This special evening seems like a lifetime ago. Compared to the length of her very, very long life however, it was merely yesterday. Needless to say, I’m honored to have enjoyed this uniquely memorable friendship in her final years. Plus, how nice it is that our impromptu camera appearance has been up on YouTube almost since it was recorded. Happy Birthday Greta!
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For The Fan of Fans…
The first time I watched this “behind-the-scenes” montage, late in 1987 I believe, it was a private piece for which you needed a connection to know it existed– which fortunately at the time I happened to have. Now all these years later, available online to the public, it’s just as funny. If you too are a “Knots Landing” fan and have never seen this, you’ll certainly appreciate it!
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Even Funnier Than The Hosts…
Seemingly a touch less energetic than last year, the Tina-Amy duo nevertheless worked well yet again. A certain someone however came between them, proving even funnier! (Photo: Paul Drinkwater/NBC)
Not This Year
The greatest number of miles I’ve ever cycled in a calendar year came in 2014– the same year I of course turned “4-oh”– surpassing my 2008 by a mere 84 miles. For a variety of non-physical reasons, while my cycling will certainly continue, I don’t see beating 6353, not this year at least.
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Prosperity, Wealth & Good Luck
The auspicious “first meal” that began for us three years ago made a comeback once again in our Southern-influenced home to kick off 2015. Now let’s see how these three desirable elements pan out this time around.
What better way to kick off the new year than by eating?!
According to Southern tradition, so I’m told, the first big meal of the year carries quite a bit of meaning. As such, in my home tonight, thanks to the well-planned preparations of two Southern gentlemen, the lineup consists of pork for prosperity, cabbage for wealth, and black-eyed peas for good luck.
The meanings were explained to me and seem to make decent sense. See for yourself if you can figure them out. Suffice to say, my first dinner of 2012 has been beyond satisfying. I hope and rather doubt, however, that such copious consumption will be a nightly trend this year. Happy New Year!
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To a T.
Considering the more-than-generous portions at less-than-outrageous prices, with soup and salad courses included, alongside classicly well-poured libations, altogether it might just be the best deal in town. After almost 60 years, this special dining spot clearly has it all down to a T.
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“Seared” Into Memory…
There’s always a first time, and in this case it’s bacon and ahi tuna in the same bite. These two distinct yet divergent ingredients lay the foundation for the single most delicious sandwich I’ve eaten in recent memory, if not ever! Such a successful contrast of flavors really is like no other.
The menu wording reads quite simply: “Seared rare ahi tuna with avocado, grilled pineapple, bacon, red onion, island slaw and greens with wasabi aioli on toasted sourdough.” What arrives before you: Absolute bliss. The ahi tuna club at Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach wastes no time in proving itself a unique and delightful experience on the palate. Then with the addition of a blackberry mai-tai, the deal’s done. This meal “seared” itself into my discerning culinary memory.
Needless to say, a repeat sitting can’t come too soon. May your own “taste” meet mine.
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‘Tis The Marshmallow Season…
Needless to say, the passing of Thanksgiving leads us right into Christmastime. This means as trees go up and lights get strung, while parties kick into swing and egg nog flows, so comes the annual playing of my favorite classic Christmas duet performance. Here’s to old-school shtick, Dean-and-Frank style! Enjoy some other versions too, if you’re so inclined. 😉
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A Bite & Sip of Old-School Santa Barbara
You’re in good company here.
Richly flavorful as expected, and while not the single greatest version I’ve ever eaten, indeed a winning incorporation of bacon– chopped into small pieces and mixed evenly among the other main ingredients: So went my most recent liver-and-onions dinner, this time in Santa Barbara. It’s a weekly special at this location, served hot though not-quite-hot-enough to counter a rapid drop in temperature, at least in this instance. As such I polished off my generous plate in a good clip, against the cooling clock that is. (The arguable and subtle infraction was not enough to send it back.)
Meanwhile, service proved consistent and attentive, once the transition from bland bartendress to talkative table server was complete. The history is on the wall– literally– and with so many decades of photos and other classic decor to take in, an entire afternoon of “indulgence” seems perfectly reasonable. The copious cocktails runneth over, as well they should– and in this delightfully old-school, red-boothed establishment always do. And when the time finally comes, the robust coffee will have prepared you for your exit quite comfortably, as of course it did for yours truly, dessert notwithstanding.
Despite minor forgivable hiccups during a crowded dinner hour, my first visit can be considered a success. I’m confident my imminent second trip to Harry’s Plaza Cafe will be even better. Join me anytime for a bite and sip, assuming you can locate this discreetly situated local hideaway.
As you take a seat and get started…
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Beyond The Emblem…
Seeing more and more of them on the road, along with knowing a few people who happily own one, the BMW X1 has really grown on me over the past year or so. The small “SAV” moves with refreshing distinction amidst its attractive styling, especially in metallic “Valencia Orange” that quite nicely complements its compact size and well-toned body.
BMW X1 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLA (Photo: autoevolution.com)
Such simple praise, however, I simply cannot bestow upon the X1’s latest rival. Yet again in terms of Mercedes-Benz, unfortunately, I find myself most unimpressed with the new GLA-Class. Having encountered it out and about for my first time this week, I quickly saw beyond the emblem to… well, little more. Ignoring the three-pointed star, what appeared before me was a bland and far-from-unique shell that could carry just about any logo, especially from the rear– Acura, Toyota and Hyundai quickly come to mind. Perhaps the GLA just looks too non-German.
Honda? Kia? Oh, Mercedes. (Photo: cgtrader.com)
Suffice to say, in a purely cosmetic X1 vs. GLA match-up, the former wins hands down. The latter is unlikely to grow on me anytime soon. For all my MBZ love, I realize all the more as yet another model dives into a very crowded pool, that my heart remains in the 20th century.
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Climbing Right Along…
October 31, 2012: 4000. October 31, 2013: 4900. October 31, 2014: 5300 and then some.
Suffice to say on this marker day, my yearly cycling mileage remains once more on the upswing, climbing right along with the elevations of my newly discovered routes here in very mountainous Santa Barbara. At this rate, with two months to go, my annual record will indeed be broken.
Pedaling to “new” views in Santa Barbara County.
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In Four Minutes…
With last week’s official unveiling of the 2015 Tour de France route comes a virtual summary of sorts, a video tease if you will– altogether, the entire journey in four minutes!
Click image for close-up and further details.
Point Taken.
“As you will have observed, an increasing number of your neighbors have been keeping company with their pets in human-only establishments, cohabiting with them in animal-unfriendly apartment buildings and dormitories, and taking them (free!) onto airplanes—simply by claiming that the creatures are their licensed companion animals and are necessary to their mental well-being. No government agency keeps track of such figures… Contrary to what many business managers think, having an emotional-support card merely means that one’s pet is registered in a database of animals whose owners have paid anywhere from seventy to two hundred dollars to one of several organizations, none of which are recognized by the government.” (Marx, 10/20/14)
“Pets Allowed” by Patricia Marx appears in the October 20 issue of The New Yorker. It’s one insightful, disturbing and funny read which I highly recommend. You can draw your own conclusion on the need, within this matter, for some form of government regulation. Either way, Marx clearly makes her point. And naturally, I agree with her.
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The View From Above.
Thanks to the winning combination of modern technology and current real estate marketing practices, my childhood home and neighborhood are now visible from this rare aerial viewpoint.
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Reaching 90, Presidentially Speaking.
At the end of the 20th century, only two U.S. presidents in history had reached 90 years of age, in far different eras at that. By the start of 2014, this number had risen to four, then a few months ago to five, and today the total hits six. Remarkable all the more are four in a row; that is, the four additional nonagenarian commanders-in-chief of the 21st century held office consecutively.
While what’s called “the world’s hardest job” clearly ages the incumbent, it doesn’t seem to be shortening his lifespan these days. Then again, it’s worth noting that all but one of these multi-party six were one-termers. Furthermore, this distinction won’t see number seven for quite a while yet.
How’s all this for a could-be Jeopardy! category of presidential longevity?
Jimmy Carter turns 90 today, in addition to the post-presidential record he set two years ago. (Photo: AJC/Curtis Compton)
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Yes, But, Will It Matter?
And so it happened. Minus one more it is for the Ewing family, given the sudden demise of a character whom original-show fans have known since birth. A big surprise to us viewers and a great loss to the cast it is no doubt, but at this point we’re left to ask, will it matter? This is to say, another season remains to be confirmed. Meanwhile, at least storyline plans appear well underway, while everything I’ve had to say before now stands. Nevertheless, should “Dallas” return, and despite the level of unbelievable insanity sure to ensue, I’ll certainly be watching– with even more interest if Patrick Duffy again directs. We know anything could happen after all. Christopher could always show up taking a shower one day, like father like son of course.
The two remaining originals, amid the spirit of the one-and-only.
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History That Shines, MBZ Style.
From one famous version to the next, to capture such a transition in the same eyeshot always proves fascinating, especially via matching samples. This particular automotive progression covers 1971 to 1972, W113 to R107, second generation to third– or most visibly, 280 to 350/450. Altogether, the Mercedes-Benz SL shines through its rich history, while in this case the original California blue plates accurately reflect the close purchase period, no less. And to think, the newer of the two sits for sale right now in Santa Barbara, asking price $26K in case you’re so inclined.
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Her Final Wish Fulfilled
“Exactly the irreverent show she would have wanted,” Geraldo Rivera aptly summarized. “More Broadway than Hollywood,” The New York Times put it, however sans a multiple-accent-crying Meryl Streep. Altogether– amidst Howard Stern’s “perfect” eulogy among all else— Joan Rivers got her final wish, her “showbiz” funeral proving as refreshingly over-the-top as she was.
So now we go on, commending her legacy while ideally putting her key lessons on life to practice. Leading them of course, on when not to laugh: “Never.”
There will be no “next Joan Rivers,” irreplaceable as she truly remains. Anyone who eventually manages to get closest to the title, however, will win in my book. Meanwhile, at least we can thank, and perhaps learn from, Joan for putting the “fun” back in funeral.
Really, truly, irreplaceable.
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Keep On Laughing…
Don’t say she’s in a better place, because she probably had a house in the Hamptons. And the best line I heard all day: “Just keep on laughing.” Clearly, Joan Rivers wants us to do so.
The biggest missing piece of this bittersweet event du jour— Joan is not here to make jokes about her own passing. Or is she? Her funeral is yet to come, and may it be everything she wishes it to be, as she described in her recent book, “I Hate Everyone, Starting With Me.”
Joan was everything that made her fabulously one of a kind: opinionated, irreverent and irreplaceable, just to pick a few of so many apt descriptors. Altogether, I’m sorry she had to go, perhaps in a less-interesting manner than she was hoping, no less! At the same time, one of many life lessons with which she’s leaving us is that we needn’t take death too seriously. After all, “funeral” does begin with “fun.” And given the way Joan has outlined hers, we all should be looking forward to a good show– set for this Sunday. May we indeed “keep on laughing.”
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Forgetfulness, or Forgotten?
Well, that was a first. I forgot to watch “Dallas” this week. (What?! Me?! Allow the Ewings to slip my mind? My oh my, how the decades do change us.)
Seeing as the latest episode was on my DVR, I did see it the following day. In so doing, I reminded myself just how my initial forgetfulness came about. Let’s simply say it’s about time for “Dallas” to be forgotten altogether. Oh but wait, I think I’ve already said this before, more than once even. I’ll therefore rephrase: It’s well past time for the Ewings and company to go. I know, I hate saying this more than you might dislike reading it. Nevertheless, the writing is on the wall, as they say– more and more with each passing episode, I myself regret to say.
We’ve had all the nostalgic cameos we’re likely going to get, Larry Hagman is still dead, and the plot convolutions continue to get more confusing, ludicrous and exhausting. Still, curiosity, coupled with low expectations, will continue to get the best of me for the duration, whether at airtime or via DVR. At least Ken Kercheval, who remains very much alive, will be back next week. Amid my overall forgetfulness, I’m happy to realize one living classic character is not forgotten.
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With His Swan Song Underway…
Photo: Casey B. Gibson | http://www.cbgphoto.com
Five miles to the finish, and the almost-43-year-old “affable German” was leading the way, as if to fan his feathers just one last time. The oldest rider in the peloton did not win the day, but he certainly shaped it. And with still six days to go, he may very well pull off another moment or two yet. In any case, Jens Voigt has begun his well-planned swan song– his last professional cycling race. And with this bittersweet farewell, among all else, the 2014 USA Pro Challenge is well underway across Colorado.
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Just One Month Shy…
The talk this week has centered on Robin Williams, understandably so considering his unexpected death. At the same time, his passing unfortunately has overshadowed another big celebrity loss the very next day, one perhaps a bit less surprising if only for age alone. Just one month shy of her 90th birthday, the legendary Lauren Bacall has left us. Her unique legacy, like Williams’, lives on.
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40 Years Ago Today.
“Only if you’ve been in the deepest valley, can you ever know how magnificent it is to be on the highest mountain.”
“Always remember, others may hate you. But those who hate you don’t win, unless you hate them. And then, you destroy yourself.”
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From The Sidelines…
The “fastest and toughest” day of the year in Brentwood came around once again. Terrific it was to be back among the action, this time from the sidelines as a Velo Club La Grange volunteer. As I’ll always fondly recall, the Brentwood Grand Prix was my first sanctioned race back in 2008.
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Stage 21: Et Maintenant, La Fin.
As we “knew” would be the case barring any last-day catastrophe, Italy’s Vincenzo Nibali is the champion of the 101st Tour de France– by a huge margin no less! He joins only five other cyclists in history to win all three Grand Tours– the other two of course Italy’s and Spain’s.
For the first time in more than 30 years, France saw two of its own take the yellow podium–Jean-Christophe Peraud in second and best young rider Thibaut Pinot third. This, after Marcel Kittel’s second Champs-Elysees bookending victory shut out a stage win for Peter Sagan, even as a LeTour.fr survey of more than 4000 votes favored the man in green to take stage 21. And let’s not forget our resilient American finishing fifth, Tejay Van Garderen, nor Jens Voigt’s swan song.
And now, the end. So passes another Tour de France into the history books for 164 riders who made it to Paris– big-name losses notwithstanding– complete with all the triumph, tradition and Parisian fanfare that defines the finale. While I’ve yet to get there to see it all in person, for now having Phil Liggett, Bob Roll and all their comrades deliver the action every day for three weeks– plus a commendable first-year commentating job by 2013 retiree Christian Vande Velde— remains an acceptable substitute. I’m happy to have cycled a mere one quarter of the Tour’s total distance during this time, less than I did last year, but nevertheless taking me there every day in spirit. Vive Le Tour!
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Stage 20: Game Over (?)
A time trial for Le Tour’s penultimate stage seems almost like a cruel joke, as fresh legs are not exactly the order of the day. Nevertheless, as the race schedule has been strategically designed this way before, so it happens again– laying out just another test of true endurance.
Stage 20 found a winner in Germany’s Tony Martin, with yet further gain– now approaching eight minutes– for the wearer of le maillot jaune, not to mention France welcoming a not-recently-seen 2-3 Paris podium. While tomorrow is of course still a competitive day, with all the unexpected that could yet occur, at this point it’s a safe bet to say, with little question: Game over.
Ryan R. Sanderson 