How 'Bout a Beer, Guys?

Brother-in-law Mike brought up the thought of the cost to the taxpyers of this little soiree. I don't even want to think about that. It's a Visa commercial waiting to happen.

Travel for two families=$2000

Snacks sodas at the White House= $350

White House aide acting as tour guide=$ 200

Four beers=$5.32

VISA, It solves the Race Issue.

I apologize upfront for the lack of reverence this post will show. I repect the office of the President, I respect police officers and I even respect college professors, but this played out badly. And this "summit" as the media call it was too public for me. We don't know much of the four at the table, the two most active players in the drama, we probably know the least. Why didn't this happen quietly? So with all that in mind here is a list of questions, some serious, most not, that came to my mind after reading the news this morning.

Light beer? Does that mean it is a "Light" summit?

Kudos to Officer Crowley on drinking a semi-local beer, Sam Adams.

VP Biden seems to send a mixed message. Brave for the non-alcholic beer, but a European beer by the US Vice President? Buckler is a Heineken/Coors subsidiary.

Professor Gates, a beer from Canada? (Molson owns Blue Moon.)

President Obama appealing to the masses with the largest selling beer in America. Coincidence?

No dark beer drinkers? What is going on there? Not even an amber?

No brats?

With all the news about what beers they drank, nothing about the snacks or nuts? Peanuts? Almonds? Pistachios? The nut farmers won't be happy.

Obviously someone forgot to mention the dress code to Gates and Crowley.

How many times before has that table been used?

Somewhat comforting that these men are like most Americans. The wife and kids are sightseeing around the West Wing and the men are out back drinking beer and talking.

Are there more important things to be doing in the country at this time?

What about the "Black Sergeant" also at the scene that has been called an Uncle Tom? We find out his name is Leon Lashley. "I'm forced to ponder the notion that as a result of speaking the truth and coming to the defense of a friend and colleague, who just happens to be white, that I have somehow betrayed my heritage," Sgt. Leon Lashley wrote. "Please convey my concerns to the president that Mr. Gates' actions may have caused grave and potentially irreparable harm to the struggle for racial harmony in this country and perhaps throughout the world."

The good news is four men sat down over beers and talked. It wasn't four men grunting in an alley like King of the Hill.

Thrifty, Frugal, or Just Plain Cheap?

I've already posted about my "greeness" in recycling a playhouse into a chicken coop. Wilson was absolutely chomping at the bit to help.


I have acquired some additional materials to reuse in the construction of Cluckingham Palace. In choosing from the pile of refuse I chose the 2x4's that had nails in them. Now, there were some without nails, but I chose the ones with nails for a reason. This son of a Son of the Depression will pull the nails, straighten them and reuse the nails also in the Palace.

Is there a 12-Step group for the habitually parsimonious?

Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?

Remember the 1984 movie, Country? It was a drama about a Midwest farming family that lost their farm in the '80's farm loan debacle. The movie starred Sam Shepard and Jessica Lange. One of my favorite actors, Wilfred Brimley, played the patriarch. Ronald Reagan called is a "blatant propaganda message against our agri programs." I had other thoughts at the time and even more today.

I have seared in my mind a scene at the auction of the farm equipment. The son/grandson reaches into his pocket and pulls out all the money he has, something like $8.34, and buys the harnesses for a team of horses his grandfather used to plow the farm with. He walks to his grandfather, and gives him the harnesses and walks away.

I was reminded of this film this morning as I rode my bike home from school. I remember the feelings of utter failure, abandonment and helplessness that the father, Gil, felt. The feelings of having survived a tornado, the government throwing money at you to "upgrade" something that didn't need fixing and then the banks sailing in to suck you dry when their crop prices wouldn't pay the mortgage.

In an AP story this morning in the Times-Delta, one of the front page stories in about the failures of small businesses. The "public is paying to offset bank losses on small business loans across the country." "The Small Business Administration purchased $2.1 billion in bad loans from lenders last year. Agency officials say it's likely that this year will see another high as the recession nears the two-year mark." We have already stepped into the dangerous waters of propping up our banks, so this doesn't seem anything other than a continuance of that move. The taxpayers covering the banks. But the article continues.

"It's a sign that even as record profits re-emerge on Wall Street, thanks to massive government loans and guarantees for banks deemed too big to fail, the pain on Main Street is as profound as it's been in half a century." Not just Main Street.

It seems that just as the Ivy's lost their farm in the movie, Main Street is losing their businesses and homes now. And the banks reap record profits. Is this a government that is serving us? And is this a government that is going to last?

Remember "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" Try this.

Off the Auto Wagon

Somewhat continuing the last post, one of the corollary ideas is related to the cars I choose to drive. I have come to appreciate cars that have character and are paid for. Our current car has windows that are manual, as in take apart the panel and unwind the cable the holds the window in place. Since it is summer the window are down. Things that you value must be locked in the trunk as there is no reason to lock the doors because the windows are semi-permanently down for the time being. That changes this winter when the windows are up and duct taped weather tight.

You can laugh at me or make fun or what ever you want, but the car gets me from point A to B at a rate of 35 miles per gallon. All the legal requirements are being met so the only thing that bothers people is aesthetics. Why do I need a pretty car when an practical car does the same job?

In the vein of Cyrano de Bergerac, I'd rather be remembered for who I was than what I drove.

Better yet, ride a bicycle.

Flush At Your Leisure

I've been thinking lately about some events and troubles in this country and community. I've also been reading the book, Better Off, which is about an Orthodox Amish society and an outsider's view of their culture. Roll all that in with the news of the California budget issues and political nonsense, coupled with the US government's Stimulus/Health care plans and you have a Perfect Storm of "What can I do?" fermenting in my skull. What will follow is just some rambling thoughts that are being put out for the first time. I haven't talked with anyone else about these ideas and probably will change and moderate them as I do. So enter if you dare.

The biggest obstacles that are hindering the resolution of personal, community and national problems we have now are the twin beliefs that Government and Technology are going to solve the issues. The recent and not so recent records of both point only to more dependence instead of independence.

When was the last time the Government really helped solve a problem? Newsweek's recent cover article is about Ted Kennedy and his 40+ year battle to solve the health care issue in the US. Forty years and still no solution? No offense, but if this is one of our better senators and he can't get anything done, we have a problem. Yes, Government is the problem. And politicians that care more about the next election and re-election than solving problems. When has a California legislature solved anything lately? The people of the state through the Proposition/Initiative process have done more than the politicos. During the current budget mess, two men stood out for their bills in the California legislature regarding animal treatment. The first was a law preventing driving with an animal on your lap and the second for stopping the docking of calf tails. Common sense tells us that driving with something in your lap that may impair your driving isn't very wise. Maybe we should let these people suffer a Darwin Award moment. The second was at the height of the debate to solve the budget. Do you think that discussing a bill to outlaw a practice that isn't done anymore while sending out IOU's to pay your bills is a good idea? Government has shown it doesn't want to work. Maybe California should start paying its politicians part time because they obviously are only working and thinking part time. Thomas Jefferson did call for the abolishment of Government every 19 years and have a Do-Over.

Technology isn't any better. When was the last time a cell phone truly made your live easier? How often is the message received really so important that it couldn't wait? As a TV character in the 80's said, "When you're having a heart attack while stuck in traffic, a cell phone isn't a luxury." How many times has something of this import happened to you? And what happens to the quality of person to person conversation when so many exchanges are virtually meaningless? The skill of conversing diminishes.

As I sit here typing on a keyboard viewing my words on a monitor, I wonder if writing these words on paper with a pencil wouldn't be better? When was the last time your computer time helped make your life easier? Because isn't that the mantra of technology, Making Your Life Easier? What have you given up or done that gives you possession of the technology? How much did you have to work to get the car you had to have? What did you do to get the cell phone that is your leash? The computer upon which you are reading this?

And what about maintaining these technological albatrosses? After obtaining these necessities, how much time is spent earning more money to keep them functioning? This double edged expense of owning technology if often overlooked. Buy once; pay twice, thrice or even more? Is that a wise way to operate?

All of that leads me to a potential solution. Instead of thinking Government and Technology are going to help, why don't we ignore them as much as we can? People are going to solve problems. If your neighbor needs something, help them. The local Little League needs new bats, donate or work the snack bar. If there is trash in the street, pick it up. Stop texting and look up at the world around you. With simple observing you can see many things that need help or at least a helping hand. Seems to me if I jump in more often than waiting for someone else to do it, more will get done.

Kind of sounds like the stories I heard of the Depression. You know, before television and cell phones and a man on the moon.

To Tat or Not to Tat, That is Not the Question

We are having family discussions about tattoos. Some in our tribe want some sort of "artwork" and some are reluctant. The reasons given are different. For some the reasons are to honor someone or something. For some, it is the "art." For some the cool newness of moving the line in the sand may be the reason. What ever the reason, you might imagine the amusing conversations that have taken place between everyone involved. The discussions themselves give a peek into the minds of some smart cookies and that is pleasure for me by itself.

In the middle of these talks and afterwards I have many thoughts somewhat related. Yesterday Maureen and I were talking about another blogger's post about Christian Music. Last night at a baseball game I saw a cross tattoo that gave a new direction in my tattoo thoughts. If a "tramp stamp" is a cross/crucifix, does it negate the trampiness? What if it sprouts out of cleavage? What are these artful expressions really about now? God? Tattoos? Art? Keeping up with Slim Shady?

I have to admit I haven't studied the Bible much for answers regarding tattoos. I know there are some Old Testament admonishments regarding some activities. I know some things were prohibited for various reasons. I also know I will be doing some studying soon about this. But my semi-original questions about "Christian" tattoo art bring me back to the bigger question--Why? Or better, Why should I not? Why should I not have a cross or Tree/Vine of Life or favorite verse permanently marked on my body, even if only a few people see it? Even if I am the only one to see it each morning when I wake up? These thoughts lead me to the core of what a Christian is or should be. Different than the World. At this point, if I can prove that my tattoo doesn't make me like or of the world, then I can't see a reason at this time that should prevent me from getting a tattoo.

But is that the point? And in what other ways am I like the world? What music do I listen to? How do I treat strangers? How do I treat co-workers? How do I treat the members of my own congregation? Have I shown them grace and mercy just as Christ showed me? Or have I acted like the world, and dealt with them as the world deals with me? If I can't answer those correctly, a tattoo seems trivial.

Oh, For the Depths of Lake Tahoe*

Have you ever thought about why you gave something up? Why you stop doing something you used to do. Maybe it's something that you did infrequently, but still enjoyed. During college I ski raced at the club level. Did alright, didn't win, but thoroughly enjoyed the time. And I became a better skier. After marrying and having children and a job and coaching, the skiing stopped. Not a bad thing, just something that happened.

In the time Sam has been away, he has written 20 letters or so. We all have written back and a new dynamic has taken place in our family. All without technology, or better, all because technology has been taken away.

Each day about the middle of the afternoon a tension starts building in the house. It's one of those good tensions that really is an anticipation. Someone asks, then another person asks, then another goes outside to look and finally it happens. The mail arrives.

Is there a letter? No, and disappointment happens. Yes, and a smile. Yes--two letters, and the smile ends with a giggle.

Sam is quiet, but when he talks he is animated and expressive. He's not the type to take over a room with his talk, just the one you should listen to and enjoy. His letters are another expression of this. He tells of events in compact meaningful extensions of himself. It has been a joy to be a part of this.

This anti-tech communication has also forced us to rekindle our lost letterwriting. I've never been one to write many letters, but this has given me the desire. It has given me an insight into another time and other eras. When reading Sam's letters I sometimes imagine the still pictures and hear the voices of a Ken Burn's film. I am connected to my fellow humans. Most of all, as I read, I am reminded that despite me, Sam is a wonderful man and I miss him.

Why? Because we can't use email and cellphones. Maybe we should dropkick them to the bottom of the lake.


*Lake Tahoe is the 2nd deepest lake in the U.S. at 1645 feet. So cold that it is clear for what seems like forever to the bottom. What is the deepest lake in the U.S.?

"Blood, Toil, Tears, and Sweat."

I read a story about Winston Churchill and his thoughts on vacation. He painted on his time off. He said he felt even in the midst of huge difficulties, it was important to take your mind off your work for a bit. It would bring him back refreshed.

I'm taking another route the next two weeks.

Consevationist, Frugal, or Just Plain Cheap?

Cool picture, Maureen. I like the sawdust bits flying in the air.




The pictures involve a repurposing of a friends playhouse into a chicken coop. Wils helped in the latest part of the dismantling.

Also got help from some other friends.

The move from 2 blocks aways is next and that will take more than a few able bodies and weak minds to accomplish.

The next day, yesterday, I spent some time in the side yard cleaning up and preparing for the planting of fruit trees. I moved some old bricks, a clothes drying drum that we used to use as a fire pit/barbecue and other assorted flotsam and jetsam from the past. I realized that the pile of wood and trim and other building materials weren't really going to get used for their original purpose. The cinder blocks and pier blocks and old trellis and bikes and teeter totter and chairs and tree trunks for wood and windows and bed frames and. . . It struck me that my frugal cheapness has become a liability. I grew up going through the scrap pile of building sites, farms and shops for the "fun" stuff. I love to wander down alleys looking for finds. I'm the guy that didn't order food at the restaurant when our children were growing up, knowing that they wouldn't eat all of their meal and I could dine on their leftovers. Still do that occasionally. Can't stand to see things wasted, or just compulsively obsessed?

The side yard I'm cleaning used to be clear of everything except a few shrubs. The neighbor built a fence between the two houses to keep us at bay, and this became a forgotten part of our plot. A great place to hide the assorted detritus of our lives. Except now, there is too much of the stuff and not enough calm.

It would be nice to have a "Free, come and Haul it Away" day, but alas I don't think that will happen. I am looking forward to the ridding of excess and leftover stuff. Now, where do I pile this stuff before it leaves?

Summer's Here, I'm for That

Three songs come to mind when thoughts of school being out come to mind. Alice Cooper , James Taylor's "Summers Here," from Dad Loves His Work and Ry Cooder's version of "School is Out" from the album Showtime. Each has its own place and at different times each has played through my mind.

Today James Taylor is doodling away with his "rubber sandals" and "straw hat" as I think about today being the last day of summer school.

Plants, Color and a Couple of Books

The house above is in Cayucos and is an example of things we do when we travel. We drive around and look at houses and take pictures of unique abodes. This one is very colorful, though this picture doesn't capture all of the color. The house is a butter yellow with purple, blue and Columbia blue trim. The plantings look overgrown, but aren't. At least for us. Many people can't abide with plants growing. They have to trim and shear and control. We like the opposite look in house gardens.

This house also offered a unique chance that we realized too late. We were slowly moving down the road looking and moved around a colorfully dressed woman walking two full-sized standard poodles. We turned around to get a second and third look at the house, when we realized the woman and the house belonged to each other. It would have been nice to talk to her.

Book plug/post: Maureen and I have just started a new book together, Better Off:Flipping the Switch on Technology. I know I'm already a Luddite, but have you ever had the feeling that techology or a tool is using you instead of you using the tool? I've had this feeling often and I suspect my children and students have heard me rant about this too often. We've opted out of the "newer" car game with a wonderful older compact that someday will have windows that actually go up and down. My bikes have been my transport for years, and why not in a small town. We garden for our food and use farmers markets. Even before the No China/New Clothes Challange I didn't buy new clothes much. But what about the other technological toys that society shouts out that we need? I'm looking forward to seeing where this book goes.

The other new book I'm reading is Wendell Berry and the Cultivation of Life. It seems like a doctoral dissertation on Berry that leaves we wanting to read Berry instead of this book. I'll continue though and see where this leads also. There are some good points being raised that go to the heart of community and the idea of wellness-disease.

Thanks on 4 July 2009

On this day that we celebrate the birth of our nation; though the declaration to separate was actually on 2 July, and the actual fighting began in April of 1775; I thought it might be nice to mention a few things for which I am thankful.

I have a wonderful woman in my life that gives so many gifts. Gardening to look at and live in, food that melts in my mouth and of an incredible variety, conversation to exercise my mind and so many other things that slip this addled brain.

Children that despite my foibles still serve others. They may not choose to serve the same method as I, but they do serve others--Brad in coaching, Sam his country, Wilson and Annie are still searching, but helping family and friends is only the beginning.

A God that is patient.

A job, especially one that challenges me daily.

Have I mentioned the garden and house?

Bicycles and the Frenchman that is credited with devising them.

For family.

And to speak for Maggie: Thankful for older cousins to sit on.

Thankful for David L. Zack--RIP. I heard of this man for years from my father. I then worked, or better learned, from him for 2.5 years at Tulare Irrigation District. What my father started, Dave Zack continued. Thank you.