suebabe

Connectedness and Forgiveness

2008-09-07T23:16:00Z

...And I thought of all the bad luck,
And the struggles we went through
And how I lost me and you lost you
What are these voices outside loves open door
Make us throw off our contentment
And beg for something more?
I'm learning to live without you now
But I miss you sometimes
The more I know, the less I understand
All the things I thought I knew, Im learning again
Ive been tryin to get down
To the heart of the matter
But my will gets weak
And my thoughts seem to scatter
But I think its about forgiveness
Forgiveness
Even if, even if, you don't love me any more...

This morning I went to church. The first time since the third week in June. Summer just seemed to get away from me. One reason I love Unity Christ Church is their music. Today, our main music team was gone, but the fill in band was fabulous. And, there aren't many church services where you'll hear versions of Cindy Lauper's True Colors and Don Henley's The Heart of the Matter and both of them make perfect sense in the context of a sermon on connectness.

I love Don Henley. For some reason, I missed the Eagles the first time around, fell in love with Don Henley's music when he went solo, and then caught up with the Eagles. So, of course I know The Heart of the Matter and used to sing along with it, especially the refrain "forgiveness, forgiveness. Even if, even if, you don't love me any more..."

So, today in church, the song's lyrics hit me over the head. I had a few tears in my eyes thinking of a certain someone and the need to move on and more importantly, to forgive. It feels like maybe I can finally do that. Some of my anger has left me and, while I still love and care about Wayward Boy, we're toxic together.

Then, after the service that dealt with connecting with people, their fall picnic was in an inaccessible room, forced inside by the rainy weather. I was a little miffed, but enough people figured it out on their own, and of course, I reinforced it to a few others. I have considered becoming a member of this church, but can't in good conscience, until their building access improves. For now, having found a church I love is enough. The rest will come in it's own time.

Get it right Disaboom. The RNC is in St. Paul!

2008-09-03T00:50:00Z

Sheesh! Sorry, I'm not even a St. Paul native. But, the lead story on Disaboom about the RNC by Kim Donahue doesn't just say the RNC is in Minneapolis once. She repeats it over and over, including talking about a Minneapolis travel guide and the Minneapolis Convention Center. If you and Disabled Politico are reporting from there you'll be with the folks at Civic Fest. The real action is in the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul where the delegates meet, the speeches are made and the nominations will be accepted.

But, you're in good company. Katie Couric, Matt Lauer, heck even our own Congresswoman Michelle Bachman, part of whose district is the suburbs of St. Paul, misspoke and said the RNC was in Minneapolis. There have been more. I blogged about it a couple weeks ago, when a major national newspaper travel section included almost all sightseeing highlights in Minneapolis.

Come on now. St. Paul is the capital of Minnesota. Minneapolis has the nightlife, but St. Paul is a grand, historic city in its own right, that deserves the simple respect of being identified correctly. At least say the Twin Cities, if you don't want to say St. Paul. That at least would be better than Minneapolis.

Now, saying that, I was downtown Minneapolis after work and its a zoo. Because we have the nightlife, just about every major restaurant and nightclub has been booked for private parties. I was at Solera, a tapas place, taste testing food for a fund raiser we're hosting in a few weeks. I've never seen so many police, sheriffs officers and men in suits outside that restaurant before. We learned that a state delegation had rented the place and that Rudy Guiliani was upstairs. Ron Paul is in town at the Target Center, hosting a rally. No, I didn't wear my Obama button. But, I will on Thursday.

So, Disaboom, Kim, please correct your error. The RNC is in St. Paul, Minnesota, capital city of Minnesota.

Thank you for listening to my rant.

Random ramblings on the MN State Fair, RNC, Hurricane Gustav

2008-09-01T02:03:00Z

My week plus vacation is drawing to a close. One more day and it's back to the salt mines. Since Friday, Aug. 22, I've made three visits to the Minnesota State Fair, had a mammogram, went to lunch with friends at my roommate's culinary school, went to happy hour with a friend, and stayed up late most nights, watching the DNC and west coast Minnesota Twins games.

Today, was my third and last day at the "great Minnesota get-together... the Minnesota State Fair." I met my friend Tom early... 9:15am and went breakfasted on footlog hotdogs with grilled onions. We then proceeded to eat our way through the next two hours -- mini donuts, berry gelato, cheese curds -- before we met my friend Linda and her friends. Today's highlight was a visit to the swine barn (I must have been a pig in a previous life. I've always adored pigs. And, going through the aisles, I love to bond with the big hogs,

As I was leaving tonight, I stopped to get my first and only beer and asked to sit at an accessible picnic table already occupied by a middle aged woman and a younger man (son and mom, I figured, and was right). The dad joined us soon after, and mom and dad acknowledged my Obama button and asked if I'd seen his speech the other night. Dad confessed he is a recent Obama convert. Son is on leave from the Air Force and didn't commit, but he looked like he wasn't a McCain supporter.

A totally unscientific observation. Obama will take Minnesota in a landslide. The reason? A total sell out of campaign buttons. The second day of the fair, the DFL booth had 2-3 kinds of buttons for sale. By Sunday, when Shaunta went through, there were none there or at the Obama booth. Today, same story. A few Obama T-shirts, but no buttons. Lots of traffic at the DFL and Obama booth (and the Al Franken booth), but little or none at the McCain and Coleman booths.

My opinion of Sarah Palin? What the heck was McCain thinking? If I were Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, I'd be pissed. To be passed over for Mitt Romney, Tom Ridge or even Kay Bailey Hutchins would be understandable. But to be passed over for Sarah Palin? That had to sting, especially after all the loyalty he's shown McCain. My prediction is McCain gave up any chance to win Minnesota (if he had any chance). Even those of us who wouldn't and haven't voted for Pawlenty, including democratic leaders in the State who butt heads with him, feel sorry for him. McCain didn't win Minnesota in the republican primary and he won't stand a chance now.

And, what was McCain thinking? As a former Hillary Clinton supporter, no way on this earth will I support Sarah Palin. Just because she's a woman? Come on! Give us more credit than that?

As many people have commented: Obama showed his Presidential judgment by his thoughtful, political and wise choice of Joe Biden. McCain's choice definitely is political. But, no way, no how, is it wise or thoughtful. And, the fact she has a four month old with Down's Syndrome makes me even more astonished. What the heck is she thinking? Five children, already a Governor, and she decides to go campaigning as John McCain's VP? Now, I'm not an expert, but my understanding is kids with Down Syndrome can flourish and do well, but early childhood involvement is crucial. Every time I've seen the baby, one of her kids is holding him. Can she truly devote the time and energy it takes to give him a great quality of life on the road? Maybe, it'll be fine. It just seems like a purely bad family decision.

Now, Hurricane Gustav is impacting the RNC. Part of me can't help but think, "thank you God!" But, the other part worries about the people evacuating. Which probably includes my former boss, who was visiting New Orleans until Labor Day. The last time he planned a visit he needed to cancel because of Hurricane Katrina. I think he probably needs to avoid traveling there in hurricane season.

So, to anyone living in the Gulf Coast, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Obama was doing well enough that he didn't need a hurricane, but, the thought of fewer Republican celebrations in town this week is a good thing to me.

Finally! A Democratic Presidential Candidate with Balls!

2008-08-29T03:12:00Z

We just finished watching Barack Obama's speech at the Democratic Convention in Denver. Wow! My PCA and her boyfriend, both black, and myself, didn't move from my living room (even though my wine needed a refill. Which says a lot). Four years ago, at the last Democratic convention, I heard his speech and called out to Shaunta, who had just moved in as my PCA: "Come in the room and see the first black President." I asked her tonight if she remembered that comment and she had. We just didn't know it would happen this quickly.

Eight years ago, Al Gore gave up and did what was best for the country, even though most Americans (except die-hard Republicans) know he won. He went there tonight, saying how different our world would have been if he'd been President. John Kerry just was not a fighter. His wife would have done a better job deflecting the Republican hate smear tactics than he did.

Tonight, Obama hit the Republicans, point after point after point. All the while, being respectful of McCain and the opposing party. He said McCain isn't a bad man, simply a man who is out of touch. He simply pointed out the differences, and said what he stood for. And, he was tough. On McCain, on the Republicans, and even on our own citizens. Telling parents they have a responsibility to turn off the TV and help your kids with their homework. One line that got cheers: "McCain says he'll follow Bin Laden to the gates of Hell, but he won't even go to the cave where he lives." "It's time for the Republicans to own their failure." Talk about backbone! He isn't one to back down from a fight. But, he also won't be one to start the fight.

Next week, I plan to head downtown after work on Tuesday and Wednesday night, proudly wearing my Obama button. The Republicans may be invading my town, but I'm not gonna let them leave without showing some backbone of my own.

Tonight, watching CNN, we cheered, we laughed, we pointed out Sasha's lack of front teeth, and how Michelle color-coordinates the family. But, we mainly whooped in delight. Finally! All the things I'd waited to hear from a Democratic Presidential candidate. And Biden is even tougher. I love the fact that he's the least wealthy member of the Senate. Heck, he makes just a little more than I do. And, Jill is a teacher, making about $20,000 a year. How different from a man who doesn't even know how many houses he owns.

We cheered about tax cuts for 95 percent of Americans. About going after the true terrorists. About a focus on education. About keeping jobs here in this country, instead of giving tax cuts to send jobs overseas.

Now, I'm kicking myself for my decision not to attend my precinct caucus. I went to the state DFL convention back in 1996 and if I tried this year, I might have gone further. I could have been there tonight. I remember being 9 years old, and coming home from school to learn about the assassination of Martin Luther King. And later that year, being riveted by the news of the assassination of Robert Kennedy. I remember asking my mother why these had happened. All she could say was that it was bad people who didn't like good men to succeed. I'm glad I'm alive to witness this amazing piece of history.

And, my pop culture mind went to the TV show West Wing. Still one of my all-time favorite programs. About how, the ideals of President Jed Bartlett in the TV show, parallel Obama in many ways. Neither have much national experience. But they're grounded by ideals, morals, and want to do the best for the country. He squashed the celebrity issue magnificently, by saying he's doing this for us, not for himself.

For the second time in my life, I may actually spend an election night cheering for a winner.

Wow!

A State Fair Zen Moment

2008-08-28T22:56:00Z

I'm a Minnesota State Fair junkie. For the past 20 years or so, since I've been able to manage transportation to and from the Fair easily, I've attended an average of three of the 12 days each year.

People ask me what's my favorite thing to eat, to do, to see? It's not one thing. It's the combination of the last fling of summer. People watching. Food. Fine and not so fine art. Free music. Free shows. Live animals. It's tradition. It's bonding with other Minnesotans. Where else can you get the wide variety of food on a stick? Even among State Fairs, we're the celebration that has taken the on-a-stick concept and run with it. It's the butter princesses, seeing the local media do corny stunts, meeting and greeting the politicians. Eating my pickle on a stick, mini donuts and pronto pup. Checking out the cows, sheep and pigs, and this year, the chickens. (My friend Hilton and I are talking about raising chickens. Don't know if we'll succeed, but it's fun to learn about something new.)

I wheel up to the local Mall and hop on the shuttle that takes me directly to the fairgrounds. This year, my second trip, Tuesday, was with my friends Sue and John, a married couple who are both totally blind. Sue is a Minnesotan, but John has only lived here a few years. It was his first Minnesota State Fair experience. John took hold of one side of my wheelchair, Sue the other and together we spent 8 1/2 hours eating our way through the day.

John is a fabulous singer and guitar player, sang kareoke at one of the beer gardens. As I walked him back to his seat, people were nodding and smiling, reaching out to tell him what a great job he'd done. He did do an amazing job. He was also hungry for a fried bread treat that's common on the East Coast, where he's from. Neither his wife nor I had every heard of it, but as we strolled down toward the Grandstand, I saw a vendor selling funnel cakes (which he knew it wasn't) and something called Elephant Ears. Bingo! We waited in line for the cinnamon sugar and buttery fried dough. Then, we left John sitting on a bench glorying in his Elephant Ear experience, while the two Sues hit the Grandstand restroom. Ten minutes later, as we approached where we'd left John, I burst out laughing at the sight only I could see. John was sitting cross-legged on the bench, his head thrown back, palms up on his knees, the empty plate on his lap. It was a moment of pure Minnesota State Fair zen!

Now, guiding two people who are blind through the crowds was a bit frightening to think about. We planned it for Tuesday, which is one of the least crowded days, and which happily was a reduced admission day. Overall, the experience went much better than I'd expected. I did need to take a half hour break and visit the wheelchair charging station (my batteries are on their last legs), but it was air conditioned and had an accessible restroom, so it was a nice cool afternoon break. The second beer garden stop was the most challenging. We needed to manage getting three beers and two orders of crab cakes back to our table. Luckily, it was close by. So, I took the beers one by one while we waited for the crab cakes, then I held one order and Sue the second. Teamwork! Sunday is my last visit for this season. I'm meeting my friend Tom first, then will meet up with my other friend Linda. The last visit is always bittersweet. I am finally tired of the Fair, but know it's a year until the next.

Chelsea in 2020, 2024, '28...

2008-08-27T04:12:00Z

Okay, I fell into the trap. Hillary in 2012 or 2018. But, hey folks, what about Chelsea Clinton in 2020, 2024, '28 or later? We fall into the trap. Fathers and sons. But what about mothers and daughters? Or fathers, mothers and daughters as we have with Chelsea Clinton?

We've seen a gawky teenageer, with wild unruly blonde curls, who was a little bit ungainly, turn into a beautiful, smart poised young woman. A young woman whose father was President of the United States, whose father was impeached because of an affair with an intern, who saw her mother stand by her man, and who then saw her mother come "oh, this close" to being the nominee for President of the United States. A young woman who narrated the video for her mother, who lost the Democratic nomination for President to a black man. Both historic occurrances.

Does no one see the jewel who is Chelsea? The young woman who has been tested by fire? Who has grown up in the Clinton dynasty to be a strong woman in her own right? Who has seen her mother tested and never give up, seen the devotion of women, including black women, who can't give up the dream of a woman President, even as the dream of a black President is right before their eyes? What is it that unites women that we havent' seen until now. What is it about mothers and daughters that Anderson Cooper and Wolf Blitzer don't get? (As much as I want Anderson Cooper to get it?)

It's that mothers and daughters are the silent ones. We're the ones behind the scenes. The ones making the world work. We're not the politicians. Or at least haven't been until the last few decades. We rant about the Taliban and how horrible their regime was toward women and children. But, women didn't get the right to vote until after black men did in America. And, in my opinion, the media has not treated Hillary Clinton as fairly as they would have a man running for President.

Here speech tonight was a speech a woman would and could give. It was passionate, eloquent and fair. And, it cut to the chase. Are you for me? Or are you for the issues I stand for? If I could have gotten up and cheered, I would have.

Chelsea Clinton is someone we shouldn't ignore. She's been raised by two amazing politicians. She's been kept out of the limelight as much as possible. The Bush's have also done a pretty good job of keeping their kids out of the spotlight. The Obama's will have a harder time. Because their kids are younger, and because Sasha is more vocal! (Can you tell? I love that kid).

So, while this election year is important, you heard it here first. Don't forget Chelsea Clinton. She's a quiet force to be reckoned with. She may be even more powerful than even her father or her mother. Combinf. She's a sum of borh of them, tested by trial and fire. I wouldn't put much past her. Would you?

Forget Hillary. Let's Vote for Michelle Obama

2008-08-26T04:00:00Z

So, all these people who were Hillary Clinton supporters (including me) now have a strong woman to vote for. Her name is Michelle Obama. We'll get her as an extra bonus if we vote for Barack Obama.

Yes, I already blogged once tonight. But, I'm on vacation, the Twins are tied with Seattle (a cursed West Coast game) and I'm on vacation this week. Plus, I've had a second glass of wine. Michelle Obama was absolutely fabulous tonight in her speech before the Democratic National Convention. As a woman, she showed strength and vulnerability. The best combination a woman can show. Then, add in the kids. They showed Barack on the big screen and her kids were wonderful. They were kids who obviously loved their dad. Sasha didn't care. When she first walked out she looked out into the crowd with this look that said, "who are all these people?" It was hilarious.

And, this was the first time I'd heard about Michelle's dad having M.S. Never, ever heard that until tonight. And the fact that he kept working and put his two kids through college. Good colleges, despite being disabled. She obviously loved and adored him, as she does her mother. She came across as a real woman, a daughter, a sister, a wife a mother. Now, I want a bit more about her career, but that can come later.

Michelle has already been compared with Jackie Kennedy. I was just a bit too young to remember. Bill Clinton was the first President I voted for (absentee ballot) who actually won. I'm hoping Barack Obama is the second President I vote for who actually wins. Tonight started out quiet, but built up. Ted Kennedy, the aging, ill warrior who would not be stopped. Then Michelle Obama who hit every note she needed to hit. And, who is her brother? Damn. He was pretty damned impressive too.

I feel sorry for the Republicans. They have a hard act to follow. Michelle... way to go girl! If you were here I'd give you a fist bump!

The Olympics made me sleep deprived

2008-08-26T01:19:00Z

It started a fewweeks ago with the Twins playing on the West Coast, which meant I stayed up past my bedtime several nights in a row. Then the Olympics started. By the end of the first week, I was in zombie mode, getting by at work and my busy schedule on about five hours of sleep a night for a full week. Thank God, I'm not as into track and field and beach volleyball as I am gymnastics. Last week, I made it to bed more at my normal time.

The Olympics are the only thing that has ever made me forget the Twins were on. I missed two games completely, because I was so into watching the Olympic competition. And, we were even playing the hated Yankees! I missed most of a third game the next week. What was going on here?

By last night -- the closing ceremonies, I flipped back and forth between Big Brother, CNN and Iron Chef America.

This week, I'm off work, so I'm not as worried. I'll be able to sleep in a lot the next week. But, it's now the Democratic Convention and the Twins are again on the West Coast. On screen right now, is Ted Kennedy. (I'm a bit upset that they didn't let Jimmy Carter speak. I remember he was raging mad four years ago.) I won't be able to stomach much of the coverage next week, despite the fact it's in St. Paul. I'll try and tune in but listening to Republicans is just too hard for me to stomach.

So, I'll get my fill of good old capital L Liberal politics this week, and fill myself up on hope. My unscientific observation from my visit to the Minnesota State Fair on Friday. The McCain volunteers were pretty lonely. But the DFL booth was hopping. Yesterday, my roommate was there and they'd already run out of Obama buttons.

Tomorrow, it's off to my second State Fair visit of the season. One more on Sunday and I'll have my fill until next year.

Tell me why exactly Hillary supporters will vote McCain?

2008-08-22T02:05:00Z

I may have said this already. Sorry if I'm repeating myself, but I'm really tired of the U.S. media and their election coverage. And we're not even through the conventions yet.

This morning, the news was all about the new polls showing McCain's percentage growing. Some so-called expert was again saying that it all hinges on the uncommitted voters, most of whom were Hillary Clinton supporters. That they're not sure, and many of them are rural and have voted Republican in the past, could well go to McCain.

Well, I'm sure there are some women in that category. But, come on folks. I was a Hillary supporter and she fought a darn good fight, but no way on this earth will I vote for McCain. If you support Hillary, Obama is so close to her views on most issues, how the heck could you then swing to someone who is so different in his views? It's a very easy decision for me. Hillary Clinton is a Democrat. A moderate Democrat perhaps, but a Democrat. The vast majority of her supporters are loyal Democrats. Those few that aren't loyal Democrats, may have come on board because she was a woman. Honestly, if that's the only reason you would have voted for Hillary, go ahead and vote for McCain. You're not thinking of the real issues involved anyway.

But, the media really thinks a loyal Democrat will just switch to the Republican party, the party who has given us huge deficits, a war that's costing us too many precious lives and way too much money. The economy is in the worse shape it's been in a couple decades. Gas prices, food prices, a war most of us want to be rid of. Women are more tied into the domestic issues. Those are the burning issues this election year. And, the media thinks these same women will simply vote for experience wthout looking at the issues? Come on white male dominated media. We're women. We do have minds and we do think and can make value judgments.

It's all media talk. They need something to talk about what with the Olympics taking up everyone's attention for the better part of two weeks.

Then, there are the pollsters, most of whom aren't talking to the same people I'm talking too. The young, the black, the disenfranchised, many of whom are now registered to vote and who plan to vote for the first time. Lots of these people don't have land line phones. Are pollsters taking online polls? Are they using text messaging? Are they going to the people who until now haven't voted because they didn't see a reason to, who now have a reason?

I'm someone who witnessed the wave that brought Jesse Ventura into office in Minnesota. I remember the shock, the surprise, the wonder in the media the next day. What most of them missed was that engaging a chunk of new voters can and does make a difference. Until the pollsters and media figure that out, I may have to ration my news intake. Because their blather is just making me mad.

My hope is that Hillary does a bang up job next week rallying her supporters. To knock the media upside the head once and for all.

Signed....

a Hillary Clinton supporter who is now a proud Barack Obama supporter

A Clean Out the Fridge Meal

2008-08-18T23:35:00Z

My ongoing attempt to eat healthy has had some ups and downs. But, summer is a great time for Farmer's Markets and my weekly CSA produce delivery. I split my CSA order with a coworker, but it's still a challenge to use everything before it spoils. This year, though, we've been getting some good stuff, a nice variety. Today, for example, we got about two dozen large cherry tomatoes, a huge beefsteak tomato, tomatillas, garlic, zuccini and summer squash, small fairy eggplants, hot red peppers, jalapeno peppers, romaine lettuce, green/purple/wax beans, red cabbage, oregano and parsley.

This is added to fresh arugala, purple bell peppers, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and nectarines I picked up at two different Farmer's Markets this past weekend.

Saturday I cooked and my challenge was to make it healthy and use up as much produce as possible. I made whole wheat/sweet potato gnocchi which after it had cooked, I ladled on top of Chinese spinach. The hot gnocci started to wilt the greens. Earlier, I had oven roasted a bunch of veggies: Japanese egglplant, yellow squash, a small fennel bulb and a purple bell pepper -- with olive oil, salt and pepper. Once they'd cooled, I cut them into pieces.

My main sauce component was a boxed soup: black bean and roasted red pepper. I really wanted to use butternut squash soup, but we were out. The meal was almost vegetarian, except for three slices of pancetta I sauted with two shallots and three cloves of garlic and some fresh sage. Once that was carmelized and yummy, in went the soup and three medium sized fresh tomatoes chunked, two roasted red pepper slices I had left over from the deli, and two chipolte peppers in adobo sauce, also left over. I added a quarter cup of milk, then, in went the oven roasted veggies. I simmered it until it thickened, then added the gnocci and semi wilted spinach. I cooked it for just a minute or two, then turned off the burner and let it sit for a few more minutes, to continue wilting the spinach.

That was it. With a little parmesan cheese on top, it was yummy. And, although I'm putzy, it really didn't take too long. I think the butternut squash soup would have been even better, but it met my goal of cleaning out my fridge and being healthy.

Come on New York Times... The RNC is in St. Paul

2008-08-17T17:35:00Z

The New York Times recently published an article in their Travel section on what to do during 36 hours in the Twin Cities in preperation for the Republican National Convention (RNC). Now, I'm a Minneapolis native, a lifelong resident of a northern suburb, but come on folks. Even I could tell the places you named were mostly Minneapolis venues, not St. Paul. And, with a bit more research, I'm betting you could have managed to make your list at least half Minneapolis and half St. Paul highlights.

So, here's my recommendations for St. Paul highlights to rebut the New York Times. (I will admit that as a Minneapolis native, I haven't been to some of these places. But, I've been to most of them.

For a bite to eat, many within walking distance of the Xcel center, try:
The iconic Mickey's Diner, a railroad car cafe (which I'm not sure is accessible... I must investigate further)
The St. Paul Grill in the St. Paul Hotel
Forepaughs
Go for a nightcap and enjoy the ambiance in the outdoor patio at W.A. Frost.
Get a taste of old Italy and a real slice of pizza at Cosettas on W. 7th St.
For dessert, try Cafe Latte on Grand Avenue.

For theater, there's the Penumbra, a premiere African-American owned and operated company, which is in the midst of putting on all of August Wilson's plays. Or try the small but extremely good Park Square Theater in the historic Hamm Brewery building. Sit outside in the patio and enjoy the beautiful late summer weather. Or, visit the Minnesota Centennial Showboat, a paddleboat theater with dining options run by the University of Minnesota, on the Mississippi River off Harriet Island.

The New York Times did mention St. Paul City Hall and the Minnesota History Center, but come on folks! How could you forget the Minnesota State Capital built by Cass Gilbert? Or the St. Paul Cathedral? And, although I've never been there yet, the Wabasha Street Caves are a great place to tour to learn about our ganster roots during prohibition.

And, Minneapolis isn't the only city with lakes: How about our very own Lake Como, with a tour of the Como Park Conservatory and the Como Zoo, a gem of an innercity zoo. However, St. Paul is probably best known as a river city, with the Mississippi running through the middle of town. For a tour of the river, take a paddleboat tour on the Jonathan Paddleford or Josiah Snelling, again off Harriet Island and the Mississippi River.

Take a ride along Summit Avenue and check out the Governor's mansion (home to Tim Pawlenty, who might be the Republican vice presidential candidate), and the street that was home for a time to F. Scott Fitzgerald. Or for a longer road trip, travel east and south to the lovely river town of Stillwater on the St. Croix River. For nature lovers, a hidden gem of a nature preserve is on the river outside Fort Snelling near the airport (of all places!)

So, while I love my hometown of Minneapolis and agree that all those places the Times listed are worth a visit, I'm appalled that this prestigious national newspaper missed the second half of the Twin Cities almost completely. Really, pick up a travel guide folks!

Are We Overreacting to Parody and Satire?

2008-08-15T01:02:00Z

Just asking the question. The new movie Tropic Thunder is creating debate and discussion, and boycott threats. Now, I'm the woman who recently advised boycotting a theater performance that's a take off on a modern day Freak Show. While I admit I didn't attend their play, I did investigate, visited their website and was sickened by what I saw. Enough so that I wrote what I wrote.

I will admit that Tropic Thunder is not the kind of movie I would typically attend. I have seen a few Ben Stiller movies and Robert Downey Jr. is one of my fantasy men. But, no, I wouldn't have rushed to see this movie. But, the controversy has intrigued me and made me wonder if I should go to see for myself what's what. But, if it's as insulting as people have claimed, I also don't want to add my money to their movie venture. Choosing with your pocket book and all that. But, I also have to wonder if the controversy will cause some people to go who wouldn't normally have attended this movie.

Then, there's the whole defense that this is a satire, a parody of movies with characters who are disabled being played by non-disabled actors. Dustin Hoffman in Rainman. Sean Penn in I am Sam. Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump. And, Robert Downey Jr., a white man, playing a black character. I wonder if our culture, our society, has evolved to be so politically correct that we can't produce a good satire. Someone is bound to be offended.

The whole issue of satire has come up in our Minnesota Senate race between Al Franken and Norm Coleman. Coleman's campaign has surfaced a not very pretty article Franken wrote for playboy -- a satire -- but one which uses a comment about a woman and rape. No, not funny Al. Shame on you. Especially since you were born and raised in Minnesota, have been married for more than 30 years and have a daughter. But, it was satire. Not, very well advised, especially for someone who later decides to run for national office... but satire.

I used to watch Seinfeld. Until I saw an episode where they poked fun at a person with a disability. And again, with their Bubble Boy episodes. I didn't like what I saw and started realizing that almost every episode the Seinfeld crew were making fun of someone. It was hurtful humor. I quit watching.

So, are we just not capable of satire any longer in this culture? Part of me thinks that's a good thing. That life is funny enough without resorting to hurtful humor. Part of me thinks we may lose a great theatrical and literary style if we're so politically correct. But, it all depends on who you are and where your life has taken you. I'm not nearly as sensitive as some of my friends. I've learned, the hard way, with a few of my friends, to be a bit more careful about what I say and how I say it. That's not a bad thing.

So, what do you think?

Offense Taken: Docmentary premieres next week in Minneapolis

2008-08-12T20:55:00Z

See below for more information about a documentary -- "Offense Taken" -- premiering in the Twin Cities next week. I was at the public meeting last year, which sought comment from people with disabilities about a local theater production -- The Rise of the Celebretards. The meeting was powerful and intense. And, this premiere dovetails with the national furor over Tropic Thunder, the new Ben Stiller movie that's being boycotted by the Special Olympics among others. I hope to be able to attend this premiere and wanted to let the Minneapolis/St. Paul folks know about it:

In the spring of 2007, when a Minneapolis theater [Dudley Riggs Brave New Workshop] put on a show titled "The Rise of the Celebretards," people with disabilities and their allies took action. The film "Offense Taken" documents this community's organized response to the show title and to the public use of the "R" word (retard).

FILM PREMIERE and community campaign launch

With the release of this new film, a coalition of community organizations and individuals is launching a campaign to encourage a community discussion about disrespectful language and human rights. Please join us for this premier and discussion and help us advance the dignity of people with developmental and other disabilities.

Thursday, August 21, 2008
5–7 p.m. (reception follows)
Interact Center
212 3rd Ave. N., Suite 140
Minneapolis, MN 55401

RSVP to Kathy at Advocating Change Together, 651-641-0297

Little House on the Prairie... the Musical at the Guthrie

2008-08-11T00:18:00Z

My new season as a Guthrie Theater season ticket holder started last night. After a few years, I went back to my original ticket package and got Saturday night previews. The less expensive price allowed me to buy all eight performances: four on the thrust stage and four on the proscenium. This year's first entry was the much-anticipated musical version of Little House on the Prairie.

Now, if you're a young girl in Minnesota (maybe the Midwest), it's a pretty sure bet you've read most, if not all, of the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. My mom grew up in Plum City, Wis., one of the homes of Laura and family, and my dad lived in DeSmet, another Ingalls home. My brother-in-law's family lived near Walnut Grove, the setting for the TV show. So, of course, my mom was a big fan of the books and so I ended up reading most of them. Then, in high school, the TV show started -- I watched every week.

There's been a lot of media attention for this world premiere musical, partly because Melissa Gilbert, who played Laura in the TV show, is playing Ma Ingalls in the play. I must say, I was a little underwhelmed until after intermission. Mostly because the songs didn't do much for me. The play itself followed the books pretty well, according to my friend Tom, who is a bigger fan of the books and TV show. The best song was toward the end, Ma Ingalls singing "Where Did My Wild Child Go? to the almost grown and no longer a tomboy Laura. Double messages if you consider she may be singing to her younger self in addition to the actress who plays Laura. So, then once I'd started with the tears, it was tough to stop.

Overall, I give it 7 of 10 stars. The songs just didn't do it for me. The play itself wasn't bad. It they do indeed bring it to broadway as they say they'd like to, my advice is to pump up the music. And, part of the fun of attending Guthrie performances season after season is seeing the regulars in various roles. Few if any Guthrie regulars were in this one, which was disappointing.

Twins are in first place... but I hate West Coast games

2008-08-06T02:46:00Z

I should be getting ready for bed. Setting out my pills for the morning, brushing my teeth, feeding the cats for the night, that sort of thing. Instead, it's 10pm and I'm still up. Afraid to go to bed. My Minnesota Twins are playing the Seattle Mariners, which means the game started a little past 9pm. Last night, I thought I was safe. The Twins were ahead 6-0 in the fifth inning -- so about 10:30pm, I headed to bed thinking all was well in the world.

This morning, I woke up to the sad news. We'd lost the game 11-6. We were ahead until the seventh inning when all everything went to hell in a handbasket as mom used to say.

So, being a superstitious baseball fan (the bent of many baseball fans and many baseball players), I'm afraid to go to bed tonight. That means that tomorrow I'll be bleery eyed and groggy, having stayed up until close to midnight, making sure my boys don't self-destruct without my super human fan powers to aid them in their quest for another World Series.

(Kirby Puckett hit his game winning homerun in game six of the 1991 series, because I was madly rubbing the back of my eponymous cat. I'm firmly convinced it was my vibes that led to the game winning homerun!)

The Mariners just got a homerun and pulled ahead 3-2. See, just the fact that I was contemplating turning off the TV can have dastardly consequences.

Tomorrow will be okay. I'm out of the office for about four hours anyway, for a transit meeting and travel time to and from. So, being a little sleep deprived isn't terrible, I guess. Where's Batgirl when you need her? She was the ultimate Minnesota Twins blogger, who retired, hanging up her laptop last spring shortly after having her first child. I'm still in morning. Her blog is still there, and I keep checking it, hoping she'll write again. But, alas, it's not to be. I'll never be the blogger she was, but I can try to be a sad facsimile.

Signing off for tonight.

Bleery eyed in Minnesota...