Van Jones

Okay, so I have a new found hero. Someone alive today. Van Jones. I got to see a live broadcast of him delivering a keynote address at the Unitarian Universalist General Assembly in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida this Saturday. Inspirational. Smart. Real. While I don't have a copy of the keynote address he gave yesterday, check out another one of his masterful speeches.

Don White

I found out about the life and contributions of human rights activist Don White this morning, listening to people on KPFK remember him. He died on June 20, 2008 at the age of 70 from a heart attack. I wish I had known of this hero before his life was over.

He is described as a uniter, a peace activist, and was a person of "entrega total." He was dedicated to the people of Haiti, El Salvadora, Philipines, and others. He was a couragous and brave man, especially in the 80s in solidarity with Salvadorans. He put his life on the line many times.

shoes, anyone?

Driving home from work today, I waited to turn right at a corner to allow an older man to finish crossing the street. As he shuffled along, I noticed he was not wearing shoes. He had white athletic socks on, with holes clearly worn in the bottom. I drove past, but could not shake my concern. Could he be suffering from some illness and need help? My father's history quickly coming to the surface, I know all too well that people can be suffering from dementia and need a perfect stranger to reach out at times. So, I drove around the block and pulled over to ask if he was okay. He said he needed money, and not doubting for a second that this was true, I gave him the $10 I had in my wallet. I asked why he was not wearing shoes, and if his feet were okay. He just replied that he wore socks. He said thank you when he took the money, and his eyes told me he was grateful. I told him to please be careful and drove off.

Once I got home, it was time to take my two pooches out for their requisite walk. I tossed the bag o'poop into the trash can placed outside of the thrift store next door. As has happened before, I popped open the lid, and even in the darkness of the evening, I still could see this...



I decided, given the man I had seen earlier, I could not just forget about this fortune in the trash. The first pair I took out was a nice pair of men's shoes. So, I grabbed those and drove back to see if I could find the man, but no... He was not around. When I got back, I returned to the trash and dug out exactly thirty-nine pairs of shoes, most by great designers and only gently worn. I put all the shoes in boxes that were right there, folded up next to the trash, and took them home, just next door. Here are most of them:

the state of climate change talks

There is a great video called Ahead of the Curve about what the states are doing with regards to tackling the challenges of climate change, since the federal government is not making much headway. For instance, the Senate killed the Climate Security Act yesterday. Thanks, Mr. Inhofe. He criticized the bill for costing too much in tax and gas increases, and he also went so far as to say the science of the IPCC and Al Gore's film have been refuted. Really? By whom? He is referring to the scientists who signed the petition saying they do not believe in anthropomorphic global warming. Those scientists are the Michael Crighton-loving type, mostly who have connections to the oil industry. I guess state-by-state initiatives will be the American way until haters like Inhofe can be convinced climate change is for real. Big business won't go down without a fight and they don't like the caps this bill would have imposed. I hope it wins next year. Thanks to Boxer, Lieberman, and Warner for trying.

OBAMA!

I am so excited that Barack Obama has won the Democratic nomination after many months and numerous contentious contests. I have been watching the campaign fairly closely, and I was not always certain he would make it. I was hoping, but Clinton has been a formidable opponent. She does not lose elections, so I am sure defeat is an unfamiliar and unwelcome feeling. And it is not that I was not excited about a woman being president, but I want Obama to win so badly because I do believe he can bring change. I think he is brilliant and charasmatic and a man of bridging sides and making peace. I am so happy to be paying attention in this important historic moment.

Harvey Korman remembered

Harvey Korman died. He was 81. I loved him on the Carol Burnett show.



Dr. Jekyll and Ms. Hyde, Part I


Dr. Jekyll and Ms. Hyde, Part II


Here he is on the Carol Burnett show as Burt, with Carol as Molly.



On my way back to Long Beach tomorrow, I will think of this wonderful episode about the no frills section of the airline. Korman is the snobby first class passenger and Tim Conway gets the "bargain" ride.