SaltShaker

 One could argue that these [today’s] ‘plagues’ are fundamentally different than the ones in the Passover story because they can be seen as humankind’s own creations and not sent by God.
- Dan Weiss, Only 10 plagues? Early Egyptians had it easy
Buenos Aires - Most Jewish kids I knew when I was growing up dreaded Passover. […]

 The government of Swaziland, one of Africa’s poorest and most Aids-ridden countries, has defended plans to spend nearly $2,5-million on celebrations to mark the 40th anniversary of independence. Opposition deputies have called for the celebrations, which will also mark King Mswati III’s 40th birthday, to be scrapped or scaled down given that most of the […]

 Songkran, the most vigorous of Thailand’s festivals, was the official Thai New Year until 1941. Formerly tied to the movement of the sun, modern Songkran takes place from 13-15th April. Songkran began as a ceremonial bathing of Buddha images as part of a new year’s spring cleaning ritual. However, it has degenerated over the years […]

 When it comes to traveling these are some wonders I’d like to see: A cabdriver who understands English, especially in America. A place in the world where you can’t get a Big Mac and a Coke. A headwaiter who hides his scorn when you order the house wine.”
- George Burns, Comedian
Buenos Aires - Several people […]

 Just because someone is dead does not mean they have changed!”
- Bette Davis, when it was suggested she not speak ill of the dead
Buenos Aires - I may continue on this trend of centennial birthdays, more or less - we had so much fun with Carmen Miranda’s 99th and Anna Magnani’s 100th, that I couldn’t […]

 Vegetarian has long been used as the human equivalent of herbivore, which — along with carnivore — has traditionally been applied to nonhuman animals, for the good reason that vorare means not simply ‘eat’ but ‘eat like a wild animal’ (hence devour). The ending -arian generally denotes a conscious adherence, in contrast to the genetic […]

 I was the main complainer about not having my favorite dishes, and then someone suggested that I open my own restaurant.”
- Gary Edwards, Owner, Sister Sue’s, Asbury Park
Buenos Aires - Maybe it’s just me, but it seems that while Casa S is getting busier and busier, especially with private events, that I spend more time […]

 Please don’t retouch my wrinkles. It took me so long to earn them.”
- Anna Magnani, actress
Buenos Aires - You may have noticed that recently our Casa S themes have been getting more and more offbeat - moving away from various Republic Days and Independence Days and such. It’s only semi-intentional - part of the problem […]