I was raised in a farm family where high-fat food was the norm. It was a real culture shock for me when I first started.

I was surprised. I thought there would be more definitive answers about the value of the low-fat diet.

This is a crazy culture. Absolutely nutty. You see it reflected everywhere you look, the desperate search -- who are we, what are we, can we ever make if in the hip world? On the scene, on the go, in the know.

Once you become an elaborate and well-developed culture, anything from Rome or the Etruscans, for that matter, the food starts to become a representation of what the culture is. When the food can transcend being just fuel, that's when you start to see these different permutations.

His dad comes over. They're here a lot, they cookout and stuff. They always bring me food.

Residents are being advised to bring in items from their yards, and stock up on supplies of food and medications. Twelve shelters will open effective 2 p.m., as will three special needs shelters, and four for the homeless.