If anybody wants to lend us an extension ladder, that would be nice.
Drew's Journal
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08/29/2008 15:42 #45501
Ladder?Category: house
08/29/2008 08:22 #45494
Dream come true?Category: politics
This morning I heard an NPR commentator ask if Obama's candidacy meant that Rev. King's dream had been fulfilled.
The guy that they asked didn't say yes or no, but instead hemmed and hawed about how this is historic but really there is a long way to go.
I wish he would have said: "Has the dream come true? What are you nuts!? King said, "we will not be satisfied until "justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream."
The candidacy is great. The election will be a major step forward. But we have a LONG way to go.
More on the dream, still deferred, not only for black Americans, but for most Americans:
The guy that they asked didn't say yes or no, but instead hemmed and hawed about how this is historic but really there is a long way to go.
I wish he would have said: "Has the dream come true? What are you nuts!? King said, "we will not be satisfied until "justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream."
The candidacy is great. The election will be a major step forward. But we have a LONG way to go.
More on the dream, still deferred, not only for black Americans, but for most Americans:
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream today!
I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of "interposition" and "nullification" -- one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.
I have a dream today!
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; "and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together."²
metalpeter - 08/30/08 14:16
Sorry to be the voice of doom but we don't know if this is really progress. If he lives through the entire Campaign yeah then it is but that hasn't happened yet. If he wins and makes it all 4 years then yeah it is progress. All it takes to stop progress and destroy this country is one sniper bullet. That would start race riots and then the supresion of them it could even start a race war. I'm not saying that will happen but Barrack Running isn't success yet.
Sorry to be the voice of doom but we don't know if this is really progress. If he lives through the entire Campaign yeah then it is but that hasn't happened yet. If he wins and makes it all 4 years then yeah it is progress. All it takes to stop progress and destroy this country is one sniper bullet. That would start race riots and then the supresion of them it could even start a race war. I'm not saying that will happen but Barrack Running isn't success yet.
joshua - 08/29/08 12:01
I'm glad you mentioned this, but am simultaneously disappointed at the thought that you may have missed the comments Benjamin Todd Jealous made on the subject on PBS. PBS - for my money the best coverage of all. Of course, stocked with sympathetic commentators (minus one David Brooks) but all were very erudite and had thoughtful things to say.
Ben Jealous, if you do not know, is the President-Elect of the NAACP and is a fascinating figure. He's an extraordinarily accomplished guy and has managed to become the next President of the NAACP by the age of 35. Ivy League educated, etc. - in many ways identical to Barack Obama.
Anyway, the significance of the event and the date in the past was incredibly inspirational to him and he was visibly emotional while talking about it. He said that regardless of whether or not Barack Obama wins, he sees the nomination of an African-American for President as an enormous step made all the more significant because of the date of the convention, as if it were one of those amazing and perfect moments that we rarely see. He's right.
I should remind everybody that this isn't 1962 in Alabama anymore. Vast improvements in race relations have occurred in our country since that time and people need to acknowledge it if they want to be considered intellectually honest on the subject. People always mention that there is a long way to go, as a caveat after every single step large or small made towards racial equality. There is still work to be done, but I think at times the steps being made are often downplayed, particularly by the likes of Jesse Jackson. Not that he is relevant anymore. I wonder if the full impact of an African-American nominee will be felt in its entirety only years from now. I wonder if people fully realize how monumental an achievement Obama has made for African-Americans. I have to say though, it didn't seem lost on Ben Jealous.
I'm glad you mentioned this, but am simultaneously disappointed at the thought that you may have missed the comments Benjamin Todd Jealous made on the subject on PBS. PBS - for my money the best coverage of all. Of course, stocked with sympathetic commentators (minus one David Brooks) but all were very erudite and had thoughtful things to say.
Ben Jealous, if you do not know, is the President-Elect of the NAACP and is a fascinating figure. He's an extraordinarily accomplished guy and has managed to become the next President of the NAACP by the age of 35. Ivy League educated, etc. - in many ways identical to Barack Obama.
Anyway, the significance of the event and the date in the past was incredibly inspirational to him and he was visibly emotional while talking about it. He said that regardless of whether or not Barack Obama wins, he sees the nomination of an African-American for President as an enormous step made all the more significant because of the date of the convention, as if it were one of those amazing and perfect moments that we rarely see. He's right.
I should remind everybody that this isn't 1962 in Alabama anymore. Vast improvements in race relations have occurred in our country since that time and people need to acknowledge it if they want to be considered intellectually honest on the subject. People always mention that there is a long way to go, as a caveat after every single step large or small made towards racial equality. There is still work to be done, but I think at times the steps being made are often downplayed, particularly by the likes of Jesse Jackson. Not that he is relevant anymore. I wonder if the full impact of an African-American nominee will be felt in its entirety only years from now. I wonder if people fully realize how monumental an achievement Obama has made for African-Americans. I have to say though, it didn't seem lost on Ben Jealous.
dcoffee - 08/29/08 09:31
Wednesday night was when it finally hit me, that this was a big step. It's definitely not the end, but it's a big step toward racial equality. Whatever millions of little things and big things people have done over the years to achieve a more equal nation, they have been successful in creating a better country for the next generation. Children are not born racist, and the younger generation has proven that they care more about the content of someone's character than the color of their skin. I think people didn't really know how much they had accomplished, this is their proof.
I watched congressman John Lewis on Wednesday night, he was interviewed on MSNBC. This man marched next to MLK, he was beaten in the streets by police, he marched all over the nation, and now he is a respected congressman. This nomination vindicates his struggle. I'm so glad he got to see his life's work rewarded in such a way. He deserves this, and so do all the others who struggled for equality.
Wednesday night was when it finally hit me, that this was a big step. It's definitely not the end, but it's a big step toward racial equality. Whatever millions of little things and big things people have done over the years to achieve a more equal nation, they have been successful in creating a better country for the next generation. Children are not born racist, and the younger generation has proven that they care more about the content of someone's character than the color of their skin. I think people didn't really know how much they had accomplished, this is their proof.
I watched congressman John Lewis on Wednesday night, he was interviewed on MSNBC. This man marched next to MLK, he was beaten in the streets by police, he marched all over the nation, and now he is a respected congressman. This nomination vindicates his struggle. I'm so glad he got to see his life's work rewarded in such a way. He deserves this, and so do all the others who struggled for equality.
tinypliny - 08/29/08 08:46
That's a nice dream. I hope its not just a dream. The colour thing is so silly scientifically that it makes no sense. Did you know, for instance, that even being a caucausian, you might actually have >40% African ancestry (according to your genes)? "Race" as a concept should never have been defined the way it was. According to modern genetics, skin colour means next to nothing. That dream requires people to change their cultural perceptions. I think paying more attention to science can pave the way. We do NOT need people who insist on teaching special creation in schools because the whole idea is laced with irrational prejudice against modern science.
Must. Stop. Ranting.
That's a nice dream. I hope its not just a dream. The colour thing is so silly scientifically that it makes no sense. Did you know, for instance, that even being a caucausian, you might actually have >40% African ancestry (according to your genes)? "Race" as a concept should never have been defined the way it was. According to modern genetics, skin colour means next to nothing. That dream requires people to change their cultural perceptions. I think paying more attention to science can pave the way. We do NOT need people who insist on teaching special creation in schools because the whole idea is laced with irrational prejudice against modern science.
Must. Stop. Ranting.
08/27/2008 22:41 #45477
The secret plan.Category: food
It's a simple plan, but the best ones are.
Somebody goes to a Trader Joe's in another town, and buys one or two hundred of their re-usable bags.
Like this one:
Then, said person re-sells them to people who want Joe's in town, and asks them to email pictures of them shopping with them. Later, all the future joe's shoppers assemble for a group shot.
You call the media, you encourage people to keep using the bags, you keep sending pics to joe's, basically, telling them, again and again and again that there are shoppers just waiting to spend money at their store.
I think it might work! I know it would be worth it.
Somebody goes to a Trader Joe's in another town, and buys one or two hundred of their re-usable bags.
Like this one:
Then, said person re-sells them to people who want Joe's in town, and asks them to email pictures of them shopping with them. Later, all the future joe's shoppers assemble for a group shot.
You call the media, you encourage people to keep using the bags, you keep sending pics to joe's, basically, telling them, again and again and again that there are shoppers just waiting to spend money at their store.
I think it might work! I know it would be worth it.
drew - 08/28/08 11:32
Tj's is already in NYC, and in PA where they also cannot sell wine.
Tj's is already in NYC, and in PA where they also cannot sell wine.
vincent - 08/28/08 11:25
Not to be negative, but from what I heard Trader Joe's does make a substantial amount of their profit from selling wine. Given the current liquor laws in New York State, that would not be an option. So a big product line of their's would be voided out if they ever opened up a store up here. Meaning that they would have to heavily rely on larger volumes on other products. With that in mind, it may be a big risk on their end to only sell groceries.
Not to be negative, but from what I heard Trader Joe's does make a substantial amount of their profit from selling wine. Given the current liquor laws in New York State, that would not be an option. So a big product line of their's would be voided out if they ever opened up a store up here. Meaning that they would have to heavily rely on larger volumes on other products. With that in mind, it may be a big risk on their end to only sell groceries.
springfaerie - 08/28/08 10:55
I think that there is some very real brilliance in this plan. Could we try the same thing with Crate and Barrel?
I think that there is some very real brilliance in this plan. Could we try the same thing with Crate and Barrel?
joshua - 08/27/08 23:52
I love Trader Joe's. $1.79 hummus? There's no way I can do that commercially in Buffalo... at least as far as I know. And it was awesome. They have a very reasonable cheese selection as well. I saw a lady with a bag full of nutrition bars raving over the amount of protein in them. LOOK AT THE PROTEIN!
I wanted to bring home their spicy red curry sauce but there is no way I could bring it through the airport.
I love Trader Joe's. $1.79 hummus? There's no way I can do that commercially in Buffalo... at least as far as I know. And it was awesome. They have a very reasonable cheese selection as well. I saw a lady with a bag full of nutrition bars raving over the amount of protein in them. LOOK AT THE PROTEIN!
I wanted to bring home their spicy red curry sauce but there is no way I could bring it through the airport.
james - 08/27/08 23:32
I will collude with you on this fantastic idea.
I will collude with you on this fantastic idea.
tinypliny - 08/27/08 22:55
THAT IS AWESOME! How do you plan to do this? I am TOTALLY IN!
THAT IS AWESOME! How do you plan to do this? I am TOTALLY IN!
08/27/2008 16:41 #45471
My cousin died.He was kayaking, which he loved. More details, if you want them: 
It was always a joy hanging out with Isaac. He was full of joy. Isaac always put relationships first, and always gave fully of himself. Radical in politics, faith, and life (and all of them were completely intertwined, which I love), Isaac lived more in his 26 years than many people do in 80. He will be missed dearly.
It was always a joy hanging out with Isaac. He was full of joy. Isaac always put relationships first, and always gave fully of himself. Radical in politics, faith, and life (and all of them were completely intertwined, which I love), Isaac lived more in his 26 years than many people do in 80. He will be missed dearly.
mrmike - 08/28/08 15:09
Sorry for your loss, Drew. Sounds like a great guy with a healthy zeal for what life has to offer.
Sorry for your loss, Drew. Sounds like a great guy with a healthy zeal for what life has to offer.
museumchick - 08/27/08 23:00
I'm so sorry, Drew. My thoughts are with you and your family.
I'm so sorry, Drew. My thoughts are with you and your family.
james - 08/27/08 21:28
I am sorry for your loss.
I am sorry for your loss.
tinypliny - 08/27/08 19:23
That is a terrible loss! He was just 27! I think it's so unfair that people who are a joy to experience pass away. I wish I had met him. :(
That is a terrible loss! He was just 27! I think it's so unfair that people who are a joy to experience pass away. I wish I had met him. :(
janelle - 08/27/08 18:35
I loved how innocent and joyful and passionate Isaac was in life.
I certainly will miss Isaac a lot.
Love you.
I loved how innocent and joyful and passionate Isaac was in life.
I certainly will miss Isaac a lot.
Love you.
hodown - 08/27/08 17:37
I'm so sorry for your loss.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
jason - 08/27/08 16:59
Oh, Lord. What a loss. God rest him. I'm so sorry my friend.
Oh, Lord. What a loss. God rest him. I'm so sorry my friend.
drew - 08/27/08 16:48
wow. This place is like a sympahty o matic I just posted maybe a minute ago.
Thanks all. Estrip is very good.
wow. This place is like a sympahty o matic I just posted maybe a minute ago.
Thanks all. Estrip is very good.
heidi - 08/27/08 16:48
I'm so sorry, Drew. My thoughts are with you.
I'm so sorry, Drew. My thoughts are with you.
jim - 08/27/08 16:45
I'm sorry, Drew :(
I'm sorry, Drew :(
matthew - 08/27/08 16:44
I'm sorry for your loss.
I'm sorry for your loss.
08/26/2008 15:18 #45461
The Place. The Diner Dash.The place has finally reopened. It has been closed since before (e:Janelle) and I moved here (almost a year and a half), but is finally open.
I have no idea what it will be like--I've heard mixed reviews, but it looks like the kind of place I might enjoy, and it is literally a block from my house, so it seems like I have no choice but to give it a try.
I will be going tonight after we take our animals to the vet. After getting three animals in and out of the vet's office, I will be ready for a drink.
If you would like to join us, just comment. I would imagine we will arrive around 8, but I don't know for sure. It's at the corner of Lexington and Ashland.
Also, if any of you are runners, I will be running four miles in the diner dash, to benefit Loaves and Fishes Dining room. Go here to find out more.
I have no idea what it will be like--I've heard mixed reviews, but it looks like the kind of place I might enjoy, and it is literally a block from my house, so it seems like I have no choice but to give it a try.
I will be going tonight after we take our animals to the vet. After getting three animals in and out of the vet's office, I will be ready for a drink.
If you would like to join us, just comment. I would imagine we will arrive around 8, but I don't know for sure. It's at the corner of Lexington and Ashland.
Also, if any of you are runners, I will be running four miles in the diner dash, to benefit Loaves and Fishes Dining room. Go here
to find out more.drew - 08/26/08 18:48
We should arrive there close to 7:30.
We should arrive there close to 7:30.
metalpeter - 08/26/08 18:30
I'm really not up for it tonight but hope you have a great time and maybe some others will join in. The thing about the place was that it was good. I don't eat fish but one thing I didn't like about it was that they had a fish tank in there and they also sold fish. It wasn't like the hey come pick your lobster deal like some places have but to have fish for people to look at or as kinda pets and then to serve fish also is kinda odd. Hope the food is good and that it is a good time.
I'm really not up for it tonight but hope you have a great time and maybe some others will join in. The thing about the place was that it was good. I don't eat fish but one thing I didn't like about it was that they had a fish tank in there and they also sold fish. It wasn't like the hey come pick your lobster deal like some places have but to have fish for people to look at or as kinda pets and then to serve fish also is kinda odd. Hope the food is good and that it is a good time.
matthew - 08/26/08 16:02
it's finally open again! When (e:Paul), (e:terry), and I lived across the street from "the place" we wanted to check it out, but we never seemed to make it there. Then it closed. Maybe well finally eat there after all, seven years later. Is it still called "the place"? Same owners?
it's finally open again! When (e:Paul), (e:terry), and I lived across the street from "the place" we wanted to check it out, but we never seemed to make it there. Then it closed. Maybe well finally eat there after all, seven years later. Is it still called "the place"? Same owners?
mrmike - 08/26/08 15:54
In its heyday, the Place was a terrific venue for comfort food. No haute cuisine, but a roast beef mashed potato sort of joint and there is nothing wrong with those.
In its heyday, the Place was a terrific venue for comfort food. No haute cuisine, but a roast beef mashed potato sort of joint and there is nothing wrong with those.
drew, we have one, can make arrangements after church