1.Eat an anti-inflammatory diet. Olive oil, nuts, avocados. Avoid margarine, vegetable shortening, transfats, etc. Eat fish 3-5 times a week. If you don't like fish, take omega 3 fish oil supplements. The best salmon is wild. Try sockeye salmon; it's the least carnivorous, feeding on insects and algae. This accounts for its red color.
2.Use dietary supplements wisely. It's best to get your nutrients from food. Make sure you get enough vitamin C -1,000 units daily. Remember that sunscreen blocks Vitamin D absorption. It's good to go without sunscreen 15-30 minutes a daily to activate Vitamin D from the sun.
3.Use preventive medicine wisely -- screenings, tests, etc.
4.Regular physical exercise is 3-pronged: Aerobic is best if you speed walk and get the heart beat up to 60 percent of capacity. Vigorous walking takes no equipment and you can do it in a mall. (2) Weight training for strength. If you maintain muscle mass, obviously you burn more calories. (3) Flexibility/balance training. Remember that falls in old age are greatest cause of disability and even death.
5.Adequate rest and sleep. Napping is good. 20 minutes in the afternoon is delightful. As a side note, mild sleep deprivation elevates mood and combats depression.
6.Practice stress management. Stress is a toxin to memory and it is my educated guess that cortisol has negative effects on memory.
7.Exercise mind. Learn another language, musical instrument.
8.Maintain social and intellectual connectedness. Look to the Okinawans who have a low calorie diet, exercise a lot and do not consume a lot of sugar and fat like Americans. The old people there look radiant because the culture values aging.
9.Remain flexible and mind and body. Immerse yourself in the culture; don't isolate yourself as you age.
10.Focus on the benefits of aging gained through wisdom and experience.
11.Don't deny aging by going in for Botox or verbal deceits like "you're getting younger". No one is getting younger. Embrace process of aging.
12.Legacy. Think about what you have learned and want to pass on. What are the life experiences and how to pass on to younger generations. Maturity is when you become involved in the next generation.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
BACCKUS KIRK; TRIVIA NIGHT; AUGUST 7, 2007
Trivia Night...I raced here after dinner with a new friend Kent at Kuleto's (future blog). Here goes. Answers to follow:
1.What State are the miners in? What caused the catastrophic event?
2.After New York, LA, Chicago, what are the 2 cities with largest population in U.S.?
3.Who was President during start of the Vietnam War?
4.Who was Al Gore's running mate?
5.Actress Charlize Theron hails from what country?
6.What are the 3 incredients in a black cow?
7.What is currently threatening the British cattle industry?
8.Blackstone recently went public. What type of Company is it?
9.Which male, female performer got most votes for MTV Music Awards?
10.Sitting Bull is from what Indian tribe?
11.Name 5 countries which have territory in the Arctic Circle.
12.Bank of America when first established was known as which Bank?
13.Which State is nicknamed Pelican State?
14.If you listed all countries of world in alphabetical order, what would 1st 3 countries be?
15.A journalist was shot and killed in Oakland. Name him and his paper.
ANSWERS:
1. Utah. Earthquake.
2. Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia.
3. Lydon Johnson
4. Joseph Lieberman
5. South Africa
6. Vanila Ice Cream, Root Beer, Chocolate Sauce
7. Foot and Mouth disease.
8. Private Equity firm.
9. Beyonce; Justin Timberlake
10.Sioux
11.Canada, Norway, Russia, USA, Denmark (also Greenland)
12.Bank of Italy
13.Louisiana
14.Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria
15.Chauncey Bailey; Oakland Post
1.What State are the miners in? What caused the catastrophic event?
2.After New York, LA, Chicago, what are the 2 cities with largest population in U.S.?
3.Who was President during start of the Vietnam War?
4.Who was Al Gore's running mate?
5.Actress Charlize Theron hails from what country?
6.What are the 3 incredients in a black cow?
7.What is currently threatening the British cattle industry?
8.Blackstone recently went public. What type of Company is it?
9.Which male, female performer got most votes for MTV Music Awards?
10.Sitting Bull is from what Indian tribe?
11.Name 5 countries which have territory in the Arctic Circle.
12.Bank of America when first established was known as which Bank?
13.Which State is nicknamed Pelican State?
14.If you listed all countries of world in alphabetical order, what would 1st 3 countries be?
15.A journalist was shot and killed in Oakland. Name him and his paper.
ANSWERS:
1. Utah. Earthquake.
2. Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia.
3. Lydon Johnson
4. Joseph Lieberman
5. South Africa
6. Vanila Ice Cream, Root Beer, Chocolate Sauce
7. Foot and Mouth disease.
8. Private Equity firm.
9. Beyonce; Justin Timberlake
10.Sioux
11.Canada, Norway, Russia, USA, Denmark (also Greenland)
12.Bank of Italy
13.Louisiana
14.Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria
15.Chauncey Bailey; Oakland Post
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
ANITA THOMPSON (HUNTER THOMPSON'S WIDOW): THE GONZO WAY; 8/6/07 THE BOOKSMITH, HAIGHT-ASHBURY, SAN FRANCISCO
Anita Thompson, author of The Gonzo Way: A Celebration of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson (Fulcom, 2007). Booksmith 8/6/07. Everybody has their own Hunter Thompson story be it when they read one of his books or perhaps when they saw Hunter in person. I saw him at the Booksmith in the Haight-Ashbury in 1997 with actor Johnny Depp. Hundreds of fans formed a line around the block. Anita Thompson, his widow, has stories to tell about an American original who is part visionary, part revolutionary, part literary genius who was able to hold such a grip on our imaginations. The reason she wrote the book was geared to the response she received from thousands of young people who felt lost after Hunter died. She has 5 years of intense experience. One thing that worried her after Hunter's death was this misconception that Hunter's genius came from his lifestyle -- drinking Wild Turkey and taking a bottle of Dexedrine tablets must be the ticket to ride. If I took all these substances, the thinking went, I could write like Hunter. He discouraged people from acting like him. He was a big advocate of being an individual, of being yourself. Last book they collaborated on was Dr. Thompson's guide to physical fitness.
Anita read the chapter on Buy the Ticket, Take the Ride. Here is a portion of the Q and A.
Q:This may be a little painful for you but you were on the phone with Hunter when he shot himself. What were his last words - if you can tell us?
A: I was indeed on the phone when he did it and to some that seems like an act of cruelty but actually he was very loving and Hunter had been planning this for quite awhile as I know now. The discussion we had a year before that was about different sects of Buddhism. He was not a Buddhist by any means but one philosophy is that you decide when you're going to die. You think in your mind how you'd like to die, who you'd like to with die, etc. What you would like to wear, every decision is made from what shoes you put on that day to what you put into your body -- will that bring you closer or take you away from that? And we discussed that and he wanted me to be there with him and the circumstances were such that I was on the phone with him. His last words were very sweet. They weren't cruse -- just the opposite. It was in his mind an act of love.
Q: Do you feel that the public's mythologizing of Hunter's lifestyle is accurate?
A: Yes! He never encouraged it in anyone else. He did have a unique ability to -- he had a strange and unusual constitution both mentally and physically. Not only could he ingest more physical substances than other people but also he could absorb more information than other people I know. He read several newspapers and a stack of magazines every day. Some people called is a disorder but he constantly needed input. It was a flow of substances and food, too. It just kept coming.
Anita read the chapter on Buy the Ticket, Take the Ride. Here is a portion of the Q and A.
Q:This may be a little painful for you but you were on the phone with Hunter when he shot himself. What were his last words - if you can tell us?
A: I was indeed on the phone when he did it and to some that seems like an act of cruelty but actually he was very loving and Hunter had been planning this for quite awhile as I know now. The discussion we had a year before that was about different sects of Buddhism. He was not a Buddhist by any means but one philosophy is that you decide when you're going to die. You think in your mind how you'd like to die, who you'd like to with die, etc. What you would like to wear, every decision is made from what shoes you put on that day to what you put into your body -- will that bring you closer or take you away from that? And we discussed that and he wanted me to be there with him and the circumstances were such that I was on the phone with him. His last words were very sweet. They weren't cruse -- just the opposite. It was in his mind an act of love.
Q: Do you feel that the public's mythologizing of Hunter's lifestyle is accurate?
A: Yes! He never encouraged it in anyone else. He did have a unique ability to -- he had a strange and unusual constitution both mentally and physically. Not only could he ingest more physical substances than other people but also he could absorb more information than other people I know. He read several newspapers and a stack of magazines every day. Some people called is a disorder but he constantly needed input. It was a flow of substances and food, too. It just kept coming.
Friday, August 3, 2007
BRANDY HO'S:CHANGE FROM MUNDANE CHINESE;PETER'S JOKE OF THE WEEK
Brandy Ho's; 271 Columbus; (415) 788-7527.www.brandyhos.com. The first thing you notice upon entering is the large banner proclaiming ABSOLUTELY NO MSG. The restaurant doth protest too much, me thinks. Incendiary insiders insist this excellent Chinatown Human resource is numero uno for fairly priced flavor intensive chow from a menu designed for both the adventurous and the staid. You might want to specify mild or medium unless you have an asbestos mouth. The decor has the usual tacky ornamentation (plastic plants, flower pots separating the diners). Regulars prefer to sit at the bar and watch the wok folks at work.
Have an egg roll, Mr. Goldstone
Have a napkin, have a chopstick, have a chair!
Have a spare rib, Mr. Goldstone-
Any spare rib that I can spare, I'd be glad to share!
(Stephen Sondheim, Mr. Goldstone, I Love You, 1959).
This is definitely a go-to place for the financial district crowd. What with excellent book browsing at City Lights, sluicing, and cheery conversation and what-not, an afternoon can pass quite happily.
The restaurant does not pass out knives but they should if you opt for the calamari with black bean sauce and brown rice as I did. BIG MISTAKE! It was a very disappointing: rubbery, tasteless and the sauce not as fiery as I would have liked.(9.95). Regulars at the next table insist that you should avoid the smoked items and keep it simple! Diced boneless chicken with string beans marinated with ginger, garlic and hot bean sauce fits the bill. (8.50). Peter ordered the Lunch Bar Special (Hunan style spicy beef with mixed veggies). A real deal at just $6.95. Skip the desserts. Is there such a thing as Sugar Replacement Therapy? Yeah, it's called Chocolate. Best to bring your own. Make mine Godiva!
PETER'S JOKE OF THE WEEK:
Hi-Tech Restaurant.
A man walked into a very high-tech restaurant in a fancy hotel. As he waited to be seated, he noticed that the Maitre D' was a robot. The robot clicked to attention and said, "Sir, there is a one hour wait. And I am programmed to converse with you until a table is ready, if you please. Intrigued, the man said, "OK". The robot clicked a couple more times and then asked, "Sir, what is your IQ?" The man answered, "Oh, about 164." The robot then proceeded to discuss the theory of relativity, interstellar space travel, the latest medical breakthrough, etc. The man was most impressed. The next day he returned, but thought he would try a different tact.
The robot again asked, "What is your IQ, sir?" This time the man answered, "Oh, about 100". So the robot started discussing NASCAR racing, the latest basketball scores, and what to expect the Red Sox to do this weekend. The guy had to try it one more time. So the next day he returned.. Again the robot asked the question, "What is your IQ?" This time the man drawled out, "Uh...about 50." The robot clicked, then leaned close and very slowly asked,
"A-r-e y-o-u-r p-e-o-p-l-e
g-o-i-n-g t-o
n-o-m-i-n-a-t-e
H-i-l-l-a-r-y?"
Have an egg roll, Mr. Goldstone
Have a napkin, have a chopstick, have a chair!
Have a spare rib, Mr. Goldstone-
Any spare rib that I can spare, I'd be glad to share!
(Stephen Sondheim, Mr. Goldstone, I Love You, 1959).
This is definitely a go-to place for the financial district crowd. What with excellent book browsing at City Lights, sluicing, and cheery conversation and what-not, an afternoon can pass quite happily.
The restaurant does not pass out knives but they should if you opt for the calamari with black bean sauce and brown rice as I did. BIG MISTAKE! It was a very disappointing: rubbery, tasteless and the sauce not as fiery as I would have liked.(9.95). Regulars at the next table insist that you should avoid the smoked items and keep it simple! Diced boneless chicken with string beans marinated with ginger, garlic and hot bean sauce fits the bill. (8.50). Peter ordered the Lunch Bar Special (Hunan style spicy beef with mixed veggies). A real deal at just $6.95. Skip the desserts. Is there such a thing as Sugar Replacement Therapy? Yeah, it's called Chocolate. Best to bring your own. Make mine Godiva!
PETER'S JOKE OF THE WEEK:
Hi-Tech Restaurant.
A man walked into a very high-tech restaurant in a fancy hotel. As he waited to be seated, he noticed that the Maitre D' was a robot. The robot clicked to attention and said, "Sir, there is a one hour wait. And I am programmed to converse with you until a table is ready, if you please. Intrigued, the man said, "OK". The robot clicked a couple more times and then asked, "Sir, what is your IQ?" The man answered, "Oh, about 164." The robot then proceeded to discuss the theory of relativity, interstellar space travel, the latest medical breakthrough, etc. The man was most impressed. The next day he returned, but thought he would try a different tact.
The robot again asked, "What is your IQ, sir?" This time the man answered, "Oh, about 100". So the robot started discussing NASCAR racing, the latest basketball scores, and what to expect the Red Sox to do this weekend. The guy had to try it one more time. So the next day he returned.. Again the robot asked the question, "What is your IQ?" This time the man drawled out, "Uh...about 50." The robot clicked, then leaned close and very slowly asked,
"A-r-e y-o-u-r p-e-o-p-l-e
g-o-i-n-g t-o
n-o-m-i-n-a-t-e
H-i-l-l-a-r-y?"
Saturday, July 28, 2007
TAJINE: STAR REBORN FROM GRITTY TENDERLOIN TO POLK GULCH; JOKE OF THE WEEK
Tajine Restaurant; 1338 Polk Street; 440-1718; open 7 days 12 noon - 10:00 p.m. tajinerestaurant. com.
Do you remember Tajine as a tiny, cramped hole in the wall joint in the gritty part of the Tenderloin, a favorite destination of cab drivers? I'm happy to say that owner Mohammed Ghaleb's move to Polk Gulch has assured its popularity. Never tasted Moroccan cuisine? Now you can dine with friends under a row of beautiful Moroccan lanterns that provide a decorative element to a simple room. Start with a Fez favorite, Mozaic of Salad: a taste of zaalook, shalada, Taktouka and fresh beets. (7.95) Try the chicken bastilla filo dough filled with crumbly stuffing of minced chicken, ground almonds, scrambled egg topped with sugar dustng and a suspicion of cinnamon. (9.95) Sublime is the only word to describe the lamb tajine stewed prunes and roasted almonds in a delicious savory sauce. (12.95) The couscous unfortunately has succumbed to a sad simplication. My choice is the kufta tajine - ground meat balls sauteed in olive oil with red bell peppers, tomatoes, garlic & garnished with 2 eggs. (9.50). Delicious! Friends swear that the kabob plates are heavenly. Don't forget to end the meal with the traditional mint tea (3.25) and the homemade house dessert shepakia made of flour, almonds, sesame seeds, honey and orange blossom water (2.50). Such honest, heartfelt, generous cooking deserves highest honors. SF Weekly has declared it the best Moroccan Restaurant in San Francisco. I agree!
JOKE OF THE WEEK: Four guys in a club were arguing religion and politics (a no-no if people want to remain friends.) The Catholic argued his exclusive "inside-track" to salvation. The Protestant argued for personal redemption through the Bible. The Muslim cited Allah as his sole source of life and morality. All three turned to the fourth individual and asked him for his take on the discussion. "Sorry," he said, "I don't believe in all that religious mumbo-jumbo. I'm an atheist, Thank God!"
Do you remember Tajine as a tiny, cramped hole in the wall joint in the gritty part of the Tenderloin, a favorite destination of cab drivers? I'm happy to say that owner Mohammed Ghaleb's move to Polk Gulch has assured its popularity. Never tasted Moroccan cuisine? Now you can dine with friends under a row of beautiful Moroccan lanterns that provide a decorative element to a simple room. Start with a Fez favorite, Mozaic of Salad: a taste of zaalook, shalada, Taktouka and fresh beets. (7.95) Try the chicken bastilla filo dough filled with crumbly stuffing of minced chicken, ground almonds, scrambled egg topped with sugar dustng and a suspicion of cinnamon. (9.95) Sublime is the only word to describe the lamb tajine stewed prunes and roasted almonds in a delicious savory sauce. (12.95) The couscous unfortunately has succumbed to a sad simplication. My choice is the kufta tajine - ground meat balls sauteed in olive oil with red bell peppers, tomatoes, garlic & garnished with 2 eggs. (9.50). Delicious! Friends swear that the kabob plates are heavenly. Don't forget to end the meal with the traditional mint tea (3.25) and the homemade house dessert shepakia made of flour, almonds, sesame seeds, honey and orange blossom water (2.50). Such honest, heartfelt, generous cooking deserves highest honors. SF Weekly has declared it the best Moroccan Restaurant in San Francisco. I agree!
JOKE OF THE WEEK: Four guys in a club were arguing religion and politics (a no-no if people want to remain friends.) The Catholic argued his exclusive "inside-track" to salvation. The Protestant argued for personal redemption through the Bible. The Muslim cited Allah as his sole source of life and morality. All three turned to the fourth individual and asked him for his take on the discussion. "Sorry," he said, "I don't believe in all that religious mumbo-jumbo. I'm an atheist, Thank God!"
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
TRIVIA NIGHT: BACCHUS KIRK; July 24, 2007
QUESTIONS: (ANSWERS TO FOLLOW)
1.The recent NBA scandal. What does it involve?
2.What's the name of Jet Blue's loyalty program?
3.What country is isle of Zanzibar part of?
4.Name the two main guitarists of the Grateful Dead.
5.What is new odd feature of the Democratic debate.
6.Recent food scare: what is the health crisis?
7.What 2 movies had highest grosses at the box office?
8.Which 2 South American countries have no seacoast?
9.What ailment has technical name of dyspepsia?
10.Name official song of U.S. Navy.
11.Name the river which runs through Hades.
12.Who was just chosen to replace Bob Baker?
13.What year did Brady Bunch debut?
14.What is name of currency for Vietnam?
15.What country's capitol is Addis Ababa?
ANSWERS:
1.Gambling, betting, Tim Donahee.
2.True Blue.
3.Tanzania.
4.Jerry Garcia and Bob Weir.
5.Video Clips. UTUBE.
6.Botulism.
7.I Prounounce you Chuck and Larry; Transformers.
8.Paraguay; Bolivia.
9. Upset stomach; indigestion.
10.Anchors Away.
11.Styx.
12.Drew Carey.
13.1969.
14.Dong.
15.Ethiopia.
1.The recent NBA scandal. What does it involve?
2.What's the name of Jet Blue's loyalty program?
3.What country is isle of Zanzibar part of?
4.Name the two main guitarists of the Grateful Dead.
5.What is new odd feature of the Democratic debate.
6.Recent food scare: what is the health crisis?
7.What 2 movies had highest grosses at the box office?
8.Which 2 South American countries have no seacoast?
9.What ailment has technical name of dyspepsia?
10.Name official song of U.S. Navy.
11.Name the river which runs through Hades.
12.Who was just chosen to replace Bob Baker?
13.What year did Brady Bunch debut?
14.What is name of currency for Vietnam?
15.What country's capitol is Addis Ababa?
ANSWERS:
1.Gambling, betting, Tim Donahee.
2.True Blue.
3.Tanzania.
4.Jerry Garcia and Bob Weir.
5.Video Clips. UTUBE.
6.Botulism.
7.I Prounounce you Chuck and Larry; Transformers.
8.Paraguay; Bolivia.
9. Upset stomach; indigestion.
10.Anchors Away.
11.Styx.
12.Drew Carey.
13.1969.
14.Dong.
15.Ethiopia.
Monday, July 23, 2007
R and G LOUNGE: BEST SALT-AND-PEPPER CRAB; PROUST QUESTIONNAIRE
R and G Lounge; 631 Kearny Street (at Clay); 415-982-7877;www.rnglounge.com. This spiffy seafood house on the edge of Chinatown is hugely popular with the Downtown business crowd and is definitely hopping on a Saturday night. Recognized as a Chinatown cheapie, it is famous for its seafood (they've got two tanks ), especially finger lickin' good salt-and-pepper crab. It used to be that you'd have to check all other expectations for fine dining at the door but now there are tablecloths both upstairs and downstairs. The decor is no longer a pity. I came here after a showing of Werner Herzog's film, Rescue Dawn, at the Embarcadero, with my good friend, Zontar. Christian Bale ate ground worms for protein int he jungle. Zontar settled for the kungpao chicken (13). I chose the sauteed prawns with sweet peas (13). We shared a large bowl of white rice (2). Entrees were humongous and delicious. There was plenty left over for Sunday brunch. Zontar was sweet enough to take following quiz. It's a fun thing to do with your best friend!
PROUST QUESTIONNAIRE: (reprinted from Vanity Fair, August, 2007)
1.What is your idea of perfect happiness?
2.What is your greatest fear?
3.Which historical figure do you most identify with?
4.Which person do you most admire?
5.What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
6.What is the trait you most deplore in others?
7.What do you most value in your friends?
8.Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
9.What is your favorite journey.
10.What do you consider the most overrated virtue.
11.On what occasion do you lie?
12.What do you dislike most about your appearance?
13.What is your greatest regret?
14.What or who is the greatest love of your life?
15.When and where were you happiest?
16.If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
17.What do you consider your greatest achievement?
18.What is your most treasured possession?
19.What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
20.Where would you like to live?
21.What is your most marked characteristic?
22.What is your greatest extravagance?
23.What is the quality you most like in a man? woman?
24.Who are your favorite writers.
25.Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
26.Who are your heroes in real life?
27.What is your motto. This was asked of Helen Gurley Brown of Cosmopolitan & her answer: "Get up and do it if it needs to be done, even if you hate it!"
PROUST QUESTIONNAIRE: (reprinted from Vanity Fair, August, 2007)
1.What is your idea of perfect happiness?
2.What is your greatest fear?
3.Which historical figure do you most identify with?
4.Which person do you most admire?
5.What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
6.What is the trait you most deplore in others?
7.What do you most value in your friends?
8.Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
9.What is your favorite journey.
10.What do you consider the most overrated virtue.
11.On what occasion do you lie?
12.What do you dislike most about your appearance?
13.What is your greatest regret?
14.What or who is the greatest love of your life?
15.When and where were you happiest?
16.If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
17.What do you consider your greatest achievement?
18.What is your most treasured possession?
19.What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
20.Where would you like to live?
21.What is your most marked characteristic?
22.What is your greatest extravagance?
23.What is the quality you most like in a man? woman?
24.Who are your favorite writers.
25.Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
26.Who are your heroes in real life?
27.What is your motto. This was asked of Helen Gurley Brown of Cosmopolitan & her answer: "Get up and do it if it needs to be done, even if you hate it!"
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