Taco Bell's Demographic

At college I was lost in New Mexican food for two years, so I comforted myself with Taco Bell.  The beans were soul-satisfying. Later at a park with my kids and fast food one young mother years back commented "How do you get them to eat that kind of food?"  I replied, if my kids didn't eat rice and beans they'd starve.  I still occasionally swing by Taco Bell for a burrito supreme.  Sour cream and ground beef, yeah!

Last night mindlessly watching a terrible action movie (you may have heard of it, Iron Man II)--so mindlessly I was actually tracking the commercials--- this little gem pops up. Probably one of the most diverse commercials I've seen on mainstream tv.  A delight.
 Except.

Guess which demographic is missing?

I suppose we're still relegated to the servant entrance of  the Spanish language channels.

On another note, one of my students was annoyed that now that the GOP has discovered the need for the  Latino demographic  those Republicans were going to start pandering.

Pander away, baby, but I'm not waiting for us to be in the national spotlight.  I'm waiting for us to simply be visible.

Desert Skies

I came to camping later in life--post childhood yet pre-children.  It's been a terrific way of seeing the least seen: Anza-Borrego, Bryce Canyon, King's Canyon, Joshua Tree.  And now that we're almost post-children, there's so much more space in the car for firewood and food.

Lamb kebobs:

2lbs cubed lamb, sized for a skewer
(preferably from the leg, as it will cook more quickly and tenderly)
Place cubed meat in a ziploc bag.  Add two cloves minced garlic, a teaspoon of dried rosemary, lemon zest, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a quarter cup of olive oil. Marinate for at least an hour before placing onto skewers.  Grill 4 minutes a side, or until meat is medium rare.

While the meat is marinating and the grill hot, skewer red onions and chunks of red peppers. Grill until slightly charred on each side.  I like warming them up on the grill a bit just before serving.

To serve:
Scatter arugula over your plates.  Top with your skewered meats and vegetables.

Afterwards gather round the campfire and sing U2 hymns.