Haas414

As food prices rise and commercial food quality suffers, the idea of growing food at home is taking off as never before. Newsweek magazine has a fairly insightful article on that very topic. Better still, it has links to a number of web sites that I will have to explore in the coming days, such as the blog Beyond The Lawn.

My inspiration was a book entitled The Urban Homestead by Kelly Coyne and Erik Knutzen. This book is especially good if you’re an inexperienced urban farmer who’s looking to start out. I’ve found it inspiring and instructive on things as simple as the idea that mulching your garden will keep water in the ground, regulate the soil temperature, and control erosion. Some of the more detailed things in the book are not well explained, but with a little research, it’s easy to find out what you need to know.

Curiously, the authors of the book The Urban Homestead and the Beyond The Lawn blog both live in Los Angeles. Not exactly the place you would think of as an agricultural haven, but both families have found great personal satisfaction and stronger communities through their urban farming. If it’s possible two blocks off Sunset Avenue, it’s possible in Milwaukee, Waukesha, or anywhere else.

Today’s issue of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel had two stories that stood out to me. The first was on the recently vetoed sales tax referendum. The paper version of MJS gave that a headline atop the Metro section that all but hailed Walker as foreseeing the referendum’s defeat: “Walker Predicts Sales Tax Vote Will Fail.” (I will have the exact headline by the end of the day.)  Speaking out the other side of its mouth, the online MJS ran the same story as a tiny item in the buried “NEWS” area on the JSOnline, and gave it a totally different headline: “Walker expects to lose battle to stop sales tax referendum.” Are they trying to do something by giving the same story drastically different headlines? Is it that the Republican-leaning suburban market that still gets papers delivered likes to see Walker ballyhooed as he attempts to strangle the County government, while the online audience prefers to see him castigated for his total lack of positive government reform? It’s curious that the Journal Sentinel’s editors made these choices.

The other significant story dealt with potential challengers to state Senator Spencer Coggs (D-Milwaukee) and state Rep. Pedro Colón (D-Milwaukee). The state of Wisconsin’s Government Accountability Board may investigate who it was that filed an unsigned complaint (emphasis added) against Sen. Coggs (D-Milwaukee), and to “determine whether the complaint was frivolous.” While it is technically legitimate to question the signatures on a candidate’s nomination form, doing so is seen as a bit if dirty pool, using any available tactic to preemptively defeat your opponent before you (the candidate or an organization backing a candidate) need to actually run in the race and attempt to defeat the other candidate(s) on the ballot.

Appropriately, the board will consider whether to “[sanction] whoever made the complaint. Board member Gerald Nichol told fellow board members they ought to investigate to show the public they would not tolerate frivolous complaints.” The decision on this will be made behind closed doors, though we should be able to see the notes from that meeting once it is over with.

A similar thing happened to Rep. Pedro Colón. According to MJS, “Milwaukee Democrat Laura L. Manriquez had cited numerous deficiencies with Colón’s paperwork, including addresses that might not exist and addresses from outside the district. The board said some of Colón’s signatures should not be allowed, but that he still had more than the 200 necessary.”

Ms. Manriquez also filed a complaint with Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm. Quoting JS, “Because Chisholm has worked with both Manriquez and Colón, he has asked the state Department of Justice to act as a special prosecutor, said chief Deputy District Attorney Jon Reddin… Manriquez also launched a challenge against the other Democrat in that race, José Guzmán, but the board rejected it as well. They will meet in the Sept. 9 primary.”

What’s most curious about this is that one of the people behind this attempt to preemptively oust our elected officials may be none other than our old friend, former state Sen. Tom Reynolds. Dear Mr. Reynolds now heads Clean Sweep Wisconsin PAC, a political action committee that seeks to unseat incumbent Democratic Party officials by running faux Democrats against them in the primary election with hopes of unseating the incumbent. Presumably, the faux Dem would run with a major infusion of cash from the slime-PAC, defeat the real Dem in the primary, and then continue on in the November election, when the majority of Democratic voters in the district would then likely vote for the whole Democratic ticket in the November election, thus ushering in the Republican in Dem’s clothing — the very same trick that Sheriff Dave Clarke has used every time he’s had to run for reelection.

Again, according to MJS, “Based on a description given by the staff member who received the complaint, Elections Board Director Kevin Kennedy said he believed the complaint was filed by former state Sen. Tom Reynolds (R-West Allis) and a Democrat who tried to run against Coggs.” [Link.]

While Clean Sweep PAC has tried to challenge candidates’ ballot status as a way to get their operatives in, all that they have earned so far is a big red FAIL.

For some reason, the apparently anonymous complainant sent an unsigned copy of the complaint to the Government Accountability Board, alleging that “Coggs had forged signatures on his nomination papers, among other claims.” [JS] While I don’t know the particular rules of the Government Accountability Board, I imagine that sending them an unsigned statement would rather undermine the complainant’s case that any foul had been committed.

The bumbles kept on coming when the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel received a copy of the complaint, this one signed by Nicholas E. Cosey, who is or was Sen. Coggs’ Democratic primary opponent. “Coggs’ Democratic primary opponent, Nicholas E. Cosey, did not return a call last week from the Journal Sentinel asking if he knew anything about the complaint. [Mr. Reynolds also did not return their calls.] The newspaper later received a copy of the complaint with Cosey’s signature on it.”

Earlier, Mr. Cosey has been board kicked off the ballot Government Accountability Board “because it said he fell short of getting the 400 valid signatures necessary to be on the ballot.”

While the Journal Sentinel does not make any mention of Reynold’s PAC, either online or in the print article, nor do they make clear if Ms. Manriquez or Jose Guzman are affiliated with Reynolds’ PAC, I will thank Journal Sentinel’s Patrick Marley and Stacy Forster for their work on this story. This blip on the electoral radar may have otherwise gone unnoticed and allow Reynold’s sleazy tactics to remain unexposed.

One thing is clear. Our state, once renowned for clean government, has fallen off the wagon. Between Tom Reynold’s PAC and WMC’s purchases of the sate Supreme Court and attorney general, we’re in for a long, hard slog through some deep electoral manure.

~~ official transmission received monday july 14 ~~

### BEGIN:

My friends, I know this may sound a bit like John McCain, but my friends, it is time once again to bring together all the good freedom-loving people of Iraq, er, Milwaukee, together. We have been met with great success in Iraq, er, the Sugar Maple, and in the specter, or rather the spirit of Donald Rumsfeld, let me say that the time of our next meeting is not a known unknown, and that we will be meeting this coming Wednesday July 16 at 7 PM.

[ Drinking Liberally | 7PM Wed. July 16 @ Sugar Maple | 441 E. Lincoln Ave. | Milwaukee ]

This is certainly a time of change in America. Not just change we can believe in, but real change happening all around us. The Brewers are winning. Jobs are returning to downtown Milwaukee. The Marquette Interchange reconstruction will be done ahead of schedule and under budget. And if this thoughtful yet uninspired sleep has not yet put you to sleep, I will ask you to join us at the Sugar Maple at 441 E. Lincoln Avenue this coming Wednesday July 16 at 7 PM.

[ Special guest | Milwaukee County Supervisor Christopher Larson | 14th District ]

My friends, be safe in knowing that by choosing to come to Drinking Liberally, you will be safe, knowing that you have chosen the right thing, for your community, and for your country. Because the one thing I learned in elementary school in the 19th century was that repetition is the surest way to drive your point home. And that is why I ask you to join us for Drinking Liberally at the Sugar Maple, 441 E. Lincoln Avenue, this coming Wednesday July 16 at 7 PM.

[ come one | come all | 7PM Wed. July 16 @ Sugar Maple ]

### end of message

“Running for Office: It’s Like A Flamewar with a Forum Troll, but with an Eventual Winner
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YES.

Sean Tevis is running an XKCD-styled campaign to unseat his anti-evolution, pro-censorship, pro-surveillance, anti-gay incumbent representative deserves support. And he lives within miles of where I was in Kansas! Amazing. He deserves your support. He’s trying to get 3000 people to give him $8.34. Let’s help him out!

Here’s a note I sent to my Kansan relatives:

“[Dear relatives whom I normally do not speak with on a frequent basis,]

What’s $8.34 worth to you?

Sean Tevis is a geeky geek from Olathe, Kansas who’s fed up with his state rep, an anti-abortion, anti-evolution, pro-censorship, pro-surveillance, anti-gay incumbent. Tevis — a total unknown — is polling within three points of his opponent, and is looking to raise some Internet dough to kick this guy’s butt.

To promote his cause, he’s made a fantastic, XKCD-style cartoon (note: “XKCD” is a much-loved geek comic) called “It’s Like A Flamewar with a Forum Troll, but with an Eventual Winner.” Specifically, he’s looking to raise $8.34 from 3,000 people (no state rep in Kansas history has ever had more than 644 donors). I’m in; I actually gave him $16.68.

This guy sounds just like me except he’s running on the tech issues that I care about. And he’s got a great comic up. What more do you need?

His web site:

http://seantevis.com/kansas/3000/running-for-office-xkcd-style/

He’s taking donations through PayPal, a safe and secure online payment system. Please think about it and if it’s not too hard, can you spare $8.34?

Thanks,
Jason.”

As today was my birthday, we celebrated it at the at the free Chill on the Hill concert in Humboldt Park with a homemade Dalek cake. As in, a cake that looks like a Dalek. And yes, we has pictures:

The view from the front and the side…

…And this is quite possibly the only time that I’ve ever cowered in terror.

The best part was taking it around at the Chill on the Hill tonight and asking people if they wanted some. Many people recognized it! It was a great way to make new friends. Just offer them cake — one that can EX-TERM-IN-ATE!

A few times each week, I will preface a story to my daughter by saying “When I was a little boy…” With that I try to share with her something memorable, if not a kernel of wisdom gleaned by an eight year old me. Indeed, when I was a little boy, “Garfield” was my absolute favorite comic strip. I had a good sized stack of paperback “Garfield” books, even a plush toy or two.

Fast forward to 2008. “Garfield” is tedious, if not slightly odious. I occasionally glance at it when I come across a copy of a Sunday paper. My daughter seems to like it well enough. But I have little time for it. So, and I quote the gmg site, emphasis added, “Who would have guessed that when you remove Garfield from the Garfield comic strips, the result is an even better comic about schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and the empty desperation of modern life? Friends, meet Jon Arbuckle. Let’s laugh and learn with him on a journey deep into the tortured mind of an isolated young everyman as he fights a losing battle against loneliness in a quiet American suburb.

(My life to a tee in my younger years.)

This entry of “garfield minus garfield” is particularly striking to me somehow:

The search term “meet new friends in bayview milwaukee” came up in my blog’s log, which got me thinking, how do you do that?

For one thing, you can easily walk around the neighborhood, especially if you live in Bay View. The neighborhood of Bay View, defined by the Bay View Historical Society as extending from roughly from Becher Street on the north, Morgan Avenue (excluding St. Francis) on the south, Lake Michigan on the east and Sixth Street.

Bay View is a very walkable neighborhood in a very walkable city. By walking, especially though Humboldt Park or along Kinnickinnic Avenue, you’re assured of seeing someone. The nice thing about Bay View is that generally speaking, the folks down are are very friendly and amenable to striking up conversation with total strangers. While you may not see them again for quite some time, it’s good to feel welcome. Keep your wits about you, but also take in the sights and sounds. We watch out for each other down here.

Second, I’d be a fool not to mention that the South Shore Frolics are this weekend! The Frolics are in their 59th year. There’s a fun parade on Saturday at 11AM. And there’s fireworks on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night at South Shore Park, which is where the festival is during the day. It’s a lot of fun to hang out there, and there’s lots of opportunities at the Frolics to meet some of our local social groups and businesses. And you can’t forget the people! Bay View is all about community, and this is one of our favorite occasions to come out and have fun together.

The South Shore Farmers’ Market will be back at South Shore Park next week. The market is growing in popularity as more people realize that locally rown food is far better in virtually every way than industrially (mass) produced food.

You can try walking (or driving) to one of our local coffee shops along Kinnickinnic Avenue. From south to north, they are Anodyne Coffee Roasters at 2920 S. KK, Sven’s European Café at 2699 South KK, or Stone Creek Coffee at 2266 S. KK. All three have very good coffee, and have beans available on site. Sven’s is notable for its food. Aside from the soups and pastries, most of their food is prepared fresh and on site. (Say, have you seen those pastries? Don’t they look delicious? Tssh.)

Pick up a copy of the Bay View Compass, our neighborhood’s free local newspaper. The Compass is a really good paper, full of local news and event listings. I write the column “On The Street” for the Compass, so of course I like it. But it is a really good paper. You can pick it up at the three coffee shops on KK, as well as dozens of businesses and institutions around Bay View, such as Classic Slice Pizza. (It’s even up at Transfer Pizzeria Cafe in Walker’s Point. It’s not in Bay View, but it’s well worth a trip.)

Check out the Chill on the Hill concert series in Humboldt Park. Chill on the Hill is a very family-friendly event that happens every Tuesday night through August 26, featuring a local band each night in the Humboldt Park bandshell. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs, as well as a small picnic. Also, the Milwaukee County Parks concessions truck is on-hand for refreshments, including our favorite beverage, beer.

Speaking of, there’s a number of bars and pubs in Bay View. If you’re a football soccer fan, check out the Highbury at 2320 S. KK. We have also found that politics mixes well with bars at Drinking Liberally, which brings strong progressive politics together with more moderate drinking. As the Novermber election nears, we’ll be getting a number of state and local political candidates, as well as Obama organizers, coming to get the word out an recruit volunteers for their campaigns. Drinking Liberally meets at 7:00 PM on the third Wednesday of each month (July 17 is the next one) at Sugar Maple, a smoke-free and cash-only bar at 441 E. Lincoln Ave, just off KK. I happen to host that group, so we’ll be sure to meet, and chances are I can introduce you to some like-minded folks that night.

That’s a good start. Pick any one, and I assure you a good time will be had by all. And in particular, you!

The Daily Camera (an E.W. Scripps Co. publication) has a good-sized article on the struggle Mr. Scott Hoffenberg faces in Boulder, Colorado. At first glance, Hoffenberg is doing a very good thing, adding life to the median between the sidewalk and the street. As with any garden, you do have a problem with animals seeking a bite to eat, and gardens make wondeful places for them to find such a thing. Hoffenberg took a logical step to deal with the pests and built a fence around his garden.

And that appears to be where he ran into trouble. Building fences and trellisis on the median appears to me (the resident non-lawyer) to be obstructing the public right of way. Visibility for car drivers, bike riders, and pedestrians may be affected. In a way, I don’t want to come down against a fellow urban gardener, but building a fence in a public right of way seems to be asking for trouble. Fortunately, I can blame a crabby citizen of Boulder who complained to the city about the garden, which by that point apparently “included a basketball hoop and a hummingbird feeder.” (I must raise an eyebrow at that.)

To make the story short, according to the article, Boulder’s Environmental and Zoning Enforcement office is apparently trying to work with Hoffenberg to work something out to keep the garden in the median yet minimize or eliminate its intrusiveness. If they can’t work something out, the city may just come in and remove the hardware, as would be their right as a municipality. (Or so I think. My wife* the proto-lawyer does a bit with municipal law at her job, so this is my assuming stuff based on dinnertime conversation.)

In other news, Boulder’s media is apparently still obsessed with the death of JonBenet Ramsey. I had entirely forgotten about it until I looked over the Daily Camera’s site. Thank you, Daily Camera. You creeps…

(Say, in that one episode of South Park, didn’t they have O.J. Simpson sitting alongside Ramsey’s father, with one of the South Park natives shouting to the high heavens about how they so obviously committed the murders? And is it abundantly clear to you that I’ve spent a bit too much time out in the warm sun spreading mulch today?)

This is a (sloppily cropped) screenshot of my Mac’s suggestions for the word “truthiness,” the one word that needs no definition or correction! Yet it did not recognize it. Alas, the spell checker must not have been updated recently enough to include our new and fuller understanding of the universe via Stephen Colbert.

I’ve got a wonderful new passion in my life. It’s helped put food on the table and brought me a satisfaction that exceeds virtually any that I’ve known before. The best part is not just that it will continue to reward me, and those around me for some time to come, but that anyone can have it.

This wellspring of satisfaction and joy is a two feet wide, ten feet long, and sits in my backyard. What is it? A pet? A car? What exactly is it?

It’s a garden. A long, narrow, bountiful garden.

Two months ago, the garden didn’t exist. In fact, our little backyard is not even “our” backyard — my wife and I currently rent a lower flat in Bay View. When our landlady offered to till a little strip of grass and turn it into a garden plot, we leaped at the idea. She followed through, and with a few bags of soil from our neighbors and a bag of “Milwaukee Black Gold” worm castings (read: worm poop), incredible natural fertilizer from Growing Power. We were soon in business, planning and then planting our first home garden.

While it’s “my” garden, I’ve had a lot of help from several people, including my family, my neighbors, and most certainly, Mother Nature. But what I really like about the garden is that what’s coming out of it is enhancing the lives of virtually everyone around me. My friends, family, and neighbors have all enjoyed the garden’s rich products.

I made the first harvest from it on July 3. From that harvest came a huge basket of Romaine and red leaf lettuce, each leaf bearing a rich flavor, color, texture, and firmness unlike that of any lettuce that you could buy in a supermarket. Next in the harvest were a handful of bright red radishes. My young daughter got a thrill from planting the radish seeds, and she was overjoyed to find some radishes were ready for plucking from the earth. Naturally, being a five-year-old, she won’t eat them. But she certainly enjoys planting the seeds!

Just today, July 9, I harvested about three pounds of lettuce! As that’s more than I have a use for, I’m sharing it with my friends and neighbors. They know where it came from, and it serves to enhance our community as we share quality food.

Raising food in your backyard is good for you in a number of ways. I’m sure I’ll be expounding upon them later. But for now, I’m going to prepare a truly homemade salad for tonight’s dinner.