Kimber the Ink Slinger

[kimber-the-ink-slinger]

Nonsensical Rhetoric About Potatoes

I love and adore my not-boyfriend. He is wonderful. He has a huge issue with commitment, but I love him none the less. 

That said, he’s on a sailing adventure so I have free reign of the kitchen. I mean, come on. He’s out sailing the seas so he isn’t here to take over (something he’s very guilty of doing). In his absence, I get to make whatever I want.  

I’m a fan of what I can do when there is no one here to give me guff. The funniest part of that is my not-boyfriend actually does like my cooking. He has a hard time admitting it, but he does like it. One of our favorite things to do is make meals together. That’s love.

Anyway, he admits I make the best mashed potatoes. I really do. 

Growing up I absolutely hated them. 

HATED.

I think it was all the boxed taters from neighboring moms (my mom never made them) to local fast food restaurants in the North Dallas area. They were just gross. I would not eat them. 

(Right now, I am remembering the nasty taste.)

It wasn’t until I was making a Thanksgiving feast for some of my friends a few years ago that I discovered how good mashed potatoes can be. And they really are quite delicious.

Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I know. Mashed potatoes. Big deal. But, it really is! I missed out on years of greatness because I was fed grossness. 

Enough with history. Here is how I make them. 

First is choosing the right potato. Most people just go for your standard Russet. But not me. No. I use Yukon Gold. 

Now, I know Russets are good. And they make for a great baked potato. Or French fries. But, the Yukons are gold when making mashed potatoes. 

First of all, they are creamier and easier to work with while preparing the dish. For example...you don’t have to peel them. 

So...Yukon Gold equals simple, yummy goodness.

That’s all.

You didn’t think I would actually give out my secret recipe, did you? HA!

Ok. Ok. Ok. Here’s my two cents...

Add your preferred accoutrement. You know, butter, sour cream, cheese (VERY IMPORTANT). The type of cheese is really up to you. I mix it up.

Oh, and a super secret ingredient is...

Basil.

Chop it up and go to town!

Seriously, it is delish. 

I have to go make some taters now.

*Side note: I don’t peel Russets either. A lot people do. But I like the nutritional value. So, I’m keeping the skins on. 

[kimber-the-ink-slinger]

FOOD, or What You Will

One of my favorite pastimes is cooking with my close friends. We certainly have too many cooks in the kitchen at times, yet we still have a good time and it brings us together. We have learned to assign roles as far as who is making what. That way we don’t strangle each other. That’s important.

Mark is the meat man. He’s exceptional at preparing and cooking steak, carnitas, and all things carnivorous people enjoy. He also likes to take over in the kitchen, so he must be watched.

Clark makes really great coleslaw. He memorized his mother’s recipe and will not give away the secret. So, don’t ask.

Yeah, they are Mark and Clark. I know, it sounds like a puppet show.

I am the casserole, soup and sauce lady. (I use the word “lady” loosely.) Somehow, and I am not entirely sure on when it happened, I became proficient at making up recipes based on what I had available in the kitchen that would make something tasty and I wouldn’t have to constantly venture out to the store. I’m lazy that way.

I became quite good at creating scrumptious meals with very little. Eventually, I learned to do my hunting and gathering (from the grocery store) in a more planned and organized way. I’ve watched A LOT of cooking shows. I’ve also spent countless hours in the kitchen. Through trial and error I became a pretty decent cook.

Now, (because I love you for reading this far so I assume you are pretty awesome) I will begin to share my own recipes for yummy goodness. Take note that I cook without exact measurements. Kind of like an Italian, even though I am not at all Italian. I am quite capable of following a recipe exactly but I believe in cooking to taste.

The recipes I am going to share with you are tried and true. I have tested them on the hardest and toughest tasters - you know, children and grown, single men.

Enjoy eating!

--Kimber

[kimber-the-ink-slinger]

GUNS VS. LIVES

COLLEGIAN ISSUE 1 SPRING 2018

By Kimberly Fisher

As most of us know, there has been a massive increase in the number of school shootings. A truly scary thought, of course, but what does it tell us? It says it is time to make change happen.

We can’t just sit back and think about change. We have to make it happen. We have to be the ones that stand up and declare our right to feel safe. We cannot just sit around saying that the government needs to change things. We have to make them recognize that our lives are more important than someone’s Second Amendment right to bear arms. Our voices must be heard.

Every time a school shooting occurs there is the standard response from our elected officials about how they are looking into making change. Eventually, the whole concept just disappears - until the next time. Then, it all starts over.

So, why would our government seem to care so little about our safety? Why would they act like they are willing to consider change and then do nothing? How many lives have to be lost before reform actually happens?

I was on the phone with my mother outside the grocery store discussing this exact topic. I told her that I was questioning the right to bear arms versus school safety. A man nearby was apparently listening in on my conversation, when I hear him say, “Because it is sacred.”

I asked my mom to hold on while I engaged in this man’s perspective. At first, I thought he must not have known what I was talking about since he was only hearing my side of the conversation, but I was wrong. He actually was saying that the right to bear arms is sacred. He also mentioned that people might need assault rifles for hunting “hippos or rhinos.” I asked him, “Where exactly in America are we hunting these animals?” He then mumbled something as he wandered off.

President Trump’s proposal to arm our teachers seems like a thinly veiled attempt to pacify the National Rifle Association (NRA.) They are well known to not only care more about defending the Second Amendment, but also for the amount of money they contribute to government officials. According to an article by CNN, eight congressional members have individually received $1 million or more from the NRA. Additionally, 39 members of congress have received $100,000 or more. It is clear that the association has a grip on our nation’s leaders.

Arming teachers and ignoring the obvious epidemic isn’t going to solve the problem. Many teachers have voiced their opinion that they do not want to be armed. My own father is a true Texan and a Vietnam veteran. He owns two pistols. He believes in the right to bear arms. He does not, however, own any automatic assault rifles. He is also a substitute teacher and doesn’t take his weapons to work with him.

Instituting gun law reform is not saying we have to take away every citizen’s right to own a fire arm. Adding weapons to an environment that should be a safe place is essentially increasing the potential risk of danger or death. It seems like a better idea would be to start providing better, more accessible mental health help to all of our country’s citizens and banning unnecessary assault rifles. Turning everyone into Yosemite Sam is not the answer.

[kimber-the-ink-slinger]

Enrollment And Financial Aid Are Connected

[kimber-the-ink-slinger]

Students Need Food

By Kimberly Fisher 

The Los Angeles City College (LACC) food accessibility situation is in dire need of immediate reform and yet nothing has changed regardless of the numerous outcries from students for an actual cafeteria.  

It is completely unacceptable for every food option on the LACC campus to be located at the south end or, for that matter, off the site entirely. I know there are vending machines outside of the Cinema Building. Only one of the four is for anything food related. However, it only provides snack foods like chips, cookies or candy. Junk food is not what students need to sustain their bodies or their minds.  

During the 2017-2018 school year, Harry’s Food Truck was located near the north end of campus outside the Cinema Building. This year it is in the Quad. Steps away from the truck is the little, overpriced student lounge/café. Neither one of these are open late. And, after 2 p.m., the café doesn’t even make food. Instead, you have the option of whatever prepackaged food or pastries they have left. The premade food is your basic sandwich or salad that looks close to something you would purchase at any gas station or truck stop.  

For two weeks, even the lone food-type vending machine was out of commission. Service persons came and fixed it and it was left empty.  

Some argue that if it is too much of a struggle to get a proper meal, then students should just pack a lunch. It isn’t always that simple. A lot of students have families and jobs. They can’t always prepare a lunch and dinner for themselves. They are coming to school with limited time between classes. Some have four or five-hour classes with a very short break, if they are lucky enough to get a break.  

A student might have 15 minutes to trek across campus to get food. At which time they have to wait in the line, order something of sustenance and eat it before they head back to class. That is not enough time. It is actually impossible. I know because I timed it. I was able to walk across the campus to Harry’s Food Truck and the Student Lounge. Then I headed back to class. It took 16.5 minutes, and I walk fast. I didn’t stand in line, I didn’t order anything. I just walked the course. Maybe if everyone is an Olympic sprinter it could happen. But let us try and be sane and recognize that it is ridiculous to ask that of our entire student body. 

Both the café and the food truck close too early. Harry’s is open from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and the café is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. So, students that are coming directly from their day jobs cannot get dinner on campus. I guess the school thinks no one gets hungry during dinner hours.  

[kimber-the-ink-slinger]

GUNS VS. LIVES

COLLEGIAN ISSUE 1 SPRING 2018

By Kimberly Fisher

As most of us know, there has been a massive increase in the number of school shootings. A truly scary thought, of course, but what does it tell us? It says it is time to make change happen.

We can’t just sit back and think about change. We have to make it happen. We have to be the ones that stand up and declare our right to feel safe. We cannot just sit around saying that the government needs to change things. We have to make them recognize that our lives are more important than someone’s Second Amendment right to bear arms. Our voices must be heard.

Every time a school shooting occurs there is the standard response from our elected officials about how they are looking into making change. Eventually, the whole concept just disappears - until the next time. Then, it all starts over.

So, why would our government seem to care so little about our safety? Why would they act like they are willing to consider change and then do nothing? How many lives have to be lost before reform actually happens?

I was on the phone with my mother outside the grocery store discussing this exact topic. I told her that I was questioning the right to bear arms versus school safety. A man nearby was apparently listening in on my conversation, when I hear him say, “Because it is sacred.”

I asked my mom to hold on while I engaged in this man’s perspective. At first, I thought he must not have known what I was talking about since he was only hearing my side of the conversation, but I was wrong. He actually was saying that the right to bear arms is sacred. He also mentioned that people might need assault rifles for hunting “hippos or rhinos.” I asked him, “Where exactly in America are we hunting these animals?” He then mumbled something as he wandered off.

President Trump’s proposal to arm our teachers seems like a thinly veiled attempt to pacify the National Rifle Association (NRA.) They are well known to not only care more about defending the Second Amendment, but also for the amount of money they contribute to government officials. According to an article by CNN, eight congressional members have individually received $1 million or more from the NRA. Additionally, 39 members of congress have received $100,000 or more. It is clear that the association has a grip on our nation’s leaders.

Arming teachers and ignoring the obvious epidemic isn’t going to solve the problem. Many teachers have voiced their opinion that they do not want to be armed. My own father is a true Texan and a Vietnam veteran. He owns two pistols. He believes in the right to bear arms. He does not, however, own any automatic assault rifles. He is also a substitute teacher and doesn’t take his weapons to work with him.

Instituting gun law reform is not saying we have to take away every citizen’s right to own a fire arm. Adding weapons to an environment that should be a safe place is essentially increasing the potential risk of danger or death. It seems like a better idea would be to start providing better, more accessible mental health help to all of our country’s citizens and banning unnecessary assault rifles. Turning everyone into Yosemite Sam is not the answer.

[kimber-the-ink-slinger]

Article for the Collegian Times annual magazine. Spring 2018.

[kimber-the-ink-slinger]

Kindness Is Your Friend

Ok, so...Amazon’s Prime Now says that you can order from them and receive your order in two hours.

That’s not true.

I went on their site, placed my order and received delivery option times that started more than 2 hours from the time of purchase. Huh?

I, being a super snoop, had to unravel this mystery. So, I called their customer service.

This was not me trying to be a complete jerk. I just wanted to understand how they can say I will get my stuff within 2 hours when the window wasn’t even available until two and half hours from the time of the order. 

To be perfectly clear, I placed an order at 1:30 p.m. My first available delivery time was 4-6 p.m. Anyone that orders something online knows right well that when they say “4-6″ means about 5:30. Basic math tells me that is FOUR hours. That is twice the time.

So, I got customer service rep “Karen” on the phone. She was very sweet. I know she was going by the script that customer service representatives are given. None-the-less, she was a trooper. She said that it could be “weather conditions or driver availability.” I had to point out that it was 75 degrees and sunny here so that could only mean driver availability. 

She was so kind and sweet. That is difficult to do in a customer service job. People are usually rude and angry when they call (or are in person) and she was clearly a little worried that I might turn into that person.

Now, I know you get more bees with honey. I also know that bees sting. So, I made it very clear when I said that I understood that there are circumstances beyond someone’s control, but, that 2 hours turning into 4 hours does make a huge difference in someone’s plan for making dinner for their family. 

I also pointed out that her bosses should be informed that they shouldn’t guarantee a 2 hour delivery if they can’t keep that promise. She said she would pass on my issue and I got a credit for my next order. 

Okay, so my stomach is still growling as I await the arrival, but at least I made a point. I did it without being rude.

[kimber-the-ink-slinger]

The Problem With Movie/T.V. Descriptions

So, I’ve been saying this to friends and family for years, ”I want that job.”

Here is what I am talking about...

I watch a lot, A LOT, of movies and television. I can’t get enough of them. Say what you will, everyone has their passion. That’s mine.

Most of the time, or maybe just a lot of the time, I find myself reading the synopsis of a film or television show and then it turns out to be a completely inaccurate account of what I end up watching. Or it could be a picture show that I already know. And , then, I’m left wondering how someone got paid to give the viewers bad information.

Do they just hire anyone to write these descriptions? I don’t get it.

Here is a quick example:

“A young couple moves in to an apartment only to be surrounded by peculiar neighbors and occurrences. When the wife becomes mysteriously pregnant, paranoia over the safety of her unborn child begins to control her life.”

That is someone’s synopsis of Rosemary’s Baby (1968)

WRONG.

Here’s the deal:

It is, I assume, meant to be a quick description. But it isn’t correct.

I know that movie like the back of my hand. Probably better than the back of my hand. I don’t really spend a lot of time staring at my hand. Anyway, I’ve probably seen that film more times than all the people I know combined. It is a film I can watch over and over and over again. That said, I would like to point out that I would have described that synopsis as inaccurate after the first time I saw the film.

**SPOILER ALERT**

HER PREGNANCY IS NOT MYSTERIOUS.

Nobody, not one person, is wondering how she got pregnant. It is literally played out before your very eyes. Even Rosemary isn’t wondering how she got pregnant. 

She is, as we the viewers know, wrong about how she got pregnant. But she isn’t surprised or dumbfounded by the fact that she is pregnant. She is a married woman trying to start a family.

There is literally a scene of the morning after the night of impregnation that makes her husband look like a rapist, and maybe, in a way, he was for basically trading her womb for a career. But there still isn’t a “mysterious” pregnancy. As far as she knows, her husband got her pregnant. The mystery of the film comes from elsewhere. You should watch it.

At any rate, my point is that I guess just anyone can write a synopsis of a film or television show. But, people are getting paid to do it. I would hope that they can do better. It seems like the descriptions are just busted out. It is as if they are in such a hurry that they just have to put something out there. I feel that does an injustice to the filmmakers and the audience.

But, hey, I will definitely take that job. Apparently, I can just write whatever and it will be acceptable. Kind of like what I am doing now. Cool. Thanks. You can send the checks to...

[kimber-the-ink-slinger]

Oprah 2020! If She Wants.

Oprah Winfrey is clearly one of the most influential human beings on the planet.

Millions, if not billions, of people look up to her. She is inspirational. She is a driven and dedicated entrepreneur. People love her. She has a great way of relating to people. From her talk show to her journalism to her acting chops, she seems to have it all. She seems set.

Does that mean that she has to run for president? Don't get me wrong, she would probably make a great president. But does that mean she has to want to do that? That is a lot of pressure to put on someone that has said, "There will be no running for office of any kind for me." And Meryl Streep said, "But now she doesn't have a choice."

Sorry, but, she does have a choice. Obviously, she has the right to change her mind and decide that she does want to run for office. Given the state of the nation now, who would blame her? People want a leader not a dictator. But does that mean she has to do it? Is putting that kind of pressure on a person the reasonable solution to our country's woes?

What if she's happy with her life the way it is now? What if she would like to continue doing what she is doing? It is clearly working for her. Even though she has a very evangelical delivery of her motivational speeches, I don't think she sees herself as the new Jesus Christ. She certainly recognizes and acts on the philosophy of "Use your powers for good."

Hearing all these people say that she has to run for office is very disturbing. What if she doesn't want the job? I decided to reach out to social media and asked the question, "Why should Oprah run for president?" And the overwhelming response was, "She shouldn't." And it wasn't because people dislike her. It had mainly to do with experience. As Big Mike said, "She shouldn't. If we've learned anything it's that experience matters." Isaac said, "I agree she probably shouldn't. She's very smart with outstanding character, but experience matters and one incredibly divisive billionaire celebrity is already proving to be more than our democracy can support." And Kris made her point with, "I don’t think she should. It takes more than just celebrity and good public speaking skills to lead the nation."

So, maybe, we should just let her decide if she wants the job of running the United States. I don't feel good about anyone taking on the role just because everyone said they had to do it. If she wants to do it, then, go girl!

[kimber-the-ink-slinger]

My guess is...

SHOT???

Does this mean the owner has to pay for the bullet?

[kimber-the-ink-slinger]

Homelesswood

[kimber-the-ink-slinger]

Public Transportation is for the Imaginative.

Every day can be the same. Or, each day can be completely different. Depends on your perspective. As, I venture out into the world to go to school it is the same route - day-in, day-out. East on Santa Monica Blvd. Coming home is west, obviously. Yet, I never see the same exact thing. Maybe it makes it more interesting. Could be that it makes the bus route seem less mundane. Regardless, I enjoy it. I find it stimulating. I get to see things I wouldn't see if I was driving. Behind the wheel you don't get the privilege of soaking in your surroundings. You just pass everything. Either on the bus or as a pedestrian, you are able to take in this city. Our city. So rich in culture and history. Rarely do I see the same person twice. I can look at each person and see something about them. Who they are. What they do. Where they are going. I most definitely could be completely wrong. But, it allows me to let my mind go and imagine what their lives are like. I get to create a story in my head. And for those fifteen minutes on the bus,  or half hour on my feet, I am captivated.