These days I’m not so much the fly on the wall but more the egret in the pond trying to catch as many tidbits as possible to feed my readers a meal of what’s going on. Here’s this week’s menu …
Dinner on the quad of Stanford University was rawther a good show hobnobbing with the country’s intellectual elite and political powerhouses. Sponsored by the Board of Overseers of the Hoover Institute, the elbow-rubbing included former California Gov. Pete Wilson as well as a few Leland Stanford descendants.
Sitting next to Kenneth Hess and his wife, I found the perfect opportunity to use my favorite new phrase, “evolutionary algorithms.” Google it and be amazed! Mr. Hess is CEO and founder of Science Buddies which supports middle school students in their quest with scientific experimentation.
Under the lengthening twilight shadow of Memorial Church, the balmy evening was well-suited to the refreshing first course of bay shrimp rémoulade (sprinkled with caviar), heirloom tomatoes and chilled pea soup with mint. Grilled Sonoma lamb chops with apple mint relish and port wine sauce distracted my attention from the speaker’s welcoming addresses but moving onto the chocolate pot de crème and strawberries during featured speaker and political satirist Christopher Buckley, I felt a culinary and intellectual satisfaction.
Buckley strung story after story together like a master humorist explaining that upon receiving the invitation and learning such figures as Margaret Thatcher preceded his appearance, “my bowels shriveled.” Coming from a background as the first George Bush’s political speechwriter, Buckley knew his audience and poked fun at some of the challenges a speechwriter faces. Buckley told a story of one of his first speeches in which he made reference to the Greek historian Thucydides. When Bush came to the ancient Greek spelling he stood stupefied and unsuccessfully attempted to sound out the name. After the speech, Bush’s aide poked a finger at the chest of Buckley and yelled, “Next time use Plato for God’s sake!”
Buckley updated the audience on recent events in the Capitol. “We had another scare in D.C with anthrax. I remember a time when you were thrilled to find white powder in an envelope!” I found this extremely hilarious. The staid Hoover supporters were audibly hushed (as well as when Buckley spoke about Hillary’s probable bid for the Oval Office). Buckley went on to make a joke about the French, and the Hoover group found their funny bones once again. A man of many talents, Buckley’s literary success, “Thank You for Smoking” will be out as a film starring Katie Holmes in November. I’ll have to find a theater that serves pot de crème.
With balmy turning to oppressive heat, South County patients of Dr. Michael Stepovich welcomed the invitation to dinner and skating at the brace face doc’s annual night at the rink. Complete with face painting, a balloon-twisting clown, prizes, pizza and an all-you-can-eat ice cream sundae bar, the pain of orthodonture didn’t seem quite as bad. The former Aloha Roller Palace brought back memories, especially with pre-puberty Michael Jackson’s “ABC” playing as retro rexxing music. Donna and Ron Zimmerman scooted around on blades with the prospects of a long relationship with Stepovich orthodontics. With two kids in braces now and one more to go, they’ll be there for the party’s 10th annual.
More than 300 patients, parents and friends felt very much appreciated by the wonderful hosting of Dr. Stepovich. Shelby DieBold and Renee Rhoads went home smiling big after winning an XBOX and an Orange County chopper bike, respectively. Jose Nuna and Jill Kyle found time to feast and discuss the last soccer game their daughters played with the Morgan Hill Storm. Braces and soccer – I’ve heard some horror stories.
For dessert, I thought I’d dish up a little bit of Yarka. Celebrating the 31st anniversary of her 29th birthday, Yarka Kennett was lured to the Grange Hall in Morgan Hill Saturday night under the pretense of performing with her belly dancing group for city recreation coordinator Chiquy Schoenduve. B.J. Tichnin worked her artistic magic on the old Grange, turning it into a sheik’s tent. The heat provided that extra authenticity of a desert scorcher. Jack Todd (the “Where in the World is Waldo?” character of South County) poured a heavy handed wine and beer bar, greeting each guest by name as he knows everyone, either as a former student or parent of one.
After a terrific show by the well-taught belly dancers it was time to take our turn shaking a little booty. I had more than enough to offer. Chiquy won the prize for the best party leader playing a fun game called “Cut, cut, the salad” where attention to details are a must or your neighbor gives you funny looks.
Fun people equal fun times. Credit must go to Yarka’s husband Alex for perfect party planning. Shedding his sheik outfit for tourist clothing, Alex took a deep breath and commented on the challenge of keeping the party a secret, “I’ve got to take lying lessons.” Yarka, looking at her husband, smiled and responded, “I’m glad you’re not very good at it.” Happy Birthday, Yarka.
Ciao for now.
