So this happened…
May 22nd, 2012 § Leave a Comment
So this happened a few houses down from my in-laws. Crazy.
Fan Violence: Losing Touch with our Humanity
May 22nd, 2012 § Leave a Comment
Can you believe there was another act of violence in the Dodger Stadium parking lot?
I hate to say it, but I can.
This latest rash of violence actually hits a little close to home. A good friend was followed and threatened in the same parking lot just this weekend. And, I could have been right there with him.
I’m afraid violence is beginning to become the norm at Dodger Stadium.
The problem is, I don’t think any amount of security is going to put an end to what is becoming an overarching trend in sports. Acts of violence, threats, hate… and this is not only directed at fans. The sports stars get it too.
Just a week ago, Lakers guard, Steve Blake, missed a possible game winning shot.
His family received death threats.
This is not acceptable. We, as a society, have gone too far. We are losing touch with reality, and losing sight of our humanity.
Honestly, why would you want to beat up the fan of an opposing team? What would you gain from that? Does it make you feel better about yourself? Does it help your team? I’m just beside myself trying to make sense of this mindset.
Sports are supposed to be fun entertainment, not war.
Why are we intent on making it war? Don’t we already have enough of that?
Something needs to change.
I think we need to be reminded that these are pastimes, not life. We need to remember that these teams are full of people, not animals. And, most of all, we need to remember how to have fun.
If we could somehow get these messages out there, I think we’d be headed in the right direction. It may not solve all of our problems, but the reality is that there needs to be a change of mindset.
Added security could be a Band-Aid, but it isn’t the answer. Something more needs to be done. What are your thoughts?
Obligatory Pet Post
April 30th, 2012 § Leave a Comment
I don’t want to be one of those crazy pet people who post pictures of their pets all the time, but I do feel the need to share about my new dog. So, consider this my obligatory pet post. I just need to get it out of my system.
Saturday evening, the wife and I adopted Maddie, a 5 year old miniature pinscher. She’s really sweet and wants to be held at all times. I feel guilty leaving her at home today. If only there were a way to bring her to work with me on the train…
Perfect for a cloudy, drizzly day
April 23rd, 2012 § Leave a Comment
What do you get when you cross Arcade Fire with the Decemberists and Fleet Foxes?
How about the Icelandic indie folk/rock group Of Monsters and Men?
That’s at least the best comparison I could come up with. I had been hearing buzz about this group for a little while, but only recently decided to check them out. After one listen, I have to say I’m impressed. My Head is an Animal is a great album. Musically it’s uplifting and moving, flowing from upbeat to somber throughout the well paced, although long, collection of songs.
It’s a perfect album for a cloudy, drizzly day. And, that just happens to be the kind of day we’re having in LA today.
Potato Leek Soup with Red Chard
April 12th, 2012 § Leave a Comment
About a month ago, I fell victim to a door-to-door salesperson. The woman was selling farm fresh organic produce that can be delivered to your door. Having a desire to start eating better, I signed up for a trial delivery.
A few weeks later, early on a Friday morning, a box of produce arrived on my doorstep. The box contained apples, oranges, avocados, lettuce, onion, carrots, leeks, chard, head radicchio, and probably something else. It was pretty exciting, but it presented me with a problem. What do I do with all of this produce?
Really, it turned out to not be much of a problem. One of the things I made was a Potato Leak Soup. Here’s my recipe that was adapted from simplyrecipes.com.
Potato Leak Soup with Red Chard
3 large leeks, thinly sliced (Use only the white and pale green parts)
2 Tbsp butter
2 cups water
2 cups chicken broth
red chard sliced into thin strips (not sure how much I used, 16 leaves?)
2 lbs potatoes, peeled, diced into 1/2 inch pieces
Thyme, Rosemary, Salt and Pepper to taste
Aged White Cheddar
Bacon
Method
Cook leeks in butter with salt and pepper in a medium sized sauce pan. Cover pan, cook on low heat for 10 minutes. Check often. Do not brown leeks! Browning will give leeks a burnt taste.
Add water, broth, chard, and potatoes. Bring to a low simmer and cook until the potatoes break down. Add thyme, rosemary, pepper, and salt to taste.
Finish with grated aged white cheddar and bacon crumbles.
