Brown Motion

 There are examples of complete and utter moronic behavior everywhere in the world.  American marketing tries to erase that and put on a glossy packaging on all its content that it spews out on media outlets. But non biased reporting many a times exposes the fallout of what a variety of idiots can unleash on unsuspecting citizens. A recent story that ran on NPR spotlights a school providing floor sealant to children as the breakfast of champions in lieu of milk.  Irony does not even begin to address this scenario where someone complained of foul smell leading to an investigation and removal of said offensive product from the beverage line. Side effects may vary - some children might have a very smooth colon here on out. I know it is insensitive in a woke society to make fun of this but c'mon people! Then there was the case of a psychotic, houseless male pushing a lady on NYC train tracks that killed her. This nut job was officially deemed to be off his rocker and sent awa...

 This is not a moan episode about loo trouble. Not for me personally anyway.  But potentially for those that might have thought of taking a load off whilst wandering in a country where a Barista was brewing feet from you. I refer to the Starbucks policy of open bathrooms for all.  As a brand they certainly milk their customers on what is a basic caffeinated beverage but then again it implies certain conveniences even when you are not in the mood to caffeinate. Access to clean toilets worldwide where they have stores open.  Now this policy was amended in the past where only paying customers would be allowed the use of the throne.  But stateside politics led to policy amendments (race relations playing a part) to where they were again open to balance of fluids anytime to anyone. Enter the pandemic and margin compression with expensive resources to staff each location some of which spent some time tending to the fallout in the restrooms.  Now I know not exactl...

 Today we explored UNC Charlotte. A wonderful campus in the heart of the Queen City.  Specifically loitered among the flora and fauna and vines of the botanical garden nestled in a valley inside the school campus. It was a wonderful day to stroll and admire a new part of this growing city.  Below are some pictures. Beautiful gardens sit amid the 1,000 acre University campus which is over 60 years old Sun mosaic of tiles hides under some Japanese Maple shade portal to some other place A quiet gazebo overlooking a waterfall lily pad and a garter snake share a pond time to eat Indian sliders - Vada pav at a local eats place finally time to get some groceries done

 Reynolds was and is a bastion in the business world today.  Eponymously named for its founder it is second largest cigarette company in America. Today it is owned by a British entity that in turn was founded by merging the American Tobacco Co (whose founder was another business giant in the south called Duke and Imperial Tobacco of UK). What all this means is that the town of Winston-Salem, NC for which cigarette brands were named became a massive economic engine all through the 20th century America. We re-visited this town with our kid, back from college to enjoy some local Chinese dumplings of all things housed in Reynolda village (named for the family compound of the founders). Red bean dumplings (sweet treat after some spicy noodle soup, all delicious) This time we toured their mansion which Katherine (wife of RJR) affectionately referred to as the bungalow (all 34,000 sft of it).  This extravaganza of a house shows you what money can buy in America or anywhere for t...

 This time late spring we decided to travel through some eastern states to take in some scenery, relearn some history and relax seaside. To that end our travel took us into Gettysburg PA.  Famous for Lincoln's address to America in the middle of the Civil War that won freedom for the union it was poignant to reflect on it in the middle of the cemetery where 3,500 soldiers died for protecting the government of the people. Some visuals from the cemetery below. Obelisk to honor a particular regiment stands against a setting sun spot close to where Lincoln might have stood to address his audience From here we headed further east and south passing through a town where they honor a saint called Lourdes. Then onto the SE shore of the state of Virginia to witness the amazing bridge tunnel complex connecting DelMarVa peninsula with Virginia shores. south end of the Chesapeake Bridge complex Boardwalk at Virginia Beach VA a rooftop bar After spending a night here we drove on to the barr...

 Social life for us has gotten new leaves.  Back in California the pace of life did not allow for much carefree interaction post work, household chores, kid's logistics of events and races and so on. The move east certainly slowed the pace down.  Add to that a community where new faces from different parts of the country and some legacy ones too have added to natural curiosity of getting to know each other.  This past weekend a dear friend who we acquainted recently and owns a property on a lakeshore invited some in the neighborhood to come and chill. Cinco de Mayo served as the inspiration but it was really a good old kick back, eat, drink and relax and chat type of evening. The weather cooperated tremendously given the vagaries of Carolina weather that can pop up in an instant storm at the onset of summer. Mexican inspired cuisine was laid out catered by a local chain and it did not disappoint. The host's iced margarita machine decided to stay frozen and repeated t...

 Literally. Well one of our neighbors - an energetic young couple decided to treat their neighbors to what sounded like a southern delicacy.  Roasting meat on fire. This turned out to be a whole hog cooked in a box lined with ceramic and covered with charcoal.  Turn on the heat and wait six hours or so the promotion went. Below are some pic of this epic event. The crowd was enjoyable and the evening was mild.  Sides and dessert came courtesy of the other neighbors - we brought some Red Velvet given our sweet tooth. Now the pig in my head was going to be pulled pork given how it would get dismembered post cooking, with varieties of barbeque sauce to liven up the taste buds. But it was my misconception.  The animal was only primed with an injection of OJ and Beer.  The syringe the pit master advised me would get blocked if salt and pepper were in the mix.  But then I was not quite sure why the meat was not dry rubbed with either or packed with Garlic and...