New to me and notable: Did you know Hallmark the purveyor of greeting cards is based in Kansas City MO (KC MO)? Complete with its Museum housing all the TV commercials hawking its products, a city’s tourist destination. Coming into Downtown, the trains lined up pointing in the direction of the central business district (perhaps to off load/on load the State’s agricultural products including cattle) with the train tracks running parallel to a major traffic artery, an interstate along the Missouri River is distinct. Then one passes the Folgers Coffee roasting facility, and Garmin’s headquarters are footnotes. A newly opened Opera building, contemporary in design, looks like a giant electric turbine (harnessing the water’s energy, akin to WPA projects of past) is striking across the horizon. Such is the cityscape.
Looking at a US map, it appears KC MO is the center or “middle” of the country. The metropolitan area is populated with 2 million people. This place is noted for Kansas style BBQ (wrongly attributed to other side of the river) and jazz as its major contribution to American life. Though after a few days visit one still does not feel there is a there “there.”
Locals with whom I’ve struck conversations say life is easy, affordable, and KC suffers from an inferiority complex. Locals speak of the giant cow, the city’s mascot, signaling it still is a cow town. On exit, one cannot fail to notice the Hereford Association building, trumpeting cattle is raised here.
The newest proposed urban redevelopment project will be the conversion of the one-time Hyatt Regency into a Sheraton, and another of its property the Westin at the end of the “Link” will be rehabbed and upgraded. Both are showing their age and wear. 70’s architecture of concrete, glass and steel made to look like Eastern European proletarian structures. Why not tear it down and start over again?
The Hyatt Regency is noted for the internal collapse of its walk way/passage spanning the residential tower and its meeting/convention space. The fourth floor “gang plank” dropped onto the 2nd and down onto the ground floor. It is said this was the most tragic incident in KC MO history. http://ethics.tamu.edu/ethics/hyatt/hyatt1.htm
The reader might ask, what were you doing in KC MO? I was a speaker at a conference in mid July on Gambling Addiction and Substance Abuse, allowing me to stop in on this American city.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Friday, July 22, 2011
A Filipino in New Orleans
During my most recent visit to NOLA and strolling in the Quarters (French Market, Bourbon St), on numerous occasions I ran across the Philippine flag's color as backdrop to the recognizable 3 Fleur de Lis emblem of New Orleans. These flags/banners were flown by merchants in the fronts of their businesses. I wondered if these sightings are associated to comments made in past visits when people whom I met and chatted with, upon learning I am Filipino warmly volunteered “someone in my family” is Filipino (by marriage).
Reflecting on these incidences potential meaning, I read up on Filipinos in New Orleans. There is a written reference in Harper's Weekly during late 1800's (cited in Wikipedia) discussing the Manilamen along the shores. I remembered a librarian from the University of New Orleans giving a talk (during my undergraduate years) on the same topic Manilamen and their settlements near and around the Orleans Parish. These were Filipino men who off-boarded from the Spanish galleon fleet, near what we now recognize as New Orleans. My fellow countrymen settled in St. Malo, Jefferson, St. Bernard, and Plaquemines Parishes.
What does this mean for me? Beyond, I feel comfortable here. A contributing source to these feeling can be attributed to A, a dear and old friend who resettled here, and fostered my many discoveries. My first memory of New Orleans centers in waiting for her and the U-Haul’s arrival, the year before Katrina. I volunteered to drive down from Boston with her, and we agreed instead I would help her unload her belongings into her home (previously her grandmother’s) in the seventh ward. New Orleans struck me as welcoming and vaguely familiar.
Back in my stroll, I begin to wonder if the range of skin tones contributed to feelings of somehow belonging, or whether others related to my facial features, marking me as a possible inhabitant/resident past or current. Musings of a traveler who experience a sense of place like nowhere else I’ve been. Having been in many cities in the US and abroad, I find myself drawn to this place, a most ‘not American city” in the country.
Separately, I observe the relative ease in how people live their lives. Whether during the heat of summer, the temperate fall and early winter and during the holidays I’ve found myself celebrating with A, often I see families with young children and elders together. And it is not uncommon for folks to greet one another in the streets, or stores, pulling over their car and inquiring about family and kin.
On this recent trip, A and I visited many of her local haunts, including shrimp and crab palaces/shacks below the Interstate; Bullits a local dive bar where neighborhood “Creole men” can often be found; Bywater (near the Industrial Canal and old Miss river) where many local migrants resettled since it was not affected by the floods of Katrina. Changes in the immediate neighborhoods of the 7th ward are becoming apparent, more people, more street lights are lit, and roads are being repaved.
Among my cherished memories in this last visit is the taste of “Creole Tamale,” where the vendor instead of corn husk used parchment paper. Throughout my food adventures the subtle but richly spiced New Orleans style was front and center in my palate. Spicy different from hot, associated to the pepper heat, familiar to us who enjoy Mexican, Vietnamese, Indian or sometimes Thai food. Nawhlins cooking is a richly blended flavor giving the food both complexity and heat. A case in point, on the 4th, on our way to the airport, we stopped at a coworker and friend of Ginger’s for a BBQ. We sat outside, had a pile of “memorable” bbq’d chicken and pork. It was savory, sweetened by the tomato based sauce, managing to taste smoky and peppery. I chowed down as A described, noting my finger licking action, the mound of red beans and rice, and potato salad which complimented the meal.
As a traveler, I find ways to better understand inchoate impressions adding to my sense of the place. Of all the cities in the US I've seen through work and wanderings, Nawhlins stands out. Is the magic special to this place, its notable practice of Voodoo, entered my conscientiousness?
Reflecting on these incidences potential meaning, I read up on Filipinos in New Orleans. There is a written reference in Harper's Weekly during late 1800's (cited in Wikipedia) discussing the Manilamen along the shores. I remembered a librarian from the University of New Orleans giving a talk (during my undergraduate years) on the same topic Manilamen and their settlements near and around the Orleans Parish. These were Filipino men who off-boarded from the Spanish galleon fleet, near what we now recognize as New Orleans. My fellow countrymen settled in St. Malo, Jefferson, St. Bernard, and Plaquemines Parishes.
What does this mean for me? Beyond, I feel comfortable here. A contributing source to these feeling can be attributed to A, a dear and old friend who resettled here, and fostered my many discoveries. My first memory of New Orleans centers in waiting for her and the U-Haul’s arrival, the year before Katrina. I volunteered to drive down from Boston with her, and we agreed instead I would help her unload her belongings into her home (previously her grandmother’s) in the seventh ward. New Orleans struck me as welcoming and vaguely familiar.
Back in my stroll, I begin to wonder if the range of skin tones contributed to feelings of somehow belonging, or whether others related to my facial features, marking me as a possible inhabitant/resident past or current. Musings of a traveler who experience a sense of place like nowhere else I’ve been. Having been in many cities in the US and abroad, I find myself drawn to this place, a most ‘not American city” in the country.
Separately, I observe the relative ease in how people live their lives. Whether during the heat of summer, the temperate fall and early winter and during the holidays I’ve found myself celebrating with A, often I see families with young children and elders together. And it is not uncommon for folks to greet one another in the streets, or stores, pulling over their car and inquiring about family and kin.
On this recent trip, A and I visited many of her local haunts, including shrimp and crab palaces/shacks below the Interstate; Bullits a local dive bar where neighborhood “Creole men” can often be found; Bywater (near the Industrial Canal and old Miss river) where many local migrants resettled since it was not affected by the floods of Katrina. Changes in the immediate neighborhoods of the 7th ward are becoming apparent, more people, more street lights are lit, and roads are being repaved.
Among my cherished memories in this last visit is the taste of “Creole Tamale,” where the vendor instead of corn husk used parchment paper. Throughout my food adventures the subtle but richly spiced New Orleans style was front and center in my palate. Spicy different from hot, associated to the pepper heat, familiar to us who enjoy Mexican, Vietnamese, Indian or sometimes Thai food. Nawhlins cooking is a richly blended flavor giving the food both complexity and heat. A case in point, on the 4th, on our way to the airport, we stopped at a coworker and friend of Ginger’s for a BBQ. We sat outside, had a pile of “memorable” bbq’d chicken and pork. It was savory, sweetened by the tomato based sauce, managing to taste smoky and peppery. I chowed down as A described, noting my finger licking action, the mound of red beans and rice, and potato salad which complimented the meal.
As a traveler, I find ways to better understand inchoate impressions adding to my sense of the place. Of all the cities in the US I've seen through work and wanderings, Nawhlins stands out. Is the magic special to this place, its notable practice of Voodoo, entered my conscientiousness?
Monday, July 11, 2011
Single and the Dating Life: More Tips for the Dating again Set
A (mental) list maker, thought to expand an earlier Dating (again) Tips.
Grooming habits for the man who does not see himself as “metro sexual” (personal hygiene, manscaping or man-tainance); a bath seems to be something men rarely do. Missing out on the restorative value of a bath with Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate), known amongst many as a curative and a relaxant. Being relaxed at a first date is essential. The meeting is already laden with anticipation, unspoken expectations, and a pull to simply have a good time. Why not start out in a calm state. Go for it, draw a warm bath, add Epsom salt, bubbles and bring your rubber ducky –let it be fun.
During the prep phase, consider exfoliating by use of salt scrub, face scrub or mask. Gently get rid of the old skin, you will achieve a natural glow. You will be surprise how black heads and other "face" related concerns can be soothed away. The intention is to feel your best and you will look your best. Secondarily, help yourself maintain a more youthful look.
I do not mean for grooming to be a compulsive habit, but a practice that gives you an added boost of self-confidence. It also marks for you, a date's importance in your social life.
A friend commented after reading an earlier post; speak to "how do you get into the dating pool." For those reticent to simply dive in head first, what can you do after exhausting your friend and family network?
For some, signing on to OKcupid and match dot com are their first inclination, online dating services are just one of a few options for a busy working person.
There are many greet and meet whilst participating in favored activities sponsored by various organizations i.e. scrabble and board game players, tennis and other sports, hiking and walking groups, wine and dine. Give a call, sign up for an activity, and meet new people.
Another is the classic "water dispense/coffee maker" chat among other singles or recently married coworkers. They are not necessarily your friend per se, but they may have ideas on what to do, and where to go meet other singles. Those recalling/ relishing their more recent memories of single-hood may have places that come to mind faster than your roommate.
Something about dating rules, are in order. In the age of post sexual revolution, information age, transitory work/home life, what are good standards to abide by? When both sexes can asks someone out, going Dutch (paying your own way) is a real option, who calls and who plans? It doesn't matter. If the other person does not know you are interested, there will be no next step.
Be first, ask. Let the other person know of your interest in getting to know them etc... If it’s coffee or Happy Hour (HH), no harm done in making a move and getting it started. Can I call you again? I sense anxiety among readers rising, avoiding rejection, temper it with the pluses. You had the courage of your conviction; if the answer is yes, you have an opportunity to explore the infatuation you have held or the spark of interest which caught your attention at the start. As they say, nothing ventured, nothing gained. In our mid-years, no is simply a no. Try not to pile on your baggage.
Before I close, another friend commented on text-ing to ask someone out. She considered it cowardly, though you may not agree; your voice comes across as a human being interested in meeting another person. You may think yourself clever with a one-liner on a device, but its chicken poop.
Stay tuned for another edition of dating (again) tips.
Grooming habits for the man who does not see himself as “metro sexual” (personal hygiene, manscaping or man-tainance); a bath seems to be something men rarely do. Missing out on the restorative value of a bath with Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate), known amongst many as a curative and a relaxant. Being relaxed at a first date is essential. The meeting is already laden with anticipation, unspoken expectations, and a pull to simply have a good time. Why not start out in a calm state. Go for it, draw a warm bath, add Epsom salt, bubbles and bring your rubber ducky –let it be fun.
During the prep phase, consider exfoliating by use of salt scrub, face scrub or mask. Gently get rid of the old skin, you will achieve a natural glow. You will be surprise how black heads and other "face" related concerns can be soothed away. The intention is to feel your best and you will look your best. Secondarily, help yourself maintain a more youthful look.
I do not mean for grooming to be a compulsive habit, but a practice that gives you an added boost of self-confidence. It also marks for you, a date's importance in your social life.
A friend commented after reading an earlier post; speak to "how do you get into the dating pool." For those reticent to simply dive in head first, what can you do after exhausting your friend and family network?
For some, signing on to OKcupid and match dot com are their first inclination, online dating services are just one of a few options for a busy working person.
There are many greet and meet whilst participating in favored activities sponsored by various organizations i.e. scrabble and board game players, tennis and other sports, hiking and walking groups, wine and dine. Give a call, sign up for an activity, and meet new people.
Another is the classic "water dispense/coffee maker" chat among other singles or recently married coworkers. They are not necessarily your friend per se, but they may have ideas on what to do, and where to go meet other singles. Those recalling/ relishing their more recent memories of single-hood may have places that come to mind faster than your roommate.
Something about dating rules, are in order. In the age of post sexual revolution, information age, transitory work/home life, what are good standards to abide by? When both sexes can asks someone out, going Dutch (paying your own way) is a real option, who calls and who plans? It doesn't matter. If the other person does not know you are interested, there will be no next step.
Be first, ask. Let the other person know of your interest in getting to know them etc... If it’s coffee or Happy Hour (HH), no harm done in making a move and getting it started. Can I call you again? I sense anxiety among readers rising, avoiding rejection, temper it with the pluses. You had the courage of your conviction; if the answer is yes, you have an opportunity to explore the infatuation you have held or the spark of interest which caught your attention at the start. As they say, nothing ventured, nothing gained. In our mid-years, no is simply a no. Try not to pile on your baggage.
Before I close, another friend commented on text-ing to ask someone out. She considered it cowardly, though you may not agree; your voice comes across as a human being interested in meeting another person. You may think yourself clever with a one-liner on a device, but its chicken poop.
Stay tuned for another edition of dating (again) tips.
Saturday, July 02, 2011
Where is Daniel? NOLA for the 4th
Need I say, I heart Nawhlins... It is humid with triple digit temperatures in the day time. The vibe easy and life is --slower. In Porgy and Bess, "summertime, when the livin is easy" obliquely refers to Southern hemisphere summers, where all effort is about exerting as little effort as necessary. I digress.
ESSENCE the biggest "Black" festival is happening in the most Not-American City in the US. There are many family reunions, celebrations, and folk coming to town and enjoy the newly minted traditional weekend. The 17th Essence Festival, music in the Superdome main stage and in the super lounge, the workshops and vendors in the Convention Center, and people along the river. The lead up was apparent at LAX, while having a pizza and Caesar’s much chatter about the Fest can be overheard. The flight to Louis Armstrong Airport was full, not surprisingly the majority are African Americans.
The Quarters (Vieux Carré) and Bourbon Street are ready associations with NOLA; more recently the lower 9th ward and Katrina; among food and jazz enthusiast the Crescent City probably have few challengers; and for Freshman's what may bring them is the open bottle "poured into a cup" policy in the Quarters.
NOLA has many neighborhoods, the (French) Quarters, Garden District, Bywater or Marigny, Uptown, and small enclaves within the wards. I favor the 7th, the dividing line and a major road is Esplanade stretching from City Park to the River. Tree lined, Creole mansions and homes stand attending to the street more gracious than the better publicize Garden District. The 6th and 7th Ward has no trolley cars, popularized by Tennessee Williams play, which served the Garden District and the French Quarters. Elysian Field however, is a familiar track, since I travel this way from my friend’s home one block from the 3rd pump house.
Fortier Park (Esplanade, Grande Rue St. John and Mystery), where the 6th and 7th ward converge, is a shady patch of grass. On Thursday's at 6pm a drumming class for local kids and adults are given. I got to experience it on Friday, since my friends who teach the class had a pre-Essence gig in the Quarters. After the drumming, we sipped wine at our once often frequented local wine bar and chatted with others in our tribe. Earlier that afternoon, A and I drove into City Park, learning many of the old Oak Trees I wanted to visit were taken down after the last Hurricane season. The park more manicured, lost the fabled "old plantation" grounds feel to the place.
Change is coming slowly into New Orleans neighborhoods, with exceptions for the insured areas in the city. The rest still hold lingering reminders of Katrina’s devastation.
ESSENCE the biggest "Black" festival is happening in the most Not-American City in the US. There are many family reunions, celebrations, and folk coming to town and enjoy the newly minted traditional weekend. The 17th Essence Festival, music in the Superdome main stage and in the super lounge, the workshops and vendors in the Convention Center, and people along the river. The lead up was apparent at LAX, while having a pizza and Caesar’s much chatter about the Fest can be overheard. The flight to Louis Armstrong Airport was full, not surprisingly the majority are African Americans.
The Quarters (Vieux Carré) and Bourbon Street are ready associations with NOLA; more recently the lower 9th ward and Katrina; among food and jazz enthusiast the Crescent City probably have few challengers; and for Freshman's what may bring them is the open bottle "poured into a cup" policy in the Quarters.
NOLA has many neighborhoods, the (French) Quarters, Garden District, Bywater or Marigny, Uptown, and small enclaves within the wards. I favor the 7th, the dividing line and a major road is Esplanade stretching from City Park to the River. Tree lined, Creole mansions and homes stand attending to the street more gracious than the better publicize Garden District. The 6th and 7th Ward has no trolley cars, popularized by Tennessee Williams play, which served the Garden District and the French Quarters. Elysian Field however, is a familiar track, since I travel this way from my friend’s home one block from the 3rd pump house.
Fortier Park (Esplanade, Grande Rue St. John and Mystery), where the 6th and 7th ward converge, is a shady patch of grass. On Thursday's at 6pm a drumming class for local kids and adults are given. I got to experience it on Friday, since my friends who teach the class had a pre-Essence gig in the Quarters. After the drumming, we sipped wine at our once often frequented local wine bar and chatted with others in our tribe. Earlier that afternoon, A and I drove into City Park, learning many of the old Oak Trees I wanted to visit were taken down after the last Hurricane season. The park more manicured, lost the fabled "old plantation" grounds feel to the place.
Change is coming slowly into New Orleans neighborhoods, with exceptions for the insured areas in the city. The rest still hold lingering reminders of Katrina’s devastation.
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