Make sure to vote for your favorite Bay Area finds at San Francisco Bay Guardian's Best of the Bay Reader's Poll. Personally, I know I will be voting for long stretches of sun and warmth as my favorite new weather phenomenon.
Now get to it!
6.24.2008
6.23.2008
No-Kill Shelters
Supporting the Milo Foundation, and other organizations just like it, is even more important with the controversial change in policy at the SFSPCA that seems to be allowing more and more euthanasia for weaker reasons.
Milo Foundation Closing Without Your Help
An email I received from the founder of Milo Foundation:
Summer, 2008
Dear Milo Friends, Adopters, and Fellow Animal Lovers:
It is with a heavy heart that I have to let everyone know that Milo must severely cut our rescue operations and we will not be able to continue our work here in the Bay Area. Sadly, to have a no-kill organization and a sanctuary in California is proving to be too costly.
While the red tape in Marin County and San Rafael has been nothing like our experience on Solano Avenue in Berkeley, it has been, nevertheless, a time consuming, costly and draining experience. We finally received our permit to function and be open to the public with animals for adoption, and with the hanging of a new exit sign, we would meet with the fire marshal’s last requirement and finally concentrate on our mission of rescuing and finding good homes for animals in need. However, we are out of funds.
Sadly, as we hang a new lighted exit sign, it is ironic that the EXIT sign illuminates our departure from Milo Marin – before we could even have a sign out front saying THE MILO FOUNDATION. Milo simply can't afford to maintain an indoor adoption center and rescue facility here in the Bay Area.
We had a successful Montclair Pet Fair yesterday placing 16 animals, and we look forward to the Bay Area Pet Fair at the Marin Civic Center in September – a terrific event and possibly one of Milo’s last . . .
At its June meeting, the Milo board voted 2 to 3 that we must close down Bay Area operations to insure that the heart of Milo, our Sanctuary in Mendocino County, can continue to thrive. At this time, we don’t have the resources to have two locations.
Tragically, this means the end of rescuing and placing more than a thousand animals every year. Not having an indoor permanent space to show animals really means the end of rescuing adult cats and many dogs. We have installed our show cages in the front room in Marin, and we have many momma cats in foster care with their litters of kittens . . . how we will find them homes is just one of the current concerns. Think about it - to be in one of the country’s most affluent and animal friendly counties made so much sense and to now have to close down is more than heartbreaking!
Although we operate Milo on a bare bones budget, the escalating costs of insurance, vet bills, workers comp, coupled with the past years decline in adoption fees and donations while we waited for permits in Marin and concentrated critical staff time on developing protocols and systems, this very painful decision was made – before we could even get our doors open!
In hearing this news, a few friends of Milo who have been waiting eagerly for us to OPEN in Marin have offered to help. One generous donor wants to pay the rent for two months, another is donating a restored, classic vehicle for Milo which will fetch a handsome price . . . Our landlord renegotiated and lowered the rent in an effort to help. A couple of Milo volunteers have offered to help maintain activities there and care for the animals, help with adoptions, and answer phones . . . we could maintain it on a fairly low budget for awhile, but in order to even contemplate keeping our facility in Marin, Milo needs further monthly support in the form of $25, $50, $75 and $100 monthly sponsorships, or annual memberships.
https://www.milofoundation.org/frm_donate.cfm?member=1
HERE’S THE BOTTOM LINE: TO AFFORD TO OPERATE IN THE BAY AREA, MILO NEEDS TO RAISE AN ADDITIONAL $100,000 BEFORE THE END OF THE SUMMER, AND THE BOARD CAN ONLY RECONSIDER THIS DRAMATIC DECISION IF THERE ARE SERIOUS AND SIGNIFICANT COMMITMENTS BEFORE THE END OF JUNE.
MILO HAS RESCUED MORE THAN 16,000 ANIMALS IN OUR 14 YEAR HISTORY. We have impacted more than 100,000 individuals and families with our services. If you have adopted, or have been helped with an animal, please consider a significant donation today and/or a membership, so that we might continue to help other four-legged furry friends in need! http://www.milofoundation.org/donate.cfm .
You can designate your donation for a specific use -- to directly help save lives in danger at California’s high-kill shelters, to fund emergency medical care, or to help maintain the lives of the animals at our sanctuary.
I will continue to lead Milo’s rescue and adoption services, but the future for Milo’s rescue and adoptions is unknown at this point - we will only be able to rescue a trickle of animals from Lake and Mendocino Counties at the Milo Sanctuary. We will continue to utilize our volunteers and have animals in foster care in the Bay Area, but honestly, depending solely on mobile adoptions for placement is nearly impossible to maintain year round. I welcome the chance to discuss this situation by phone, email and/or in person.
On a positive note, I am pleased to announce that Davide Ulivieri, who has worked at our Sanctuary for the last 5 years, will step into a CEO role for the Milo Sanctuary. Under Davide's leadership the Sanctuary is in good hands.
Since founding Milo in 1994 so much has changed in the rescue community – there have been some positive changes. This year promised to be one of HOPE, however it is now very uncertain. I am extremely proud of the remarkable success of Milo and I know now that for this to continue it needs many more people who can step up to the plate and make a significant contribution. The critical need for these critters has not gone away. There is nothing else I want to be doing, but as with any business, we’ve got to mind the bottom line. Milo and the thousands of animals who we can rescue need your help today!
Please, dig deep, and give what you can, and also forward this email to those you know who may be in a position to help. As always, thanks so much for caring.
Sincerely,
Lynne
Lynne Tingle
Founder
www.milofoundation.org
lat@milofoundation.org
The Milo Foundation
PO Box 6625
Albany CA 94706
Summer, 2008
Dear Milo Friends, Adopters, and Fellow Animal Lovers:
It is with a heavy heart that I have to let everyone know that Milo must severely cut our rescue operations and we will not be able to continue our work here in the Bay Area. Sadly, to have a no-kill organization and a sanctuary in California is proving to be too costly.
While the red tape in Marin County and San Rafael has been nothing like our experience on Solano Avenue in Berkeley, it has been, nevertheless, a time consuming, costly and draining experience. We finally received our permit to function and be open to the public with animals for adoption, and with the hanging of a new exit sign, we would meet with the fire marshal’s last requirement and finally concentrate on our mission of rescuing and finding good homes for animals in need. However, we are out of funds.
Sadly, as we hang a new lighted exit sign, it is ironic that the EXIT sign illuminates our departure from Milo Marin – before we could even have a sign out front saying THE MILO FOUNDATION. Milo simply can't afford to maintain an indoor adoption center and rescue facility here in the Bay Area.
We had a successful Montclair Pet Fair yesterday placing 16 animals, and we look forward to the Bay Area Pet Fair at the Marin Civic Center in September – a terrific event and possibly one of Milo’s last . . .
At its June meeting, the Milo board voted 2 to 3 that we must close down Bay Area operations to insure that the heart of Milo, our Sanctuary in Mendocino County, can continue to thrive. At this time, we don’t have the resources to have two locations.
Tragically, this means the end of rescuing and placing more than a thousand animals every year. Not having an indoor permanent space to show animals really means the end of rescuing adult cats and many dogs. We have installed our show cages in the front room in Marin, and we have many momma cats in foster care with their litters of kittens . . . how we will find them homes is just one of the current concerns. Think about it - to be in one of the country’s most affluent and animal friendly counties made so much sense and to now have to close down is more than heartbreaking!
Although we operate Milo on a bare bones budget, the escalating costs of insurance, vet bills, workers comp, coupled with the past years decline in adoption fees and donations while we waited for permits in Marin and concentrated critical staff time on developing protocols and systems, this very painful decision was made – before we could even get our doors open!
In hearing this news, a few friends of Milo who have been waiting eagerly for us to OPEN in Marin have offered to help. One generous donor wants to pay the rent for two months, another is donating a restored, classic vehicle for Milo which will fetch a handsome price . . . Our landlord renegotiated and lowered the rent in an effort to help. A couple of Milo volunteers have offered to help maintain activities there and care for the animals, help with adoptions, and answer phones . . . we could maintain it on a fairly low budget for awhile, but in order to even contemplate keeping our facility in Marin, Milo needs further monthly support in the form of $25, $50, $75 and $100 monthly sponsorships, or annual memberships.
https://www.milofoundation.org
HERE’S THE BOTTOM LINE: TO AFFORD TO OPERATE IN THE BAY AREA, MILO NEEDS TO RAISE AN ADDITIONAL $100,000 BEFORE THE END OF THE SUMMER, AND THE BOARD CAN ONLY RECONSIDER THIS DRAMATIC DECISION IF THERE ARE SERIOUS AND SIGNIFICANT COMMITMENTS BEFORE THE END OF JUNE.
MILO HAS RESCUED MORE THAN 16,000 ANIMALS IN OUR 14 YEAR HISTORY. We have impacted more than 100,000 individuals and families with our services. If you have adopted, or have been helped with an animal, please consider a significant donation today and/or a membership, so that we might continue to help other four-legged furry friends in need! http://www.milofoundation.org
You can designate your donation for a specific use -- to directly help save lives in danger at California’s high-kill shelters, to fund emergency medical care, or to help maintain the lives of the animals at our sanctuary.
I will continue to lead Milo’s rescue and adoption services, but the future for Milo’s rescue and adoptions is unknown at this point - we will only be able to rescue a trickle of animals from Lake and Mendocino Counties at the Milo Sanctuary. We will continue to utilize our volunteers and have animals in foster care in the Bay Area, but honestly, depending solely on mobile adoptions for placement is nearly impossible to maintain year round. I welcome the chance to discuss this situation by phone, email and/or in person.
On a positive note, I am pleased to announce that Davide Ulivieri, who has worked at our Sanctuary for the last 5 years, will step into a CEO role for the Milo Sanctuary. Under Davide's leadership the Sanctuary is in good hands.
Since founding Milo in 1994 so much has changed in the rescue community – there have been some positive changes. This year promised to be one of HOPE, however it is now very uncertain. I am extremely proud of the remarkable success of Milo and I know now that for this to continue it needs many more people who can step up to the plate and make a significant contribution. The critical need for these critters has not gone away. There is nothing else I want to be doing, but as with any business, we’ve got to mind the bottom line. Milo and the thousands of animals who we can rescue need your help today!
Please, dig deep, and give what you can, and also forward this email to those you know who may be in a position to help. As always, thanks so much for caring.
Sincerely,
Lynne
Lynne Tingle
Founder
www.milofoundation.org
lat@milofoundation.org
The Milo Foundation
PO Box 6625
Albany CA 94706
6.10.2008
Craft Projects for the Kiddos
or, at least the kiddo that's still within.
I love Mental Floss. So much so that I try to avoid posting everything wonderful I find there. This, however, is a new step into imaginative uses of one's time.
My dad is a deer hunter. I grew up with deer heads and antlers on the walls, and various pieces of animals being used for all kinds of things (moose poo key chain, anyone?). Still, deer butt creations are new to me.
Check out Don Burleson's article on how to make your very own deer butt alien.
I feel so unaccomplished.
I love Mental Floss. So much so that I try to avoid posting everything wonderful I find there. This, however, is a new step into imaginative uses of one's time.
My dad is a deer hunter. I grew up with deer heads and antlers on the walls, and various pieces of animals being used for all kinds of things (moose poo key chain, anyone?). Still, deer butt creations are new to me.
Check out Don Burleson's article on how to make your very own deer butt alien.
I feel so unaccomplished.
6.09.2008
Neeeeiiggghhh!
Not to beat a dead horse, but the dead horses are in the news AGAIN. Doesn't this tell us something?
After this weekend's race, and all the controversy around Big Brown running with a quarter crack, the issue of endangering race horses is everywhere!
I admit, embarrassingly, that I watch Animal Cops: Houston. Anybody who has every seen that show knows that a horse with anything resembling this kind of hoof would be taken into custody and the team would talk about how cruel and terrible the owner was before taking him to court. But in racing, it's okay?
The press is reporting more and more now on the implications of breeding these horses to be the best, and the drugs used to help them along.
For a timeline depicting major horse catastrophes, check out NPR's slideshow.
I hate to go all PETA-y, but I just can't let this one go.
After this weekend's race, and all the controversy around Big Brown running with a quarter crack, the issue of endangering race horses is everywhere!
I admit, embarrassingly, that I watch Animal Cops: Houston. Anybody who has every seen that show knows that a horse with anything resembling this kind of hoof would be taken into custody and the team would talk about how cruel and terrible the owner was before taking him to court. But in racing, it's okay?
The press is reporting more and more now on the implications of breeding these horses to be the best, and the drugs used to help them along.
For a timeline depicting major horse catastrophes, check out NPR's slideshow.
I hate to go all PETA-y, but I just can't let this one go.
5.06.2008
Horse Racing Injuries Making the News
The San Francisco Chronicle ran an article today about renewed interest in the lack of safety in horse racing. What was most interesting to me about this article is that nobody seems to be saying "don't race" as an absolute must, they just seem to be proposing stipulations. (Actually, rather smartly, I think, PETA is saying don't race, but is recognizing that's not going to happen and proposing reasonable reforms instead.) I guess making it safer to race might make me feel better about it, but it would really have to change the death and injury count quite a bit. These are PETA's proposed changes:
I guess even the PETA understands that most people like to indulge in $1 beers, $1 hot dogs, and cheezy cover bands once in awhile.Newkirk, in a letter to the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority (KHRA), urged regulations that were described as a "bare minimum for horse safety."
•Thoroughbreds under the age of 3 should not be permitted to race.
•Synthetic surfaces or turf — which result in fewer injuries — should be mandated at all race courses.
•Whipping should be banned.
5.03.2008
Kentucky Derby Day
Pete and I walked down Polk tonight and found ourselves in the midst of a giant Kentucky Derby party with lots of women in dresses and big hats. I felt a little sad knowing that my newly discovered feelings about racing wouldn't let me participate. Then they wouldn't move out of the way and I had to barrel through their drunk asses.
But then we got home and Pete opened the Drudge Report. I don't feel bad about missing those parties anymore. Another horse down. RIP Eight Belles.
But then we got home and Pete opened the Drudge Report. I don't feel bad about missing those parties anymore. Another horse down. RIP Eight Belles.
4.26.2008
Echo Cat
Last night we went to Bay Meadows for what may be one of the final Fridays Alive if the racetrack is demolished for future developments.
We enjoyed it, as always, but we decided to leave before the races were finished so we could get back to the city and home by midnight or so.
The last race we watched, I bet on Echo Cat, and was disheartened when the horse didn't even cross the finish line. Then we noticed, however, that she had gone down around the last curve. My heart broke a little because I was afraid she may have broken a leg, but then we tensely joked about her being shot thinking that there's no way it was that serious. We talked about horse euthanasia, and that transitioned into a conversation about Animal Cops, which kept everything light-hearted.
Thinking I wouldn't find anything, I googled Echo Cat today. I'm devastated to report that she was, in fact, euthanized last night. All because she was performing for our pleasure. Poor Echo Cat.
I'm really torn about whether it's okay to watch horse races now. It seems that horses are injured and thus euthanized every race. There are many organizations devoted to documenting the deaths in the UK, but the industry itself seems to hide this information. In the US, the only information I can find is from a blogger devoted to checking up on all the horses that went down on the track. She keeps a historical list at http://scrollsequus.blogspot.com/.
how friggin' depressing.
We enjoyed it, as always, but we decided to leave before the races were finished so we could get back to the city and home by midnight or so.
The last race we watched, I bet on Echo Cat, and was disheartened when the horse didn't even cross the finish line. Then we noticed, however, that she had gone down around the last curve. My heart broke a little because I was afraid she may have broken a leg, but then we tensely joked about her being shot thinking that there's no way it was that serious. We talked about horse euthanasia, and that transitioned into a conversation about Animal Cops, which kept everything light-hearted.
Thinking I wouldn't find anything, I googled Echo Cat today. I'm devastated to report that she was, in fact, euthanized last night. All because she was performing for our pleasure. Poor Echo Cat.
I'm really torn about whether it's okay to watch horse races now. It seems that horses are injured and thus euthanized every race. There are many organizations devoted to documenting the deaths in the UK, but the industry itself seems to hide this information. In the US, the only information I can find is from a blogger devoted to checking up on all the horses that went down on the track. She keeps a historical list at http://scrollsequus.blogspot.com/.
how friggin' depressing.
4.22.2008
Equal Pay Day
Yes, yes, I know I've been lax on posting. I swear there are a million posts in my head...they just haven't made it onto the page.
ANYWAY, this is worthwhile and NEEDS to be posted.
Today is Equal Pay Day.
What that means is that if you started recording paychecks for men and women on January 1, 2007, today is the day on which the women would have caught up to what the men made by December 31, 2007. So for 2007 salaries, to make what men made in one year, women had to work 1 year, 4 months, and 22 days.
NOT OKAY!!!
The Business and Professional Women's Foundation adds:
Also check out the National Women's Law Center for policy change updates.
Some GREAT Facebook Videos:
Equal Pay Day 2008
Equal Pay Day
ANYWAY, this is worthwhile and NEEDS to be posted.
Today is Equal Pay Day.
What that means is that if you started recording paychecks for men and women on January 1, 2007, today is the day on which the women would have caught up to what the men made by December 31, 2007. So for 2007 salaries, to make what men made in one year, women had to work 1 year, 4 months, and 22 days.
NOT OKAY!!!
The Business and Professional Women's Foundation adds:
Equal Pay Day is held annually in April to signify the point into a year that a woman must work to earn what a man made the previous year. According to the 2006 Census Bureau, women on average earn 77 cents for every dollar paid to their male counterparts. For women of color, the wage gap worsens: African American women make 66 cents, Latinas make 55 cents and Asian American women make 80 cents.
Also check out the National Women's Law Center for policy change updates.
Some GREAT Facebook Videos:
Equal Pay Day 2008
Equal Pay Day
3.02.2008
Made Up Words
Pete was talking to an airline representative on the phone today. In giving his confirmation number, he started doing the a for apple thing. All of a sudden, I heard this:
"D as in Dog, F as in Frank, Z as in Zed"
I'm sure the representative wondered why their was a crazy person laughing in the background.
Addendum:
I googled "zed" and found that, according to Wikipedia at least, it is a real word that is actually the name of the letter zee, as it is called in non US English speaking countries.
"D as in Dog, F as in Frank, Z as in Zed"
I'm sure the representative wondered why their was a crazy person laughing in the background.
Addendum:
I googled "zed" and found that, according to Wikipedia at least, it is a real word that is actually the name of the letter zee, as it is called in non US English speaking countries.
2.09.2008
1.28.2008
THANK YOU!
Thank you so much to everyone who donated to the Help Minna campaign. We raised almost $4,000 in cash donations and free samples, and Minna was able to borrow to cover the rest of the costs. Minna is by no means on dry land, but thanks to you, she stayed afloat and can see the shore from where she sits. Medicare kicks in soon, and with a $25/month supplementary plan, she'll be able to get all of her medicines for $15. This brings her costs down from approximately $900 per month to less than $200.
The bigger issue here is that Minna is just one example of millions of people dealing with this issue. As the current candidates talk about what they plan to do with health care in the future, please make sure that you know what you want in a health care system. There are many ways to address the issue, and each one is successful in its own way, with its own drawbacks. The Jan-Feb 2008 issue of Mental Floss has a FABULOUS and IMPARTIAL article on the different systems in play worldwide. Wikipedia details some of these differences in a slightly more complex way. The fact is, that while we might not all be able to agree on what we need, we do need something. It is tragic that someone might not have an equal opportunity to life because of a financial situation.
So please, read up on health care. Figure out what YOU want. And please make sure this issue plays at least a small role in your vote next year.
To get you started:
American Cancer Society: Access To Care
American Medical Student Association: Universal Health Care Initiative
Health Care Reform Now!
The bigger issue here is that Minna is just one example of millions of people dealing with this issue. As the current candidates talk about what they plan to do with health care in the future, please make sure that you know what you want in a health care system. There are many ways to address the issue, and each one is successful in its own way, with its own drawbacks. The Jan-Feb 2008 issue of Mental Floss has a FABULOUS and IMPARTIAL article on the different systems in play worldwide. Wikipedia details some of these differences in a slightly more complex way. The fact is, that while we might not all be able to agree on what we need, we do need something. It is tragic that someone might not have an equal opportunity to life because of a financial situation.
So please, read up on health care. Figure out what YOU want. And please make sure this issue plays at least a small role in your vote next year.
To get you started:
American Cancer Society: Access To Care
American Medical Student Association: Universal Health Care Initiative
Health Care Reform Now!
1.24.2008
When Your Job Makes You Smile
Because we all need reminders as to why we do what we do, I thought I'd post this article by a Bay Area Chef. She went down to South Central LA to work in the public schools teaching kids about healthy choices. Just so happens that the funding for the whole program is one of my grants. Makes me think maybe it's worthwhile. :)
Read about Megan Hanson's experience: 2 Days Cooking in South Central
Read about Megan Hanson's experience: 2 Days Cooking in South Central
12.19.2007
Holiday RE-Gift Charity Party
So we're hosting an event to raise funds for the Help Minna venture. Wednesday, January 16, 2008.
SAVE THE DATE!
Read more at orgEvolve!
SAVE THE DATE!
Read more at orgEvolve!
10.24.2007
Help My Mom!
as of 1/24/08:
$3,860* raised out of $8,000** needed
*includes free samples
**may change based on discount programs
$3,860* raised out of $8,000** needed
*includes free samples
**may change based on discount programs
Who is Minna Matthews?
Minna Lendle was born in Germany during WWII to a German soldier fighting in the war and a mother who hid her Jewish friends in her basement. She married an American soldier when she was 18, had a baby, and moved to the states. After 38 years as a meat wrapper in a local grocery store, she retired and now lives with her cats and a giant German shepherd named Kingsley in Ozark, Missouri.
Breast Cancer
In 2001, at the age of 58, Minna was diagnosed with breast cancer. When a lumpectomy didn't work, Minna had a mastectomy, followed by weeks of radiation and chemotherapy. Her treatment caused many other problems to develop, and by the time Minna passed her 3-year check up she had also been diagnosed with congestive heart failure, major kidney and liver problems, and severely high blood pressure. She is now in full remission, but is constantly battling these other ailments.
The Fallout
Throughout most of her cancer treatment, Minna continued to work in her labor-intensive job. Years of hard work took their toll. Since recovering from cancer, Minna has had one knee replacement, needs another, suffered a herniated disc in her back, and had surgery for shoulder problems. She waited as long as she could to retire, but when she qualified for her pension, she decided to take a rest. The Cobra on her insurance ran out after 18 months, and she won't qualify for Medicare until she's 65. With all of the pre-existing conditions, she's been unable to get individual insurance. She's been coping with the cost of monthly doctor visits, but prescription costs are insane.
Vital Medications - Cost Per Month:
Aromasin - $300 - prevents recurrence of cancer
Blood Pressure/Heart Medication - $300 - lowers blood pressure to prevent heart attacks
Kidney Medication - $105 - maintains kidneys at current level of 40% full function
Insulin - $80 - for diabetes
Vitorin - $80 - lowers cholesterol to prevent heart attacks
Thyroid Medication - $30 - prevents overworked thyroid from causing weight gain and depression
Depression Medication - $250 - helps maintain chemical balance to stabilize moods
The total cost of her medications each month is over $1,145. Minna's doctors were able to offer a couple of months of free samples for several of the medications, so over the course of her eight months uninsured, she needs approximately $8,400.
For an extra kick in the pants, if she hadn't given up her German citizenship to become an American, Minna would get all of this FOR FREE!
If you've got an extra $5 or $10 around that you could contribute, please think of Minna. Every little bit helps. Another donor will match all donations up to $1,000.
If you'd like to donate, but don't want to do it online, please email somebodysmiracle@gmail.com for more information.
THANK YOU!
For information about the prohibitive cost of healthcare, check out the American Cancer Society's Access To Care.
10.12.2007
Rules in a House with Kitties
The Napping Kitty Rule.
This totally goes in our house, too. Honey can you get me a water? Sebastien is all sleepy-sleepy on me.
This totally goes in our house, too. Honey can you get me a water? Sebastien is all sleepy-sleepy on me.
10.11.2007
Call of Duty
As a teenager, I was a HUGE fan of Natalie Portman. She taught me how to handle dirty old men in Beautiful Girls, she was lovably quirky in Garden State, and she helped heat up the screen in Closer. She's such a self-assured young woman, and I've always admired that.
So it's no surprise that she was my introduction into National Service. I remember the big hullabaloo over whether she would serve in the Israeli army, and then later whether she was a draft dodger. Turned out she wasn't required to serve, but it brought the idea of mandatory service of some sort to light for me.
I've often wondered if we shouldn't require our high school graduates to make a choice among military service, higher education, or possibly public service of some sort. Seems the idea is becoming much bigger in this pre-election year. So much so, that Time Magazine featured a special report in its September 10, 2007 issue.
The report discusses the current presidential candidates' stances, other countries' programs, and the need for something in the U.S. As for the next president, McCain supports incentives for National Services, Hillary supports the Public Service Academy model, Edwards wants to require community service in high schools, and Barack wants to do what tons of urban non-profits are already doing - put disadvantage youth to work on the environment, teaching them usable skills for the future while instilling a spirit of service. As mentioned above, Israel requires 3 years of military service for men, 2 for women, but only for the non-orthodox Jews of the country. Germany has a draft of 180,000 men, but half of those opt out for civilian service and foreign development work. South Africa (offering my favorite program) requires new healthcare workers (including docs, nurses, dietitians, psychologists, etc.) to spend a year working in poor areas before they receive certification to practice. The need is clear to many, but the main idea seems to be that citizens who work together to provide services stand together as a united republic.
The author, Richard Stengel, goes on to outline what a service program might look like in the States. The first thing he points out is that a plan in the U.S. would not be mandatory. Americans would throw a hissy fit over not having the "freedom" to not serve (my statement, not Stengel's), and many argue that requirements take away the meaning. Having established the voluntary nature of this potential Universal National Service, Stengel discusses what needs to be included:
1. Baby Bonds - For every baby born in the States, the Federal Government would invest in a $5k bond in that child's name. By around 20 years of age, the bond would be worth $19,000. the could then redeem the bond between the ages of 18-25 after committing to at least one year of national or military service. The bond could then be used only toward an education, a business start-up, or a home.
2. Cabinet-Level Department - No more small, independent agencies. This would need to be a priority of the president, and the department should be big enough to demonstrate that.
3. Expand Existing Programs - AmeriCorps and the Senior Volunteer Corp serve as a bit of a catch all for the small number of people who actually know about them. These should be expanded, and then divided into new branded corps and programs under the cabinet-level department.
4. Education Corps - Half of America's high school drop outs come from just 15% of the schools, mostly in urban areas and across the south. This division would match teachers and tutors with needs in the community.
5. Summer of Service - Between middle school and high school, students would be required to do a summer volunteer program, and be rewarded with a small scholarship to college.
6. Health Corps - Many children qualify for public health insurance, but are not on it. The health corps volunteers would help people navigate healthcare, and the experience might lead more people into nursing or medicine, which would help the current shortage.
7. Green Corps - Volunteers to combat climate change, focusing on the 1.5 million young Americans who are neither employed nor in school.
8. Rapid Response Reserve Corp - Katrina.
9. National Service Academy - This is what Hillary supports. Like a military academy, with tuition being subsidized by the government in exchange for service. But rather than a few years in the military after graduation, students would commit to 5 years of public service (defined in current pending legislation as federal, state, or local government - I'm in favor of non-profit work being included here, too, but that doesn't seem to be in the cards).
10. Baby-Boomer Education Bonds - With the vast number of baby boomers that will be old enough to retire, but would like to keep working, many public service positions could be filled by this population. Each volunteer would be able to designate a scholarship of $1,000 for every 500 hours of community service.
The best part about this proposal is the cost. According to Stengel, who neglects all of the other pieces, the baby bonds alone would cost $20 billion per year. While this sounds high, it's roughly two months of funding for the Iraq war, and around half of what the government currently spends on the federal prison system. In addition, the government would get dividends and would be able to cash in unused bonds. Basically, the proposal means that corporate America would have to fund a big portion of the project. And why shouldn't they?
My only concern with this idea (it mostly sounds great to me), is what happens to the nonprofits out there that are working on this now? It would be great if non-profits weren't needed, but given the government's reputation for never actually offering enough funding for things like this, they probably still would be. But would people still donate? If the government had this program, would donors still turn to NGOs for social services?
Maybe. But I've got to admit it's a scary thought for those of us in the sector.
Michael Kinsley has a pretty interesting argument against any form of universal service. A piece of it:
This will be an interesting one to watch, folks.
So it's no surprise that she was my introduction into National Service. I remember the big hullabaloo over whether she would serve in the Israeli army, and then later whether she was a draft dodger. Turned out she wasn't required to serve, but it brought the idea of mandatory service of some sort to light for me.
I've often wondered if we shouldn't require our high school graduates to make a choice among military service, higher education, or possibly public service of some sort. Seems the idea is becoming much bigger in this pre-election year. So much so, that Time Magazine featured a special report in its September 10, 2007 issue.
The report discusses the current presidential candidates' stances, other countries' programs, and the need for something in the U.S. As for the next president, McCain supports incentives for National Services, Hillary supports the Public Service Academy model, Edwards wants to require community service in high schools, and Barack wants to do what tons of urban non-profits are already doing - put disadvantage youth to work on the environment, teaching them usable skills for the future while instilling a spirit of service. As mentioned above, Israel requires 3 years of military service for men, 2 for women, but only for the non-orthodox Jews of the country. Germany has a draft of 180,000 men, but half of those opt out for civilian service and foreign development work. South Africa (offering my favorite program) requires new healthcare workers (including docs, nurses, dietitians, psychologists, etc.) to spend a year working in poor areas before they receive certification to practice. The need is clear to many, but the main idea seems to be that citizens who work together to provide services stand together as a united republic.
The author, Richard Stengel, goes on to outline what a service program might look like in the States. The first thing he points out is that a plan in the U.S. would not be mandatory. Americans would throw a hissy fit over not having the "freedom" to not serve (my statement, not Stengel's), and many argue that requirements take away the meaning. Having established the voluntary nature of this potential Universal National Service, Stengel discusses what needs to be included:
1. Baby Bonds - For every baby born in the States, the Federal Government would invest in a $5k bond in that child's name. By around 20 years of age, the bond would be worth $19,000. the could then redeem the bond between the ages of 18-25 after committing to at least one year of national or military service. The bond could then be used only toward an education, a business start-up, or a home.
2. Cabinet-Level Department - No more small, independent agencies. This would need to be a priority of the president, and the department should be big enough to demonstrate that.
3. Expand Existing Programs - AmeriCorps and the Senior Volunteer Corp serve as a bit of a catch all for the small number of people who actually know about them. These should be expanded, and then divided into new branded corps and programs under the cabinet-level department.
4. Education Corps - Half of America's high school drop outs come from just 15% of the schools, mostly in urban areas and across the south. This division would match teachers and tutors with needs in the community.
5. Summer of Service - Between middle school and high school, students would be required to do a summer volunteer program, and be rewarded with a small scholarship to college.
6. Health Corps - Many children qualify for public health insurance, but are not on it. The health corps volunteers would help people navigate healthcare, and the experience might lead more people into nursing or medicine, which would help the current shortage.
7. Green Corps - Volunteers to combat climate change, focusing on the 1.5 million young Americans who are neither employed nor in school.
8. Rapid Response Reserve Corp - Katrina.
9. National Service Academy - This is what Hillary supports. Like a military academy, with tuition being subsidized by the government in exchange for service. But rather than a few years in the military after graduation, students would commit to 5 years of public service (defined in current pending legislation as federal, state, or local government - I'm in favor of non-profit work being included here, too, but that doesn't seem to be in the cards).
10. Baby-Boomer Education Bonds - With the vast number of baby boomers that will be old enough to retire, but would like to keep working, many public service positions could be filled by this population. Each volunteer would be able to designate a scholarship of $1,000 for every 500 hours of community service.
The best part about this proposal is the cost. According to Stengel, who neglects all of the other pieces, the baby bonds alone would cost $20 billion per year. While this sounds high, it's roughly two months of funding for the Iraq war, and around half of what the government currently spends on the federal prison system. In addition, the government would get dividends and would be able to cash in unused bonds. Basically, the proposal means that corporate America would have to fund a big portion of the project. And why shouldn't they?
My only concern with this idea (it mostly sounds great to me), is what happens to the nonprofits out there that are working on this now? It would be great if non-profits weren't needed, but given the government's reputation for never actually offering enough funding for things like this, they probably still would be. But would people still donate? If the government had this program, would donors still turn to NGOs for social services?
Maybe. But I've got to admit it's a scary thought for those of us in the sector.
Michael Kinsley has a pretty interesting argument against any form of universal service. A piece of it:
As it happens, we already have a system for inducing truly voluntary activities that benefit the public. It's called free-market capitalism. It works this way: if you need something done, you offer enough money to induce someone to do it. There is no need for inspiration or other malarkey. In fact, the voluntary nature of transactions under capitalism is what gives our economic system its moral authority. And if the need that has to be satisfied is social — if satisfying it would benefit everybody or the worst-off among us who need help — we have another well established system called taxation. It works this way: through democratic processes, we decide as a society that something is worth doing or someone is worth helping. Then we tax ourselves in order to buy this service from someone who wishes to sell it for the amount we are willing to pay.
This will be an interesting one to watch, folks.
9.26.2007
The Truth Hurts
From Psychology Today:
Ten Politically Incorrect Truths About Human Nature
Why most suicide bombers are Muslim, beautiful people have more daughters, humans are naturally polygamous, sexual harassment isn't sexist, and blonds are more attractive.
Ten Politically Incorrect Truths About Human Nature
Why most suicide bombers are Muslim, beautiful people have more daughters, humans are naturally polygamous, sexual harassment isn't sexist, and blonds are more attractive.
Human nature is one of those things that everybody talks about but no one can define precisely. Every time we fall in love, fight with our spouse, get upset about the influx of immigrants into our country, or go to church, we are, in part, behaving as a human animal with our own unique evolved nature—human nature.
This means two things. First, our thoughts, feelings, and behavior are produced not only by our individual experiences and environment in our own lifetime but also by what happened to our ancestors millions of years ago. Second, our thoughts, feelings, and behavior are shared, to a large extent, by all men or women, despite seemingly large cultural differences.
Human behavior is a product both of our innate human nature and of our individual experience and environment. In this article, however, we emphasize biological influences on human behavior, because most social scientists explain human behavior as if evolution stops at the neck and as if our behavior is a product almost entirely of environment and socialization. In contrast, evolutionary psychologists see human nature as a collection of psychological adaptations that often operate beneath conscious thinking to solve problems of survival and reproduction by predisposing us to think or feel in certain ways. Our preference for sweets and fats is an evolved psychological mechanism. We do not consciously choose to like sweets and fats; they just taste good to us.
The implications of some of the ideas in this article may seem immoral, contrary to our ideals, or offensive. We state them because they are true, supported by documented scientific evidence. Like it or not, human nature is simply not politically correct.
Read the Ten Truths here!9.24.2007
Soundtrack of My Soul - Track #4
Famous in a Small Town, as sung by Miranda Lambert
They say life is so much sweeter
through the telephoto lens of fame
around here you get just as much attention
cheerin' at the high school football game
I dreamed of going to Nashville
Put my money down and placed my bet
But I just got the first buck of the season
I made the front page of the Turnertown Gazette
Every last one, route one, rural hearts got a story to tell
Every grandma, in law, ex girlfriend
Maybe knows us just a little too well
Whether you're late for church or you're stuck in jail
Hey words gonna get around
Everybody dies famous in a small town
Tyler and Casey broke up
It ended pretty quietly
We heard he was caught red-handed with her mama
So that's just what they let us all believe
Every last one, route one, rural hearts got a story to tell
Every grandma, in law, ex girlfriend
Maybe knows us just a little too well
Whether you're late for church or you're stuck in jail
Hey words gonna get around
Everybody dies famous in a small town
Baby who
Needs their faces in a magazine
Me and you
We've been stars of the town since we were 17
Let's go on down to the quick stop
Wear your yellow shades
And I'll put on my tight jeans
And we'll just spend the weekend burnin' rubber
And we'll let em point and stare in disbelief
Every last one, route one, rural hearts got a story to tell
Every grandma, in law, ex girlfriend
Maybe knows us just a little too well
Whether you're late for church or you're stuck in jail
Hey words gonna get around
Everybody dies famous in a small town
They say life is so much sweeter
through the telephoto lens of fame
around here you get just as much attention
cheerin' at the high school football game
I dreamed of going to Nashville
Put my money down and placed my bet
But I just got the first buck of the season
I made the front page of the Turnertown Gazette
Every last one, route one, rural hearts got a story to tell
Every grandma, in law, ex girlfriend
Maybe knows us just a little too well
Whether you're late for church or you're stuck in jail
Hey words gonna get around
Everybody dies famous in a small town
Tyler and Casey broke up
It ended pretty quietly
We heard he was caught red-handed with her mama
So that's just what they let us all believe
Every last one, route one, rural hearts got a story to tell
Every grandma, in law, ex girlfriend
Maybe knows us just a little too well
Whether you're late for church or you're stuck in jail
Hey words gonna get around
Everybody dies famous in a small town
Baby who
Needs their faces in a magazine
Me and you
We've been stars of the town since we were 17
Let's go on down to the quick stop
Wear your yellow shades
And I'll put on my tight jeans
And we'll just spend the weekend burnin' rubber
And we'll let em point and stare in disbelief
Every last one, route one, rural hearts got a story to tell
Every grandma, in law, ex girlfriend
Maybe knows us just a little too well
Whether you're late for church or you're stuck in jail
Hey words gonna get around
Everybody dies famous in a small town
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