From Crackle:
Friday, June 27, 2008
Penn defines atheism and agnosticism
Penn Jillette gives a brief distinction between agnostic and atheist. He asserts that the two terms address different questions. One can be both. But between being a theist or an atheist, you have to be one or the other. You can't pick agnostic and opt out. Intriguing points.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
GO Party!
The Republicans are coming! The Republicans are coming!
In a matter of weeks, the Republican convention will be coming to Minnesota. Republican delegates and candidates will take over our communities. Even worse, the lobbyists and members of the media will descend upon us like a cloud of hungry locusts consuming everything in their path.
The Minneapolis-St. Paul Welcoming Committee is facilitating their stay and doing everything they can to use the convention as an opportunity for the chamber of commerce members to cash in. I can't blame them for that.
In order to welcome visitors and enable them to part with their money, the welcoming committee has established the GOParty Card. The card will give Republican delegates the opportunity to enjoy significant discounts on services and goods at participating businesses. Over 300 businesses have signed up for the privilege of giving the privileged a good deal.
I was very curious who would be flocking to serve the Republicans. Some non-surprises. The Minnesota Orchestra is offering 10% off tickets. The Mill City Museum offers $2 off admission. Restaurants range from Stella's Fish Cafe and Oyster Bar to Sawatdee Thai Restaurant to IHOP. And when you are minutes from the Mall of America, you can't help to go shopping! The GOParty card gets you deals at American Eagle Outfitters, Dressbarn, Express, QVC, Ultra Diamonds, the Red Balloon Bookshop in St. Paul, and the Lake Wobegon USA store at the MOA. Ahhh, Garrison Keillor would be spinning in his grave--wait! He's still alive!
Then there are the surprises:
In a matter of weeks, the Republican convention will be coming to Minnesota. Republican delegates and candidates will take over our communities. Even worse, the lobbyists and members of the media will descend upon us like a cloud of hungry locusts consuming everything in their path.The Minneapolis-St. Paul Welcoming Committee is facilitating their stay and doing everything they can to use the convention as an opportunity for the chamber of commerce members to cash in. I can't blame them for that.
In order to welcome visitors and enable them to part with their money, the welcoming committee has established the GOParty Card. The card will give Republican delegates the opportunity to enjoy significant discounts on services and goods at participating businesses. Over 300 businesses have signed up for the privilege of giving the privileged a good deal.
I was very curious who would be flocking to serve the Republicans. Some non-surprises. The Minnesota Orchestra is offering 10% off tickets. The Mill City Museum offers $2 off admission. Restaurants range from Stella's Fish Cafe and Oyster Bar to Sawatdee Thai Restaurant to IHOP. And when you are minutes from the Mall of America, you can't help to go shopping! The GOParty card gets you deals at American Eagle Outfitters, Dressbarn, Express, QVC, Ultra Diamonds, the Red Balloon Bookshop in St. Paul, and the Lake Wobegon USA store at the MOA. Ahhh, Garrison Keillor would be spinning in his grave--wait! He's still alive!
Then there are the surprises:
- Patrick's Cabaret: Let's just say this about Patrick's Cabaret. It's a great performance space for hippy, artistic types and it has the largest pride flag in the city sticking off the top of the building. You can see the flag a mile away. It's a great landmark.
- Manny's Torta's: Shit man. I can't even go to my favorite Mexican sandwich shop without fear of encountering masses of Republicans?
Northern Sun Merchandising: OK, this is a riot. The tagline for Northern Sun is "Products for progressives since 1979." Have you seen a button, a t-shirt, a canvass bag, a bumper sticker, or a flag recently that has liberally-inclined message? Northern Sun probably sells it. They have a section on their website of gear specifically for the March on the RNC. Perhaps a Republican delegate can stop by and purchase a yard sign to support the troops.
Noise noise noise!
I like living in the city, but one of the downsides is the noise. The first night in our current house we heard drunk people arguing at 3:00 AM in our front yard. There are cars, motorcycles, annoying motorized scooters. Police sirens. Firetrucks. Trains. We hear construction sounds frequently and garbage trucks. And loud stoner parties. Mariachi music blasted from a neighboring garage all day. And airplanes!
I find myself extremely frustrated when one of these sounds, particularly a semi truck or an ice cream truck wakes up my one year old prematurely from a nap. Her room is at the back of the house and the windows are closed. We have what we call the "sound machine" that buffers outside intrusions with the constant melody of waves on a beach. Still, not enough.
When I went to Wisconsin this month I was struck at how quiet real quiet can be. It was initially unnerving, but then was darn relaxing.
It could be worse. I could live in New York. Or Cairo or Mexico City or Bombay, etc, etc.
Here's a short video on the noise of New York City from Salon.com:
I find myself extremely frustrated when one of these sounds, particularly a semi truck or an ice cream truck wakes up my one year old prematurely from a nap. Her room is at the back of the house and the windows are closed. We have what we call the "sound machine" that buffers outside intrusions with the constant melody of waves on a beach. Still, not enough.
When I went to Wisconsin this month I was struck at how quiet real quiet can be. It was initially unnerving, but then was darn relaxing.
It could be worse. I could live in New York. Or Cairo or Mexico City or Bombay, etc, etc.
Here's a short video on the noise of New York City from Salon.com:
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Quote: Dobson on the Bible
James Dobson ripped into Barack Obama's version of Christianity with strong words:
Yeah. Dr. James Dobson of Focus on the Family, is accusing someone else of distorting the bible to conform to their own agenda. This is the organization that somehow finds religious justification for discriminating against gays, opposing same-sex marriage, spanking kids, opposing embryonic step cell research, advocating "reparative therapy” for gays, and allowing coercive prayer in public institutions.
"I think he's deliberately distorting the traditional understanding of the Bible to fit his own worldview, his own confused theology."
Yeah. Dr. James Dobson of Focus on the Family, is accusing someone else of distorting the bible to conform to their own agenda. This is the organization that somehow finds religious justification for discriminating against gays, opposing same-sex marriage, spanking kids, opposing embryonic step cell research, advocating "reparative therapy” for gays, and allowing coercive prayer in public institutions.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Good news: Amazon saved
Amazon bookstore (no not Amazon.com) has been saved at the last minute as it prepared to shut its doors permanently. Earlier this spring we learned that the long-standing Minneapolis feminist bookstore was up for sale. The Minneapolis institution has struggled over the past several years. The employee-owners were ready to move on and had begun a search to find a new owner. Several prospective buyers expressed interest, but nothing came through.
I was in the store about two weeks ago. They had a going out of business sale for their entire stock. I asked the manager, Barb, how long they were going to keep their doors open and she told me they'd finish up by the end of the month. She told me she hoped that maybe whoever took over the lease might open a bookstore because it would be great for the neighborhood.
Amy Goetzman at Minn Post tells the story of how a buyer came through at the last minute. The new owner has lots of plans, including the possibility of changing it's name. Those worried that it will lose it's feminist edge may take some comfort that the new owner, Ruta Skujins, owns "two lesbian publishing houses."
So, sometimes good things happen. One suggestion I would have for a new name would be The Phoenix, because it has arisen from its own ashes.
I was in the store about two weeks ago. They had a going out of business sale for their entire stock. I asked the manager, Barb, how long they were going to keep their doors open and she told me they'd finish up by the end of the month. She told me she hoped that maybe whoever took over the lease might open a bookstore because it would be great for the neighborhood.
Amy Goetzman at Minn Post tells the story of how a buyer came through at the last minute. The new owner has lots of plans, including the possibility of changing it's name. Those worried that it will lose it's feminist edge may take some comfort that the new owner, Ruta Skujins, owns "two lesbian publishing houses."
So, sometimes good things happen. One suggestion I would have for a new name would be The Phoenix, because it has arisen from its own ashes.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Muppet Moment: Jon Stewart and Miss Piggy
This nine year old interview features a young Jon Stewart and a flirtatious Miss Piggy. The best moment comes at 1:20 when Stewart makes his first crass remark.
Friday the 13th
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Circling the wagons around Al Franken
I know it's ancient news now, but the DFL endorsed Al Franken at last weekend's convention on the first ballot. It was unclear what was going to happen after the week's developments of prominent state Democrats criticizing Franken for past attempts at humor that were regarded by some as being in poor taste.
Doug Grow wrote at Minn Post of Franken's endorsement: "It was so complete that it may have closed the door on any possible primary challenge from former candidate Mike Ciresi, or any other DFLer who might have thought Franken would be beatable."
I think that may be going a little far. Though it is clear that many party delegates are feeling the need to circle their wagons around Franken if they want to beat Norm Coleman. A nasty fight at the convention might not help. They may be right.
Had the convention been unable to endorse, or had endorsed Franken after a drawn out fight, you would have certainly seen several Democrats jump on the primary contest. Franken's unexpectedly quick endorsement means he will not be challenged by many other Democrats. It is still possible that a well-funded candidate could challenge Franken in the primary. Of course, that would mean Mike Ciresi remains a possibility.
I've been pretty critical of how Franken has handled some of his problems this spring. But I'd still need some persuasion on why Ciresi would be a better pick.
I leave you with one apt quote from my own city council member, Gary Schiff: "We have to do a better job of vetting our own candidates. Our candidates should not have been put in a position of being surprised by any of this.''
Doug Grow wrote at Minn Post of Franken's endorsement: "It was so complete that it may have closed the door on any possible primary challenge from former candidate Mike Ciresi, or any other DFLer who might have thought Franken would be beatable."
I think that may be going a little far. Though it is clear that many party delegates are feeling the need to circle their wagons around Franken if they want to beat Norm Coleman. A nasty fight at the convention might not help. They may be right.
Had the convention been unable to endorse, or had endorsed Franken after a drawn out fight, you would have certainly seen several Democrats jump on the primary contest. Franken's unexpectedly quick endorsement means he will not be challenged by many other Democrats. It is still possible that a well-funded candidate could challenge Franken in the primary. Of course, that would mean Mike Ciresi remains a possibility.
I've been pretty critical of how Franken has handled some of his problems this spring. But I'd still need some persuasion on why Ciresi would be a better pick.
I leave you with one apt quote from my own city council member, Gary Schiff: "We have to do a better job of vetting our own candidates. Our candidates should not have been put in a position of being surprised by any of this.''
Welcoming Republicans to Minnesota
I've been checking out the website for the host committee for the Republican National Convention. Mostly, I want to see what businesses will be promoting themselves for special discounts to Republicans with the GOParty card. (Yes, it is called that. No, they haven't released the details yet.)
The website has some Minnesota trivia. I always like trivia, especially history trivia, so the first question caught my attention:
Click on image for larger size.
If you can't see, it says:
If you are a superstitious Republican, this 116 year old fact isn't encouraging. I just love how this "fun trivia" just gives the bare facts so plainly. The reader can take his or her own meaning from the trivia item. Of course, the raging liberal in me would love to see John McCain's name a century from now as the answer to the question: "Barack Obama was the first African American to win the White House, but who opposed him as the Republican nominee in the lopsided election of 2008?"
In my fantasy, no one gets the answer.
The website has some Minnesota trivia. I always like trivia, especially history trivia, so the first question caught my attention:
Click on image for larger size.If you can't see, it says:
"WHO KNEW? The last Republican National convention held in Minnesota was in 1892. President Benjamin Harrison got the nomination. He lost in the general election."
If you are a superstitious Republican, this 116 year old fact isn't encouraging. I just love how this "fun trivia" just gives the bare facts so plainly. The reader can take his or her own meaning from the trivia item. Of course, the raging liberal in me would love to see John McCain's name a century from now as the answer to the question: "Barack Obama was the first African American to win the White House, but who opposed him as the Republican nominee in the lopsided election of 2008?"
In my fantasy, no one gets the answer.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
More piling on Al Franken
Now, it's Planned Parenthood.
Can we take this as another signal we'll see a high profile candidate jump in the race before the convention?
My guess is no. But I think it is pretty likely we'll see a strong challenge from someone in the DFL primary.
You just know this is going to continue.
Can we take this as another signal we'll see a high profile candidate jump in the race before the convention?
My guess is no. But I think it is pretty likely we'll see a strong challenge from someone in the DFL primary.
You just know this is going to continue.
Lame-o argument
So there's been a big brouhaha in Seattle over the fact that two women kissing at a baseball game were asked to stop because it made someone uncomfortable. It's been a mild shocker that there are still nasty attitudes in gay-friendly Seattle.
I'm not going to go into the whole public displays of affection, gay or straight, debate.
What I'm compelled to respond to is the lame argument from the other side. The argument is encapsulated with this quote gathered by the Associated Press:
Big whoopin' deal! "Oh no! I have to explain something about the world we live in to my child!"
Jeepers creepers! They should be happy; it gives them an opportunity to talk about gay people and pass on their homophobic hate to their children!
Seriously. I see things all the time that I have to explain to my child. Some I'm happy about, some I'm not. For instance, when my daughter sees someone smoking outside the grocery store, she shoots me all sorts of questions about smoking. It's a teachable moment. Do I tell the person not to smoke because I'll have to answer my daughter's question? Uh... no!
Kids aren't stupid. They know things happen in the world that their parents don't agree with. A parent can try to keep their children blind to gay people, but they will still reach adulthood knowing that gay people exist. (I know, the horror!)
If having to explain something to your child is the best you can come up with, you really don't have an argument. What's clear is that you think it's gross and the world revolves around you so you tell the usher to get them to stop.
I'll tell you what. Due to my upbringing, I find just about all, even mild, public displays of affection kind of gross. But I deal. It's like passing a dead skunk on the road. It's smells terrible, but you respond by closing your windows and not sniffing for a couple of seconds. If you see a PDA you don't like, here's a tip: Don't look!
I'm not going to go into the whole public displays of affection, gay or straight, debate.
What I'm compelled to respond to is the lame argument from the other side. The argument is encapsulated with this quote gathered by the Associated Press:
"I would be uncomfortable" seeing public displays of affection between lesbians or gay men, said Jim Ridneour, a 54-year-old taxi driver. "I don't think it's right seeing women kissing in public. If I had my family there, I'd have to explain what's going on."
Big whoopin' deal! "Oh no! I have to explain something about the world we live in to my child!"
Jeepers creepers! They should be happy; it gives them an opportunity to talk about gay people and pass on their homophobic hate to their children!
Seriously. I see things all the time that I have to explain to my child. Some I'm happy about, some I'm not. For instance, when my daughter sees someone smoking outside the grocery store, she shoots me all sorts of questions about smoking. It's a teachable moment. Do I tell the person not to smoke because I'll have to answer my daughter's question? Uh... no!
Kids aren't stupid. They know things happen in the world that their parents don't agree with. A parent can try to keep their children blind to gay people, but they will still reach adulthood knowing that gay people exist. (I know, the horror!)
If having to explain something to your child is the best you can come up with, you really don't have an argument. What's clear is that you think it's gross and the world revolves around you so you tell the usher to get them to stop.
I'll tell you what. Due to my upbringing, I find just about all, even mild, public displays of affection kind of gross. But I deal. It's like passing a dead skunk on the road. It's smells terrible, but you respond by closing your windows and not sniffing for a couple of seconds. If you see a PDA you don't like, here's a tip: Don't look!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Apology from Dick Cheney
Cheney apologizes to West Virginians for Inbreeding Joke
So for all the things he's done, this is what Dick Cheney apologizes for?
He hasn't apologized for masterminding the campaign of misinformation to sell the Iraq war and the disaster of the war itself.
He hasn't apologized for letting the oil industry write the administration's energy policy and then refuse to divulge any information about it.
He hasn't apologized for retroactively declassifying intelligence information as a co-president nor refusing to hand over administration public records because he is part of the Legislative branch, not the Executive.
He hasn't apologized for his office's central role in the CIA agent leak scandal.
He hasn't apologized for telling a U.S. Senator to fuck himself on the Senate floor.
I don't even think he really apologized for shooting that old man. The victim, somehow, ended up apologizing to him!
This week's apology is a new thing for Cheney. Perhaps it is the beginning of a trend. I await hearing Cheney's piled-up apologies.
So for all the things he's done, this is what Dick Cheney apologizes for?
He hasn't apologized for masterminding the campaign of misinformation to sell the Iraq war and the disaster of the war itself.
He hasn't apologized for letting the oil industry write the administration's energy policy and then refuse to divulge any information about it.
He hasn't apologized for retroactively declassifying intelligence information as a co-president nor refusing to hand over administration public records because he is part of the Legislative branch, not the Executive.
He hasn't apologized for his office's central role in the CIA agent leak scandal.
He hasn't apologized for telling a U.S. Senator to fuck himself on the Senate floor.
I don't even think he really apologized for shooting that old man. The victim, somehow, ended up apologizing to him!
This week's apology is a new thing for Cheney. Perhaps it is the beginning of a trend. I await hearing Cheney's piled-up apologies.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Great new Indian restuarant in Minneapolis
Residents and visitors of the Twin Cities now have a new excellent Indian restaurant to choose. Although the Twin Cities hosts a number of excellent Indian food sources, there is always room for one more!
I'm particularly excited about the most recent one, because I can walk there. When I lived in Washington, DC, we lived just one block from an excellent Indian restaurant, the White Tiger. That was a dangerous proximity!
We walked through the rain several blocks last week to the newly opened Gandhi Mahal at 3009 27th Avenue South--right next door to Midori's Floating World Cafe. Gandi Mahal is the site of the former Greek restaurant, Calypso, and other previously unsuccessful ventures.
As the Rake Magazine notes, it's unclear if the Mahatma would approve of the seafood and beef[!] entrees. The likeness of Gandhi looks over each table, making you uncomfortable to order a non-vegetarian dish. We compromised and got a chicken entree and a vegetarian thali (essentially a "sampler") to share. Both were excellent. I highly recommend the Chicken Tikki Masala. At first I thought the prices were high for Minneapolis standards. Each entree is $10-$16. But the portions are generous and the food is near perfect. Unless you are fairly hungry, two adults could split a single entree. (But then you wouldn't have leftovers for home--and what is better than 2nd day Indian for lunch the next day?)
Because they are new, no liquor license yet. But I believe you can bring your own wine and serve yourself in the meantime. The restaurant can provide wine glasses. AND, there is a liquor store directly across the street! So you can order your food, and then figure out what kind of wine works best as you take a quick stroll across the street. (I like a dry German Reisling with spicy Indian food myself.)
Two funny things about the restaurant. First, mahal means palace, which isn't the first thing I associate with Gandhi. Second, they don't have a website. Seriously, if you have a new business that serves customers, you need a website. It doesn't have to be fancy. It should have a picture, your menu, links to any good reviews, a phone number, address, and hours. Nothing flashy. Just spend the $50 to host and put it up!
Thankfully, they do have an email address. Here are the details:
I'm particularly excited about the most recent one, because I can walk there. When I lived in Washington, DC, we lived just one block from an excellent Indian restaurant, the White Tiger. That was a dangerous proximity!
We walked through the rain several blocks last week to the newly opened Gandhi Mahal at 3009 27th Avenue South--right next door to Midori's Floating World Cafe. Gandi Mahal is the site of the former Greek restaurant, Calypso, and other previously unsuccessful ventures.
As the Rake Magazine notes, it's unclear if the Mahatma would approve of the seafood and beef[!] entrees. The likeness of Gandhi looks over each table, making you uncomfortable to order a non-vegetarian dish. We compromised and got a chicken entree and a vegetarian thali (essentially a "sampler") to share. Both were excellent. I highly recommend the Chicken Tikki Masala. At first I thought the prices were high for Minneapolis standards. Each entree is $10-$16. But the portions are generous and the food is near perfect. Unless you are fairly hungry, two adults could split a single entree. (But then you wouldn't have leftovers for home--and what is better than 2nd day Indian for lunch the next day?)
Because they are new, no liquor license yet. But I believe you can bring your own wine and serve yourself in the meantime. The restaurant can provide wine glasses. AND, there is a liquor store directly across the street! So you can order your food, and then figure out what kind of wine works best as you take a quick stroll across the street. (I like a dry German Reisling with spicy Indian food myself.)
Two funny things about the restaurant. First, mahal means palace, which isn't the first thing I associate with Gandhi. Second, they don't have a website. Seriously, if you have a new business that serves customers, you need a website. It doesn't have to be fancy. It should have a picture, your menu, links to any good reviews, a phone number, address, and hours. Nothing flashy. Just spend the $50 to host and put it up!
Thankfully, they do have an email address. Here are the details:
Gandhi Mahal
Indian cuisine, lassi bar, and thali-tapas
3009 27th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55406
612-729-5222
612-729-5953
gandhimahal@gmail.com
Indian cuisine, lassi bar, and thali-tapas
3009 27th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55406
612-729-5222
612-729-5953
gandhimahal@gmail.com
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