Two Great Places to Eat, Winners

“The only time to eat diet food is while you're waiting for the steak to cook.” ~Julia Child

Today I read that two of my favorite places to eat came out on top in their category on the 2009 Zagat Food Survey.

Best Burger: In-N-Out Burger
I have eaten those great burgers since not long after they opened in 1948 in Southern California. They are still as good today as they always have been over all the years and I believe it is because of their on-going use of fresh ingredients. The California family owned business currently has 200 stores, but only in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah. But for anyone coming out West be sure to try one. I previously posted a blog about them.

Best Steak, Outback, National Full Service Restaurant Chains.
For a great steak dinner, they can’t be beat. I have never had a bad meal in all my times of dining there over the last few years. And it is hard to pass up their specialty appetizer, a golden fried seasoned onion. They have 900 restaurants worldwide.

“You don't have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces – just good food from fresh ingredients.” ~Julia Child (1912 – 2004)

Now if you don’t want to spend the money for a reasonably priced In-N-Out meal: cheeseburger, fries, and a chocolate milkshake; nor for a more expensive dinner at the Outback of a New York steak, baked potato, veggie and their Blommin’ Onion®, how about trying this—it will save gas money, and sure as heck save a lot for the price of the meal. This one would be about $.40 . Yes, that was Cents. And it only takes about three minutes before you have it on your plate. You could fix up a small salad or sliced fruit to accompany it probably for less than an additional .50 cents!

And the famous Chef, Julia Child will show you how....

And if you are interested in Cookbooks:

~Linda

Elvis in 1956, How Things Change

June 5, 1956, Elvis Presley appeared on the Milton Berle TV Show, and his appearance triggered controversy as he sang his latest single, Hound Dog, with pelvis shaking movements that he then became noted for. The media, the Catholic Church, and many adults “jumped” all over his moves, calling them vulgar, and even “animalism,” and warning of moral danger. His fans loved his moves.

When Presley was scheduled to return for his third concert date at the San Diego Arena on June 6, 1956 Police Chief Adam Elmer Jansen was quoted in the San Diego Union, "If he puts on the same kind of show that he did last April, I'll arrest him for disorderly conduct. I've had enough complaints from parents to assure me that twerp is not doing the kids any good."

This is what all the ruckus was about.





I found this video of Milton Berle, Debra Padget, and Elvis. I had forgotten how funny Milton Berle was. I saw him once at a Writer’s Guild Awards dinner in Beverly Hills. My husband bumped into him rounding a corner (accidentally) and he was most gracious, and even funny.







Yes indeed, we’ve come a long way, baby. Just think what pelvises are doing today on TV!


~Linda

Before Cars Were Cool? June 4, 1896

“Where a new invention promises to be useful, it ought to be tried.”

~Thomas Jefferson (1762-1826)

Henry Ford’s first experimental motor car, June 4, 1896.

The Quadricycle

It is said the success of the small vehicle fueled Ford’s ambition which led to the founding of Ford Motor Company in 1903.

Maybe we’ve progressed too far??





~Linda

When American Cars Were Cool!

I was listening to the Tom Sullivan Radio Show this afternoon and a discussion of the downfall of the American Car Culture. Tom was asking if we remembered when American cars were cool? I sure do. In the fifties and sixties they were cool. Every year around September we would await the new look of the latest Chevy or Ford, by far the most popular American cars, or at least the most affordable in those days, and then for those who had more expensive tastes there were the other American brands. There was nothing like owning a ‘56 Ford or a ’57 Chevy. And if you were lucky enough to have a Ford Convertible you were almost in heaven, and then if you owned a Corvette that was heaven!

In 1954 my Dad decided to put money away to buy a new car. He gave up beer for one thing, to set extra aside. He did not believe in credit/charging, and was determined to save enough to pay cash for it. I believe it was about $1800 or less.

So what happened to the Car Culture we once had? We were proud to be buying American cars and occasionally a German VW Beatle or VW Bus would be around. (And I must disclose I had a Volvo in 1962. Guess I should have kept it as I hear they go for a pretty good price now, LOL. I also owned a Toyota in the 1970’s. ) But I have had Chevy pickups and Chevy sedans. The one I drive now is a 1991 and just turned 60,000 miles and is a great car.

In those early days of car ownership “pride” we saw advertising for the newest models in Life and Look Magazine and other magazines, there was television network advertising such as in 1956 the one hour program on NBC, The Dinah Shore Chevy Show. The program was extremely popular, and its theme song "See the USA in your Chevrolet...”; Bob Hope Presents The Chrysler Theatre; and there was the Ford Theatre a radio and television anthology series broadcast 1940s and 1950s, and named for its sponsor. Of course we had only three networks at that time so the marketing was pretty focused and became part of our everyday or weekly life.

Dinah Shore Chevy Show

There were a lot of songs related to cars at that time. Being a fan of Johnny Cash, I always liked his 1976 song, One Piece at A Time, about working in Detroit making Cadillacs. Actually a car of various pieces was built and given to Johnny Cash. The car is on display at Historic Auto Attractions. The rockabilly song was written by Wayne Kemp. Others that come to mind include The Beach Boys with their songs (below), Jan and Dean singing Little Old Lady From Pasadena, but there were many other songs related to cars including several of those early rock and roll songs about a car crash: Tell Laura I Love Her, Teen Angel, and many more.

Maybe the downfall of American car manufactures has to do with too much expansion, lack of good marketing, over supply, and greed, in addition to foreign automobiles taking over the market with product that beat most American cars on gas mileage. That has become such an issue since the ‘70s. It is sad that so many people have been impacted by GM cutbacks and bankruptcy, and the closer various automobile plants. With the unemployment rate at 12% in Michigan, that is painful. But now we, you and I, own part of GM and just maybe it will get back on track with reorganization and new blood in there. Let’s hope so. I heard they have buyers for divisions of the company, including that "tank" they build and call an automobile. China wants to buy that division. Oh dear.

Get out your lunch pails....and let's go to Detriot...

Get your surf boards out....or at least put on your flip-flops.

~Linda

A Dream Without End: Susan Boyle

Susan Boyle had another fantastic performance of I Dreamed A Dream on the Britain’s Got Talent final. Although she came in second in the competition, beaten out by a dance group, Diversity, she has surely achieved her dream.

“The greatest performance I’ve seen in Britain’s Got Talent history,” judge Piers Morgan told her. “You should win this competition, I loved it."

Word is that judge and music promoter Simon Cowell has big plans for her. Apparently he said, "It's the biggest phenomenon I've ever seen out of any of my shows," in regards to her world wide appeal and her talent.

I feel bad that she will not have this opportunity as winner to perform for the Queen, but maybe she will get a chance at some point in the future to do so. She was very gracious in her losing to the dance act. But heck, she has already won....

America’s Got Talent returns for a new season on June 23rd.

If this video is disabled go to
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2xiAQCTy2E




~Linda

Empathy and Justice

American Heritage Dictionary...
Empathy: Identification with and understanding of another's situation, feelings, and motives.

President Obama said a couple of years ago while on the campaign trail he wanted a Supreme Court Justice with empathy.

And now, the GOP, and the media, is making such a thing of the word empathy. What I have heard on radio talk shows, and read, is that it is not right for a judge to have empathy and if they do, then it takes away from the judicial ruling. It makes me laugh.

This reminds me of when I was called to Jury duty a couple of years ago and undergoing analysis to serve on a jury, of which I did not want to do, a case of prostitution and arrest by a police officer in a sting, I thought it only right to let the court know I had been married to a cop for 25 years, had other relatives on police forces, and often had crime scenarios going through my head for my writing (I was working on a detective novel at that exact time), and that I was also intuitive. Well, that did not go over well with the judge as he said to me, something to this effect, “I am intuitive, also, and have gut feelings, but for 25 years I have listened from the bench to evidence presented.” He did not dismiss me but the defense attorney did soon after.

It seems silly that someone cannot be fair and equitable while at the same time being a compassionate and empathic person.

This past weekend on C-Span President Obama said in response to his statement about empathy and a Supreme Court pick, "I said earlier that I thought empathy was an important quality and I continue to believe that. You have to have not only the intellect to be able to effectively apply the law to cases before you.”

He continued, "But you have to be able to stand in somebody else's shoes and see through their eyes and get a sense of how the law might work or not work in practical day-to-day living.”

"So, in all these cases what I want is not just ivory tower learning. I want somebody who has the intellectual fire power, but also a little bit of a common touch and has a practical sense of how the world works."

Good for you, Obama. It appears President Obama’s pick of Federal Appeals Court Judge Sonia Sotomayor is a good one. She has a solid background of judicial experience, and has been through Senate confirmation twice in the past, an appointment under Bush Senior and another under President Clinton.

Makes me wonder about these politicians, especially the males, who seem to feel that empathy equates only with emotional...and you know how women are....they get emotional ...they cry...oh goodness... oh goodness....

Here is an example of comments of two political males from an article from Inside Politics Daily by Jill Lawrence:
‘“Empathy,’ conservative columnist George Will said Sunday on ABC's This Week, ‘can be a judicial defect.’ Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., meanwhile, fretted on Fox News Sunday that a judge with empathy would decide cases ‘not based upon the law or the merits, but rather upon his or her emotions or feelings.’"

What a joke. Are some people envious because they don’t have the experience and expertise to be a Supreme Court Judge, and do they really think a woman cannot do an excellent job. Come on men...grow up.

It is so refreshing to have a thinking President who lives in reality.

~Linda

A Matter of Freedom and Love

“It is never too late to give up your prejudices. ~Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)

The CA Supreme Court decision today upholding Proposition 8, the Gay Marriage Intuitive was disappointing. In fact, as a native Californian, the vote last November was surprising. The majority of the people I know are in favor of allowing gay marriage. But what I believe, and many of the people I have discussed this with believe, it passed by a narrow margin in November (approximately 525,000 votes) because the political/religious advertising was filled with untruths and stirred fear.

I heard on the radio today that older people are the ones who are responsible for Prop 8 passing and outlawing gay marriage, and the woman said that the younger generation will make the difference in the near feature and it will be allowed. I disagree that older people are against gay marriage. I only know one older person (in her 80s who voted for Prop 8). All the rest of the older people I know, male and female, in their 50s, 60s, 70s, 80’s and even 90 years of age, are for gay marriage. And they are all heterosexual. I also know younger people, teenagers and young adults, who see no problem with gay marriage.

Thankfully the Court upheld the 18,000 marriages that occurred prior to this ruling today.

In the past California was often said to be open, and progressive. It was here that one might believe that equality was available, equality in all areas of life. It was here in California that people came to enjoy a life of more equality and freedom of choice that was not, or even may not, be available elsewhere right here in our own country. California is a diverse area, so it has been surprising that other states are steps ahead of California in allowing equality for all their citizens. States such as Iowa, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, and hopefully soon, New Hampshire, have all moved ahead in allowing their citizens the right to marry no matter their sexual identity.

I recently had a conversation with a friend about our surprise that Iowa was forward thinking. But I discovered it was not unusual for Iowa to be liberal in their laws and interest in civil rights. In doing research on divorce laws in Iowa for my novel on the Civil War period, I learned that in 1851 Iowa considered it lawful to end marriage when the “parties could not live in peace and harmony together.” That was on their law books before the Civil War! But it was not until 1969-1970 that California put in place ‘no-fault” divorce. Instead of treating marriage as an institution that should be preserved at all costs, no-fault divorce viewed it as a voluntary union between two equals that could be dissolved at will. A spouse who wanted a divorce no longer had to prove wrongdoing in an adversarial setting, such as adultery or desertion. "Irreconcilable differences" made divorce possible. Other states quickly followed. And apparently today some form of no-fault divorce is available in all fifty states.

I guess my thought is let’s hope it does not take more than 158 years for California to come around to accepting gay unions. I still cannot figure out why it should matter to anyone that a couple, straight, or gay, want to marry. Hey, it’s all about love. And it seems childish that someone can force their beliefs in denying marriage to another.

I also still believe the real objection is being veiled, and the federal government not wanting to give up an Income Tax category of a single taxpayer (single straight, widowed, single gay or lesbian) to the lesser tax rate of a married couple. So the government may be very happy to have the religious interference and objections taking place, and in turn saving them from giving up billions in Income Tax revenue.

Isn’t it about fear? It takes courage and love for those who not only are out of the closet but wanting equal rights. Gays and lesbians deserve equal rights, just as any straight person does, just as someone of a different race or nationality does, or as someone of a different religion does. Woman have fought a long time for equality, for property rights, for voting rights, for equal pay (not quite there yet), and the same is true of Blacks and minorities fighting for equality, voting rights, civil rights. This is the 21st century and about time we got over it and treat everyone with dignity and respect.

This is really about freedom. Change is coming.

And as singer/songwriter Melissa Etheridge said today, “I am hopeful as I see more and more states turn to the inevitable future of equality, California will get there. Change takes time."

“I leave you, hoping that the lamp of liberty will burn in your bosoms
until there shall no longer be a doubt that all men are created free and equal.”
~Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)


~Linda

Susan Boyle...WOW!

Again, WOW!

The semi-final of Susan Boyle singing Memory from Cats (one of my favorite songs) on Britain’s Got Talent.

She said, “All my life I’ve always striven to prove that I can be accepted; that I’m not the worthless person that people think I am, that I do have something to offer ... Being on Britain’s Got Talent is a chance to turn things around; to fulfil the dream. I just want that chance to perform in front of the Queen.”






~Linda

The New American Idol

Photo Kevin Winter/American Idol 2009, via Getty Images for FOX

Wow Again! Kris Allen is the new American Idol!

What a show that was tonight! Great entertainment, comedy, and talent, and I believe the best finale they’ve had in all eight seasons. Everyone from Lionel Ritchie, Rod Stewart, Santana, Kiss, Queen, Black-eyed Peas, Keith Urban, Cyndi Lauper, and others.

Kris seemed really shocked he won. Adam was very gracious. Obviously these two guys really like and respect each other. They are both so talented.

Almost a million votes. Wow. I’m not disappointed. It has been a very good season of excellent talent this year, espcially with the top four or five. Kris sang a great duet with Keith Urban, and both Adam and Kris sang "We are the Champions " with Queen. That was really nice. How true it is, they are both champions.

So now that American Idol and Dancing With the Stars are over, what is left to watch on TV? LOL

~Linda

What a Night, American Idol, Dancing With the Stars

“Music is the universal language of mankind.”
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882)

Wow! Oh, what a night of television!

It began with the 8th season part one finale of American Idol and Adam Lambert and Kris Allen. Each sang three songs. Adam sang “Mad World” followed by Kris singing "Ain't No Sunshine." Both very good.

The second song by Adam was picked by the show’s creator, Simon Fuller and it was the Sam Cooke song, "A Change Is Gonna Come." Adam was brilliant on that one. The pick for Kris was Marvin Gaye’s "What's Goin' On." He did a fair job on it but it was not the greatest song for him.

Then the last song, “No Boundaries,” co-written by Cara the judge, was not a good pick for either of them to sing, but definitely Adam did a better job with the odd song.

So it is very hard to tell what the final vote will be tomorrow. Four hours of voting tonight....and how many millions of votes will that be?

I still believe Adam has more talent than anyone who has ever been on American Idol. I also believe Kris has a lot of talent. It could be a toss-up as to which of these young men will be the new American Idol. It may not even matter as both of them will have successful careers ahead.

Followed that up with the 8th season finale of Dancing With the Stars. It, too, has been one of the best sessions ever. The top three were all good dancers: Melissa Rycroft and Tony Dovolani, Gilles Marini and Cheryl Burke, and Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas. Many believed Gilles was the top contender but with the narrowest margin of votes ever, less than 1 % between the top two, Gilles and Cheryl and Shawn and Mark, the surprise came when 17 year-old Olympic gymnast, Shawn Johnson and her partner Mark Ballas won. When Shawn got over her embarrassment and let out her sexiness when needed in the dances, it made a big difference. She worked hard to perfect her dancing.

I look forward to hearing last year’s winner, David Cook Wednesday night on the finale, and we will discover who will be this year’s American Idol.

And as I said,
Oh, What A Night !!

Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons

~Linda

Value of Education During Civil War and Today

“Education is worth more to a man than a fortune of gold.”

~Silas Igo Shearer, (1838-1915)

My great-great grandfather, Silas I. Shearer

These last few weeks I have been corresponding with my first cousin Sylvia who lives with her husband Tom in Vienna, Austria. We are making up for many, many years of being out of touch. We’re having so much fun learning about each other and sharing details of our lives since we last saw each other. A lot has happened in both our lives and it is amazing how much alike we are and how similar our interests are. One difference though, is I am not a traveler and international person as she is. She is one year older than I am, and she has been living abroad for most of her adult years. She has just retired from teaching. Sylvia and Tom have been teachers overseas in places such as Pakistan, Germany, and Austria, and more. Tom also has a law degree but apparently most of his career has been as a school teacher. She and I have discussed education: reading, writing, and...haven’t got to arithmetic yet!

Last week she had asked about my husband, Don Pendleton, his writing, education, and reading, and I sent her three quotes by him, which she enjoyed.

This is what Don said about reading, education, etc.

"I have served many long and lonely years aboard ship in war zones, and the only thing that kept me sane during all that enforced loneliness was my access to a good library in which I read, literally, every book on the shelves, even textbooks, and which gave me access to other worlds no way open to me." ~Don Pendleton

"The only true personal power comes from the mind and that mind has to be developed the same as muscles are developed–through use." ~Don Pendleton

And Don Pendleton’s response to a young fan: "As you grow older, you will discover that your mind is the only truly limiting factor in your life. With a well developed mind you can go anywhere and do whatever. But nothing comes automatically and the best things don't come easy."

Then last night while working on my Civil War period novel I came across the written words of my great-great grandfather, Silas I. Shearer, a Union soldier from Iowa, 23rd Infantry Volunteers. He was discussing the schooling of his oldest child who would have been about four years, nine months of age, and his concern that he hoped it was not too early for the child to attend school. He told his wife, Elizabeth Jane Shearer, “I am glad he wants to go but I [fear] it will give him a disliking to it and to study, sending him so young. I want my children to have a good education and if he takes a delight in it and learns, let him go. If I should not get home I want you to give the children a good education if you live.” His letter was written in July 1864 from Union army camp at Morganzia Bend, Louisiana. He also told her: “Education is worth more to a man than a fortune of gold.” ~Silas Igo Shearer, (1838-1915)

Apparently his son in question, Lewis D. Shearer became a barber and lived to be 90 years of age. Silas was in the Union Army from 1862 and was discharged out of the army as a sergeant at the end of the war in 1865. In addition to being a farmer he was Assessor, Justice of the Peace, a member of the Board of Supervisors in Collins Township, Story County, Iowa.

Silas and Elizabeth Jane Shearer

My great-great grandparents

~Linda

American Idol and the Top Three

It’s gotta be Adam Lambert. He is brilliant, and such a talent. He sang One by Bono, U2 for the Cowell song choice and Simon Cowell said “It was a brilliant, brilliant performance.” He then sang Crying by Aerosmith. I believe he is the best talent that has ever been on American Idol. Simon then said Adam deserved it based on talent. So right.

I really like everything that Chris Allen does, and have all season.

I’ve always loved Joe Cocker’s song You Are So Beautiful but I did not care for Danny Gokey’s rendition of it tonight, although the judges did.

All three of them are good but Adam stands so far above the other two with his talent. This is a tough year. The top five have been good, but again, Adam tops them all with his voice, his artistry, his uniqueness, and his stage presence.

I called in votes tonight but my votes will make little if any impact on the 76 million plus votes that will be cast.
~Linda


photos by American Idol.

Adam Lambert Should be American Idol, But Will He?

Many of us were surprised by Adam Lambert being in the "bottom" two this past week on American Idol. That guy is so very talented. I often see Elvis in his eyes. First time I saw him I saw that. He's a good looking guy.

This morning I was irritated by a Rutgers news article about Adam Lambert's personal life. The reporter, whoever she or he was, (not identified) seemed to have a need to make Adam's personal sexual identity an issue. The title of the news article posted at MSNBC is "Are 'Idol' fans ready for a gay champion?" with a subtitle, "Adam has never confirmed sexual preference, just says, 'I am who I am.'"

First off, I applaud Adam for that answer given to any question about his sexuality. "I am who I am." But I quote from the news article: "With three weeks to go before the 'American Idol' final, Lambert, 27, is favored to win the No. 1 U.S. television talent show and become, possibly, the first gay or bisexual singer to be handed the 'Idol' title by millions of Americans."

Hey, come on. Second, since when did sexual identity matter within the music business ie.; Elton John, or the entertainment business, ie.; Ellen, Rosie, and all the others who most knew where gay whether they came out of the closet in the past or not?

And where has this reporter been. There have been other gays on the show, and an issue was not made about it.

The closet door is open. We know have five states that recognize same sex marriage, and there will be more before long. Numerous states have recognized other gay rights. So all I can say to this reporter, whoever he or she is, get over it. It doesn't matter, and it sure as hell does not matter in judgement of someone's talent.

Although many fans of American Idol are younger, many of us are older. This year is a talented bunch, more so than I recall. I wish all four could win: Adam, Allison, Chris are my favorites, with Danny next. But three will not win. I think all will have record deals, and maybe Anoop and Matt will also. Lil, was also good but not so outstanding, for me. (do I sound like Randy?) Allison is quite incredible for her age, just turned 17 a few days ago. Her unusual voice and style is something.

Here is Adam singing Smokey Robinson's The Tracks of My Tears

and here is Adam singing Come to Me, Bend to Me from Brigadoon, five years ago at age 22. He's a very sensitive and a dramatic singer, with an incredible range, and diverse style. His unique talent makes him the best pick for American Idol. He's worked hard on his music for several years because he loves music. He loves astrology and is an Aquarian, and Aquarians are said to be trend setting and forward thinking. He says this is his favorite quote:

"When the power of love covercomes the love of power, the world will know peace." ~Jimi Hendrix

Now tell me that isn't talent!

And tell me if it really matters what his sexual orientation is? If you watch him perform, or if you pick up the phone to vote each week, do you think, oh, wait a minute, he could be gay or bisexual....American Idol...I don't know.

Stupid, huh?

~Linda

Return of the Swallows to California

I’ve long remembered the Return of the Swallows to Mission San Juan Capistrano in Southern California on or about St. Joseph’s Day, March 19. The birds have traveled thousands of miles on their migrational flight from South America.

Every year the small town of San Juan Capistrano takes on a fiesta air and tourists and locals gather to witness the “miracle” of the return of the swallows. Apparently each year a few scouts arrive prior to the larger flocks of birds whose main arrival is said to be on the morning of St. Joseph’s Day.

As soon as the birds arrive they begin building or rebuilding their mud nests, which are clinging to the eves, arches, and adobe walls of the old mission chapel founded in 1776 by Father Junipero Serra, a Franciscan priest.

The return of the swallows has always been a celebration, a mythical and mystical event, and much appreciated by those who witness it.

But three or so weeks later, 475 miles away, in Auburn, in Northern California, there is little celebration of returning swallows. In fact, some in Auburn are not happy at all to have these birds around the 111 year-old Placer County Courthouse, a place they have nested for many years.

Over the winter, about 100 nests were removed and $36,000 worth of see through black mess–netting was put up around the dome and colonnade to prevent nesting. One local business owner of the Courthouse Coffee shop across the street has enjoyed watching the birds return for several years. Linda Lareau, is quoted in the Auburn Journal as saying, “I say, ‘let them return.’” Others have commented on the apparent frustration of the birds as they are unable to get to their usual nesting place, and still others have said the birds don’t bother them.

Photo by Ben Furtado, Auburn Journal Newspaper

Some may disagree as bird droppings may end up on sidewalks and cars. The swallows and their nest are protected under state and federal law.

Photo by Ben Furtado, Auburn Journal Newspaper

All swallows are included under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 as migratory insectivorous birds and as such are protected by state and federal regulations. It is illegal for any person to take, possess, transport, sell, or purchase them or their parts, such as feathers, nests, or eggs, without a permit. As a result, certain activities affecting swallows are subject to legal restrictions.

The California Department of Fish and Game, the enforcement agency, considers February 15 to September 1 to be the swallow nesting season. Completed nests during this breeding season cannot be touched without a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Outside of these dates, the nests can be removed without a permit. During nesting, a permit authorizing nest removal will be issued only if it can be justified by strong, compelling reasons.

Netting can provide a physical barrier between the birds and the nest site. The mesh size should be 1/2 to 3/4 inch; however, 1 inch has been used successfully. If a plastic net is used, it should be attached so that it can be pulled taut. This prevents flapping in the wind, which looks unsightly and results in tangles or breakage at mounting points. The net should not have any loose pockets or wrinkles that could trap and entangle birds. …Attach netting to buildings before the birds arrive and leave it up permanently or remove it after the nesting season

Cliff swallows are found throughout California, except in high mountains and the dry southeastern desert. Four basic conditions are found at all cliff swallow colonies: (1) an open habitat for foraging; (2) a vertical surface beneath an overhang for attaching the nest; (3) a supply of mud that has the proper consistency for nest building; and (4) a body of fresh water for drinking.


Swallows feed on insects. A large part of each day they are in the air catching flies, beetles, and mosquitoes (that should be beneficial for the West Nile threat). Their long, pointed wings give them speed and maneuverability. Normally, they are not seen on the ground except when collecting mud for their nests. Most do not have musical voices but only twitter or squeak.

For a number of years, my family would camp in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains and would fish the Owens River. And under the bridges would be swallow nests and the flickering flight and squeaking of the swallows. The Owens River gave the birds all the mud and water they could have dreamed of. It would be so strange to go there and not see the swallows, the same as it would be if they were gone from San Juan Capistrano and their other habitual nesting places, places they’ve nested for decades, and even centuries.

Auburn is also having other bird problems. Wild turkeys are chasing and attacking people.

Photo by Gus Thomson, Auburn Journal

Could it be the birds in Auburn are talking to each other?

~Linda

Texas Secession: Now and the Civil War

Last night I was working on my Civil War period novel and was transcribing an actual letter written by my great-great grandfather, Silas Igo Shearer on December 30, 1863 when he was a Union soldier from the Company K 23rd Iowa Volunteers. At the time he was at Fort Esperanza, Texas.

Silas Igo Shearer

I couldn’t help but relate his writing with what has been on the news this week in regards to secession by Texas and comments made by Texas Governor Perry. I had posted a comment on Rochester Slim’s Blog the other day in regards to secession. I said, "I wonder what the sensible Texans think about all this talk again of secession." I’m not alone in feeling this secession talk is silly and even stupid. Seems they should have learned their lesson many years ago, and apparently a lot of Texans did not like secession back then during the Civil War.

In fact, according to Silas in his letter home to his wife, Elizabeth Jane, he wrote the Texans anxiously awaited an opportunity to surrender to the Union soldiers and lay down their arms. This excerpt from my great-great grandfather Silas:


The prisoners say we will not have very much fighting to do in Texas. They say that there is about six or eight thousand enlisted troops in Texas the balance are all conscripts and the men came in to our line and gave themselves up. This Lieutenant was an enlisted man. He said the Rebs was about to conscript him so he enlisted with the determination of coming into our lines the first opportunity. This is the fact, for he says he knows of Companies and their Commanders waiting for the opportunity of stepping across the line. They said if the Army of Texas knew what we was fighting for they would lay down their arms before they had the State invaded. The Rebels dread the Texans that will come into our lines more than they do us Yankees as they call us.

Maybe the light over Austin, Texas is dim and not very bright these days, or maybe the governor caught “dumb” from his former boss, G.W.

Well, back to my novel writing and the real adventures of a Union soldier, along with the fictional Iowans he left behind for a period of four years. And yes, Silas did return home to his Iowa farm in 1865, leaving the Union army as a Sergeant.



~Linda

Susan Boyle Sings CRY ME A RIVER

Susan Boyle's voice is crystal clear, absoultely beautiful: Listen to her sing Cry Me A River! This was recorded in 1999 for a charity event.

Last I read the youtube video of her singing I Dreamed A Dream has been viewed by over 12 million! And in addition it is all over the TV news shows.


~Linda

Susan Boyle's Dream

The showing of Susan Boyle's audition of Britain’s Got Talent really became a lesson for all of us. A lesson in judgment and pre-conceived notions. This woman seemed silly, and even nerdy, and she was being laughed at. But what a delightful surprise when she began to sing. For many of us, listening to the incredible voice of Susan Boyle singing “I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Miserables brought tears.

I really enjoyed watching the audience, the judge’s faces, (Simon Cowell) and loved their comments. Of course, Susan received a standing ovation. You can’t help but wonder if this forty-seven year old woman has spent her life singing only in the shower, without ever having any acknowledgement of her tremendous talent, yet always dreaming of what could be. Apparently her only prior singing was the church choir and karaoke according to what I have read.

Lisa Schwarzba from Entertainment Weekly online wrote today, “Right now I'm pondering why the experience of watching and listening to Ms. Boyle makes so many viewers cry, me among them. And I think I've got a simple answer, at least for me: In our pop-minded culture so slavishly obsessed with packaging -- the right face, the right clothes, the right attitudes, the right Facebook posts -- the unpackaged artistic power of the unstyled, un-hip, un-kissed Ms. Boyle let me feel, for the duration of one blazing showstopping ballad, the meaning of human grace. She pierced my defenses. She reordered the measure of beauty. And I had no idea until tears sprang how desperately I need that corrective from time to time. Yep. Simple as that. That's why I weep. What's your excuse?”

I think Lisa, the reporter, is on target. We simply recognize the inner beauty of this woman and are surprised as her incredible voice catches us all off guard. It is a wake-up call. Thank you Susan Boyle for giving us that, a reminder we cannot "judge a book by its cover," as we too often do.

I wanted to post the video but it has been restricted for posting, but go HERE to watch it. Millions have already watched her. A star is born….a star has found her dream!

~Linda

Spiritual Maturity and Attitude about Economic Crisis

“Distinguishing love from fear and choosing love instead of fear
in daily choices is the heart of spiritual development.”

~Gary Zukav, author

I was reading Gary Zukav’s Blog today and he has expressed basically what I believe about this economic crisis. I’ve had puzzled looks or reactions because I have said I am optimistic about the economic conditions we are currently in. I have also said people get caught up in fear, much of it instigated and propagated by the media where it grows like a snowball rolling down a hill. It seems we became so accustomed to buying into fear over these last eight years.

So what about change? It is about attitude. Whose attitude? Our own. And it is about responsibility. Taking responsibility for one’s own actions. People gave mortgages away, knowing the applicant was not really financially qualified but it lined their own individual or company pockets, and the applicant knew they could not “really” afford it, but it gave them a material thing beyond their means in the hopes that in a few short years they would make a bundle to put in their own pocket.

Gary wrote: “As we take our first steps towards spiritual maturity, we become less interested in blaming others for our experiences and more interested in using them to learn what we need to change about ourselves in order to move into our full potential. For example, when a marriage dissolves, a child runs away, or a global economy becomes dysfunctional we can make choices in fear – and recreate the damage – or in love and create differently.…Distinguishing love from fear and choosing love instead of fear in daily choices is the heart of spiritual development. This distinction, and the lack of it, can be seen on the macro level, such as the economic and foreign policies of nations, and on the micro level, such as the choices that individuals make when they are in power struggles or they feel that they cannot obtain enough, no matter how much or little they actually have.”

You can read more of what Gary Zukav here. I’ve always liked Gary's views, from those in his book, Seat of the Soul, to his many appearances on Oprah, and on his website and Blog. He says it well when he states: “Authentic power is the experience of fulfillment, gratitude, and meaning. It is the alignment of your personality with your soul – with harmony, cooperation, sharing, and reverence for Life.”

Yesterday on my World of Spirit Blog I wrote about Creativity and Achieving Potential, and posted an excellent inspirational and humorous video of Benjamin Zander. You may want to see that as it really does go along with this post. “Zander, the only conductor to ever lead the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, is a prophet of human potential and an unrivaled champion of joie de vivre. Watch as he helps unlock the boundless potential of a 15 year old cellist and teaches the entire Pop!Tech audience what it means to live in a world of possibility.”


~Linda

Carrie Underwood wins Entertainer of the Year, ACM 2009

Carrie Underwood won Entertainer of the Year tonight in Las Vegas at the 44th annual Academy of Country Music Awards, making her the first female to win the title since the Dixie Chicks accepted the honor in 2000.

The beautiful twenty-six year-old singer-songwriter also accepted the ACM trophy for top female vocalist. She said, "It is my belief that country music makes the world a better place, and I'm so glad to be a part of country music. I feel like I just won American Idol all over again."

She is a great talent, and I was very happy when she won the fourth season of American Idol. American Idol co-creator and judge Simon Cowell had predicted during the competition that she would win and that she would outsell all of Idol's previous winners. He was right on both counts. Carrie’s debut album, Some Hearts, is the biggest-selling American Idol album to date, selling more than 6 million records in the U.S. alone, and going Platinum seven times being the best-selling female country album of 2005, 2006 and 2007. Every single she has released to date has been # 1 on the charts, and she has won two Grammys as well as a number of other awards from AMA, ACM, CMA, People’s Choice and Billboard.

Here is her current single, I Told You So from her album Carnival Ride. I was unable to post a video with her singing live.

~ Linda

Sean Penn in "Milk"

Tonight I watched the movie, Milk. Wow, what an acting job Sean Penn did!

Within minutes into the film, you see beyond Sean Penn and see Harvey Milk. I told a friend not long ago I could not recall when I became a gay activist, or at least began to lean that way. Now I remember. It was Anita Bryant that did it! I wonder how many of us non-gays pulled away from Florida orange juice for while in the late 1970s because of her attitude. Did we replace fresh Florida orange juice with Tang about that time? Many all over this country were outraged about her attitude and bias against homosexuals. And the more she was outspoken with the bias the more irritated people became.

Living in California in those years, I knew a lot about what was going on over gay rights, especially in San Francisco, I remember John Briggs and the Briggs Initiative, and I do recall the tragic deaths of San Francisco Mayor Moscone and Harvey Milk. When I first saw the trailer for the movie, I recalled seeing the news clip of our now Senator Dianne Feinstein making the announcement of the shootings and death of her San Francisco colleagues.

Even though Harvey Milk died, his passion and dedication to the gay rights cause did bring the gay rights issues into the forefront, and hopefully we are making strides to bring about equality.

Isn’t it interesting that the Briggs Initiative was based on fear, just as Prop 8 was again in November here in CA. Politicians are so good at using fear to manipulate, and damn, it too often seems to work. You’d think people would wise up to that game.

The late Randy Shilts (1951-1994), openly gay journalist, reporter, and best-selling author, in a biography of Milk, wrote that Harvey Milk's life was a “metaphor for the homosexual experience in America.”

Shilts also wrote the best seller, “And the Band Played On: Politics, People, and the AIDS Epidemic,” an excellent non-fiction book. It was made into an award winning HBO movie.

Sadly, Randy Shilts died of AIDS at the age of 42. Cleve Jones, gay activist and friend of Harvey Milk, and cofounder of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and who conceived the AIDS Memorial Quilt, described Shilts as a hero and characterized his books as the most important works of literature affecting gay people. Having only read one of Randy’s books, “And the Band Played On,” I would agree the book is of significant importance to understanding AIDS in America.

If you’ve not seen Milk, I highly recommend it for a well-written screenplay by Dustin Lance Black, fantastic acting by Sean Penn, and for a look back at history, and acknowledgement of the on-going fight for equality and tolerance. We’re getting closer but not there yet. When people can set prejudices and judgment aside, and keep fear out of the way, someone like Harvey Milk or Matthew Wayne Shepard (1976-1998) will not have died in vain.


Read more on my previous Blog Oscar Winning Screenwriter, Dustin Lance Black, and Milk Movie



~Linda