I'm not doing a Top Chef Report his week because, frankly, it wasn't that great of an episode. My idea of good t.v. isn't watching something that still has eyes being cooked or eaten. I'm not a big fish or seafood eater anyhow. In fact my idea of good seafood is salt water taffy. I will say that Jamie was eliminated and that makes it unlikely that a woman will win this season of Top Chef. I honestly don't know how Leah keeps lasting. Carla could sneak in there and win but I think the odds are more likely that Stefan will win this year.
Some of you were talking about dealing with insurance companies and there was a very troubling article in today's Oregonian. Read the article here:
http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2009/02te_denied_health_insurance.html
The sum of the article is that the 25 year-old man that killed two teenage girls in downtown Portland found it easier to get a gun then he did to get health insurance. I'm not an anti-gun activist. I think those that qualify should be able to own a gun if they choose, although I will never own one nor will I ever hunt but come on folks shouldn't health insurance be as easy to get as a weapon? This man has been trying to get help for his mental problems since 2000. That is just tragic.
Another interesting news article that I found online states that for the first time in history women outnumber men in the work force. But before you get all excited about the end of discrimation and glass ceilings read the articlle for the reasons why at: http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/02/06/more-women-in-the-workforce-than-men/?icid=200100125x1218413947x1201247631
In a bit of local news. The famous Columbia Gorge Hotel closed. A beautiful hotel sitting on the Columbia River in The stunning scenic Columbia Gorge was host to presidents and celebrities and from guests worldwide. Known for the perfect place to have a wedding, immaculate grounds and for an amazing Sunday Brunch the hotel is a victim of the economy. Weddings already scheduled at the hotel may have to be cancelled although there is a report that a firm in California is buying the old gal. Want to see a picture of this beautiful lady? Go here: http://blog.oregonlive.com/news_impact/2009/02/ELHOTEL.JPG
On to something more positive. As you know last Sunday I had a small super bowl party for my Mom and her caregiver. Susan, the caregiver, sent me the most wonderful card. "Thanks for the "Super" Party. That was so fun and I haven't gotten to do something like that for so long. You are the best son a mother could ever have. God will bless you for the honor you have given your parents." Wasn't that just about the nicest thank you card?
For Top Chef fans who do you think will win now? For others Is the economic downturn closing famous tourist sights in your neck of the wood? Are there more women at your place of work than men? Inquiring minds want to know.
May this be a great weekend for all of you!
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8 comments:
I couldn't get to the article on the shooting, but it sounds like the man needed help he couldn't get, an altogether too common occurrence, it seems. Tragic that two other families had to pay the price for his inability to get help.
I did read the one about women in the workforce and wasn't too surprised to find they earn less and often work part-time, which will hold the economy down. It was interesting to see the reason wasn't necessarily more women in the workforce, by the numbers, but fewer men, as a result of layoffs.
Isn't the Columbia Gorge Hotel where you all went for brunch when you did the Netstock in Portland? What a shame to see the end of what's become an icon and a beautiful part of history.
A lovely card from the care giver. I'm so glad someone else appreciates you and all you do for Mom as much as we do.
Yes, that was a lovely card. Must have made your day.
And I'm SO sorry to hear about the hotel closing. I remember the wonderful brunch and the lovely grounds very well.
As to guns being easier to get than health insurance, well, that's no surprise. Our values are askew for sure. For the record, I usually get annoyed at talk about "values", but it seemed in order here.
Haven't read the article, but I can see why there are more women in the workforce. We tend to be cheaper. Still. When I first started into film editing, there were very few women doing it. When I got into sound editing, there were even fewer. That has all turned around now, and as far as I know, women earn the same as men in the field.
I don't know of any famous tourist sites that have closed here, but I've seen restaurant closings and the flower shop that has been on the corner for years and years just closed. It's a preview of things to come, I fear.
I think Stefan will win Top Chef, but sometimes their rules are so strange that somebody else may push him aside at the last minute. If that happens, I'd bet it would be Carla.
BTW, I wrote a response yesterday to your question about my daughter's talk, but for some reason it hasn't shown up. Her talk is on "Bug Fixing for Everyone", about how to find and fix bugs in software even if you're not a programmer. Or if you are. It'll probably be over my head, but I listen to these things and sometimes pick up useful bits even if I can't do the whole thing.
Hi DR
Sorry you couldn't get to the article. Yes the man couldn't get health insurance because he couldn't prove he was a resident of Oregon to the state's satisfaction. He had no problem proving his residence to a gun dealer.
I thought it was also interested that numbers changed because of men leaving the work force not because of women joining it.
I honestly couldn't remember if we stopped at the Columbia Gorge Hotel when everyone was here but Pat said it was so her memory is better than mine!
Bill
Hi Pat
I think your daughter's class would be very helpful, in fact if I were in LA, I would be there!
The card did make my day.
I couldn't remember if we did the Hotel when you were here. My mind went on a brain freeze.
You can talk about values her anytime and you can even let me know if I annoy you!
I'm glad women have made great strides in the editing field. The article stated that the reason more women are in the work force now because more men are being laid off then women. For a number of reasons, one that you mentiond. They pay women less.
Carla winning wouldn't upset me, however, Leah would. In fact I may start rooting for Carla.
Bill
The hotel closing saddens me, it is beautiful. It seems like that is happening more and more to places of history like that.
It was nice of the care giver to think enough to give you a card like that. I am sure you were smiling all day.
As for Top Chef I feel the same as you and Pat. I really at first didn't want Stefan to win but think he probably will. He seems to be good and confident but at the same time a bit too cocky for me. I don't think Carla is good enough to win, but you never know. Of the ones who are left I would prefer her or Fabio to win over the others just because of their personalities.
But then they would have to rename it Top Personality wouldn't they? :)
Hi Dona
The hotel is beautiful you just have to see it in person to appreciate it even more. So many historical sights biting the dust. It stinks.
Stefan doesn't seemed to be liked by any of the other chefs and especially by Hosea, but Hosea's dislike for him is over the top. Stefan is kind of a bully and in my mind way overconfident. However, he really is the best chef and togeth with Carla are the two most interesting personalities on the show. I think there are only three weeks left, be an interesting three weeks.
Oh and personality is part of cooking!
Bill
That makes me sad about the hotel closing, I still remember the wonderful time we had when we all went together. We have a similar old hotel here, but the local Indian tribe purchased it. I haven't been there for years, but it's supposed to be very lovely and posh, and they just opened a new casino next door, so I guess it's doing well.
My office is in a square that used to have several big restaurants and retailers in it, as well as many smaller places. All the big restaurants have closed, as well as two of the big retailers and several of the smaller ones. My office numbers are holding steady, which I consider a miracle with two new competitors in the neighborhood, but I do worry a lot about the future. People are hurting so bad this year. We've already seen more foreclosed houses than we saw all last year, and last year was the worst year we'd ever had.
Hi Mary
It always good to see you here.
I'm hoping the Columbia Gorge Hotel opens up under new ownership but I don't know how in this economy.
That is just sad that so many places have closed in your square but it is great news that your office is holding steady. With two competitors alone you would think there would be a drop in business then the economy is going to result in more people doing their own taxes. I think it just shows what a great office manager you are!
Our foreclosure are also at an all time high. Just really sad.
Bill
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