Driving Miss Carrie

Simon and Carrie are on their way back from Philly! Their 10-day drive includes several stops at some classic American landmarks. If you haven't checked out their blog recently, you can see pictures from their cross country adventure. They also have this satellite tracking device that allows you to see the path they took.

Photographing Phood

Vegan Yum Yum has an nice entry about photographing food. I've always wondered how she cooks and takes pictures at the same time.  Like when you have your hands in the puff pastry, who's taking the pic? Lolo makes veggies look good and muy delicioso.  

On Affordance

Bill ordered Kenya Hara's new book, Designing Design for me. I read a few pages each night and found these few sentences interesting.

"...we shall realize that we sit right in the center of the future, as it reveals itself to us little by little, from within every aperture of our ordinary life. The idea that new things will come crashing upon us from afar, as waves begin in the distant sea, is an image that belongs to the past.

At the same time, the idea that technological innovations sweeps over the entire planet and shapes our daily lives is also an illusion. Technology will bring forth new possibilities, but it is still only an environment, not creativity itself. The question is how to use human wisdom in the new environment afforded by technology."

Junior Bill

You Know You Want One

It's a Slanket - a blanket with sleeves! Because you may want to play with your toy top or eat gum balls whilst keeping warm with your comfy fleece blanket.

A Full Moon Over Yogurtland

Bill and I went to try out the new Yogurtland near our home. Right as we sat down outside to enjoy our bucket-o-yogurt we saw a young man jump out of his car and walk towards the driver's side of a black baby Bentley which had stopped half in the right turn lane and half in the parking lot of the Yogurtland plaza. Apparently the Bentley was blocking both the right turn lane and the only entrance/exit to the plaza. Several cars started honking and more people get out of their car. It's pretty common to have road rage in LA but I've rarely seen people exit their vehicles. After a few minutes, with much maneuvering, the cars move around awkwardly clearing both the right turn lane and the plaza driveway.  

Half-way through, we heard a screech and a loud TH-THUMP. It sounded like one car had rear ended the car in front of it. Everyone turned towards the sound only to see a man amidst the line of cars. I hear myself say "Oh my god!" A car had hit a man running across the street. Cars in both directions stop as another customer runs into the street to stop traffic to help the man onto the sidewalk. He seemed dazed and kept asking about his keys, which had flown out of his hands.

I think the guy was running to Yogurtland. The weird part was, Yogurtland is located on a corner with a streetlight where you can cross safely. He was maybe 20 ft from the pedestrian crossing. For some reason he decided to play it like Frogger. What's the big rush? It's Yogurtland.  I'm sure they're not running out of fro-yo any time soon. The man seemed OK, but everyone watching had a heart attack.  That man is very lucky.  

Wow-zza

Joel, Bill, and I had a decadent dinner at Mozza Osteria last night. It was the most unique Italian fare that I've ever had. Each dish was very distinct with a well balanced mix of traditional flavors in simple but new combinations. Here is a run down of our meal.

Antipasti
Grilled Figs wrapped in pancetta with dandelion greens
Burricotti with radicchio, spiced walnuts, honey & fried rosemary
Burrata with bacon, marinated escarole & caramelized shallots

Primi
Fresh Ricotta & Egg Raviolo with browned butter
Maccheroni alla Chitarra with guanciale, early girl tomatos & spicy pickled peppers

Secondi
Grilled Beef Tagliata, rucola and Parmigiano with aceto balsamico
Crisp Duck al Mattone with pear mostarda & Brussels sprouts

Dolci
Panna Cotta di Vaniglia

Exit Strategy

I bought my freedom this weekend.

Better Luck Next Time

Planning for our high school reunion has been pretty fun because I get to work with Doris. For the most part, the planning process has been relatively pain free. Doris has been the force behind contacting people and increasing attendance. She volunteers diligently and is awesome.

I'm feeling a lot discouraged right now because of some complaints from people. I'm not sure why people who don't care enough to help out, care enough to make it point to make you feel bad. It's disheartening.

I tried my best to coordinate something nice, but if the bar at Cerritos Lane was sufficient, why didn't anyone speak up in the beginning? It's sucks prepping for the event now.