The Haywire

The Haywire

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SEPTEMBER 2005
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War Dead
War Wounded

Cost of the War in Iraq

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Howdy Folks,

HELP HURRICANE RELIEF - DONATE NOW

First, some nice thoughts. I have completely fallen in love with Vancouver, British Columbia. It ranks with the finest cities in the world for fun, culture, and beauty, but still retains a warm, laid-back feel. Topping the exceptional aspects of this thriving multicultural community is the citizenry, a diverse yet always gracious lot. Please check my lists for some of the highlights (best meal ever) and lowlights (mostly crappy Beer).

Now on to tragedy and outrage. Hurricane Katrina decimated a great swath of Dixie, and the tales of heartbreak and survival continue to pour in. It will take years to recover, but the hearty folk of the Gulf Coast are just the people to prevail. The questions that arise are threefold.

1. Why are National Guard Troops fighting in Iraq instead of helping their communities?

I would bet good money that when the majority of National Guard Reserves signed their contracts they envisioned helping out in situations such as Katrina’s aftermath rather than becoming targets in a desert occupation instigated by lying oilmen. Even as this tragedy unfolds, President Bush continues to underestimate the damage and react in an alarmingly sluggish manner. I will never forget that this president went golfing and to a country music concert as Katrina pounced on American Citizens.

2. Does this situation validate Global Warming Theory?

Some facts are irrefutable. Katrina gained such strength because of higher ocean temperatures. Anyone who disagrees with this statement need not read any further. You are a carbon unit. Now, does this rise in ocean temperatures have more to do with Global warming or with cyclical weather patterns? Sounds like it would be wise to play on the side of caution and start thinking about alternatives. See inference to lying oilmen above.

3. How much of this disaster could have been circumvented?

More facts. While Katrina hurtled toward the Big easy, Bush was once again playing on one of his many, many vacations. After hurrying back to Washington for a clinically brain-dead woman, you would think he would drop the clubs and guitar to prepare for the worst possible outcome regarding this natural disaster, an outcome that has unfortunately surpassed most people’s dire predictions. Another disturbing fact: President Bush took money slated for flood and hurricane prevention in New Orleans and deposited it in the money hole that is Iraq. So, here we have a Commander-in-Chief, who when confronted with the three worst disasters of his presidency:

a. Did absolutely nothing for seven full minutes

b. Waited Three days to provide (inadequate) aid.

c. Pretended to Played Guitar.

All opinions aside, I’m sure we can all agree that a call to the Red Cross would help the situation immensely. I hope you all see it in your heart to donate generously to our fellow Americans who have been so affected by this tragedy.

See you somewhere soon,

Paul

The river rose all day,
The river rose all night.
Some people got lost in the flood,
Some people got away all right.
The river have busted through
clear down to Plaquemine:
Six feet of water in the streets of Evangeline.

Louisiana, Louisiana,
They're trying to wash us away,
They're trying to wash us away.

- Randy Newman, Louisiana 1927

There's nothing wrong with America that can't be
fixed by what's right with America. - Bill Clinton

Falluja Floods The Superdome

The responsibility of government for the public safety is absolute and requires no mandate. It is in fact, the prime object for which governments come into existence. - Winston Churchill

Drink of the Month: Limoncello

Since summer in San Francisco starts in September, I will be drinking something that goes with sunshine and warm breezes. A thermos full of Limoncello while walking through North Beach should do just fine.

4 cups vodka, preferably 100 Proof.
Zest of 10 lemons.
2 1/2 cups sugar
3 1/2 cups water

Place vodka and zest in a sealable jar, like a mason jar and allow to sit in a cool place for 4 days. On the fifth day place the sugar and the water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Allow to cook 5 minutes, remove from heat and allow to cool. Add sugar solution to the vodka solution and allow to stand overnight. Strain through a layer of cheesecloth in a conical sieve, pressing the solids firmly. Strain again through a second layer in the same manner. Chill and allow to stand 1 week. Serve very cold.

This Month's Recipe:
C Restaurant's Simply Steamed Clams

When I say C Restaurant provident me with my favorite meal ever, I was not kidding. The Chef's tasting menu alone is worth a trip to Vancouver. Remember to serve with lots of crusty bread to soak up the juice.

Ingredients

1 pound washed clams
1/4 cup white wine
2 tablespoons chopped shallots
2 tablespoons clarified butter or oil
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes chopped or halved
1 tablespoon fresh herbs

Directions

Heat sauté pan, add 1 tablespoon. oil or butter.
Add clams then let them begin to steam.
After one minute, add shallots and sweat.
Add white wine and cook for 1 minute.
Add butter, toss in tomatoes and fresh herbs, toss together.

Drink a bottle of Venturi-Schulze Brandenburg #3 and drop me a line if you have any problems.

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SEPTEMBER 2005 Archive War Dead War Wounded

VANCOUVER CHOW

VANCOUVER SWIG

THINGS TO DIG IN VANCOUVER

B.C. BEER

IRAQ: STILL THERE

CINDY SHEEHAN

HURRICANE

ENERGY

Drink of the Month: Limoncello

This Month's Recipe: C Restaurant's Simply Steamed Clams

Ingredients

Directions

SEPTEMBER 2005
Archive
War Dead
War Wounded

This Month's Recipe:
C Restaurant's Simply Steamed Clams