Kelo Anniversary

Today marks the first anniversary of the Supreme Court's eminent domain decision in Kelo vs. The City of New London. In this decision the Court ruled that governments could seize private property for economic development. Since then, there have been abuses of this power and many states have stepped up to the legislative plate to trim this law. In a local example, a blighted neighborhood in Topeka was slated for development. However, Jerry's Bikeshop, a locally owned business which had been in that location for over 20 years, refused to sell. This should be the owner's right. However, the city government cited eminent domain and planned to seize the property and give it to a developer who wanted to build a strip mall and apartment complexes in the area. Jerry offered to change the facade of his business to blend with the development, but the developer refused and decided to seize the property. After much protest from Topeka residents, Jerry was allowed to stay as long as he changed his building to match the rest of the development.

So, a grim anniversary indeed. It is very scary to think that your home or business could be taken from you with "fair" compensation (whatever the government decides is fair) in order for another mall or apartment complex to take its place. With the new Bush Supreme Court Justices in place, we shouldn't expect this business-friendly law to be overturned anytime soon.

In gods' names

Why do civilizations go to war over religion? It dates back for much of human history. What ancient Greek war story doesn't involve a deity egging on one side or another, often for selfish gain or interdeity squabbles. Then of course there are the Crusades and even today there are people fighting over whose god is right. Oddly, I don't think any of the major modern-day religions preach war. In principle, religions should rid the world of war because they teach us what is good and "right." They teach us to love not hate. So where do we humans muck things up? I believe that it is an ignorance of other cultures and an inability or, perhaps, an unwillingness to realize that there are other points of view besides our own. Some cover their acts in faux morality, saying that they are "saving" people. Others preach a burning hatred for any point of view besides their own. It all seems to be born of a need to be right. Perhaps it stems from a fear of death and thinking that your particular idea of an afterlife might be incorrect is so scary that it is better to be sure of your fate than to be open-minded. I'm not sure.

That brings up another question, when, exactly did religion begin? At what point in our evolution were our brains able to come up with such a complex idea? Was it when we realized our own mortality? If that's the case, why don't other species seem to have a religion? Specifically the elephant. Many scientists believe that the elephant is aware of death and its own mortality, even visiting their ancestors' graves. Hmmm. Perhaps they are religious. What an intriguing idea.

Degus

While working last week, I discovered a fabulously interesting "new" pet. It's a Degu, and it is one charming rodent. Actually, there is some speculation that it may be closer to a rabbit than a rodent, but nevertheless it is too cute. According to the owner of the Degu I met, they are sociable animals that thrive on companionship and they are also quite chattery. I suppose, to us cat folks, it would be the Siamese cat of the pet rodent world. They are fairly long-lived, 10-15 years and, if well-trained, can be affectionate to their human keepers. They love dust baths and like to play. Gracie would probably think this little guy would make a tasty treat, but I think they are pretty darn cute for someone inclined to put in the tremendous amount of time and effort it takes to own an exotic pet.

Kitty on a Leash

A few weeks ago I took Gracie for her first leash "walk." She's been getting a little bit of a belly, and I thought the extra exercise would be good for her. Well, walk was most definitely a relative term, as you can see she just wanted to lay down!



She did quite enjoy the outdoors as long as we were on the porch and not in the very scary yard! She rolled and purred and watched birds. I wish she could hear them too because they are very noisy!



I have created a little monster though. She knows we are supposed to go out daily, and if I'm running behind, she lets me know in no uncertain terms that I am to drop whatever it is I'm doing and take Her Royal Highness out immediately!



That's okay, because really who could resist that lovely face?

Gardening

My iris finally came out this week and I had a surprise! In the middle of my patch of yellow iris, there was one purplish flower. It was lovely, so I took its picture. I also potted some flowers and planted a small patch of wildflowers. Hopefully in six weeks or so, I'll have more pictures of a lovely wildflower garden. Cross your fingers!

Happy 50th, Eames Chair!

Today is the 50th anniversary of the Eames Lounge Chair, which is billed as the most comfortable lounge chair in the world, with a price tag to prove it. Filmaker Billy Wilder was the first to acquire this status symbol, but he was far from the last. Manufactured in Michigan in the 1950's, this chair, with its sleek styling, was seen as a segway into modern design. To celebrate this furniture icon, the Grand Rapids Art Museum in Michigan is giving the chair and its matching ottoman their own museum show.

What I'm Reading

I finished "The Amulet of Samarkand" and must say that it was fabulous! A great escape into a quick read. If you're in the mood for a light book that will really fly by, this is definitely the one for you. I've done two light books in a row, and am feeling a little, well, guilty I suppose. So, it's on to heavier topics and more intelligent shores! I'm going with "The Mighty and The Almighty" by the wonderful Madeleine Albright. I fully expect this to be an interesting and enjoyable read, but as always, I'll let you know.

From the Publisher's Weekly:

"Secretary of State under President Clinton and a devout Catholic (with recently discovered Jewish roots), Albright (Madam Secretary) is especially qualified to tackle the thorny subject of the role of faith in international relations. In a remarkably accessible, even breezy style, she looks at these issues in light of recent history both abroad and at home, from the religious fundamentalism that led to the ouster of the shah of Iran to the invasion of Iraq and American hope that a political culture can emerge there that integrates democracy and Islam. But Albright also looks critically at President Bush, an evangelical Christian who invokes God in the name of fighting "evil." In this ambitious, thoughtful, and wide-ranging treatment, Albright deftly balances the pragmatic need to confront religious-based unrest and the idealistic need to temper one's own personal beliefs in the public realm. While fully acknowledging the threat al- Qaeda poses, Albright rejects the notion that a "clash of civilizations" is in progress and wisely calls for care and nuance in how America approaches international confrontations that are tinged with religion." (May 2)
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