Behind the White Coat

From Pakistan to Spain

So as a break from the U.S. elections, we finally had the Pakistani elections the other day.... The results, as I am sure you all know, reflect that the "people have spoken", and also seemed to prove that for once, we had fair, unrigged elections, that also came with no violence or bloodshed!  I think that in itself can be seen as a positive victory, and a step forward.... Now the subsequent deliverance of democracy and the start of a new age that could (and should) be expected in this "movement" is indeed questionable.... So now what? Musharraf is out (more or less...) And who is in?  Well in case you don't know, the two oppositon parties won the most seats, with PPP coming in first (the late Benazir Bhutto's party) and PML-N  (the exiled Nawaz Sharif's party).  The PPP is  basically headed now by Asif Zardari, Benazir's husband, who carries his own history of corruption and deception and other shady business.  Nawaz Sharif also has his own set of skeletons, corruption, and is still techincally exiled from the nation.  So in overthrowing the army dictator in a sense, we are left with what?  Two corrupt civilians?  Pakistan's history of civilian leadership in the 90's wasn't exactly the best of times for the nation on many levels, but at least we can say that there was a vote and voice involved by the people, and some distribution of power within the government.  And oddly enough, in efforts to bring change, we've come 360 degrees around right back where we started.  But now left with a mess of anti-terrorism campaigns, intense U.S. foreign policy, continued terrorism within the nation, and all sorts of religious factions applyin pressure from all sides.   Can this implementation of "democracy"  direct  Pakistan towards a "better" path?   I don't know honestly.  We can only hope.  Now as for Asif Zardari, all his corruption history aside, I don't know if he is even experienced enough to run the nation, particularly this day in age with so much going on with the terorrism issue both within our country and with U.S. policy.  Perhaps the coalition was a move to bring the country's opposition parties and people closer together in a common effort to really do good for the nation and the peopole and our freedoms and the entire democratic process.  Once again, we can only hope.  We'll have to see what kind of deal and decisions are come to with the party heads, and what they do with Mush in the end, and then hope that we start to move in a positive direction and good things indeed happen.  I feel they can start by undoing some of the damage and laws created by Mush during the emergency, and reinstating many of the judges, setting an example that the new government intends to undue some of the questionable moves  by Mush, and then show us that this "coalition" is indeed the right thing for Pakistan..... But again I am weary.  It is only in Pakistan that one can hope not for the better leader, but the one who is least corrupt!

Anyway, more on that later.... I am finally taking my USMLE step 3 exam next week, which I need for my medical license.  I will then be a licensed physician!  (Scary I know....)  Next friday I also depart for Spain.  That's right! 2 weeks with 2 friends taking us to Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Cordoba, Granada, and Marbella.  I am very excited!  Too bad the dollar sucks compared to the Euro, and I have no money... It's gona take a lot of moonlighting to pay this trip off!  But it will be worth it...

So in the end I ask if anyone will be in Spain for the first two weeks of March, or has any cool friends there, do let me know.  Moreover if you have been to Barcelona or anywhere else, give me some not-to-miss restaurants, lounges, districts, etc....

Superbowl Sunday to Super Tuesday

Before my political ramble, I just want to say HOW BOUT THEM GIANTS!!!!  I am a huge Giants fan, and knew they could beat the Pats, but never thought it would actually happen!!! Amazing game. It is never the best team that wins on any given Sunday, it is the team that plays the best.  The Giants clearly played the best, made the fewest errors, and wanted to win more.  Our defense is the MVP in my eyes.  We clobbered Brady!  We hit him, we hurt him, we sacked him, and I have never seen such fear in his eyes.  Amazing!  And WE are reponsible for the 18 and 1 record. Don't forget it. GO BIG BLUE!!!
Now from Superbowl Sunday, on to Super Tuesday...

So... Clearly I (hopefully I can replace "I" with "we" and have it apply to most of you who read this) am voting Democrat in the Super Tuesday primaries, the question is, for who?  This is actually the first time I have voted in a primary.  I've voted in 2 presidential elections, but never a primary.  Which is strange, because this year out of most, I would be more happy with either of the candidates than in prior years.  Perhaps I have matured enough that I feel obligated to vote in the primary, or I didn't have time in previous years (don't remember), or I just feel I need to be a part of potential history...

So who to vote for?  One can make valid and strong arguments for either candidate. Policy wise they are clearly more similar to each other than compared to any Republican candidate, but there are differences when it comes to health care, education, etc...  I was originally an Obama supporter.  The man knows how to speak, thats for sure, and we all know it.  An amazing orator, who gives you those senses you get when you hear recordings of Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speak.  He reaches out to his listeners like Bill Clinton reached out (obviously in his own way, if not better).  And Obama is somebody who is building his platform on change, and a new path of governing, and a future that can potentially unite the nation.  Then again, can he do all that?  Sure he is a great speaker, but what has he DONE that can prove to us he is the one?  Where is his experience? After all McCain could be double his age!  Other things, which was the main reason I got off the Obama "bandwagon" (which doesnt mean im gungho Hilary by the way), was some of his foreign policy thoughts, particularly that of Pakistan.  He is advocating unilateral strikes against Pakistan, despite what the Pakistani "government" (in quotes for my own reservations of the status and legitamcy of our government, but thats a whole other story) may agree with, or do, or cooperate to.  He is for just attacking and bombing the shady northwest territories where all the pro-terrorist factions, tribes, and activity lie.  Which is quite a retarded statement if you know what the situation is there, and what is going on, and how things function.  I clearly dont think that the Pakistani government is doing everything in their (or should I say "his") power, or using the millions of dollars to their best interest, but how is unilateral strikes and bombing a solution??  My thoughts are he said that to look "strong", and not "weak" in efforts to gain votes from many Americans, but still....

Hilary is clearly experienced, from her positions in the senate and first lady.  How many senators have even been elected president? I can think of Kennedy off the top of my head, but not many senators have experience in positions of administration, and executive power really, not as much as governors and VPs.  Though Hilary's stint in the white house is a huge plus I think.  She has more experience, and has good insight in her plans for reformin health care, education, housing etc. etc... But so does Obama, sure... But I still value her experience over his.  The other question is, who can beat McCain?  I think Hilary is more likely to than Obama.  Another reason perhaps she is the better choice.   A woman or a minority?  Who would more likely win as well? Another good question for which I don't have an answer.  Of course the other issue with Hilary is the Clinton dynasty.  People want change. Many are sick of the Bush's, the Clintons, the Kennedies, people are tired of these family dynasties of governing, and they want change. Obama is huge on that.  And he makes a great point.  So many things to think about.....

My dad is for Hilary. He thinks Obama is all talk, and doesn't do anything, and hasn't shown he can do anything.  My mom is for Obama.  She feels he can bring the country together, he has the vision and ideals for the best interest of our nation.  My sister is stumped.  And me?  I tell you, it is close. I voted today, and even at the last minute I thought about it....  I'll be happy whoever wins the primary, because I will gladly support them.  I won't even tell you who I voted for, because in the end, part of me wanted to vote for the other candidate! 

Anyway... I look forward to the results of Super Tuesday!

Per Se

Yesterday I went to Thomas Keller's masterful New York City restaurant, Per Se.  Owner of the enouned French Laundry over in Napa Valley, Per Se will provide you not only with the most amazing food and service in New York, but an unforgettable dining experience.

The decor is elegant and modern.  On the 4th floor of the Time Warner Building, with a terrific view overlooking Columbus circle, in a sleek, spacious, and trendy environment that fits the whole nouveau french/american theme.  The service is impeccable. With 8 people we had about 5 different types of servers, and all courses coordinated for all the guests.  And of course, the food.  With a prix fixe meal of $275 per person (which can easily climb to $450 depending on some of the choices you make), it does not come cheap.  Somewhere to go for occasions, or on an expense account. (Luckily I wasn't paying) The menu changes daily, with a few signature dishes that are always there.  A 7 course meal (plus some extra complimentary treats) that will take your palate to amazing places! 

We chose a lovely bottle of Pinot Noir from the Russain River Valley (in Napa), the name I am forgetting (Chibo? something like that), but it was great.  The first course was their signature  "oysters and pearls", greek island oysters w/ tapioca and sturgeon caviar.  Simply marvelous, and is always the first course on the daily changing menu.  A few small complements followed including an amazing little salmon tartar cone, and a gruyere cheese ball that was an explosin of flavor in my mouth!  Next was a risotto, with fresh black Perigord truffles shaved on at tableside. Then came a seared scallop.  This was probably my least favorite of the dishes (but in itself so good), only because it was nothing more exciting than a scallop, yet cooked to perfection.   This was followed by another complimentary dish served in an egg shell, that was some mix of egg, truffles and somethin else. Never tasted anything like that! Smooth texture with such a unique taste!  Next came the foie. gras. tAhhhh the foie!! Even if you are not a fan of foie, I think you would become one.  A thin crisp surface, with a rich, flavorful chunk of foie gras that just melted in your mouth. YUM!  After that was the choice of lamb chop or the weygu steak.  My friend and I got one of each.  The lamb was tender, juicy, and not a hint of the harsh lamb odor, only rich in flavors.  The weygu steak as out of this world!  A type of Kobe, it was a sirloin cut of steak, and it melted in my mouth almost like the foie!  I wanted to run in the back, steal the steak, and run!  The tail end was a cheese plate, followed by the freshest guava sorbet, and my dessert was a divine banana pudding cake.

What is amazing to me is that the menu changes DAILY.  And it is always amazing dishes, with beautiful presentations as well.  The service I re-iterate, the best I've had.  The bill for 8 people (i snuck a peek) came out to about 2500 or something like that. Not bad eh?

On another note, I screwed up my back again.  Yes, the gimp is back.  I was good for 2 months, but of course didn't start my second course of physical therapy, or start my Yoga.  Ugh.  Now I threw it out again, and my lower back is in severe spasm.  I been lying at home for 3 days, missing work, and hobbling around with a cane.  Popping muscle relaxants and pain killers with a heating pad and back brace to deal.  When the fuck will this end?? I guess its partly my fault for not getting into a proper exercise program for my back.  Doctors are the worst patients.. Enough is a enough, I need to get my ass into gear before fellowship....