How people are celebrating the Presidential Inauguration depends in large measure on what this historical occasion means on a personal level. Although the President-elect has made it clear he's about moving forward, I'm a firm believer in purging the past as a means of moving ahead. So you could say I'm with Paul Krugman on this. Check out his piece from yesterday's New York Times: Forgive and Forget?.
In the spirit of not forgetting, a couple of organizations are giving people a chance to symbolically purge whatever they've been holding back for eight years. Finger Salute to Bush is asking for a peaceful act of symbolism -- a telling farewell gesture to the outgoing President. Courage to Resist is giving San Franciscans the opportunity to throw shoes this weekend. For more official parties . . .
The Boston Herald sought out a few mixologists for Inaugural Cocktails like the Air Force One and Obama on My Mind
Schramsberg Vineyards' posted their Toast to Change website -- a community toast and ideas for manifesting genuine change in 2009
Chow.com pulled together an Inauguration menu based on the President-elect's likes (and, judging from the comments, even pumpkin pie is politically controversial)
If your venue is offering drink or food specials in conjunction with the Presidential Inauguration, e-mail me and I'll add it to the list.
Danville Pilot is the Hero of Hudson River Landing
Thursday January 15, 2009
By now, most people have probably heard the name Sullenberger -- the pilot of the US Airways jet that crash landed in the Hudson River. Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger is a Bay Area native who lives with his wife and children in Danville . . . on what used to be a quiet street. His spectacular actions brought 155 passengers to safety when he successfully landed an aircraft rendered powerless by a double strike with birds. And he's being rightfully lauded as a hero.
The reports of the crash landing originated with a Twitter user who posted a photo of passengers huddled on the wing -- before said Twitterer abandoned his electronic post to help with the situation at hand.
Sullenberger is a seasoned pilot and has been, at various turns, a United States Air Force fighter pilot, an instructor, and an accident investigator, among other accolades. He's the guy you want on your plane. From what I've read, he's the guy you want in your neighborhood. And he's the guy who is now the deserved recipient of national and global admiration.
A quick thanks to artist Zach Pine for the information he provided. Zach's Soul Sanctuary Dance in Berkeley is a participant in this event, with a benefit for the Children's Learning Center of the Ursula Sherman Village (Jan 18).
The long-term goal is to "reignite the American tradition of service and volunteerism." To that end, Barack and Michelle Obama have announced a National Day of Service on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (January 19). It's a precursor to the Presidential Inauguration, a celebration of the spirit of Dr. King -- and a chance to kick start this new political era with a unified social contribution.
Volunteer opportunities are available from January 17 to January 19. You can also host (and then post) your own event for others to join.
It's pretty simple. The main hub is at the USA Service website. You plug in your zip code, how far you want to travel, and which dates this weekend you'd like to volunteer. This will bring up a list of opportunities meeting your criteria. From there, you just need to sign up and show up.
The volunteer opportunities are diverse: packing lunches for the homeless, habitat restoration projects, park beautification, pet food and toy drives, food and blanket donations, and a variety of benefits and services.
Here's Michelle Obama's message on the event. You can find resources, a FAQ and more details at the USA Service website.
Her Chesapeake Bay oysters and apple tart will be worth $500 this coming weekend -- with a good chunk of each $500 plate benefitting city soup kitchens and FRESHFARM Markets (which runs markets in DC and Maryland).
According to a piece in the Huffington Post, Alice Waters gave up voting in 1966 and returned to politics just last year to raise cash for Obama. She may have shirked some civic duty, but Waters hasn't abdicated culinary responsibility. As almost anyone knows, she spawned a following of chefs and connoisseurs, and dramatically influenced our food scene in the Bay Area. In September, Eater SF posted this Chez Panisse family tree map to mark the locations of venues opened by or run by Chez Panisse alums.
The one element of influence Alice Waters hasn't been able to exert is over the White House garden -- yet. In this New York Times interview (Dec 2008), Waters talks about the possibility of engendering a kitchen garden at the new President's residence.
Maybe the organic setting will also inspire the Obamas to restore the White House solar panels and solar water heater Ronald Reagan had dismantled . . . in his symbolic nod to the fossil fuel industry. That would be nice.
How people are celebrating the Presidential Inauguration depends in large measure on what this historical occasion means on a personal level. Although the President-elect has made it clear he's about moving forward, I'm a firm believer in purging the past as a means of moving ahead. So you could say I'm with Paul Krugman on this. Check out his piece from yesterday's New York Times: Forgive and Forget?.
Her Chesapeake Bay oysters and apple tart will be worth $500 this coming weekend -- with a good chunk of each $500 plate benefitting city soup kitchens and