Peanuts on a Plane

 The Department of Transportation is considering a rule that would ban peanuts on planes to accommodate the estimated 1.8 million people who have peanut allergies. And there is quite an uproar. Peanut farmers are up in arms. Diabetics want to preserve their low carb snack. What would the airline do about fellow passengers who brought snacks containing nuts on board?

I think this is absurd. Flight crews have much more important things to worry about than patrolling passengers for what snacks they brought on board. And why stop at peanuts? What about the over 60,000 people with gluten allergies? Should gluten be banned too? What about the people who are sensitive to any perfume – should everyone have to go through a decontamination shower before going on board?

I don’t want to appear insensitive to people with allergies, because I know firsthand the struggles people with severe food allergies face. However, there are some common sense solutions to dealing with these problems and I have seen them firsthand.

Peanuts – I have seen passengers with peanut allergies handled in two different ways. One flight they substituted pretzels for peanuts (sorry Gluten-free folks). On other, the flight attendants did not serve peanuts in the 3 rows in front of and behind the passenger with the allergy. In both cases, the flight attendants had to deal with irate passengers that wanted – WERE ENTITLED TO – their peanuts.

Perfume allergy – In this case, the passenger was reseated in a less “perfume-y” zone. Thought I did find it suspicious that she was in a middle seat when she had the perfume attack and the only place she felt comfortable was an aisle seat in the extra leg room section. But, hey, maybe all that extra leg room helped dilute all those charged scent particles flying through the air.

I assume the airlines would be happy to eliminate the peanut line item from their budgets and not offer any snacks at all – just to be safe, of course. In the meantime, why do we need to regulate when I am sure most airlines do a pretty good job of accommodating this right now? This may be a clear case of how a well-organized vocal minority can get something passed because the rest of us don’t really care one way or another. That is until we are running to catch our connection, starving, and counting on that little bag of peanuts to avoid a food emergency. Then we’ll care. A LOT.

Ask Angie: Giving Up Your Seat

Okay, so what is the modern rule on young amble bodied folks giving up seats on a mode of public transportation?

Pregnant lady – Get your ass up. Always. Even you are tired. And have packages. She is incubating a human. That is a lot harder.

Crutches, Canes, Children – UP! UP! UP! With crutches and canes, it is very difficult to maintain balance so likely this person is going to end up in your lap. With children, they are much harder to control while standing so they will end up touching you. Really – getting up is self-preservation.

The Elderly – This is where I feel things get dicey. I have gotten up before when a white-haired lady got on the bus. She looked at me like I was crazy. She huffed right past me and stood near the rear of the bus. I guess it was to prove a point that she wasn’t old. Since that moment, I have been a little gun shy about getting up for the “elderly”. Now, I definitely pause and see if the elderly people are searching for a seat. Then I will get up slightly and signal they can have my seat. If they agree, I get up. If they shake me off like a pitcher shaking off a change-up, I stay firmly in my seat.

As for the gentlemen should always get up for a lady rule – I think far too many women would take that as an insult and respond negatively. I think it is lovely and gracious. I think the gentlemen should offer. Most women would say no, but I still think it’s a nice thing to do.

What do you think? It’s 2010 – first come, first seated? Have you had any negative experiences trying to give up your seat?

Whatcha reading? Bedwetter by Sarah Silverman

I picked up The Bedwetter: Stories of Courage, Redemption, and Pee after seeing Sarah Silverman on the Marriage Ref. I had known of her as a comedian for a long time, but the only thing I had seen was the “I’m f*cking Matt Damon” video. I found her hilarious on that show and in the video so I decided to learn more.

The Bedwetter: Stories of Courage, Redemption, and Pee reads like a long stand up act. Each chapter is filled with vignettes from a particular period of her life. This makes it a little disjointed to read, but I have to admit I laughed out loud several times.

One highlight is her retelling of various arguments she’s had with folks over what she is or isn’t allowed to say. I found it fascinating to read her arguments with the sensors about what vulgarities were acceptable and which ones weren’t. One of my favorites is the email chain between her and her editor on whether the subtitle should say ‘pee’ or ‘pee-pee’. Sarah was advocating for ‘pee’:

“Pee is simple and clean and pee-pee is something you say in a baby voice which I find gross and would never say. …. I am actually going to die on this hill.” (p. 131)

Her recounting of her years on TV show is vulgar – as was the show so be prepared for lots of penises. Yes, I said penises. Just a warning. However, these chapters provide a very interesting look behind the scenes of making a comedy television show.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book. It made me a laugh. I learned a little about the comedy biz and walked away from the book liking Sarah Silverman a lot more.


What about you? Have you read it?

Brewing Report: Downtown Brown by Local Coast Brewery

We stumbled across the Downtown Brown by Lost Coast Brewery at the Top Wine SuperStore. The label just shouts “Try me.” I had no idea where Eureka, California was (5 hours north of San fransciso), but they definitely know how to make good beer. Downtown Brown is the only brew we have been able to find locally.

This nut brown ale rocks! It is one of our favorites. It has fantastic dark roasted malt flavor complimented with Carmel and Vanilla notes. It is perfect and a must try.


*This is the third of a multi-week series on beer where I will be reviewing regional beers from across the country Special thanks this week to Glenn Sparks for his help in tasting. . Enjoy!

A lovely hostess gift

One of my dear friends recently visited from from my old stomping grounds of Chicago and she brought the greatest hostess gift. A gorgeous box of chocoloates from Rich Chocolates in Chicago.

It came in this cute little box.

And inside.....

But the best part was that each candy was inspired by a neighborhood in Chicago!

This box of candy was like a Pandora's box of memories. The flavors reminded me of the great times I had spent in those neighborhoods. Plus it was chocolate.

Well played my dear friend, well played.

Are You Watching? The Next Food Network Star

I am a huge fan of cooking and reality shows so The Next Food Network Star is right up my alley! The show centers on a group of people who think they can cook completing in a number of challenges to see who gets their own Food Network show. One person is voted off each week by a panel of judges that includes some big-wigs at the Food Network and one of the Food Network chefs – usually Bobby Flay. Giada is also around as their “mentor” because some of these folks need a lot of guidance.


I really like the changes the production team made this year in the challenges. Last year, it felt like it was all about the cooking – a cheap version of Top Chef. This year they have food challenges and hosting challenges each week so we get to see if they can cook, but even more importantly, if they appear fun and natural on television and at special appearances. The judges also seem to be a little edgier this year. Last year, everything was unicorns and rainbows, but this year people have come out swinging.

As with previous years, the cast is very diverse – both ethnically and in terms of culinary experience. I take that as a commitment of the Food Network to try to liven up their line-up. I always love when the chef who went to some fancy schmancy cooking program gets schooled by the “home” chef, he/she just tried to put down. (Yep, Paul – I am talking to you) That type of arrogance has no place in any kitchen.

I highly recommend this show for both the cooking portions and the sneak peek inside what it is like to have your own cooking show. As the contestants are narrowed down, the challenges begin to resemble what it really takes to make it on the Food Network.

What about you? Have you watched it? What do you think?

Hey Good Lookin'! What's Cooking: Spicy Bok Choy Noodle Bowl

This season at our CSA we receive a lot of vegetables in the bok choy family. This recipe became a go-to pretty much each week. The original is from Rachel Ray and I highly encourage you to make it. Here I have listed the adaptions we make so that we can have most of the ingredients on hand.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons vegetable oil, 3 turns of the pan

2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce

4 cloves garlic, chopped

1/2 onion diced

2 TBSP powdered ginger from your spice aisle

 One can of drained chickpeas

1 medium bok choy, trimmed and cut into 3-inch pieces, then cut sticks lengthwise

Salt and pepper

1 quart of  broth

¼ c soy sauce or fish sauce and ¾ c water

One package firm tofu (Optional)

1/2 pound of pasta (Optional)

4 scallions, cut into 3 inch pieces, then shredded lengthwise into thin sticks

Directions

Heat a medium soup pot over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil, 3 turns of the pan, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic, ginger, chickpeas, and bok choy, then season with salt and pepper. I like to saute these for 2 - 4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Add broth and soy sauce/water mixture. Put a lid on the pot and bring soup to a boil.

Add noodles and cook 3 minutes. Add in tofu and scallions and cook 2 minutes, then turn off soup and let it sit 2 to 3 minutes more. Adjust salt and serve.

If you plan on making extra to have the next day, set some aside before you had the noodles. The noodles end up soaking up a lot of the broth overnight and it ends up more like a pasta salad than a soup. But hey, you might like it that way!


Enjoy! Once you get the combination of ginger, garlic pepper flakes, broth, fish sauce/soy sauce down – you can really use any combination of vegetables. We have made it a number of times with just onions and chickpeas because that’s all that was in the pantry.

What to do about McChrystal?

Everyone I know has complained about their boss or some of their job duties at one time or another. But what if your boss is the President of the United States and a reporter covering you on the record is the one listening to those complaints? Well, that lands you in a big hot steaming mess of a situation.
General Stanley McChrystal, the Afghanistan War Commander, was quoted in a Rolling Stone article criticizing the President and Vice President. And now President Obama has to figure out what to do about it.

I believe General McChrystal has an obligation to publicly support his Commander in Chief. As a country, I believe it is critical that we portray a united military front during a war. Exposing these fissures could be devastating to our military efforts. I also think the General should be allowed to blow off some steam and express his frustrations with his job privately. The reporter acknowledged that many of the controversial comments were made during “down time” when the General was relaxing with members of his team. However, these have not been his only political missteps. He has publicly criticized Biden and the diplomacy team. He is alleged to have released a memo that forced Obama to send in more troops.

But what is Obama to do now? Has McChrystal jumped the shark and now running his own program or is he a General used to fighting under the a cloud of secrecy that just can’t get used to the politics of fighting a war in the bright light of day? Fire him to demonstrate a strong stance against insubordination and risk a disruption in the aggressive timeline for pulling out of Afghanistan or allow the General to continue in his current post and risk what he will do next? Obama really is caught between a rock and a hard place.

I believe this has to be a pragmatic decision. My primary concern is the disruption of the Afghanistan timeline. I believe this Administration will be judged more harshly for not ending the war as promised than how they dealt with McChrystal. The General’s cavalier attitude demonstrates he is not qualified to engage in the diplomacy needed to bring to conclusion the Afghanistan engagement. This is a highly political game and he just doesn’t seem to know or care about the rules.

What do you think?

Ask Angie: Stuck in the Middle with You

Recently, I was in the middle seat on an airplane and the people on either side of me proceeded to have a conversation over me. It totally sucked. They were both leaning in and smashing me like the middle of an Oreo cookie. I couldn’t relax or read. I just suffered in silence and every once in a while tried to reclaim my physical space. What would you have done?


Well, I have actually been in the situation so I can relate. Before I tell you what I actually did, let me tell you what I wanted to do:

- Every time one of them leaned, moved so I was blocking their view.

- Conduct a whispered play by play as if they were a golf match and I was that guy who makes comments.. “Oooh window seat just reaffirmed what aisle had to say. Someone has been reading their communication 101. We’ll have to see if this continues throughout the rest of the flight or if he is just a one hit wonder.”

- Repeat over and over “Please stop touching me. Please stop touching me. Please stop touching me.”

- Got up. Then stood in the aisle and forced the aisle person to move to the middle. “Listen here missy, I’ve had enough of your rude talkin’. You will either move into that middle seat or you will shut your pie hole for the rest of this flight. You hear me?”

- Explain it would be much more fun if the three of you played telephone.

- Write out super secret code words (like “the” & “and”) a la Pee Wee Herman and when they said one, yell, clap and unfold the paper. “Look you said the secret word. Yippee!!! This is so fun. Go again.”

But here’s what I actually did. I tolerate some level of chit chat prior to take-off. Once it became clear the conversation was going to continue despite the dimmed lighting, I asked if one of them wanted to switch seats. They both said no. The conversation continued so I asked again, “Are you sure you don’t want to switch seats?” At that point, luckily, a light clicked on and they realized that their behavior may possibly be super annoying. They said “we’ll quit.” And they did.

I’ve also had success in making it clear I am listening – chuckling when one of them says something funny or agreeing with a previous comment. This can also help break people out of their cocoon. It’s amazing how people pay no attention to the fact that other people may be listening. Once I even took notes when two suit-wearers started discussing stocks. They quieted down when I asked how to spell on of the companies they were discussing.

What about you? How have you dealt with annoying seat mates?

Whatcha Reading? My Fair Lazy by Jen Lancaster

Lately, I have been on a “memoir” kick. The last few books I read were non-fiction and focused on a particular time in the author’s life – usually a one year project or significant event.  My Fair Lazy: One Reality Television Addict's Attempt to Discover If Not Being A Dumb Ass Is the New Black, or, a Culture-Up Manifesto definitely fits this mold.

This is Jen Lancaster's fifth book. Her books meet the definition of  memoir as they are non-fiction and tell the story of her life. But, I find them to be more like a good friend telling me a really funny story about something that happened to her. Her books have dealt with unemployment, city life, weight loss, clothing dilemmas and now – how to overcome a reality TV addiction.

Wow, I can relate. My television addiction is notorious. In fact, I surprise people with my inability to complete a conversation without referencing some TV show. I loved reading her experiences trying to get “cultured” and try new foods and activities. I was even motivated to sign up to volunteer and leave my cocoon of DVR goodness on a Saturday morning a couple weeks ago. It was crazy!

Enough about me, back to the book -  It’s a super quick read.  Most of the chapters are self-contained so it is easy to put down and then pick back up later. The only downside I can think of is that she covered a few of the storylines on her blog. Now, the book goes into much more detail, but I did find myself a couple times thinking “huh, I kinda know how this one ends.” Was it enough to make me stop reading her blog or her book? Absolutely not, but I just wanted to put that out there.

If you aren’t sure you’ll like it , (which I don't know why you would even think that - have I ever steered your wrong?) check out her blog. If you aren’t laughing within a few minutes of reading, then you don’t have our  fabulous sense of humor and probably won’t like the book. Otherwise – grab it and keep it in your summer bag for those days by the beach or waiting in line somewhere that serves delicious frozen coffee drinks with foreign names. I think you'll really like it.

Has anyone else read My Fair Lazy or her other books? What did you think?

The Brewing Report: Kona Brewing Company, Hawaii

This week’s beers are from Kona Brewing Company. The brewing headquarters are located in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. Thankfully, the beer is also brewed stateside in Portland, Oregon and Portsmouth, New Hampshire so I can find it reasonably priced at my local liquor store.


We first tasted Kona at a benefit for the Florida aquarium last year and loved it.

Fire Rock Pale Ale - The pale ale is bright, fruity and refreshing. It has the bite of a pale ale, but a smoother finish. Pale ale purists may revolt because it has a stronger malt flavor than most pale ale and some of the after bite is lost, But to us this makes it much more drinkable.

Longboard Island Lager - The lager is also a little fruity. It has a nice malty flavor and smooth finish. A solid choice in the lager category.


*This is the second of a multi-week series on beer where I will be reviewing regional beers from across the country To see the first post on Great Divide Brewing Company – please click here. Special thanks this week to Glenn Sparks for his help in tasting. . Enjoy!

Hey Good Lookin'! What's Cooking? - Easy Tomato Soup

Today’s recipe is an adapation from a fresh tomato and basil soup I found on Tasty Kitchen. (For the original recipe – click here)


Easy Tomato Soup

• 2 cans diced tomatoes drained (reserve the liquid)

• 4 cloves Garlic

• 6 slices Onion

• Butter to sautee the onions

• 4 sprigs Fresh Basil

• Reserved liquid from canned tomatoes plus enough water to make a pint

• 2 dashes Ground Black Pepper

• 2 dashes Salt

• 8 drops Tabasco Sauce or your favorite hot sauce

Preparation Instructions

Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a soup pot and lightly sauté the drained tomatoes, garlic and onion for a few minutes or until the onion and garlic begin to soften. Feel free to mash the ingredients a little while cooking if you’d like a less lumpy texture.

Add the basil and tomato liquid, some freshly ground black pepper and a little sea salt. You can also use vegetable broth or stock instead of the reserved tomato liquid to add a different flavor. I just like using up what I have.

Bring the soup slowly to the boil, give it a stir, put on the lid and reduce the heat to a simmer. Leave to simmer for about 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes, taste the soup and add more salt and pepper if needed. Add a few drops of Tabasco sauce, tasting as you go, until you get the flavour you want. This step is really important as it adds a layer of flavor necessary to keep your soup from tasting like spaghetti sauce.

Leave the soup to sit with the lid off and heat still at a low simmer for a few more minutes. At this point you can serve the soup or pull out the hand held blender and puree the mixture to make a nice creamy soup. We also add a dollop of sour cream or greek yogurt just to add a little fat. Enjoy!

Hot Topic: What's the big deal about Arizona's Immigration Law?

In continuation of my Wednesday series on controversial topics – today I am going to examine the Arizona immigration law section by section and my thoughts on it. Before I do, I want to make my bias clear:

1. I believe that undocumented workers are an economic engine in this country. The New York Times had an interesting piece in 2005 on the immigrant’s contributions to Social Security.  The The Congressional Budget Office  concluded in 2007 that 50% - 75% of undocumented immigrants pay federal, state and local taxes. As a counter point, a number of studies have indicated  immigrants are a larger drain on social resources than they are contributors to tax revenue. I agree with Ernesto Zedrillo’s opinion - this drain occurs because the other 25 – 50% of immigrants don’t have a viable way to pay taxes since they are relegated to the cash economy.

2. I believe it is for this reason that both Democratic and Republican Administrations have had some level of tolerance for an undocumented workforce.

3. I believe comprehensive immigration reform is needed in this country and that it must include an amnesty process. (More on this is a future blog)


Now to Arizona. I am assuming that the true intention of the Arizona law is to ensure compliance with current Federal immigration law as the preamble of the legislation states. I actually don’t have a problem with this. My problem is with the federal law. If all Arizona is trying to do is comply with the federal law, then how can we really be mad? Our anger should be directed toward federal policies. However, as I indicate below, I believe the method Arizona has used enters dangerous territory far beyond the federal law.

Here we go:

Sec. 2. Title 11, chapter 7, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended by adding article 8, to read:


ARTICLE 8. ENFORCEMENT OF IMMIGRATION LAWS


11-1051. Cooperation and assistance in enforcement of


immigration laws; indemnification


A. NO OFFICIAL OR AGENCY OF THIS STATE OR A COUNTY, CITY, TOWN OR


OTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THIS STATE MAY ADOPT A POLICY THAT LIMITS OR RESTRICTS THE ENFORCEMENT OF FEDERAL IMMIGRATION LAWS TO LESS THAN THE FULL EXTENT PERMITTED BY FEDERAL LAW.

On the surface this looks good, no government can adopt a policy that limits or restricts the enforcement of federal immigration laws. However, this creates a huge financial issue for local governments. Many local governments have undertaken a policy (either written or understood) that they will not actively pursue investigations to seek out undocumented workers because of the resources it takes.

Title 11 Article 8 Section 2 (B): “FOR ANY LAWFUL CONTACT MADE BY A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL OR AGENCY OF THIS STATE OR A COUNTY, CITY, TOWN OR OTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THIS STATE WHERE REASONABLE SUSPICION EXISTS THAT THE PERSON IS AN ALIEN WHO IS UNLAWFULLY PRESENT IN THE UNITED STATES, A REASONABLE ATTEMPT SHALL BE MADE, WHEN PRACTICABLE, TO DETERMINE THE IMMIGRATION STATUS OF THE PERSON. THE PERSON'S IMMIGRATION STATUS SHALL BE VERIFIED WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PURSUANT TO 8 UNITED STATES CODE SECTION 1373(c).”

This is way too much reasonableness and creates too much liability for local governments. Hear me out. The reasonable standard will be tried over and over again and this will consume whatever resources these sub-divisions have. What a new park? How about a fire department? Nope, all the money is going to the immigration lawsuits.


What does “reasonable suspicion” mean anyway? Given that most lawful contacts made by enforcement agencies don’t involve lengthy conversations about where the person grew up and we don’t have a national language, most people have rationally interpreted this to mean that these agencies are legally required to make a “reasonable” judgment based on the person’s physical attributes. Here is the root of the claims of racial profiling. For an issue so volatile and likely to result in substantial litigation, the legal requirements should be crystal clear. The police either have to question everyone about their immigration status or they don’t. It’s either very clearly a police state in Arizona or it’s not. We force people to wear patches on their shirts indicating their immigration status or we don’t. Have I made it clear that I think it is inappropriate to question anyone who has not been accused of a violation of the civil or criminal code about their immigration status - given the national tolerance for an undocumented workforce?  And for those you who say “What tolerance?? People are rising up against immigration! Arizona is only the first.” I ask you, “Did you question your dry cleaner, your local restaurants – both fancy and fast food, your lawn service, your nanny/day care provider, your local bank, your contractor about their hiring practices?” If not, I submit that you have some tolerance.

C. IF AN ALIEN WHO IS UNLAWFULLY PRESENT IN THE UNITED STATES IS CONVICTED OF A VIOLATION OF STATE OR LOCAL LAW, ON DISCHARGE FROM IMPRISONMENT OR ASSESSMENT OF ANY FINE THAT IS IMPOSED, THE ALIEN SHALL BE TRANSFERRED IMMEDIATELY TO THE CUSTODY OF THE UNITED STATES IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT OR THE UNITED STATES CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION.

They serve their time here and then we deport them. This seems to be how the system works. I think it is a little strange that we would spend our taxpayer resources “rehabilitating” (because that is the goal of the prison system- right?) folks who don’t have the legal approval to be in this country, but hey, that’s another blog – right?

D. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER LAW, A LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY MAY SECURELY TRANSPORT AN ALIEN WHO IS UNLAWFULLY PRESENT IN THE UNITED STATES AND WHO IS IN THE AGENCY'S CUSTODY TO A FEDERAL FACILITY IN THIS STATE OR TO ANY OTHER POINT OF TRANSFER INTO FEDERAL CUSTODY THAT IS OUTSIDE THE JURISDICTION OF THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY.

I have to claim ignorance here. I can’t figure out why this section is needed and I haven’t been able to find a clear explanation. Maybe one of my trusty readers can help me out. Was there an issue in Arizona with law enforcement officials being able to transport person unlawfully present in the USA?

E. A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, WITHOUT A WARRANT, MAY ARREST A PERSON IF THE OFFICER HAS PROBABLE CAUSE TO BELIEVE THAT THE PERSON HAS COMMITTED ANY PUBLIC OFFENSE THAT MAKES THE PERSON REMOVABLE FROM THE UNITED STATES.
Now we are getting into a serious danger zone in my opinion. The key words here are “without a warrant”. Obtaining an arrest warrant is an important component of our justice system. It’s a double check between our law enforcement branch and our judicial branch to make sure that we have the right person and a reasonable amount of evidence to show they "probably caused" the alleged violation. Stripping this step from the process is a huge problem for me. Note that the section says nothing about the immigration status of the person being arrested. I believe this section is unconstitutional for that reason.

F. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN FEDERAL LAW, OFFICIALS OR AGENCIES OF THIS STATE AND COUNTIES, CITIES, TOWNS AND OTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS OF THIS STATE MAY NOT BE PROHIBITED OR IN ANY WAY BE RESTRICTED FROM SENDING, RECEIVING OR MAINTAINING INFORMATION RELATING TO THE IMMIGRATION STATUS OF ANY INDIVIDUAL OR EXCHANGING THAT INFORMATION WITH ANY OTHER FEDERAL, STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY FOR THE FOLLOWING OFFICIAL PURPOSES:


1. DETERMINING ELIGIBILITY FOR ANY PUBLIC BENEFIT, SERVICE OR LICENSE PROVIDED BY ANY FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL OR OTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THIS STATE.


2. VERIFYING ANY CLAIM OF RESIDENCE OR DOMICILE IF DETERMINATION OF RESIDENCE OR DOMICILE IS REQUIRED UNDER THE LAWS OF THIS STATE OR A JUDICIAL ORDER ISSUED PURSUANT TO A CIVIL OR CRIMINAL PROCEEDING IN THIS STATE.


3. CONFIRMING THE IDENTITY OF ANY PERSON WHO IS DETAINED.


4. IF THE PERSON IS AN ALIEN, DETERMINING WHETHER THE PERSON IS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE FEDERAL REGISTRATION LAWS PRESCRIBED BY TITLE II, CHAPTER 7 OF THE FEDERAL IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY ACT.

Okay, this makes some sense to me given Arizona’s goal. If someone is applying for a public benefit, service or license, asserting residency, needs to be identified, or is asserting a legal status, then officials should be allowed to verify.

G. A PERSON MAY BRING AN ACTION IN SUPERIOR COURT TO CHALLENGE ANY OFFICIAL OR AGENCY OF THIS STATE OR A COUNTY, CITY, TOWN OR OTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THIS STATE THAT ADOPTS OR IMPLEMENTS A POLICY THAT LIMITS OR RESTRICTS THE ENFORCEMENT OF FEDERAL IMMIGRATION LAWS TO LESS THAN THE FULL EXTENT PERMITTED BY FEDERAL LAW. IF THERE IS A JUDICIAL FINDING THAT AN ENTITY HAS VIOLATED THIS SECTION, THE COURT SHALL ORDER ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:


1. THAT THE PERSON WHO BROUGHT THE ACTION RECOVER COURT COSTS AND ATTORNEY FEES.


2. THAT THE ENTITY PAY A CIVIL PENALTY OF NOT LESS THAN ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS AND NOT MORE THAN FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR EACH DAY THAT THE POLICY HAS REMAINED IN EFFECT AFTER THE FILING OF AN ACTION PURSUANT TO THIS SUBSECTION.

Giving citizens a private right of action against local governments for enforcement of federal immigration laws spells disaster to me. It’s a waste of resources for these local governments to have to fight all these actions. Feel like your local county isn’t pursuing immigration stringently enough – elect a new County Commission. Don’t clog the courts with individual actions – especially when even the federal government doesn’t have the resources to enforce the federal immigration laws to their fullest extent.

Section H, I, J indemnify the officer for reasonable costs and specific where the money should be sent. The full text of the bill is available here.

The new law also makes it illegal to:
- Hire an undocumented worker
- Solicit work if you are in the country without authorization
- Be present on public or private land  if you are in the country without authorization
- Transport an undocumented person

The changes highlighted above are the most significant aspects of the bill as I believe they create constitutional issues and will have a detrimental impact on the ability of local governments to govern and provide services. This bill goes far beyond just enforcing our federal policy and for that reason, I oppose it.

What do you think?

Book Review: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

This nonfiction book traces the roots of the famous cell line HeLa. Now I had no idea this cell line ever existed, but every one of my brilliant scientific friends had done research with these cells at one point or another during their careers.

Henrietta Lacks was a Black woman growing up near Baltimore who went to John Hopkins to receive treatment for cancer. One of her doctors took a sample of her cancer cells during one of her procedures without her knowledge or consent. This sample became the first line of cells able to survive in laboratory settings. Her family knew nothing of this until decades after Henrietta’s death.

The book is a good mix of Henrietta’s life story, the evolution of informed consent laws, the history of culturing cells and the impact on her family after they found out what had been done. Near the end of the book, it feels like Skloot grew tired of trying to weave the familial story line in with the scientific developments and just related the science to the end of the book. Instead, Skloot focused more intensely on her personal relationship with Henrietta’s descendants.

 I think the book really shines in those moments where it does bring together the science, the family’s story, and the ethical implications of what was done. I found it to be a compelling read and it raised appropriate questions about the treatment of African American men and women in free care settings.

Has anyone else read it? What did you think?

The Brewing Report: Great Divide Brewery Denver, Colorado

This week I headed to Denver for work. On the advice of a fellow micro brew lover, I coerced two co-workers to join me at the Great Divide Tap Room. Between the 3 of us, we tried a pint of all the beers on tap.


IPAs: I have not yet acquired the taste for IPA, but my co-worker who has praised all 3 of the IPA selections. They had a classic IPA, a double IPA (2x the alcohol content 2x the fun) and Anniversary ale. Even I could appreciate these brews. Each one highlighted the hops flavor, but balanced the harsh after note that sometimes plagues IPAs with some malt sweetness.


Hades Belgium Ale - Great Divide had a lovely bright floral Belgium ale that was super easy to drink.

The Claymore Scotch Ale - This was tied for my favorite. It was malty, dark, smooth and had a fantastic Carmel flavor.

Wild Raspberry Ale - the rasberrry ale slightly disappointed. It was just too fruity for the 3 of us.

Chocolate Oak Aged Yeti - Great Divide offered both an espresso and Carmel stout. The flavors did not quite meld smoothly.

Samuri - ahhh the Samuri. I dare say it was the perfect summer ale. It is an unfiltered rice ale which adds another dimension. Light and refreshing but with flavor. Definitely my favorite of the night.

The Tap Room itself was really cool. It is just an "L" shaped bar with some wrought iron tables outside. It is walking distance from downtown and the ballpark. We sat outside enjoying the weather and the hipster parade. In fact, they had to kick us out at the 10 pm closing time. I will definitely be going back!

*This is the beginning of a multi-week series on beer. I will be reviewing regional beers from across the country and may even try some national comparisons. I would love to hear your comments and suggestions!  Enjoy!

Oh Housewives – Why are you so addictive?

As the Real Housewives of both New Jersey and New York get crazier and crazier this year – I ponder “Why am I so addicted?” What keeps me coming back for more – way past the point of brain cell degradation? I think it’s the Doctor Jekyll/Mr Hyde phenomena. On the surface, these women are smart, beautiful and have their shit together. But pull one thread and all of that unravels. They have the same insecurities of a thirteen year old. They are jealous, combative, and sometimes just plain bonkers (yes, Kelly, I am looking at you). Yet, even through all of that, they make it through mostly unscathed. It’s fun to be a voyeur into someone’s crazy because usually the only crazy I get to experience is my own.

Hey Good Lookin'! What's Cookin'? - Salmon Cakes

At the library one day, I stumbled across a series of books by Joann Fluke. They all have food in the title and they are filled with murder, mystery and some pretty fun recipes. The main character runs a cookie shop in a small town in Minnesota. Most of the recipes are for cookies, but every once in a while, she’ll throw in a simple lunch dish or casserole. I place hre books in the category of books I call “Candy for the Brain” – not a lot of nutritional value, but it sure is fun. This recipe comes from Carrot Cake Murder.


This recipe we have made several times on those nights where we just don’t know what to cook. It’s great because you can easily have all the ingredients on hand since the salmon is canned.


Here's a recipe I made a slight change to for Salmon Cakes From Carrot Cake Murder by Joann Fluke

2 Cans salmon (10 oz) - I prefer Bumblebee Prime Fillet Atlantic Salmon

3 slices bread with crusts cut off

2 beaten eggs

1 tsp Worcestshire Sauce (or A1 Steak Sauce)

½ tsp dry mustard

¼ tsp salt

¼ tsp onion powder

2 Tbsp butter (for frying) and 2 TBSP Olive Oil



1. Tear bread into small pieces and put into bowl with salmon

2. Add egg

3. Mix in W. sauce, mustard, salt, onion powder

4. Divide into four

5. Flatten into patties

6. Fry ‘em up

7. Serve with cream of celery soup sauce or quick tartar sauce

Makes 4 patties.

Is the Oil Leak Obama's Katrina?

This phrase has been tossed around a lot lately: The Oil Spill is Obama’s Katrina. Cafferty’s Cafferty has commented on it as have dozens of other publications and polls.
As much as it pains me to admit it, I have to agree. Documents are coming out now that show the governmental agencies that approved Deepwater knew of the dangers it presented and did nothing. The lack of decisive action immediately following the spill was as negligent here as it was during Katrina. The idea that the company that was responsible for the accident would somehow have the incentive and ability to clean it up is laughable – especially a leak of such magnitude and complexity.

Russia has had experience with oil leaks of this magnitude. A Russian newspaper reported during the Soviet era, they successfully shut down leaking wells FIVE TIMES through small nuclear explosions.

But BP doesn’t want to do that until all options are explored ie. they don’t want to destroy their well because they can still make money from it. And that makes sense because they are a for-profit company. They are looking out for the best interests of their company and their shareholders. That’s how the "free" market works - right? However, someone needs to look out for the best interests of Americans – protecting our jobs and our environment. And that person should be the President. How long do we have to wait? Until the entire gulf is filled with oil?

I live in Florida and this is a catastrophe. The economy here is based on the tourist trade and will be destroyed as more and more oil begins to reach the shore and that’s just the short term. It’s impossible to imagine what will happen in the long term as the Gulf’s ecosystem is destroyed. Twenty years later, oil remaining from the Exxon Valdez spill is still dividing researchers on what to do.

Obama should have stepped up from the beginning. He should have quickly pulled together two expert committees: one for stopping the leak and one for the best practice in containing and cleaning up the leak. Then, using the advice of these experts, he should have immediately gone into action deploying the strategies that had a reasonable chance of success. I am empathetic that stopping this leak is complicated, but that does not excuse a failure in leadership. So much attention is being paid to BP’s liability – let the Justice Department figure that out and get to work stopping this leak.

Yesterday's St. Pete Times provided a story of a leadership success. Walton County, Florida officials grew tired of waiting for the Administration and BP for a plan to protect their coast. So they devised a plan on their own – creating a sand dam that will span the coast to protect their lakes from the oil. It’s inspiring to see such definitive action. Obama could learn a lesson or two.

What do you think? It was BP’s mess so BP should clean it up? What role should the Administration play in such a large natural disaster?

Girl on Girl Hate: Why are women so hard on each other?

The glass ceiling has garnered a lot of deserved attention, but a lesser publicized phenomenon is also a major problem for women in the workplace: Girl on Girl Hate. After a recent rash of girl on girl hate affected Dooce and ThisFish,  I decided to take a stroll through the internet to see what I could find. I stumbled on this old article from Marie Clare discussing the challenges of women working for women.

As its best, working for a woman can be an amazing mentor/mentee nurturing relationship overflowing with quality communication and career help and advice. At its worst, it can be a back-stabbing, snarky, and very personal little piece of hell. So what is the deal? Why are women more threatened by other women than by men?

Frankly, I have no idea. It really befuddles me. With a wage gap of 13% - 23% between men and women, we should be working hard to build each other up. This doesn’t mean that all women have to like each other, agree with each other, bestow undeserved praise, or avoid competition. What it does mean is that we have to follow some rules of engagement:

• Be professional.

• Avoid personal attacks.

• Avoid over-sharing.

• Celebrate others’ deserved successes. The more women that succeed, the better it is for everyone.


I have heard women say things about other women that they would never say about a man. Comments on her sexual proclivities, motherhood skills, personal appearance, or even her walk are ridiculous and degrading both to the person making the statement and the person on the receiving end. So cut it out!


What about you? Have you had any experiences with girl on girl hate? Am I off track here?

Whatcha reading? The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

Lately, I have been reading a lot of books centered on a one year project. The author takes on a project and mindfully does it for one year. Topics have included: living biblically, not buying anything made in China, or following all of Oprah’s advice. This book centered on being happy. I found it to be an interesting concept.



Rubin takes on this with a singular focus. She researches the idea of happiness through literature, ancient texts and modern studies. She lays out a series of commandments that will guide the project overall. Then she designates a theme for each month and a set of resolutions under that theme. I found both the process and her individual resolutions to be inspiring.

In particular, one of her commandments really caught my attention. It was “Be Gretchen”. The idea behind this is that we should actually be who we are instead of who we wish to be or think we should be. I definitely fall into this trap. I have an entire shelf of projects that I think I should do or think I would really enjoy: learn to make cheese, learn to calligraphy, 2 years of calendars and the picture frames I should use to frame them, or stacks of articles featuring amazing arts and crafts projects. Here’s the fact of the matter: I don’t like arts and crafts and I don’t have the patience to teach myself a new skill. I download jazz because smart, educated people like jazz. I never listen to it. I put documentaries in my Netflix queue, receive it, let it sit on the counter for a month and then send it back. Rubin’s point is why? This is not you. Pursuing all these projects is taking away time from doing what really fulfills you. What a liberating concept!

I highly recommend this book. I originally borrowed the book from the library, but now I am going to buy it and keep it on the shelf as a reference and source of ongoing inspiration. Rubin also has a website where she provides weekly resolutions and guidance so you can do your own Happiness Project.

What do you think?  Can you make yourself happy just by focusing on being happy?

Happy Hour – Lavender Lemonade Martinis

When we attended the The Cooking School at Ritz Carlton - Grande Lakes Orlando, we picked up a great recipe for a Lavender Lemonade Martini.


Here’s my slight adaptation:

To make the lemonade:

Bring enough water to fill a pitcher to boil. Add 2 palmfuls (about 2 TBSP) of dried lavender. Turn off heat and just let the lavender steep. I let it steep until the water is cooled. Pour through a fine mesh strainer into your pitcher.

This will become the water you will use to make your lemonade. I just use Crystal Light and prepare according to the package instructions. If you use the yellow version, it does take on a slight brownish appearance because of the lavender. If you are concerned about the appearance, use pink. This lemonade is delicious on its own. A great refreshment for a sunny Sunday afternoon.


To make the martini:

I like a 2:1 ratio of Citrus Vodka to Orange Liqueur (I use Triple Sec). For one martini, I use:
2 oz Citrus Vodka (Smirnoff or Svetka works well)

1 oz Triple Sec

3 oz Lavender Lemonade



All the amounts can go up or down depending on how strong you want the drink to be.



Be careful – this drink is very addictive! Enjoy!

June Resolutions

I saw June coming. April and May had surprised me but I was ready for June. I was ready to call a “do-over” on New Year’s resolutions. My resolutions were far too complicated for me to write down – yet alone remember – I decided to start over and go simple this time:

Log calories – Note this does not say “lose weight” – it merely says write down what I am eating. This method proved pretty successful earlier this year and then I stopped. And then I was not so successful so I am getting back on the wagon.

30 minutes of exercise – I know Dr. Oz and all those Oprah-related celeb-docs recommend an hour of intense! High impact! Sweat until you die! Workouts. For me – 30 minutes is just fine.

1 exercise class/week – This can be a workout DVD or an actual class at the gym. This will keep me honest so I don’t start timing my trips to the fridge, adding them and calling it a day when it hits 30 minutes.

Blog every day – As you can see, I am doing pretty well so far. An author I love says writing is a muscle and you have to build it up every day, so that is what I intend to do.

Vitamin – It worked when I was six.

Floss – This is the simplest thing to do to protect my health.

BE POSITIVE – This came from the The Happiness Project – a book I will review next week so I don’t want to spoil the surprise.

So there we go – there are my June resolutions. As the picture above show, I have posted them near my desk to remind me every day.

If you could get a “do-over” on resolutions – what would yours be?

Hey Good Lookin'! What's Cooking? Homemade Gin and Tonic Sorbet

Sunday morning is fantastic. I curl up with the weekly ads and a cup of coffee and dream of all the ways I can stimulate the economy. This past Sunday - something special caught my eye:














Imagine the summer fun! Slushies every day! So off on a shopping adventure we went! But when we got to the store - there sitting beside the adorable ice shaver miracle machine was a bona fide ice cream maker! For only $5 more! A Sunbeam ice cream maker. After seeing the glimmer of hope and excitement in my eye and listening to my very rational argument that 1/2 gallon of ice cream costs $5 at the store and ignoring the fact that we rarely actually buy ice cream for just that reason, my dear sweet enabling husband conceded.

I immediately rushed home and began exploring the interweb for ice cream recipes and stumbled upon this delightful idea that I just happened to have all the ingrediants for:

Gin and Tonic Sorbet from the Tasty Kitchen
½ cups Sugar


½ cups Water

1 whole Large Lime, Or 2 Medium-sized Limes, Zested And Juiced

3 ounces, fluid Gin

2-½ cups Tonic Water

Preparation Instructions
In a saucepan, make simple syrup by heating water and sugar until sugar is dissolved. Take off heat and add lime zest and juice. Let cool. Once cooled, add tonic water and gin. Taste it and make any adjustments according to taste. Let everything cool in the refrigerator, then strain into the bowl of your ice cream machine. Follow your machine’s directions to freeze the sorbet. Store in a freezer-proof container in the freezer to allow it to harden some more.

Oh the joy! It was super easy to make.  I let the mixture cool in the fridge over night. And the next evening - we had sorbet. It was light, refreshing, a great balance of lime, sweet, gin and tonic. I have my list ready to try out more ice cream connoctions! I can't wait to begin experimenting on my own! This is going to be a great (if not very fattening) summer!


While Amazon did not have the exact model of ice cream makers I purchased, I found this little bargain on their site. To make it super easy - you want one that does not require ice or rock salt. You just store the base in your freezer.









What is going to be your summer treat?

Do you support instant replay in the MLB?

This morning’s paper screamed “I just cost that kid a perfect game.” Umpire Jim Joyce made the wrong call at first base last night in the Detroit v. Cleveland baseball game and ruined what would have been a perfect game. He even apologized to the pitcher after the game. This raised a question at the breakfast table this morning – Do you support instant replay in Major League Baseball?
No. No , I don’t for two simple reasons: 1. The game is already slow. 2. There’s not much a baseball umpire can miss. (Did you hear that? All those groans from baseball umpires about how I don’t know what I am taking about?)

The game is already slow.

The thing that makes baseball great is the slow pace. You can get up, go to the bathroom, get a hot dog and a beer and still not miss a single play. You can even take a little snooze if there happens to be a mid-inning pitching change. It’s genius. And depending on the talent of the opposing pitcher – a player could be at bat for a very very long time. Plus a moving strike zone adds a little mystery and intrigue. Adding instant replay to this would be like throwing some extra weight on your local turtle. Eventually, you are going to start to wonder if the little guy will ever cross that finish line.


There’s not much a baseball umpire can miss.

All a baseball umpire has to do is follow the ball. That’s it. Follow the ball. The players basically stand still except for the batter who is going to run to the exact same place every time. Is it inside the white line and big bright yellow poles? Did the runner get there before the ball? Yes, it may get a wee bit complicated with more than one guy on base – but that’s why there is more than one umpire.

Compare to this to football – a game where I support instant replay. Twenty two men or women – each capable of breaking rules no where near the ball– all moving wildly around the field. Football umpires can easily miss something or erroneously make a call because they have the wrong angle. Coaches should have some recourse for that.

What do you think? Do you think there should be instant replay in baseball?

What to do about TMI TImmy?

A reader sent me the following question:

"How do you deal with a co-worker that shares too much information? I like to be polite and friendly with my co-workers, but one co-worker has taken this as an invitation to tell me everything about her life. What should I do?”
Anyone who has heard a horrid tale of a very personal doctor’s visit around the water cooler can relate to this reader’s inquiry. My advice would be to try to cut the conversations short. And never, ever, under any circumstance ask a follow up question.

For example:
You: “How are you today TMI Timmy?”TMI: “I haven’t been feeling too well lately.”
This is your crossroads – your fork in the road. How you proceed from here will dictate if you end up down a road filled with colonoscopies and marital troubles.

My guess is that, up to this point, you have asked a follow up question such as “I’m sorry to hear that – what is wrong?”

SNAP – That is the sound of TMI Timmy’s trap closing in on you. This is what TMI Timmy lives for. You have to cut it off at the pass.

An alternative ending would be for you to say something like, “I’m sorry to hear that. Let’s get this meeting/phone call/ problem taken care of so you can concentrate on getting well.” You’ve shown compassion, but made it clear you want to focus on work.

This question of what and how much to share with your co-workers is an ongoing battle between being approachable and friendly, yet, professional. I personally try to set up boundaries at work about how much I share until I really get to know someone. Some of my best friends I have met through work, but we became really good friends once we weren’t working on the same projects. I try to avoid a situation where I am facing losing a friendship or losing my job.

However, I can’t end this post without making a confession. I have fallen into a TMI Timmy trap myself. I was waiting for a meeting to start with a couple of my work friends and one co-worker. The conversation evolved into a discussion about our favorite TV shows. I opened a window into my slight obsession with crime shows. In fact, I may have outlined, in detail, the way to commit the perfect murder. For some reason, my co-worker found this very disturbing. He may have said, “I really wish you hadn’t shared that.” Yep – stick that “Hello My Name is TMI Timmy” right here.

What about you? Have you dealt with a situation like this? Have you caught yourself being a TMI Timmy?

What are you reading? - Committed by Elizabeth Gilbert

I consume books. I am a regular at my local library and it’s a good thing for my wallet that it is there. I like to share books that I have really enjoyed so I thought I would feature a book here on the blog every now and then. Today’s book is Committed by Elizabeth Gilbert.

I got this book because I loved Eat, Pray, Love – as in read it twice – loved it. This book picks up where the last book left off. Gilbert is travelling the world with her Brazilian by way of Australia lover. Their globe-trotting lifestyle comes to a halt when her lover’s entry into the United States is denied because he has used one too many tourist visas. The options before them are basically to marry or find a new county to call home. Since both his business and her writing require a US residency - marriage it is. The book takes us through her journey “to make peace with marriage”.

Where Eat, Pray, Love felt more like a journal, Committed showcases Gilbert’s writing chops. She traces marriage through the centuries using the lens of her experience with divorce and then trying to avoid it. Her writing is what makes this journey a pleasure as she tries to find some study or culture that will magically make her okay with marriage. I found the history fascinating as it refuted a lot of what is believed about contemporary traditional marriage.

(SPOILER ALERT)

She ends up okay with marriage when she truly becomes okay with her relationship and her role in it.

"Anyone can love the most wonderful parts of another person. The really clever trick is this: Can you accept the flaws? Can you look at your partner's faults honestly and say 'I can work around that. I can make something out of that.' Because the good stuff will always be there ... It's the crap underneath can ruin you…. There is hardly a more gracious gift that we can offer somebody than to accept them fully, to love them almost despite of the themselves."

Near the end of the book, she is trying to decide between a "Get it Done City Hall" wedding or bowing to her sister’s pressure to have a family wedding. This rang pretty close to home. My fiancé and I had briefly flirted with the idea of a beach, some parents, a few brothers and sisters and a justice of the peace, but we quickly bowed to the idea of a large traditional wedding and I am so glad we did. I realized that it did take a village to raise me. My wedding was a time for all those folks who had held my hand, patted my head, shared my triumphs, worried about me, prayed for me and were always wondering what crazy thing I was doing to next – it was their time to rejoice at the good job they had done. Walking down the aisle and seeing the joy that was pulsing through me reflected on their faces was intense. It was something I had not anticipated and it blew me away. It was a triumph to stand up and say “I do” with them as my witness because they all had been my witnesses for everything – the good, bad, and ugly (think 80s hair).



The fact that this book was able to draw such a powerful memory for me was a sign that Gilbert did something right. It is not Eat, Pray, Love. But in many ways, Gilbert finds a new voice in this book – a voice that she struggled to find in Eat Pray Love.