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!

NULLIFICATION OR COOL HEADED REASONING?

Seems state and congressional officials are pursuing nullification and a steady stream of violent verbiage to undo Federal Laws that meet the needs of people.

 Federal Laws that seemed to help overcome injustices in voting, in marriage, in the health and welfare of men, women, children and families, in a common sense approach to gun control, in penalties for pollution, in fair and equal taxation methods all are targeted for nullification by many state and congressional representatives. 

Thank goodness for those elected officials who stand up against such moves and encourage citizens to use reason and cool headiness in the face of threats and misinformation.

RESTAURANTS AND DR. SUESS' ADMONITION

In the 70s, many small family owned and operated restaurants opened in cities and towns across the country.  Some restaurants revitalized blighted areas. They offered eclectic menus. Locally- grown American fare was served along with dishes from around the world. The ambiance was often one that included music, poetry readings and wall hangings by local artists.

These restaurants became places to meet neighbors and people with like-minded interests. Politics, sports, the trials and tribulations of raising children, and  the complexity of human relationships all could be heard at tables or in booths sometimes placed close together.

Such a restaurant was Duff's which was opened in 1972.  Family owned and operated, it soon became the "in" place no matter the weather. In wintertime, the interior was plain and warmed by the sun as it streamed through the restaurant's stained glass front windows.  In the summers, outside tables and chairs were hard to get. Year round, writers and authors held readings and once in a while a violin could be heard.

Many restaurants here and throughout the country that were established in the years since the 70s no longer exist .  Now, this ever popular St. Louis spot  closed its doors too on June 21.  It will have its final literary reading on June 22nd.

Above Duff's front door hangs a quote from Dr. Seuss:

              "Don't cry because it's over... Smile because it happened."

WHAT DO WE DO ABOUT MISTAKES?

Two small children and their mother came into my favorite coffee shop.  The children looked as if they might be brother and sister.  The boy was about three.  The girl about five. Both were beautiful, exuberant children.

The mother ordered breakfast while the children selected a table and then roamed about.  When the mother brought the food, they all sat down. I returned to reading  my paper until I heard the mother yell, "Say you are sorry!" When I looked up the mother was on her knees on the floor trying to clean up a mess and the little boy was running to the other side of the restaurant shouting, "I won't!"

I do not know what happened but the whole scene made me wonder.  Do we use "sorry" as an acceptable response to excuse our mistakes instead of doing the hard work of cleaning up the mess we sometimes make?