ASIAN FOOD, NATIVE AMERICANS, IN MISSOURI?

The invitation was for lunch.  We would be eight women and we would hear a presentation on the findings of a small Study about a tribe of Native Americans living in Arizona.

The Report on the Study was disquieting, sometimes shocking that Treaties made with Indian Tribes were still  broken or unfulfilled. We learned too about the damage to children and family life.  There were many questions and much discussion. As I listened, I thought of the many native Americans who settled along the banks of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers as well.

But it was our all-Asian menu* selected, cooked and presented by our hostess which created the most curiosity.  We learned the food was purchased from a place called Seafood City.

Seafood City is located in a former supermarket in the center of St. Louis' Asian neighborhood.  The store carries frozen and packaged foods, all with labels and brands from countries like Vietnam, China, Philippines, Japan and a handful of American products. Most salespeople speak more than one language and some speak English.

Fresh fish are spread out on large flat tables lined with ice chips, salt and seaweed.  More exotic seafood like soft shell turtles, dungeness crabs, craw fish, different verities of shrimp and live lobsters swim in large aquariums.  Employees working in the fish area wear the heavy clothing, shoes and hats of fishermen as they prepare their fish.   Live frogs are available when they are in stock.

Walking around the store I was reminded of the diversity of people, customs and food found here in  Missouri where Native Americans and immigrants could fit so well, given a chance. 

 

                       * OUR MENU                                     

 

SALAD CAPRESE

Yoba, Pea Pods, Dried Mushrooms

Water Chestnuts, Cashews

 

FRUIT COCKTAIL

Rambutan, Lychee,

Jack Fruit, Longgun

 

MOCHI RICE CAKES

 

MOCHI ICE CREAM BALLS

 

FRESH LYCHEES

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARE WE TURNING INTO TRIBAL SOCIETIES?

We read of foreign countries where power is accrued with guns and armies. We read of tribal wars.
We read of guns used to silence dissent.   We sigh and tell ourselves these are backward countries.

Then we read of daily "shoot outs" in our cities and towns. We read of the increase of gun sales. We read that guns and ammunition are becoming a fashionable accessory to be worn on the hip. We read of our legislators enacting laws to assure the free flow of weapons and ammunition.

We grieve for innocent lives cut down in familiar places by military style guns, even as we rush out to buy more of the same. 

What then is the difference between us and tribal societies in which lawlessness and guns rule the conditions under which people live?

THE CANARY TAKES A WALK!

He came out from the underbrush. He was carrying a white parcel.  He placed the parcel on the ground near the walkway, gingerly fixed this way and that. He left the parcel on the ground and went to the small fence which protects walkers from the gulley below. He began to warm up. He finished, gave the parcel one last look and then began his walk.

As I passed the parcel I slowed down to have a look.  Under the white sheet was a bird cage.  In it was  a canary.   A bird lover bringing his canary with him as he went on his walk. It seemed an odd
but nice thing to do.

I felt sure the man enjoyed his walk. The canary must have enjoyed being outside. I went on my way smiling.

BITCOMS: HERE WE GO AGAIN?

I had lunch with a friend who is familiar with financial markets. We talked for a while and then I asked what she knew about BITCOMs.  She said, "Not a thing but I'll ask the hot shots in my office."

Throughout the ages people have used false claims in hope of enticing us. Whether it was a Circus Pitchman promoting an illusion, or a speculator selling worthless land or  a financial wizard offering a double our money back opportunity, we are taken in by colorful characters and their offers.

Now comes the "First Exchange-Traded Fund for BITCOMS."  Described in the New York Times Business News Section on July 2 as "an alternative crypto-currency that exists outside the realms of governments and central banks - a virtual currency."

 The article sounded like the same kind of thinking that conceived  the  scheme for hidden derivatives
which caused the financial havoc that is still with us.  I sure hope  not!