Fun and games

It's unfortunate that homelessness is common. So common that we can walk by and not even notice. Then, of course, is the awkward question of "Am I really helping?" when I give out change. I have even noticed a trend of women asking for money with their children sitting beside them. I've seen it on tv in countries "over there", but never thought it would be a reality on the sidewalk I pass.

For me, this can cause a downward spiral of emotions, i.e., "I'm not doing enough, "I'm priviledged, or "America is " which does not help at all. Sometimes, I just want to feel good. I want to help because it really will make a difference. What's wrong with that?

All to say, that every Wednesday at the Hideout on Wabansia there is veggie bingo. All the proceeds go toward the community gardens of Chicago. Fun, fuel (this is the Hideout!), and food all for an awesome cause! See ya there.....

http://gapersblock.com/slowdown/archives/2010/09/08/?utm_source=GapersBlock.com%3A+The+Party+Line&utm_campaign=f548d0d20a-PL09_03_2010&utm_medium=email#048288

Won't you be my neighbor?

Not being from Chicago, I'm fascinated with the "hoodie" status. It seems that every neighborhood in Chicago has a little claim to fame among the historical cannons or are making history with new trends. However, it can be a bit overwhelming trying to explore the countless (I think over 200) neighborhoods. A way to solve this without growing your carbon footprint is to explore via bike. A tour of Hyde Park is coming up. Click here for more info:

http://empiricalopera.wordpress.com/category/biking/

The bike tour is sponsored by The Empirical Opera. Trust me it's not what you think....

Everything and everyone

I've truly come to believe that everything and everyone is connected. Sometimes, when I see a tree being cut, I get an unnamed and uncontrollable sadness. I've been reading the book, "The Secret Life of Plants" and am intrigued that plants (this has been proven scientifically) respond to our emotions. I don't think it's unreasonable to say the same of us.

The Sierra Club of Chicago is hosting a film tomorrow at 6:00 entitled Green at the 70 E. Lake St. #1500, office. Please see the trailer.

http://illinois.sierraclub.org/chicago/

Black Diamonds

You've heard of the film Blood Diamonds? In the film, Leonardo DiCaprio learns firsthand the violence and bloodshed extracted from the diamond industry. Well, Black Diamonds examines how this dirty extraction of coal is one of the biggest environmental and social justice issues of our time. Here's the scoop about the movie being shown in Logan Square this Thursday. Tickets are limited so rsvp as soon as possible.

http://chicagoconservationcorps.org/blog/2010/08/27/free-screening-and-discussion-of-environmental-documentary-in-logan-square/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=free-screening-and-discussion-of-environmental-documentary-in-logan-square

Who's protecting Who?

So, in today's Chicago Tribune, it was disclosed that DeCoster's egg farm had been banned in one state, quarantined in another, and had faced several lawsuits. The fact that this farm had never been inspected by the FDA is incredible!

"Please note that while this man has had very poor business practices and a history of violations....he has contributed a great deal to Wright County" Barb Mussman of the Wright Monitor said by email.

I would like to add my own quote: "Please note that while this businessman has been allowed to bypass the laws meant to serve and protect the public, people have gotten sick and the confidence in the federal regulators has, yet again, been erased."