I'm spending a rare evening home, curled up on the futon with a steamy mug of hot ginger/tangerine tea, catching up on magazines that have arrived at my house over the past busy days leading up to the local elections. Conde Nast Traveler lies, spent, on my coffee table/trunk. Now, this magazine is like close-the-blinds-so-the-neighbors-don't-see pron for me. The shivery pleasure I derive from the monthly perusal of this paean to the practice of perambulation cannot be imagined.
However, that all ratcheted up about 400 times when I got to page 206. The next several pages were a finely rendered article all about the culture of life in the bars of New Orleans. With pictures. And, at the very climax of the prose, an even larger spread with a far-reaching map of Bars That Should Be Seen. Of the 38 depicted on the map, a paragraph espousing the virtues of each watering hole, I have been to 11. I was at first sad that I've not been to all 38. However, I thought about the 11 I'd been to, and remembered that for most of them I was lucky enough to be there with a great number of wonderful folks from may Mardi Gras krewe, the KOE and from the forum I participate in when it's not Mardi Gras season. It made me smile. Big.
I'd recommend going out and buying the magazine for the sheer tactile pleasure of turning the pages. Barring that, you can read the article at their website, but it's full of popups that irritate the pants off me. If popups don't bug you like they bug me, here's the link.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Sunday, November 01, 2009
Here are my endorsements for the Kalamazoo elections on Tuesday:
I can only endorse three candidates for City Commission. Good thing I don't have to choose seven, and can vote for just the ones I like. All three of these candidates have been exceptionally accessible, and their values reflect my own values. I feel that these candidates genuinely care about ALL of Kalamazoo, and not just specific populations. Where possible I will include their website or link to their Facebook page.
1) Barbara Hamilton Miller. She is a genuine, honest, good person who has the interests of the City at heart.
www.barbmiller.com
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/profile.php?id=527765542&ref=ts
2) Bobby Hopewell. He's shown some real leadership in trying to build consensus in our community.
www.bobbyhopewell.com
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Hope-4-Kalamazoo-Re-elect-Bobby-Hopewell-Mayor-of-Kalamazoo/127586942643?ref=ts
3) Mike Kilbourne. Mike's a new face in the local political scene. However, after talking to him at length recently, I believe he has the necessary fresh perspective we need. He doesn't have much online presence, but let me assure you - he has made his bones in public service working as a program assistant at Ministry With Community. He knows what it's like to be down, and he knows how to help people lift themselves up.
4) And an anti-vote. Please, no vote for Stephanie Moore. I don't want to spend another moment seeing her self-serving "activities" detract attention from the serious matters at hand for our City.
On the ballot issues:
I am voting an emphatic YES on Ordinance 1856. I have espoused my many reasons for this for the last month, and those who know the kind of person I am will not find this endorsement any kind of a shocker.
www.onekalamazoo.org
I am also supporting the transit question. Yes, everyone's seen an empty bus rolling down their street. Please don't make that tired argument a reason to deny public transit its place for the people who need it desparately.
I can only endorse three candidates for City Commission. Good thing I don't have to choose seven, and can vote for just the ones I like. All three of these candidates have been exceptionally accessible, and their values reflect my own values. I feel that these candidates genuinely care about ALL of Kalamazoo, and not just specific populations. Where possible I will include their website or link to their Facebook page.
1) Barbara Hamilton Miller. She is a genuine, honest, good person who has the interests of the City at heart.
www.barbmiller.com
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/profile.php?id=527765542&ref=ts
2) Bobby Hopewell. He's shown some real leadership in trying to build consensus in our community.
www.bobbyhopewell.com
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Hope-4-Kalamazoo-Re-elect-Bobby-Hopewell-Mayor-of-Kalamazoo/127586942643?ref=ts
3) Mike Kilbourne. Mike's a new face in the local political scene. However, after talking to him at length recently, I believe he has the necessary fresh perspective we need. He doesn't have much online presence, but let me assure you - he has made his bones in public service working as a program assistant at Ministry With Community. He knows what it's like to be down, and he knows how to help people lift themselves up.
4) And an anti-vote. Please, no vote for Stephanie Moore. I don't want to spend another moment seeing her self-serving "activities" detract attention from the serious matters at hand for our City.
On the ballot issues:
I am voting an emphatic YES on Ordinance 1856. I have espoused my many reasons for this for the last month, and those who know the kind of person I am will not find this endorsement any kind of a shocker.
www.onekalamazoo.org
I am also supporting the transit question. Yes, everyone's seen an empty bus rolling down their street. Please don't make that tired argument a reason to deny public transit its place for the people who need it desparately.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Please vote YES on Ordinance 1856 on November 3 in Kalamazoo
I am so very proud to call Eric Marvin a friend of mine. Let me also assure you that I will be voting Yes on Ordinance 1856 on November 3.
Viewpoint: To be biblically literal, a few more ordinances are needed
By Eric Marvin
I commend Lorence Wenke for sponsoring the Bible and Homosexuality forum at the Radisson on Sept. 28. It’s encouraging to see a religious, conservative Republican have the courage to stand up and buck the divisive agenda that is part and parcel of today’s Republican ideology. At a time when there’s a marked paucity of lawmakers of either party to hold in esteem I find it ironic that as a life-long, die-hard Democrat one of the few politicians I have respect for is a conservative Republican.
At that forum, Rev. John Byl of Immanuel Fellowship Church, and Rev. Dr. Paul Naumann of St. Michael Lutheran Church, proclaimed that when it comes to interpreting the Bible, “the literal words are relevant and timeless.” So, there’s no room for putting biblical teachings into the context of the times and circumstances in which they were written.
One can assume that in this instance they were referring to Leviticus 18:22-23 and Leviticus 20:13, which every God-fearing Christian opposed to equal rights for gays and lesbians offers up as justification for the basis of their discrimination.
If they’re correct, I have a question for the good reverends. When are they going to advocate for an ordinance to legalize Kalamazoo businesses to establish a slave trade in not only their own daughters, if they have them, but also the daughters of others who believe in a literal translation of the Bible. Sounds like an appalling concept to me, but hey, Exodus 21:7 says it’s OK for a father to sell his unmarried daughters into servitude, so if we’re literally interpreting the Bible, who are we to question it? I’m sure Mary Balkema will do what she can to get the ball rolling to extend the concept to the county level. Heck, if we tax the sale of each young woman we can even increase the county’s revenue stream, madame treasurer!
Next, I’d like them to consider a petition to push an ordinance that would establish a special police force to round up people who have the willful temerity to defy the Bible and plant beets next to their broccoli, corn next to their carrots, and beans next to their cucumbers. Let’s round them up and have a good old-fashioned Biblical public stoning down in Bronson Park, because Leviticus 19:9 clearly states that planting two different crops next to one another is a serious affront to God. I have an idea — let’s start with Rev. Byl’s and Rev. Naumann’s gardens. Thankfully I only planted a few tomato plants this year so I guess I’m safe. However, I suggest everyone else grab their shovels and hoes and plow their gardens under before it’s too late.
Obviously both those examples are wildly unrealistic proposals which no intelligent, clear-thinking individual would ever support. Isn’t it curious, though, that those and many other biblical prescriptions that would be unacceptable in today’s society are overlooked by certain people who trumpet literal translation of the Bible in a attempt to absolve them of their advocacy for discrimination against the gay and lesbian community.
I don’t think I’m ever going to change the minds of Rev. Byl, Rev. Naumann, or others of their ilk. And they’re certainly not going to change mine. But one thing we have in common is faith.
My faith is that the people of Kalamazoo are intelligent, well-reasoned human beings who will vote in favor of banning discrimination in our community. Their faith is centered on the hope that Kalamazoo voters will subscribe to their misinformation to justify something Christ never would: discrimination.
I believe I have more faith in my community’s sense of fairness and equality than those opposing the non-discrimination proposal have in their own ignorance or the ignorance of others. I believe mine is the stronger faith.
Eric Marvin
Viewpoint: To be biblically literal, a few more ordinances are needed
By Eric Marvin
I commend Lorence Wenke for sponsoring the Bible and Homosexuality forum at the Radisson on Sept. 28. It’s encouraging to see a religious, conservative Republican have the courage to stand up and buck the divisive agenda that is part and parcel of today’s Republican ideology. At a time when there’s a marked paucity of lawmakers of either party to hold in esteem I find it ironic that as a life-long, die-hard Democrat one of the few politicians I have respect for is a conservative Republican.
At that forum, Rev. John Byl of Immanuel Fellowship Church, and Rev. Dr. Paul Naumann of St. Michael Lutheran Church, proclaimed that when it comes to interpreting the Bible, “the literal words are relevant and timeless.” So, there’s no room for putting biblical teachings into the context of the times and circumstances in which they were written.
One can assume that in this instance they were referring to Leviticus 18:22-23 and Leviticus 20:13, which every God-fearing Christian opposed to equal rights for gays and lesbians offers up as justification for the basis of their discrimination.
If they’re correct, I have a question for the good reverends. When are they going to advocate for an ordinance to legalize Kalamazoo businesses to establish a slave trade in not only their own daughters, if they have them, but also the daughters of others who believe in a literal translation of the Bible. Sounds like an appalling concept to me, but hey, Exodus 21:7 says it’s OK for a father to sell his unmarried daughters into servitude, so if we’re literally interpreting the Bible, who are we to question it? I’m sure Mary Balkema will do what she can to get the ball rolling to extend the concept to the county level. Heck, if we tax the sale of each young woman we can even increase the county’s revenue stream, madame treasurer!
Next, I’d like them to consider a petition to push an ordinance that would establish a special police force to round up people who have the willful temerity to defy the Bible and plant beets next to their broccoli, corn next to their carrots, and beans next to their cucumbers. Let’s round them up and have a good old-fashioned Biblical public stoning down in Bronson Park, because Leviticus 19:9 clearly states that planting two different crops next to one another is a serious affront to God. I have an idea — let’s start with Rev. Byl’s and Rev. Naumann’s gardens. Thankfully I only planted a few tomato plants this year so I guess I’m safe. However, I suggest everyone else grab their shovels and hoes and plow their gardens under before it’s too late.
Obviously both those examples are wildly unrealistic proposals which no intelligent, clear-thinking individual would ever support. Isn’t it curious, though, that those and many other biblical prescriptions that would be unacceptable in today’s society are overlooked by certain people who trumpet literal translation of the Bible in a attempt to absolve them of their advocacy for discrimination against the gay and lesbian community.
I don’t think I’m ever going to change the minds of Rev. Byl, Rev. Naumann, or others of their ilk. And they’re certainly not going to change mine. But one thing we have in common is faith.
My faith is that the people of Kalamazoo are intelligent, well-reasoned human beings who will vote in favor of banning discrimination in our community. Their faith is centered on the hope that Kalamazoo voters will subscribe to their misinformation to justify something Christ never would: discrimination.
I believe I have more faith in my community’s sense of fairness and equality than those opposing the non-discrimination proposal have in their own ignorance or the ignorance of others. I believe mine is the stronger faith.
Eric Marvin
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Martell's Tavern in Kalamazoo - the real deal!
Carla and I had a late dinner at Martell's Tavern last night. This is the former Black Swan in Parkview Hills, reconfigured to a less formal restaurant. We showed up in jeans, and there wasn't an eyelash batted, they are definitely much less formal.
The menu is excellent. Carla and I had burgers and fries. The burger was lean with blue cheese and bacon on a fresh, delicious kaiser roll. The fries were crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, as fries should be. They have several, and I mean, SEVERAL beers on tap, and an impressive wine list. My bill, including the burger and fries, an Oberon, an iced tea and the tip, came to less than $20. The entree was $8.95.
You can go high end on the entrees and the steaks, or you can have any of their inventive sandwiches, or clever appetizers, and stay reasonable. They also have a nice antipasti appetizer option where you can ala carte your meats, veggies, and cheeses. The list of options changes daily.
The ambiance was awesome, and our server Kristy was a pleasure. But get this. They have a ton of delightful options for those of us with fewer pennies. On Sunday night, you can come in from 4 pm on and get lasagna, salad, and garlic bread for $8.95. Yes, a delicious Sunday night meal for $9.
And if you hang on to your reciept, you can come back on Millenium Mondays for 40% off any meal. That's when you want to try the higher end entrees, friends.
Also, the first Saturday of each month is Ladies of the Vine, where wine-drinking chicas (and wanna-be winos) gather to try different wines and learn about what goes with what. I'm definitely in for next month. You'll note I tagged in this note two of my favorite winos. :)
I think Martell's could become a new AE hangout. It's the real deal of good food, great service, a lovely dining experience without having to wear nylons or bring a co-signer. :) Check out the Martell's website - yes, they need to update the name, lol, but you can see the menu and read more about it.
http://www.millenniumrestaurants.com/blackswan.php
The menu is excellent. Carla and I had burgers and fries. The burger was lean with blue cheese and bacon on a fresh, delicious kaiser roll. The fries were crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, as fries should be. They have several, and I mean, SEVERAL beers on tap, and an impressive wine list. My bill, including the burger and fries, an Oberon, an iced tea and the tip, came to less than $20. The entree was $8.95.
You can go high end on the entrees and the steaks, or you can have any of their inventive sandwiches, or clever appetizers, and stay reasonable. They also have a nice antipasti appetizer option where you can ala carte your meats, veggies, and cheeses. The list of options changes daily.
The ambiance was awesome, and our server Kristy was a pleasure. But get this. They have a ton of delightful options for those of us with fewer pennies. On Sunday night, you can come in from 4 pm on and get lasagna, salad, and garlic bread for $8.95. Yes, a delicious Sunday night meal for $9.
And if you hang on to your reciept, you can come back on Millenium Mondays for 40% off any meal. That's when you want to try the higher end entrees, friends.
Also, the first Saturday of each month is Ladies of the Vine, where wine-drinking chicas (and wanna-be winos) gather to try different wines and learn about what goes with what. I'm definitely in for next month. You'll note I tagged in this note two of my favorite winos. :)
I think Martell's could become a new AE hangout. It's the real deal of good food, great service, a lovely dining experience without having to wear nylons or bring a co-signer. :) Check out the Martell's website - yes, they need to update the name, lol, but you can see the menu and read more about it.
http://www.millenniumrestaurants.com/blackswan.php
A review of a downtown Kalamazoo Friday night.
Man oh man. For those who think downtown Kalamazoo is lame, here's your rebuttal.
For those of you who say there's no parking there, we parked in the Epic Center ramp, less than a block from the action, for $2 for the evening. We were parked there from 6 till about 10 pm. It was a flat rate of $2.
For those of you who think it's unsafe, let me tell you about the private security company that DKI hires for all of the Arcadia Festival Place events. They were unobtrusively working the crowd on the Burdick Mall last night. There were also Sherriff deputies on horses, delighting the kids and keeping things mellow. Not that either were needed because....
Forr those of you who think it's a ghost town downtown, let me tell you again how wrong you are. There were hundreds of people in and out of the Art Hop stops. Nearly every one of the singular downtown businesses were open late, full of people, and most had Art Hop stops in their businesses, supporting local talent.
Terrapin hosted my favorite Irish folk band Embarr live in the store. V&A Bootery had a wonderful jazz trio out front, maybe Steve can comment on their name. A saxophone player was playing for tips in front of Burnham and Flower. A pretentious salon downtown I won't name had a professional DJ that was pretty good.
South Street Cigar was open late, giving me a great opportunity to shop and visit with Dan Woltersom and Neil Himelhoch. You should stop in there - there's always knowledgeable and friendly guys who can tell you all you need to know about beer and wine and liquor and cigars.
Mall Plaza's fun and funky shops were PACKED with people. It was hard to get through the door! Sticks and Stones had the biggest crowd I could see. There were street performers as well, and many of the restaurants were having specials.
Cityscape Events Center, on the second floor above the Union restaurant, was holding A Wedding Affair from 5-9. Sisters Luci and Ashley, and step-mom Nancy enjoyed shopping for all things bridal, meeting vendors, and tasting cake and other delicious foods. Let's hope Cityscape is host to more events like this in the evenings. What a fabulous idea.
We strolled down to the Park Trades Center, located on Kalamazoo Avenue at Church Street, five floors of artists and tradespeople showing their wares from painting to pottery to photograpy to papermaking. West Michigan Glass is located in Park Trades as well. Just think of all that talent in one five floor space. It was also packed with folks, and most places had food and wine for the taking. Free, folks. All of this is free.
On the walk back downtown, we stopped on Michigan Avenue. Mavcon has recently renovated a building from 1969, and to celebrate its reopening, they had the 1969 vibe going on, complete with Elvis (1969 Elvis) impersonator on the roof of the building, spotlighted, singing. the building has a glass front, so there were colored spotlights on go-go dancers inside. A magnificent fireworks show punctuated his performance, and Michigan Avenue was closed so hundreds of people could gather to watch and cheer. After Elvis sang, a group tricked out like the Beatles in Sgt Pepper gear did a set. It was an excellent vibe and a very interesting thing to happen upon as we walked back downtown.
Meeting up with Jillian & Peter at Oggi was fun - we had a thousand laughs until Oggi cut the lights and put us out at 9 pm. Lots of delightful things in that shop - if you're looking for Kalamazoo branded gear, this is your place. Jillian & Peter went on to Food Dance for dinner, and then on to the fabulous SmartShop for metal artist Jon Reeves' exhibit of 3D metal fish. Carla and I went on to the new Martell's and then home, as I was tired and a little worn out.
As usual, I saw a ton of people I hadn't seen in a while, saw some wonderful art, enjoyed the camaraderie of a happy crowd, and celebrated how cool it is to be downtown in Kalamazoo, a cool city. If you haven't been in a while, maybe you should. :)
For those of you who say there's no parking there, we parked in the Epic Center ramp, less than a block from the action, for $2 for the evening. We were parked there from 6 till about 10 pm. It was a flat rate of $2.
For those of you who think it's unsafe, let me tell you about the private security company that DKI hires for all of the Arcadia Festival Place events. They were unobtrusively working the crowd on the Burdick Mall last night. There were also Sherriff deputies on horses, delighting the kids and keeping things mellow. Not that either were needed because....
Forr those of you who think it's a ghost town downtown, let me tell you again how wrong you are. There were hundreds of people in and out of the Art Hop stops. Nearly every one of the singular downtown businesses were open late, full of people, and most had Art Hop stops in their businesses, supporting local talent.
Terrapin hosted my favorite Irish folk band Embarr live in the store. V&A Bootery had a wonderful jazz trio out front, maybe Steve can comment on their name. A saxophone player was playing for tips in front of Burnham and Flower. A pretentious salon downtown I won't name had a professional DJ that was pretty good.
South Street Cigar was open late, giving me a great opportunity to shop and visit with Dan Woltersom and Neil Himelhoch. You should stop in there - there's always knowledgeable and friendly guys who can tell you all you need to know about beer and wine and liquor and cigars.
Mall Plaza's fun and funky shops were PACKED with people. It was hard to get through the door! Sticks and Stones had the biggest crowd I could see. There were street performers as well, and many of the restaurants were having specials.
Cityscape Events Center, on the second floor above the Union restaurant, was holding A Wedding Affair from 5-9. Sisters Luci and Ashley, and step-mom Nancy enjoyed shopping for all things bridal, meeting vendors, and tasting cake and other delicious foods. Let's hope Cityscape is host to more events like this in the evenings. What a fabulous idea.
We strolled down to the Park Trades Center, located on Kalamazoo Avenue at Church Street, five floors of artists and tradespeople showing their wares from painting to pottery to photograpy to papermaking. West Michigan Glass is located in Park Trades as well. Just think of all that talent in one five floor space. It was also packed with folks, and most places had food and wine for the taking. Free, folks. All of this is free.
On the walk back downtown, we stopped on Michigan Avenue. Mavcon has recently renovated a building from 1969, and to celebrate its reopening, they had the 1969 vibe going on, complete with Elvis (1969 Elvis) impersonator on the roof of the building, spotlighted, singing. the building has a glass front, so there were colored spotlights on go-go dancers inside. A magnificent fireworks show punctuated his performance, and Michigan Avenue was closed so hundreds of people could gather to watch and cheer. After Elvis sang, a group tricked out like the Beatles in Sgt Pepper gear did a set. It was an excellent vibe and a very interesting thing to happen upon as we walked back downtown.
Meeting up with Jillian & Peter at Oggi was fun - we had a thousand laughs until Oggi cut the lights and put us out at 9 pm. Lots of delightful things in that shop - if you're looking for Kalamazoo branded gear, this is your place. Jillian & Peter went on to Food Dance for dinner, and then on to the fabulous SmartShop for metal artist Jon Reeves' exhibit of 3D metal fish. Carla and I went on to the new Martell's and then home, as I was tired and a little worn out.
As usual, I saw a ton of people I hadn't seen in a while, saw some wonderful art, enjoyed the camaraderie of a happy crowd, and celebrated how cool it is to be downtown in Kalamazoo, a cool city. If you haven't been in a while, maybe you should. :)
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Garden update! September arrives!
Wednesday night, September 2, 8:30. After an enjoyable meal at my sister's with family, I'm home and struck by an urge to be pioneer woman. Tonight yet I will dice up the last of the summer zucchini for the freezer! I'll also get some tomato sauce for the freezer in the crockpot to cook all night. I'm still hauling tomatoes out of the garden, and my dad is also bringing me killer big ones too.
As soon as I got home, I pulled up the rest of the zuchinni that is done bearing and planted parsnips in that space. When I return from Vegas I'm pulling up the remaining cucumbers and planting turnips in that space. A large crop of garlic is going in where the first crop of peppers is about to come out.
My second crop of peas is up, so the pea fence came back out of the garage and stands ready to support their grasping little tendrils. The second crop of spinach and salad greens have sprouted, and the second sowing of cilantro is showing green. I pinched back my basil, and it's still happy and producing - that may take me over the winter, if I bring it in!
Okra has produced one (1) pod. I'm not sure that will be worth it next year. I planted far too many bell peppers, and not enough jalapenos. I don't eat as many cherry tomatoes as I've planted. I'll be sticking strictly to a dozen Roma tomatoes next year. I'll do one watermelon plant for Amanda Watson, but the canteloupe this year has been a pain in the @ss, and I'm not sure I'm going to get more than three decent melons off the vines.
I'm enjoying being my own food producer. Next year I'll have a heck of a lot better plan in place, you can bet on that.
As soon as I got home, I pulled up the rest of the zuchinni that is done bearing and planted parsnips in that space. When I return from Vegas I'm pulling up the remaining cucumbers and planting turnips in that space. A large crop of garlic is going in where the first crop of peppers is about to come out.
My second crop of peas is up, so the pea fence came back out of the garage and stands ready to support their grasping little tendrils. The second crop of spinach and salad greens have sprouted, and the second sowing of cilantro is showing green. I pinched back my basil, and it's still happy and producing - that may take me over the winter, if I bring it in!
Okra has produced one (1) pod. I'm not sure that will be worth it next year. I planted far too many bell peppers, and not enough jalapenos. I don't eat as many cherry tomatoes as I've planted. I'll be sticking strictly to a dozen Roma tomatoes next year. I'll do one watermelon plant for Amanda Watson, but the canteloupe this year has been a pain in the @ss, and I'm not sure I'm going to get more than three decent melons off the vines.
I'm enjoying being my own food producer. Next year I'll have a heck of a lot better plan in place, you can bet on that.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Round Two in the Garden!
I recently planted a second crop of spinach, lettuce, and sugar peas - all are already sprouted! The canteloupes are taking their own sweet time, and the peppers are still happy. I'm about to tear up the zucchini for parsnips, turnips, kale, and garlic. Mmm, have I highly enjoyed eating from my own garden this year!!
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