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By Laura Stec

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About this blog: I've been attracted to food for good and bad reasons for many years. From eating disorder to east coast culinary school, food has been my passion, profession & nemesis. I've been a sugar addict, a 17-year vegetarian, a food and en...  (More)

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The Dude Abides

Uploaded: Apr 15, 2014

This past weekend, my friends N and B hosted The Big Lebowski Party. Have you seen the movie? Jeff Bridges plays Jeff Lebowski, aka The Dude, an unemployed, Los Angelean pothead whose life gets tangled up with kidnapers, nihilists and millionaires. It's a crazy, ransomed-woman hunt, and revenge-of-the-slacker masterpiece, where we gain an odd attraction for the least motivated among us. Dude philosophy is something like "less stress and more fun." Bum or brilliant?

Released in 1998, writers & directors Joel and Ethan Coen assembled a terrific cast including John Goodman, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Julianne Moore, and Steve Buscemi; characters who wild the ride yet take us nowhere. But it's fun and funny and even has a movie menu! (did someone say Food Party!?) We washed down White Russians (Dude's drink) and did half time at In & Out Burger in Mountain View (Dude's dinner). I am not a regular, but finally ordered like one. "Animal-style please, extra everything." (vegetarian burger + beef when no one's looking).

At the end of a crazy mystery movie where everyone is taking advantage of everyone, we see Lebowski walk away with this line;

"The Dude abides."

What do you think that meant? My friend E said "survives," but I'm leaning to something bigger. It was his money grabby, self-absorbed co-characters, wondering where their next payback was coming from, who survived. The Dude however?.. lingers on, with presence. Kind of hangs in our midst or psyche, reminding to slow down and stop being so Silicon Valley important, or at least consider the possibility.

Taking more time this year for fun, food, and friends. Distraction or noble goal?

Take your robe out, put your feet up, turn off your mind, (and be glad you finished your taxes.) Enjoy Dude's drink, embellished with the female touch.

May a little Dude abide in us all.



Dude+Laura White Russian
1 teaspoon chocolate nibs
2 teaspoons St. Germain liquor
½ teaspoon freshly squeezed ginger juice
½ shot Kahlua
1 shot vodka
Freshly whipped cream*

Combine the nibs, St. Germain and ginger in a glass bowl. Let marinate an hour or so.

Put Kahlua in glass, cover/seal with lots o' whipped cream, then drizzle in vodka. Keep the layers. Garnish with nibs and their juice. Eat with a spoon.

* god bless the cows






Democracy.
What is it worth to you?

Comments

Posted by Leads, a resident of Bailey Park,
on Apr 16, 2014 at 8:59 am

Jackie Treehorn treats objects like women.


Posted by Sweet Lou, a resident of Bailey Park,
on Apr 16, 2014 at 9:49 am

I always thought the line was likening him to something bigger than or maybe just set apart from the forces around him. He's always able to be who he is on his own terms in an unapologetic way; like a redwood tree continuing to be a redwood tree through the raging winter storms, peaceful spring days, or sweltering summer heat. It simply abides.


Posted by BroIL, a resident of Atherton: Lindenwood,
on Apr 18, 2014 at 7:13 am

In the movie's context, I interpret it to mean that the Dude has a personal code, a set of personal standards that he follows in his life journey. Despite all of the activity in the movie, the twists and curves and danger and happiness, despite it all, in the end, he continues true to his code as he sallies forth. "The Dude abides"...


Posted by Laura Stec, a Palo Alto Online blogger,
on Apr 18, 2014 at 7:22 am

Laura Stec is a registered user.

Dude fans! I knew you were out there.It's an interesting line isn't it? The "Jackie Treehorn" comment still makes me laugh.


Posted by Raymond, a resident of East Palo Alto,
on Apr 21, 2014 at 12:13 pm

No one, whom is still racing the other 'rats', has any idea what "The Dude abides" means.


Posted by Laura Stec, a Palo Alto Online blogger,
on Apr 22, 2014 at 8:20 am

Laura Stec is a registered user.

Probably true Raymond. Let's invite them over for the Sound of Music and play The Big Lebowski instead. Hey, did anyone try this drink recipe? SO GOOD!!!!


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