Guest blogger and celebration of food and final terms

Hi. This is Karol Brown, writing as a guest blogger on Roxanne's Road Rules blog. I came to Roxanne's house to celebrate the first day of the last term of Roxanne's law school career. Hooray! We toasted with champagne, flavored with Creme de Cassis liquor.

One of the most irresistable temptations for me was that Roxanne agreed to cook for me. For those of you who know me, that in itself is enough to have me travel far outside my normal routes. Compared to the Lean Cuisine dinner that was waiting for me at home, the Chicken with Mushroom Sherry Sauce was a gourmet delight! Now, that is not a fair comparison but it has been some time since I had a home-cooked meal that involved more than four ingredients.

For those interested in trying this delicacy for yourself, below is the link to this recipe online:
Chicken with Mushroom Sherry Sauce

And for those of you keeping track, Roxanne now has 10 weeks of law school to go. She'll be done with her last round of finals by Christmas of 2008. She'll then have a short vacation to recuperate before diving into the bar review course. The bar exam is in late February, and (assuming all goes well) she'll be a full-fledged attorney by May 2009.

As Roxanne says (and we all echo), "Oh Thank God!"

Verbalizing my internal dialogue

As I wrote a few weeks ago, the Seattle Post Intelligencer invited me to participate on a panel discussion following President Bush’s final State of the Union address (See, “An offer I can’t refuse”). My friend, Karol and I attended together. We knew from the start that one of our biggest challenges would be controlling any outbursts during the President’s speech. Being competitive people, we made a bet that the first person with an uncontrolled, audible and coherent outburst would have to buy dinner (groaning and rolling eyes did not count – an actual coherent word or phrase had to escape – we are not saints, after all).

Interestingly, we both made it through without losing the bet. (This might be because the President’s speech was significant more for what it did not say, than what it did. It was easier not to scream out, “You’ve got to be kidding!”) At this time, I am going to reward myself here by indulging in voicing my internal dialogue (in italics and in the first-person voice of the President) regarding some portions of the President’s address that I found significant.

“We have faced hard decisions about peace and war, rising competition in the world economy and the health and welfare of our citizens. These issues call for vigorous debate, and I think it's fair to say we've answered that call.” (Yeah, the debate sure has been much more vigorous since my party lost the congressional majority that rubber-stamped all of my policies about these issues for the first four years of my presidency.)

“[L]et us show them that Republicans and Democrats can compete for votes and cooperate for results at the same time.” (And let us forget the first four years of my presidency when I had a Republican congress and the liberty of telling the Democrats to go blow. (See above.))

“We believe that the most reliable guide for our country is the collective wisdom of ordinary citizens. So in all we do, we must trust in the ability of free people to make wise decisions, and empower them to improve their lives and their futures.” (Except in the event that my opponent wins the popular vote; then, I believe the Supreme Court should decide that I will be president.)

“[T]ogether, we showed the world the power and resilience of American self-government.” (Particularly where we decide that we are not going to follow international treaties and obligations that were willingly entered into by previous administrations. That just perks up middle-Americans and shows the world how ‘powerful’ we are. Of course, you have to understand that my definition of power is akin to that of a two year old where I get to do what I want to do when I want to do it and how I want to do it. Ahhh, no wonder I go to bed early and take naps.)

“Wages are up, but so are prices for food and gas.” (I do not really mean “wages” so much as I mean “income” for my capitalist friends. In fact, if this were a press conference where anyone would challenge what I was going to say, I would not be able to say that wages were up. This is because, after adjusting for inflation, the average worker’s wages have been flat.)

“We have other work to do on taxes. Unless the Congress acts, most of the tax relief we have delivered over the past 7 years will be taken away. Some in Washington argue that letting tax relief expire is not a tax increase. Try explaining that to 116 million American taxpayers who would see their taxes rise by an average of $1,800.” (Never mind how the vast majority of my tax relief went to the richest income earners – see how I phrase this so that the remaining taxpayers think that their taxes will go up $1,800 personally?)

“Others have said they would personally be happy to pay higher taxes. I welcome their enthusiasm, and I am pleased to report that the IRS accepts both checks and money orders.” (See how, even though I am also President to the 49% who did not vote for me, I can get away with being showing my disdain for them by hiding my remarks under humor? Clever me.)

“There is only one way to eliminate this uncertainty: make the tax relief permanent. And members of Congress should know: If any bill raising taxes reaches my desk, I will veto it.” (Remember, I did not veto anything in my first five years until the stem cell research bill. I prefer signing statements, like I issued on McCain’s ridiculous anti-torture bill. I figured out that the American people support me vetoing good legislation or modifying it at-will. See, the first four years of bad legislation = no vetoes and I got re-elected. Second four years with good legislation = vetoes. Must be the same thing, right?)

“To build a future of quality health care, we must trust patients and doctors to make medical decisions and empower them with better information and better options…We will help ensure that decisions about your medical care are made in the privacy of your doctor's office - not in the halls of Congress.” (Except when those choices involve a woman’s right to choose regarding reproduction; discussion of birth control in third world countries where we send aid; stem cell research, or – let’s see, Terry Schiavo. In those cases, I believe the federal government knows better than you or a doctor that actually has been to medical school.)

“We share a common goal: making health care more affordable and accessible for all Americans. The best way to achieve that goal is by expanding consumer choice, not government control.” (Never mind that 20% of all non-Medicare healthcare dollars supplement the inefficiencies created by a multi-payer system. Therefore, Medicare, a governmentally controlled program, is actually 20% more efficient than the open market. See, that would not get my insurance buddies any money, see. Notice how I frame this debate in terms of “consumers?” This is so that no one will be confused with healthcare being a right or any of that other such nonsense. If people cannot pay for it, they do not deserve to have it. Let them die.)

“Six years ago, we came together to pass the No Child Left Behind Act, and today no one can deny its results.” (Did you catch that clever slight-of-hand? Notice, I did not specify positive nor negative results. I just said, “results” so no one can say my speech wasn’t honest. Failure is a “result” too. The title is catchy too – “No Child Left Behind.” Schools are not faulted for dropouts as heavily as for low performers. So, if the kiddies aren’t performing to par, we just force them out.)

“[Free trade agreements] will support good jobs for the finest workers in the world: those whose products say "Made in the USA." (Like clothing manufactured in the Mariana Islands at slave wages in subhuman conditions. Desperate people really do make the finest workers, don’t you find?)

“To build a future of energy security, we must trust in the creative genius of American researchers and entrepreneurs and empower them to pioneer a new generation of clean energy technology. Our security, our prosperity and our environment all require reducing our dependence on oil.” (Wow, it sure was politically expedient of me finally to acknowledge that global warming was a problem after calling it a “myth” for so long. Of course, I was kinda backed into a corner by that fellow, Al, who won a Nobel Peace Prize. Plus, now my corporate buddies have figured out a way to commodify being green, I’ve got to get on the bandwagon.)

“Together we should take the next steps: Let us fund new technologies that can generate coal power while capturing carbon emissions.” (Of course, with the damage done to the environment by mining companies, any environmental savings will be negated if Americans use more coal because they think it is “green” – if carbon-neutral coal burning can even be achieved in the first place.)

“Let us create a new international clean technology fund, which will help developing nations like India and China make greater use of clean energy sources. And let us complete an international agreement that has the potential to slow, stop and eventually reverse the growth of greenhouse gases.” (Yes, this is just like the Kyoto Protocol that I withdrew the United States signature from. You see, back then I wanted to show my fellow conservatives my disdain for international agreements. However, that I am going to be out of office in a year, I want to be able to take credit for an idea that the democrats are sure to implement after I am gone.)

“In communities across our land, we must trust in the good heart of the American people and empower them to serve their neighbors in need.” (Because on my watch, the government will not. We restrict our aid to foreigners. The only government housing for the homeless that I approve of is the White House and it is mine.)

“Tonight the armies of compassion continue the march to a new day in the Gulf Coast. America honors the strength and resilience of the people of this region. We reaffirm our pledge to help them build stronger and better than before.” (I say this knowing that most of America has forgotten all about Katrina, and will not even realize that we have had people living in formaldehyde leaching trailers for over two years.)

“And on a clear September day, we saw thousands of our fellow citizens taken from us in an instant. These horrific images serve as a grim reminder: The advance of liberty is opposed by terrorists and extremists - evil men who despise freedom, despise America and aim to subject millions to their violent rule.” (35 minutes into my speech and I am just now mentioning September 11; I must be slipping. Also, I’m counting on the fact that no one knows about the study from the University of Chicago (the same university that spawned the Neo Conservative movement) that shows that suicide terrorists don’t actually “despise freedom;” they just want foreign troops off soil that they consider to be their holy land. Like Osama Bin Laden demanding that we get our troops out of Saudi Arabia. I mean, it is not as if he did not give us any warnings before September 11. He asked us to leave; there was the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and the bombing of the USS Cole. However, the American people are too dull for nuance so I can get away with saying whatever I want that will scare American’s into trusting me.)

“Since September 11, we have taken the fight to these terrorists and extremists. We will stay on the offense, we will keep up the pressure, and we will deliver justice to the enemies of America.” (So long as you all are clear that I have redefined the meaning of “justice” to mean holding people without trial on some god-forsaken island; and when given a trial, have removed all procedure that would render the proceedings fair. Oh well, it was the Declaration of Independence that said, “All men are created equal.” The Constitution does not say anything like that so I am sure it was only meant to apply to Americans. It never was a statement about our fundamental values as Americans – vengeance and revenge.)

“The terrorists oppose every principle of humanity and decency that we hold dear.” (Like extraordinary rendition, disappearances and water boarding. They like to kill their victims outright. We like to hold then and torture them until they are crazy.)

“When we met last year, al-Qaida had sanctuaries in many areas of Iraq…Today, it is al-Qaida that is searching for safe passage. They have been driven from many of the strongholds they once held, and over the past year, we have captured or killed thousands of extremists in Iraq, including hundreds of key al-Qaida leaders and operatives. Last month, Osama bin Laden released a tape in which he railed against Iraqi tribal leaders who have turned on al-Qaida and admitted that coalition forces are growing stronger in Iraq…Al-Qaida is on the run in Iraq, and this enemy will be defeated.” (I just have to keep conflating the two groups, Al-Qaida and Al-Qaida-In-Iraq, and Americans will never know the difference. They’ll never understand that Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11 and that Al-Qaida didn’t exist in Iraq until I invaded it. As I said before, the American people aren’t big on nuance. That’s why I won against that intelligent fellow, Kerry. Too much nuance.)

“One of the most important tools we can give them is the ability to monitor terrorist communications. To protect America, we need to know who the terrorists are talking to, what they are saying, and what they are planning. Last year, the Congress passed legislation to help us do that. Unfortunately, the Congress set the legislation to expire on February 1. This means that if you do not act by Friday, our ability to track terrorist threats would be weakened and our citizens will be in greater danger.” (Apparently, it is important that Congress pass a law granting phone companies retroactive immunity for already-broken laws, but its ok if surveillance is disrupted because the FBI didn’t pay the phone bills.)

“America is opposing genocide in Sudan and supporting freedom in countries from Cuba and Zimbabwe to Belarus and Burma.” (Never mind that America has an affirmative duty to act in the event of genocide pursuant to the Genocide Convention. I don’t like international agreements so I can say what I want and no one will call me on it. The United States can always withhold its dues so that the UN won’t be able to even hold a hearing. Hey, that’s not a bad idea. Maybe we should stop paying the light bills in all domestic courthouses where I don’t like the judge’s opinions…)

“And tonight, I ask the Congress to support an innovative proposal to provide food assistance by purchasing crops directly from farmers in the developing world, so we can build up local agriculture and help break the cycle of famine.” (I have to say at least one intelligent and logical thing in this speech – just in case some historian tries to use my mental health as an explanation for my tenure as President and the sorry state I am leaving this country in.)

Ahhhh (sigh of relief), I feel much better.

Getting naked in the land of milk and honey.

On Monday, I went to the Olympus Women's Spa with Anjali, Karol and Marlo. It is a Korean-style spa. I first went with Anjali in June 2006 as my graduation present for getting my bachelor's degree.

On my first visit, I was intimidated because in the wet room of the spa, with the hot tubs, showers and two different saunas, women are completely nude. Early on after entering the room, I had a moment where I had to chose: either spend the rest of the day self-conscious about my body or give it up and enjoy myself. I gave it up as an issue and had a fantastic time.

By the time I left with Anjali on that first visit, I was a convert. One of the coolest things about the whole experience is really getting that most women don't look anything like the magazines, and that no matter our size, we all have flaws and jiggles - and we're beautiful nonetheless.

This trip, I treated Marlo as a reward for her hard work with taking two AP classes, being on the cheer squad and working hard every weekend at her job. We both got the body scrub / body moisturizing package. To begin with, you soak in the hot tubs between 30-60 minutes before your appointment. Then, a nice Korean woman scrubs you down top to bottom and all parts in between with these intense scrubbers (think sandpaper) - three times. By the time they are done, your skin is so smooth.

Then, we had lunch with Karol and Anjali and spent time in the heated salt, sand and mud rooms, reading magazines and napping. Then, the most wonderful part of the day arrived: the body moisturizing.

First, the nice Korean woman rubs your body all over with warmed olive oil and removes the excess with hot towels. Then, they rub hot milk all over your body, followed by the hot towels. Then, they rub warmed honey all over your body. While the honey is resting, they do a facial with practically frozen shredded cucumbers. It is seriously the most amazing experience.

By the time we left, my skin was silky smooth and I smelled sweet like milk and honey. Ahhhh.

http://www.olympusspa.net/Tacoma/index.aspx

http://www.thenewstribune.com/soundlife/story/180207.html

Two memorial services

I posted last week that Jeanette Cissell passed away on October 3, 2007. Her memorial is going to be held on Monday, October 15, 2007 in Des Moines, WA. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/paris2008

While I was in Europe, a law student in my class passed away unexpectedly from an undetected brain hemorage. Ben Athay and his wife had just had their first child, a son named Oliver, during our 1L year. The law school is holding a memorial on Friday, October 12, 2007. http://www.law.washington.edu/News/Articles/Default.aspx?YR=2007&ID=AthayMemorial

I'll be going to the memorials, but am dreading it. I know it sounds terrible, but I hate going. I remember going to Aunt Hazel's funeral when I was about 10 years old and being scared to death because her body was there. Then, two years after high school I went to the funeral of a girl from my graduating class who had committed suicide. It was awful. We were sitting directly behind her sobbing parents and in front of her grandparents. Plus, her two year old daughter didn't understand what was happening and was running around the coffin on the alter. Even the priest couldn't stop crying. The last funeral I went to was for Uncle Jim. The family opened it up for people to share, but no one was willing, so I spoke. I couldn't stop crying throughout my share.

I know they say that these things are for the people left behind to begin grieving and to get closure. I'd prefer it if everyone who loves me is complete with me before I die so that they can just skip the whole ordeal. Personally, unless Marlo, my family, and/or my friends specifically say they want a memorial, donate the money that would be spent on my memorial to a good charity** in my name and call it a day. As much that I am into propriety, etc., I'd rather not put my friends through a memorial just for form's sake.



**Because my family and I will differ on what is deemed a "good charity," I'm designating my friend Karol in charge of selecting the charity. She and I think alike about politics and society so if she thinks it is good, so will I.

A nice diversion: second dinner with Frank

Frank and I went out to dinner again last night, Friday night. I knew I would need a diversion from studying for my final exams on Saturday - or alternatively, from obsessing and worrying about them.

I've been wearing my hair up because it is so humid here, even when it is not raining. However, last night, I wore my hair down. Big mistake. Frank was running late so he met me at 19:45 at the apartment. By that time, it was POURING down rain in buckets. We each had our own umbrella. Frank is so tall (approx. 6 ft. 4 in.) that even if he were holding an umbrella for us to share, I'd get wet. The weather was crazy - even with the umbrella the arms of my sweater were soaking wet by the time we got to the restaurant. Also, I only brought sandals with me (planning for Rome, where they currently are experiencing a deadly heat wave). My feet got so wet that they were sliding around inside my shoes. It was difficult walking on the uneven cobblestone streets and I was afraid I would end up twisting my ankle - or something more graceful (not!) like falling on my butt. However, we safely made it to the restaurant - and Frank was kind enough not to mention that my previously good-hair-day had gone very wrong.

The restaurant was a chic, yet casual, nouveau cuisine-type place. Frank had lamb, with, I assume, mint sauce on top. I had a fantastically underdone (as it should be) piece of salmon on top of a bed of sauted spinach and roasted carrots and potatoes. I enjoyed it very much.

Again, like our first meeting, Frank and I have spirited and intelligent conversation (at least I think so), mostly about his job and debating politics and philosophy. Although I enjoy these conversations very much, I'm going to have to ban them from our next meeting so that I can learn more about Frank's day to day life and Dutch culture in general. He is intelligent, witty, downright funny, and kind. At the end of the evening, Frank offered to introduce me to some other Dutch people and maybe take a trip or two out of the city to see the countryside, which I appreciate.

Despite my best intentions to immerse myself in the culture here, I have only conversed with a few Dutch people in passing - like an elderly gentleman at a bus stop who didn't speak English so we spoke French together. Many times, I end up speaking to strangers on the street only to find that they are British or French or German. This is a very cosmopolitan city. That is why I am very grateful for my evenings with Frank. They give me the opportunity to go beyond being a normal tourist, gawking at the canals and marijuana shops, and to learn something deeper about the Netherlands and its people.

Dinner with Frank

Yesterday, I spent the evening with my friend, Frank Karsten, who is Dutch. Here is a recent photo of Frank from his website. He is a handsome man. In fact, when I was taking other photographs this morning (of various bicylists), I noticed that there are a lot of fantastic looking Dutch men. I'll be devoting an upcoming blog post to the topic so you all can share in the experience. lol!

We went to a restaurant around the corner from my new apartment (sorry, didn't catch the name). It had an interesting menu that seemed to be all over the map. For example, Frank had the schnitzel, which is breaded veal (or pork?) cutlet that is fried, and served on top of a bed of mixed mashed potatoes and some green - maybe kale. He said it is a traditional Dutch food, but primarily considered a "winter dish." It looked good. By contrast, I had a swordfish kabob, served on top of a pita, with tzaziki sauce, accompanied by a salad. Mine was interesting, but I think the tzaziki is better suited to lamb and ended up overpowering the fish. The menu also had things like penne pasta in roasted red pepper sauce and thai-style mussels with coconut milk. It was very eclectic.

Talking to Frank was facinating. First of all, it was nice to get caught up on each other's lives after 23 years.* Frank is also very well-read about current events and has an amazing mind for figures and statistics. He is head of the "More Freedom" foundation in the Netherlands, which seeks to promote libertarianism. He's the first libertarian that I have ever met who actually understands and can articulate the ins-and-outs of libertarianism - and who is interested in more that the right to smoke weed. In fact, Frank doesn't partake even though it is condoned in the Netherlands. The English version of his website is located at http://www.meervrijheid.nl/english.htm.

It was fun to debate different politics and theories with someone who doesn't resort to bashing the other side and can set forth a well-reasoned, thoughtful argument. In fact, it was remarkably refreshing. For example, libertarians believe in property rights of the individual as being the supreme and only right - from which all other rights are derived (from the philosophies of John Locke), but not in government. I asked Frank about the contradiction in accepting one part of Locke's theories (property rights), but not the other parts (particularly the concept of a social contract). Frank's answer, which I cannot re-articulate here, actually made sense - even though for myself, I take comfort in and like the idea of government as a tool for good and of the social contract. It is what I choose.

Anyway, after dinner we took a walk around my new neighborhood and talked more. I'll be posting pictures from the walk in the next post.

*Frank was an exchange student (a senior) at my high school the year I was a freshman. He took me to my first prom. (Sorry - no photographs to post here.)

Look Karol! A Sunday morning book orgy! *corrected*

A nod to my fellow-read-a-holic friend, Karol Brown.

I took a walk this morning over to a commercial shopping district, which is a pedestrian-only street called Kalverstraat that runs north and south off of Dam Square with shops on either side. Rick Steves, the European travel guru, describes the area as a soul-less "human traffic jam of low-end shoppers," which I concur. It is simply a big, outdoor mall with absolutely no character. (Marlo, honey, you are going to love this part when I take you to Europe after graduation!)

I was in quest of a table-top mirror because my bathroom mirror is too high to see in (see picture). I found out that most of the shops and even bigger department stores are closed on Sundays.

On my walk, I found this HUGE book market in Dam Square in front of the Royal Palace. It is a big open air market filled with used books. Can you believe it? My only regret is that I cannot partake. My luggage is too heavy already and I have too much schoolwork to read. (Sigh).

If I lived in Amsterdam, you can bet that I'd be there every Sunday morning with the rest of the heathens skipping church.

Arrived

Thanks to the help of friends and family, I wrapped up all the last-minute details of leaving an adult life for two months and got on the plane.

Mom came over and helped me at my house; Jamie found shoes (which did give me a small blister before I even got out of the airport, but they should be OK) and Euros; Kelly got me a bunch of travel-sized Mary Kay products; Marlo, despite being exhausted from working all day, helped me write checks and pay the bills; Jeff (of Anjali & Jeff fame) got me an ethernet cable, which is enabling me to update this blog as we speak; and Anjali (the other half of the famous Anjali & Jeff couple) helped me pack my house up and gave me a fabulous pair of moisturizing gel socks. My friend George Stone gave me a copy of "Ipse Dixit: How the World Looks to a Federal Judge" by William L. Dwyer. The day of my departure, Anjali and Jeff took me to breakfast and then to the airport. That's them in the picture. We decided to sit in the "London" booth because it is not on my itinerary. Thanks everyone for your help.

The flight over was uneventful. I sat next to a Romanian lady and we spent the flight seeing who could be nicer to the other. I gave her my cheddar rice cakes - she let me keep a pillow in the middle to rest my left arm on, etc. It made for a good flight.

I'll be updating this blog with several more posts tomorrow about my first day - Yes, it was THAT eventful. By breaking it up into several posts, I hope to keep it a more readable length.