James McNally – Page 72 – Consolation Champs

Goodbye Nelson!

Brent and Nelson, Neurotic Bachelors, January 1991

Nelson is no more. In the fall of 1990, two neurotic bachelors bought a cat to chase the bugs out of their apartment. Nelson became much like the two of us: slovenly, loyal, cranky, desperate to be loved. Yesterday, Brent told me that Nelson hadn’t been eating much in the last few days and that he was taking him to the vet. Nelson has never been to the vet, not once, so I knew this was serious. It turned out that there was some fluid and possibly tumours bloating his body, and so the decision was pretty easy. I only regret that I wasn’t there with him. His passing is more than just the loss of a friend. It feels like the passing of a whole era in my life. At my wedding two years ago, Brent even based his riotously funny speech on the concept of Nelson as our love child. The child is gone, but the love remains.

By the way, did I tell you that I’m not a “cat person”?

Switching

Errol Morris, director of acclaimed documentary The Fog of War and also Apple’s Switch ads, has directed a new series of ads featuring people who voted for Bush in 2000 and who will be switching their vote to Kerry this time. The ads are good, but they’re missing the jaunty music of the Apple ones.

I’m a Mainstreet Mom!

This upcoming US election is perhaps the most important one of my lifetime, and although I live in Canada, don’t think that US politics doesn’t have any effect up here. Up until now, I’ve been sort of pessimistic, but I’m realizing that the race is still pretty much undecided and that “swing” states will make the difference.

Inspired by Anne Lamott’s recent article in Salon, I’ve decided to throw my support behind Mainstreet Moms Oppose Bush, a grassroots organization that’s targetting undecided or undervoting single moms in swing states. This is a huge group whose lives will be directly affected by another four years of George W. Bush’s brand of politics. Although it would be difficult (and probably too late) for me to participate in their letter-writing campaign, I made a donation. I think I’ll be looking for other organizations like this to support in the crucial days ahead.

If you’re a mom (or a dad, or neither) opposed to Bush, take a look at what MMOB are up to. It’s inspiring.

UPDATE: Vote All Your Values is another worthy project. The Progressive Faith Movement is registering people to mobilize young, low-income, and minority voters on Election Day. ProjectVote is registering low-income and minority voters. Please support their efforts if you can.

Governing By The Seat Of Your Pants

NY Times Magazine: Without a Doubt

The scary way that George W. Bush governs by his “gut” or his “instinct” or especially, his “faith”. If you read to the end, you’ll be treated to a good quote from Jim Wallis, founder of the Sojourners faith community and magazine: “Real faith leads us to deeper reflection and not — not ever — to the thing we as humans so very much want. Easy certainty.” (via boingboing)

Cleaning Up After Borat

Recently, the press secretary for the Embassy of Kazakhstan sat down with a writer from The New Yorker to clear up some misconceptions about his country. Misconceptions that have been spread by the popular Borat character on Da Ali G Show. It’s good to know, for instance, that in Kazakhstan, wine is not made from fermented horse’s urine, nor are women kept in cages.

I guess tourism was taking a hit.

(via gnumatt)