Do Not Enter

I just received the latest issue of Academe, the "Bulletin of the American Association of University Professors." It included a section titled, "Scholars Excluded from the United States."

Here are a few excerpts -
"John Clarke, a Canadian anti-poverty worker, was stopped at the U.S. border in February 2002 on his way to a speaking engagement at Michigan State University. He was questioned by officials, who asked if he was opposed to the “ideology of the United States” and accused him of knowing where Osama Bin Laden was hiding, according to Clarke. He was then denied entry to the United States."

"In 2004, Canadian citizen Karim Meziane, a physicist at the University of New Brunswick, was turned away at the U.S. border en route to a research conference to which he had been invited by the University of New Hampshire. The Department of Homeland Security gave Meziane written reasons for his exclusion, which he demonstrated to be false using official Canadian government documents; the department, however, refused to reconsider and the U.S. ambassador refused, without explanation, a request from the Canadian Association of University Teachers to discuss the case."

Not a Canadian, but on our campus we were to host Dr. Shirin Ebadi, but her visa was denied.

"Dr. Shirin Ebadi is an Iranian human rights activist. In 2003 she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her significant and pioneering efforts for democracy and human rights, especially women and children rights. She is the first Iranian and the first Muslim woman to receive the prize. A lawyer by training, Ebadi lectures at the University of Tehran. She has represented several dissidents and intellectuals, made significant contributions to family law. She has also established two non-governmental organizations in Iran, the Society for Protecting the Rights of the Child (SPRC) and the Defenders of Human Rights Center (DHRC). She also drafted the original text of a law against physical abuse of children, which was passed by the Iranian parliament in 2002. In addition to the Nobel prize she has been awarded the International Democracy Award in 2004, the Legion of Honor award in 2006 and the Rafto Prize, Human Rights Prize in Norway in 2001. She has received 11 honorary doctorates from universities in the Middle East, North America, Europe and Australia."

Not the same as "brain drain," but arguably with the same long-term effect...

Welcome, Toma!

Friends, please welcome another member of our cyberfamily, Inside These Borders by Toma. Toma, like others here, is in a binational relationship and has been going through the nightmare of the discriminatory US immigration system. Welcome, Toma!

In other news, I have given away more stuff via The Free Market. I just love that site! And, some of the students were collecting things for those who were hit by the floods in Southeast Minnesota so we gave away our wheelbarrow and Shop-Vac. Woo-hoo. Each thing that goes makes me feel one step closer to "real" packing. Although I don't have a formula, I'm using an off the top of my head "calculation" of "weight + mass + replacement cost" to determine if something is worth hauling to the Maritimes.

I'll soon be proposing a study abroad course for May 2010, "Sustainability and Social Justice: Maritime Canada." If all goes well, 10 students will spend three weeks with me, and a staff member, in Nova Scotia, PEI, and New Brunswick. We'll visit sites like an organic farm, co-housing site, restorative justice organization, etc. I am going to have so much fun planning it!

I guess that's about it. I have to work on my proposal for my visiting professorship, grade papers, etc. But, the fall is pretty much my favorite time of year. We also get to go to the apple orchard/pumpkin patch, see the fall raptor release, and, this year, attend the commitment ceremony of two of our very best friends. Today we met them for breakfast at Maria's Cafe and then we went for a short hike to a place called the "Quaking Bog." 6YO had hoped to see more bugs, but I think had fun anyway.

Hope this finds you well! And, again, welcome Toma!

Voices of War - Silenced

Not that long ago, here, I posted the Times' editorial written by seven soldiers in Iraq. Just minutes ago I heard that two of them, Yance Gray and Omar Mora, died when their truck overturned in Baghdad.

From ABC News: "Gray, who grew up in Montana, is survived by his wife, Jessica, and infant daughter, Ava. Mora, who is survived by his wife, Christa, and 5-year-old daughter, Jordan, was expected to come home to Texas City, Texas, in November, his brother, Roger Mora, said."

Some will note of interest that "Mora's mother wants the Army to explain his death to her. 'I want to know all the details of how he died. I want to know the truth,' Olga Capetillo told The Associated Press. 'I don't understand how so many people could die in that accident. How could it be so bad?'"

Shades of Pat Tillman or just an accident? Regardless, it's sad. Just really, really sad.

Canada - or Atlantic Canada - Question

Last spring, and upon a personal recommendation, I contacted a realtor (R1) in F'ton. It took him about a week to respond to my email, during which time I rec'd no auto-response. Eventually, I decided to chat with someone else (R2), also recommended, because R1 and I just didn't seem like a good fit. When I originally emailed R2 in July, it took about a week for her to respond and only after a second message. She had been understandably delayed because of some family issues. But, I also hadn't received any kind of auto-response indicating that she was out of the office, etc. I emailed her on 29 August and haven't yet received a reply. I sent the same message again the other day. Still no response.

What I'm trying to balance is this - I don't want to be a pain in the ass "American" who is used to rapid turnaround with what I would call business requests and just needs to chill. But, I also need to know that someone is going to be responsive. How can I figure out if this (emerging) pattern is just how business is done in this smaller, slower environment as opposed to it just being my dumb luck to have encountered a couple of less responsive folks?

Any thoughts?

Greetings from Tucson

I flew down yesterday for a quick 48 hours to see the folks. My father is still in the hospital and, after talking to my mother last weekend, I decided I should come down, if only for a quick visit. I think her spirits were really sagging. Friday was three weeks since the accident and, while my father is improving, he still has a long way to go. His ribs are healed but morphine induced delirium has created a host of problems. E.g., During dinner last night he asked how my sister was, thinking she had been in the accident. She flew over two days after the accident and was here for that first week. After dinner we went back to his room and got him settled. He then thought we were getting him ready to go to breakfast. He has physical therapy and speech therapy and isn't yet able to stand up on his own. Good thing my mother, at 76, is in great shape - though I could hardly believe the photo my sister took of her bruises. Airbags and seat belts, no doubt, made all the difference, but they do their own damage for sure.

I've not been posting because I've been swamped with getting ready for the semester, etc. But, I am checking in on everyone. Things have been very quiet in the blogosphere as of late, eh? Well, I just thought that since I had a couple of minutes, I'd post a quick hello. Take care and I'll try to catch up some time this coming week.

1997 Camry

Well, it was a 1997 Camry. Update: My father was moved to the VA and is doing much better. My mother sounded downright ecstatic on the phone!

Importation of Vehicles

I was just perusing the information about exporting/importing vehicles. Both the Canadian and US sites mention providing documents to US Customs 72 hours prior to export. What do folks know about this? Did you fax things in advance? I know that Tom and Emilio mentioned this in their great "to do" list. Do we just contact the US people at the border where we'll be crossing? Any insight is most appreciated. Thanks!

News of the Day

What an interesting morning. Let me first say that I do not like birds. I am afraid of birds. I would not welcome a free trip to Venice. I duck - no pun intended - when pigeons fly toward me. But, raptors are pretty cool. I've learned that from P and 6YO.

This morning, while on my walk, I saw a bird that seemed to be a raptor sitting in the street about three feet from the curb. It didn't move when cars flew by. It didn't move when I got closer and stamped by feet. I got home, got my phone and car and returned. This was about 15 minutes later. It was still in the exact same place! Clearly the bird was sick or injured. Then, a man walked by with his Rottweiler. The bird extended its wings, but hopped - to the middle of the street! Grrr - damn bird!

The Raptor Center at the UM wasn't open yet so I called M - the father of one of 6YO's best pals - who used to work there to find out what he would suggest. Did I say it was 7:12 am? I was on the phone, in the middle of the street, waving traffic around that bird. The guy with the dog was still trying to get the bird to move. Then, a woman pulled up behind my car and asked if we needed a blanket. I had a great box from our CSA in the trunk so that was helpful. She - now remember, I'm afraid of birds - put the blanket over it, as M had suggested, and placed it in the box. I then put it in the trunk and went home.

P had her first class - Immigration Law! - in 30 minutes and I had to take 6YO with me and then to camp. Off we went to the Small Animal Clinic at the UM, across the street from the Raptor Center and a few blocks from camp. They confirmed that it was, in fact, a raptor and put it in a quiet room. The Raptor Center would be open in about 25 minutes so we waited, both so that we could find out more and get the blanket and box.

At 8:00, a young man came walking toward the building with big, heavy red gloves. He had to be the raptor man, and he was. He went to the room and just a few minutes later came out carrying the raptor - a juvenile male Cooper's Hawk. 6YO - who, btw, is having his birthday/hatchday party at the Raptor Center this year, got to see it close up. The middle picture on the right side of this page is what it looked like. Off they went. Off we went.

I got a call about two hours later to let me know that they haven't yet identified what might be wrong and to ask if we'd seen any others in the neighborhood as they have another juvenile ready to be released. She said that it may have been slightly clipped by a car and be somewhat traumatized, but not actually injured. They'll keep it for observation and determine what's to be done. Ifi he can fly, he will likely be released back into the same area because they apparently stay close to their family.

Let me just to say to any experts out there - I don't know if it's even correct to call a raptor a bird or a duck a bird. If it can fly toward me - and isn't clearly an insect or some other thing -it's bird enough for me!

I don't know what excitement is next. BTW, my father is doing well. Much better since they reduced the morphine. He still has moments of confusion, but physical health-wise I think he's doing great. My sister is there until Saturday. She said I won't believe the photos of the car. Thank goodness for air bags.

There are a couple of other posts below. Busy morning!

American?

A colleague sent this my way. I thought some of you might find it of interest.

http://insidehighered.com/views/2007/08/22/mclemee

The Prerequisite for World Peace?

Personal Happiness: The Prerequisite for World Peace?
People with Strong Sense of Well-Being Support Democracy, Equality, Nonviolence

A new study in the Journal of Social Issues states that individuals with a strong sense of personal well-being tend to have more confidence in the government, express more support for democracy and exhibit less racial intolerance. These individual level differences are moderated by nation-level societal factors such as violence, inequality and economic development.

"Global peace efforts often give strong emphasis to economic and democratic development within societies," say study co-authors Ed Diener and William Tov. “Our results provide support for these efforts in showing that the social, political and economic structures of a society are related to peace, as reflected in the attitudes of the people living in that society.” Diener cautions, however, that the correlation between happiness and peace is not simple, and that happy, satisfied people are well aware of their political and social surroundings.

Living in a wealthy democracy does not guarantee support for democracy—particularly if people are unhappy and dissatisfied. The findings of the study suggest that dissatisfied people who live in wealthy democracies may be even more critical and less supportive of democracy than dissatisfied people who live in poorer, less democratic nations. "Confidence in the government is enhanced in those countries where homicide rates are low, economic inequality is low, and people are happy and satisfied with their lives," says Diener.

"Although efforts to improve societal conditions are implicitly aimed at increasing happiness, we suggest that well- being itself be more explicitly stated in the ideals of a peaceful society," say the authors. "Well-being is not just a final goal, but a key factor in fostering and maintaining the conditions for peace."

This study, "Subjective Well-Being and Peace" by Ed Diener and William Tov, is published in: Vol. 63 Issue 2 of the Journal of Social Issues.

The Corporal's Boots

I came across this while preparing some things for class...

Why am I not surprised?

I wasn't able to attend the annual meeting of my national professional organization, the American Sociological Association, this year, but I just came across this while reading their website to "catch up." I thought you might find it of interest.

Political Ideology May be the Cause of the U.S. Government’s Failure to Admit World-Renowned Scholar Adam Habib to Participate in the 2007 ASA Annual Meeting

New York, NY—The United States Government has declined to act on the visa application of world-renowned South African scholar Adam Habib, thereby preventing him from entering the United States to participate in the American Sociological Association’s (ASA) 102nd Annual Meeting in New York City. Dr. Habib was scheduled to speak on Saturday, August 11, on an invited presidential panel titled “Globalization and Resistance.”

Adam Habib is an American-trained PhD, renowned scholar, internationally sought-after analyst, and Executive Director of South Africa’s Human Science Research Council’s Program on Democracy and Governance. He is also a Muslim of Indian descent who has been a vocal critic of the U.S. war in Iraq and certain U.S. terrorism-related policies.

Months ago, Professor Habib accepted an invitation from the President of the ASA to participate in the ASA Annual Meeting. Although, Dr. Habib has been a frequent visitor to the United States and held a valid visa, he was turned away by U.S. officials last October after arriving at JFK International Airport. He was coming to the United States for a series of meetings with private research and academic organizations and U.S. government agencies including the National Institutes of Health.

Along with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the ASA has pressed the U.S. State Department on Dr. Habib’s behalf to gain permission for him to enter the United States to address the Association’s Annual Meeting which attracts over 6,000 national and international scholars. Because the U.S. government has previously excluded other intellectuals from entry into the United States apparently on ideological grounds, the ASA is concerned that the State Department’s denial of a visa by its failure to act in a timely manner may also be ideological exclusion. If so, this raises significant concerns for the Association’s leaders and its more than 14,000 members about the fate of academic freedom.

Academic freedom is absolutely fundamental to the mission of the ASA, which rests upon the ability of scholars from wide-ranging perspectives to engage in dialog that nurtures scientific development to the benefit of the larger society. Academic freedom is the hallmark of American democratic culture. It has allowed scientists, intellectuals, and their scholarly societies to flourish and create one of the world’s most dynamic educational systems and robust knowledge-based economies. ASA opposes the use of visa denials or de facto denials on ideological grounds, because such action suppresses free intellectual exchange. The United States has a long and enviable history as the world’s foremost host to scholars and supporter of intellectual exchange with its many social and economic benefits.

The ASA expresses its deepest disappointment and profound concern about the Department of State’s de facto denial of a visa, which has barred Professor Adam Habib from participating in the Association’s Annual Meeting. Such actions undermine the willingness of numerous scientists and academics from many nations to visit the United States and collaborate with their American colleagues. The ASA believes this limitation on scholarly exchange erodes our nation’s reputation as a defender of the free and open search for knowledge.

Voices of War

The New York Times
August 19, 2007
Op-Ed Contributors
The War as We Saw It

By Buddhika Jayamaha, Wesley D. Smith, Jeremy Roebuck, Omar Mora, Edward Sandmeier, Yance T. Gray, and Jeremy Murphy
Baghdad

Viewed from Iraq at the tail end of a 15-month deployment, the political debate in Washington is indeed surreal. Counterinsurgency is, by definition, a competition between insurgents and counterinsurgents for the control and support of a population. To believe that Americans, with an occupying force that long ago outlived its reluctant welcome, can win over a recalcitrant local population and win this counterinsurgency is far-fetched. As responsible infantrymen and noncommissioned officers with the 82nd Airborne Division soon heading back home, we are skeptical of recent press coverage portraying the conflict as increasingly manageable and feel it has neglected the mounting civil, political and social unrest we see every day. (Obviously, these are our personal views and should not be seen as official within our chain of command.)

The claim that we are increasingly in control of the battlefields in Iraq is an assessment arrived at through a flawed, American-centered framework. Yes, we are militarily superior, but our successes are offset by failures elsewhere. What soldiers call the “battle space” remains the same, with changes only at the margins. It is crowded with actors who do not fit neatly into boxes: Sunni extremists, Al Qaeda terrorists, Shiite militiamen, criminals and armed tribes. This situation is made more complex by the questionable loyalties and Janus-faced role of the Iraqi police and Iraqi Army, which have been trained and armed at United States taxpayers’ expense.

[snip]

In the end, we need to recognize that our presence may have released Iraqis from the grip of a tyrant, but that it has also robbed them of their self-respect. They will soon realize that the best way to regain dignity is to call us what we are — an army of occupation — and force our withdrawal.

Until that happens, it would be prudent for us to increasingly let Iraqis take center stage in all matters, to come up with a nuanced policy in which we assist them from the margins but let them resolve their differences as they see fit. This suggestion is not meant to be defeatist, but rather to highlight our pursuit of incompatible policies to absurd ends without recognizing the incongruities.

We need not talk about our morale. As committed soldiers, we will see this mission through.

Buddhika Jayamaha is an Army specialist. Wesley D. Smith is a sergeant. Jeremy Roebuck is a sergeant. Omar Mora is a sergeant. Edward Sandmeier is a sergeant. Yance T. Gray is a staff sergeant. Jeremy A. Murphy is a staff sergeant.

For the entire article, go here.

Hmmmm?

I don't know where to start. I last posted on Sunday the 12th when my brother and his wife were visiting, along with my parents and sister. They - the brother and his wife - arrived driving their Chevy truck that gets about 9 mpg, towing a cargo trailer containing two Harleys and a golf cart. With that load they get about 6 mpg. They had a generator in the back of the pick-up because, of course, you have to have lights and AC when camping. On Monday he was wearing his black polo shirt with the Harley Kuwait insignia. Hers was a black polo shirt from a Harley shop in Georgia. Talk about culture clash.

They left on Tuesday morning, my father's 81st birthday. Everyone else left on Wednesday. Yesterday - Thursday - was P's birthday so we went to lunch. That was after my appointment at hand therapy to get a splint for my arthritic thumb. Yes, it's true. Yesterday evening 6YO spent the night with friends and we had dinner and watched Dreamgirls. Today I had to finish grading and I did. After picking up 6YO at French Camp, we got home and I had a note from our painters-friends saying that my folks had been in a car accident.

My father is in the hospital with fractured ribs and something to his sternum - all from the air bag. Because of his meds and pacemaker they're keeping him overnight. My mother was released and, except for being really sore, has only a small fracture in a wrist bone. The car is, apparently, totalled. Other good news is that she was not at fault. The driver of something like a Suburban blew through the intersection and, even slamming on the breaks, my mother just couldn't stop in time and smashed their Mazda 626 right into the SUV.

Yeah, we like to keep a little excitement in our lives. Other good news is that the house painting is going well, looks fabulous. My colleague who had the cardiac arrest went home from the hospital today. He had a defibrillator implanted for his 37th birthday.

In other "regular" news, I sent two pieces of furniture off with my brother - he had a cargo trailer ya' know - and shipped another to my sister. I may have mentioned this before, but, having had the family heirlooms for 25 years I've decided to pass them on rather than haul them to Canada.

Okay, not really interesting, but I thought I'd post something.

Update: My sister just called. More good news - she's in San Diego - about 6 hours away from the folks in Tucson - and, if needed, can drive over to help. She's supposed to be back at school Monday, but can get coverage if need be. I'm glad one of us is fairly close by.

What does tomorrow have in store? 6YO has a play date and P and I plan to go see Death at a Funeral. More as it happens...

Hatred

Church cancels gay vet's memorial
Texas congregation acted out of principle, not malice, pastor says
The Associated Press
Aug 11, 2007

ARLINGTON, Texas - A megachurch canceled a memorial service for a Navy veteran 24 hours before it was to start because the deceased was gay.

Officials at the nondenominational High Point Church knew that Cecil Howard Sinclair was gay when they offered to host his service, said his sister, Kathleen Wright. But after his obituary listed his life partner as one of his survivors, she said, it was called off.

“It’s a slap in the face. It’s like, ’Oh, we’re sorry he died, but he’s gay so we can’t help you,”’ she said Friday.

Wright said High Point offered to hold the service for Sinclair because their brother is a janitor there. Sinclair, who served in the first Gulf War, died Monday at age 46 from an infection after surgery to prepare him for a heart transplant.

The church’s pastor, the Rev. Gary Simons, said no one knew Sinclair, who was not a church member, was gay until the day before the Thursday service, when staff members putting together his video tribute saw pictures of men “engaging in clear affection, kissing and embracing.”

‘It’s not that we didn’t love the family’
Simons said the church believes homosexuality is a sin, and it would have appeared to endorse that lifestyle if the service had been held there.

“We did decline to host the service — not based on hatred, not based on discrimination, but based on principle,” Simons told The Associated Press. “Had we known it on the day they first spoke about it — yes, we would have declined then. It’s not that we didn’t love the family.”

Simons said the decision had nothing to do with the obituary. He said the church offered to pay for another site for the service, made the video and provided food for more than 100 relatives and friends.

“Even though we could not condone that lifestyle, we went above and beyond for the family through many acts of love and kindness,” Simons said.

Wright called the church’s claim about the pictures “a bold-faced lie.” She said she provided numerous family pictures of Sinclair, including some with his partner, but said none showed men kissing or hugging.

The 5,000-member High Point Church was founded in 2000 by Simons and his wife, April, whose brother is Joel Osteen, well-known pastor of the 38,000-member Lakewood Church in Houston. Now High Point meets in a 432,000-square-foot facility in Arlington, near Dallas.

Wright said relatives declined the church’s offer to hold the service at a community center because they felt it was an inappropriate venue. It ultimately was held at a funeral home, but the cancellation still lingered in some minds, she said.

© 2007 The Associated Press.

URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20221295/?GT1=10252

Chaos, of a sort

A couple of days after the bridge collapse my best friend from graduate school called to say that her sister, who was studying to become a Unitarian Universalist minister, had committed suicide. Although she left a twelve year old son, fortunately he has a very good relationship with his father and stepmother. As I sit here in the living room, a ball cap that reads "Pizza Hut Iraq" is on the table across from me. Not a chance that it's mine. My brother and sister-in-law arrived yesterday, bringing that gift for my father. They're visiting on their way back from the bike rally in Sturgis, SD. My parents arrived from Arizona on Wednesday. My sister arrived from California last Sunday. This week a colleague of mine, who is 35 or 36, had a severe heart attack. Again, the "fortunately statement" is that he appears to be recovering quite well. Our painters started power washing the house on Friday. Paint chips are everywhere. 6YO has been behaving exceptionally well considering the upheaval. E.g., his trundle bed is in our room so that someone can sleep in his bed. Our very good friends, G & D, are having us all over to their (bigger) place for a BBQ this evening. Mostly, I think, because they want to see my brother. Insert smirk. I've had a variety of things about which I've wanted to post, but, needless to say, I've been a little busy. I had to finish taping and painting in the basement, cleaning, etc. But, I've been keeping up with my blogreading. Everyone will be gone by Wednesday afternoon and, as soon as I'm done grading, perhaps I'll find a few moments to catch up! Hope all is well with you.

Minneapolis/Saint Paul

Just a quick post for anyone who might remember where we live. We were not on the bridge, we're fine. We've been getting calls from various friends and family around the country and it occurred to me that someone among our cyberfriends may wonder if we happened to be there. We drive on that bridge frequently, but fortunately not today. More soon.

It's All Because (The Gays Are Getting Married)

A friend in Massachusetts sent this my way. It's both sad and hilarious. Check it out! And, thanks to Bob for helping me edit this!

Get Me Outta Here

Saw this elsewhere via a link to a link...

P's response to my forward of it - "You're f***kin kidding me!" No, unfortunately I'm not.

In Case You Missed It

Why Dennis Kucinich is the only person for whom I will even consider voting. From tonight's Democratic debate...

COOPER: Our next question is on a topic that got a lot of response from YouTube viewers. Let's watch.

QUESTION: Hi. My name is Mary.

QUESTION: And my name is Jen.

QUESTION: And we're from Brooklyn, New York.

If you were elected president of the United States, would you allow us to be married to each other?

COOPER: Congressman Kucinich?

KUCINICH: Mary and Jen, the answer to your question is yes. And let me tell you why.

Because if our Constitution really means what it says, that all are created equal, if it really means what it says, that there should be equality of opportunity before the law, then our brothers and sisters who happen to be gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender should have the same rights accorded to them as anyone else, and that includes the ability to have a civil marriage ceremony.

Yes, I support you. And welcome to a better and a new America under a President Kucinich administration.

(APPLAUSE)

COOPER: Senator Dodd, you supported the Defense of Marriage Act. What's your position?

DODD: I've made the case, Anderson, that -- my wife and I have two young daughters, age 5 and 2.

I'd simply ask the audience to ask themselves the question that Jackie and I have asked: How would I want my two daughters treated if they grew up and had a different sexual orientation than their parents?

Good jobs, equal opportunity, to be able to retire, to visit each other, to be with each other, as other people do.

So I feel very strongly, if you ask yourself the question, "How would you like your children treated if they had a different sexual orientation than their parents?," the answer is yes. They ought to have that ability in civil unions.

I don't go so far as to call for marriage. I believe marriage is between a man and a woman.

But my state of Connecticut, the state of New Hampshire, have endorsed civil unions. I strongly support that. But I don't go so far as marriage.

COOPER: Governor Richardson?

RICHARDSON: Well, I would say to the two young women, I would level with you -- I would do what is achievable.

What I think is achievable is full civil unions with full marriage rights. I would also press for you a hate crimes act in the Congress. I would eliminate "don't ask/don't tell" in the military.

(APPLAUSE)

If we're going to have in our military men and women that die for this country, we shouldn't give them a lecture on their sexual orientation

I would push for domestic partnership laws, nondiscrimination in insurance and housing.

I would also send a very strong message that, in my administration, I will not tolerate any discrimination on the basis of race, gender, or sexual orientation.

(APPLAUSE)

COOPER: This next question is for Senator Edwards.

QUESTION: I'm Reverend Reggie Longcrier. I'm the pastor of Exodus Mission and Outreach Church in Hickory, North Carolina.

Senator Edwards said his opposition to gay marriage is influenced by his Southern Baptist background. Most Americans agree it was wrong and unconstitutional to use religion to justify slavery, segregation, and denying women the right to vote.

So why is it still acceptable to use religion to deny gay American their full and equal rights?

(APPLAUSE)

EDWARDS: I think Reverend Longcrier asks a very important question, which is whether fundamentally -- whether it's right for any of our faith beliefs to be imposed on the American people when we're president of the United States. I do not believe that's right.

I feel enormous personal conflict about this issue. I want to end discrimination. I want to do some of the things that I just heard Bill Richardson talking about -- standing up for equal rights, substantive rights, civil unions, the thing that Chris Dodd just talked about. But I think that's something everybody on this stage will commit themselves to as president of the United States.

But I personally have been on a journey on this issue. I feel enormous conflict about it. As I think a lot of people know, Elizabeth spoke -- my wife Elizabeth spoke out a few weeks ago, and she actually supports gay marriage. I do not. But this is a very, very difficult issue for me. And I recognize and have enormous respect for people who have a different view of it.

COOPER: I should also point out that the reverend is actually in the audience tonight. Where is he? Right over here.

Reverend, do you feel he answered your question?

(APPLAUSE)

QUESTION: This question was just a catalyst that promoted some other things that wrapped around that particular question, especially when it comes to fair housing practices. Also...

COOPER: Do you think he answered the question, though?

QUESTION: Not like I would like to have heard it...

(LAUGHTER)

COOPER: What did you not hear?

QUESTION: I didn't quite get -- some people were moving around, and I didn't quite get all of his answer. I just heard...

COOPER: All right, there's 30 seconds more. Why is it OK to quite religious beliefs when talking about why you don't support something? That's essentially what's his question.

EDWARDS: It's not. I mean, I've been asked a personal question which is, I think, what Reverend Longcrier is raising, and that personal question is, do I believe and do I personally support gay marriage?

The honest answer to that is I don't. But I think it is absolutely wrong, as president of the United States, for me to have used that faith basis as a basis for denying anybody their rights, and I will not do that when I'm president of the United States.

(APPLAUSE)

COOPER: Senator Obama, the laws banning interracial marriage in the United States were ruled unconstitutional in 1967. What is the difference between a ban on interracial marriage and a ban on gay marriage?

OBAMA: Well, I think that it is important to pick up on something that was said earlier by both Dennis and by Bill, and that is that we've got to make sure that everybody is equal under the law. And the civil unions that I proposed would be equivalent in terms of making sure that all the rights that are conferred by the state are equal for same-sex couples as well as for heterosexual couples.

Now, with respect to marriage, it's my belief that it's up to the individual denominations to make a decision as to whether they want to recognize marriage or not. But in terms of, you know, the rights of people to transfer property, to have hospital visitation, all those critical civil rights that are conferred by our government, those should be equal.

What's a mother to do?

This is a first. At 11:30 this morning I delivered 6YO to a friend's house to go camping for the weekend. 48 hours. Away. Without us. Swimming. In the woods. Bees. Am I panicking yet? Just don't think about it. Just don't think about it.

As I was pulling away from their house I heard, "thumpa, thumpa, thumpa." The tire suddenly looked awfully low. I have to admit it. I hate cars. I hate maintaining cars. So, we don't do as well as we should with routine stuff. A chunk of change later we have four new tires. We needed them. Having to replace one was the catalyst. Normally I freak at such unanticipated (in the immediate sense) expenses, but I feel like it's one more thing we knew we'd do before moving that's done. And, before winter.

It means I didn't get to the housework I had planned to do this afternoon (i.e., priming the sheetrock, painting...). Oh, well. Soon I'll be picking up P to go see Sicko. If we're feeling particularly indulgent we may even go to a second movie tonight. Perhaps, Hairspray. Or, we could stay home and watch Thank You For Smoking. Hmmmm... Then we will be joining the hordes for the Harry Potter release. I'm not a fan, but P is more than a fan. Unless she changes her mind, we'll be there at midnight. Hey, I'm not the one who has to get up for class tomorrow!

On the TM front, I spoke to a wonderful rep at Penske and we will probably end up renting from them, driving to F'ton and unpacking, and then returning the truck to Maine. Their rates and reviews are good. There's also a AAA discount. And, unlimited mileage. That's a biggie. Of course that could all change before next summer, but it's still data. Since they provide more days than we need for the trip, returning the truck to the US is worth the savings - if they continue to beat the other vendors' rates and offer unlimited mileage.

Off to the movies!

Preparation

This morning we took another step toward the move. Perhaps I'll start referring to the whole relocation process as TM - as in "the move," not "transcendental meditation." Though, come to think of it, perhaps a little TM - the latter - wouldn't hurt.

We spent an hour and a half with a realtor, going over what she would suggest we do to the house before putting it on the market. The good news is that there's only one thing she suggested that we weren't already planning on doing and she wasn't adamant about that. But, not to keep you in suspense - it's the kitchen countertop. It's probably from the 1970s, if not earlier. It's a yellowy-marble-like formica. Since there is so little of it it hasn't bothered us. Of course, walking in and seeing a nice gray SilverStone or something would be nice, especially with everything else being recently painted and new stainless appliances. The materials, even something really nice, wouldn't be much. Labor, that's another issue. We'll see. Also, I've been worried that an inspector might "call" the roof. She didn't think it would be a problem. Hope she's right. All in all, good news. Now, if the market would just ease up, even 2%. Fortunately we're in the "entry level" market and, while prices have dipped a bit in the past two years, that's still fairly strong market for sales. Even though I loathe to do one more thing to this house, anything that makes it feel like we're closer to moving is great!

That's about it for this week. 6YO doesn't have any camp this week so we're hanging out. Last night was baseball where I think he shocked himself with a nice hit off his second swing. Next time up he had a nice hit, too. That was fun! Tonight it's swim class. Tomorrow his team is going to the local - literally just up the street - minor league game, the Saint Paul Saints v. the Sioux City Explorers. Thursday is baseball practice and swim class. But, Friday he's been waiting for all summer.

For the last two years we've gone to Rainbow Family Camp. We weren't going to go this year because P has class and I didn't want to go alone. I just don't enjoy it that much. But, our fabulous friends, K and S, who have two boys with whom 6YO plays, asked if they could take him along. Ask me how thrilled 6YO was with that! S introduced 6YO to fishing so he adores her. I hope it goes well. He'll be in seventh heaven and us? We get to have a big night out - dinner, Sicko, and the 00:01 release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Speaking of Sicko, did you hear that Canadian nurses were to get free admission to the film this Monday through Thursday? And, his website has this page about Canadian health care, etc.

So much reading, so little time...

Back in the US of A

We made our flight Friday morning and - with a few minor annoyances, courtesy of Northwest Airlines - returned to the US around 1 pm. I am making a point of saying "back in the US" rather than "back home." I am relieved to imagine that in less than a year from today we'll be living in Canada. Although much of this should be evident from earlier posts, here or on Traveling, we ended up absolutely loving Fredericton. And, things look promising with our academic connections. We can't wait to get back!

I'm catching up on some of the news. Looks like McCain is pretty much out of the running for '08. That thrills me since he personally insulted me - I mean, to my face - back when I was a constituent. I only caught a snippet of Bush's address the other day. Whine, whine, whine. I don't think he'd piss me off so much if he weren't so whiny, petulant, something! I'm also catching up the blogs - keeping my fingers crossed for the guys in Seattle, thrilled that Mary got a job - albeit temporary, etc.

That's about it for now. I have three weeks to get things ready for my family to arrive. My sister arrives on 5 August, my parents on 8 August, and my brother and sister-in-law on 11 August. Everyone leaves on 14/15 August. Whew! Throw page proofs in there somewhere - and finishing the laundry from vacation - and things will be busy.

On the immigration front - if anyone has any particular insight about moving, US to Canada - and I mean, actually moving your stuff - let me know. We'll be moving ourselves and can probably manage with a 17' rental. I'd love to find a company that has a truck with an extended cab, but I don't think they exist. We'd use something like PODS, but I don't think any of those companies are serving the Maritimes yet. So, all advice is welcome! Thanks!

Another day in Canada...

Check Traveling for the latest on our adventure!

The Latest...

Let's see, what's new? Yesterday we looked at the apartment that I've mentioned here before. The location was terrific and the yard - though not fenced - was amazing. Each year the landlord has the garden tilled for tenants! And, 6YO really wants to live there because he found bugs under the big tree! I wasn't particularly taken with the apartment, especially given the rent, but we were able to see a different apartment that may or may not be available this time next year. It had wonderfully large bedrooms! But, there are a lot of aspects of the old Victorian that leave a little something to be desired. The very steep stairs and lack of adequate railing in the attic bedroom that would be for 6YO is one.

So, we continue the conversation about renting v. buying, etc. There are two townhomes right downtown that looked intriguing. Of course we can't buy now, but we figured if we could see them then we'd know if we were interested should something become available at the right time. Yesterday evening we saw one and this morning, the other. Either one would be terrific except for the lack of yard. We've been going back and forth over things like yard v. no yard, downtown in exchange for bigger, etc. More "decisions, decisions."

I think we've identified all of the areas we'd consider living and the core of the area that we consider ideal. I think that next March I will probably line up a bunch of prospects and spend a week looking at whatever is available - rental and purchase - and take it from there. We've also got folks who will be keeping their ears to the ground for faculty members who might be looking for someone to stay in their home during sabbatical, etc. and who wouldn't mind us having our dog. Long shot, but you never know! While we don't have something lined up, I feel like we got a ton of information about neighborhoods, possibilities, etc. And, with mls.ca, we have tons more at our fingertips!

After lunch with a couple of UNB colleagues, we headed to Moncton, really wishing we could just stay. As P said, usually by now you're ready to get home. We've been on the road for 11 days! But, we would be very content to have stayed in F'ton another week!

Tomorrow we will spend the day in Halifax; hopefully visiting Pier 21 and the Discovery Centre. Then, our last night will be at a hotel near the airport. Early Thursday morning we'll be on our way back to the States - where I see Bush has a record low 29% approval rating.

This has been a terrific, albeit stressful at times, trip. We've learned more than I could have hoped about all kinds of relocation "stuff." We can't wait to get back and settle down. I wish it weren't a year off and I wish we had a lot more answers than we do right now. But, we just keep telling ourselves, all in due time.

In addition to the "relo recon," we had some fabulous vacationing - we watched Canada Day fireworks over the Halifax harbour, saw the lighthouse at Peggy's Cove, skipped rocks in Blue Rocks, ate seafood galore, went swimming in the Northumberland Strait, saw Hopewell Rocks at low and high tides, dipped our toes in the Bay of Fundy, walked across the bridge to Maine and back, and just had a generally great time. We shopped at the Atlantic Superstore and Chapters - as well as some nice independent booksellers, made our first visit to Canadian Tire with our friends in Port Williams, and discovered some wonderful shops in F'ton. We were here long enough to get used to looking for the "washrooms" and to not have to look closely at our coins to figure out which coin was which. I hadn't seen any US news until this evening when CNN was on in the restaurant. I've been reading the Globe and Mail and the Daily Gleaner. Life is good.

Maritimes Update!

Let's see - I posted here on Thursday after our driving over in the rain... Details of what we've done can be found over on Traveling. For my US2CA friends... if all goes according to plan we're headed to Fredericton.

On Friday morning, as planned, I called my contact here at UNB. He suggested we meet for coffee, that he would run down to the hotel after taking care of a few emails, etc. I went down to the lobby to get some change for the laundry and there was someone at the desk, waiting for the clerk to get off the phone. Having seen one photo on the website I had a feeling it might be him, but I waited. Sure enough, it was. I could tell right away that we were going to "hit it off." I brought him upstairs to meet P and 6YO. When we walked in the room, 6YO was watching tv and had spilled applesauce on his sock. P was in the bathroom. She came out having had water sprayed all over her by the "exploding toilet." There had been a problem with the chain in the tank and she was fixing it. We all had a good laugh - how nice that he wasn't some "stuffed shirt." So, off the two of us went to, yes, Tim Hortons! We talked for about an hour and a half with him basically asking, "What can we do to help make this work for you?" I won't try to detail more of the conversation and a lot of it is out of his hands, but let's say it's really, really nice to know that, at a minimum, someone is willing to advocate for you!

We spent the afternoon wandering around downtown, walking on part of the recreational trail, did a little shopping, and had a great time. We also drove around some neighborhoods we hadn't seen before. P contacted the law school folks and is going over for a visit on Monday. We have a much better "feel" for the area and, as long-time readers will know, what we can make happen with regard to academic opportunities is key. So, while nothing is cast in stone for the long-term, Fredericton is looking like the perfect place to start. So, unless something completely unexpected happens we'll be coming here next summer with the plan to, at a minimum, stay for my sabbatical.

What we do today depends - big surprise - on the weather. Tomorrow we'll spend some more time on campus and then check out the apartment at 4 pm. We've decided to drive back to Halifax Monday night so that we wake up having all of Tuesday there. We didn't get to either Pier 21 or the Discovery Centre earlier so we hope to do that before we have to leave.

So, there you have it. I think that Fredericton has everything we're looking for and a lot of "bonuses" that are attractive, too. And, of course, the possibility of things working out in the academic world are key. I'm bummed that milk is ridiculously expensive, that the USD is down to $1.049, and that we can't just buy before we sell, but, minor points considering the trek we've taken thus far! On to see what today holds!

Halifax v. Fredericton

I put a "travel update" on the Traveling blog. Here, I get to muse over what we've discovered in our Maritimes journey thus far.

We loved what we saw of Halifax and the other areas of Nova Scotia we visited. But, we also had beautiful weather. Today has been very gloomy and it's hard to get a real sense of the "life" of the city. As in every other Canada trip, the people are exceptionally pleasant, helpful, etc. So, on what measures shall we distinguish Halifax and Fredericton from each other?

Size, cost of living, access, weather, politics, economy, university, GLBT community...? We're going to see what the next couple of days bring, but at the moment we're very torn about which would be the better fit.

We like the size of F'ton.
We like the cost of housing in F'ton.
We like the easier access to Halifax. People might actually visit us there!
Weather is a toss up, though winters in Halifax do tend to be more mild.
Halifax wins in the politics category, hands down.
Halifax - and Nova Scotia in general - has a stronger economy.
University issues remain open - i.e., admission, etc. The big unknown(s).
Halifax, because of size, has more of a GLBT "presence."
Both have UU fellowships.
Both have decent shopping options.
We like the proximity of F'ton to Boston, but that's no dealbreaker.

So, fellow travelers, your thoughts?

Late June Potpourri

If you can, check out today's New York Times for an article on Canadian immigration and Maureen Dowd's op-ed, the latter available, I believe, only via Times Select.

For exciting news in my world, click here! I've been in the office all week going over the copyediting. I should have page proofs in late July. Woo-hoo!

And, in 72 hours we should be on the plane to Detroit/Halifax. I sure hope we make it! NPR did a story just this morning on the increase in flight cancellations, especially by NWA. Another account can be found here. Ugh!

I have been planning our itinerary, digging up all kinds of fun things to do, some of which I'm keeping a surprise - so stay tuned. As before, I do plan to post on the Traveling blog, so I hope you'll follow our adventures there.

Sneak peek: In Halifax we'll be spending Canada Day at Pier 21 and the Nova Scotia International Tattoo. Then, it's off to Wolfville/Port Williams to visit another US-to-Canada family. While in Fredericton we'll be looking at an apartment and I'm going to meet with the chair of the sociology department at UNB to talk about visiting the department in 08-09.

More soon, but right now it's back to the copyedits!

North Montana?

Today I went to see "Meet the Robinsons" (G) with 6YO. At one point, when asked where he is from, the main character says, "Canada." "Oh, you must mean North Montana!" responds one of the from-the-future-Robinson family, "No one's called it 'Canada' in years!"

I did some quick looking on-line and, not surprisingly, a number of Canadians didn't find this funny. And, in at least one version marketed outside North America it was changed to something about Austria and Switzerland.

Gotta run - but wanted to post that before I forgot!

"Don't Veto, Don't Obey"

The New York Times
June 22, 2007
Editorial

"Don’t Veto, Don’t Obey"

President Bush is notorious for issuing statements taking exception to hundreds of bills as he signs them. This week, we learned that in a shocking number of cases, the Bush administration has refused to enact those laws. Congress should use its powers to insist that its laws are obeyed.

The Government Accountability Office, a nonpartisan arm of Congress, investigated 19 provisions to which Mr. Bush objected. It found that six of them, or nearly a third, have not been implemented as the law requires. The G.A.O. did not investigate some of the most infamous signing statements, like the challenge to a ban on torture. But the ones it looked into are disturbing enough.

In one case, Congress directed the Pentagon in its 2007 budget request to account separately for the cost of military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. It was a perfectly appropriate request, but Mr. Bush issued a signing statement critical of the rule, and the Pentagon withheld the information. In two other cases, federal agencies ignored laws requiring them to get permission from Congressional committees before taking particular actions.

The Bush administration’s disregard for these laws is part of its extraordinary theory of the “unitary executive.” The administration asserts that the president has the sole authority to supervise and direct executive officers, and that Congress and the courts cannot interfere. This theory, which has no support in American history or the Constitution, is a formula for autocracy.

Other presidents have issued signing statements, but none has issued as many, or done so with the same contemptuous attitude toward the co-equal branches of government. The G.A.O. report makes clear that Mr. Bush’s signing statements were virtually written instructions to executive agencies to flout acts of Congress. Senator Robert Byrd, Democrat of West Virginia, has said that the report shows that Mr. Bush “is constantly grabbing for more power” and trying to push Congress “to the sidelines.”

Members of Congress have a variety of methods available to make the administration obey the law. They should call the agency heads up to Capitol Hill to explain their intransigence. And they should use the power of the purse, the authority the founders wisely vested in the people’s branch, as a check on a runaway executive branch.

When the Bush presidency ends, there will be a great deal of damage to repair, much of it to the Constitutional system. Congress should begin now to restore the principle that even the president and those who work for him are not above the law.

Back in the 'hood

I returned to the Twin Cities on Saturday evening, 16 June. I've been playing catch-up and trying to get on track with work, working out, etc. The big news is that I finally received my PR card! Yes, first thing Monday morning. So, now we're all "official." Yippee!

The other news is that we were awakened around 2:30 last night by gunshots. We live on a corner, across from an apartment building where there have been more than a few problems as of late. Several police cruisers soon arrived. A police officer told one fof the guys on the sidewalk to get off his phone. He did not. We then watched as several police officers got him down on the ground and cuffed. A neighbor followed up today and, according to the police report, 12 casings were found in front of the building. I am so ready to go.

I'm now working through the copyediting of my forthcoming book and spending time with 6YO who is now out of school. We leave for Halifax on Saturday the 30th. I do hope to post regularly while we're on the road, though I will probably go ahead and post to the "Traveling..." blog rather than dual post.

Meanwhile, hope all is well with you! On to Canada!

Planes, trains...

Not everyone in my world has knows about this blog. So, my last few travel posts appear both here as well as on another blog, Traveling without Unraveling. Rather than continue to post twice, if you're interested in reading about what's happening while I'm on the road, please click here. And, when I'm back and/or posting about Canada, etc. I'll resurface here. Thanks!

Sunday, 10 June 2007

I'm now in Nykoping, Sweden, a small town about 100 km outside of Stockholm. Since my flight leaves at 7 am I decided to book a room closer to the airport. I don't even recall if it would have been possible to get the bus from the city that early!

This morning, after another nice breakfast, I went to the Nobel Museum. I could have stayed much longer watching all the mini-films, but after about 2 hours I decided it was time for lunch. It's a small museum and has only been opened since 2001, but it is definitely worth a visit if you're in the area.

Then I made my way to the City Terminal and found the gate for the 14.30 bus to Skavsta airport. I had a hard time staying awake on the bus! We got to the airport around 15.50. I then found the local bus. The bus driver was really nice and dropped me off at (almost) the right place.

I got here to the Hotel Wiktoria and checked in and, yes, they have wireless. Woo-hoo. But, let me tell you about this room. I had read about this in an on-line review and couldn't quite envision it. But, the toilet, sink, and shower are all one. You slide the basin to the side when using the shower. I'm not kidding! The room has a fridge, tv, sofa, table, etc., but it's almost like being in a cruise ship or train cabin. But, the good news is that they provide drinks and sandwiches in the evening. Additionally, even though I have to leave at 05.00 I can still get breakfast. And, unlike Stockholm where I was on a really busy street, it is very, very quiet.

Well, just thought that since I had an opportunity I'd post an update. Oh, my accomplishment of the day was this. Sitting on the Tunnelbana, waiting for it to pull away, watching the electronic sign that tells you where you're going, the next stop, etc., I knew that it was wrong, not me! In two days I managed to get quite comfortable with getting around, but I think if I stayed a few more days I'd have really settled in. I also found that, with a tiny bit of Dutch and German - and, of course, English - I was able to read a fair amount of signs. Not much, but enough.

I'm really glad I took the opportunity to come up this way and see something new. I had really wanted to go back to Paris - especially since I can hobble along in fractured French - but I felt compelled to visit a place I'd never been and would be less likely to have the opportunity to visit in the future. Another good thing is that it's really the first time I've traveled to a new non-English speaking country since about 1980. That is, in recent years I've been to the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Germany, but I'd been to them before and have "a sense of things." Since I work with students who are returning from spending a semester abroad it's also been a nice reminder of the learning curve and "culture shock" of arriving in a new country where you understand so little.

I guess that's it - more as it happens!

Saturday, 9 June 2007

I forgot to mention this... When I arrived yesterday, there were trucks – picture flatbed trucks with sides about chest high on the beds – filled with teenagers with beer and tree branches driving through the city center, blaring music and, well, looking the most like a Pride float of anything I’ve seen outside of a Pride parade. Turns out that there are huge celebrations for high school graduation! The families come out to stand and cheer, many carrying posters with a photo of their son/daughter as a child. I am not kidding when I say that you could smell the beer in the trucks while standing on the sidewalk.

Other miscellaneous thoughts/observations…

The Tunnelbana/subway has posters for a campaign against Chlamydia in which fingers with condoms on them are pictured. That’s one of those, “Won’t see this in the US moments.” Somewhere else – I don’t recall if it was here or Germany – there was a poster with condoms on fruits and veggies.

One of the guidebooks said that it is very unusual for the Swedish to acknowledge a stranger in public; you know, a smile or some such. I think they’re right.

On the “cool” list – picture, to the side of a wide stairway (e.g., in the T-bana), a section of stairs 8"-10” wide with a flat part on either side. I can’t really describe it; maybe you’ve seen it. It enables someone to walk up the stairs while pushing a stroller or bike at the same time. I’ve seen this once in the US, in a relatively obscure part of a park in Minneapolis. Very cool.

Speaking of strollers – I saw more people with strollers – with children in them – on escalators today than I think I’ve seen in all my years in the US. And the elevators are a lot more accessible here, too. ??

Other things I love – the light flush/heavy flush option on toilets. What I don’t love – paying 5 kroner – about 75 cents – to use the bathroom at the mall. I don’t mind pay toilets at all – they tend to be clean – but 75 cents seems a bit much.

The transit system here is truly exceptional. You hear that, but, my, it is really true. Coming from the Twin Cities where many people can't imagine why anyone would want to spend more on, not improving, but providing mass transit...

Where are the homeless? I did some quick research and Stockholm does have a homeless population. This is the only city of its size I've ever been in where I've not encountered a single person who appeared homeless or was asking for money. Not one single person - not near the T-bana, not in the parks, nothing. I don't know if that's a good thing or bad. The "homeless count" suggests that the percentage is so small its not evident. On the other hand, some cities have such a hostile approach to homelessness that they keep them hidden. I'd like to know more about this.

It reminds me of something I didn't post about - my ride to the airport. I was the only passenger and the driver was a - I'm guessing - thirty-something fellow who had been born in El Paso to a GI father and a German mother. His brother - a Marine - and sister both live in the US. He wants nothing of it. He said, "Life is too hard in the States," and described how poorly he would be paid, etc. I was thinking about that here - the Swedish "safety net" is supposed to be pretty amazing. And, from Wikipedia - though I've seen it elsewhere - "all working parents are entitled to 16 months' paid leave per child, the cost being shared between employer and State. To encourage greater paternal involvement in child-rearing, a minimum of 3 months out of the 18 is required to be used by the "minority" parent, in practice usually the father, and some Swedish political parties on the Left argue for legislation to oblige families to divide the 18 months equally between both parents."

Why is it I keep thinking about how backward the US is on so many issues...?

Okay, today’s report, other than the above –

I got up and made a pilgrimage - by bus, tram, train, and bus – to the Kungens Kurva IKEA. Yes, it's true. L-girl and AAA – I thought of you both! I hadn’t decided whether I was really going to do it or not, but decided to go for it. It was huge, huge, huge and, unlike Amsterdam, actually had stuff that I’ve not seen at home. All I bought was a stuffed animal as a gift for 6YO who has been pestering me for one. I'm traveling with one backpack this weekend so I'm keeping the purchases light!

Then I took a bus and train back to the city center and took the ferry over to the Vasa Museum. This is supposed to be one of the top attractions here. I almost skipped it because I just wasn’t that interested. I am so glad I didn’t. It was just fascinating. In 1628, the ship sank on its first voyage, right in the harbor. In 1961 it was raised and painstakingly restored. It was just incredible to see both the ship and the video about the restoration.

I wandered around for a while, watching some of the Stockholm Marathon. It was way too hot for a marathon, if you ask me. They didn’t.

Later in the afternoon I took the Royal Canal Tour. Tours like these always sound so hokey, but I have found that they are one of the very best ways to get a quick overview of a large city. And it was nice and cool on the boat.

Then, I found – you won’t believe it – a food court, Kungshallen. It had been listed in Lonely Planet as a great place to grab a bite. Since I’m alone it’s hardly worth taking a leisurely meal with wait staff. I had some wonderful chicken tikka masala. This, so I hear, is the #1 dish in London. So, I waited for Stockholm.

That’s about it. Skype has been very unreliable – don’t know if it’s this connection or what – so P and I set up gmail chat which was great. So, that’s my day. Tomorrow, after a leisurely morning, I have to take the bus back to Skavsta airport then take the city bus into Nykoping where I am spending the night because my flight leaves at 07.00 on Monday morning. Once I get back to Frankfurt-Hahn, the bus to Trier doesn’t leave for 2 and a half hours. I should get back to campus around 14.00. I don’t think I’ll have any Internet access for the interim, so, that’s it for now!

Oh, one more thing – last night at 23.00 there was still light in the sky. At 4.00 it was light! I checked and, tonight, sunset is 22.00. Sunrise tomorrow is 03.34.

Updated Sunday morning: I woke up at 04.02. Fortunately, I was able to go back to sleep! :-)

P.S.

I was doing a little reading about the area in which I'm staying and, apparently, Mats Sundin, of the Toronto Maple Leafs, was born here in Bromma in 1971. Always happy to find a Canada connection. Also of interest, Gunnar and Alva Myrdal lived here as well.

Friday, 8 June 2007

Writing at Frankfurt-Hahn Airport: So far, so good. Coming up to stay at the airport the night before was such a great idea. I got up and dressed and literally crossed the street to check in for my flight. I then went back to the hotel and had a delightful breakfast. Afterward, I was able to go back to my room, use the facilities, etc., grab my bag and come over to the airport where security was a breeze – and the agents so pleasant. I am now sitting at the gate waiting to board. Although my German hosts referred to this airport as “in no man’s land,” it’s just great. It’s small, yes, but that makes it easy to get around and it has lots of services.

I have wondered if I’m taking my life in my hands – more so than is usually the case with flying – by taking Ryan Air – a European no frills/discount airline, but all indicators are that it’s just fine. I’ll add a report after I actually fly! For those of you unfamiliar with them, I’m flying from Frankfurt-Hahn, about an hour from Frankfurt I’d guess, to Stockholm, round trip, for 74 euro, or about USD$100. The bus from and to Trier will have been 24 euro, no more than a cab ride in the city. I also have to take a bus from the regional airport near Stockholm to the city proper and it’s a bit more expensive, but, all in all, this is quite nice.

I should put in a plug for the hotel, too. B+B is a French chain that appears to be rapidly expanding into Germany. I checked in last night, stepped out of the elevator where the hallway lights got brighter because someone had entered the area - what a great environmental measure! - and accessed my room by using a code on the door keypad. It was, of course, small, but very nice. One of the things I love about traveling in Europe is the use of duvets. Then there’s the clean simplicity of things. Love it! As it turned out I didn’t sleep “great” as I had hoped – I never seem to do so the first night in a new space. And, being most familiar with hotels in major urban areas of the US, I think it probably bothered me a bit that there are no chains on the doors! But, then, I did once have someone be given the key to my room and walk in only to find me there! Anyway, at 41 euro this was a real find! And, I checked this morning and they have “family rooms” with one double bed and two singles for 59 euro. I’m already planning for when we can make the great European tour! Don’t know what year that might happen with all the other plans, but, we’ll see! I really want P to see Aachen, a small town not far from here and there’s a B+B hotel there, too! ;-)

I guess that’s it for now. We should begin boarding soon. More as it happens!

Friday evening update from my room in Stockholm-Bromma:
The flight was great. As a discount airline it’s one where you don’t get a seat assignment, but I scored an exit row. Very comfy. The flight was a little under 2 hours. We landed at Skavsta Airport, another great little “outside the city” airport. I got some kroner from a cash machine – Sweden declined to adopt the euro – and got a ticket for the bus to Stockholm City. At 199 kroner round trip, that’s USD$28.48 – call it $30 with what the bank will add – that means that my travel to Stockholm, including last night's hotel, ran about USD$215. Not bad. BTW, I'm mentioning all these costs for those who might be curious as to how cheaply you can actually do this.

The ride was about and hour and twenty minutes and I had trouble keeping my eyes open, but I thought I was silly to sleep, even if all I was missing was the countryside. When we arrived I – eventually! – found the tourist office where I was able to buy a transit pass. I had booked a hotel on the outskirts because a) it’s really inexpensive at about USD$61, and b) it’s one way to see more than the tourist center of downtown! I’m really getting my walking in though! I finally made it to the hotel and my great IKEA-like room where I was able to shower and cool off. I then headed back to the city center and wandered around Gamla Stan, or Old Town. I hadn’t had lunch and was starving! I’m not much for traditional Swedish food and I refused to patronize the McDonalds, Burger Kings, or Pizza Huts I had passed but I happened upon an Italian restaurant – always a favorite – and got a table. I was flipping through my Lonely Planet – Stockholm and, what a coincidence, the first thing I had tabbed was this restaurant! I had a great artichoke and mushroom pizza and a Coke Light. Yum. I wandered around a bit more, over some bridges, near Parliament and the Royal Palace, and back to T-Centralen. I took a different train this time so that I could connect to a bus that takes me right to the hotel. I had had enough walking!

So, that’s it for today. I feel like I know how to get around most of the areas I plan to visit. And, because I decided to bring my computer I was able to go to the transit site and get detailed instructions for getting from Point A to Point B. But, I’m exhausted. It’s after 21.00 and still very bright. I didn’t check, but I hear it gets dark around 22.00 or so. More as it happens!

Hello from Germany

Just thought I'd post a brief, "Hi, I'm fine," note. Here's the general recap - I left the US last Saturday evening, 2 June, and arrived in London on Sunday morning around 9.00. Made my way to Victoria Station and on to the bookstores of Charing Cross Road - via Westminster Abbey, the Horse Guards, Parliament, "Big Ben," Downing Street, and many theatres. I went to several bookstores (but not Borders) and hung out at the cafe of Foyles Bookshop where I was able to use Skype to call home. I love Skype. I then made my way back to Victoria Station - having been unsuccessful in finding an original Bloomsbury hardcover of the first Harry Potter book - and to the airport. Just as I had accidentally passed the morning's tourist spots, I found myself on the mall at Saint James's Park headed toward Buckingham Palace, quite unintentionally. It was weird to see the very spot where I had stood for a photo almost 28 years earlier! A couple of hours later I was on my way to Luxembourg. I arrived around 21.00 and was met by one of my colleagues from MN and my host in Trier. We arrived in Trier just before 22.00. The major accomplishment of the day was that my luggage arrived, too! Yea!

I spent M/T/W of this week getting settled - i.e., getting a user ID and installing the software I needed to use their W-LAN. I've had great German food - I love that nice, fattening, heavy German food. My hips don't, but I do! Monday evening we went out with several members of the department. Tuesday we had our first class and it went really well. We have 14 students. One from France, one from Luxembourg, one from Romania, two from Turkey, one daughter of US military, and 8 German students. I think it's going to be a good group. My colleague teaches tomorrow - Race and Class in the US; I teach Tuesday - Social Class and Patterns of Consumption.

Today I had a great day. I spent the morning prepping for class. At 13.00 a couple of folks from the department picked me up to go for a hike. We walked through the forest, up wooden steps, across swinging bridges, past several waterfalls and ended up at a restaurant beneath Burg Ramstein, an old fortification. You can see pictures here. It was just terrific! Then, we went back to Trier and I caught the bus for the Frankfurt-Hahn airport.

Yes, I thought about going to the G8, but decided to spend the weekend in Stockholm instead. Keep your fingers crossed that Ryan Air gets me there! I won't bore you with the details having to do with bus schedules, etc., but I'm staying at this incredible new (French) hotel across the street from the terminal so that I can catch my morning flight. For 41 euro, about USD$55 I have a fabulous room with free wireless and a flatscreen tv. I think that tonight I might get a really good night's sleep!

If all goes well I'll try to post a note from Stockholm. Meanwhile, four weeks from today we arrive in Fredericton! Hope all is well with you!

Potpourri

Time is flying. Exams ended last week, quickly followed by a flurry of Commencement activities. Early Monday morning we got started painting the kitchen; continued on Tuesday. Still not done, but mother-not-in-law arrived this morning so things are on hold for a few days. And, I've got to do some "school" work this week to get ready for summer teaching. I've been keeping up with folks' blogs, but not having much of a chance to post comments.

Monday evening we had an unfortunate experience. Around 10 pm, while watching a movie, we heard our neighbors start fighting. Short version - it got ugly fast and we called the police. We were mainly motivated to call because their five year old was home and parenting was part of the argument. Things settled down, the cops came, that was that. We've been neighbors for six years and this is a first. They are very, very Christian; very traditional, etc. But, we've got a fine "neighborly" relationship and the kids sometimes play together.

Yesterday, T, the wife/mom, came over bearing flowers. It was so sad. She came over to apologize, tell us that she had experienced moral failure in that she had cursed at her husband. Her account went from bad to worse. Clearly, in her mind, this was all her fault. Of course we had heard how it started. Him: "When I come home I just want to be left alone." He was annoyed that his son was still up at 9pm and that his wife had spoken to him when he wanted to be left alone. Yikes! Anyway, we chatted for a while and finally I just said, words to the effect of, "I know we come from very different backgrounds... but you need to know that you weren't the only one who was wrong." Her response was that, "...although his behavior had been shaming" her reaction was "more wrong because I screamed at my husband." I said something like sometimes the person who doesn't raise his or her voice can be saying the more abusive things. I didn't want to start quoting what we had heard, but it was so sad to hear her claiming all responsibility. She said that they were talking with their elders and their pastor... She said something I didn't understand about "being in the light," but I wasn't inclined to ask. It was just so sad. Everything we had surmised about their relationship was pretty much verified. Mr. Big Man. Yeah, right. And did I mention that we think there's some drug trafficking going on in the apartment across the street? Unfortunately with the windows open we get to hear all the "thumpa-thumpa" music at 2 am, etc.

So, that's it from here. Between now and next Friday I have to finish prepping things for the Germany course and finish posting everything for the on-line course here. I have to do some shopping before leaving. Hopefully we'll finish the kitchen. Mother-not-in-law leaves next Wednesday. So, on Saturday, 2 June I leave for Trier, Germany via London and Luxembourg. I have a nine hour layover in London so I hope to get into Victoria Station and spend some time in a few bookstores. I'm scheduled to spend the middle weekend in Stockholm. Then, I return on Saturday, 16 June, via Luxembourg and Amsterdam. I have a seven hour layover in A'dam. If all goes according to plan I'll go to my favorite pizza place, go for a long walk, and stock up on Gouda. In an unusual move I'm not taking my laptop. Between security, the intentionally long layovers to do some shopping, and the lack of connection at my lodging, no point in dragging it around. While I will have to spend some time at the Internet cafe in Trier and I'll keep up on my reading, I probably won't post much - unless of course there is big news! The German keyboard is frustrating and I should be out enjoying the city!

So, that's about it from here. Just wanted folks to know that I'm reading - and counting the days until we arrive in Halifax! Cheers!

House, apartment, tent?

We have, since the beginning of this whole immigration enterprise, debated where we would move and whether or not we'd decide or let other things (e.g., jobs, school...) somewhat decide for us. We've gone through phases of thinking we would buy a house, build a house, rent first, buy a condo, and back through the round several times over. For a whole host of reasons that I won't bore you with we recently decided that the smartest thing to do is to rent first.

I had previously - during an earlier iteration of rental mania - found a bunch of decent websites about rental units. I visited them again yesterday and found a place where the landlord actually listed anticipated vacancy dates - through summer 2008! And, we were really intrigued with one of the listings. So, I emailed him. My big concern was finding a place that would be suitable for our needs/desires and that would accept a dog. So far we've exchanged several emails in which he's given me all kind of info. Our dog is no problem and they're willing to not let it to anyone else until after we have a chance to see it in July.

I don't want to be too jazzed about it because so many things could happen; e.g., we don't like it or the current tenants decide not to relocated as planned. But, it's downtown - one mile from the university, one mile from a French Immersion elementary school, walking distance to the riverfront, and - drum roll please - across the street from the Farmers' Market! It's more than we had planned on spending - isn't that always the way - on a rental. But, it includes heat and water, has a garage and a parking place (even though the location will allow us to keep getting by with one car), and has basement storage.

So, we'll see what happens. I said that even if it doesn't work out the mental exercise of evaluating the pros and cons and really deciding what are priorities and what are not is useful. We'd still like to buy or build, but since so much is up in the air regarding whether or not we stay there, etc. this seems like the most reasonable plan to take. Plus, we really get a chance to learn the neighborhoods, etc.; something I swore we'd do before buying in a place about which we know nothing.

Countdown to Halifax: 7 weeks from Saturday!

Funding!

I got the grant! That means that I'll be able to plan at least one, perhaps two, trips to Canada to meet with folks who've agreed to participate in the "Magnetic North" project. Yippee! Most likely that means that if I can't swing it in October when we have a long weekend, I'll plan to visit Toronto next January (yeah, silly me) when I'm not teaching. I'm going to Portland, OR in April of next year so I may try to add Vancouver to that trip. Rock on!

Hope your weather is as beautiful as ours is here in the Twin Cities!

Yet one more reason...

First, I appreciate the debate over whether hate crime legislation is the way to go. That is, I appreciate the arguments for and against increased penalties when something is deemed a hate crime. "Hate crimes under current federal law apply to acts of violence against individuals on the basis of race, religion, color, or national origin." But, it seems to me that if a jurisdiction chooses to pass such legislation, as has the federal government, it should include sexual orientation.

The House, yesterday, passed legislation that would add sexual orientation and gender identity to existing hate crime legislation. The Senate is expected to pass a similar bill. Now, I know you'll be shocked, but, yes, Bush plans to veto the legislation if/when it reaches his desk.

Let's see - Congress passes legislation to set a timeline on Iraq. Bush vetoes. Congress, it appears, will pass the hate crime legislation. Bush plans to veto. What a @#$%.

Best Places to Live

Check out Money Sense and the "Canada's Best Places to Live" rankings.

Masochism

I happened upon the last twenty minutes or so of the first GOP "debate." I kept thinking, "Someday I'm going to look back and say that the best thing I ever did was get my son out of the country." Somebody wants to eliminate a federal income tax. Somebody, digging at Clinton, spouted off about how horrible national health care would be. Somebody, I think it was evil, evil Duncan Hunter, said that we "had license to take military action" against Iran. Throw in Sam Brownback and a little pro-life rhetoric and the biggest #@$% in the world, John McCain... ugh. Pathetic. Just pathetic.

BTW, the debate was held at the Reagan Library. Nancy "Just Say No" Reagan with there, seated with Schwarznegger. She isn't looking good. Very, very frail.

In other news, did you hear about Joan Baez being denied permission to perform with John Mellencamp at Walter Reed? I don't think a day goes by that I don't hear something that makes me even more disgusted. Is there a point at which it won't be possible to be further disgusted?

Well, so much for the uplifting post.

Vote Kucinich.

Grrrr...

So, there I was. Settling into a hot bath, relaxing, and catching up on the latest issue of Mother Jones. Now I realize it might not make sense to relax with that particular magazine, because so much of the material is distressing. But, it's distressing in a "thank goodness someone can articulate what I think" kind of way.

Imagine my surprise when I read this letter to the editor:
"Although I appreciateed Cameron Scott's 'The Gay Marriage Stimulus Package," what about the fiscal liabilities once you consider Social Security? Wouldn't recognizing those additional marriages put additional strain on the already underfunded Social Security system? And you assume that in same-sex couples, both work and would move up the economic ladder. How about those who might marry the unemployed or quit to raise dependents?"
Nancy Mendez, Silver Spring, Maryland

I'm choking on the heterosexism. And to read that kind of crap in Mother Jones? Spare me.

PR Cards

Just a quick note to tell you all that we are now in possession of PR cards for P and 6YO. It is surely one of the most fabulous things ever to see 6YO's face smiling at me from just below the Canadian flag and the words "Government of Canada." Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Or something like that! Now to get my photo off to them!

Whoosh!

I can't believe my last post was two weeks ago tomorrow, as I sat in my room in Victoria, looking out at the harbour...

I just had to post this quick update - I had a great time in Victoria, met with several of our cyberfamily, and so forth. I took the red-eye back and remembered that I just don't do well on three hours of sleep any more. It took me several days to begin to catch up from a week's absence. Then, last Thursday I thought my head was going to explode. The doctor got a BP reading of 162/108 so I'm back on meds. I don't really know why it's up. Maybe it was the "you're over 50 now, you get to have a colonoscopy!" date approaching. BTW, I will NOT be serving as the colonoscopy poster child any time soon. Anyway, after a week and a half of headaches, procedure prep, post-sedation delirium, etc. things seem to be getting back to normal. Thus, my lack of posts following the trip, etc.

The good news/bad news story is that P's and 6YO's PR cards have arrived. My photograph, however, was unacceptable and I have to send a new one. I guess with everything else having gone so smoothly I can't complain about this little delay!

So, a short post, I know. But, trying to get things on an even keel. And, while I'm not posting much of the way in comments, know that I'm reading the other blogs and loving hearing how everyone's doing.

It's hard to believe that nine weeks from Saturday we arrive in Halifax! Of course, between here and then we have finals, commencement, one week with the mother-in-law (or should that be mother-not-in-law?) in town, two weeks in Europe... I'll post as I can, but know that I'm here! BTW, Tom and Emilio, tomorrow night in my Sexuality and the Law class we're reading some immigration cases and I'm going to show the clip that's on the Through Thick and Thin website!

More as it happens!

Canadian Soldiers

And then there's the bad news. I turned on the tv, anxious for a dose of CBC. It was all hockey until one of the guys said that more Canadian soldiers had been killed in Afghanistan. What was so refreshing, even in the face of the tragic news, was the genuine reaction of the broadcaster to include a comment that I wish I had written down. It was something along the lines of things having to change. You don't see that in the US media, at least I haven't.

Greetings from Victoria, BC!

I thought that it was time for an update. And, since today is the first anniversary of this blog, all the more reason to post, eh?

I arrived in Seattle on Sunday morning and had a delightful lunch with Daniel and Alan of Would Be Canadians. It was just great to meet them in "real time and space" and compare notes, etc. BTW, if you find yourself in Seattle, I recommend a visit to Julia's on Broadway. I then ventured back to the hotel and took care of some odds-n-ends before my next appointment. Since I was going to be working at Seattle University, I stayed at the Silver Cloud - Broadway, also recommended. Although I didn't need to use them, any "regular hotel" room that includes a mini-fridge and microwave is high on my list. Also, it was super clean.

That evening I met my friend and colleague, J, who had recruited me to do the work. We went to Cafe Septieme where I had - I was in the Pacific Northwest after all - salmon on a really good risotto with a balsamic reduction. In a word - yum! Aside from the "work briefing" it was great to catch up. We hadn't visited in several years. And, I finally got to meet her partner of six years. I was really beginning to think she was the imaginary partner. Not really, but it was great to be able to finally meet her.

Fortunately, J had crafted a very civilized schedule for me with my first meeting on Monday at 10:30 am. I spent the day "interviewing" members of the department, met with students, etc. I had a break and then went to dinner with J and two other members of the department. We had a great time chatting about this, that, and the other. One of them is Canadian, too! A bonus, to be sure. They were very interested in my process and project. We at at La Spiga where, no surprise, I splurged on the Tiramisu.

Tuesday was a repeat with a late start and a day full of interviews. I had another late afternoon break and then met J for our debriefing. We wandered over to the Wildrose, a predominantly lesbian bar, for a bite. We debriefed and visited and debriefed and visited. I was able to get caught up on all the disciplinary-dyke-drama that I miss by being in the Midwest. Oh, that's disciplinary as in the discipline in which I teach, not as in "bondage and..." Before I knew it, it was almost 10 pm. So, we said our goodbyes and I got packed for an early departure.

Seattle is always terrific. I didn't wander beyond Capitol Hill at all. Not even to Elliott Bay Book Co. But, I had a wonderful time nonetheless. The department I was visiting is full of incredibly friendly and dynamic people and scholars. The urban campus is beautiful. And, I got to visit an old friend and respected colleague. And, they paid my way and paid me, too. All in all, it was a fabulous trip.

This morning I was up at 5:45, waiting for the shuttle at 7. After a few other stops I was deposited at Pier 69 for the Victoria Clipper. After an uneventful trip - during which I actually got some grading done - I arrived in Victoria. The customs officer looked at my passport and said, "Are you moving back?" Alas, I had to inform her that we hadn't moved to Canada yet, only landed. What do you mean, you might say, "only" landed?!? You're right. We've LANDED! But, we anxiously await the next phase of our journey. Anyway, cleared, off I went.

I had lunch with M, one of the participants in the immigration project. We had visited here almost two years ago and it was great to both catch up and keep going with the project. I won't share details because I am trying to keep the project and the personal somewhat separate - though it's hard with all the gray lines of relationships - but I will say that she is very happy and that living in Canada very, very much agrees with her! We had lunch at Santiago's which, I just realized, as I'm typing, is the place that I think I'm going tonight with Mary and Diane, the women from Canada-is-Calling. The food was tasty, so no problem!

I'm now in my hotel where, from the desk, I can see the harbor. Or, perhaps I should write, "harbour." The Coho Ferry is several hundred meters away and I can see the Canadian flag waving in the breeze. What a view. I can't tell you how much I enjoy seeing that. But, then, if you're reading this you probably have a very good idea!

I'm staying at the Days Inn - Victoria on the Harbour. This is where P and I stayed when we did our quickie honeymoon in May 2005. Unfortunately I had to come alone this time. Bummer. If you come to Vic via the Clipper it's a great place to stay. It's across the street from the ferry terminal and within walking distance of much of what you might wish to do here. What isn't within walking distance is accessible via tour bus or public transit. And, for those who prefer, there are car rental locations within walking distance. Also, this time of year I was able to book a room on-line, queen bed with a harbour view, for 79.20 CAD, including a continental breakfast. Pretty good, I think.

So, that brings you up to speed, I think. Hope all is well. It's snowing in Minnesota. Today is 11 April. Our first snow of this "season" was on 11 October. These pictures were taken then. Six months? What's wrong with that picture? I mean, really.

More as it happens! As if you had any doubt.

Family Movie Night

Scene: Mama, Mommy, and 6YO are watching Charlotte’s Web. Fern has just rescued Wilbur, the pig, from certain death. Scene changes abruptly to bacon frying in a pan.

6YO: What’s that?

Mommy: [Having already discussed that bacon = pig, says, deadpan] Pig.

6YO: It’s not a pig!

Mama: It’s irony.

6YO: [With the certainty of a six year old] Yeah, it’s not a pig, it’s irony.