Yesterday was my nephew's 5th birthday, and I forgot it. I feel incredibly guilty, and want to make it up to him (he's halfway across the country). Suggestions?
UPDATE:
Here's a good suggestion. Be married to a woman who remembered for you.
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Home (State) Cooking
I realized last night that it has been quite some time since I posted anything of substance, and that it has also been quite some time since I blogged on two of my favorite topics: My beloved home state, and cooking. I shall endeavor to kill three birds with one stone.
Now, for a long time, there was no "Oregon Cuisine" to speak of, at least not in restaurants. We have been an economically poor state for some time, and were predominantly rural as well. This didn't lend itself to a commercial gourmet identity. But there was a foundation waiting to be built upon, and recently some Oregon chefs have started to build on it. Most notable of these is Caprial Pence.
To understand a region's cuisine, you must look at its history and culture. And to understand Oregon's history and culture, one must start with a three-word phrase: The Oregon Trail.
The Oregon Trail was the largest voluntary land migration in recorded history. Somewhere in the neighborhood of 300,000 people made the arduous crossing from Independence, Missouri, to the Willamette Valley. Just like the nation it became the 33rd state of, Oregon was founded by immigrants. But there's a catch. Most of the immigrants who came to Oregon came from America itself. So while old families in the east can say that their ancestors came from Germany or England or Ireland, many old Oregon families can say that our ancestors came from Pennsylvania, or Ohio, or Maine, or Virginia. The implication for our culture, and our cuisine, should be obvious. It is derived directly from the cuisines of the regions from which those original settlers came. You’ll find Southern influences, Midwestern influences, and New England influences. And often you’ll find an amalgam of all these. In addition, because of the Spartan conditions on the trail, most settlers arrived here with very little left in the way of foodstuffs. So while they brought their recipes with them, they had to modify them to use local ingredients.
Luckily for these early Oregonians, there were plenty of local ingredients from which to choose. The Pacific Northwest was (and still is to a lesser extent) teeming with game, seafood, and wild edible plants. These too added their influence to Oregon food, as did the indigenous people who had used them for centuries. We became addicted to salmon and crab, halibut and rockfish and clams and venison and elk and trout.
Another way that the Oregon Trail influenced our cuisine is in the very reason for the migration: arable land. Every year the Willamette River and its tributaries carry tons of rich, dark volcanic soil down from the mountains into the valley where is becomes some of the most fertile farmland in the nation. Over the years, the very foodstuffs that the settlers and their descendants have grown for sale to other places have also become inextricably tied to our own diets: berries, pears, mint, potatoes and onions, milk and cheese, winter wheat, filberts (hazelnuts to people who live where they’re not grown). Recently the big player in this has been wine.
There have been other influences as well. Later eaves of immigration brought people directly from other countries, so there are direct ethnic influences as well, sometimes localized in specific communities – Junction City, just north of Eugene, is Scandinavian. Mt. Angel outside of Salem is very German. As part of the Ring of Fire, there’s also a strong Asian influence.
I have become more and more aware of this as, after returning to my home state as an adult, I have attempted to develop recipes and dishes and meals that have a distinctly Oregon flavor. I have tried to take two different tacks: One is to take recipes with origins in other regions, states, and countries, and replace key ingredients with Oregon products. My Beef Oregonian is one example of this. The other approach has been to start with a main Oregon ingredient, and build a recipe around it. My efforts so far have produced few recipes, but those I have developed make me proud.
And so, bearing all of this in mind, I would like to submit a good spring/summer grilling recipe, with an Oregon flavor to it:
Brian’s Filbert Encrusted Steelhead
This dish is a variation on a method for cooking fish, especially salmon and steelhead, that has been used by indigenous peoples in the Northwest for centuries. I have added a modern Oregon twist to it. I prefer steelhead, but you could also use salmon (steelhead is not a salmon; it is a subspecies of rainbow trout). Top preference in this case goes to Coho, but use farm salmon if you must.
This is definitely a dish best served over a grill, though you can use an oven if necessary. If you use a grill, use an aromatic wood on the grill. The native tree favored for such grilling here in the Northwest is alder, though oak or apple would work too. Avoid mesquite or hickory, as these are not native to the Northwest. Absolutely necessary for the recipe are four untreated cedar planks, thoroughly soaked with water. Originally the Indians pegged the salmon to these boards, but we will alter that method slightly, for reasons that will become plain later.
The recipe calls for:
4 steelhead filets, skin on, 6-8 oz.
1 cup finely chopped raw filberts
1 cup honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon finely chopped dill weed
1 lemon, quartered
4 sprigs dill weed for garnish
Mince the garlic as finely as possible. The dill weed should also be finely chopped. Mix both with the honey. Place the steelhead filets on the cedar planks, skin down. Lightly sprinkle them with lemon, then salt and pepper to taste. Spread the honey mixture over the steelhead until it is completely coated. Sprinkle the chopped filberts on top until they completely encrust the tops of the filets. Place the planks on the grill or in a 300 degree oven, close the grill lid and cook until the flesh of the fish is firm. The filberts should be slightly toasted and the honey should be caramelized at the edges.
Plating suggestions:
Leave the steelhead on the planks, garnish with more dill weed.
Side dishes that will go well with this dish and give a further PNW flavor would be:
Fried russet potatoes (what did you think the “ORE” in “ORE-IDA” stood for?). Do not peel. Slice into rounds and fry with slices of sweet yellow onions – Oregon Hood Rivers or Washington Walla Wallas. Simple seasoning is the best – salt, pepper, maybe paprika.
A Northwest-influenced salad: cranberries, mixed greens, pears, and more filberts with a raspberry vinaigrette.
I prefer a soft red wine with salmon and steelhead, not white. You might try a blush, I never have. If you do, a good Pinot Noir Blanc, if you can get it, is almost as complex as a straight P.N., but is more refreshing in summer (note to fellow Oregonians: Saginaw Vineyards, between Eugene and Cottage Grove just off I-5, makes one that rocks). Of course the natural match for Oregon wines would be Pinot Noir. Otherwise a Shiraz or Syrah might also work, but I haven’t tried them.
Now, for a long time, there was no "Oregon Cuisine" to speak of, at least not in restaurants. We have been an economically poor state for some time, and were predominantly rural as well. This didn't lend itself to a commercial gourmet identity. But there was a foundation waiting to be built upon, and recently some Oregon chefs have started to build on it. Most notable of these is Caprial Pence.
To understand a region's cuisine, you must look at its history and culture. And to understand Oregon's history and culture, one must start with a three-word phrase: The Oregon Trail.
The Oregon Trail was the largest voluntary land migration in recorded history. Somewhere in the neighborhood of 300,000 people made the arduous crossing from Independence, Missouri, to the Willamette Valley. Just like the nation it became the 33rd state of, Oregon was founded by immigrants. But there's a catch. Most of the immigrants who came to Oregon came from America itself. So while old families in the east can say that their ancestors came from Germany or England or Ireland, many old Oregon families can say that our ancestors came from Pennsylvania, or Ohio, or Maine, or Virginia. The implication for our culture, and our cuisine, should be obvious. It is derived directly from the cuisines of the regions from which those original settlers came. You’ll find Southern influences, Midwestern influences, and New England influences. And often you’ll find an amalgam of all these. In addition, because of the Spartan conditions on the trail, most settlers arrived here with very little left in the way of foodstuffs. So while they brought their recipes with them, they had to modify them to use local ingredients.
Luckily for these early Oregonians, there were plenty of local ingredients from which to choose. The Pacific Northwest was (and still is to a lesser extent) teeming with game, seafood, and wild edible plants. These too added their influence to Oregon food, as did the indigenous people who had used them for centuries. We became addicted to salmon and crab, halibut and rockfish and clams and venison and elk and trout.
Another way that the Oregon Trail influenced our cuisine is in the very reason for the migration: arable land. Every year the Willamette River and its tributaries carry tons of rich, dark volcanic soil down from the mountains into the valley where is becomes some of the most fertile farmland in the nation. Over the years, the very foodstuffs that the settlers and their descendants have grown for sale to other places have also become inextricably tied to our own diets: berries, pears, mint, potatoes and onions, milk and cheese, winter wheat, filberts (hazelnuts to people who live where they’re not grown). Recently the big player in this has been wine.
There have been other influences as well. Later eaves of immigration brought people directly from other countries, so there are direct ethnic influences as well, sometimes localized in specific communities – Junction City, just north of Eugene, is Scandinavian. Mt. Angel outside of Salem is very German. As part of the Ring of Fire, there’s also a strong Asian influence.
I have become more and more aware of this as, after returning to my home state as an adult, I have attempted to develop recipes and dishes and meals that have a distinctly Oregon flavor. I have tried to take two different tacks: One is to take recipes with origins in other regions, states, and countries, and replace key ingredients with Oregon products. My Beef Oregonian is one example of this. The other approach has been to start with a main Oregon ingredient, and build a recipe around it. My efforts so far have produced few recipes, but those I have developed make me proud.
And so, bearing all of this in mind, I would like to submit a good spring/summer grilling recipe, with an Oregon flavor to it:
Brian’s Filbert Encrusted Steelhead
This dish is a variation on a method for cooking fish, especially salmon and steelhead, that has been used by indigenous peoples in the Northwest for centuries. I have added a modern Oregon twist to it. I prefer steelhead, but you could also use salmon (steelhead is not a salmon; it is a subspecies of rainbow trout). Top preference in this case goes to Coho, but use farm salmon if you must.
This is definitely a dish best served over a grill, though you can use an oven if necessary. If you use a grill, use an aromatic wood on the grill. The native tree favored for such grilling here in the Northwest is alder, though oak or apple would work too. Avoid mesquite or hickory, as these are not native to the Northwest. Absolutely necessary for the recipe are four untreated cedar planks, thoroughly soaked with water. Originally the Indians pegged the salmon to these boards, but we will alter that method slightly, for reasons that will become plain later.
The recipe calls for:
4 steelhead filets, skin on, 6-8 oz.
1 cup finely chopped raw filberts
1 cup honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon finely chopped dill weed
1 lemon, quartered
4 sprigs dill weed for garnish
Mince the garlic as finely as possible. The dill weed should also be finely chopped. Mix both with the honey. Place the steelhead filets on the cedar planks, skin down. Lightly sprinkle them with lemon, then salt and pepper to taste. Spread the honey mixture over the steelhead until it is completely coated. Sprinkle the chopped filberts on top until they completely encrust the tops of the filets. Place the planks on the grill or in a 300 degree oven, close the grill lid and cook until the flesh of the fish is firm. The filberts should be slightly toasted and the honey should be caramelized at the edges.
Plating suggestions:
Leave the steelhead on the planks, garnish with more dill weed.
Side dishes that will go well with this dish and give a further PNW flavor would be:
Fried russet potatoes (what did you think the “ORE” in “ORE-IDA” stood for?). Do not peel. Slice into rounds and fry with slices of sweet yellow onions – Oregon Hood Rivers or Washington Walla Wallas. Simple seasoning is the best – salt, pepper, maybe paprika.
A Northwest-influenced salad: cranberries, mixed greens, pears, and more filberts with a raspberry vinaigrette.
I prefer a soft red wine with salmon and steelhead, not white. You might try a blush, I never have. If you do, a good Pinot Noir Blanc, if you can get it, is almost as complex as a straight P.N., but is more refreshing in summer (note to fellow Oregonians: Saginaw Vineyards, between Eugene and Cottage Grove just off I-5, makes one that rocks). Of course the natural match for Oregon wines would be Pinot Noir. Otherwise a Shiraz or Syrah might also work, but I haven’t tried them.
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Speaker for the Read
Book Lists. Just about everyone's got 'em. Books you want to read, books you have read and recommend others read, books your mom or dad read to you... The list of lists goes on.
Well, I have a list. Or two or three, actually. But in this case, I'm referring to one specific list. It isn't actually codified, or fixed, but it's a running tally in my head. Let's call it my list of shame. This is a list of books that I not only WANT to read, but am ashamed to admit never HAVE read. Let's not go into all of the entries, or you might lose all respect for me.
There are many books on this list. Some are books I believe EVERYONE should read, or at least be familiar with. Others are genre specific -- books that should be read if you consider yourself a fan of a given genre.
Well, this week I get to cross a book off of the latter list. It's a book that I have long had an interest in, but finally my good friend Brian (aka Lurch in the comments) gave me as a gift on his recent visit. I started reading it Monday night, read it on the bus and on breaks yesterday, and polished it off last night.
As a long time Sci Fi fan, particularly military Sci Fi, I am ashamed to say that it took me until my 36th year to be able to proudly say, I have read Ender's Game. What a read!
I have to admit that there were a couple of things that disappointed me. One of them was the ease with which I deduced a couple of plot twists that were supposed to be surprises (I won't spoil it for anyone by saying which ones). The other was that I struggled with a suspension of disbelief in accepting some of the dialogue, both internal and external, as being consistent with the age of the characters, regardless of their life experience. But these were minor irritants, and overall I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys the genre.
Well, I have a list. Or two or three, actually. But in this case, I'm referring to one specific list. It isn't actually codified, or fixed, but it's a running tally in my head. Let's call it my list of shame. This is a list of books that I not only WANT to read, but am ashamed to admit never HAVE read. Let's not go into all of the entries, or you might lose all respect for me.
There are many books on this list. Some are books I believe EVERYONE should read, or at least be familiar with. Others are genre specific -- books that should be read if you consider yourself a fan of a given genre.
Well, this week I get to cross a book off of the latter list. It's a book that I have long had an interest in, but finally my good friend Brian (aka Lurch in the comments) gave me as a gift on his recent visit. I started reading it Monday night, read it on the bus and on breaks yesterday, and polished it off last night.
As a long time Sci Fi fan, particularly military Sci Fi, I am ashamed to say that it took me until my 36th year to be able to proudly say, I have read Ender's Game. What a read!
I have to admit that there were a couple of things that disappointed me. One of them was the ease with which I deduced a couple of plot twists that were supposed to be surprises (I won't spoil it for anyone by saying which ones). The other was that I struggled with a suspension of disbelief in accepting some of the dialogue, both internal and external, as being consistent with the age of the characters, regardless of their life experience. But these were minor irritants, and overall I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys the genre.
Monday, March 28, 2005
Fatherhood, Wallenda Style
Good News and Scary News With Regards to the Lad!
(And all in one day)
First, the good news:
The Feared Redhead called from The Lad's pediatrician's office. The good doctor has DC'ed (discontinued) use of the apnea/bradicardia monitor.
Now, the scary news:
The Feared Redhead called from The Lad's pediatrician's office. The good doctor has DC'ed (discontinued) use of the apnea/bradicardia monitor.
I feel like the last two months (as of yesterday) have been practice, and suddenly I'm stepping out onto the high wire without a net for the first time. It's exciting, and thrilling, and absolutely terrifying.
(And all in one day)
First, the good news:
The Feared Redhead called from The Lad's pediatrician's office. The good doctor has DC'ed (discontinued) use of the apnea/bradicardia monitor.
Now, the scary news:
The Feared Redhead called from The Lad's pediatrician's office. The good doctor has DC'ed (discontinued) use of the apnea/bradicardia monitor.
I feel like the last two months (as of yesterday) have been practice, and suddenly I'm stepping out onto the high wire without a net for the first time. It's exciting, and thrilling, and absolutely terrifying.
Mutual of Omaha Vs. Soylent Green:
They're BOTH people, you know....
Thanks for the Memory (and memories) to the Llama Butchers.
Apparently today marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Marlin Perkins, one of the men who helped define my childhood tyelevision viewing experience. He was the host of the TV series Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, which was iconic for many of us. As Robbo points out, it was commonplace to the point of cliche for Marlin to pose as the host and hero of theshow while his younger, humbler, and more virile assistant, Jim Fowler, did almost all of the hard, dirty, dangerous work. I also remember Marlin's uncanny ability to use any situation they encountered as a point from which to seque in to a plug for their sponsors:
"Jim is attempting to circumcise the Cape Buffalo. It looks like the big fella is trampling Jim into a lifeless mush. When life leaves me feeling trampled underfoot, I turn to my good friends at Mutual of Omaha."
Happy Birthday, Marlin, and Rest in Peace.
Thanks for the Memory (and memories) to the Llama Butchers.
Apparently today marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Marlin Perkins, one of the men who helped define my childhood tyelevision viewing experience. He was the host of the TV series Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, which was iconic for many of us. As Robbo points out, it was commonplace to the point of cliche for Marlin to pose as the host and hero of theshow while his younger, humbler, and more virile assistant, Jim Fowler, did almost all of the hard, dirty, dangerous work. I also remember Marlin's uncanny ability to use any situation they encountered as a point from which to seque in to a plug for their sponsors:
"Jim is attempting to circumcise the Cape Buffalo. It looks like the big fella is trampling Jim into a lifeless mush. When life leaves me feeling trampled underfoot, I turn to my good friends at Mutual of Omaha."
Happy Birthday, Marlin, and Rest in Peace.
Friday, March 25, 2005
Crippled Fat Johnny Nixon
Thanks for the Memory to Wicked Thoughts:
HOW TO SING THE BLUES
UPDATE:
I've decided to remove the body of this post. It seems too many people were given the mistaken impression that I wrote it. I did not. It was originally posted over at Wicked Thoughts. I agree with those who have kindly posted links to me: It's hilarious. So if you want to read it, go over to Wicked Thoughts and give him both the credit AND the traffic.
HOW TO SING THE BLUES
UPDATE:
I've decided to remove the body of this post. It seems too many people were given the mistaken impression that I wrote it. I did not. It was originally posted over at Wicked Thoughts. I agree with those who have kindly posted links to me: It's hilarious. So if you want to read it, go over to Wicked Thoughts and give him both the credit AND the traffic.
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Raise Your Voice While You Can
Thanks for the Memory to Jane at Armies of Liberation.
Originally posted to run until Midnight, March 14th, 2005
Yesterday I received an email from Jane asking me to sign this petition. Unfortunately, I was out of the office all day, so I didn't get a chance to respond until today. At the time she wrote me, she was aiming for 400 signatures. I'm happy to report that she's far surpassed that number.
Since I've taken up the call to arms with regards to McCain-Feingold's intrusions on our freedom of speech and the press, I feel it behooves me to be consistent and speak out on behalf of this Yemeni journalist. Please read his letter to Jane, then go sign this petition.
******************************************************
*************** UPDATE !!!!! ************************
******************************************************
3/23/05
I have received a wonderful e-mail from Jane at Armies of Liberation, linking me to some VERY good news!
WE DID IT!!!!!!
Al-Khaiwani has been freed!!!!!!
This is wonderful news, and a very good day for freedom. Thanks to any and all my readers who got involved, as well as my fellow Bloggers. See? You have a voice, and when you use it, YOU WILL BE HEARD!
LET FREEDOM RING!
Originally posted to run until Midnight, March 14th, 2005
Yesterday I received an email from Jane asking me to sign this petition. Unfortunately, I was out of the office all day, so I didn't get a chance to respond until today. At the time she wrote me, she was aiming for 400 signatures. I'm happy to report that she's far surpassed that number.
Since I've taken up the call to arms with regards to McCain-Feingold's intrusions on our freedom of speech and the press, I feel it behooves me to be consistent and speak out on behalf of this Yemeni journalist. Please read his letter to Jane, then go sign this petition.
******************************************************
*************** UPDATE !!!!! ************************
******************************************************
3/23/05
I have received a wonderful e-mail from Jane at Armies of Liberation, linking me to some VERY good news!
WE DID IT!!!!!!
Al-Khaiwani has been freed!!!!!!
This is wonderful news, and a very good day for freedom. Thanks to any and all my readers who got involved, as well as my fellow Bloggers. See? You have a voice, and when you use it, YOU WILL BE HEARD!
LET FREEDOM RING!
Friday, March 18, 2005
What Movie Am I?
Thanks for the Memory to Gullyborg at Resistance is Futile!
Apparently, I'm:
I can think of worse things to be called.
Apparently, I'm:
I can think of worse things to be called.
Take Your Filthy Paws Off My Blog, You Damned Dirty Apes!
Thanks for the Memory (and the title inspiration) to Gullyborg at Resistance is Futile!
There is now a petition you can sign to register your opposition to the attack on irst Amendment freedoms posed by the McCain-Feingold Act. Right or Left, you'll be in good company: Kos and Malkin, The Heritage Foundation and the Kerry Campaign. Go sign it.
Blog Free or Die.
There is now a petition you can sign to register your opposition to the attack on irst Amendment freedoms posed by the McCain-Feingold Act. Right or Left, you'll be in good company: Kos and Malkin, The Heritage Foundation and the Kerry Campaign. Go sign it.
Blog Free or Die.
The Beginning of the End
Well, today's the day. Today at 1:00 PM EST, by court order, Terry Schiavo's feeding tube will be removed, and she will begin to starve to death.
I'm not sure what I'm feeling about this right now: Sadness; anger; confusion; resignation... all these emotions and more come to mind, and I'm just an observer. I can only imagine what it must be like for those personally involved in the case.
I have to confess that since joining Blogs for Terri, my enthusiasm was waned for lobbying on behalf of her parents. Please don't get me wrong -- I still believe that active euthanasia is wrong. And if the claims made by Terri's parents are true, I still oppose the decision to remove the tube.
But recently, a Blogger I respect greatly raised some troubling points that I just can't ignore. Smallholder at Naked Villainy presents arguments with regards to Terri's medical state of which I was not aware. I would encourage those who, like me, have been on the other side of the issue, to read the entry and consider it. If they are true, I have to concede that I also would question the wisdom of continuing to keep her alive.
However, while he has given me pause to doubt, I do feel obliged to respond and raise a point or two for him to consider:
Smallholder begins his post with the comment "The intent was to highlight the point that those who want the government to intervene in the dying process are hardly acting conservatively - inasmuch that conservatives generally believe in individual free will and a minimum of government intrusion in our lives."
I agree, but this assumes that we're talking about an individual's own free will and choice. The argument being made in this case (right or wrong) is that dying WASN'T Terri's choice, and that the government SHOULD prevent someone else from imposing THEIR will on Terri. Whether this is actually the case or not is, of course, the crux of the entire saga.
Smallholder asserts that the overwhelming weight of medical evidence was on the side of Terri's husband, and that no valid contrary medical opinion was offered in court. On the other hand, I have also read that such evidence and opinions have been put forth but that the court, or rather the specific judge presiding, refused to entertain them. In either case, my sources (Smallholder and his opposites) are all third party at best, so I'm not sure what to think.
Here is what I now pray for: Wisdom and peace and healing. I pray that the truth, whichever story it may support, would be known. I pray that the officials and medical staff in Florida would have the wisdom and compassion to do the right thing -- whatever that may be. And one way or the other, whatever the outcome, I pray that God would heal those involved -- Terri's husband, her parents, all those involved, and especially, that He would heal Terri. I do believe in miracles, and I don't believe we can control their occurrence by either maintaining or removing a feeding tube.
One final thought. Last night as I watched the News, Geworge Stephanopoulos reported that, because Congress passed a law preventing removal of the tube, but passed two different versions and then adjourned, Terri's husband could proceed with the removal of the tube. There was, it seemed to me, a smirk on his face and a smug tone in his voice.
No matter which side of this case you're on, that doesn't seem to me to be the proper sentiment to convey right now.
I'm not sure what I'm feeling about this right now: Sadness; anger; confusion; resignation... all these emotions and more come to mind, and I'm just an observer. I can only imagine what it must be like for those personally involved in the case.
I have to confess that since joining Blogs for Terri, my enthusiasm was waned for lobbying on behalf of her parents. Please don't get me wrong -- I still believe that active euthanasia is wrong. And if the claims made by Terri's parents are true, I still oppose the decision to remove the tube.
But recently, a Blogger I respect greatly raised some troubling points that I just can't ignore. Smallholder at Naked Villainy presents arguments with regards to Terri's medical state of which I was not aware. I would encourage those who, like me, have been on the other side of the issue, to read the entry and consider it. If they are true, I have to concede that I also would question the wisdom of continuing to keep her alive.
However, while he has given me pause to doubt, I do feel obliged to respond and raise a point or two for him to consider:
Smallholder begins his post with the comment "The intent was to highlight the point that those who want the government to intervene in the dying process are hardly acting conservatively - inasmuch that conservatives generally believe in individual free will and a minimum of government intrusion in our lives."
I agree, but this assumes that we're talking about an individual's own free will and choice. The argument being made in this case (right or wrong) is that dying WASN'T Terri's choice, and that the government SHOULD prevent someone else from imposing THEIR will on Terri. Whether this is actually the case or not is, of course, the crux of the entire saga.
Smallholder asserts that the overwhelming weight of medical evidence was on the side of Terri's husband, and that no valid contrary medical opinion was offered in court. On the other hand, I have also read that such evidence and opinions have been put forth but that the court, or rather the specific judge presiding, refused to entertain them. In either case, my sources (Smallholder and his opposites) are all third party at best, so I'm not sure what to think.
Here is what I now pray for: Wisdom and peace and healing. I pray that the truth, whichever story it may support, would be known. I pray that the officials and medical staff in Florida would have the wisdom and compassion to do the right thing -- whatever that may be. And one way or the other, whatever the outcome, I pray that God would heal those involved -- Terri's husband, her parents, all those involved, and especially, that He would heal Terri. I do believe in miracles, and I don't believe we can control their occurrence by either maintaining or removing a feeding tube.
One final thought. Last night as I watched the News, Geworge Stephanopoulos reported that, because Congress passed a law preventing removal of the tube, but passed two different versions and then adjourned, Terri's husband could proceed with the removal of the tube. There was, it seemed to me, a smirk on his face and a smug tone in his voice.
No matter which side of this case you're on, that doesn't seem to me to be the proper sentiment to convey right now.
The Beginning of the End
Well, today's the day. Today at 1:00 PM EST, by court order, Terry Schiavo's feeding tube will be removed, and she will begin to starve to death.
I'm not sure what I'm feeling about this right now: Sadness; anger; confusion; resignation... all these emotions and more come to mind, and I'm just an observer. I can only imagine what it must be like for those personally involved in the case.
I have to confess that since joining Blogs for Terri, my enthusiasm was waned for lobbying on behalf of her parents. Please don't get me wrong -- I still believe that active euthanasia is wrong. And if the claims made by Terri's parents are true, I still oppose the decision to remove the tube.
But recently, a Blogger I respect greatly raised some troubling points that I just can't ignore. Smallholder at Naked Villainy presents arguments with regards to Terri's medical state of which I was not aware. I would encourage those who, like me, have been on the other side of the issue, to read the entry and consider it. If they are true, I have to concede that I also would question the wisdom of continuing to keep her alive.
However, while he has given me pause to doubt, I do feel obliged to respond and raise a point or two for him to consider:
Smallholder begins his post with the comment "The intent was to highlight the point that those who want the government to intervene in the dying process are hardly acting conservatively - inasmuch that conservatives generally believe in individual free will and a minimum of government intrusion in our lives."
I agree, but this assumes that we're talking about an individual's own free will and choice. The argument being made in this case (right or wrong) is that dying WASN'T Terri's choice, and that the government SHOULD prevent someone else from imposing THEIR will on Terri. Whether this is actually the case or not is, of course, the crux of the entire saga.
Smallholder asserts that the overwhelming weight of medical evidence was on the side of Terri's husband, and that no valid contrary medical opinion was offered in court. On the other hand, I have also read that such evidence and opinions have been put forth but that the court, or rather the specific judge presiding, refused to entertain them. In either case, my sources (Smallholder and his opposites) are all third party at best, so I'm not sure what to think.
Here is what I now pray for: Wisdom and peace and healing. I pray that the truth, whichever story it may support, would be known. I pray that the officials and medical staff in Florida would have the wisdom and compassion to do the right thing -- whatever that may be. And one way or the other, whatever the outcome, I pray that God would heal those involved -- Terri's husband, her parents, all those involved, and especially, that He would heal Terri. I do believe in miracles, and I don't believe we can control their occurrence by either maintaining or removing a feeding tube.
One final thought. Last night as I watched the News, Geworge Stephanopoulos reported that, because Congress passed a law preventing removal of the tube, but passed two different versions and then adjourned, Terri's husband could proceed with the removal of the tube. There was, it seemed to me, a smirk on his face and a smug tone in his voice.
No matter which side of this case you're on, that doesn't seem to me to be the proper sentiment to convey right now.
I'm not sure what I'm feeling about this right now: Sadness; anger; confusion; resignation... all these emotions and more come to mind, and I'm just an observer. I can only imagine what it must be like for those personally involved in the case.
I have to confess that since joining Blogs for Terri, my enthusiasm was waned for lobbying on behalf of her parents. Please don't get me wrong -- I still believe that active euthanasia is wrong. And if the claims made by Terri's parents are true, I still oppose the decision to remove the tube.
But recently, a Blogger I respect greatly raised some troubling points that I just can't ignore. Smallholder at Naked Villainy presents arguments with regards to Terri's medical state of which I was not aware. I would encourage those who, like me, have been on the other side of the issue, to read the entry and consider it. If they are true, I have to concede that I also would question the wisdom of continuing to keep her alive.
However, while he has given me pause to doubt, I do feel obliged to respond and raise a point or two for him to consider:
Smallholder begins his post with the comment "The intent was to highlight the point that those who want the government to intervene in the dying process are hardly acting conservatively - inasmuch that conservatives generally believe in individual free will and a minimum of government intrusion in our lives."
I agree, but this assumes that we're talking about an individual's own free will and choice. The argument being made in this case (right or wrong) is that dying WASN'T Terri's choice, and that the government SHOULD prevent someone else from imposing THEIR will on Terri. Whether this is actually the case or not is, of course, the crux of the entire saga.
Smallholder asserts that the overwhelming weight of medical evidence was on the side of Terri's husband, and that no valid contrary medical opinion was offered in court. On the other hand, I have also read that such evidence and opinions have been put forth but that the court, or rather the specific judge presiding, refused to entertain them. In either case, my sources (Smallholder and his opposites) are all third party at best, so I'm not sure what to think.
Here is what I now pray for: Wisdom and peace and healing. I pray that the truth, whichever story it may support, would be known. I pray that the officials and medical staff in Florida would have the wisdom and compassion to do the right thing -- whatever that may be. And one way or the other, whatever the outcome, I pray that God would heal those involved -- Terri's husband, her parents, all those involved, and especially, that He would heal Terri. I do believe in miracles, and I don't believe we can control their occurrence by either maintaining or removing a feeding tube.
One final thought. Last night as I watched the News, Geworge Stephanopoulos reported that, because Congress passed a law preventing removal of the tube, but passed two different versions and then adjourned, Terri's husband could proceed with the removal of the tube. There was, it seemed to me, a smirk on his face and a smug tone in his voice.
No matter which side of this case you're on, that doesn't seem to me to be the proper sentiment to convey right now.
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Familiarity Breeds Contempt
...Especially with regards to after hours medical facilities.
Today it's the Peace Health (go figure that's what Eugene's biggest medical provider is called) Pediatrics Evening Clinic. The Lad has been fussy, colicky, and runny all day, and so instead of quaffing a Guinness for St. Pat's, I'll be sitting in a sterile room.
God, I love this kid. Need further proof?
Today it's the Peace Health (go figure that's what Eugene's biggest medical provider is called) Pediatrics Evening Clinic. The Lad has been fussy, colicky, and runny all day, and so instead of quaffing a Guinness for St. Pat's, I'll be sitting in a sterile room.
God, I love this kid. Need further proof?
Slainte!
To all my fellow Bloggers and readers of Irish extraction, a Happy Saint Patrick's Day, and one of my favorite Irish blessings:
May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil knows you're dead!
May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil knows you're dead!
LadBlogging
So neither I nor The Feared Redhead slept well last night, thanks to a series of alarms from The Lad's apnea monitor. in all cases, he was breathing the whole time. On the one hand, I'm ready to chuck the thing out the window, on the other, I'm afraid that the day after the monitor is DC'ed, he'll stop breathing for real and we'll wake up to find him dead.
I knew I was giving up sleep, spontaneity, and disposable income when I signed up for parenthood, but must they take my sanity too? Those Fates are bitches!
I knew I was giving up sleep, spontaneity, and disposable income when I signed up for parenthood, but must they take my sanity too? Those Fates are bitches!
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
In Like a Lamb, Out Like a Lion????
As you may well know, my beloved home state is famous, among other things, for rain (Astoria Oregon gets twice the annual average rainfall of Seattle). Well, this winter's been a bit different. All during late February and early March, the weather has been unseasonably pleasant -- I'm talking sunny days in the 60's and 70's. And while a bit of that is nice, it was starting to concern me, and still does -- we're probably facing a drought this summer. Furthermore, I actually enjoy rainy weather in winter -- it's bracing, refreshing, cleansing, and lends perspective to summer's sun.
But today, when I left the house, it was chilly enough to warrant a jacket. At work, as the day wore on it was even chilly inside -- a fact I attributed to the A/C being abused. But no.... a while ago, I turned from my desk to the window to see that the sky was dark, and the glass streaked with water. It's raining.
Now THAT'S the Oregon I know and love. Welcome back, you beautiful, stormy wench!
But today, when I left the house, it was chilly enough to warrant a jacket. At work, as the day wore on it was even chilly inside -- a fact I attributed to the A/C being abused. But no.... a while ago, I turned from my desk to the window to see that the sky was dark, and the glass streaked with water. It's raining.
Now THAT'S the Oregon I know and love. Welcome back, you beautiful, stormy wench!
All Pretense "Stripped" Away
Thanks for the Memory to Ace via the Llama Butchers.
There was a day and age where I found Doonesbury amusing, if slanted. That was so very long ago. For years, Doonesbury has been the Keith Richards of comic strips, dead but unready to actually stop breathing.
Finally, someone has written an obituary.
There was a day and age where I found Doonesbury amusing, if slanted. That was so very long ago. For years, Doonesbury has been the Keith Richards of comic strips, dead but unready to actually stop breathing.
Finally, someone has written an obituary.
HungerBlogging
Today is the day of the Hunger Strike for Darfur. Since I chose to participate, I decided I'd blog on the experience.
Sunday Morning I was given the opportunity by my pastor to present the hunger strike to all of the members of my church. Many in our congregation fast on Wednesdays anyway, so it seemed a perfect match. While I'm politically active, as a Christian I believe in God's ability to move hearts and change minds, so I decided to couple the political act of a hunger strike with a fast. Today I will be praying for Darfur.
This morning I forgot what day it was and accidentally broke the fast before it began. I don't feel so bad since it was a very small amount of food (a bag of fruit chews and a mug of hot chocolate), and immediately resolved to resume the fast for the rest of the day. I was tempted by free muffins at work, but abstained.
Also remembered to go over to the Darfur website and register as one of the hunger strikers, and left a message that I was doing this to show solidarity with htose suffering in Darfur.
How noble that sounds, eh? Rot. I'm fat, I'm well-fed, I'm rich by world standards, and one measly day without food will in no way help me experience for myself the plight of those being starved. But that was the best I could come up with on the spur of the moment.
No, this isn't about me "identifying" with those in Darfur, this is about me using every proper political and spiritual means available to me to try to help. This is like writing my congressman (note to self....) or writing a letter to the editor. It's not heroic, but it helps. I feel like I just tossed another starfish back in the ocean.
UPDATE:
I received the following email back after signing up to fast for Darfur (I added the emphasis in bold):
Dear Darfur Hunger Striker,
Thank you for making a small sacrifice today to spark the world’s conscience. Whether you are fasting alone, at work or at home, with friends or family, know that there are over 2,000 people across the United States acting in solidarity with you and millions of people in Darfur counting on actions like yours to bring them justice. You should feel proud.
Going without food for a day is not easy - our stomachs are already rumbling! But we can only imagine the deprivations and dangers faced daily by the victims of the genocide in Sudan. Everytime you feel hungry or refuse an invitation to eat something today, why not use the opportunity to tell someone why you are fasting and about what is happening in Darfur?
Response to the fast has been overwhelming and we've decided to open it up so people can fast any day from today through Sunday. If you know people who are not fasting today but you think may want to raise awareness about the genocide in Darfur, please forward them the link below so they can join in this action:
http://www.darfurgenocide.org/MarchStrike.html
Don't forget that you can help spread news of the fast by contacting your local media or passing out flyers. You can download everything you need, including advice about dealing with the media, from our website at:
http://www.darfurgenocide.org/media.html
Good luck, and best wishes
Sunday Morning I was given the opportunity by my pastor to present the hunger strike to all of the members of my church. Many in our congregation fast on Wednesdays anyway, so it seemed a perfect match. While I'm politically active, as a Christian I believe in God's ability to move hearts and change minds, so I decided to couple the political act of a hunger strike with a fast. Today I will be praying for Darfur.
This morning I forgot what day it was and accidentally broke the fast before it began. I don't feel so bad since it was a very small amount of food (a bag of fruit chews and a mug of hot chocolate), and immediately resolved to resume the fast for the rest of the day. I was tempted by free muffins at work, but abstained.
Also remembered to go over to the Darfur website and register as one of the hunger strikers, and left a message that I was doing this to show solidarity with htose suffering in Darfur.
How noble that sounds, eh? Rot. I'm fat, I'm well-fed, I'm rich by world standards, and one measly day without food will in no way help me experience for myself the plight of those being starved. But that was the best I could come up with on the spur of the moment.
No, this isn't about me "identifying" with those in Darfur, this is about me using every proper political and spiritual means available to me to try to help. This is like writing my congressman (note to self....) or writing a letter to the editor. It's not heroic, but it helps. I feel like I just tossed another starfish back in the ocean.
UPDATE:
I received the following email back after signing up to fast for Darfur (I added the emphasis in bold):
Dear Darfur Hunger Striker,
Thank you for making a small sacrifice today to spark the world’s conscience. Whether you are fasting alone, at work or at home, with friends or family, know that there are over 2,000 people across the United States acting in solidarity with you and millions of people in Darfur counting on actions like yours to bring them justice. You should feel proud.
Going without food for a day is not easy - our stomachs are already rumbling! But we can only imagine the deprivations and dangers faced daily by the victims of the genocide in Sudan. Everytime you feel hungry or refuse an invitation to eat something today, why not use the opportunity to tell someone why you are fasting and about what is happening in Darfur?
Response to the fast has been overwhelming and we've decided to open it up so people can fast any day from today through Sunday. If you know people who are not fasting today but you think may want to raise awareness about the genocide in Darfur, please forward them the link below so they can join in this action:
http://www.darfurgenocide.org/MarchStrike.html
Don't forget that you can help spread news of the fast by contacting your local media or passing out flyers. You can download everything you need, including advice about dealing with the media, from our website at:
http://www.darfurgenocide.org/media.html
Good luck, and best wishes
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