etcetera: February 2006 Archives

It's a sleepy evening here in our living room, with two dozing cats and a dozing Rob scattered around to a soundtrack of sleepy music. Yet, somehow, I can't tear myself away from my computer to do nothing. Instead, I'm trying to puzzle through a new mission and vision statement for *cino, since I've been putting off the primer (*cino introductory book) content for a couple of days now while I research bulk fair trade food for World Fare. There really are some exciting bulk dry goods options out there and I can't stop thinking about how we can transition the store toward something a little more useful in a daily sort of way for people in our community. Here's what I've managed to locate so far:

• White Rice


• Red Rice


• Wild Rice


• Quinoa


• Loose tea


• Coffee beans (obviously)


• Raw sugar


• Baking cocoa/hot cocoa


• Dried corn


• Cashews


• "Jungle" chocolate

I like the idea that people could come in with containers to fill up with all kinds of delicious, beautiful goodies to use when they get home. I also like the idea of seeing the containers filled with all of these naturally-occuring, lovely things and watching customers enjoy the act of measuring them out, like precious commodities.

Of course, the big question becomes: why don't we just start a food co-op? We have plenty of space in our store to do foods alongside the handcrafts. Look at how much stuff the People's Food Co-op in Kalamazoo crams into its tiny space, for goodness' sake! Well, something else to look out for, I suppose.

I just received a transcript of Bono's speech at the National Prayer Breakfast yesterday morning and I thought it was good enough to post here. It's fairly lengthy, so you'll find it beneath the fold (or, rather, when you click the link below). Bono spoke to religious leaders from various traditions, politicians from across the spectrum and President Bush about how the requirements for justice are more than mere charity and set a higher standard for action.

I found this bit interesting:

This is not a Republican idea. It is not a Democratic idea. It is not even, with all due respect, an American idea. Nor it is unique to any one faith.

... which seems to directly respond to a section of President Bush's commencement address at Calvin:

As the Class of 2005 goes out into the world, I ask you to embrace this tradition of service and help set an example for all Americans. As Americans we share an agenda that calls us to action -- a great responsibility to serve and love others, a responsibility that goes back to the greatest commandment. This isn't a Democratic idea. This isn't a Republican idea. This is an American idea.

Precisely, Bono.