Mountain Views News          Saturday, August 28, 2010

7

Food & Drink

RICH Johnson

To Mosque or 

Not to Mosque

 
Mountain Views News Saturday, August 28, 2010

TABLE FOR TWO 

By Peter Dills

PRIME RIB

 What is a shrine? Well, dictionaryDOTcom defines a shrine as, “any place or 
object hallowed by its history or associations.”

 The Alamo is a shrine. You could certainly say that what we call “Ground Zero” 
is a shrine. In fact it is a shrine for the same tragic reason the Alamo is a shrine. 
The greatest Muslim shrine is called the “Masjid al-Haram,” which means “The 
Sacred Mosque.” It is in the city of Mecca which is in Saudi Arabia. All Muslims 
are required to pray five times a day in the direction of Mecca from wherever they 
are in the world. They are also encouraged to make at least one pilgrimage to the 
Holy City in their lifetime.

 I have a thought: If we are going to put a Mosque two blocks away from our “Ground Zero” shrine 
let’s put a Christian Church two blocks away from their “Masjid al-Haram” Shrine in Mecca. What 
a wonderful mutual display of tolerance. The church could be Lutheran, Catholic, Methodist, Baptist. 
We’ll even let the all the Muslims vote to choose the denomination.

 What? We have a problem? We’re not permitted to build a Christian church in Mecca? Wow. And 
there’s more? You’re saying it would sit empty if built because non-muslims are NEVER permitted to 
enter the city of Mecca? Okay, how about just outside the city limits? Huh? You can’t build a Christian 
Church anywhere in Saudi Arabia? It’s illegal? What’s more, you’ll be deported if you’re found carrying 
a Bible.

 And there is another valid concern many have about building a Mosque so close to Ground Zero. 
Mosques and other Muslim shrines have been lightening rods for acts of terror. And being so close to 
an American Shrine this Mosque might be considered a too-inviting target.

 Hmmm. How should we decide what we should do? A fair question (in my estimation) in considering 
a decision is to ask how the world of Islam responded to the 911 bombings. How many Muslim 
leaders condemned the brutal acts of violence as opposed to Muslim leaders who said we deserved it? 
Check out this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reactions_to_the_September_11_attacks

 Take a look at the link and make your own conclusions. I’ll make mine.

 And now, let’s change gears and look at a helpful remedy for that recently laundered cell phone. The 
son of my associate James ran his cell phone (tucked away in his jeans) through the washer. Needless 
to say the cell phone no longer functioned as a cell phone. As father and son contemplated replacing 
the unit, someone came up with a helpful hint. Get this! They took the battery and sim card out of the 
phone, and buried all three pieces into a bowl of uncooked rice. (No, they didn’t swing it over their 
head.) Twenty-four hours later they put the phone back together and it worked!! Apparently the dry, 
uncooked rice drained all the moisture out of the electronics. I wonder if Martha Stewart came up 
with this? Or what would she do with the rice afterward?

 Each week I reach into a bag of letters and pull an army of 
eyewitness experiences. A couple recent letters that placed me 
in my car were the Market Grill in Monrovia and the Sesame 
Grill in Arcadia. Both restaurants remind me of why I love 
food, and my readers.

 This week’s letter comes from Tony of South Pasadena. 

Dear Peter,

 I read your article every Sunday Morning while I am taking a break from riding my bike up in Sierra 
Madre. I owe a friend a nice dinner and we both agreed on Prime Rib. Oh wise one, where can I get such 
a meal? (OK, I amended that last part. )

 Beckham Grill serves a fighting good Prime Rib. And I have a few others that you can explore as 
well. But, let’s take a look at what Prime Rib is, besides the obvious, a very delicious slice of meat!

 A standing rib roast is a cut of beef from the rib section, which is one of the eight primal cuts of 
beef. The entire rib section comprises ribs six through twelve of the animal; a standing rib roast can 
comprise anywhere from two to seven ribs. It is given the name “standing” because it is most often 
roasted in a standing position, that is, with the ribs stacked vertically and the vertebral processes on 
the bottom. An alternative is to cook with the rib bones on the bottom and the vertebral processes 
removed for easier carving. A standing rib roast, if sliced when uncooked, would yield a number of rib 
steaks. Rib eye steaks result from removing the bones and most of 
the fat and lesser muscles (tail).

 The first place that comes to mind in the local area is Houston’s 
on Arroyo Parkway. I find that they operate on all cylinders and 
the combination of service and food is seldom surpassed. You 
didn’t ask about prices, but the Prime Rib will run you ($30). My 
second suggestion is The Barkley in South Pasadena on Fremont 
and Huntington Dr. Yes, it’s the sunset crowd, but the Prime 
Rib is one of their featured items and will run you around ($26) 
depending on the size of cut. Lastly, I recommend Taylor’s in La 
Canada. I had the opportunity to eat there last week and the cuts 
of beef are spectacular. The Prime Rib Dinner Cut will run you 
around ($25.95).

 Hope that helps, Tony!!! 

 Let me know what you decide. You can also listen to my radio 
show every Sunday afternoon at 5 PM on KABC Talk Radio 790 
for more tips. Or email me at thechefknows @yahoo.com.

 See everyone at the upcoming Taste of Sierra Madre on 
September 11 at Kersting Court. It promises to be an exceptional 
day of food and wine.


Web Focus: 

Save The Internet

 Save The Internet! (http://www.SaveTheInternet.com) bills itself as “a coalition of more than a 
million people, non-profit businesses and bloggers who have banded together for the purpose of 
effective action in order to preserve Internet freedom. The coalition believes that the Internet is a 
crucial engine for economic growth, civic engagement and free speech.” The coalition is working 
together to urge Congress to preserve Net Neutrality, the First Amendment of the Internet, which 
ensures that the Internet remains open to new ideas, new voices and innovation.

 Charter Members of the Save The Internet! Project include Free Press, the coalition coordinator, 
Professor Lawrence Lessig, Professor Timothy Wu, Craig Newmark of craigslist.org, MoveOn.org, 
ACLU, Center for Digital Democracy and hundreds of other prominent civil and consumer rights 
groups. The list is long and growing daily due the gravity of the situation that now faces proponents of 
a free and open Internet. 

 The website itself is designed and organized to educate the public on the issue of Net Neutrality and 
to give them tools and knowledge about how they can make their voices heard on this issue. News 
about late-breaking developments can be found on “The Blog” section of the website. Essays from 
regular contributors announce new developments in the efforts to further the cause of Net Neutrality 
and highlight new ideas for engaging the 

 Corporate powers that wish to change the open nature of the Internet. The “Videos” section is 
well stocked with a collection of video material highlighting the different actions members of the 
coalition are taking to support their cause in the battle for Net Neutrality. Of particular interest are the 
interviews of then US Senator Obama stating his support for net Neutrality. At the bottom of the page 
is a link to the Free Press YouTube channel for additional video material. The FAQ section is a concise 
primer on the main issue of Net Neutrality. The “Spread the Word” section of the website offers tool 
for getting the word out about this site and its focus on a more personal level. This page contains a 
form letter that can be copied, pasted and sent to personal mailing lists as well as an on-line petition 
available for signing. The Save the Internet! Project is aiming for the lofty goal of 2 million signers of its 
petition and as of this date they have secured slightly more than 1.9 million signatures. The “Tell Your 
Story” gives readers a chance to add their personal tales of how the issue of Net Neutrality affects their 
lives and what they’re currently doing to support their cause. The Save The Internet Project takes no 
money from corporate sponsors and only accepts donations from individual donors. 


Ask jai……

Ask jai is a weekly column that will strive to honestly answer your job search 
questions relating to job searching techniques, networking skills, resume 
writing and interviewing. The employment situation is getting better, however, 
it is still a challenge finding were the jobs are located and how to get pass the 
“gate-keepers”. As an Executive Recruiter I was privy to working directly 
with Corporate Recruiters and understanding their process in selecting which 
candidates to interview and hire. I will candidly answer your questions, 
possibly bluntly answering you questions, but I will be totally honest. My 
objective is to help you achieve your employment goal. 


Q: I think one of my references is keeping me from getting hired. I am not sure who it is 
and I don’t want to embarrass anyone. I get 2nd and 3rd round in-person interviews from 
employers. So, I assume they are really interested in hiring me. So, the last step is their 
request to check my references. Within the week, I usually receive a telephone call or 
e-mail saying that they have hired someone that they felt was more qualified. I really think 
that I am not getting a job because I have chosen the wrong people to be on my reference 
list. What should I do and who do I ask to be a reference? Suspicious

 

Dear Suspicious:

 It could be your references that are not helping you get a job. Try asking the employers 
if you did not get the position because of a bad reference. However, they probably will not 
disclose that to you. It is very important to select the appropriate people to list as your 
references. You should choose at least three very outspoken and positive people to include 
on your reference list. 

 Start by asking and interviewing at least five or more people who you feel could testify 
about your skills, accomplishments and personality. Let the intended references know that 
you are job searching and asking them for a good recommendation. Find out what areas 
that they would feel comfortable speaking about you to employers. References can include 
current supervisors or co-workers as long as you feel that you have their confidentiality. 
Instructors, customers, former supervisors and co-workers, clergy and business executives 
are also great references. Some employers will even ask for a personal reference. Add to 
your reference list a close personal friend or family member. Your reference list should 
include the name, title, company, address, telephone number and e-mail. Tailor your 
reference list for every position and company. Choose at lease three references from your 
list and submit them only upon request from the employer. Please note that you must 
include your references, if requested, when filling out Employment Application forms. A 
general rule of thumb is to never include your references when submitting your Resume 
and Cover letter. Please do not add “references upon request” to your resume! That will 
date you. Create a Reference List and submit it separately and only when requested by an 
employer. 

 Always let your references know which companies and positions that you have applied. 
Keep them posted and let them know when they should expect a call from that company 
and the name of the person. Send your resume to your references so that they become 
familiar with your work history, skills and accomplishments. It would also be very 
beneficial for you to give your references information about the position and employer. 
This type of information will help your references to appropriately tailor their responses 
and give you a great referral. 


SIERRA MADRE’S FARMERS MARKET

Wednesdays - 4-7pm

Fresh vegetables and seasonal fruits from California family farms. 

Specialty foods, vegetarian and vegan dishes, ethnic foods and hot food - Everything 
you’ll find at the farmers market has been made or picked fresh, is pesticide-free and 
preservative-free. Free public parking on Mariposa.

Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com