Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Give Others Clean Water, Eat Out!
Okay, you never have to twist my arm to go out for dinner. Now here's an even better reason to get out and stimulate the economy. Quick, you only have until March 26th! But of course, you can donate directly to UNICEF at any time. Glug, glug, glug....
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Save Tovan!
I've sort of just had it. I know, I know, it's hard to know what exactly is making one crazy these days with so many options to choose from but today I'm going to holler about the recent rash of animal cruelty cases in Wisconsin.
Despite my background in social work and psychology, I still sometimes find myself wanting to scream, "What is WRONG with people??" For example, while I was visiting my family over the weekend, I learned about a current court case involving a group of teens who had met online for the sole purpose of running around the north woods, shooting and torturing small animals for sport. Really, guys? And in the same area, flyers have been posted for some sicko who is wanted by the authorities for torturing two cats. (In both scenarios, however, I am heartened to learn that the authorities are involved).
As a former child welfare social worker who often found myself freaking out when trying to protect children from future abuse and neglect ("How can the law not be on their side?!"), you can probably see why I eventually had to leave the field. I mean, a person's emotional capacity is only so big. However, I, like most human beings do care about my fellow man as well as all of the other amazing creatures of our world. So when I was made aware of Tovan, the Great Dane, I felt compelled to pass the word along.
Clearly abused, a couple found Tovan in their yard and took him in. Soon after contacting the authorities, his owners came forward and he was returned "home." (I use that term loosely since "home", in my opinion, is a place where one is loved and nurtured but I digress.) Anyway, the people who found him are now circulating a petition to force an investigation in regards to Tovan's "care." So please take a moment and check out this link. Perhaps you can help to protect one of our creatures. "Great" or small, they all need our help.
Despite my background in social work and psychology, I still sometimes find myself wanting to scream, "What is WRONG with people??" For example, while I was visiting my family over the weekend, I learned about a current court case involving a group of teens who had met online for the sole purpose of running around the north woods, shooting and torturing small animals for sport. Really, guys? And in the same area, flyers have been posted for some sicko who is wanted by the authorities for torturing two cats. (In both scenarios, however, I am heartened to learn that the authorities are involved).
As a former child welfare social worker who often found myself freaking out when trying to protect children from future abuse and neglect ("How can the law not be on their side?!"), you can probably see why I eventually had to leave the field. I mean, a person's emotional capacity is only so big. However, I, like most human beings do care about my fellow man as well as all of the other amazing creatures of our world. So when I was made aware of Tovan, the Great Dane, I felt compelled to pass the word along.
Clearly abused, a couple found Tovan in their yard and took him in. Soon after contacting the authorities, his owners came forward and he was returned "home." (I use that term loosely since "home", in my opinion, is a place where one is loved and nurtured but I digress.) Anyway, the people who found him are now circulating a petition to force an investigation in regards to Tovan's "care." So please take a moment and check out this link. Perhaps you can help to protect one of our creatures. "Great" or small, they all need our help.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
And If You Forget Your Reusable Cup, Go For Paper
I've got a whole lot to say about a whole lot of things these days. But I often find myself so fired up, I don't even know where to begin. Hence, it's been rather silent here at The Night Way.
But as I sit here, eating my veggie stir fry and perusing The New York Times, I am trying really hard not to have yet another hissy fit. But I have some words, simple and quite obvious ones, I think, but I will verbalize them nonetheless: Styrofoam is never, EVER a good idea.
And I will stop there.
But as I sit here, eating my veggie stir fry and perusing The New York Times, I am trying really hard not to have yet another hissy fit. But I have some words, simple and quite obvious ones, I think, but I will verbalize them nonetheless: Styrofoam is never, EVER a good idea.
And I will stop there.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
WWBD?
Oh, indeed, "What Would Bob Do?"
The New York Times has been covering the events of Madison quite closely. I found this article particularly interesting. Cool old pics, too!
The New York Times has been covering the events of Madison quite closely. I found this article particularly interesting. Cool old pics, too!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
On Wisconsin
Last summer, in the midst of all of my European traveling craziness, I suddenly ached for the simpler, slower life I had back in Wisconsin. There were other factors, of course, like my desire to be close to family again. However, the overall draw to returning “home” was what I hoped would be a sense of stability and normalcy.
Err, anyone been to the capitol lately?
Wisconsin is not exactly the poster child for all things stable and normal anymore. A state of working class folks who don’t typically demand a whole lot, things have suddenly gotten a lot more interesting for the Dairy State. If you live anywhere in the U.S. that is not under a rock, you have heard that the state capital, Madison, is on its third week of mass protests. What exactly is being protested depends on who you talk to. The governor’s attack on labor unions? Impending layoffs of a few thousand state workers? Massive proposed cuts to Wisconsin schools, Medicaid and other basic social programs? The demise of the Democratic party? The overarching issue that money talks in this country? All of the above?
Whatever side you’re on, you cannot deny that this has been and continues to be one powerful demonstration. Last Saturday alone, an estimated 100,000 people descended upon the capitol including people from all over the country (and let’s not forget Canada) who wanted to show their support for Wisconsinites. Quite a surge for a city of 200,000. A few weeks ago, a group of New York City Cheeseheads donned their yellow foam and rallied in midtown to show their support. Even people from the other side of the globe are putting in orders at Ian’s Pizza, a downtown Madison pizzeria to help feed the protesters. I’ve even heard that the cops (supposedly protected from this bill) were at one point handing out bottles of water and hot dogs.
During a time when people are already struggling to keep their heads above water, the idea of further cuts to salaries and benefits along with all out job loss is too much for most, in any state, to bear. Throw in the possibility of losing a voice at the bargaining table and you’ve got an already struggling middle class that is absolutely going to flip their lids. But this is American where everyone is allowed their opinions and according to most reports, these passionate protests, even the one that included the Tea Party, have been nothing been respectful and peaceful.
Last week, I was feeling pretty downtrodden about the whole thing. I mean, can the job situation for Americans really get much worse? I don’t care what the news reports say about the U.S. economy being on the upswing. Tell that to the folks of Detroit. How many more people are going to have to worry about losing their houses? And tell me, why the hell did I come back to this state again?
But as I pored over coverage of the weekend demonstrations, reading the protesters’ posters, listening to their speeches, and catching up on their personal stories, I felt that this was actually a perfect time to be back in Wisconsin. I’ve had a lot of ups and downs the past few years and although I hate to see anyone suffer, it helps to be reminded that I am a part of a strong collective of Midwestern folks. We’re all just trying to survive, to make ends meet the best way we know how, and provide safe, healthy homes for our families. To hear people on both sides voice their concerns peacefully and passionately reminds me that no one is really alone. Those people rallying at the capitol for the 17th day in a row know that better than anyone.
Err, anyone been to the capitol lately?
Wisconsin is not exactly the poster child for all things stable and normal anymore. A state of working class folks who don’t typically demand a whole lot, things have suddenly gotten a lot more interesting for the Dairy State. If you live anywhere in the U.S. that is not under a rock, you have heard that the state capital, Madison, is on its third week of mass protests. What exactly is being protested depends on who you talk to. The governor’s attack on labor unions? Impending layoffs of a few thousand state workers? Massive proposed cuts to Wisconsin schools, Medicaid and other basic social programs? The demise of the Democratic party? The overarching issue that money talks in this country? All of the above?
Whatever side you’re on, you cannot deny that this has been and continues to be one powerful demonstration. Last Saturday alone, an estimated 100,000 people descended upon the capitol including people from all over the country (and let’s not forget Canada) who wanted to show their support for Wisconsinites. Quite a surge for a city of 200,000. A few weeks ago, a group of New York City Cheeseheads donned their yellow foam and rallied in midtown to show their support. Even people from the other side of the globe are putting in orders at Ian’s Pizza, a downtown Madison pizzeria to help feed the protesters. I’ve even heard that the cops (supposedly protected from this bill) were at one point handing out bottles of water and hot dogs.
During a time when people are already struggling to keep their heads above water, the idea of further cuts to salaries and benefits along with all out job loss is too much for most, in any state, to bear. Throw in the possibility of losing a voice at the bargaining table and you’ve got an already struggling middle class that is absolutely going to flip their lids. But this is American where everyone is allowed their opinions and according to most reports, these passionate protests, even the one that included the Tea Party, have been nothing been respectful and peaceful.
Last week, I was feeling pretty downtrodden about the whole thing. I mean, can the job situation for Americans really get much worse? I don’t care what the news reports say about the U.S. economy being on the upswing. Tell that to the folks of Detroit. How many more people are going to have to worry about losing their houses? And tell me, why the hell did I come back to this state again?
But as I pored over coverage of the weekend demonstrations, reading the protesters’ posters, listening to their speeches, and catching up on their personal stories, I felt that this was actually a perfect time to be back in Wisconsin. I’ve had a lot of ups and downs the past few years and although I hate to see anyone suffer, it helps to be reminded that I am a part of a strong collective of Midwestern folks. We’re all just trying to survive, to make ends meet the best way we know how, and provide safe, healthy homes for our families. To hear people on both sides voice their concerns peacefully and passionately reminds me that no one is really alone. Those people rallying at the capitol for the 17th day in a row know that better than anyone.
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