 2012
sugar is sugar?
"...And rather than eat a product that was introduced in 1983 and engineered in a plant to drive profitability for Cargill, ADM and members of the Corn Refiners Association, perhaps, as eaters in other deveoped countries do, we may want to exercise precaution and opt for sugar, as its presence in the marketplace preceeded the epidemics of obesity, diabetes and corn allergies that we are now seeing in our children."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robyn-o/sugar-is-sugar-claims-the_b_717537.html
http://www.cornsugar.com/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robyn-o/sugar-is-sugar-claims-the_b_717537.html
http://www.cornsugar.com/
Sunday, March 4, 2012
20120303 Reading Pile 3/3/2012
France dusts off Napoleonic pride LAT A1
Social Uplift ala Wayne and Maxine Waters
Cheney admits to sending Joe Wilson to Africa to out wife Valerie Plame??
Rep Drier & Senator Snowe both Reps both quit
Saving Face is the first Pakistani film ever nominated for an Oscar. It tells the story of some of the hundreds of women who are ritually scarred by acid there. LA Weekly p. 13 3/2-8/2012
Auden Schendler writes some pithy stuff about successful Green Campaigns
Social Uplift ala Wayne and Maxine Waters
Cheney admits to sending Joe Wilson to Africa to out wife Valerie Plame??
Rep Drier & Senator Snowe both Reps both quit
Saving Face is the first Pakistani film ever nominated for an Oscar. It tells the story of some of the hundreds of women who are ritually scarred by acid there. LA Weekly p. 13 3/2-8/2012
Auden Schendler writes some pithy stuff about successful Green Campaigns
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Food Plan 2012
Eating Plan 2012
Basic Overview:
* 7 days
* Lots of protein
* Lots of vegies
* Lots of cranberry juice
* Low carbohydrates
Following the book is a bit more complicated. This is our streamlined version. You can get much more info from the book and website.
Fat Flush Plan, by Ann Louise Gittleman
Shopping List
Flax seed (best: grind seeds yourself in your coffee grinder or blender)
Eggs
Protein Powder
Frozen Fruit for shakes
Lots of fresh vegetables for salads and meals
Protein can be fish, chicken, beef, lamb, your choice. Lean is best. Fresh is best. Variety is good.
Fruit for snacks
Raw seeds for snacks
Vitamin Supplements
Lemons
Cranberries (this time of year you can find them fresh in any produce section. Also available frozen. This recipe will provide two gallons of Cranberry Water and will last about two days. Remember you are drinking a LOT of this stuff!! Take one 12 oz. bag and boil in 32 oz water. Cool and strain and chill. This is your concentrated solution. To drink it you will mix it 7 to 1 with water. In a pint bottle, 2 oz. juice, 14 oz. water. This is what you drink all day. NO SUGAR. You may add a little Stevia if you have to.)
So, to summarize:
BOIL cranberries in 32 oz. water
Cool, strain, and store in fridge.
MIX cranberry with water 1:7 to produce Cranberry Water
(ie. 1 oz cooked cranberry juice to 7 oz water)
My advice is to keep most of the solution clearly labeled in the fridge and only mix what you will be drinking each day. Should be about 8 servings of 8 ounces each or ½ gallon each day.
Sample Daily Plan I
Cranberry Water mixed with Flax seed
Hot Water with lemon (replaces coffee as hot morning beverage)
2 eggs scrambled with vegetables
More Cranberry Water
Vitamin Supplements
Snack 1 half an apple
Cranberry Water
Lunch
6 oz. lean chicken
sauted vegetables
Cranberry Water
Snack II
Peanut Butter with celery
Cranberry Water
Dinner
6 oz. lean beef
vegetable salad (very light dressing)
Cranberry Water
Sample Daily Plan II
Cranberry Water mixed with Flax seed
Hot Water with lemon
Protein Shake (protein powder and frozen fruit)
More Cranberry Water
Vitamin Supplements
Snack 1
Handful of raw almonds
Cranberry Water
Lunch
6 oz. lean steak
steamed vegetables
Cranberry Water
Snack II
Small Portion Fresh Fruit
Cranberry Water
Dinner
6 oz. Tofu
Vegetable Medley
Cranberry Water
NB there is no bread on this plan. No pasta. No potatoes. No cereals, including oatmeal, Phyllis. No sugar. No soda. No coffee. Use the calendar. Look at the day when you can once again eat the thing you are missing. Notice how you feel now and changes in how you feel then.
For stress management I advise 1) exercise, 2) sex, 3) yoga, 4) stretching, 5) screaming into your pillow (best when alone in bed).
Questions to Carmen.
NB: Take some data snapshots before you start. Your choice from weight, energy level, general feeling of well-being, fit of clothing, food journal of your normal diet, or whatever you can record to fix your present status and mark progress. Because if you really do this for 7 days, YOU WILL HAVE PROGRESS!
Good Luck to all of us!
Basic Overview:
* 7 days
* Lots of protein
* Lots of vegies
* Lots of cranberry juice
* Low carbohydrates
Following the book is a bit more complicated. This is our streamlined version. You can get much more info from the book and website.
Fat Flush Plan, by Ann Louise Gittleman
Shopping List
Flax seed (best: grind seeds yourself in your coffee grinder or blender)
Eggs
Protein Powder
Frozen Fruit for shakes
Lots of fresh vegetables for salads and meals
Protein can be fish, chicken, beef, lamb, your choice. Lean is best. Fresh is best. Variety is good.
Fruit for snacks
Raw seeds for snacks
Vitamin Supplements
Lemons
Cranberries (this time of year you can find them fresh in any produce section. Also available frozen. This recipe will provide two gallons of Cranberry Water and will last about two days. Remember you are drinking a LOT of this stuff!! Take one 12 oz. bag and boil in 32 oz water. Cool and strain and chill. This is your concentrated solution. To drink it you will mix it 7 to 1 with water. In a pint bottle, 2 oz. juice, 14 oz. water. This is what you drink all day. NO SUGAR. You may add a little Stevia if you have to.)
So, to summarize:
BOIL cranberries in 32 oz. water
Cool, strain, and store in fridge.
MIX cranberry with water 1:7 to produce Cranberry Water
(ie. 1 oz cooked cranberry juice to 7 oz water)
My advice is to keep most of the solution clearly labeled in the fridge and only mix what you will be drinking each day. Should be about 8 servings of 8 ounces each or ½ gallon each day.
Sample Daily Plan I
Cranberry Water mixed with Flax seed
Hot Water with lemon (replaces coffee as hot morning beverage)
2 eggs scrambled with vegetables
More Cranberry Water
Vitamin Supplements
Snack 1 half an apple
Cranberry Water
Lunch
6 oz. lean chicken
sauted vegetables
Cranberry Water
Snack II
Peanut Butter with celery
Cranberry Water
Dinner
6 oz. lean beef
vegetable salad (very light dressing)
Cranberry Water
Sample Daily Plan II
Cranberry Water mixed with Flax seed
Hot Water with lemon
Protein Shake (protein powder and frozen fruit)
More Cranberry Water
Vitamin Supplements
Snack 1
Handful of raw almonds
Cranberry Water
Lunch
6 oz. lean steak
steamed vegetables
Cranberry Water
Snack II
Small Portion Fresh Fruit
Cranberry Water
Dinner
6 oz. Tofu
Vegetable Medley
Cranberry Water
NB there is no bread on this plan. No pasta. No potatoes. No cereals, including oatmeal, Phyllis. No sugar. No soda. No coffee. Use the calendar. Look at the day when you can once again eat the thing you are missing. Notice how you feel now and changes in how you feel then.
For stress management I advise 1) exercise, 2) sex, 3) yoga, 4) stretching, 5) screaming into your pillow (best when alone in bed).
Questions to Carmen.
NB: Take some data snapshots before you start. Your choice from weight, energy level, general feeling of well-being, fit of clothing, food journal of your normal diet, or whatever you can record to fix your present status and mark progress. Because if you really do this for 7 days, YOU WILL HAVE PROGRESS!
Good Luck to all of us!
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