We Had a Hot Date Last Night Watching the ...

debate

For more Singular Saturdays go visit Jenn in Holland.

5 Minute University

I was reading about Sarah Palin's visit to the UN today (or somewhere in the vicinity - with her you never if she actually went to a place or just flew over it) and it got me thinking - how many countries have I "visited" in an attempt to expand my foreign policy knowledge.

"Visited" in this case meaning that I stopped there to refuel or perhaps make a connection but didn't get farther than the terminal - as evidenced by a lack of passport stamp (assuming you have a passport to begin with...). I'd count the number I actually visited (complete with aforementioned stamp) but then comparing my visits with Sarah Palin's would be like comparing apples and oranges - basically, I'd pummel her with fruit.

In terms of "visited" I would include:
Senegal
Guinea
Togo
South Korea

hmmm... not too many. So I guess that makes me a lightweight when it comes to foreign policy creds. But still more than World Traveler Palin.

Then I saw that she was "meeting" with world leaders in NY - again, not exactly thorough get to know you over several days of negotiations meetings - more like layovers. How many world leaders have I "met"? Hmmm.... Won't go there because there's some I can't tell you about. But let me throw one down just so I don't look like a total novice. The King of Pobe. Small kingdom, nice guy. About a 15 minute chit chat. Guess Sarah beat me today!

If Sarah Palin thinks that her brief tete-a-tetes (hey Sarah, that's French for head to head or more like face to face meetings) with world leaders this week is going to meaningfully enhance an otherwise anemic resume then I've got a university I'd like to send you to - if you go twice, you might just get a PhD!

MaWon and Hurricane Relief

This post brought to you by Soccer Mom in Denial - posting every Monday on a different musical memory.

****************************************************

Back to my favorite topic, Haiti. I have to say this place really does get under your skin. And now into my ears.

Last week we went to a shop that was originally opened through US government support - it was called Aid to Artisans - and has since been run by someone else but still features some WONDERFUL Haitian crafts.

In our conversation with the shop owner she told us about how proud she is of her daughter-in-law who is involved in a music video now on You Tube (said as if we'd never heard of the place - it was very cute).

The music is by the artist MaWon and benefits hurricane relief. Listen, love it, buy it!

Food for the Poor (wikipedia)

Hurricane Relief Project (FFP's website)

I want more ...

bitterballen

go here to learn more...

For more Singular Saturdays go visit Jenn in Holland.

Haiti Relief

This post brought to you by Soccer Mom in Denial - posting every Monday on a different musical memory.

****************************************************

I'm in Haiti, which as you know, unless you live under a rock, has suffered horribly with Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.

One of the largest cities, Gonaives is essentially inaccessible. Not only does this disrupt Gonaives, it disrupts at least a dozen other places which are now, one might say, "overseas".

US relief efforts are underway but in such a disturbing way - and I don't think I can go into detail on this - we haven't exactly been successful at getting people on the ground to help. The Canadians are sending help and seem to have their act together. And just yesterday Matt Damon and Wyclef Jean brought relief.

So in honor of two people who figured it out - I offer you a tribute to Wyclef Jean (sorry, don't think Matt Damon sings - except for that song with Sarah Silverman).

It's Hurricane Season, Why Am I Headed Off to...

Haiti?

For more Singular Saturdays go visit Jenn in Holland.

Doe a Deer

This post brought to you by Soccer Mom in Denial - posting every Monday on a different musical memory.

****************************************************

Call me a fashion moron. Passe, tacky, out of touch. The NY Times did a piece on the fall fashion shows. And all I have to say is, "seriously? The Sound of Music come to mind?"

Jesus was a community organizer, Pontius Pilate was a governor

As with many other millions of Americans, I was horribly offended by former Mayor (bleepity bleep bleep bleep) Giuliani and Governor (bleepity bleep bleep bleep) Palin's denigrating comments about community organizing.

In my work, community organizing is a critical part of what we do. Community organizing or community mobilization is about raising awareness, garnering support, and changing social norms so that:

• it's no longer okay to beat women who are suspected of bringing HIV into the family

• it's no longer okay to ostracize children who are in any way connected with HIV

• it's no longer okay for governments to fill their private bank accounts while their citizens go without treatment

• it's no longer okay to keep pregnant girls out of school

• it's no longer okay to discriminate in the workplace based on HIV-status, known or presumed

I'm sorry that former Mayor (bleepity bleep bleep bleep) Giuliani and Governor (bleepity bleep bleep bleep) Palin have no problem saying to millions of people trying to improve their communities (in the words of Jon Stewart) - "F**K Y*U! You Stupid As*es!"

* it's towards the end, but worth the wait

Democratic Soundtrack

A few weeks ago, I asked for help in putting together a soundtrack for the weeks to come. I had the incredible fortune to attend the Democratic National Convention last week - and as luck would have it, I found my soundtrack. Along with the incredible speeches I heard last week, I also heard some amazing music.

Here it is - a week of exhilaration in a playlist:

God Bless America - Melissa Etheridge
The Times They Are A Changing - Melissa Etheridge
Give Peace A Chance - Melissa Etheridge
Born in the USA - Melissa Etheridge
The National Anthem - Jennifer Hudson
Yes We Can - will.i.am and John Legend
A Change Would Do You Good - Sheryl Crow
Out of Our Heads - Sheryl Crow
Signed, Sealed, Delivered - Stevie Wonder
America, the Beautiful - Michael McDonald