My letter ran in this morning's (8/7/14) Daily Breeze. Here it is in its entirety:
Trade rail for water
Re "Bullet train is back on track" (Aug. 2):
(I say) Derail it and put in five or six desalinization plants along our coast instead.
-Nina Murphy,
Redondo Beach
I am always pleased and gratified when one of mine makes the Breeze. It makes me feel a part of the community.
However, I'd bask a great deal more if my submission would run in the Saturday L.A.Affairs" column. It pays $300.
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Heart Healthy Corned Beef Is Not an Oxymoron
The local deli is where I embarrassed myself and this is how: I was looking at the billboard of sandwiches they make and spotted the little red heart that signifies heart healthy next to the listing for corned beef.
I turned to the counterman and said, "Dude, you need to fix your sign - corned beef is bad for you! All of that fat? To say nothing of the salt?"
He grinned back and said, "Ours is low fat and 50 per cent less salt - Here try a slice" shoveling one at me on a little slice of deli paper.
I did; it was heavenly and I bought half a pound. The deli's been my go-to for corned beef ever since.
Today I finally took a look at the label and it read: Columbus top round corned beef. No wonder! Top round is enormously more tender and densely "all meat" than the usual brisket which is loaded with fat.
A pound of Columbus is also $10.59 but for the health benefits? No problem.
columbussalame.com See if you can find it where you live.
I turned to the counterman and said, "Dude, you need to fix your sign - corned beef is bad for you! All of that fat? To say nothing of the salt?"
He grinned back and said, "Ours is low fat and 50 per cent less salt - Here try a slice" shoveling one at me on a little slice of deli paper.
I did; it was heavenly and I bought half a pound. The deli's been my go-to for corned beef ever since.
Today I finally took a look at the label and it read: Columbus top round corned beef. No wonder! Top round is enormously more tender and densely "all meat" than the usual brisket which is loaded with fat.
A pound of Columbus is also $10.59 but for the health benefits? No problem.
columbussalame.com See if you can find it where you live.
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Mishigas
I love to watch "Jeopardy" because I am somewhat (to say the least) obnoxiously competitive. One of the recurring categories is "Potpourri" which is French for a jumble; "mishigas" is Yiddish for the same thing. And it describes today's column.
Cousin Marvin, down in South Texas where McAllen is being bombarded by South American illegal-entry children, forwarded an article on the Gaza Tunnels, but because he didn't source it, I couldn't use it without verification. (I'm funny about stuff like that.) So I Googled "Gaza Tunnels - the full story" and page after page popped up. I recommend the NPR site. We listen to NPR in the car and like it. The article was nicely moderated and the comments showed a much higher level of intelligence and overall comprehension than are usually found in the Daily Mail or equivalent.
Foot Odor and Courtesy
I had my first appointment with wound care rehab on July 30th when they put my left leg in a triple-wrapped bandage that extended from the area just behind the toes on up to just below the knee. I was sternly told to never let it get wet!!
To that end I bought a cast cover and use it every morning in the shower.
On 8/4/I had the second and, knowing that they would replace the bandage, I began to worry about my toes smelling. I mean, it is summer...so I got a baby wrap and diligently cleaned what I could. I think you could also use that no-soap hand sanitizer, too. So I show up, toes glistening and...they get a basin and wash the whole foot.
Score 1 for them.
I'd brought the airplane/hospital sock I wear over it at night because they have rubberized soles which is needed because the bandages cover the sole of my foot and we have Pergo floors -- whoosh! I showed it to them and suggested they issue one to every customer in the same situation.
They said, "Oh, there's plenty of them at the hospital!"
Score 1 for me ...
Next game, er, appointment is Thursday.
Cousin Marvin, down in South Texas where McAllen is being bombarded by South American illegal-entry children, forwarded an article on the Gaza Tunnels, but because he didn't source it, I couldn't use it without verification. (I'm funny about stuff like that.) So I Googled "Gaza Tunnels - the full story" and page after page popped up. I recommend the NPR site. We listen to NPR in the car and like it. The article was nicely moderated and the comments showed a much higher level of intelligence and overall comprehension than are usually found in the Daily Mail or equivalent.
Foot Odor and Courtesy
I had my first appointment with wound care rehab on July 30th when they put my left leg in a triple-wrapped bandage that extended from the area just behind the toes on up to just below the knee. I was sternly told to never let it get wet!!
To that end I bought a cast cover and use it every morning in the shower.
On 8/4/I had the second and, knowing that they would replace the bandage, I began to worry about my toes smelling. I mean, it is summer...so I got a baby wrap and diligently cleaned what I could. I think you could also use that no-soap hand sanitizer, too. So I show up, toes glistening and...they get a basin and wash the whole foot.
Score 1 for them.
I'd brought the airplane/hospital sock I wear over it at night because they have rubberized soles which is needed because the bandages cover the sole of my foot and we have Pergo floors -- whoosh! I showed it to them and suggested they issue one to every customer in the same situation.
They said, "Oh, there's plenty of them at the hospital!"
Score 1 for me ...
Next game, er, appointment is Thursday.
Monday, August 4, 2014
"Will You Be My Friend?" Asks The Week Magazine
A free copy of this quasi-political, international news magazine landed in our mailbox just the other day. Having just finished the last library book, I settled down to read it.
Things I liked:
A staffer writes what the article is about and then adds no less than three other editorial writers' opinions on the subject. That is the kind of objectivity I can get behind. With gusto. I have battlefield boredom at the biased commentators for all political parties. Give me a little pepper with the salt, wouldja?
Products for the Home - this week the products listed were for outdoor living upgrades. A light that looks simply like an aluminum-framed empty box has LED tubes hidden in the framing for light. $895 flos.com
The Hotel of the Week was the Whitney Peak Hotel, Reno, where so-minded guests can scale the 164 ft. façade; said to be the world's tallest climbing wall. In addition to the usual fancy amenities, of course.
Best Properties on the Market put the spotlight on the state of Georgia. In Savannah - a 1920-built five bedroom home in one of the numerous squares there with all kinds of expensive upgrades with a garden, mature trees and an arbor. $769,000.
Obituaries - "The author who challenged apartheid" (Nadine Gordimer) or "The agent who created the super model" (Eileen Ford)
The Last Word featured a story about the impossibility of getting a mental patient into forced custody for treatment. The law will only do a forced 72-hour observation if said patient is a danger to themselves or others. Never mind that said person hasn't been out of their house in two years, claims that the colander is telling them what to do (worn on the head for easier communication) or that they painted everything in the house (sofa included) either yellow or white.
So my coy response to The Week's pleading is, "Maybe -- but send me another free copy to be sure." How long do you think we can play that one?
Things I liked:
A staffer writes what the article is about and then adds no less than three other editorial writers' opinions on the subject. That is the kind of objectivity I can get behind. With gusto. I have battlefield boredom at the biased commentators for all political parties. Give me a little pepper with the salt, wouldja?
Products for the Home - this week the products listed were for outdoor living upgrades. A light that looks simply like an aluminum-framed empty box has LED tubes hidden in the framing for light. $895 flos.com
The Hotel of the Week was the Whitney Peak Hotel, Reno, where so-minded guests can scale the 164 ft. façade; said to be the world's tallest climbing wall. In addition to the usual fancy amenities, of course.
Best Properties on the Market put the spotlight on the state of Georgia. In Savannah - a 1920-built five bedroom home in one of the numerous squares there with all kinds of expensive upgrades with a garden, mature trees and an arbor. $769,000.
Obituaries - "The author who challenged apartheid" (Nadine Gordimer) or "The agent who created the super model" (Eileen Ford)
The Last Word featured a story about the impossibility of getting a mental patient into forced custody for treatment. The law will only do a forced 72-hour observation if said patient is a danger to themselves or others. Never mind that said person hasn't been out of their house in two years, claims that the colander is telling them what to do (worn on the head for easier communication) or that they painted everything in the house (sofa included) either yellow or white.
So my coy response to The Week's pleading is, "Maybe -- but send me another free copy to be sure." How long do you think we can play that one?
Sunday, August 3, 2014
So - Where're You From? II
The Indians
The meals will all be vegetarian. Their names most often are Patel or Singh. A Frank wrote that he once asked, "Could passenger Patel turn on his call button?" and couldn't believe the ensuing noise in the gallery.
Personal aromas may in some cases be rather noticeable. Many Indian religions are so adamant about excluding alcohol that wearing deodorant is not permitted.
The Australians and the New Zealanders
Caution again about mixing up groups. Any one of either group will make it abundantly clear to anyone who is foolish enough to ask that they are entirely separate entities. General speaking they are all friendly enough and usually very sleepy having come incredible distances just to get to the right destination.
The Germans
Contrary to my own belief that all Germans are Nazis, A Frank thinks they are just a dandy bunch. But Catering needs to be reminded if most of the pax are German and that it will be necessary to stock 90 per cent beef meals and that the bar will need a great deal of extra beer.
The Russians
They are said to be very appreciative of American-based carriers because Aeroflot ("Aeroflop" in airline jargon) is so very bad. They don't believe it's safe to check baggage and stagger on board with enormous suitcases.
The Scandinavians
Because liquor is so expensive at home, they will drink every drop available on the plane. And, having depleted that supply, will nip into the duty-free bottles they are carrying (against flight rules.) Amazingly enough, they rarely show any signs of inebriation.
The Scots
A Frank loves them. He says they are usually cheerful and courteous with kind words and a ready grin. His only problem with them as a group is that it is very difficult to understand a word they are saying.
The South Americans
They love hot chocolate and when they've gone through any on board, they'll ask for a cup of coffee and put about seven packets of sugar in it. And when they want anything, they will say, "Psst!" or click their fingers to get your attention. They are for the most part affable.
Female beauty is celebrated with gusto there and the gorgeous 22 year old you see across the aisle and up a row may actually be only 12! Gentlemen, eyes on the i.d. if you please.
The meals will all be vegetarian. Their names most often are Patel or Singh. A Frank wrote that he once asked, "Could passenger Patel turn on his call button?" and couldn't believe the ensuing noise in the gallery.
Personal aromas may in some cases be rather noticeable. Many Indian religions are so adamant about excluding alcohol that wearing deodorant is not permitted.
The Australians and the New Zealanders
Caution again about mixing up groups. Any one of either group will make it abundantly clear to anyone who is foolish enough to ask that they are entirely separate entities. General speaking they are all friendly enough and usually very sleepy having come incredible distances just to get to the right destination.
The Germans
Contrary to my own belief that all Germans are Nazis, A Frank thinks they are just a dandy bunch. But Catering needs to be reminded if most of the pax are German and that it will be necessary to stock 90 per cent beef meals and that the bar will need a great deal of extra beer.
The Russians
They are said to be very appreciative of American-based carriers because Aeroflot ("Aeroflop" in airline jargon) is so very bad. They don't believe it's safe to check baggage and stagger on board with enormous suitcases.
The Scandinavians
Because liquor is so expensive at home, they will drink every drop available on the plane. And, having depleted that supply, will nip into the duty-free bottles they are carrying (against flight rules.) Amazingly enough, they rarely show any signs of inebriation.
The Scots
A Frank loves them. He says they are usually cheerful and courteous with kind words and a ready grin. His only problem with them as a group is that it is very difficult to understand a word they are saying.
The South Americans
They love hot chocolate and when they've gone through any on board, they'll ask for a cup of coffee and put about seven packets of sugar in it. And when they want anything, they will say, "Psst!" or click their fingers to get your attention. They are for the most part affable.
Female beauty is celebrated with gusto there and the gorgeous 22 year old you see across the aisle and up a row may actually be only 12! Gentlemen, eyes on the i.d. if you please.
Saturday, August 2, 2014
So -- Where're You From?
A Frank Steward discusses various national groups he has met as a Flight Attendant. As he didn't want to devote an entire book on this subject, he generalizes so we don't have to do it.
He started with Americans (because he is one) and says that even before we open our mouths, he knows. Americans, according to him, positively exude an air of friendliness. I had to think about that one for a moment and concluded that he's sort of right. Americans on a foreign carrier to a European destination are friendly because they're curious and looking forward (usually) to a fun vacation.
Not so much here in America. New York passengers are sullen and easily pissed off. Chicago and DFW tend to be friendlier. In fact, I have never gotten out of DFW without listening to a lengthy response to any simple question that I might ask one of them. Example: Me to a young woman: "Excuse me, do you know what time it is?
Response: "Oh, hon, no. Mah rat boyfriend got all drunked up and he ripped it right offa mah wrist and stomped on it! Did you evah? Ah told him, Ah hope you'ah prepared to buy me another one, you sumvabitch."
The British
First of all, do not tell a mixed group (Brits, Irish, Scottish) airily, "Oh, you're all from Great Britain!" because you will not like what happens next.
A Frank says other than that, you will never know if a Brit is pleased or not. I think this stoicism crept into the gene pool just after WW2. They also blow their noses with great gusto and if three or more do it at the same time, you will think you are suddenly in the midst of a flock of geese. They HONK!
The Japanese
They are often the most ideal passengers. They usually eat all of any meal given them and they do not make unusual or incessant demands.
Maybe they're like that on a plane, but we once had a Japanese reporter with us in an off-road press room who was thoroughly obnoxious - to the point that I said to my boss quietly, "Let's do a reverse on Japan on December 7th - you in?"
He started with Americans (because he is one) and says that even before we open our mouths, he knows. Americans, according to him, positively exude an air of friendliness. I had to think about that one for a moment and concluded that he's sort of right. Americans on a foreign carrier to a European destination are friendly because they're curious and looking forward (usually) to a fun vacation.
Not so much here in America. New York passengers are sullen and easily pissed off. Chicago and DFW tend to be friendlier. In fact, I have never gotten out of DFW without listening to a lengthy response to any simple question that I might ask one of them. Example: Me to a young woman: "Excuse me, do you know what time it is?
Response: "Oh, hon, no. Mah rat boyfriend got all drunked up and he ripped it right offa mah wrist and stomped on it! Did you evah? Ah told him, Ah hope you'ah prepared to buy me another one, you sumvabitch."
The British
First of all, do not tell a mixed group (Brits, Irish, Scottish) airily, "Oh, you're all from Great Britain!" because you will not like what happens next.
A Frank says other than that, you will never know if a Brit is pleased or not. I think this stoicism crept into the gene pool just after WW2. They also blow their noses with great gusto and if three or more do it at the same time, you will think you are suddenly in the midst of a flock of geese. They HONK!
The Japanese
They are often the most ideal passengers. They usually eat all of any meal given them and they do not make unusual or incessant demands.
Maybe they're like that on a plane, but we once had a Japanese reporter with us in an off-road press room who was thoroughly obnoxious - to the point that I said to my boss quietly, "Let's do a reverse on Japan on December 7th - you in?"
Friday, August 1, 2014
Getting the Wheels On Straight
The Ragin' Cajun wheels are a little wobbly a full week after opening. We know better than to try a restaurant the night of the grand opening. Smarter people wangle invitations to pre-openings, but we don't know any chefs/owners.
We also went to show loyalty to the Hyperion Outfall Serenaders, a legendary local New Orleans jazz band. So we do know people of renown in case you were clucking sympathetically with our woeful lack of fat Rolledexes.
When I was told "45 minutes" at the front; I said, "Next time!" and didi-ed outta there. Himself was disappointed but he didn't forget and yesterday afternoon, he said, "Let's go back." We did and were promptly seated on the spacious patio.
The only things on the table were five bottles of Ragin Cajun-labeled hot sauces - Garlic; Raspberry Chipotle; Chipotle; Hot Sauce and Pepper sauce. Cajun Ketchup was served with a dish and it would put an alert expression on your face.
We ordered a Cajun martini for me and a Stella for him. Waiter asked me what was in a Cajun martini? "Aw, it's just a regular GIN martini with a splash of pickled jalapeno juice." He nodded and took off.
Three minutes later, he was back. "I'm sorry, sir, but the Stella tap keg just ran out." Richie ordered a Parrain Pilsner and the waiter went to get it. When he came back, he turned to me and said, "I'm sorry, ma'am, but we don't have any pickled jalapeno juice."
During one of his absences Richie pointed out Sazarac on the Real Drinks Menu. I love these! I once got knee-walking drunk on just three of them at the oyster bar across from the French Market. I haven't had one since before Katrina (which, thinking about it, is perhaps just as well.) Naturally I purred as it arrived, but I nursed it all through the meal. Once burned...
We ordered crawfish popcorn (called "Crawfish on the menu" and they were sensational! Just the right amount of warm, extremely crispy and very good. They came in a little salsa-type container of the ketchup. But I wanted to taste the garlic and the raspberry chipotle sauces with them. No small serving plates so I improvised tasting plates by using the lid of the ketchup container and the empty butter box for the other.
(I told our waiter then and the owner on the way out, that if they set out small plates with the appetizers, then people could try all of the sauces and more effectively market their products.)
Our crab cakes with crawfish sauce arrived and we had to ask for silverware as did our neighbors. Unfortunately the cakes were soggy; too much filler and covered with lashings of brown gravy with a forlorn crawfish and a pile of chopped green onion tops. The texture was as they say "off."
But we'll go back. I'd go just for the crawfish popcorn!
Dinner and a drink each: $80.74 plus a $15 dollar tip. For better service, we'd have paid the full 20 per cent.
Ragin' Cajun Café, 525 S PCH, Redondo Beach
We also went to show loyalty to the Hyperion Outfall Serenaders, a legendary local New Orleans jazz band. So we do know people of renown in case you were clucking sympathetically with our woeful lack of fat Rolledexes.
When I was told "45 minutes" at the front; I said, "Next time!" and didi-ed outta there. Himself was disappointed but he didn't forget and yesterday afternoon, he said, "Let's go back." We did and were promptly seated on the spacious patio.
The only things on the table were five bottles of Ragin Cajun-labeled hot sauces - Garlic; Raspberry Chipotle; Chipotle; Hot Sauce and Pepper sauce. Cajun Ketchup was served with a dish and it would put an alert expression on your face.
We ordered a Cajun martini for me and a Stella for him. Waiter asked me what was in a Cajun martini? "Aw, it's just a regular GIN martini with a splash of pickled jalapeno juice." He nodded and took off.
Three minutes later, he was back. "I'm sorry, sir, but the Stella tap keg just ran out." Richie ordered a Parrain Pilsner and the waiter went to get it. When he came back, he turned to me and said, "I'm sorry, ma'am, but we don't have any pickled jalapeno juice."
During one of his absences Richie pointed out Sazarac on the Real Drinks Menu. I love these! I once got knee-walking drunk on just three of them at the oyster bar across from the French Market. I haven't had one since before Katrina (which, thinking about it, is perhaps just as well.) Naturally I purred as it arrived, but I nursed it all through the meal. Once burned...
We ordered crawfish popcorn (called "Crawfish on the menu" and they were sensational! Just the right amount of warm, extremely crispy and very good. They came in a little salsa-type container of the ketchup. But I wanted to taste the garlic and the raspberry chipotle sauces with them. No small serving plates so I improvised tasting plates by using the lid of the ketchup container and the empty butter box for the other.
(I told our waiter then and the owner on the way out, that if they set out small plates with the appetizers, then people could try all of the sauces and more effectively market their products.)
Our crab cakes with crawfish sauce arrived and we had to ask for silverware as did our neighbors. Unfortunately the cakes were soggy; too much filler and covered with lashings of brown gravy with a forlorn crawfish and a pile of chopped green onion tops. The texture was as they say "off."
But we'll go back. I'd go just for the crawfish popcorn!
Dinner and a drink each: $80.74 plus a $15 dollar tip. For better service, we'd have paid the full 20 per cent.
Ragin' Cajun Café, 525 S PCH, Redondo Beach
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