This was the dirtiest, most crowded clinic I've been to. Most of the clinicians -- maybe all of them -- were Filipino. I had the opportunity to get to know them more by hanging out with them in the break room. I learned a few noteworthy things: they work more than any group of immigrants (and are proud to tell you how hard they work!); they bring food and share it amongst themselves; they do not vote, claiming they don't know any of the candidates (to which I responded they should get to know them); they send much money back to Phillipines; and they are highly educated people working outside of their academic fields. Hmmmmm.
I stayed in a Residence Inn in La Mirada, and actually used the fireplace in the suite (and yes, the air conditioner was on some of the time). It felt homey. Had the opportunity to sit and talk with Michelle, one of my favorite trainers on the project.
On Friday, I headed back to San Clemente and will write more later.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Monday, October 23, 2006
California, Here I Yam!
Well, after a week in Scottsdale, working with one of the most unpleasant teammates I've experienced, I welcomed returning to La La Land.
Flew into Ontario instead of LAX or Orange County. Rented a boat (Dodge something; a big ol' truck that could seat a dozen for sure) and headed down to my beloved south coast, specifically San Clemente. Stayed at the Hampton Inn, just off I-5 and overlooking the expansive and enigmatic Pacific Ocean. With a fabulous room (303) with an ocean view , great bed, and quiet (except for the white noise of the freeway which, amazingly, does not disturb me) -- I was set for a restful, enjoyable weekend.
On Sunday, I headed to San Diego to see two movies: Fan Fan la Tulipe and Jesus Camp. The first was a French swashbuckler film from the early 50's, and was wonderful to experience on the big screen -- a privilege I rarely get when viewing foreign films. To be honest, I'd never heard of the film. Was it up to the aesthetics of a Rossellini, Visconti, Godard, or Truffaut? no where close; however, I still enjoyed it. Even the worst foreign films seem so much better than the typical Hollywood pablum.
Jesus Camp was a bit of a disappointment. Not that it was bad, but I kept thinking that this documentary would fit better on the PBS P.O.V. program. It didn't seem "at home" on the big screen; in fact, I think the film suffered by not being on television. The film is about the indoctrination of a young army of "God's warriors" by the Christian fundamentalists who insist on integrating their version of 'God' into all things public and private. Yet, only the truly gullible wouldn't recognize that instead of "God's warriors" these kids are becoming tomorrow's neurotics and sociopaths. Oy vay!
On Monday, I headed to Paramount Dialysis, in Paramount, California, somewhere in the "South Bay" area of LA. It was, for all purposes, a ghetto. The clinic was nasty, but the clinicians (most filipino) were wonderful and generous. More later ...
Flew into Ontario instead of LAX or Orange County. Rented a boat (Dodge something; a big ol' truck that could seat a dozen for sure) and headed down to my beloved south coast, specifically San Clemente. Stayed at the Hampton Inn, just off I-5 and overlooking the expansive and enigmatic Pacific Ocean. With a fabulous room (303) with an ocean view , great bed, and quiet (except for the white noise of the freeway which, amazingly, does not disturb me) -- I was set for a restful, enjoyable weekend.
On Sunday, I headed to San Diego to see two movies: Fan Fan la Tulipe and Jesus Camp. The first was a French swashbuckler film from the early 50's, and was wonderful to experience on the big screen -- a privilege I rarely get when viewing foreign films. To be honest, I'd never heard of the film. Was it up to the aesthetics of a Rossellini, Visconti, Godard, or Truffaut? no where close; however, I still enjoyed it. Even the worst foreign films seem so much better than the typical Hollywood pablum.
Jesus Camp was a bit of a disappointment. Not that it was bad, but I kept thinking that this documentary would fit better on the PBS P.O.V. program. It didn't seem "at home" on the big screen; in fact, I think the film suffered by not being on television. The film is about the indoctrination of a young army of "God's warriors" by the Christian fundamentalists who insist on integrating their version of 'God' into all things public and private. Yet, only the truly gullible wouldn't recognize that instead of "God's warriors" these kids are becoming tomorrow's neurotics and sociopaths. Oy vay!
On Monday, I headed to Paramount Dialysis, in Paramount, California, somewhere in the "South Bay" area of LA. It was, for all purposes, a ghetto. The clinic was nasty, but the clinicians (most filipino) were wonderful and generous. More later ...
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