This is the Way it Is...

By Richard Luke

Cooking With Richard

Richard's Recipes

October B 2006

HOW TIMES HAVE CHANGED, OR HAVE THEY ?

Oh, you remember when…don’t you? All of us have had our own generation of time. Some go back to experience the depression, others may reflect on the end of WWII or the Korean War, or the Vietnam War, or the Iraq War #1, or the Iraq War #2, or when bread was 10 cents a loaf.
Yes, there is still crime on our streets, Yes, there is still war in the world around us, yes, there is still the drug problems, yes, there is still contention in our marriages with 3 out of 5 ending in divorce, yes, we are still getting traffic tickets etc., etc., etc….But is there anything that has changed ? about the only thing is that you cant buy bread for 10 cents anymore.
Was life better when we were growing up in the depression? Well, maybe if it was for some of us. My father loved to fish in Seattle so we didn’t have that problem. (I still dislike oysters though). But it was simpler in many ways. There was the school you attended…you didn’t have to listen to teachers with way out opinionated thoughts on how WWI was fought. And those teachers were dressed in suits and ties and the Ladies were in dresses.

It was unthinkable for a lady to wear slacks at school etc. Nor did you wear them to work…unless you were Rosie the Riveter. A lady did not chew gum, and today receptionists are smacking away while trying to understand you.

But we had problems then too. Food rationing,,,,you actually learned how to cook with what you had in the cupboard, and if you didn’t have a blue, or red stamp or token…you didn’t get it…and when you did…it may have been horsemeat…(that did happen to us, only it was mutton) but, you learned to do without and a good wage was $35 a week.
Today, you make 10 times that much. But ah ha, but wait a minute…add it up. A good hamburger was 20 cents….so X 10 equals $2.00 today…close enough.

Take gasoline…30 cents a gallon -today…--- $3.50.
A house cost $3000. Today, take that amount X 100 and that equals $300,000.
So you see, it didn’t change, you still have to budget and scrimp and schedule your day…and maybe the thing that did change was the fact that young people today have to work 2 or 3 jobs to pay for anything..

Today kids can’t learn without their calculator, computers, Ipods, cell phones. Well, pull the plug, no electricity and bingo…how do they count back change?

They get their BMW at 16 and crash it by 17. Are we ever going to teach them the rudiments of 2 plus 2 equals 4? …hmmm, does it still? We must teach the basics before we hand them all the philosophy and attitudes on 911 theories based on the new movie coming out with falsehoods. If you were there, then you can form an opinion and not change history.

The Bible is read and then changed to whatever beliefs are out there. The Bible was written from many different cultures, beliefs, and religions. King James decided to put it all together….oh how it has changed today…you have to read between the lines. The Bible is correct as long as it is correctly translated…yes, there are mistakes in word definitions and meanings. One recently discovered in Hebrew text that is mistranslated in the Book of Samuel, and they are making it publicly known in Jerusalem.

It comes down to man making changes and we live with them, by them, and for them. Politicians haven’t changed…they still attack each other not wanting to understand that they are supposed to work as a team.

Oh we do have the freedom to vote “no”, and then have the Legislature or city government vote to rescind our vote…give me a break

Ok, now you have it, times have only changed to make it more difficult, more expensive, and more mouths to feed. And so, how was your day?
 

October A

 SPINACH ! The perfect Terrorist Attack!

Should we stop there ? Someone in Washington doesn't get the picture. (well, that's not new). We have a major crisis going on at this very moment. Small cell groups are gathering in homes all across the country, The attendees to the gatherings are not just good ol' Mr. and Mrs. Smith. They are those that have been plotting to undertake methods of upsetting our way of life for years.

Devising plans to upset the very freedoms that we used to enjoy more frequently. Flying to our destinations, unhindered, embellished with rules and regulations that are interrupting your private affairs. The Patriot Act which is sending undercover agents to non-profit and other organizational meetings to see that monies received are not going to the terrorists. New banking regulations with Big Brother watching every move they make with funds going all over the world…

Yes we live in a different world now…Much for the better, much under the watchful eye. The terrorists are already here. Now, bare with me….one of the cell groups comes up with a very novel but invasive idea to bring one degree our way of living to a screeching halt. What am I talking about? Read on out loud.

At one o'clock in the morning, a small dust cropper plane takes off from a small farming community known for its growing of spinach, either for fresh commodities or for packaging. The plane is loaded with the high volatile strain of Ecoli bacteria. One pass, releasing the deadly compound, another pass, and another until the whole crop is dusted. Then on to the next crop…maybe lettuce this time, or other greens. And there you are…who would know who, where, or how it got contaminated. You can not wash, or cook the bacteria out of the spinach. And look at what has happened. It has upset our economy, our trust in our producers of produce, and our way of life in eating what we want, after all, we are a free country, right ?....wrong. You have been invaded and don't even realize it. And the government said…"there is no reason to believe that the crops were not tainted on purpose...Give me a break! It can happen.

Now it has been reported and was on TV about how vulnerable we with the California crops and are open to anyone trying to poison the crops. It seems when we do have an area they could attack, we put it on television for the world to see…the ports, the shipping, the crops, the water system….are we ever going to learn to keep our mouths shut ?

Spinach….that's not all my friends…if this works so well for that why not go the whole boat with all the greens, lettuce, greens. Celery, anything grown in the ground or above….and we will never be able to catch them …flying their crop dusters at 2 am in the morning…hmmm. I guess the answer is…save your grass cuttings and dandelion greens. I think I have it my cook book.

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September B

HOW TIMES HAVE CHANGED, OR HAVE THEY ?

Oh, you remember when…don’t you? All of us have had our own generation of time. Some go back to experience the depression, others may reflect on the end of WWII or the Korean War, or the Vietnam War, or the Iraq War #1, or the Iraq War #2, or when bread was 10 cents a loaf.
Yes, there is still crime on our streets, Yes, there is still war in the world around us, yes, there is still the drug problems, yes, there is still contention in our marriages with 3 out of 5 ending in divorce, yes, we are still getting traffic tickets etc., etc., etc….But is there anything that has changed ? about the only thing is that you cant buy bread for 10 cents anymore.
Was life better when we were growing up in the depression? Well, maybe if it was for some of us. My father loved to fish in Seattle so we didn’t have that problem. (I still dislike oysters though). But it was simpler in many ways. There was the school you attended…you didn’t have to listen to teachers with way out opinionated thoughts on how WWI was fought. And those teachers were dressed in suits and ties and the Ladies were in dresses.

It was unthinkable for a lady to wear slacks at school etc. Nor did you wear them to work…unless you were Rosie the Riveter. A lady did not chew gum, and today receptionists are smacking away while trying to understand you.

But we had problems then too. Food rationing,,,,you actually learned how to cook with what you had in the cupboard, and if you didn’t have a blue, or red stamp or token…you didn’t get it…and when you did…it may have been horsemeat…(that did happen to us, only it was mutton) but, you learned to do without and a good wage was $35 a week.
Today, you make 10 times that much. But ah ha, but wait a minute…add it up. A good hamburger was 20 cents….so X 10 equals $2.00 today…close enough.

Take gasoline…30 cents a gallon -today…--- $3.50.
A house cost $3000. Today, take that amount X 100 and that equals $300,000.
So you see, it didn’t change, you still have to budget and scrimp and schedule your day…and maybe the thing that did change was the fact that young people today have to work 2 or 3 jobs to pay for anything..

Today kids can’t learn without their calculator, computers, Ipods, cell phones. Well, pull the plug, no electricity and bingo…how do they count back change?

They get their BMW at 16 and crash it by 17. Are we ever going to teach them the rudiments of 2 plus 2 equals 4? …hmmm, does it still? We must teach the basics before we hand them all the philosophy and attitudes on 911 theories based on the new movie coming out with falsehoods. If you were there, then you can form an opinion and not change history.

The Bible is read and then changed to whatever beliefs are out there. The Bible was written from many different cultures, beliefs, and religions. King James decided to put it all together….oh how it has changed today…you have to read between the lines. The Bible is correct as long as it is correctly translated…yes, there are mistakes in word definitions and meanings. One recently discovered in Hebrew text that is mistranslated in the Book of Samuel, and they are making it publicly known in Jerusalem.

It comes down to man making changes and we live with them, by them, and for them. Politicians haven’t changed…they still attack each other not wanting to understand that they are supposed to work as a team.

Oh we do have the freedom to vote “no”, and then have the Legislature or city government vote to rescind our vote…give me a break

Ok, now you have it, times have only changed to make it more difficult, more expensive, and more mouths to feed. And so, how was your day?
 

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September A

August B 2006 -

August A 2006 -  SUMMER TIME IS NOT TIME TO SHUT DOWN
Oh, that rings a bell with many businesses. Well, not any more if you want to come back in the fall and still have your customers. This is not 1965 when Robinsons, I. Magnum. J.C. Penneys, and all the rest closed their shop on May 31st and didn’t open until October 1st. Cars were just getting air conditioning, houses, very little. So why go to Palm Springs when its 120 degrees. Today the big department stores are all gone. We have three and guess what, they are fully air conditioned. And the cars are also, and the houses are as well, so why not come to Palm Springs.
Well, if you live on the coast in June/gloom months and don’t see the sun until 5 PM, and cold and humid, you might like to come out and “warm up”.
You know, since 911, our advertising for Palm Springs changed to within 500 miles for those not wishing to fly. Now, we do receive many from all over California and especially San Francisco.
So, why close your business? Oh, you say that no one is here and business is bad and etc. etc. Well I have news for you. BUSINESS IS WHAT YOU MAKE OF IT. I have been helping businesses get started and on their feet for 40 years. I had my agency in San Gabriel and assisted many small businesses with little funds to benefit from special events and programs that I presented. Well, here in the desert there is no difference. You do what you have to do.
We have about 350,000 per quarter coming in through the airport. They spend money everywhere. So now that the temperature climbs, you have to downsize your prices and make it for the locals. Early Bird dinners, discounts to seniors, special days for special people, more targeted advertising, and above all, you must have air conditioning and misters.
Restaurants that close for the summer will find it difficult to open in the fall and still have their customers….why you ask, I knew you would….because they have gone to your competitor who stayed open. Designed special epicurean delights for the summer and lowered prices in some cases.
It comes down to marketing, marketing, marketing. When you shut down and open in the fall, you will be paying a lot more for advertising, and building your business back up among your constituents. Chambers don’t close, City governments don’t close, so why should you.
If you were back east and having 90 degree temps and a 70% humidity, watch out. They swelter, at least we can have dry air many times, but back east they can’t spell the word “dry”. Special rates for hotels are also in vogue, and they are doing sell out crowds even today. You are only 90 minutes from the big mountains and cooler air etc, so there are get-a-ways; even our tram. I went up the other day and it was 80 degrees…so I inhaled, and drank my beer looking out into the woods. Then, I had a wonderful dinner overlooking the valley. Give yourself a break, you deserve it. Just remember, for a success in the summer months….ONLY YOUR FOCUS AND MARKETING STRATEGIES CHANGE. You can do it and be successful. While you are at it….have an ice cream cone.
 

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July B 2006  -   HOMELESS, HUNGRY, COLD, NEED WORK, I’M A VETERAN

                                 THANK YOU BROTHER. “GOD BLESS YOU”

Ok…everyone has pet peeves…but this is the one that stands at the top of my list. “PANHANDLING”, or for the loss of a better word…”BEGGING”.

We have all had good and bad years in our lives, but never once have I ever lowered myself to begging. I’ve cleaned toilets, shined shoes, picked cherries, sold magazines, delivered newspapers, anything to make a buck from the time I was 7 years old. During WW II, I collected from the neighborhood, wooden hangers (5 cents) and wire hangers (2 cents), sold Christmas cards off the back of comic books (when they were available).
And I was a latch key kid so I had to fund for myself sometimes. But never did I beg.

Today, you stop at a stop sign or traffic light and here is a person who is in most cases 35-45 years of age, with a sign that depicts what is my sub-title.
I usually open the window as I drive by yelling…”get a job”. Now you may say, “oh, poor dear, he is homeless, hungry and I can help this poor defenseless soul”. SOUL MY EYE ! On a good corner and a lot of you suckers out there, he is going to rake in between $100-$250 a day. Thank you maam !

I love the ones that are at the post office. Sitting, looking oh so forlorn and having their hand out. Then the next day he shows up, leg bandaged, with a crutch to hold up with. Gosh, he should double his intake for that day.

I remember one time in or around 1992, we took a trip to San Francisco with our motor home. Stayed at a RV park and took the shuttle into town. We were waiting for the shuttle bus to come back and here came a man, wife, and two kids. He came up to me and asked me for some money. I looked at him and remarked, “are you on drugs ?” and he replied “NO’. Well, hmmm, so I asked “are you going to buy alcohol ?”…and he replied “NO!” Well, hmmm, So then I came forward with… “You see that store down there ?, well I bet if you go and ask to wash their windows for $5 they would do it.” You should be ashamed of yourself asking for a handout with your two kids and wife at your side. However, I will give you $1.00.

If you spend one dime on drugs, alcohol, or anything else except food for your children, God will strike you dead. It worked, he shuttered, stepped back, and nervously remarked… “Oh no, no, I don’t want any money now…” and he strolled down the street with his family looking for another sucker to palm him some scratch and telling his children, “this is how you make money in the world today”.

Oh I know, there is sickness out there, good meaning people who lost their jobs, their dignity, and their lives, to where they THINK that they have no where to turn but the streets. Now alcoholism does lead to depression and poverty and death. There are locations and foundations for that illness, but the person has to be willing to take the first step. That may be the case, but living in those circumstances doesn’t make it any better or easier for that person to regain his integrity and composure as a human being. But, where do you know the difference. You don’t, and they will come to understand on their own terms and deliverance that they must change their lives, and go to AA. I have seen teenagers begging the same way…Its big bucks whether you believe it or not…that’s why they are doing it.

Now, I remember when my son wanted a bike. That’s after the first one where you lose half the nuts and bolts. I said it was time to learn value and said, “go earn it!” He did…mowed our neighbors lawn for $60, 4 times and he bought his bike. Today he has a hand built Titanium bike worth $3000.

I have the flyer he made advertising his plight framed in my office.

I then projected another plan….paint numbers on house curbs. 4 an hour 8 hours a day, 6 days a week and make about $46,000 a year. Wash windows, one floor only please, screens $1.00 extra. and do $34,560 a year. Ok, so where is this “cant find a job” eroding into our society? it’s the youth.
We must instill into them the value of work ethics. Not playing games on the computer or running up the cell phone bill for mom and dad.
The other big issue of mine is “HANDICAP PARKING”, but, that is another whole page and a half. I’ve probably upset a lot of freeloaders already.

So save your money, they are making more than you are.
 

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July A -

Identity Theft; What Can You Do?

June B -

FOREIGN LANGUAGE FOR DUMMIES

You know, when you travel to other foreign countries, like in Europe, it would be best to understand a few words so that you can enjoy your stay, thats why those little books like "FOREIGN LANGUAGE FOR DUMMIES" are printed for travelers.
S'funny, it seems that when we have visitors, they can count on menus, ballots, signs, newspapers, traffic laws, printed in 10 different languages, after all, we wouldnt want to make all those people feel uncomfortable having to decipher English.
Hogwash ! It's time that we pass a contitutional amendment, or whatever it would take,
to make English our lawful, spokened, and written language in our great America. I hate it, and I know many of you do also, when two people decide they dont want you to understand what they are saying and speak in a different language, when they can speak English....and if they cant...buy a book on the subject.
Now we have on the ballots if I can recall, Spanish, Chinese, (both dialects), Arabic, Korean, Taiwanese, French, German, Iraqi, Afganistanese, Japanese,and any other that might be invading our cultural society. School children from different backgrounds should be made to learn our language right from the get go. It is now the universal language in the world and we have to stop catering to the cries and whims of those wishing to change our way of life into what they just left (hello) The cost of printing alone, which we end up paying for one way or another, is phenominal. Eons ago, it was Latin in School, then came Spanish (because it was the easiest) then French, and now I see this morning that they are teaching Arabic in the Washington D.C. school system.. Give me a break, pretty soon they will announce that Islam is now the preferred religion because we are now in the surrounding arms of both Islamic and Muslim intruders. I say "intruders" because it seems that they want just as much to proselyte their beliefs, and were unhappy that they dont have the freedoms from whence they came. Proselyting is not the problem, the problem is the world "demands" on our system of government which does'nt coincide with their former homeland.
I say, come to our country, through Ellis Island, get the papers, be legal, enjoy OUR freedoms and obey OUR laws, and pay taxes, Then like the areas that devote themselves to their culture like "Chinatown", "Little Italy", "German Town" etc., we can all enjoy "visiting" their cultural events and great food. But DON'T TREAD ON ME !.
Bring back the good 'ol "readin, writin, and rithmatic" (yeah, I know) and teach our students HOW TO WRITE LEGIBLY. The handwriting today is undecipherable. It's half printed, half scribbled. I was taught the Palmer Method with the long green book and a pen point and holder...(remember) and you did circles, lines, back and forth, up and down and you learned the beautiful script which is so readable. I remember my 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Dressler, and the "D" she penned....I still do that method today. Except when I am in a hurry,,,then I cant read my own writing....well, duh!
Now is the time for all good professors and educators of our beloved English language to stand up and let Congress know that it is time to come together.

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June A 2006 -  It is now reported that we have over 11 million illegal aliens in this country from all over the world. Excuse me, but is there a misunderstanding about the word….”illegal?” You know, I have the best respect for those from all over the world who come here, strive to become a citizen, make it, and go on to be a part of our heritage. But the travesty of our current system is going to bite us in the you know where if we don’t bring this practice of allowing our borders to become an open gate to a resounding halt.
Now Senator Clinton in a recent report has labeled our handling as “a police state”. Now that’s “fightin words”, Not so much of what is said there but who is saying it. She studied fiercely all about Socialism and strives to see us in that category. She stated recently at a rally of Irish immigrants. (sorry, lady, but those Irish immigrants came through Ellis Island, just like my wife did in 1952, and did it our way). She criticized a bill the House passed in December that would impose harsher penalties for undocumented workers. She rented “Don’t turn your back on what made this country great” adding “ a rebuke to what America stands for”. Good grief lady Senator, are you saying that we stand for all who come to our country illegally ??!! She then went on saying “ its an unworkable scheme to try to deport 11 million people, which you have to have a police state to try to do”. Well, again lady Senator….we did it in WWII before you were born and had to suffer the reality of Pearl Harbor. She called instead for immigration changes “based on strengthening our borders in order to make us safer from the threat of terrorism” Well, I’m tired of calling her “lady” so I will refer to her as that “woman Senator”. Doesn’t she realize that over 80 have been captured illegally crossing the borders, dressed as others crossing, speaking the language, but are in fact Taliban insurgents from Middle East countries?
She said in addition that she supports the changes now being considered to allow some to become citizens…Ha ! If they wanted to become citizens in the first place, they would have gone through the process. We have made it oh so simple to come here, take a job, rob us of our rights as citizens, because they get it all free. Then the sentence that tops them all : the woman Clinton wrote, “a path to earned citizenship for those who are here, working hard, paying taxes, respecting the law, and willing to meet a high bar for becoming a citizen”. I’m sorry….that’s BS ! First, the illegal ones coming here are increasing the numbers for those committing felonies and ending in jail....does that sound like someone wanting to respect the law? Second, excuse me?....they pay taxes ? another BS. Many do not pay income taxes to my understanding, and many are paid under the table. Many do not have bank accounts because that gives those looking for them too much information. Yes, those in the fields and other occupations where no questions are asked about citizenship, for they are not required to show papers, do pay taxes, thank you, and work hard in their work. So, why haven’t they applied for citizenship to our most generous country ? Illegal is illegal and they must earn our trust….and that goes for any country.We had 10’s of thousands from Korea and Vietnam coming here, which we paid $25,000 to the head honchos every year. And I checked one time to find out that after 20 years, We are still paying them….so much for the open door policy of the Carter administration. I say “We” because its your money !Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter R-Pa. has offered legislation that would create separate worker programs: One for illegal immigrants already in the country and another for future immigrant workers.President Bush has argued for a temporary worker program but neither has gained much support.
I don’t care what country they come from. You don’t cross into countries illegally in Europe without getting your butt fired upon…why do we just continue to open our doors without some commitment from those wishing to live here in freedom. We need those workers in the fields and I applaud them but they need better housing and opportunities to gain citizenship so they can have the total picture of freedom. Now if we take the 11 million, that is “if” we can find them, and offer them to apply for citizenship….great! but for the others…regardless of country….they must leave and take their siblings with them and leave the siblings citizenship papers here. Apply where they came from.



Well, saying and talking is one thing, but our government must listen to the people. There are fine immigrants who respect the law and work hard and I consider them good brothers and sisters who make up this great country.

How about you?

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SO….WHO’S GONNA
CUT OUR LETTUCE?

May A 2006 ~

Yup, there I was, standing in the doorway of our treasured Valley Breeze paper, and enjoying our “therapeutic” breeze as it roared through the hills and dales of our beloved city above the rest. On second thought, “howled” may be more appropriate for the skirts of the palm trees were blowing down…..yes, you read it right., don’t go there. Then, this great answer to the question on the minds of many at this time in historyWho’s cutting our lettuce?”
Yes, the Latino workers that are hired do great work for all of us. It would be nice if some of the money would stay here rather than the millions sent back “home” across the border instead of keeping it here. But it is a dilemma I know, and this whole thing will be solved one way or the other…I wonder what the “other” is going to be.
Anyway, let’s get to the point…cutting lettuce. There is such a simple answer. The agricultural growers can have all the workers they need and not have to pay a dime….they use the minimum detention centers all over this country. That’s right…the prisoners. Look, it costs us over $35,000 a year to house and feed each one. Why can’t we get something in return for our tax dollars. It would give them some fresh air and we could see a reduction in the costs of the produce (yea, sure) but we would not have to depend on illegal border crossers and all this haggling. There would be no more incentive for the border crossers to cross anymore.
Then we bring back the WPA (during the depression) and clean up the highways. That puts more to work that can’t or won’t, thus saving more welfare money. We are not using the resources we have. Granted, some jobs I doubt you would do, like climbing palm trees etc., but then those jobs could be handled by the legal aliens that can, will, and want to work for a decent wage….uhhh, last year I paid $40 to trim a palm tree…hmmm. The days of $15-20 are history. Oh if you have 10 trees the price changes. Then of course you could cut them down…and I just did my tall one which wasn’t giving much shade anymore. But, gee, it is saving me 4 times a year to trim the darn blooms to keep them from getting into the pool.
So, there it is, use our prison system to work in the fields and highways. Now mind you, this doesn’t mean the hardened criminals of murder etc, but the ones with three strikes…like 1 auto theft, stealing a bingo jar, and having 5 aces in a card deck. So much on what I think about that law.
Ok, that’s the solution. It used to be called the chain gang….now it could be referred to as the lettuce munchers. Write your Senators today and tell them to “open the gates”.

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