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We had some neighbors over for dinner last night. Nothing fancy — some snacks, a little salad and some pizza. They have kids, one of whom is The Peanut’s age. After I got the dogs to (mostly) stop barking, we settled the kids in with a movie while we adults talked about life and politics and the craziness of it all right now.
It struck me how we all have so many of the same fears and concerns about so many of the same issues — especially parents these days worrying about how things will be for their kids. Not just our company, but all of us here, too, in varying ways.
Maybe that always sticks out for me now that I’m a mom. But it’s been nagging at me more of late as I watch The Peanut learn and grow, and become more of her own person…a little more independent every day.
I wonder who she will be as she matures. But, more than that lately, what opportunities she will or won’t have based on decisions made for her future by others. Today and in the days ahead.
It’s not new. I’m sure other folks think this about their own kids or relatives, or even about their own lives growing up. I know I did.
But that youthful hope of making the world a better place has faded to a worry that we won’t be able to get things back to the "needs improvement" point. We are so far below the starting line that I’m not certain I see it any longer.
Maybe it’s the melancholy of Fall. The crisp air this morning, coupled with the leaves turning and falling, leaving behind them bare branches and frigid chill to come. I’m feeling my age, and how few days there can be in any one lifetime to make things better for those who follow.
Tell me something cheery this morning. Share a moment of gratitude. Or a laugh. Something kind or caring. Give me some hope. Pull up a chair…
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I, too, need hope right now more than I know how to say.
I can’t do cheery, so let me just say I’ve been missing all of you.
(((Barbara and David))). You have been in my thoughts and prayers.
Morning, Christy, Barb. Grateful that it’s Saturday and PUAC. Too damned cold here this morning for Early Morning Swim.
The following came forwarded to me the other day and lifted my spirits:
There is a God in the Post Office. This is one of the kindest
things I’ve ever experienced. I have no way to know who sent it, but
there is a beautiful soul working in the dead letter office of the US
postal service.
Our 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last month. The day after she
died, my 4 year old daughter Meredith was crying and talk ing about how
much she missed Abbey. She asked if we could write a letter to God so
that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that
I thought we could so she dictated these words:
Dear God,
Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and
is with you in heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me
have her as my dog even though she got sick.
I hope you will play with her. She likes to play with balls
and to swim. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her. You will
know that she is my dog. I really miss her.
Love, Meredith.
We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and
Meredith and addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our return address on
it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the e nvelope
because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the
way to heaven. That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the
post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter
yet. I told her that I thought He had.
Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our
front porch addressed, ‘To Meredith, ‘in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith
opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, ‘When a Pet Dies.’
Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in
its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey
&Meredith and this note:
Dear Meredith,
Abbey arrived safely in heaven.
Having the picture was a big help.. I recognized Abbey right
away.
Abbey isn’t sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like
it stays in your heart. Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don’t need
our bodies in heaven, I don’t have any pockets to keep your picture in,
so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and
have something to remember Abbey by.
Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for
helping you write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you
have. I picked her especially for you.
I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you
very much.
By the way, I’m easy to find, I am wherever there is love.
Love, God
Hugs and Hugs to you barbara, and David.
These are the times to enjoy the really little things, grab each loving moment you can.
Good morning, Christie & Firepups. George Bush has crapped on our nation as he leaves it. Once there was a time when ’stealing the ‘Ws’ off the computer keyboard was considered traitorous, but today? Trillions missing from America’s coffers, two war fronts (one is illegal), and a White House who is NOT in prison. That said, I say we stare at the following picture until a smile appears on our faces:
http://i244.photobucket.com/al…..hiteSt.jpg
We’re going to survive and we’re going to color our brains out too! ;-)
This morning as I was reading news I came across this youtube someone left in the comments section of an article I read. It gave me hope and I literally cried. Here is the link.>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QIGJTHdH50
Morning, Christy. Morning Barbara(a big hug for David). OK..so what do I have I got this morning? Well, my son drive home from college in New Jersey last night, so we have him for a whirlwind day of laundry, cooking, baking and errand running before he disappears tomorrow morning in a flurry of clean clothes, etc. And when he walked into the house, I was in the middle of making dinner and he put his arms around me, gave me a big smoochy kiss and said, “it’s great to be home.” I’ll take what I can get.
OT Saturday Mpls Star Tribune Yippeeeee!
“DFL U.S. Senate candidate Al Franken has moved into his first solid lead — 43 to 34 percent — over incumbent Republican Norm Coleman, according to a new Star Tribune Minnesota Poll. Updated 11:59 PM “
I guess this is why I have been so disappointed by the constant railing here against Obama over the vote this week. I have written the story of my coal miner grandfather here more than once so I won’t bother again. Maybe a constant “critical” analysis of the world gives people meaning in life but I hope folks do find things in their lives that bring them joy. For me it’s my bride, family, friends and these stinky little pups that make it all worthwhile.
Here’s a Campaign Poster good for a smile
Happy news is hardly OT
I haven’t seen the story of your grandfather, Raven, and I’d like to. Could you provide a link to it?
What a beautiful story and thank you so much for sharing.
Okay, I’m balling now. Thanks Lambchops. LOL Excellent speech. Wow.
That’s a good speech.
This is what every person, working or retired, blue or white collar, needs to hear again and again. Great speech.
Short version. Shortly after my grandmother died in 1972 we were driving somewhere on the freeways in LA. I had been home from Nam for three years and the war was still raging despite all the efforts of the anti-war movement. He asked me what I thought of the world and I went off with a anti-capitalist, anti-materialist, and basically anti-American rant (sound familiar?) Without being judgmental he talked about his 35 years in the mines (where his father was killed when a cable snapped and basically cut him in half) in Southern Illinois, two world wars, and a depression. His contention was, that while there were many very real problems in the world there was also plenty of joy and beauty.
Gratitude? Oh, yeah, baby. For the kindness I find here, for hospital staff, newly engaged hospice workers that we will meet this week, friends, family. I am rediscovering that in this world of snark and snarl and snipe, most people are essentially decent and want to help. We really are all in this together, start to finish. Thank goodness we opted for absentee balloting! Obama, please and thank you. And a local poll shows Al Franken moving well ahead of Norm Colemeleon. Booyah! Keep kicking ass, FDLers. I’ll be checking your progress when I can! *g*
Maybe it’s the melancholy of Fall. The crisp air this morning, coupled with the leaves turning and falling, leaving behind them bare branches and frigid chill to come. I’m feeling my age, and how few days there can be in any one lifetime to make things better for those who follow.
——————-
way too many nay sayers here….let us try to getget behind Michelle ,and Barraks message of hope and change….he has kids Peanuts age (relatively)…It is because of him,and THEM i started to support him…LETS HELP HIM,bring some of the changes we want…..Biden also is a very decent man….so
LETS GODEMS…08
nice
oops owe you a fizzy…i feel the very sme way…it is VERY disconcerting to me,to have him torn apart here
(((Barbara and David, all your loved ones)))
My family is in a big transition too. My father will be leaving the earth soon. He says, “I don’t know how to die. I’ve never done it before.”
I am thinking of the changes ahead for all of us in our country. Not just the money, but the water, the animals, and our “way of life.”
Yet, I remain optimistic in the short run.
Love to all today.
Christy,
Morning to a mom.
My prayer for the Peanut would be a peaceable spirit in this ruthless world.
Think about the fact that our two vice presidential candidates both have raised their children to embrace military action against people who have endured so much of our shock and awe. This war has been unconstitutional from day one and these two are going to defend and protect that sacred document?
What other country bombs minority populations on daily basis?
The reason for our anxiety is the unacknowledged monetary support of random murder on a scale beyond any thing we see in our country.
The truth is we waste so much creation on destruction that it threatens creation itself. Between defense and homeland security we squander over $700 billion a year. Are we still willing to murder our way out of this mess?
Teach your children well ,indeed.
Wow, thanks so much for that.
Even though it is getting cold from the early fall it is absolutely beautiful here (NH) with the leaves turning. Campaigning today and then making doughnuts… what better way to spend a fall Saturday.
jomael@10 Great news about Franken. I can only hope the mood of the country turns solidly Dem after the Golden Parachute this week. My absolutely wonderful Congressperson, Carol Shea-Porter, voted NO to the damn thing both times.
Good Morning, This “cheery” has given me great smiles. I heard this morning from a very old, longtime friend. Formed by Goldwater, anti-
Social Security, etc. So I wondered what she thought of Palin. Her answer: She’s a “yellow dog Democrat; of course, Palin is not ready to be VP or Pres.” Halleluyah. That only took about 40 years. Off to be very cheerful.
thank you…some people do not realize the power of their words to depress the people working for change…we should all HANG TOGETHER,or we shall surely hang apart…”g”
McGiggollo/[edited by MOD] are two very vicious people…she in my opine is an UNFIT MOTHER
Well, it’s really only a couple of people and they’ll cop to the “our only chance to hold his feet to the fire” rap. I am sure these lengthy economic dissertations are valuable but I’m thinking maybe I need to just pass em by.
another VERY DECENT MAN!!! hooray
me too….i tradeed stocks for 8 years…its RIGGED its ALWAYS been rigged….we must press for pensions,unions,and universal HEALTHCARE…let the BIG PLAYERS like John McCain,and Paulson,and Buffet …have their rigged CASINO….but make them PAY TAXES
Good Morning all. Fall is one of my favorite times. Yes, the green of summer is leaving and the warm sun is getting scarce but it is also the time of harvest and preparation for the next turn of seasons. The hard work of summer is over and it is time to collect the rewards of summer and prepare for the winter. One of my favorite memories of fall in the West Virginia mountains where I grew up is the making of apple butter. To get you in the spirit of the season here is a short passage from the Genesse Farmer of 1839 which gives a lovely account of a rural farmstead during the fall when the apples are at their peak.
The host should in the autumn invite his neighbors, particularly the young men and maidens, to make up an apple butter party. Being assembled, let three bushels of fair sweet apples be pared, quartered and the cores removed. Meanwhile, let two barrels of new cider be boiled down to one half. When this is done, commit the prepared apples to the cider, and henceforth let the boiling go on briskly and systematically. But to accomplish the main design. the party must take turns at stirring the contents without cessation, that they do not become attached to the side of the kettle and be burned. Let this stirring go on till the liquid becomes concrete-in other words, till the amalgamated cider and apples become as thick as hasty pudding.
Christy -
Gotch’r hope rite c’here:
There IS. NOT. a bat’s prayer in hell or heaven that the Peanut will grow up to be a sarah palin airhead!
“You betcha!”
*G*
the beauty of nature, gardening, cats, kids come to mind. (not in that order)
thinking of you and david.
AND…OJ…convicted of a major crime 13 years to the day,of his MURDER AQUITTAL….JUSTICE MOVES SLOWLY…we must keep on keeping on!
And questionable issues about Palin’s tax returns….O good.
wonderful
Thanks,
I needed that story.
Those random acts of kindness get me misty every time.
Bluetooth
Yesterday I heard my son recite the alphabet for the first time. I was in the kitchen making some coffee, and he was at the table drawing and he just started singing the alphabet song. He even said the proper Canadian “zed” at the end, instead of the American “zee”. I was so proud of him.
Im off to breakfast with a lovely elderly woman who just got divorced,Ive helped her through her sorrows,and now she will take me to her sons NEW GYM….WATCH OUT WORLD….i will soon have muscles!!!…bye for now…keep smiling and ATTACKING the evils out there……..”G”
“till the liquid becomes concrete” — I know what the writer in 1939 meant, but that just struck me very funny.
I have remained upbeat since I lot my job last Friday, and will continue to do so. The prospects are decent,and I have a decent commission to get me through the next few months.
Fall is my favorite time of year…playoff baseball, college football, the early morning chill in the air, the smell of fall. Halloween, the pumpkin patch. I’m going to smoke some ribs today, drink some beer, watch the Wolverines and revel in it. What could be better than that?
Bah hahahahahahaha! Love it Elliott. Thanks for posting it. ;-)
GO Illini!
There is still some hope that Harper won’t form a majority govt. That’s something to grab on to.
Good morning Christy and pups. I’m off to the market, I’ll get some apples, and make the whole house smell like jelly, should be wonderful.
I love Fall. When I was a boy, we used to burn our leaves in a big pile in the street. The sweet aroma would hang in the air for days, and whenever I smell it, I am carried back.
Out my window at the office, the leaves are changing, from the vibrant green of summer to a paler shade, tinged with light brown, a warm color to go with the cooler air.
“Put Down The Duckie”
Watch this and not smile ~ I dare you :-)
Keep the faith Firedoglake people … sometimes it’s all we’ve got, and it’s nice to know this place is still here when I need to restore mine.
I find hope in the growing number of urban food systems and city gardens.
People are looking for alternatives to the current models and creating their own when nothing fits there needs.
It may because I live in Texas, where the fall, the end of the long hot summer, always seemed like the beginning of a new year to me. School started; the sky was bluer and clearer; light and shadow were more dramatically different; school and football season started again. I can remember my whole family going outside and cheering when the first cool front blew in and we heard leaves blowing down the street. I still feel that way about the fall.
This election gives us a chance to start to rebuild this country with new green industries which provide permanent employment opportunities for our children and grandchildren. We have a chance to put an end to race as a serious factor in national elections and have seriously dented gender as such a factor. We can reestablish this country as the great example, rather than the great exception.
A story of a small act that made my day yesterday.
I had taken my prodigal son for a quick lunch out. He’s recovering from being homeless for a several months and has a ton of catching up to do with the courts. It’s all traffic related stuff, but stuff he has failed to take responsibility for..ie. tickets gone to warrant which happen to total a couple grand. Also, he was asked to surrender his DL and his car was impounded, so to say he is “bumming” covers it well.
When another customer was leaving, I noticed his t-shirt which said Hungry and Homeless and Hardcore. Hungry Jimmy. I remarked how much I liked his shirt and he thanked me. A few minutes later he was back at our booth and handed us each a t-shirt. Said he does PR for a wrestler who uses that logo and keeps several in his truck to give to people.
Now, this is not a save the planet story, but my son was amazingly impressed. Said that this made him realize that there are nice and good people out there and that we should each pay that gesture forward.
A little hope is sometimes enough to make it through another day.
(Peace to Barbara and David today.)
This bailout bill has made my contract more secure for the near future. I’m not a billionaire, I’m main street who happens to work for a mortgage company that didn’t get involved in the subprime mess with their own lending practices.
The fallout from others who did has had a dramatic impact on the business however. I don’t think this bill was perfect, however in another month we will have a new president and larger majority in both houses. To me that’s progress.
Isn’t TX fall wonderful? Yes, the beginning of school and the end of punishing heat, even as I love that, too. Enjoy the day. (I saw a headline that Palin has good TX support….will have to go back and read the piece.;)
Oops…..no sorry ~ wrong link. *These* time call for the FULL therapeutic version:
Put Down the Duckie (with everybody)
All my high school girlfriends are coming over tonight for some eats, drinks, & 80’s Trivial Pursuit. LOL Can’t wait! Our friend Annie, who now lives in Alabama, is coming tonight too and we all just found out she’s pregnant for the first time in her life at the age of 41! We are so excited for her. I bought her a gallon of yummy Maine apple cider for her to take back to her mother’s tonight. She’s been missing & craving the cider up here. We will be laughing all night, but we will not be forgetting how much our country is suffering right now. I’ll be asking the girls if they could spare $5 or more for heating fuel to give to the extreme poor in my area ;-)
If you would like to help the poor in Androscoggin & Oxford County stay warm this winter, you can send a $5 or more tax-deductible donation to:
Community Concepts
Attn: Corporate Advancement Dept.
79 Main Street
Auburn, Maine 04210
or you can make a donation online at:
http://www.community-concepts.org
Thank you!
And if you want to put, “In care of Kay of White Noise Insanity”, that would be cool. It will make those damn community organizers scratch their heads! We need to keep them on their toes. LOL
Good Morning.
I was at the bar last night with my Republican, talk-radio listening colleague. He said the GOP had f*cked up and he wasn’t supporting them.
That made me smile. I hope it makes you all smile too.
I’m thrilled PeteCO!
We have 3 sons ranging in age from mid 20’s to early 30’s who have the “live & let live” attitude toward others. Our friend’s grown children are the same. It’s not even accurate to call it tolerance in respect to gay marriage, race, civil rights or any of those hot button topics that get ultra conservatives all riled up. Those conservative issues are non-issues to them.
There are plenty of ignorant, intolerant people in the small town/rural area our kids & our friend’s kids grew up in but all of them seem to have grown up to be informed, rational adults. I can’t help but feel optimistic when I am with that younger generation & believe that no matter how hard the extreme right try to push a flat earth mentality on americans, it is just not going to fly.
This thought is much too long to shoehorn into a comment, but I just woke up with the realization that the “Wall Street vs. Main Street” dichotomy that we heard once again in the VP debate is outmoded, because there is very little left of “Main Street”. What commercial activity there used to be along Main Street has moved outside town to the ‘roadside commercial zoning’ area, and whereas only 20 or 30 years ago, certainly 50 years ago, we would have known people who ran a store, now we would be hard-pressed to find an independent store-owner.
Nowadays, we do not even know who owns the franchise stores, but they have almost certainly put out of business the small stores that used to be locally owned. Your local hardware stores were crushed by the regional chain, which in turn was crushed by Home Depot, which is being squashed by Lowe’s.
There is no restraint when building these stores that destroy Main Street: every square inch of land must be used, and solely for the sake of competition, not for any improvement in goods or services.
A fine example of the destruction of Main Street and the land around the town in this manner is provided by Wasilla, Alaska, I hear.
Little sold in the stores outside of town is made locally; it is all shipped in, and not from other parts of the U.S., either. Most of it is “CCC”, “Cheap Chinese Crap”, guaranteed not to work or last more than a few months.
There is supposed to be something terrible about “redistribution of wealth”: “We are against it,” say the Republicans. Yet, they are responsible for the greatest redistribution of wealth in this country’s history.
There are people who make 1000 times as much a year as I do. They are not common, but they are do exist, and if there are 1000 people like me for every one of them, then if we all are taxed at the same rate it is 1000 times more important make sure that they pay their taxes than it is to see that I pay mine, from the point of view of revenue collected. If we decide that we would like to see our government be able to do some new task, it is going to be a lot more productive to see that the high income brackets pay a higher percentage of their income in taxes. And if it should seem that people with low income cannot pay more to the government without making the overall situation worse, then they might pay a higher fraction of their outsized income than the “middle” class.
And on and on.
If you’re in need of an uplifting read (gotta get off the political books for a while), I highly recommend the story of Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World. Just as one person can help change the direction of the world, so can one small (but large-hearted) animal.
Thanks Raven. That perspective helps today.
Christy, your dinner party last night reminds me of my life 20yrs ago. I have 3 children, my friend has 4. When they were young, we both gave up our jobs to stay home. This was in the 80’s when inflation was making things tough and our husbands were just starting out. There was no money, and very little going-out. So what evolved was Friday night pizza parties at one of our homes. The hostess made the salad and bought the pizza. The guest brought dessert. Our husbands worked together in sales. When they would get their commission check (if it was big enough) we would ’splurge’ and get chicken wings as a special treat (lol). Then, if there was no money or available babysitter for Saturday night, at least we had one night out. This went on for years even when we could afford to do more.
I’m sure she does. There was a spot on a Dallas TV station about her being there yesterday for a fundraiser. There were a few supporters and protestors lining the street around the hotel. I’m truly embarrassed about what Texas has “contributed” to the nation for the last several decades. I think a lot see world affairs as an extension of high school football. Ah well, there went my mood.
To get it back again, I can think about my visit to my son and his family in Colorado last week. My wife and I drove up HWY 24, to Eagle. I had never seen the Aspens changing before. I thought some of the Santa Fe artists school of painters exaggerated the intensity of yellows and golds. They don’t.
Check out this idiot in Maine…
http://news.mainetoday.com/updates/033620.html
He pulled over a Federal Agent using a fake blue strobe light on his truck! Bah hahahahahahahaha! I love it when the assholes of our nation do crap like this. Makes me smile.
Mornin All,
Autumn Leaves – Paula Cole
(((barbara and David)))
Someone said at DKos that Obama said he would alter the bailout bill when he becomes pres. Is that true? I’ve stopped reading Ian. Head in the sand, I know, but I just couldn’t take it.
I’m with you there, Solai — Ian is brilliant, absolute genius – but every time I read something about the bailout recently(esp the most recent one), the message I got was “We’re all screwed; just shoot ourselves and be done with it.” I’m afraid I’m just shallow enough to enjoy stuff like this that comes in the email:
“For all of you with any money left, be aware of the next expected mergers so that you can get in on the ground floor and make some BIG bucks.
Watch for these consolidations later this year:
1.) Hale Business Systems, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Fuller Brush, and W R. Grace Co. Will merge and become:
Hale, Mary, Fuller, Grace.
2.) Polygram Records, Warner Bros., and Zesta Crackers join forces and become:
Poly, Warner Cracker.
3.) 3M will merge with Goodyear and become:
MMMGood.
4. Zippo Manufacturing, Audi Motors, Dofasco, and Dakota Mining will merge and be come:
ZipAudiDoDa .
Barbara, saw your comments up top, and before reading the rest of the thread, wanted you to know that you have a powerfully caring friendship family here. You are in our hearts as well as our thoughts.
Wolcott weighs in on Stroker Ace -
(solai) – i don’t know if it is true that obama said that. but regardless of his intentions, there will mostly likely still be a senate capable of filibustering anything that wall street doesn’t like.
*snicker*
*snort*
Oh, to hell with it! LMAO
A lot of my colleagues who were default Republicans have gone a bit quiet lately. My tack is to say that I’m not trying to tell anyone how to vote. Just look at the candidates & issues and do a little research. Base your decision on evidence, not hearsay. I get the sense that some people are taking this more seriously.
Obviously this is anecdotal, but if this is a pattern, it’s important. These people live in Douglas, Jefferson, and Weld counties, the exurban ring around Denver. They were in the tank for Bush last time round, and are traditionally high turn out.
I guess we’ll find out soon.
Toby – 71’s for you.
POX on “reply”…….and my non-existent memory!
I’m thankful for Ian.
My son is a Finance major.
Here’s an email I wrote to him on September 16th.
Honey,
Remember the guy you caddied for who told you that his job was like stealing money from people legally?
The Bush administration allowed this to happen – virtually no regulation.
Regular people have lost more value than you can imagine. It was stolen – legally, but not morally – because this administration set it up to happen.
It was done by Finance people.
Please learn everything you can.
Please learn to live with less and live with honor.
Your country is going to need someone honorable like you to work with money that is not your own.
I love you,
Mom
—————–
That’s all I got for you this morning. I’m working on controlling my anxiety so I don’t spread it to the kids I work with.
Yes, this whole idea of accountability is vastly overrated. We should be able to ridicule the rightwing for their fact-free approach to politics and candidates while reserving the right to do the same thing ourselves.
Thank you. Lost our Marley last Monday and this has been a melancholy week. I’m going to borrow a bit of Abbey’s reply letter to boost my own spirits.
Every time I ride by a nearby house I have to laugh. There’s been a “For Sale” sign there for months, but they recently added another sign: McCain. Now that’s a great way of turning off half the potential buyers, just what is needed in a moribund market.
thanks, that helps me understand. been hard for me, because the message i get from ian’s threads is in many ways the most hopeful one – that we will not turn away into denial, that we will face and fight what is being done.
(Toby)
wish there was a way for us all to find what we need to not give up.
Hello FDL. While I still can’t see Alaska from my (Canadian) house, I can discern the outline of an Obama presidency, and for all the immense difficulties the man will face, the prospect of him winning comforts me. (I imagine it comforts much of the world, actually.)
Incidently, that Senator Biden of yours is an impressive chap.
A “must read” that might help shed light on economic “choices” we make and how to help government make saner, better ones:
Gordon Bigelow, from Let there be markets: the evangelical roots of economics [emph. added].
http://www.harpers.org/archive/2005/05/0080538
heh..I thought so..that was my response completely….
Interesting last night to hear Christiane Amanpour’s comments on Maher’s show about how badly the “bailout” was needed. ’twas a great show last night. Shandling, and Alex Baldwin, plus Bob Woodward.
Bob Woodward was so burstin’ his guts to make note that Bush’s idea of an Iran strategy was to call them assholes. And I think there’s more than we know of the Village that are contemptuous of the brush-cutter who is already so obviously out-the-door.
Gee-Dubya….soon gone. That’s hope to be realized.
A termite walks into a bar. No one is behind the bar to help him. He asks a fellow patron, “Where’s the bartender?”
“Tell me something cheery this morning. Share a moment of gratitude. Or a laugh. Something kind or caring. Give me some hope. Pull up a chair.”
Okay,Christy. I’m 69 and have shared your same concerns over the years. I have three “peanuts,” one son now 31, another 28, and the youngest, a daughter, who’s 14. I find myself filled with a mixture of anger and optimism, and enormous energy about the possibilities for the future. I’ve experienced numerous wars in my lifetime, several heartbreaking assassinations, and numerous liberation movements that have propelled me into the streets and into verbal battles with political opponents. I’ve reinvented myself several times and am on my third professional career.
I see life as a canvas. Living is a creative and joyful opportunity to put colors and shapes and lines and dimensions on that surface. No matter how bad or worrisome it has been at times in the past, the best thing we can give our children is a personal history. From all I’ve seen, you’re doing it right. Take heart. We’ll be fine. Just don’t lose hope. Or the energy to be involved.
Okay. Enough. Sorry.
I read and respect what you and others critical of Obama have to say. I particularly respect your analytical skills and would consult with similar very diligent and intelligent friends while selecting a brain surgeon. However, after I chose the surgeon, I would make sure they weren’t let into the operating room.
I don’t mean this in any unfriendly way at all. It is just an effort to explain the point of view of those who think there is a time for everything.
OT but hilarious
http://www.scholarsandrogues.c…..low-chart/
The world is watching. I’m talking to a friend on Facebook right now who is watching a recording of the Biden/Palin “debate”. He’s in London.
oh (((Prairie)))
was just watching last night’s New Rules and wondering about Ammanpour – we have to remember she and her husband James Rubell orbit the Clinton gravity field – probably has lots to do with the “badly needed” comments
I don’t think it’s autumn melancholy, Christy. It seems like realism to me and it’s deeply discouraging to infuriating.
((Barbara and David))
My Mom and Dad are here for their last visit to WI (from CA)–Mom has Alzheimers and her decline has been very fast. So, it’s heartbreaking, but not surprising.
But it’s a gorgeous Fall day so we’re going for a drive in countryside. The colors are just starting to turn and there’s definitely a chill. We’ll probably stop and get some funny-shaped pumpkins for my little cousins and watch them giggle when we give them to them tomorrow night, so that will be an instant of joy that cannot be purchased at any price.
We will have a new way forward in this country in the coming months. No person is perfect. Again: no person is perfect. I fear our expectations, after the last eight years, are so unrealistic, that we are setting ourselves up for disappointment, no matter what is done. I won’t go there. But then, I’m a realist.
um
Ahh, something hopeful…
Good morning, folks.
One of my favorite discoveries in my Cardiofeedback research was finding out that the harmonic waves, produced by the heart’s electromagnetic field, actually dance to music. If the music you’re listening to changes tempo, these harmonic waves automatically adjust and dance along.
Let’s say that you’re riding in a car listening to a music station on the radio. There may be thousands of people listening to the same song and all of their hearts are dancing in unison with yours.
So, when I perform in the subway, I am manipulating the heart waves of everyone who isn’t listening to music through their headphones. I find that pretty profound. My training in Cardiofeedback is also teaching me how to manipulate my own heart waves, and I’ve found that this has greatly increased my ability establish empathic connections with the folks who are listening to my music.
Getting hearts to learn to consciously dance in unison will bring about amazing changes in the human condition when Cardiofeedback is brought to its full potential. I’m thrilled to be ahead of the cutting edge on this.
Upon visiting “The Wall” in Israel I spoke to a relegious man as he ended his prayers. I asked him what he got out of these daily trips to pray at the wall. He said that he almost always comes away with the peace he was looking for and then he said something else. He said, “and sometimes it’s like talking to a wall”. He then smiled and walked away and I had the feeling that today he felt his prayres answered.
Pardon me….religious.
There is indeed a time and place for everything, but there always seems to be a place for double standards in politics, regardless of party. If our ideas are to have any legitimacy, then we need to apply a single fair-minded standard to all sides
bom dia pups
(((barbara & david))) – sending you peace, healing and love
A quote from MLK Jr that is seared in my heart:
Chris Matthews
yep, it was that kind of week, where we were counting on Issa and all the other Cheney Youth and Tweety of all people goes succinct X~o
I’m so grateful to Christy for hosting PUAC every Saturday morning. I know a lot of us look forward to a nice respite from the downers of the week.
And, it’s especially nice when she specifically asks for stories of hope and cheer.
For anyone here who doesn’t think they have their own personal upbeat story to share, may I suggest you can always go to Youtube and type any words like Hope, Kindness, Cheer and you’ll get to listen to something inspiring. And, if you like you, can share a link here.
Do what you want, I do.
Thanks for the article.
Some first rate grad students of Economics noticed a problem:
——————-
But in reality even our purely “economic” choices are not made on the basis of pure autonomous selfhood; all of our choices are born out of layers of experience in contact with other people. What is entirely missing from the economic view of modern life is an understanding of the social world.
This was precisely the diagnosis made five years ago by a group of French graduate students in economics, who published their dissent in an open letter that soon made minor headlines around the world. In the letter the students declared that the economic theory taught in their courses was hopelessly out of touch, absorbed in its own private model of reality. They wrote:
We wish to escape from imaginary worlds! Most of us have chosen to study economics so as to acquire a deep understanding of the economic phenomena with which the citizens of today are confronted. But the teaching that is offered . . . does not generally answer this expectation. . . . [T]his gap in the teaching, this disregard for concrete realities, poses an enormous problem for those who would like to render themselves useful to economic and social actors.
The discipline of economics was ill, the letter claimed, pathologically distant from the problems of real markets and real people.
—————————–
This writer contends that today’s economic model is based on an evangelical world view. What is with evangelicals and train wrecks?
http://www.harpers.org/archive/2005/05/0080538
It would help, then, if each critique began or ended with a fair minded comparison to the alternative choice.
Thanks, I needed that.
Thanks for sharing that.
I also lost one of my two dogs this summer (they were sisters, 12 years old),
and miss her terribly.
Very comforting in times like these that someone took the time to write such a touching reply to the little girl’s letter.
You make me smile. Thanks.
On sadder news, Palin will be in southern california today. Guess I’ll just have to go down and register voters with my fellow democrats *g* and tomorrow i’m off to nevada to canvass (yay!)
Morning all — had a sleep in this morning. (Thank you, Mr. ReddHedd! I needed it!)
Much love to you, Barbara. And for David, too. So sorry you both are going through this, but so glad he has you with him with your gentle, happy spirit for comfort. Big hugs, hon.
If anyone who believes that Paulson won’t burn through the entire 700 billion or more before January 20th, I have a bridge to nowhere to sell you.
It is a small perentage of the sh*tpile. After Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley get the lion’s share, the rest of it will be doled out in short order.
i’ve seen lots comments about how it’s impossible to talk with republicans, that they have a world view that permits no bit of reality to intrude, that they will never change their minds….
that has not been my experience. however, the only success i’ve ever had in talking seriously about politics with hard core republicans is when i make every attempt to do as you describe.
but then, i’ve believed a lot things that i now think were incredibly stupid. so i know it’s possible to reconsider one’s world view.
Why is Palin in SoCal? State is out of reach of Rs. Is she doing a fundraiser?
While we consider which direction our country is headed there are families throughout the world who would consider running water and constant electricity luxuries beyond their wildest dreams.
Honest John
San Diego has lots of Republicans. It’s Darrell Issa Territory.
Home Depot Center in Carson, CA
It is a soccer stadium next to the university and.home of the LA Galaxy and Chivas. She is doing a ralley so all the crazy repubs from Orange County will be there
not on topic, but perhaps ok for PUAC… i have a question…
this year i couldn’t get extra tomatoes from the farm for freezing (very bad rain storm at just the wrong time destroyed most of the field tomatoes).
i’ve been bummed because i was looking forward to having them throughout the winter, as i did last year. but perhaps folks here can suggest something else from the farm i could put away for a snowy day to remind me of summer?
i’m very new to this, so really have no clue. thanks for any suggestions.
I have no idea why she is here. The state is completely out of reach but then again why was McCain wasting time in Iowa? I’m sure there are some private fundraisers planned and she can make connections for her failed 2012 run for the presidency
Good Morning Selise,
You and I have discussed the challenges of having real dialog with people with completely different world views. I’m still pondering that.
I’m a little disappointed that even when we have a feel good post, I’m having trouble finding the silver lining in some of the comments.
I’m thankful for your story of Chapin’s son…….brings a smile every time your name appears in a thread. :-)
I understand there are a lot of wingnuts in Orange County, but they’ll vote for her regardless of whether she shows up or not. So why waste her time with votes that are already in the bag and won’t change he electoral college outcome? Wouldn’t going to a swing state make more sense? Or has it come to the point where they can send he only to friendly audiences?
Hey wobbly, and hugs to all fierce firepups! I know people who still have pictures of Nixon (!) framed and hanging in the front foyer of their homes in socal, so it’s pretty safe and cushy place for Palin to go.
Greenwarrior, what an incredibly lovely story. and what an enormously kind thing for a person to do for your child. That, my dear, is an angel on earth.
Christy
Something to cheer you up, and brag just a little bit
Linked is a picture of Belle finishing her victory lap after finally completing her PAX title (Preferred Agility Excellent).
http://tinyurl.com/49v9gk
(http://preview.tinyurl.com/49v9gk for those that want to see the full link before heading there.)
There’s more pictures at http://www.flickr.com/photos/f…..444807301/ including some of ConneryBeagle. It was a glorious early fall weekend in Albuquerque.
Take care
san diego is a good 2 hours away from carson (outside of los angeles)
see my # 114
I opened my eyes this morning and everything was pretty much the same as it was last night when I fell asleep.
I stood up and my legs didn’t give.
The cats were lying in the chair in their preferred ying-yang position.
I looked outside and my car wasn’t dented after allowing my 16-year old use it for homecoming last night.
I had $2 to get my usual at the local coffee shop.
McCain/Palin ticket is an ‘abject failure’.
Life is good…and I’m smiling. :)
Hey you! Great to see you in the comments. Hope you all have a great weekend if you are up in the mountains.
Its sort of ironic tha tthey chose Carson. The city is middle class but almost all minority. There is a very large state universith down the street and a kick ass soul food resturant across the street :) You always see the orange county folks slumming to come down when the LA galaxy play or rather when David Beckham (spit) is playing. Imagine a bunch of out of touch folks trying to order a ‘good’ wine in Sizzlers (out of touch)
Well, I don’t know how inspiring this is for y’all, but I was encouraged to see right here a jeep covered in military stickers (a Marine) plus a very prominent one for Obama. so there’s one military citizen who isn’t buying McCain’s schtick. I know there are plenty on the internet, but it’s nice to see it carry over into concrete reality land.
that put the biggest grin on my face.
Up in Medicine Hat!
as i said above, maybe different people find hope and good feelings in different things? makes for a very confusing conversation – well, confusing for me.
but i take heart that we are all, in our own ways, still in the fight. even if we don’t quite understand each other’s way of doing that.
Good Morning everyone…… the weather guys say we had our last week with above 100 temps and the cold tap water isn’t boiling hot water…. I can see the fall roses bud up and from my second story window the family of hummingbirds are out and about ….
My cantaloupe vine had two grapefruit size melons…… the zucchini plans have been kind to put out just enough to eat…. and going to find the Basil bush that the lady who owns the Crete Hotel we stay at showed me….. it is an evergreen basil bush that can be taken inside during cold weather…..
Excellent, wobbly. Have a beautiful weekend.
the weather has cooled off here (until next week) and i think i’ll surprise the mr with two german favorites i learned while living in germany. onion pie (savory quiche w/ lots of onions, schenken- bacon, etc) and an apple cake. i love autumn.
oooh and halloween is coming *g*
oh my goodness ! Belle looks like a corgi-aussie mix, or is she one of the newer ‘mini-aussies’ I keep seeing ?
congrats Belle !
you as well
If they have some zucchini and bell peppers and carrots and all sorts of fresh veggies, you can still make a fairly fresh tasting spaghetti sauce with all the fresh veggies chopped into it — you just have to use canned tomatoes for it. It’s not quite as bright tasting as fresh tomatoes, but it’s lovely to pull out of the freezer in the dead of winter nonetheless. Will see if I can scrounge up my recipe when I go get a coffee refill…
More smileyness;
http://www.dailykos.com/storyo…..817/619547
Mini-aussie? Holy Ned. We had an aussi that was bred by a …mmm…large lady…who did the ‘does this dog make me look fat?’ thing. I can’t imagine what a mini-aussie would look like.
Sizzler, haha! Our family has an inside joke since we heard a comedian use a Sizzler commercial. Goes something like this:
Guys walking down the street. one says “where should we go for lunch?” and one guy is thinking out loud saying “I don’t have a lot of time” VO: Sizzler “Don’t have a lot of money” Sizzler
the comedian takes it farther:
“just lost my job” sizzler!
“just lost my wife” sizzler!
So we have lots of fun at Sizzler’s expense.
I spent yesterday cooking to fill up my new freezer. Chicken a la King and pumpkin spice bread. Had the former for dinner last night & tonight & put 5 servings into the freezer. Had the latter for breakfast. Yum.
We have new next-door neighbors that I haven’t gotten to know. (I’m not a welcome-wagon kind of person). Well, they just had twins so I was thinking that I should buy a little gift for them as a friendly gesture. Last night coming home from work, I rounded the corner and was hit with a sign on their front lawn…”McCain, Palin”. The hubby and I just started laughing. We have to look at that for the next 30days? Cross them off. Mr. Solai is thankful. He just saved 20 bucks.
maybe different people find hope and good feelings in different things?
That must be it! Ha.
And on that note, I think I’ll go work in the garden. We might get some showers later, so it’s best to go there now.
And then, when it gets cold and wet outside, I can put on a big pot of soup inside.
Hugs to all pups.
You mean like Obama showing some leadership and following through on his pledge to filibuster the FISA Amendments Act or to use his position as then presumptive Democratic Pesidential nominee to see that it either never came up for a vote or was given a short extension to allow a final decision in an Obama Administration, instead of reneging on his pledge and voting for it? Or do you mean using his influence to push through one of the worst pieces of legislation (and certainly the worst in the last 50 years) in our history, the Wall Street bailout, instead of using his leadership role to demand a bill that helped homeowners and actually addressed the fundamentals of the economic meltdown?
Dunno if Obama will turn out to be a good president. Of the choices currently available to the American people, he is the best choice IMHO.
I now think about Obama this way. He’s a poker player. His short term goal is to win the presidency. He’ll fold hands he doesn’t think will help him attain that goal. How he’ll play once he’s attained that goal is the question. So we need to look at his character when he’s played the hand. Ponder these examples. Joe Biden, Michelle Robinson, Reverend Jeremiah Wright. I think they give us hope for the future.
I came to FDL many months ago because it seemed relatively balanced compared to the masses of partisan bloviating. There truly seemed to be discussion of the issues here. What Jane & Christy have built here is a precious resource, and we need to keep reminding them that we appreciate what they’re doing.
They just had twins and they put the McCain sign up? knocks the wind out of me. I wonder why people with fresh babies would offer them up to McAncient. Maybe spend $5 to go find out? I dare ya!
Of Love and Equality
My poor friend, if you only knew that the Poverty which causes you so much wretchedness is the very thing that reveals the knowledge of Justice and the understanding of Life, you would be contented with your lot.
I say knowledge of Justice: for the rich man is too busy amassing wealth to seek this knowledge.
And I say understanding of Life: for the strong man is too eager in his pursuit of power and glory to keep to the straight path of truth.
Rejoice then, my friend, for you are the mouth of Justice and the book of Life. Be content, for you are the source of virtue in those who rule over you and the pillar of integrity of those who guide you.
If you could see, my sorrowful friend, that the misfortune which has defeated you in life is the very power that illumines your heart and raises your soul from the pit of derision to the throne of reverence, you would be content with your share and you would look upon it as a legacy to instruct you and make you wise.
For Life is a chain made up of many diverse links. Sorrow is one golden link between submission to the present and the promised hope of the future.
It is the dawn between slumber and awakening.
My fellow poor, Poverty sets off the nobility of the spirit, while wealth discloses its evil. Sorrow softens the feelings, and Joy heals he wounded heart. Were Sorrow and Poverty abolished, the spirit of man would be like an empty tablet, with naught inscribed save the signs of selfishness and greed.
Remember that Divinity is the true self of Man. It cannot be sold for gold; neither can it be heaped up as are the riches of the world today. The rich man has cast off his Divinity, and has clung to his gold. And the young today have forsaken their Divinity and pursue self-indulgence and pleasure.
My beloved poor, the hour you spend with your wife and your children when you return home from the field is the earnest of all human families to come; it is the emblem of the happiness that will be the lot of all coming generations.
But the life that the rich man spends in heaping up gold is in truth like the life of the worms in the grave. It is a sign of fear.
The tears you shed, my sorrowful friend, are purer than the laughter of him that seeks to forget and sweeter than the mockery of the scoffer. These tears cleanse the heart of the blight of hatred, and teach man to share the pain of the brokenhearted. They are the tears of the Nazarene.
The strength you sow for the rich you shall reap in time to come, for all things return to their source, according to the Law of Nature.
And the sorrow you have borne shall be turned to gladness by the will of Heaven.
And generations to come shall learn of Sorrow and Poverty a lesson of Love and Equality.
Kahlil Gibran
Not to mention the lathering up Donna Edwards (of all people!) got yesterday.
I’m no expert on Blue America, but from what I’ve read she’s been one of the most appreciative and progressive candidates BA has supported.
And now she’s the devil?
Shouldn’t that make you stop and think how complex and difficult that vote
was?
I think these are excellent cases of throwing out the good in search of the perfect.
Both made clear they didn’t want to vote for the package but felt it was important for the nation as a whole. As corny as that sounds, I happen to agree with that position.
And, believe me, I was as furious and disappointed as anyone here regarding the FISA vote.
But, sometimes you’ve got to believe in the judgment of the candidates you support even when they don’t do what you like 100% of the time.
LOL. i made pumkin spice bread a couple days ago and also had some with my coffee this morning. perfect for this time of year (although i like it all year round and it freezes very well).
Is anyone seeing McCain/Palin yard signs and bumper stickers?
I’m in Phoenix and have YET to see a single one…… now I don’t drive all over the valley but if a car has a bumper sticker is it an Obama one…… the race is tightening here….. Obama is only down 5% ……
In case Ferragus doesn’t come back, Belle is a Cardigan Corgi. And a clever girl, too.
Selise – here you go. It’s from a book titled The Big Book Of Preserving the Harvest. I can’t remember if eCAHN recommended it to me, or if I bought this when I bought something else she recommended, but I love the recipes in here. It calls for fresh tomatoes, but I have made this in winter with canned diced tomatoes and a large can of tomato puree and it’s been just wonderful.
Garden Tomato Sauce
2 dozen Italian tomatoes or 12 cups chopped tomatoes (don’t remember how many cans this was — sorry — but it’s a fairly forgiving recipe, so I think I just eyeballed it with what I had in the pantry last time I made some.)
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 med. onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 Tbsp. chopped green bell pepper
2 Tbsp. chopped carrot
2 Tbsp. chopped celery
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp. chopped fresh oregano
Wash, core and coarsely chop tomatoes. (Or, open cans.) Place in food processor and puree. Heat olive oil in heavy saucepan and saute the onion until soft, about 5 minutes, stirring to prevent scorching. Add garlic, pepper, carrot, celery and herbs. Add tomato puree to mixture and simmer, uncovered, for about 2 hours. Be careful to keep it from burning. Stir it occasionally as it thickens. Cool slightly and pour sauce into 1 cup freezer containers, leaving 1/2-inch of headspace. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. To use, thaw in fridge.
My notes: I usually make a double batch, saute the onions and veggies in a skillet, and then pour into a slow cooker with tomatoes and let it do the work so I don’t have to stand over the stove to prevent burning while the veggies cook down together. I start it in the morning and then pop it into the slow cooker on low for most of the day — when it reaches the consistency I want, I let it cool a little and then pop it in freezer containers. I also like to add a grated zucchini and a bit more carrot to sweeten the sauce a little more. It’s really forgiving, but incredibly tasty with some whole wheat pasta.
thanks! – that sounds like a good idea. there are tons veggies and i have a whole share, so am getting more than enough for current cooking and eating. but it was so nice last winter to have a few gallons stored away (last year did tomatoes chopped and cooked the minimum with a bit of garlic, olive oil and basil, and also ratatouille).
No, Hugh. I think you understand that I mean that the other choice is McCain/Palin and all that goes with that. I’m not crazy about FDR’s treatment of Japanese-Americans, Lincolns suspension of habeus corpus, or Washington’s threat to impose martial law at Valley Forge in order to get supplies from local farmers.
Ah well, I didn’t intend for you to explain your persective. I understood it. I sought to give you some insight into those of us who feel that it’s down to two choices; the other side is doing everything it can to discourage support for Obama; and it is touch-and-go whether we have a chance to rescue the country.
Have a good one!
We’ve been laughing at them for a while now. When they put a big plastic bunny on their front lawn for easter, we laughed. When their lawn hadn’t been mowed for a month, we laughed (I told Mr.Solai to mow it for them, new twins and all. He soundly rejected that proposal). When they festooned their windows and doors with haloween stick-ems, we laughed. It might be perverse but the McCain sign only caused us to laugh again. It was an “OMG, who are these people?” kind of moment.”
thanks, will try it – and especially like the idea of adding zucchini, etc.
STTP @ 145 says
“I think these are excellent cases of throwing out the good in search of the perfect.
Both made clear they didn’t want to vote for the package but felt it was important for the nation as a whole. As corny as that sounds, I happen to agree with that position.
And, believe me, I was as furious and disappointed as anyone here regarding the FISA vote.
But, sometimes you’ve got to believe in the judgment of the candidates you support even when they don’t do what you like 100% of the time.”
Candidate not perfect; Pictures at 11.
Thank you.
I really like Donna…a lot. She’s just as wonderful in person as she comes across in print. Truly. And I try and keep the admonition that Biden gave the other night in mind with folks I know to have a good heart who do something I find unbelievable: don’t question the motive so much as their policy prescription.
Best thing Reagan ever said was trust, but verify. That has generally served me as I’ve evaluated. Most of the time, the boneheaded crap that ticks me off that someone does turns out — when I dig in or get a chance to talk with someone later — to have been their non-understanding of something I considered vital that they saw as more tangential. There is a lot of room for differing perspectives, and we need to make certain that we allow for it — because I’m no more in favor of our side being lockstep as I am of the other side being that way, too.
But that’s just me. *g* YMMV and all that.
You could also cook up a big batch of Minestrone. I have a fantastic recipe in a Marcella Hazan book that makes TON of soup. If you freeze it, you have to do so BEFORE you put the pasta into the soup — the pasta gets gross when it thaws, otherwise. But it is so fantastic fresh out of the freezer. You heat it up with a little extra water added to the pot, then pop in some pasta and…voila!…fresh veggie soup. I’lll dig that one up, too, if you want it.
D’oh! Thanks for the slow cooker reminder. I’m doing split pea soup this afternoon. I’ll use that method.
Knew there was a reason I had to show up this am.
don’t think that’s so. unless i profoundly misunderstand it myself. it isn’t about a choice between candidates, it’s about trying to live up to the ideals we claim as our own (reality based community, rejection of the iokiyar standard, etc). it’s about the rejection of politics of fear. at least that is my take. ymmv.
Thank you for sharing this! Fantastic speech!
yes please! i’ll stop back by this thread later today in case you’ve added any recipes. i love making big pots of soup and freezing it. chicken veg rice and white bean with spinach are two favorites i started making regularly last summer.
I gotta tell you, this thing is all but over.
To publicly surrender Michigan vs. keeping at least a shadow of a campaign active in the state for appearances sake tells me their internals are horrific and desperation is now setting in.
McPalin’s ads are now 100% negative — another sign things are bad — and he’s behind in every toss up state.
Given he needs to win every toss up state to even have a chance at 270, it don’t look good.
I really am going to a grandson’s ballgame, but if you are saying that a national election is, for you, an Arthurian quest for a personal Grail, then you’re right and I don’t get it. If you are saying that you don’t understand my view (that our only realistic chance to effect the future of the next four years is to select between the two tickets) then I don’t know how to explain it any further.
Anyway, I respect both your view and that of Hugh, but admit to the occasional exasperation with them, as do others who feel the major point right now is to win the election.
I wish I could share your optimism. I still think they are going to wheel out Bin Laden from wherever they’ve had him stashed all these years, ten days before the election. Seriously.
And was it worth $700 billion to win it? Or to ditch the 4th Amendment?
Given the only alternative, yes.
Well, they’ll have my apples tomorrow. In the meanwhile, I baked my lone pumpkin pie of the year. Linus would commend my frugality.
Am in rural eastern NC and am seeing some McCain yard signs. The fascinating thing is, however, almost every one I see has an Obama sign in the yard next door or across the street. Am seeing lots of Obama stickers on cars — virtually no McCain.
Obama has an excellent ground game here and his crowds in NC (all parts of the state) have been enormous (unreported of course). Also, his TV/radio ads are terrific.
There is a very competitive senate race here (Dole vs. Hagan) and a governor’s contest. Turnout will be high — plus this state has early voting. I think a strong turnout favors Obama.
Here’s the minestrone recipe. It’s from Marcella Hazan’s Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking — one of my favorite, all-time cookbooks. And this particular minestrone recipe is amazing. Like I said, freeze the batches of soup BEFORE the step where you put in the pasta — otherwise, you get mush when you thaw it because pasta and the freezer don’t do well together in my experience. You just thaw it out, add a little extra water when you heat it, and then add the pasta at that point while it simmers. Wonderful stuff!
Minestrone Alla Romagnola
1 lb. fresh zucchini
1/2 c. extra virgin olive oil
3 Tbsp. butter
1 c. onions, sliced very thin
1 c. diced carrots
1 c. diced celery
2 c. peeled, diced potatoes (I leave these out for a freezer bath for the same reason as pasta)
1/4 lb. fresh green beans
3 c. shredded cabbage (Savoy or regular)
1 1/2 c. canned cannellini beans, drained
3 c. reduced-sodium beef broth
3 c. water
Crust from a piece of parmigiano reggiano, scraped clean (if you have it)
2/3 c. canned Italian plum tomatoes, with their juice
Salt
1/3 c. freshly grated parmigiano reggiano cheese
OPTIONAL: When you thaw it out, you can add pasta to cook in with the soup — I like tiny shells or tubes, and I add in a big handful to a 4 serving pot.
Soak the zucchini in a large bowl filled with cold water for at least 20 minutes, then rinse them clean of any remaining grit. Trim both ends and dice the zucchini fine. Choose a very large stockpot. Put in oil, butter and sliced onion and turn on heat to med-low. Cook onion in uncovered pot until it wilts and becomes colored pale gold, but no darker. Add diced carrots and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring once or twice. Then add celery and cook, stirring occasionally for 2 to 3 min. Add potatoes, repeating procedure. While carrots, celery and potatoes are cooking, soak green beans in cold water, rinse, and snap off both ends, then dice. Add green beans to pot, and when they have cooked for 2 to 3 minutes, add the zucchini.
Continue to give the ingredients an occasional stir and, after a few minutes, add shredded cabbage. Continue cooking for 5 to 6 minutes. Add broth, water, optional cheese crust, tomatoes with juice (I buy petite diced tomatoes because I like them to melt into the soup.) Salt lightly at this stage, and correct for salt nearer the end — you don’t want to overdo it. Give contents of the pot a thorough stirring. Cover and lower heat, adjusting it so that the soup bubbles slowly; cooking at a steady but gentle simmer.
When soup has cooked 2 1/2 hours, add drained cannelini beans, stir well, and cook at least another 30 minutes. Cook until the consistency is fairly dense. Minestrone ought never be thin or watery. If it becomes too thick, add a little more broth or water. When soup is done, just before you turn off heat, remove cheese crust, and swirl in grated cheese. Then, taste and correct for salt.
NOTE: Hazan’s recipe doesn’t call for pasta, but we like it with pasta here. So I add in some pasta at the end of cooking, but right before the cheese gets stirred in. Have to always add some more liquid for the pasta to cook in, otherwise the soup gets way too thick. If I’m freezing a bunch of the soup, I pull out a small pan for us to eat, add pasta to it, and let it simmer while I take the larger stock pot off the heat and let it cool a little before freezing.
It’s funny you bring that up; I swear I was just thinking that very same thing this morning!
But I went on to think (and ride along with me here for a moment) Bush has screwed up so much for so long, even whipping out Bin Laden wouldn’t make up the difference!
Think about it; how would your life change if it happened tomorrow? New job? Lower gas prices? Less foreclosures in your neighborhood? Any easier to help a child or grandchild go to college?
I didn’t think so.
No, after the breathless 24 hour coverage, the gas bill will still need to be paid and the bank will still be calling about the mortgage being late.
no, not at all.
i just don’t think everything going on the in world can be boiled down to the obama / mccain election. imo, electing obama is a tactic for advancing our cause – not the cause itself.
There are never just two alternatives in politics. Obama could have made other choices. To buy into this binary paradigm is to accept the same frame of black/white strawmen Bush has used for the last 8 years.
And this simple statement is what seems to be lost on so many here.
The reality is that 435 members of the House had to get out of town to run for re-election!
You know, their jobs.
Given that, time was not available to do the admittedly right thing and consider several other alternatives.
The fact is Paulson is effectively out in one month.
He will not be able to spend a dime without (hopefully) Obama’s permission on Nov. 5th.
I think the collective media orgasm would last considerably longer than 24 hours. It would be the ultimate shiny thing.
Excellent points about Bin Laden. Maybe the Obama campaign should come up now with an ad that subtly anticipates the possibility of his being “revealed” … and the lack of difference it would actually make in our lives?
Agreed.
thanks! i like the idea of making the veggie base now for freezing and then using that later to make up with pasta and potatoes.
“i just don’t think everything going on the in world can be boiled down to the obama / mccain election. imo, electing obama is a tactic for advancing our cause – not the cause itself.”
This has been my position for a long time. I would rather Kucinich was the candidate, but he (or someone like him) is currently unelectable. Obama is about clearing the way to electing a truly progressive candidate.
not if the point of electing semi-decent politicians is so that we don’t ditch the 4th amendment or sell out the taxpayer to enrich a few plutocrats. but that is not necessarily the point for everyone here.
but (granting that i could be full of shit and it wouldn’t be the first time) what if i see obama as not clearing the way – and instead as someone who will make it harder in the future because he is destroying the democratic and progressive brands?
It thaws out beautifully, too. Sometimes, I’ll add an extra can of diced tomatoes and some more beans to the mix when I thaw out a batch, and then some pasta. Or potatoes. Or whatever I have in the house at the moment.
It also converts pretty easily to a very yummy pasta fagioli, if you brown some Italian sausage or ground turkey breast or whatever, and add to the soup and let it simmer together for a while to blend the flavor. Then add your pasta, cook and serve.
It’s very amenable to changing around — the key is to try and dice the zucchini really fine, and to dice the remaining veggies in approximately a slightly large dice, but still a small size. That way, when you are eating it, you get all the flavors at once in your bites. And I’ve found that the adding each vegetable and then sauteeing for 3 minutes between additions does something really wonderful to the flavor. This recipe truly is the best one I’ve ever made of minestrone. The fact that it freezes well is such a great bonus for us!
Now *that* made me laugh!
If I thought that way I’d give up. It’s a cliche’, but I have to hope that’s not the case.
Of course it would; I think I was shooting for more of a ‘figurative’ 24 hours vs. a ‘literal’ 24.
Clearly, none of us can know for sure, but I think Obama’s governing style is going to be more progressive than many here expect.
My hope is that some of this ‘centrist’ positioning is just for the general election.
This community is such a source of support, I hope my wife and mine’s story provides some hope.
Four years ago, our nephew was taken from us by the war in Iraq. Two years ago, she lost her job. Last year, we lost our house. Two weeks ago, I was told that my job is being ”phased out”. And that same day, I got a flat tire on the way home from work. With respect to Greenwarrior, whose post had my wife crying like a baby, I was happy when I got home to find that our 14 year old cat hadn’t passed away.
Our situation was made harder by our daughter’s response to our problems. We have a beautiful 22 year old who has just graduated from college. Took out loans to pay for the education. Took out a car loan for her car. Even took out a loan to pay for her Junior spring semester in Spain. Since her graduation, she has moved to a different city, and said to my wife ”Why weren’t you more careful with your money?”
Let me tell you that I am not exaggerating to say that my wife’s heart is broken. She is the strongest woman I ever met. But this broke her spirit. Her eyes revealed just how shattered she was.
But I guess miracles do happen, even though I gave up being religious after the Vatican stopped women from giving the homily at the church I attended. There not only is a job at the company that I work for, but my wife had an interview last Monday and will be employed for the first time in over 2 years. I then cancelled our plans for that Friday to give up our 3 cats to the animal shelter, and moving out of our current rental apartment.
This is our community, and it keeps us going during the hardest times. Thank you for sharing and supporting.
thanks again – really appreciate the advice. especially now, back living in the NE (previously in TX and CA) the winters seem awfully long and the taste of summer is a wonderful reminder of the real summer to come.
…. and even better, i just got a msg from a friend and neighbor of the family who’s farm i get my share from. i can get bulk tomatoes from them this weekend! here’s a picture i took last summer of some of the tomatoes during prep.
(((fatboy)))
your story reminds me of what is really important and why we argue about politics and politicians. it’s not about them.
i’m so glad to hear that things may be looking up with a job for your wife – and that you have each other during this hard time.
Exactly!
The notion that “We shall overcome someday” has always stuck in my craw, because it puts off living well into the future, when things are aligned with our desires. Humans always want the cycle of life to stop at a particular moment well being. It doesn’t.
Christy, I think that Hazen book is grand. I got it as a Christmas present from my daughter, and it neatly complements the notions derived from French cooking, and, shall I dare say, trumps the French as well?
Just to give Christy and everyone something to smile or laugh out loud about, here are Bob Geiger’s funnies!
I have taken the time to read the over 400 pages of the bill- most of which is the “sweetener” bills grafted on to get the votes of the Congress people. While as a mental health professional, I applaud the passage -at last- of the paraty bill, the cost of 700 billion with not one dollar in relief for the homeowner, the cost was too high. Barak and others have demonstrated the moral failure that has brought us to have such low respect for the Democratic Party. We lie as much as the Republicans, we just lie to ourselves. Yes we have to vote for Barak to keep McCain away from the button and the Supream court nominations, but we can only do so with grief in our hearts and our nose firmly held with both hands.
Here’s another site all cat lovers will love.
My 2-3/4 -year-old granddaugther got a halloween costume figured out. The rainbow witch, something like this .
Aww, {{{{{Christy}}}}} It’s hard not to feel bouts of despair about the direction of this country, and of life on this planet. And that is especially bitter to anyone with kids or grandkids.
But I think the younger generations, from my son’s age – teenagers – thru college grads and slightly older are a new wave of positive energy and talent that we can be proud of. My stepdaughter recently received her masters from Tufts U in urban and environmental planning and development. She could have chosen to use her abilities and her degrees to pursue high paying work and status. Instead, she has chosen a field that she loves and which has the potential for great positive impact on how we live. And I see her friends and colleagues making similar choices, and I’m so impressed by the sheer talent, work ethic and determination being applied to green fields.
I also observe a new energy in the generation of kids I work with – teenagers. I see a gratifying amount of political awareness, and developed social consciousness in kids who might have been focused on music, fashion, and how to make the most money 20 years ago. I think the culture of greed is coming to an end, and good riddance.
That may be the most heartwarming thing I have read in a long time. Thanks for sharing that.
Wow. Powerful, thanks for that link.
I can see it is going to take a while to get through the comments. Thanks everyone for such interesting links and thoughts.
In response to eCAHNomics @ 109 (show text)
I have no idea why she is here. The state is completely out of reach but then again why was McCain wasting time in Iowa? I’m sure there are some private fundraisers planned and she can make connections for her failed 2012 run for the presidency.
It seems to me that she is definitely running for president, not vice president. I think she’s coming here to raise $$. Does anyone know how much money McPain has left after accepting public financing compared to O?
I’d also like to hear from both the other candidates next Tuesday about the failout. Nader was against it. I don’t know about Paul. It still seems that if both R’s and D’s are for it, it must not be good for all of us.
fatboy, I hope this good turn of events becomes a trend. Best wishes.