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Feature: Little India

Written by dvm Wednesday, 21 July 2010 08:20

Perhaps it is because I only had a few meetings there with fine people... perhaps it is because it's not far from my home and work... we all have our bias...

Perhaps it is because the proprietor is himself a serious connoisseur of coffee and tea... perhaps it is the cool decor...

Little India is a knick-knack shop as well as serving outstanding expresso, coffee and Chai tea...

Or perhaps it is just a fact: Little India is the finest coffee shop in the City of Jeonju.

Find out for yourself! -dvm

Show on Google Maps

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Sherrif Joe

Written by dvm Tuesday, 20 July 2010 16:22

[sic --> Reprinted as discovered]

SHERIFF JOE IS AT IT AGAIN!
You all remember Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Arizona , who painted the jail cells pink and made the inmates wear pink prison garb. Well.........

SHERIFF JOE IS AT IT AGAIN!

Oh, there's MUCH more to know about Sheriff Joe!

Maricopa County was spending approx. $18 million dollars a year on stray animals, like cats and dogs. Sheriff Joe offered to take the department over, and the County Supervisors said okay.

The animal shelters are now all staffed and operated by prisoners. They feed and care for the strays. Every animal in his care is taken out and walked twice daily. He now has prisoners who are experts in animal nutrition and behavior. They give great classes for anyone who'd like to adopt an animal. He has literally taken stray dogs off the street, given them to the care of prisoners, and had them place in dog shows.

The best part? His budget for the entire department is now under $3 million. Teresa and I adopted a Weimaraner from a Maricopa County shelter two years ago. He was neutered, and current on all shots, in great health, and even had a microchip inserted the day we got him. Cost us $78.

The prisoners get the benefit of about $0.28 an hour for working, but most would work for free, just to be out of their cells for the day. Most of his budget is for utilities, building maintenance, etc. He pays the prisoners out of the fees collected for adopted animals.

I have long wondered when the rest of the country would take a look at the way he runs the jail system, and copy some of his ideas. He has a huge farm, donated to the county years ago, where inmates can work, and they grow most of their own fresh vegetables and food, doing all the work and harvesting by hand.

He has a pretty good sized hog farm, which provides meat, and fertilizer. It fertilizes the Christmas tree nursery, where prisoners work, and you can buy a living Christmas tree for $6 - $8 for the Holidays, and plant it later. We have six trees in our yard from the Prison.

Yup, he was reelected last year with 83% of the vote.
Now he's in trouble with the ACLU again. He painted all his buses and vehicles with a mural, that has a special hotline phone number painted on it, where you can call and report suspected illegal aliens. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement wasn't doing enough in his eyes, so he had 40 deputies trained specifically for enforcing immigration laws, started up his hotline, and bought 4 new buses just for hauling folks back to the border. He's kind of a 'Git-R Dun' kind of S heriff.

TO THOSE OF YOU NOT FAMILIAR WITH JOE ARPAIO

HE IS THE MARICOPA ARIZONA COUNTY SHERIFF

AND HE KEEPS GETTING ELECTED OVER AND OVER
THIS IS ONE OF THE REASONS WHY:

Sheriff Joe Arpaio (In Arizona ) who created the ' Tent City Jail':
He has jail meals down to 40 cents a serving and charges the inmates for them.

He stopped smoking and porno magazines in the jails. Took away their weights Cut off all but 'G' movies.

He started chain gangs so the inmates could do free work on county and city projects.

Then He Started Chain Gangs For Women So He Wouldn't Get
Sued For Discrimination.

He took away cable TV Until he found out there was A Federal Court Order that Required Cable TV For Jails So He Hooked Up The Cable TV Again. Only Let In The Disney Channel And The Weather Channel.

When asked why the weather channel He Replied, So They Will Know How Hot It's Gonna Be While They Are Working ON My Chain Gangs.

He Cut Off Coffee Since It Has Zero Nutritional Value.

When the inmates complained, he told them, 'This Isn't The Ritz/Carlton...... If You Don't Like It, Don't Come Back.'

More On The Arizona Sheriff:

With Temperatures Being Even Hotter Than Usual In Phoenix (116 Degrees Just Set A New Record), the Associated Press Reports:
About 2,000 Inmates Living In A Barbed-Wire-Surrounded Tent Encampment At The Maricopa County Jail Have Been Given Permission To Strip Down To Their Government-Issued
Pink Boxer Shorts.

On Wednesday, hundreds of men wearing boxers were either curled up on their bunk beds or chatted in the tents, which reached
138 Degrees Inside The Week Before.

Many Were Also Swathed In Wet, Pink Towels As Sweat Collected On Their Chests And Dripped Down To Their PINK SOCKS.

'It Feels Like We Are In A Furnace,' Said James Zanzot, An Inmate Who Has Lived In The TENTS for 1 year. 'It's Inhumane.'

Joe Arpaio, the tough-guy sheriff who created the tent city and long ago started making his prisoners wear pink, and eat bologna sandwiches, is not one bit sympathetic. He said Wednesday that he told all of the inmates: 'It's 120 Degrees In Iraq And Our Soldiers Are Living In Tents Too, And They Have To Wear Full Battle Gear,
But They Didn't Commit Any Crimes,So Shut Your Mouths!'

Way To Go, Sheriff!

Maybe if all prisons were like this one there would be a lot less crime and/or repeat offenders. Criminals should be punished for their crimes - not live in luxury until it's time for their parole, only to go out and commit another crime so they can get back in to live on taxpayers money and enjoy things taxpayers can't afford to have for themselves.

A taste of Portugal, (part 7,final)

Written by dvm Sunday, 11 July 2010 12:14

Terry Lyons (Uncle Lion Academy, Samcheondong; Walker for Esther, wine maven) is taking his holiday in Portugal this year. He is sending reports of his journey to friends and family via email, republished here with his permission.

July 9

Phew!!!! 40 degrees today. Even Lisboetas were trying to stay in the shade. Must say it was a tad warm. No humidity but very little breeze. When a breeze came through you could see people stop and savour the second!!!!

Went to the Castlo De San Jorge in the old Moorish part of Lisbon today. The area is called Alfama. It is the oldest part of Lisbon. Very narrow and very steep streets are the thing that you cannot fail to notice. Especially if you decide to walk UP to the castle and the Monastery. This is the castle that the Moors built in the 9th century. It over looks Lisbon. Most of the photos of Lisbon will have this in them. It was impressive, but not as impressive as the castle in Sintra. I found both castles to be a bit frustrating in that there are lots of artifacts around with no labels in any language to tell you what they are. A massive stone wheel on a plinth but??? A series of walls and stairs that you can see but are railed off.??? Pieces of sculpture ??? Having said that, Sintra is breathtaking so they are forgiven. In other places it is as though the powers that be are content to have the stones, but don´t want to tell anyone what they are.

It was the same sense of frustration in the Lisbon military museum. Not a lot of ´stuff´ and what there was was either only in Portuguese or nothing at all. The Napoleonic section was particularly poor as were the 9th to 14th centuries. I was quite disappointed in the museum.

I´m going back to Sintra tomorrow.

Went to Amoreiras, Lisbon´s biggest shopping mall. Two hundred and ten shops. It is located in a building that looks like a bad wedding cake. Lots of turrets and spindles and alcoves. It is a pale pink colour. Apart from the outside it could be any mall in anywhere. The walk to the mall was more interesting. I passed a massive aqueduct that was finished in 1834. It is quite something. Just past it was a church and a simply incredible tiny park.

The park was an oblong with dozens of trees around the perimeter. Trees also crisscrossed the park. There were benches around the inside perimeter. and at 9.00 am, no people. It was so refreshing that I spent a good hour there just wallowing in the serenity and coolness before heading into the already very hot day.

As I walked to the mall a number of planes flew overhead. They were all heading towards the airport. They were so low I could almost see the pilots!!!! It was something that I saw when I was coming back from Madrid. The flight path to Lisbon airport takes you over many many many houses. You are so low is as though you could reach out and pluck a flower from the bushes. No wonder they are going to build another airport across the river.

Some odds and ends.

Sun glasses are worn by a lot of people here. There are very distinctive styles. Some have straight arms that have a small reflective strip. The sun glints off the strip. These are a young persons style. Next we have black, almost aviator style glasses but with thick frames and wrap around arms. These are thirty something glasses. Next we have the sunglasses that must be worn on the top of the head. These are for the ultra cool people of any age. I'm not sure that they even have 'glass' in them!!!! Last we have the 'sensible' glasses that the over 45's wear.

Internet places are for the most part small rooms with a maximum of ten computers. Some have as few as six. Some of the rooms have call boxes for overseas calls. Most people using the computers are either sending mail, checking flights etc. or chatting using headphone and the cameras. Unlike Korea I did not see anyone playing games.

Almost all of the city taxis are cream coloured Mercedes. No, not the sports sedan, but a Mercedes never the less.

I could n't help but notice the amount of French Fries that are served with meals. I was a bit surprised. When I asked about that I found out the Portuguese have always eaten fried potatoes. It is just more cost effect these days to serve the pre cut ones. Shame.

Went back to the castle at Sintra today. Even though I took the road more travelled this time there were n't many people walking up to the top. I could see more of the castle ahead and above me this time. Amazing. I paused a number of times to imagine what it would have been like to attack this place. Once at the top and looking down from the walls, I tried to imagine the defenders waiting for the enemy. It is very hard to describe the

feeling. This castle is 412 meters above sea level. I am still in awe of the people that built this thing. I'm sure that you can find more information on the Net if you are interested.

I spent a few hours there just thinking and looking out over the walls towards Lisbon.

On the way down a cyclist and then a runner passed me going up the hill. That was impressive.

More impressive was my retirement home!!!!!!!!! It is on a bend in the road. The castle is behind and way above it. Trees on three sides . A wrought iron gate in the middle of a chest high stone wall opens into a drive way. There are three iron lanterns on either side of the drive way. As you face the house you are actually looking at the side. You can see, well, imagine a square, on either side of the square is a upright rectangle with a triangle shaped roof. Each of the rectangles has an oblong window and above it a smaller square window. The square has a double oblong window. To the right of the building is the

'front door' It has a covered entrance and irregular shaped paving stones that lead to another gate in the wall. There is also a pond. It is for sale. I wrote down the phone number. I 'll let you know!!!!!!!!!!!

I was going to have lunch in the square but I found a little patio cafe just out side of town.

I had Alentejano soup followed by Grilled cod, green beans and grilled potatoes. I sipped on the local white wine poured from an earthen ware jug. Whilst eating and chatting with Carlos the 'head waiter' I asked about the soup.

Recipe as follows. crush garlic and cilantro. Mix into a paste and put into bowl. Drizzle a fair amount of olive oil over the mixture. Take a slice of thick bread and coat it with the mixture. Poach an egg or two in a pot and when ready gently take the eggs out and put them on paper. Pour the boiling water from the into the bowl arrange the eggs on top. Add some fresh cut cilantro and enjoy. The cod was delicious. Roasted garlic and sliced onion on top with raw garlic in the green beans. The small oval potatoes are boiled then put on to the charcoal grill. When done they are ' hit ' just hard enough to split the skin. A small piece of garlic is dropped in. Once again, delicious. Must say it was one of the more memorable eating experiences.

Whilst I sipped on coffee I was thinking about some of the other dishes that I tried.

Plates, and I do mean plates, of snails usually washed down with beer. Sardines charred on the grill and eaten standing at the counter with a glass or two of local wine.

Uruguay beef in a honey mustard sauce , sauteed potatoes and Brazilian green beans washed down with a 2005 Herdade de Figueirinha. Um Um good.

Game sausage with roasted vegetables, and a mediocre red that was forgettable

Spit roasted chicken, mounds of fries and a jug of beer.

Chorizo, tangy and really tangy cheese with a jug of Alentejo white wine.

Something a little different was the stingray in a leek puree with small boiled potatoes washed down with a very nice 2006 Tapada de Coelcheiros.

A very nice slow cooked Moroccan lamb dish with beer. The smell of the turmeric was, well, wonderful and the dates were, well, wonderful.

Salted crusted Atlantic sea bass. You have to be VERY careful when taking the skin off. Otherwise , tooooooooo much salt.

Had a nice Italian meal of prawns followed by lime ravioli washed down with a bottle of Pinot Grigio.

I also tried stuffed cuttlefish, Portuguese meatballs, various cheeses and meats including black pork.

It's no wonder that I put on a few grams!!!!!!!!!

As it was my last night night I took the tram to Belem to my favourite wine bar.

I sampled a grape called SIRIA. It was a 2005. Light but very nice.

Nelson then gave me a glass of 2005 Quinta de Valdoeiro from Bairada. This I liked and had three more generous glasses. As I was leaving next day Angelo and Nelson produced a home made apple strudel and poured me a glass of 2006 Grandjo late harvest Sauternes from Douro, on the house!!! I appreciated that.

If anyone is going to Lisbon you MUST go to Enoteca de Belem, have a glass or two and say hello from me.

I took the tram back to Lisbon. It seemed fitting that it was one of the old wooden ones.

I decided to have one last ginjinha [ cherry brandy] Wandered down to my favourite one.

As I stood outside I saw that the top of the local church was lit from the two flood lights below. In the shadow people were standing or sitting around the small square talking in myriad languages. Carlos was in his usual spot singing Fado tunes. Fado is uniquely Portuguese. It's a little like country and western music. Love it or hate it. It is difficult to describe. It usually has a mournful quality to it. It is sung by single male or female performer accompanied by a guitar. I liked the little that I heard.

I finished my drink and walked up the steep lane towards my hotel. Carlos's voice was getting fainter. I turned a corner and it was all quiet.

Adeus Lisbon.

To quote a certain Governor: I'll be back.

Terry

_______________

Terry has returned to Jeonju safely, and a little heavier.^^

A taste of Portugal, (part 6)

Written by dvm Monday, 05 July 2010 00:40

Terry Lyons (Uncle Lion Academy, Samcheondong; Walker for Esther, wine maven) is taking his holiday in Portugal this year. He is sending reports of his journey to friends and family via email, republished here with his permission.

July 3

The name´s Bond. James Bond.

Well, not quite and the casino is not as glamorous as I remembered from the movie.

I spent most of the day in Estoril and Cascais. The Estoril Casino is where they shot part of the 007 movie Casino Royal. It has more of a Las Vegas style about it than I was expecting. I declined the offer of a very expensive ´shaken not stirred ´martini and headed down the road to Cascais.

Both towns are where Lisboetas come for sun, sand and sea with Cascais being the more popular of the two. There are three bays in Cascais with enough sand for all. I did wander down and dip my toes in the Atlantic. Cold but very refreshing.

I ambled along the two kilo meter path/ promenade that connects the two towns. Lots of tourists and lots of locals. Easy to spot the Brits. They are the pink burned ones. There are all colours of skin from just arrived snow white to light tan, mahogany and then the almost black true sun worshippers. I sat in a bar in the left hand bend of the curve. As the bay continued of to the right I had an unobstructed view of the beach and the ocean. I sat back with my beer and watched the parade.

Shirtless pot bellied, grey haired men in everything from knee length boxers to speedos strutting their stuff. George Hamilton wannabes strutting their stuff. Middle aged women with a tad more tire than is fashionable, strutting their stuff. Middle aged men trying to remember how to strut their stuff as they ogled the nubile young women strutting their stuff. And all the while, seagulls hovered looking for suitable targets.

It would have been worth paying for.

After watching enough hits and misses from the gulls it was time for lunch. I wandered around a very touristy down town. Found a restaurant in a small tree lined plaza. Ordered a bottle of Rupe a Sussi 2008 Montepulciano D´ubruzzio. Started with a very tasty brucchetta. Ordered a Porcine mushroom risotto and sat back in anticipation of a pleasant hour of wine and food. WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!! The risotto was not very good. In fact, I can and have made better ones. It was too salty, too much butter and olive oil and not enough cheese. Ah well, the wine was OK.

I wandered a little more after lunch but found every thing tooooooooooooo touristy. I know, I know, I´m a tourist but you know what I mean. Took the train back and as I looked out of the window I though I was back in Korea. Rows and rows of high rise apartment buidings. Walls of canary yellow and pale pink. It was not the colours that surprised me but the number of high rises. Not something you see a lot of in Lisbon but I guess needed in the suburbs.

Back in Lisbon I went for a meander around one of my favourite areas and found a small cafe for coffee. Decided to stay and have a sandwich and beer for supper. The sandwich was delicious. Cured pork on thin slices of tomato, all in a soft round bread roll.

I walked back to a ginjinha and stood outside with my plastic cup of cherry brandy. One of the locals nodded. To cut a long story short I shook hands with Angolans, Goans, Brazillians, Indians, Portuguese and a number of people whose nationality I never did get.

The common language was cherry brandy with a smattering of English, French, Spanish, Portuguese and some languages that I never did get. Suffice to say, it was a later than a usual night, and Friday started a tad later than a usual morning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I did go to my favourite wine bar later Friday afternoon.

I had a very nice cheese plate with some Nisa and some Terrincho cheese. Pungent hard cheeses with with some flavour. I tried the following white wines.

2008 Muros Antigos made from the LOUREIRO grape. Light refreshing. Bit like sauvignon blanc.

Next was a 2006 Fiuza Premium. Blended from PERNOA PIRES and sauvignon blanc. it is from the Ribatejano region. The colour was amazing. Almost gold. Green tropical fruits. The vanilla gives it a creamy texture. Very nice.

Number three was a 2004 Pinto. A blend of Viognier and chardonnay. Pale gold colour. I didn´t like it at first but it grew on me and it was my first choice.

Last was a 2009 Guarda Dios from Tejo. This was a blend of Chardonnay, sauvignon, ALVARIANHO and ARINTO. More sauvignon than chardonnay. My least favourite.

I will be heading back there later on Saturday. There are some more whites that I would like to try.

Supper was a big bowl of vegetable soup, bread and a carafe of local white. Must say that I like the way that the vegetable soup is made here. It is thick and has a wonderful aroma. I´ll try to find out what herbs are in it and let you know.

Well, it´s time for lunch and yes, I have put on a few kilograms. Too much to try!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a good weekend.