August 31st, 2010
Letters from Jordan
My Son’s letter from Amman, Jordan
By: Sher Hann
For every parent of a child in school, this is a busy and sometimes emotional time of year. My son, now in college, has chosen an unusual place to go back to school: Amman, Jordan. He left early on August 25. Soon he will move in with a host family. Until then, he is ensconced in a hotel that offers intermittent Internet access. Here is his first letter from Amman, complete with slide show: Picture Show 1 from Jordan,
This is the first email out of many that I hope to send. I arrived in Jordan two days ago and have so far been overwhelmed by all that I’ve seen/experienced. I don’t want to mislead you into thinking I’ve done a lot, since I haven’t. But just being in such a different locale is an experience in itself for one who has never been outside the United States.
My trip started out less than ideal when I used the ladies restroom by accident at the airport customs department, and being consequently directed out of the restroom by the maintenance crew, who no doubt were laughing at me in Arabic (I blame the jet lag and not my inability to understand the universal signs for male and female). From there things went a little more downhill. I spoke Arabic with my cab driver, whose cab was a modified truck with no visible taxi decals (not my best decision). My driver failed to understand what I said most of the time, and I failed to understand what he said in return. This I’ve read, from CIEE (the study abroad organization), is perfectly normal, since local Jordanians speak a fairly different version of Arabic than that spoken by business and government officials (what I’ve been learning). But, even though it is to be expected, it does put things in perspective. I have a long, long, long journey ahead of me that will most likely push me over the edge of my comfort zone, my greatest challenge.
My arrival coincides with Ramadan. This means that most businesses are closed during the day, or open for limited hours. I have been roaming around my neighborhood and have managed to find some places to buy food and water (pretty inexpensive for a huge bottle). I had Texas Chicken last night… yes, Texas Chicken.
Walking around Amman is different, to say the least. One moment I’ll be walking in a fairly nice area and then find myself in a section whose buildings could use a lot of renovation. I hope the attached slideshow will clarify what I mean. As I walk around Amman, I still find myself feeling like I’m walking in the US. I think it’s because I can still hardly believe that I am in Jordan and so far away from home. I still have to remind myself that I am in an environment like nothing I’ve ever experienced.
I still get nervous speaking Arabic with the locals, but it should pass with time as I learn more vocabulary and get used to hearing and speaking the language on a consistent basis (at least I hope it does).
I hope things are well with all of you back home.
Cheers,
David
EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.
- Sher Hann
- homes@SherHann.com
Posted by Sher Hann on August 31st, 2010
August 30th, 2010
Historic Conejo Valley Photos
Conejo Valley and the Jungleland days
By: Sher Hann
Not to be outdone by my colleague Jeff Biebuyck, who found some great 1920s photos of Encino (http://ewingsir.com/historic-encino/), I’d like to present the early days of the Conejo Valley.
My favorite photo, shot by Thousand Oaks chronicler Ed Lawrence, is not in the public domain. It’s a photo from the 1960s that he took at the intersection for Thousand Oaks Blvd. and Moorpark Rd., right by the 101 freeway exchange. It shows shepherds together with their dogs, herding a mass of sheep (none of whom faced the camera). Lawrence’s collection – a 50-year chronicle called From Ranches to Residences – is private (as he one time said, if I were a rich man, I would donate it, but I’ll be working till I die).
However, I did find a trove of photos from the old Jungleland site, now the home of The Lakes shopping center, City Hall and the Civic Arts Plaza. These photos, actually dating to the 20s, can be found at http://stagecoachmuseum.org/jungleland_exhibit/jungleland_exhibit.htm. Don’t remember Jungleland? Take a look!
[nggallery id=3]
There is also an archival video, a cross between Ronald Reagan’s General Electric Theater and Bonanza, at http://www.cosf.org/website/html/multimedia-video.html
EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.
Posted by Sher Hann on August 30th, 2010
August 9th, 2010
Meatless Monday’s
One easy way to help the environment
By: Irma Haldane
Sid Lerner is 79. Known for his successful Charmin toilet paper campaign, he is now focusing on a little different topic he calls, Meatless Monday’s. The cause is self explanatory – it aims to generate a following that abstains from eating meat on Monday. A health cause designed to reduce meat consumption by 15%, the cause is partnered with Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. The cause does not advocate for the elimination of meat but simply hopes to bring perspective on the strain meat places on the environment. Most people are surprised to know that producing 1 ton of beef requires 140,000 bathtubs full of water (many millions of gallons). Growing the needed crops to feed cows is extremely demanding in terms of natural resources. This is one way to help alleviate the demand.
You can join them on Facebook and they offer daily recipes to help.
EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.
- Irma Haldane
- irma.haldane@sothebysrealty.com
Posted by Irma Haldane on August 9th, 2010
August 6th, 2010
Nothing Bundt Cakes in Thousand Oaks
The hunt for the perfect Bundt
By: Misty Smoke
For nearly 9 months I’ve been in hot pursuit of what some would call the perfect Bundt. However arduous the lengthy process may seem, I must ensure you that it has been nothing but pure joy. Although once bashful of attempting to uncover the most prime, flawless Bundt, I have since fully embraced the enticing call.
I was acquainted to the store by way of fluke, that is, I merely stumbled upon the fine establishment on a miserably dreary day last December. My first exposure could be considered somewhat of a tease in that I hadn’t entirely decided what this shop would mean to me. It was not long, however, before I became considerably friendly toward the owners, Tom and Terre Downey. Through snappy rhetoric and my first purchase, my blooming relationship with the store would soon surely reveal the nebulous concept of the premier Bundt.
The first bite was not a fairy tale story of a prince and princess, nor was it entirely repugnant. Instead, as I pulled away from the first bite my eyebrows twitched, raising gently as if to consider the rarity just encountered. Recalling the richness of the chocolate only led me to consider its fluffiness; just as the buttery frosting only led me to ponder its crispness. I was indeed torn. Where to begin? How to approach? How to proceed? The options were immense, yet so simple. Take another bite. The next was a bit larger, again, more interesting, and of course the process continued in scale. Before long the cake was gone and still the desire for the perfect Bundt loomed – now even larger than before. What was a girl to do?
Over a period of 8 months I continued to tease my buds with the most complex of flavors. From dark chocolate to light, from raspberry to carrot and lemon, I knew I had not achieved perfection. I tried pecan swirl and ‘flavors of the month’ to no avail. Then, when the pursuit was ripe, the air began to change. The humidity increased uniformly with the temperature, the trees stopped swaying and the wildlife seemed to disappear. Never mind that it was summer, I was on the verge of discovering the perfect Bundt! I could feel it.
I strolled in to Nothing Bundt Cakes with my usual flaming desire but a bit more casually this time, as if to show my confidence. I struck up a quick conversation and promptly had the one cake that had not yet been consumed. It was the perfect alliance of sugar and eggs, the holy matrimony of vanilla and chocolate – a sensational marble cake. But, alas, after consumption I was fooled! I couldn’t help but think of the famous author Goethe who once said:
“Distance is like the future. A vast twilt entity lies before us, our perception is lost in it and becomes as blurred as our eye site, and we yearn – we yearn to surrender all of ourselves and let ourselves be filled with a single, tremendous, magnificent emotion but alas … when we hurry to the spot, when there becomes here, everything is as it was and we are left standing in our poverty and constraint, our souls longing for the balm that has eluded us.”
I still have yet to find the perfect Bundt, but it’s there. I will keep searching.
EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.
Posted by on August 6th, 2010
August 3rd, 2010
Carmen Carter Hosts Bridal Premiere
Coming to Hyatt Westlake 
By: Karen Crystal
With more than 60 exhibitors spanning from wedding exhibits to fashion shows, this Sunday Carmen Carter from ‘Dancing with the Stars’ will host a Bridal Premier at the Hyatt Westlake Plaza. From 11 a.m. to 3 pm., guests will enjoy viewing new bridal collections with the opportunity to win one of the headpieces. The exhibitors will answer questions, provide advice on pricing, and assist brides with all aspects of wedding planning.
Held from 12:30pm – 1:30pm, the two fashion shows will show the latest in bridal attire and evening wear from Alayana’s Bridal & Formal of Camarillo and The Bridal Collection and Friar Tux, both of Thousand Oaks.
Tickets are $10 at the door and $8 from the website www.bridalpremiere.com.
For more information, call (805) 376-3515 or (877) 994- 4321
EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.
- Karen Crystal
- karen.crystal@sothebysrealty.com
- http://www.nickiandkaren.com
Posted by Karen Crystal on August 3rd, 2010
July 19th, 2010
The Conejo Valley
The beauty of Westlake Village
By: Sher Hann
As a Conejo Valley realtor, I thought it would be beneficial to share this short video on Westlake Village. Enjoy!
EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.
- Sher Hann
- homes@SherHann.com
Posted by Sher Hann on July 19th, 2010
July 15th, 2010
Electronic Waste in Woodland Hills
California Recycles Inc. will be holding a Electronic Waste Collection Event 
By: Cynthia Sparagna
This Saturday July 17, 2010 at the Von’s Shopping Center on 23381 Mulholland in Woodland Hills from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, electronic waste will accept electronic recycles free of charge.
Take advantage of this opportunity to dispose of your unwanted electronics.
Tuesday July 20th is the last day for Santa Monica businesses to reserve their free pick up on Wednesday July 21st. The next Santa Monica FREE pick up will be on August 21st.
To reserve your pick up download and complete our pickup request form from our website www.californiarecycles.com and either email to lorie@californiarecycles.com or fax to 310-478-3005. All forms must be received no later than noon on Tuesday July 20th.
EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.
- Cynthia Sparagna
- cynthia.sparagna@sothebysrealty.com
- http://www.cynthiasparangna.com
Posted by Cynthia Sparagna on July 15th, 2010
July 13th, 2010
Book Drive in Thousand Oaks
Charity drive; bring your books
By: Karen Crystal
Head to the Thousand Oaks Mall on Mondays and Wednesday between 10am – 2pm to donate used books. Help raise funds for free programs that support education for cancer patients and effected families in the community. Go to the first floor between Banana Republic and Marciano to drop off the goods. If you have a large donations, call 805.379.4777 to schedule a pick up time.
For more information go to http://www.twcvv.org/
EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.
- Karen Crystal
- kjcrystal@hotmail.com
Posted by Karen Crystal on July 13th, 2010
July 12th, 2010
A New Grocery Store Sprouts to Life
New grocery store in Thousand Oaks
By: Sher Hann
If there’s something Thousand Oaks didn’t need, it’s another grocery store chain. At least that’s what I thought until I went to Sprouts.
The second specialty market brand developed by the Henry Boney family, who sold their Henry’s Farmers Markets in 1999, Sprouts has sprouted onto the scene as an alternative food store of healthy, organic, local, fair-trade options (did I miss any buzz words?). Located at the site of the old Circuit City, in Thousand Oaks near The Oaks Mall, Sprouts is definitely a destination store – and it’s worth the trip. There are gluten free products, local produce at, believe it or not, local prices, fresh (really fresh) meats and fish. Oh, yes, there’s a selection of low-carb food too, as well as “bin” coffee and grains.
Prices are surprisingly modest. Some would say (although lately the charge is not entirely fair) that Sprouts is Whole Foods without the whole paycheck.
Take a check, check it out, and enjoy a fresh Sprouts meal tonight.
EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.
- Sher Hann
- homes@SherHann.com
Posted by Sher Hann on July 12th, 2010
June 17th, 2010
Summer Music at the Oaks Mall
Free concerts in our backyard
By: Karen Crystal
The Oaks mall is hosting their second annual summer nights music series this month in the outdoor shops by the Muvico. Free concerts will take pace from 6 to 8 pm each Thursday evening from June 24th through Sept. 2nd. Each week, there will be different genres of music such as classic rock, blues, jazz, oldies and more.
The seating is a first come first serve model that allows guests to bring their own outside seating. The first show will be Unkle Monkey on June 24th.
EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.
- Karen Crystal
- kjcrystal@hotmail.com
Posted by Karen Crystal on June 17th, 2010
