is...
Well, nobody said you were going to like it...
This public service announcement has been a reminder:
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Douglas Adams Quote
The Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, The Universe, and Everything
Well, nobody said you were going to like it...
This public service announcement has been a reminder:
Well, nobody said you were going to like it...
This public service announcement has been a reminder:
The Rarest Chocolate in the World
Those who know me well know that I enjoy sharing my chocolate discoveries with anyone who can appreciate dark chocolates. So when a coworker shared an article with me about the exciting rediscovery of an extinct cacao variety, I had to get some to try it.
Here is the article, in the New York Times.
Why a single source chocolate? Why this single source? This is an exceptionally smooth, mild flavored dark chocolate. Additionally, as the cacao trees age (beyond a century) a mutation causes many of the beans in the pod to be white, instead of purple. The white beans have fewer of the bitter chemicals, to improve the mild flavor without the volume of additives that make up milk chocolates.
By the way, if you ever hear of a chocolate bar made from only the white beans of the Fortunato Number 4, please tell me where I could get such a treasure! I may only taste it once, but that could go on my bucket list!
I went in search of some Fortunato Number 4. I was under the impression there was only one licensed manufacturer in the United States. I was also told that manufacturer sold in my local candy store. Score! Before long, I had purchased all the bars they had. Then I started ordering them online...
Then I found I couldn't even do that! My candy store and my supplier both said my chocolate bars were out of season, and I'd have to wait for the next crop of beans to come in. I was sad, but not too much - because in the meantime, I was broke.
After a couple of months, I was traveling for work. I ate all my chocolate reserves and had trouble finding some of my favorites (ever heard of Firecracker?) I had to find a new supplier so I could restock my Fortunato No. 4.
Jinju is a made-in-America chocolate company - the bars ship from Las Vegas, Nevada.
Jin Caldwell is Korean, and a Master Chocolatier. I will vouch for her creations - delicious! She mixes the Fortunato Number 4 with some tempting combinations: Peruvian sea salt, or honey powder.
My order arrived in two boxes, not together. I was initially dismayed, but the customer service was good, and the second box arrived as promised.
Try some for yourself!
Why a single source chocolate? Why this single source? This is an exceptionally smooth, mild flavored dark chocolate. Additionally, as the cacao trees age (beyond a century) a mutation causes many of the beans in the pod to be white, instead of purple. The white beans have fewer of the bitter chemicals, to improve the mild flavor without the volume of additives that make up milk chocolates.
 |
I went in search of some Fortunato Number 4. I was under the impression there was only one licensed manufacturer in the United States. I was also told that manufacturer sold in my local candy store. Score! Before long, I had purchased all the bars they had. Then I started ordering them online...
 |
After a couple of months, I was traveling for work. I ate all my chocolate reserves and had trouble finding some of my favorites (ever heard of Firecracker?) I had to find a new supplier so I could restock my Fortunato No. 4.
Jinju is a made-in-America chocolate company - the bars ship from Las Vegas, Nevada.
 |
My order arrived in two boxes, not together. I was initially dismayed, but the customer service was good, and the second box arrived as promised.
Try some for yourself!
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Did Tony Perkins Support Murder of Ugandan Homosexuals?
First, who is Tony Perkins? He is a lobbyist and a politician. He is the president of the Family Research Council (FRC), and he works in the District of Columbia (that's Washington D.C.) lobbying for issues on behalf of some conservative Christians. It's not a secret that he is opposed to endorsing homosexual behaviors as an alternative lifestyle. He is more likely to treat homosexual behavior as evidence of an illness, mental or otherwise, that merits therapy and treatment. But does he hate homosexuals? Is he the president of a hate group?
Second, why is Uganda at the center of controversy over homosexuals? Uganda is a homophobic nation, half of whose population is under the age of 15, and 15% of those children are orphaned. The nation is suffering an HIV/AIDS epidemic. There are no words to briefly convey the staggering loss of teachers, nurses and policemen (for example) who provide stability to the culture, protection and care for the communities and mentors and guardians for the children. I could not find statistics on how many children are raised by only a single parent in a culture overwhelmed by unemployment and utterly lacking income opportunities, paid welfare, paid health care or even free schools. It is common for households with children to have to choose between school for the kids or food for the family - child care or guardianship for multiple children while a single parent searches for work is nonexistent for many households in Uganda.
It is no secret that the Family Research Council spent $25,000 lobbying congress in 2010 with respect to their plans to pass a resolution condemning a poorly written bill in Uganda. (The bill did not become law.) Here is a Tony Perkins quote, from Family Research Council's website. The quote is no longer posted on their website. It was found on internet archives of March 15, 2010 (colors added for emphasis).
If it's public record that FRC lobbied about the resolution to condemn the Ugandan bill, they must be either for or against the resolution, right? No, the political process is not black and white, which is why enacting new laws (or even non-binding resolutions) can be so complex in the American system. Does the lobbying form that discloses the monies spent tell us what the FRC lobbied for? No. So, who knows what the intent of the FRC was, while they were spending the money? The lobbyists know. What do they have to say about the topic?
My subsequent blog post will be about why it matters to me that supporters of alternate lifestyles spend words educating people on the hate speech of their opponents, and vice versa - homophobes educating people on the destructiveness of gay lifestyles.
Second, why is Uganda at the center of controversy over homosexuals? Uganda is a homophobic nation, half of whose population is under the age of 15, and 15% of those children are orphaned. The nation is suffering an HIV/AIDS epidemic. There are no words to briefly convey the staggering loss of teachers, nurses and policemen (for example) who provide stability to the culture, protection and care for the communities and mentors and guardians for the children. I could not find statistics on how many children are raised by only a single parent in a culture overwhelmed by unemployment and utterly lacking income opportunities, paid welfare, paid health care or even free schools. It is common for households with children to have to choose between school for the kids or food for the family - child care or guardianship for multiple children while a single parent searches for work is nonexistent for many households in Uganda.
It is no secret that the Family Research Council spent $25,000 lobbying congress in 2010 with respect to their plans to pass a resolution condemning a poorly written bill in Uganda. (The bill did not become law.) Here is a Tony Perkins quote, from Family Research Council's website. The quote is no longer posted on their website. It was found on internet archives of March 15, 2010 (colors added for emphasis).
Hello, I am Tony Perkins with the Family Research Council. At the recent National Prayer Breakfast, President Obama took the podium calling for greater civility in Washington, which in my opinion is a laudable goal. However, his comments quickly turned to his preoccupation with defending homosexuality. The President criticized Ugandan leaders for considering enhance penalties for crimes related to homosexuality. The press has widely mischaracterized the law which calls for the death penalty, not for homosexual behavior which is already a crime, but for acts such as intentionally spreading HIV/AIDS, or preying upon vulnerable individuals such as children, which has been a problem in Uganda for years because the large number of orphans. The President said that "We may disagree about gay marriage, "but surely we can agree that it is unconscionable to target gays and lesbians for who they are." Mr. President as long as you characterize efforts to uphold moral conduct that protects others and in particular the most vulnerable, as attacking people, civility will continue to evade us.I have been told this quote is proof that Tony Perkins supported execution for gays and lesbians. When I read this quote, I saw that Mr. Perkins supported protection for children and prevention of the deliberate spread of a terminal disease (hereinafter referred to as "murder"). I do not see the connection between consensual homosexual relationships (which I do not believe should be criminalized) and pedophilia and murder (which I hope we agree are criminal activities).
If it's public record that FRC lobbied about the resolution to condemn the Ugandan bill, they must be either for or against the resolution, right? No, the political process is not black and white, which is why enacting new laws (or even non-binding resolutions) can be so complex in the American system. Does the lobbying form that discloses the monies spent tell us what the FRC lobbied for? No. So, who knows what the intent of the FRC was, while they were spending the money? The lobbyists know. What do they have to say about the topic?
The Tony Perkins-led FRC said it did lobby on the bill, but not to kill it - rather to change the language it contained and "to remove sweeping and inaccurate assertions that homosexual conduct is internationally recognized as a fundamental human right."There is no clear contradiction in the first and second quotes. It is possible they could both be true, at the same time. For those who say the first quote is a contradiction to the second, and therefore Tony Perkins lied, I would urge you to carefully reconsider. The logic of such a position is to equate gays and lesbians with pedophiles and murderers, and yet still uphold they should be a protected group of citizens. Such a position does more to harm the image of gays and lesbians than it does to help it.
"FRC did not lobby against or oppose passage of the congressional resolution," the group said. "FRC's efforts, at the request of Congressional offices, were limited to seeking changes in the language of proposed drafts of the resolution, in order to make it more factually accurate regarding the content of the Uganda bill."
"FRC does not support the Uganda bill, and does not support the death penalty for homosexuality - nor any other penalty which would have the effect of inhibiting compassionate pastoral, psychological, and medical care and treatment for those who experience same-sex attractions or who engage in homosexual conduct," the group adds.
My subsequent blog post will be about why it matters to me that supporters of alternate lifestyles spend words educating people on the hate speech of their opponents, and vice versa - homophobes educating people on the destructiveness of gay lifestyles.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Dan Cathy, Religious Views and Hate
Today's post is from a guest blogger, Marjorie McKinstry-Miller, upon request from Jean:
He made his beliefs known. Those beliefs are hateful. I am heterosexual. I am married. I have friends who are gay who cannot marry... thanks to other Americans who hold the same hateful beliefs as the head of Chik-Fil-A.
I am also Christian. But, I do not pick and choose elements of the Bible to support my hatred for those different from me. If we followed every law put forth as truth by the Bible, most of the Americans so offended by the reactions of those of us appalled by Chik-Fil-A... would be offended, shocked and appalled.
As an American running a business in America, he has the right to present his opinions and run a business that funds groups whose sole purpose is to prevent loving couples from marrying.
As an American, I have the right to discuss this issue, to speak out against it, and to choose not to purchase chicken when the profits from that chicken will be spent to further an irrational hate and bias professed by bigots. What's most offensive to me is that these bigots are abusing and using the Bible to excuse their hate.
You cannot have it both ways. If you choose to interpret passages in the Bible as being against homosexuality and against gay marriage, then you have to: ensure Cattle do not mingle with any other livestock; cannot have more than one crop in any one field; cannot wear clothing made of more than one fabric; cannot cut your hair or shave; must be killed if you curse your mother or father; must be murdered if you cheat on your spouse; have to prevent those who are blind, lame or who have flat noses from visiting an altar of God; and kill anyone of a different religion. So, those of you pounding on the Bible to suggest that your hatred is warranted, the above list should keep you busy for awhile.... making changes in your life, your family, your yard, your fields, your livestock, your physical features and infirmities... and your hatred of those who are different from you.
Meanwhile, back in the 21st Century, I shall pick and choose the parts of the Bible that discuss love, acceptance, forgiveness and... I know this is difficult for quite a few folks to comprehend... not judging.
He made his beliefs known. Those beliefs are hateful. I am heterosexual. I am married. I have friends who are gay who cannot marry... thanks to other Americans who hold the same hateful beliefs as the head of Chik-Fil-A.
I am also Christian. But, I do not pick and choose elements of the Bible to support my hatred for those different from me. If we followed every law put forth as truth by the Bible, most of the Americans so offended by the reactions of those of us appalled by Chik-Fil-A... would be offended, shocked and appalled.
As an American running a business in America, he has the right to present his opinions and run a business that funds groups whose sole purpose is to prevent loving couples from marrying.
As an American, I have the right to discuss this issue, to speak out against it, and to choose not to purchase chicken when the profits from that chicken will be spent to further an irrational hate and bias professed by bigots. What's most offensive to me is that these bigots are abusing and using the Bible to excuse their hate.
You cannot have it both ways. If you choose to interpret passages in the Bible as being against homosexuality and against gay marriage, then you have to: ensure Cattle do not mingle with any other livestock; cannot have more than one crop in any one field; cannot wear clothing made of more than one fabric; cannot cut your hair or shave; must be killed if you curse your mother or father; must be murdered if you cheat on your spouse; have to prevent those who are blind, lame or who have flat noses from visiting an altar of God; and kill anyone of a different religion. So, those of you pounding on the Bible to suggest that your hatred is warranted, the above list should keep you busy for awhile.... making changes in your life, your family, your yard, your fields, your livestock, your physical features and infirmities... and your hatred of those who are different from you.
Meanwhile, back in the 21st Century, I shall pick and choose the parts of the Bible that discuss love, acceptance, forgiveness and... I know this is difficult for quite a few folks to comprehend... not judging.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Mother's Day Hold On To Jesus
My grandmother found herself already a young widow and childless when she met an old sweetheart. To their mutual surprise, they were both available, and he pursued her and won her hand in marriage. But to her sorrow, the doctors had told her she could never have children. Despite the ‘miracles of modern medicine,’ Jesus blessed them with the child she longed for – my mother.
Like so many of us, all by herself, the baby grew to become more children than one mother could manage! But that child, my mother, is also the reason that the same Jesus who blessed my grandmother lives in my life. My mother is the one who taught me to say my prayers at bedtime and meals, sent me to church, and lived as the steady, loving example that has inspired my life.
So, although my daughter and I will sing this song as gift for the families dedicating their babies at church on Mother's Day, this lullaby is dedicated to mom. Hold on to her, Jesus!
http://vimeo.com/27531267
You're a little piece of heaven
You're a golden ray of light
And I wish I could protect you
From the worries of this life
But if there's one thing I could tell you
It's no matter what you do
Hold to Jesus
He's holding on to you
The world will try to tell you
That might is more than right
That beauty's on the outside
And being good's a losing fight
But remember what I've told you
Because the world will make you choose
Hold to Jesus
He's holding on to you
Hold on to Jesus
Cling to His love
Rest deep in His mercy
Whenever things get rough
Don't lose sight of His goodness
And don't ever doubt this truth
That when you hold on to Jesus
He's holding on to you
Hear me dear Jesus
Rock this little one to sleep
Keep her close when she's scared
And give her grace when she is weak
I know she'll stumble
But I know she'll make it through
If you hold to her just like You said You'd do
Hold her Jesus
And she'll hold on tight to You
Like so many of us, all by herself, the baby grew to become more children than one mother could manage! But that child, my mother, is also the reason that the same Jesus who blessed my grandmother lives in my life. My mother is the one who taught me to say my prayers at bedtime and meals, sent me to church, and lived as the steady, loving example that has inspired my life.
So, although my daughter and I will sing this song as gift for the families dedicating their babies at church on Mother's Day, this lullaby is dedicated to mom. Hold on to her, Jesus!
http://vimeo.com/27531267
You're a little piece of heaven
You're a golden ray of light
And I wish I could protect you
From the worries of this life
But if there's one thing I could tell you
It's no matter what you do
Hold to Jesus
He's holding on to you
The world will try to tell you
That might is more than right
That beauty's on the outside
And being good's a losing fight
But remember what I've told you
Because the world will make you choose
Hold to Jesus
He's holding on to you
Hold on to Jesus
Cling to His love
Rest deep in His mercy
Whenever things get rough
Don't lose sight of His goodness
And don't ever doubt this truth
That when you hold on to Jesus
He's holding on to you
Hear me dear Jesus
Rock this little one to sleep
Keep her close when she's scared
And give her grace when she is weak
I know she'll stumble
But I know she'll make it through
If you hold to her just like You said You'd do
Hold her Jesus
And she'll hold on tight to You
Monday, May 7, 2012
Where does Peace begin? How do you know it when you see it?
Look Here
Northern Ireland refuses to cede peace
Protestants and Catholics unify in vigils to protest the violence.
http://wwrn.org/articles/30473/
"These gunmen can't destroy the peace process," says Aidan Gillespie, walking with his daughter on the grounds of Antrim Castle, adjacent to the Massereene Barracks. "It's only society that can destroy it, by how we react. If we stick together against these murderers, then they will never win."
The reaction in Antrim was swift and unambiguous. The morning after the attack, hundreds of worshipers from the local Catholic, Presbyterian, Church of Ireland, and Methodist churches congregated for prayer at the police cordon where the shooting took place.
and Here:
Palestinians serenade survivors in Israel
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/26/world/middleeast/26jenin.html
Any potential awkwardness may have been dulled by the language barrier — other than Ms. Younis, the Palestinians spoke only Arabic; the survivors only Hebrew and their native European tongues. Each also appeared to have only the sketchiest knowledge about the other side.
Northern Ireland refuses to cede peace
Protestants and Catholics unify in vigils to protest the violence.
http://wwrn.org/articles/30473/
"These gunmen can't destroy the peace process," says Aidan Gillespie, walking with his daughter on the grounds of Antrim Castle, adjacent to the Massereene Barracks. "It's only society that can destroy it, by how we react. If we stick together against these murderers, then they will never win."
The reaction in Antrim was swift and unambiguous. The morning after the attack, hundreds of worshipers from the local Catholic, Presbyterian, Church of Ireland, and Methodist churches congregated for prayer at the police cordon where the shooting took place.
and Here:
Palestinians serenade survivors in Israel
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/26/world/middleeast/26jenin.html
Any potential awkwardness may have been dulled by the language barrier — other than Ms. Younis, the Palestinians spoke only Arabic; the survivors only Hebrew and their native European tongues. Each also appeared to have only the sketchiest knowledge about the other side.
Wanted to share
You may not know anything about Tracy Chapman or her music. Her debut album (back in 1988) was raw inner city stories, simple words, simple melodies and full of emotion. I have the CD; I've had it for years. Her second album was more complex, less auto-biographical, not so raw nor so popular. I think I used to have that one as well.
So it was a surprise to find her song recorded on a Celtic Spirit album I have on my laptop. (They got the lyrics wrong, too - something so simple...) While I was checking the lyrics, I stumbled across this.
While I don't particularly like the duet, I have listened to the song for years and this is moving tribute to what she wrote. She sings on the right side of your screen, and I find her beautiful!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MM8_XNj76g
For those who cannot view online video, I'll tell you the rest of the story at the link you can't see - she is performing a very simple song in a duet with Luciano Pavarotti, who is singing his part in Italian. There is a full orchestral accompaniment (they were true to her original melody; it's well done) and she grins ear to ear while he's singing her song in Italian. And they're performing an outdoor concert for thousands of people clapping along to a very basic rhythm. Only the last note is in harmony - it's all very simple, and a lovely tribute to her composition!
For those who cannot view online video, I'll tell you the rest of the story at the link you can't see - she is performing a very simple song in a duet with Luciano Pavarotti, who is singing his part in Italian. There is a full orchestral accompaniment (they were true to her original melody; it's well done) and she grins ear to ear while he's singing her song in Italian. And they're performing an outdoor concert for thousands of people clapping along to a very basic rhythm. Only the last note is in harmony - it's all very simple, and a lovely tribute to her composition!
"Peforming live at Pavarotti and Friends for Cambodia and Tibet, 2000."
And here are the original lyrics:
Sorry
Is all that you cant say
Years gone by and still
Words dont come easily
Like sorry like sorry
Forgive me
Is all that you cant say
Years gone by and still
Words dont come easily
Like forgive me forgive me
But you can say baby
Baby can I hold you tonight
Maybe if I told you the right words
At the right time youd be mine
I love you
Is all that you cant say
Years gone by and still
Words dont come easily
Like I love you I love you
Is all that you cant say
Years gone by and still
Words dont come easily
Like sorry like sorry
Forgive me
Is all that you cant say
Years gone by and still
Words dont come easily
Like forgive me forgive me
But you can say baby
Baby can I hold you tonight
Maybe if I told you the right words
At the right time youd be mine
I love you
Is all that you cant say
Years gone by and still
Words dont come easily
Like I love you I love you
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)