T & A Empire strikes back...

1. So, did you think we had fallen out and gotten a divorce? Were you picturing: apt. filled with crusty pizza boxes, empty almond butter jar scraped dry? Coconut milk cartons strewn across the counter tops, cereal flakes embedded in the floor? Not so fast, my friends. Laconic. Maybe. Uh, sty? No. Just messing with you. And our love affair. Been here and there. Up in the Sierras where I saw fleeting patches of snow bordering the freeway, more evergreen than ice with a promise of more balmy springs to come. Today, it's raining. And gloomy. But people are walking around with dopey smiles, surreal giddiness, as the drought receives a slight reprieve.

2. Frances. A rez so hard to procure. But fickle luck, and it was luck, smiled benevolently. We were seated as walk-in's. Incredible! A small establishment in need of shoe horns to seat diners, but who cared. Food exceeded hype. Waiters sparkled. To the left, 2 Kurds from Dubai.
On the right, a chef from Boulevard. And a host from Locanda. Memorable convergence.

3. Buffalo Bills Cheerleaders. 5 former Jills launched a suit against the Bills for failing to pay them minimum wage, $8.00, for hours worked during the 2010-11, and 2013-14 season. The Bills have suspended all cheerleader activities while they investigate the allegations. The official Jills Glamour Guidebook is nauseating and humiliating; a searing indictment of boorish, neanderthal requisites  unfit for human consumption on any level. The Jills follow the Raiders, Ravens and Bengals cheerleaders who have also filed lawsuits against their organizations citing salary issues, and working conditions. No freebies anymore, boys.

4. Ou' est Flight 370?

5. South Korean Ferry tragedy. Criminal negligence at the highest level. Grief and lawsuits for days. The shit is about to hit the fan.