I'm feeling better, recovering from the sinus hell, and able to appear in public without scaring people away or having to excuse myself from the room with a cough. Not really doing up the town though, preferring the expense of home cooking and a six-pack to the alternatives.
The weather has been great for porch sitting besides a few cloudy or damp spells, so we are loving that. Sunday we went to our new outdoor eatery, DaVine Foods over at Enchanted Forest on Oltorf. They have expanded their menu so the sign needs some new artwork. Really good stuff.On Sunday morning, MrB and I went to the UU church, where both the service and the Community Forum featured topics on society and men. The service featured psychotherapist Patti Henry, author of “The Emotionally Unavailable Man”. MrB went to that but I opted for the Community Forum (where we both ended up) which featured “The Paradox of Pornography: A Path for Men to Understanding the Problem of Patriarchy” with Dr. Robert Jensen, School of Journalism, University of Texas at Austin. The focus of the talk was this: In the past two decades, pornography has become increasingly normalized and mainstream in U.S. culture, while at the same time the content of the material has become more and more overtly cruel and degrading to women. How do we explain this apparent paradox?. I always enjoy hearing Bob Jensen, he's locally known for being an activist pro-feminist, anti-war, and joining a Presbyterian Church while remaining an atheist! Yes, a troublemaker! The kind I like!
Monday evening we had an 8 minute window to run outside and catch a glimpse of the failing spy satellite as it soared overhead. Just a fast moving light in the sky, then it was out of view.
Today when I got home from the day job, there was a dead squirrel in the street in front of the house, so I buried him behind the back fence in the sunflower garden. That makes me sad. I love squirrels.
Today, I also took advantage of early voting. Such a great convenience, I love that. Tomorrow is the big CNN Debate!! We entered our names in the lottery drawing for the 100 seats they made available to the public -- along with 43,000 other people -- so of course we didn't get drawn for that, so we are going to the Obama Debate Screening at Scholz Bier Garten. Should be a hoot and of course, they serve tasty beverages.
6 comments:
Hey now! Got some email this mornin' which made think of y'all. Atheist Community of Austin. There's a schedule of events and meetings and even at note that they meet at "Romeo's" near the Austin History Museum.
Have fun and glad your weather is better than mine! ;)
Oh yes, I've got a link for those guys over on the sidebar. I've been to a few events.
Thanks for stoppin' by! :-)
Good week back in Austin, eh?
This UU church sounds very intriguing. Not quite sure I understand atheists going to church, though - is it time for me to open Wikipedia?
UU strives to be inclusive and creedless. Here is what they say they are about:
"* The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
* Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
* Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
* A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
* The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
* The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
* Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part."
I think, to put it in a nutshell, they don't believe in telling you what to think or believe. People need to find their own path, and all concepts of God are open to interpretation and scrutiny (and belief in God or Gods is not in any way required).
Now, the atheist who joined the Presbyterian church is just stirring up trouble (with their minister's complete approval), because even though he's an atheist who happens to admire the teachings of Jesus, that doesn't make him a Presbyterian. They require more than he's willing to do. He doesn't meet their requirements. Bob Jensen would be a perfect UU, but then him becoming a UU would not be controversial and not as much fun for him. ;-)
Where on Oltorf is DaVine? Is this the outfit that used to be on the same lot with Torchies on South 1st?
DaVine is inside Enchanted Forest on Oltorf about a half block from Lamar. You can park at the Home Depot and walk across Oltorf, or they have a couple of parking places on the property.
It's possible that it used to be there because it's operated from a trailer, and they have a truck they can take to locations like the Farmer's Market and serve food out of that.
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