Daddy, Papa and Metag:www.lathefamily.org,2009://12009-01-07T18:24:41ZAn unconventional family in today's worldMovable Type 3.33Reading books is dangerous for pantriestag:www.lathefamily.org,2009://1.16832009-01-07T17:40:54Z2009-01-07T18:24:41ZMy brother gave me "The Omnivore's Dilemma " for Christmas. Well, we drove to Utah the day after Christmas and stayed for a week (thoughts on that later, had a great time). I read the whole thing. I was intrigued...
The Omnivore's Dilemma
" for Christmas. Well, we drove to Utah the day after Christmas and stayed for a week (thoughts on that later, had a great time). I read the whole thing. I was intrigued by it so much, I read his later book, In Defense of Food.
The basic premise of the books is that our industrial food system is bad for our health as individuals, as a society and the planet. The first book outlines how and why, the second book outlines how we can make changes in our life. Now, there are places where it gets a bit tedious. You want him to get to the point, and though the story of the hunting isn't bad, it's overly long. The first book could have outlined the 'four meals' a bit clearer (he talks about four meals he has... one based on industrial food, one on industrial organic, one on "beyond" organic and one he hunts and gathers himself), it's a bit confusing. I found myself wondering why the subtitle was a "natural history of four meals" early in the reading. The second book overstates the case in several places (especially in dental health, I think he's wrong but I don't have solid evidence... neither did he though :).
Yet, in spite of these flaws, and found the books intriguing, fascinating and most of all, life changing. Before I read the books I agreed with most of what he says in them. In fact, over the last 5 years or so, we've made slow, steady progress in eating more like he recommends (whole food, not processed, organic is good, sustainable 'beyond' organic is best, lots of plants, meat and dairy in small amounts).
First there was the step in learning how to save on our grocery bills and save time in preparation. Planning meals, storing food, making your own, etc. I've made huge progress there. I've cut our bills by at least half, sometimes even to a third of what it was 5 years ago.
Without that step, the step to move to organic/sustainable/whole would either be really expensive or not doable. I _had_ to change how bought, planned and prepared meals and cut down our bills by at least half so that we could afford good whole food.
And we have slowly made those steps. A few years ago we started getting our produce, vegetables and fruits from a CSA. I have found, that the price is comparable to non-organic, non-local food from the grocery store (with the caveat that you cook what is given to you, you can't pick and choose like at a grocery store). We switched to whole grains long ago and I make our own bread (for the most part), broth and a few other things. I also now can most of the preserves and jams we use, tomatoes and a few other things.
But the books have solidified my reasoning and purpose, I'm prepared and now I think we can make the final leap and push to eating well.
First step... the pantry. I had been thinking this would be a good first step, and then a friend challenged us all (on a parenting board we are on) to organize our pantries, that's all I needed...
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After,
Middle of Pantry:
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Bottom of Pantry:
Before,
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Left, spices:
Before,
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Obama's choices, Rick Warren?tag:www.lathefamily.org,2008://1.16822008-12-18T17:28:28Z2008-12-18T17:43:36ZFor the most part, Obama's choices for his cabinet have been what I expected, liberal-centrist, highly qualified, smart. There are a few I'm not particularly happy about, Vilsack for Agricultural Secretary for example. He's a huge supporter of corn-based ethanol,...
Rick Warren. Here's a man who believes that homosexual relationships are crimes equal to incest and child rape.
Well, given the first paragraph (opposing points of view on the same cabinet), I see what he's doing in the second paragraph. But really, it's very very difficult sitting figuratively at the same table with a man who thinks your family is akin to child rape and incest. He says he not a homophobe, but if that view isn't hateful, what the hell is? We 'sit at the table' with family and friends who think are family is inferior and, indeed, sinful (though perhaps, I'm not sure, they don't think it's as bad as incest and child rape), so I guess I grit my teeth and bear it.
But there are two things for certain. I will be turning off the prayer when watching the inauguration, and I, and my friends, will NOT be silent. ]]>
Called in Gay today.tag:www.lathefamily.org,2008://1.16812008-12-10T18:57:09Z2008-12-10T19:01:42ZI called in gay today. Ok, so I work at home, but my IM away message says I've called in gay and I'm not answering email, etc. Oh, and I'm supporting a new constitutional amendment to restore marriage to Biblical...I called in gay today. Ok, so I work at home, but my IM away message says I've called in gay and I'm not answering email, etc.
Oh, and I'm supporting a new constitutional amendment to restore marriage to Biblical principles.]]>
Thanksgiving weekendtag:www.lathefamily.org,2008://1.16802008-12-01T18:48:51Z2008-12-01T18:55:31Zwas wonderful. We had about 10 people at our house, parents, brother and sister-in-law, friends and us for dinner. The turkey didn't cook enough and we ended up eating very little, but everything else was GREAT (the pumpkin pie recipe...
Some photos here.]]>
Unpaving paradisetag:www.lathefamily.org,2008://1.16792008-11-21T22:12:46Z2008-11-21T22:49:33ZI posted about this 6 months ago. After we (by "we" I mean Guy) spent a year of haggling, spending and working with the city, we got permits and the contractors started tearing up sidewalk! Well, now that the rainy...
I posted about this 6 months ago. After we (by "we" I mean Guy) spent a year of haggling, spending and working with the city, we got permits and the contractors started tearing up sidewalk! Well, now that the rainy season (our growing season here in SF) is here, we've started planting (by 'we' I mean me). It's not completely planted, but it's on it's way.
Before
After tearing up and putting pavers (reused brick from a fireplace we had taken out for safety reasons)
Today after some planting (still more to be done and also a bit of growing in of course)
You can see more photos here.
The plants are either SF Bay area natives or drought resistant plants from similar climates. Here is a link to someone who did this with their driveway in Toronto.
While planting last weekend, I had three people stop to tell us how wonderful it was looking and how so thankful they were that we were doing this. Now.. if we can only get the rest of the neighborhood to go along :D. Advantages: MUCH less run off to the ocean, but better ground moisture to the plants, better looking, etc.]]>
Just a quick note...tag:www.lathefamily.org,2008://1.16782008-11-20T22:18:51Z2008-11-20T22:23:18ZFamily Equality blog points out this 'live blogging' session tonight at 7pm ET about marriage (one of the things I'm talking about in the renewed fire of the GLBT rights movement) and rights). The bloggers are leaders from CA, FL...
Family Equality blog points out this 'live blogging' session tonight at 7pm ET about marriage (one of the things I'm talking about in the renewed fire of the GLBT rights movement) and rights). The bloggers are leaders from CA, FL and AR marriage amendment fights. I unfortunately won't be able to attend (though I have questions). I have to get Emma from school and then going to a school meeting about a Kiva project idea I have for the school...
but if you have a chance, check it out: http://www.bilerico.com/
]]>
Interest and misgivings on Supreme Court's decisiontag:www.lathefamily.org,2008://1.16772008-11-20T22:00:15Z2008-11-20T22:18:39ZThe CA Supreme Court has decided to hear the argument that Proposition 8 is not an amendment but rather a revision to the constitution of the state. I am so torn on that. Why? Philosophically I am all for striking...
The CA Supreme Court has decided to hear the argument that Proposition 8 is not an amendment but rather a revision to the constitution of the state.
I am so torn on that. Why?
Philosophically I am all for striking down prop 8. It _is_ a revision. The constitution is pretty clear and the courts have pretty clearly stated that this is an issue of a fundamental right of equal protection of a class of people . The proposition basically revises the constitution to eliminate a class of people from equal protection, eviscerating the meaning of a fundamental part of the constitution. It's not an amendment, it's a revision. By the logic of allowing 8 to stand, one now has precedence to easily (it's SO easy apparently in this state) to get an amendment on the ballot and possibly passed that would ban hispanics from owning property (the immigrant boogie man conservatives seem to love lately) or ban Mormons and Scientologists from keeping secret rites in their temples and places of worship.
Politically, I'm not so excited about it for two reasons. It will create a backlash from the anti-gay groups and supporters (face it, if you supported 8, whether you feel you are or not, you are anti-gay. You are anti allowing me to marry because I'm gay, that's called anti-gay). There isn't much they can do to reverse it (it's a state matter, they'd have to call a constitutional convention, that's not going to happen). But it will hurt the movement. And on a more ephemeral note, the striking down of 8 will take the winds out of the sails of a new and quickly growing movement of gay activism. I've been amazed at how much fire this has created in the GLBT community. Fire that was smoldering but now is blazing. New groups, organization, dedication. The elimination of 8 won't kill that, but it won't help either. This is the fuel to the fire that could cause even more sweeping changes for our rights. The travesty of it could cause the repeal of DOMA, DADT and the passage of ENDA and hate crime laws. It could be the beginning of the end for the anti-gay movement because it has caused the beginning of something very big in the gay rights movement.
But, it's an nagging doubt. Either way I'll find something good in the final decision :D
My blog typetag:www.lathefamily.org,2008://1.16762008-11-20T17:04:11Z2008-11-20T17:17:27ZGo to Typelizer and see what 'blog type' your favorite blog is (or yours). Interestingly, mine was INTP.. Thinker. When I do the tests I am almost always INFP or, to a somewhat lesser extent, INTP. When I, or someone...Go to Typelizer and see what 'blog type' your favorite blog is (or yours). Interestingly, mine was INTP.. Thinker. When I do the tests I am almost always INFP or, to a somewhat lesser extent, INTP. When I, or someone who knows me read the descriptions, they seem pretty spot on. So, I guess I'm not surprized my writing style comes across the same way. I don't want to put too much into this :), but I wonder if I am more "T" than "F" in my writing because I'm less attune to the fact that I'm talking _to_ someone while writing (and feel a bit more emboldened?). Anyway, interesting. Oh, and on a side note, the blog I write for in my job The OpenHelix Blog, not so surprizingly gets "Scientist." :)
HatTip: Andrew Sullivan, who tried out a few and thinks it's working pretty well.]]>
Utah Equality's "Common Ground Initiative"tag:www.lathefamily.org,2008://1.16752008-11-19T22:10:46Z2008-11-19T22:21:08ZI reported on this before, Equality Utah had what I thought was the best answer to the LDS church's push to eliminate our rights in California. Hold the church to their words (Of course, they are already backing off, the...
We are so pleased with the outcome -- the first of our Common Ground Initiative bills to be heard by the legislature has gained momentum. After Senator McCoy’s thoughtful presentation of the bill, the Committee passed it with a favorable recommendation. The bill now moves into the 2009 General Session with good legislative support.
This is one of 6 bills that Equality Utah hopes to get passed based on what the Church has _said_ it'd support and what people _say_ they will support. Specifically written to be exactly what they said they'd agree to... common ground.
They are reprinted here in the "continued" part, go sign the petition: ]]>
1. Expanding Health Care- most gay Utahns can not insure their family. This bill will mandate that public employer insurance plans which extend benefits to an employee’s spouse, also cover an employees partner. When insurance plans cover families, they should cover every family member.
2. Fair Employment- Currently, it is legal to fire a person from her job just for being gay or transgender. This bill will add sexual orientation and gender identity to the list of characteristics that employers may not consider when making decisions about employment. This was introduced in the 2008 session as HB 89.
3. Fair Housing- Similarly, a people can be evicted from their homes if they are gay or transgender. This bill will add sexual orientation and gender identity to the list of characteristics that landlords may not consider when making decisions about eviction.
4. Wrongful Deaths- The sudden death of a loved one is painful. When someone dies because of the negligence or malpractice of another, we can help families stay in their homes by removing existing barriers to inheritance and insurance. This bill was introduced in the 2007 session as SB 58 and in the 2008 session as SB 73
5. Domestic Partner Rights and Responsibilities Act- Apart from marriage, we can do much more to help committed couples in Utah care for each other. This bill creates a domestic partner registry and will attach rights of inheritance, insurance, and fair housing.
6. Clarifying Amendment 3- A government registry involving inheritance, housing, and insurance is nowhere near the legal equivalent of marriage. But the second part of Amendment 3 has been misinterpreted to prevent any recognition of gay and transgender couples in Utah. This bill would repeal the portion of Amendment 3 which states “no other domestic union, however denominated, may be recognized as marriage or be given the same or substantially equivalent legal effect.” It will not change Utah’s current definition of marriage, which is one man and one woman.
LDS scriptures unread by most Mormonstag:www.lathefamily.org,2008://1.16742008-11-19T20:55:56Z2008-11-19T20:59:07ZAnotherGayMormon posted seven scriptures every Mormon should read before voting yes on proposition 8 the day before the election. Apparently, either most didn't read those scriptures, didn't believe them, interpreted them out of existence or ignored them: Reposted here for...
AnotherGayMormon posted seven scriptures every Mormon should read before voting yes on proposition 8 the day before the election. Apparently, either most didn't read those scriptures, didn't believe them, interpreted them out of existence or ignored them:
Reposted here for a reminder:
Jesus commanded, "…Ye shall not esteem one flesh above another, or one man shall not think himself above another."
(Book of Mormon, Mosiah 23:7)
"And again I say unto you, let every man esteem his brother as himself."
(Doctrine and Covenants 38:24)
"And there was a strict command throughout all the churches that there should be no persecutions among them, that there should be an equality among all men; That they should let no pride nor haughtiness disturb their peace; that every man should esteem his neighbor as himself…"
(Book of Mormon, Mosiah 27:3-4)
"We believe that religion is instituted of God; and that men are amenable to him, and to him only, for the exercise of it, unless their religious opinions prompt them to infringe upon the rights and liberties of others…."
(Doctrine and Covenants 134:4)
We do not believe it just to mingle religious influence with civil government, whereby one religious society is fostered and another [prohibited] in its spiritual privileges, and the individual rights of its members, as citizens, denied."
(Doctrine and Covenants 134:9)
"…it was strictly contrary to the commands of God that there should be a law which should bring men on to unequal grounds."
(Book of Mormon, Alma 30:7)]]>
Hopetag:www.lathefamily.org,2008://1.16732008-11-18T19:03:23Z2008-11-18T19:13:53ZObama updated his transition website to include these specific rights for GLBT people: 1. Expand Hate Crimes Statutes 2. Fight Workplace Discrimination (ENDA) 3. Support Full Civil Unions and Federal Rights for LGBT Couples (repeal DOMA) 4. Oppose a Constitutional...
Obama updated his transition website to include these specific rights for GLBT people:
1. Expand Hate Crimes Statutes
2. Fight Workplace Discrimination (ENDA)
3. Support Full Civil Unions and Federal Rights for LGBT Couples (repeal DOMA)
4. Oppose a Constitutional Ban on Same-Sex Marriage
5. Repeal Don't Ask-Don't Tell
6. Expand Adoption Rights
7/ Promote AIDS Prevention
Yes. We. Can.
And will.
I know promises are often not kept by politicians, I also know that Obama won't do everything promised (either because promises are made cynically or because there is sincere opposition later), but _I_ will do everything in my power that each of these above happens. I will do EVERYTHING I can to make sure that the FotF, FRC, AFA and CFWA are called out on their fear and hate-mongering that they will surely do. Luckily Dobson's Focus on the Family had to just cut it's staff by 20%. They should be reduced to 0 because of their fear and hate-mongering.
(via Isocrat)]]>
Ahead of the curvetag:www.lathefamily.org,2008://1.16722008-11-17T22:28:37Z2008-11-17T22:30:49ZI KNEW I was ahead of the curve. Now can we consider it?...
KNEW I was ahead of the curve. Now can we consider it?]]>
Proteststag:www.lathefamily.org,2008://1.16712008-11-17T21:36:01Z2008-11-17T22:04:13ZProtests this weekend were in over 300 cities. We went with a lot of friends, I'll be posting photos today, and after some reflection, my thoughts later this week. For now, here are some roundups: Andrew Sullivan Towleroad Citizen Crane...
Andrew Sullivan
Towleroad
Citizen Crane
99% of this protest and reaction is exactly what we need, civil, loud and to the point. Those that oppose us hate it, they think they are being 'persecuted' (a richly ironic claim), but that tells me we are on the right track. I am not sure where we go from here, I'm still considering my own future actions, and there will be some now that I'm inspired even more to do even more.
Sadly, there are reactions and actions I really hope die a quick death...]]>
deserve a hell of a lot of criticism concerning their much worse (actually eliminated our rights and not just demonizing us) descent into bigotry, and in NO WAY do I think John Aravosis' is in any way shape or form equivalent to that which the Church has done (and continues to do). Yet, I'd hope he and others would be a bit more smart and less ignorant in their opposition.
Also, I've seen that some anti-gay 'prayer' vigil ended badly at the Castro Friday night.
First, I'm sure the anti-gay instigators HAD to know that going into the heart of a gay neighborhood to spread their hateful lies wasn't going to get a response of sweetness and light considering that it was they themselves that just eliminated standing rights from the people they were "preaching" to. They've done this many weeks before, with nothing more than a few arguments. But to do this in front of a memorial to a dead hero, within a short time after they just took our rights away, well.. they were inciting violence. The KKK going into a black neighborhood in front of a rights activists memorial a week after say.. a law that took away the right to ride public transportation, well.. what response does one expect.
They got it. But from their telling, they were beaten senseless and sexually abused (of course, what else would they say). The videos of the incident show a lot of yelling, threats and cursing, but no 'violence'. Also, as far as I can tell, there was _no_ charges filed or police arrests but one against a man who spit at a woman (and he was pointed out BY THE gay neighbors). So, loud and angry, yes... but of course the Christian right will (and are) making this out to be "oh whoa is me" persecution and show the hatred of the gay community.
The hypocritical irony is thick.
Still, anger is one thing, we need some constructive anger, not just screaming against the hate-mongers anger.]]>
Join the Impacttag:www.lathefamily.org,2008://1.16702008-11-14T18:42:32Z2008-11-14T18:54:08Z Tomorrow, fed by internet activism, a protest against H8 and discrimination has sprung up. It will be in hundreds of cities nationwide, and globally. You can join. Find your city at http://jointheimpact.wetpaint.com/. Why? Do protests work? Why me? Because...
Tomorrow, fed by internet activism, a protest against H8 and discrimination has sprung up. It will be in hundreds of cities nationwide, and globally. You can join. Find your city at http://jointheimpact.wetpaint.com/.
Why? Do protests work? Why me?
Because protests are not just to show the world and those that oppose our equality that we are strong and we will not be pushed, they are also to make our voice heard in a world and to politicians that have much to distract them.
They are also for us. Protests let the kid in Rural Religious Town in the state or country of DeepRed, that they are NOT ALONE. There are thousands, hundreds of thousands of people around the country and world that WILL NOT let their rights be trampled on. It will give them inspiration and hope, possibly help them get the courage to act. The protests are for us because they inspire new activism, new work, new energy in all of us.
But it only works if the numbers are large and people pay attention. They have worked before, from King's march on Washington to Stonewall and many times before.
It's time to say ENOUGH. It's time to start a movement that can't be stopped. It's time to step it up.]]>
The first foot foward.. This Saturday, Nov. 15tag:www.lathefamily.org,2008://1.16692008-11-13T19:38:54Z2008-11-13T19:53:21ZI just wrote 'Something is afoot' and Silph commented he wanted to know what that will tangibly look like. Well, I only have some half-formed answers and I'm working on them, but I do have the first step forward... Saturday,...
http://jointheimpact.wetpaint.com/?t=anon and then join in.
Better yet, make flyers and pass them out, put up signs everywhere, spread the word on Facebook, SMS, YouTube, MySpace, email lists, etc. If there is not a protest in your city, you better get cracking and ORGANIZE ONE!
If you are gay, lesbian, transgendered, there are few excuses. You are not too old, not too young, not too rich, not too poor, your dance class isn't more important, your lunch date can be postponed.
If you are a friend, family or ally of someone who is GLBT, then do your best to please help us. This protest is your protest too. Our equality is your equality. Our advancement is your advancement. Please help us.
If you were upset or embarrassed by the actions of your co-religionists by this, please, please stand with us.
It is only a start. There are years ahead. We've worked years, decades for our equality... it's time to step it up, it's time to step up.
(and if you are in San Francisco, the protest info is here: http://protest8sf.wordpress.com/]]>
" for Christmas. Well, we drove to Utah the day after Christmas and stayed for a week (thoughts on that later, had a great time). I read the whole thing. I was intrigued by it so much, I read his later book, In Defense of Food
.
The basic premise of the books is that our industrial food system is bad for our health as individuals, as a society and the planet. The first book outlines how and why, the second book outlines how we can make changes in our life. Now, there are places where it gets a bit tedious. You want him to get to the point, and though the story of the hunting isn't bad, it's overly long. The first book could have outlined the 'four meals' a bit clearer (he talks about four meals he has... one based on industrial food, one on industrial organic, one on "beyond" organic and one he hunts and gathers himself), it's a bit confusing. I found myself wondering why the subtitle was a "natural history of four meals" early in the reading. The second book overstates the case in several places (especially in dental health, I think he's wrong but I don't have solid evidence... neither did he though :).
Yet, in spite of these flaws, and found the books intriguing, fascinating and most of all, life changing. Before I read the books I agreed with most of what he says in them. In fact, over the last 5 years or so, we've made slow, steady progress in eating more like he recommends (whole food, not processed, organic is good, sustainable 'beyond' organic is best, lots of plants, meat and dairy in small amounts).
First there was the step in learning how to save on our grocery bills and save time in preparation. Planning meals, storing food, making your own, etc. I've made huge progress there. I've cut our bills by at least half, sometimes even to a third of what it was 5 years ago.
Without that step, the step to move to organic/sustainable/whole would either be really expensive or not doable. I _had_ to change how bought, planned and prepared meals and cut down our bills by at least half so that we could afford good whole food.
And we have slowly made those steps. A few years ago we started getting our produce, vegetables and fruits from a CSA. I have found, that the price is comparable to non-organic, non-local food from the grocery store (with the caveat that you cook what is given to you, you can't pick and choose like at a grocery store). We switched to whole grains long ago and I make our own bread (for the most part), broth and a few other things. I also now can most of the preserves and jams we use, tomatoes and a few other things.
But the books have solidified my reasoning and purpose, I'm prepared and now I think we can make the final leap and push to eating well.
First step... the pantry. I had been thinking this would be a good first step, and then a friend challenged us all (on a parenting board we are on) to organize our pantries, that's all I needed...
]]>
After,
Middle of Pantry:
Before,
After,
Bottom of Pantry:
Before,
After,
Left, spices:
Before,
After,
Right, cans:
Before,
After,
]]>
I called in gay today. Ok, so I work at home, but my IM away message says I've called in gay and I'm not answering email, etc.
Oh, and I'm supporting a new constitutional amendment to restore marriage to Biblical principles.]]>
Go to Typelizer and see what 'blog type' your favorite blog is (or yours). Interestingly, mine was INTP.. Thinker. When I do the tests I am almost always INFP or, to a somewhat lesser extent, INTP. When I, or someone who knows me read the descriptions, they seem pretty spot on. So, I guess I'm not surprized my writing style comes across the same way. I don't want to put too much into this :), but I wonder if I am more "T" than "F" in my writing because I'm less attune to the fact that I'm talking _to_ someone while writing (and feel a bit more emboldened?). Anyway, interesting. Oh, and on a side note, the blog I write for in my job The OpenHelix Blog, not so surprizingly gets "Scientist." :)
HatTip: Andrew Sullivan, who tried out a few and thinks it's working pretty well.]]>
Tomorrow, fed by internet activism, a protest against H8 and discrimination has sprung up. It will be in hundreds of cities nationwide, and globally. You can join. Find your city at http://jointheimpact.wetpaint.com/.
Why? Do protests work? Why me?
Because protests are not just to show the world and those that oppose our equality that we are strong and we will not be pushed, they are also to make our voice heard in a world and to politicians that have much to distract them.
They are also for us. Protests let the kid in Rural Religious Town in the state or country of DeepRed, that they are NOT ALONE. There are thousands, hundreds of thousands of people around the country and world that WILL NOT let their rights be trampled on. It will give them inspiration and hope, possibly help them get the courage to act. The protests are for us because they inspire new activism, new work, new energy in all of us.
But it only works if the numbers are large and people pay attention. They have worked before, from King's march on Washington to Stonewall and many times before.
It's time to say ENOUGH. It's time to start a movement that can't be stopped. It's time to step it up.]]>