Write a Letter for Congo... PLEASE!!!

Harper posted an update on the situation on HEAL Africa's website. She talks about how the recent conflict is rooted in a natural resource available in Congo called Coltan. What WE can do to help this conflict is urge our senators to pass a bill that was recently introduced in the senate that endeavors to enforce restrictions so we don't end up using "Coltan of Conflict" here in the States. So read her note, and SEND A LETTER! It's easy, she already wrote it for you.

Let's lighten up this heart of darkness!!! Ha. Ok, that was bad. Sorry. Peace.

Congo

Things are getting really bad in Congo. The rebel troops are closing in on Goma - and they have never threatened to enter the city yet. Apparently, at the moment they are within ten miles of Goma. Fortunately, Cristina left the city to stay in Kigali, Rwanda for a few days. Thank God. So she is safe.

Things have gotten so bad that civilians outlashed against the U.N. for not protecting them enough. Though I'm afraid there's no much that could be done. The U.N. attempted to evacuate the fifty or so aid workers currently in Rutshuru, a village like, maybe 50 miles outside Goma, but an envoy of soldiers just would not let them pass. So the aid workers and all the villagers are stuck there in the middle of this conflict that is fought in a major part with horrible sexual violence. I was shocked to see that this situation is bad enough that it is actually on the front page of the NY Times right now. Usually Americans don't care about international news enough for anything like that to make the front page.

Anyway, I'm sorry to be a downer, but just pray for the conflict there to end. It's just a huge mess, the soil of the Congo is seeped in blood and I'm not even being dramatic. Whew. I need to watch 27 Dresses or something to stop thinking about it. Or not. If anyone feels moved to do something about the situation in Congo write your representatives. The Congo NEEDS more international attention and support. That's the only way the country could possibly be healed - like Rwanda.

So messed up.

Oh No. A Christian Song About Britney.

My friend Anne (shout out) recently texted me in urgency regarding a new Christian song she heard about Britney Spears. "They are actually talking about a girl named 'Britney' in the song," she said when I texted back a "What?!?!" in disbelief.

Coming from the genre that gave us songs like "I'm not Cool, But That's Ok, My God Loves me Anyway," I can't say I was in total disbelief of this new song. I expected someone with lame musical taste recorded it, like maybe that guy who made the 'I'm Not Cool' song. Imagine my disbelief, when I discovered the song comes from one of the few Christian male singers I actually like; Bebo Norman. His song is actually called "Britney." You can listen to it here.

So surprisingly, the song is fairly low on the cheese factor. Well, besides the fact it's called "Britney." I was prepared to rip it a part, but it actually really isn't that bad. I mean, it is relaying a very true message. However, it still weirds me out. Mainly, because it is a song addressing Britney Spears via the Christian-radio airwaves of America. That is awkward.

Here are some of the lyrics in case you aren't motivated enough to listen to the song:

Britney im sorry for the lies we told

we took you into our arms and then left you cold
britney im sorry for this cruel cruel world
we sell the beauty but destroy the girl
britney im sorry for your broken heart
we stood aside and watched you fall apart
im sorry we told you fame would fill you up
and money moves the man so drink the cup

As I said, they could be cheesier. Looks like "I'm Not Cool," still tops the Worst Songs Ever list. I was fairly certain this one was going kick it out of it's spot. Oh well. What can I say, except for Britney, I'm sorry I wrote this blog.

The Jungle Book First-Grader in Edina

The other week, I acquiesced my younger sister’s request to serve as her substitute as a kids ministry leader at church. Along with another guy, she leads a small group of first grade boys every week. Now, working with kids isn’t exactly a “gift” of mine. Although, I am pretty talented at babysitting children while they are asleep. It’s a tough job, but I have that one down. Regardless, I took on this group of boys for the night.

The curriculum that night was about fear, and how to trust in God to overcome our fears or something along those lines. So after viewing a lively competition of “Leader Fear Factor,” which consisted of frightening competitions such as “who can drink a McDonald’s Happy Meal the quickest,” we sat the boys down for discussion time. The other leader asked the kids to tell us one thing they are afraid of. Their responses were fairly typical.

“I’m afraid of sitting on Ben’s head (or something),” said one boy (editor’s note, his friend’s name was Ben). Another boy quipped, “I’m afraid of the dark,” and yet another was afraid of “gross stuff.” Then it was Ben’s turn. My co-leader turned to Ben, “Ben, what are you afraid of?"

Ben: “Um, one time, during the dry season, in Africa, I was walking over the bridge of Victoria Falls, and I looked down and it was high and I almost fell off. Well I really didn’t almost fall off but kind of. And then also, I’m afraid of having a hippo charge after me, because hippos are big. One time, in Africa a hippo almost ran towards us.”

My co-leader looks at me with a sort of, perplexed awe. “Okay, well yeah, those things are scary, (pause) during the dry season.”

Man, this kid has more experience than me, and he’s only six. He's like, the kid from the Jungle Book (editor's note: yes, I realize that didn't take place in Africa. You get the point.).

Apparently, to experience real adventure, I need to spend more time in Africa; during the dry season of course. I just did not expect to learn this from a first grader in Edina. Yet another lesson in not judging a book by it's cover.

New Time Lows, Delivered Straight to my Mailbox

Ahhhh. I cannot handle this anymore! Yesterday I received the most unethical piece of direct mail I have ever received - from the MN GOP. Now, you all know I have my "liberal biases," but seriously, this piece of mail is ridiculous. I'm white, and I'm completely offended. I don't understand why either party thinks it is ever okay to play off of people's ignorant, racist fears to win votes. Before I start rambling, let me make it visually clear what exactly, I am so irate about.

Here's the front, and inside of this little piece of bigoted joy that greeted me yesterday:

What comes to mind when you see this?! I think it's horrible, from a supposedly-legitimate organization! I wrote a letter, condemning their "subtle" racism and perpetuation of false fears, ha:

Dear GOP Chairman -
Today I received a political ad in the mail that deeply disturbed me. The ad is sponsored and was produced by the MN GOP and I have attached it for your reference. I may have voted Republican in the past, but the absolute lack of ethics that went into the creation of this mailer has persuaded me once and for all to definitely not vote Republican in this election. I am ashamed of your party for allowing this piece of direct mail.

Before I describe the offensiveness and racism embedded in this ad, please, do not email me back expressing how you never intended this ad to be viewed in this way. That would be a complete lie and I'd rather hear nothing back at all. Anyway, onto the ad.

First of all, with this ad, you are playing on people's illegitimate, ignorant fears that Obama is a terrorist. Don't you realize how these fears infuse racism in our country? You are essentially, calling Obama evil on the cover of this flyer, by saying we need to "look evil in the eye;" text that is placed directly over a image of someone who resembles Bin Laden, but who's skin is suspiciously darkened to also resemble a black man. Obviously, the black man that readers automatically think of is...Obama. What is that inferring? It's inferring that Obama is associated with terrorists. This is ridiculous; completely unethical. Especially since you are inciting uneducated fears and PERPETUATING people's lack of education and RACISM for your own means. The ad only gets worse as I flip it open. For you have three, once again darkened, images of the three of the most feared leaders: Ahmadinejad, Kim Jong, and I believe Putin. Once again, you are playing on racism by darkening all of these leaders. Not only that, you are actually comparing Barack Obama to these leaders. Way to be responsible, I thought Republicans were interested in advancing America, not playing upon racial fears and bringing us back to Jim Crow-era ideologies. I cannot even express enough my disgust at these tactics.

Personally, I would ask that for the sake of the reputation and integrity of your party, you immediately revoke this ad from circulation.
Thank you for reading about my concerns.

I received a one line back from someone at the GOP. They said "The racism you perceived is just that, perceived."

Well, little does he understand - or more likely - understands far too well, that perception, my friends, is everything.

Take a stand. End this useless perpetuation of fear, driven by shallow stereotypes. Seriously.

Slavery

Today I learned that there are more than 27 million people in the world who live in slavery.

In 2007, it's estimated that slave traders made EIGHT TIMES the amount of the annual U.N. budget.

And more than 1/3 of sex slaves in South and East Asia are children.

That's crazy. This modern-day slavery includes sex slaves, labor slaves and child soldiers, to name a few. Despite images of third world countries most likely popping into your head right now, slavery is actually super prolific right here in the good 'ol USA.

I went to see this "rockumentary" called "Call and Response," and it was awesome. The best part about it, is that it didn't dump all this hopeless information on me about how there are all these millions of slaves in the world and it's hopeless and we're all going to die. It was actually part kind of like, benefit concert; they featured all these musicians like Matisyahu and Natasha Bedingfield and Nickle Creek, singing for the benefit of the new abolitionist movement. Plus my favorite journalist EVER was on too, Nick Kristof. Holler. Anyway, please please try and see the movie if you can. Even though it's only in Mpls. for two more days. And CHECK OUT THIS SITE. There is so much that can be done. For instance, I may have to stop buying stuff that I don't know where it comes from. Boooooo for my overabundance and yeah for children now enslaved (KIDDING).

Ok ah salaam alaykuhm, and remember: "All that is needed for evil to triumph is for good men and good women to do nothing." - Edmond Burke

This Is the Most Perfect Representation of My Thoughts I Could Imagine

Why 2008 Matters

This Makes Me So Mad, and Sad

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/12/opinion/12rich.html?em

A Note to My Hair

Dear Hair -

Get a grip.

You really need to have more emotional control. Going crazy with just a hint of sucky weather is a sign of weakness. Shape up, or I will burn you more often with a 450 degree curling iron.

Love,

Me


P.S. I'm going to see Michelle Obama speak this afternoon. Score!

The Good and the Bad, Live from Mpls

First, let's start with the good. I just found out Thomas Friedman is from Minneapolis. NICE. He's like the smartest man I read in the New York Times. That makes two prominent NYT writers Minneapolis Natives; him and David Carr. So they seem to be saying I have a chance.

Also good, it appears that John McCain cleaned up his act when he visited Lakeville yesterday. He actually stood up to ridiculous attacks on his opponent. Which now leads to the Bad, live from Minneapolis.

Apparently, among other ludicrous comments, a women raised this concern at yesterday's McCain rally: She told McCain that she couldn't trust Obama because he was an "Arab."

Are you F-ing kidding me???? I am ashamed to be in the same geographic region as someone like that. Props to McCain though (even though I would NEVER vote for him), he replied: “No, ma’am, he’s a decent family man, citizen who I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues. And that’s what this campaign is all about.” Thank God he actually stood up to blatent racism. Whole article found here.

Okay, I'm going to go practice my Arabic now. I know, be afraid. Be very afraid. Masaalama.

FINANCIAL THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Stolen from Molly, good stuff:

If you had purchased $1,000.00 of Delta Air Lines stock one year ago you would have $49.00 left. With Enron, you would have had $16.50 left of the original $1,000.00. With WorldCom, you would have had less than $5.00 left.

But, if you had purchased $1,000.00 worth of beer one year ago, drank all of the beer, then turned in the cans for the aluminum recycling REFUND, you would have $214.00 cash. Based on the above, the best current investment advice is to drink heavily and recycle. - It's called the 401-Keg.
A recent study found the average American walks about 900 miles a year. Another study found Americans drink, on the average, 22 gallons of alcohol a year. That means, on average, Americans get about 41 miles to the gallon. Makes You Proud To Be An American!

Awesome News Site. Seriously! Not Another Sucky Source Like CNN

Reuters Alert Net is an awesome news source I never knew existed. It covers humanitarian issues, legitimately, that mainstream media tends to ignore. That's all.

26.2 Miles of Joy

For a reason incomprehensible to me, my dad and my sister decided back in May that they didn't have enough pain in their lives and didn't really like sleeping in on Saturday mornings. Thus, they signed up for the Twin Cities Marathon and began a training regime that included awaking at 6:30 a.m. each Saturday morning (and other mornings) for a lengthy joy fun. Fun.

Well their early-morning efforts paid off, because they finished the Twin Cities Marathon this morning. I saw them running, and they didn't even look like they were about to die! Amazing.

Going to the Twin Cities Marathon (to watch, of course) is rather exciting, for it provides an atmosphere equipped with peppy bands, running Uncle Sams or ballerinas, rowdy fans and Medtronic-provided blow up clappy thingys (for free!). I love the sequence of emotions I go through when watching a marathon - it's the same every time. When I first arrive, I get caught up in the excitement. Naturally, it's excitement perpetuated by the first runners who pass me by; an energetic, toned group, effortlessly breezing through their 22nd mile. "Man," I think, "I really should do this next year, it looks like fun!"

However, 45 minutes later, I'm always swearing off that possibility.

Mainly because as time goes on, the super-human runners are replaced with normal beings, who at 22 miles, look like their muscles have turned to noodles, and they are about to breath their last. This group either walking or doing that like, limp run thing. At this point I think, "Man, this looks like hell, something I never want to attempt." In pity, I bang together my clappers and shout, "You can do it, you've trained so hard! I could never do this!" I don't think that cheers are encouraging the runners at this point. I only received one thumbs up for my cheers, and that was from a walker (who had given up the pain of running) wearing a Barack Obama shirt. He most likely gave me a thumbs up because I didn't heartlessly tell him to keep going, rather, I yelled "Go Barack Obama!" It was genuine.

Anyway I have to go do homework now and stop writing about this. But the point it, marathons are fun to watch, and do not look like fun to run. Congratulations though, to my dad and sister and many others who finished today's 26.2-mile run of joy. There's nothing you can't do!

Straight Talk from "Say it Ain't so Joe" Biden

Favorite quote from Thursday's debate, from Joe Biden:

"Vice President Cheney has been the most dangerous vice president we’ve had probably in American history. The idea he doesn’t realize that Article I of the Constitution defines the role of the vice president of the United States, that’s the Executive Branch. He works in the Executive Branch. He should understand that. Everyone should understand that. [..] The idea he’s part of the Legislative Branch is a bizarre notion invented by Cheney to aggrandize the power of a unitary executive and look where it has gotten us. It has been very dangerous."

Say it ain't so Joe!!! Haha, that's so great.

Sorry to get all political on ya, but it's the nature of the season. Also, check out this star-studded voting video if you get a chance

Good Enough

A scenario in my class yesterday:

 

Professor: Does anyone have any ideas on what the advantages to using radio as a method of communication in development would be?

 

20 second silence from the class.

 

Finally, I decide to speak up.

 

Me: Well it can be interactive.

 

Professor: (pause). Good enough.

 

What? Good enough?? No wonder no one speaking up in class! I don’t think I’ve ever received a “good enough” comment from a teacher before. Most of them have at least been generous enough to spare the “that’s an interesting insight, are there any others?” line.

 

Good enough. Hmph. Plus, I would like to add, my answer was actually valid!! I mean, he obviously hasn’t listened to Dave Ryan in the Morning enough. Group Therapy, War of the Roses?? Extremely interactive. So there, now who’s “good enough.” ME.