June 19, 2017 Updates

A whole group related to what sounds like a fascinating book The Dream Hoarders:

https://www.citylab.com/equity/2017/06/upper-middle-class-economic-mobility/530619/?utm_source=SFFB

http://www.npr.org/2017/05/31/530843665/top-20-percent-of-americans-hoard-the-american-dream

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/10/opinion/sunday/stop-pretending-youre-not-rich.html?action=click&contentCollection=Europe&module=Trending&version=Full&region=Marginalia&pgtype=article

...and this one from the author himself:

https://www.brookings.edu/blog/social-mobility-memos/2017/06/23/dont-want-to-be-a-dream-hoarder-here-are-5-things-you-can-do-right-now/?utm_campaign=Brookings%20Brief&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=53792958

Then this one on the Sabbath/Sunday question:

www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2017/june/do-we-treat-sunday-way-earliest-christians-did.html?utm_source=booksandculture-html&utm_medium=Newsletter&utm_term=13666883&utm_content=517000708&utm_campaign=email

and another controversial topic, The Flood:

https://discourse.biologos.org/t/flood-geology-and-the-grand-canyon-what-does-the-evidence-really-say/5266/6

May 21, 2017 Selected Posts

Aging in place

---A topic very much a part of the overall affordable housing problem. This one is really worth printing out!

https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2015/05/living-and-dying-at-home/391871/?utm_source=atlfb

This is a list of tabs I needed to close but still wanted to refer back to around May 24.

www.usa.childcareaware.org/advocacy-public-policy/resources/reports-and-research/costofcare/

www.usa.childcareaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/CCA_High_Cost_Appendices_2016.pdf

https://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/01/19/a-balanced-school-needs-a-balance-of-volunteers/

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/millenials-generation-x-baby-boomers-a7570326.html

https://www.citylab.com/housing/2017/04/every-us-county-has-an-affordable-housing-crisis/524628/?utm_source=SFFB

www.citylab.com/housing/2015/08/why-wont-you-be-my-neighbor/401762/?utm_source=SFFB

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/trump-has-a-dangerous-disability/2017/05/03/56ca6118-2f6b-11e7-9534-00e4656c22aa_story.html?utm_term=.610bc670c5f4

https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/13/opinion/indias-eternal-inequality.html?action=click&contentCollection=opinion&module=NextInCollection&region=Footer&pgtype=article&version=column&rref=collection%2Fcolumn%2Faatish-taseer&_r=1

https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2016/04/how-poverty-compounds/478539/?utm_source=atlfb

www.citylab.com/housing/2015/08/why-wont-you-be-my-neighbor/401762/?utm_source=SFFB

http://www.npr.org/2017/05/03/526655831/a-forgotten-history-of-how-the-u-s-government-segregated-america?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=npr&utm_term=nprnews&utm_content=20170503

https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2017/04/economic-inequality/524610/

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2016/may-web-only/kasich-conundrum.html

https://www.brookings.edu/blog/fixgov/2017/05/04/trump-tax-agenda-a-gift-to-the-super-rich/?utm_campaign=Brookings%20Brief&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=51599934

www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/this-is-why-our-generation-doesnt-believe-in-settling_us_58e534a2e4b00ea3841db52d

https://docs.google.com/gview?url=http://www.frameworksinstitute.org/assets/files/PDF/You_Don%27t_Have_to_Live_Here.pdf&embedded=true

http://www.startribune.com/it-s-the-guns-stupid-but-that-doesn-t-affect-you-right/421501873/?ref=nl&om_rid=1590035913&om_mid=44141001

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/anxiousbench/2017/05/children-religious-history/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=BRSS&utm_campaign=Evangelical&utm_content=248

And another Firefox  clearing list of sites still to be considered:

First, political topics:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-conservative-mind-has-become-diseased/2017/05/25/523f0964-4159-11e7-9869-bac8b446820a_story.html?utm_term=.29eb38a701b1&wpisrc=nl_opinions&wpmm=1

https://www.statnews.com/2017/05/23/donald-trump-speaking-style-interviews/?s_campaign=tw


Ben Sasse is someone to keep watching:

http://www.albertmohler.com/2017/05/23/vanishing-adulthood-ben-sasse/?utm_content=bufferf7184&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

http://www.npr.org/2017/05/16/528475092/no-more-neverland-a-senators-guide-to-raising-american-adults 

Good religious books for children:

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/anxiousbench/2017/05/children-religious-history/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=BRSS&utm_campaign=Evangelical&utm_content=248

Starting times for high schools:

https://www.brookings.edu/research/start-high-school-later-for-better-academic-outcomes/?utm_campaign=Brookings%20Brief&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=52445219

More on education inequality:

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/10/opinion/how-i-learned-to-take-the-sat-like-a-rich-kid.html?mc=aud_dev&mcid=fb-nytimes&mccr=EDUMayDOM&mcdt=2017-05&subid=EDUMayDOM&ad-keywords=EDUMayDOM&_r=1

April 1 Updates--Millennial Edition

Hopefully, no April Fools links here, but a whole lot on the oft referenced "millennials."

Let's start with that important part of everyone's life, housing.

http://www.themedcitybeat.com/opinion/2017/lets-talk-young-people-and-housing

And then, of course, beyond this generation:

https://www.brookings.edu/research/beyond-millennials-valuing-older-adults-participation-in-innovation-districts/?utm_campaign=Brookings%20Brief&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=49087148

Somewhat related, the need for maintaining strong neighborhoods and communities. Since this is written by a millennial and references a program involving almost exclusively millennials, I'm including it here.

http://www.themedcitybeat.com/news-blog/2017/leadership-program-connecting-neighborhoods

And, if the neighborhoods are not strong or are segregated, racially and/or economically, the outcomes for children growing up there are hugely different:

https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2016/04/kids-poverty-baltimore/476808/?utm_source=atlfb

And this neighborhood impact is especially strong in parts of the south; why?

https://www.citylab.com/politics/2017/04/why-its-so-hard-to-get-ahead-in-the-south/521814/?utm_source=SFFB

And finally, a discussion about the possibility that we are looking at disparities in the wrong way--something I've been concerned about for a long time.

https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2016/04/is-america-having-the-wrong-conversation-about-income-inequality/477024/?utm_source=atlfb

March 10, 2017 Updates

Trying to be more "discerning" in what I am clicking on, but there is just so much good stuff out there.

The Center for Public Justice remains a really good place for thoughtful analysis and discussion. This piece on "emphasizing commonality or celebrating diversity," for example:

https://www.cpjustice.org/public/page/content/pjr_dcc_flourishing_in_a_pluralist_world


Russell Mooreand the Southern Baptists

 http://www.theamericanconservative.com/dreher/russell-moores-job-on-the-line/

On the role of Christian colleges in the time of Trump

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/anxiousbench/2017/03/christian-colleges-meet-trumps-america/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=BRSS&utm_campaign=Evangelical&utm_content=248

...which was originally posted here:

https://www.insidehighered.com/views/2017/02/14/christian-colleges-can-foster-political-diversity-essay

The new alarmism

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2017/03/10/the-new-alarmism-how-some-christians-are-stoking-fear-rather-than-hope/?tid=ss_tw&utm_term=.cb6ae31229a4

Transgender concerns

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/why-the-transgender-debate-is-about-redefining-reality

https://blogs.thegospelcoalition.org/kevindeyoung/2017/02/28/the-two-things-we-must-say-about-the-transgender-debate/ 

The Pope on begging

Some good lines in this article.

https://mobile.nytimes.com/2017/03/03/opinion/the-pope-on-panhandling-give-without-worry.html

Then he posed a greater challenge. He said the way of giving is as important as the gift. You should not simply drop a bill into a cup and walk away. You must stop, look the person in the eyes, and touch his or her hands.

The reason is to preserve dignity, to see another person not as a pathology or a social condition, but as a human, with a life whose value is equal to your own. This message runs through Francis’ preaching and writings, which always seem to turn on the practical and personal, often citing the people he met and served as a parish priest in Argentina.

John Perkins interview with CT

www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2017/march-web-only/john-perkins-i-wish-i-had-done-more-to-help-poor-white-peop.html

2/19/17 Update

Trump and Truth

A lengthy but well-thought out piece from a mostly libertarian leaning (I think) friend. Lots of quotes to chew on here.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1b-RMrhYS2kCuj_VImXgBcPcsV1PTB1-vInTXXPKwUkM/edit


Education/Mentoring Sites

Thanks to Karen Andrews for some excellent referrals.

http://rochesterareavolunteeradministrators.webs.com/


But I Didn't Mean to Be Racist

Excellent commentary here, especially for when we can be oblivious to the real impact of our words and deeds.

"To be honest, it doesn’t really matter whether you think you are racist. What matters is whether your words or actions caused harm."

https://www.fathommag.com/stories/but-i-didnt-mean-to-be-racist?utm_content=buffer2b72c&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer


More on Compassion, Poverty and Homelessness

www.bruderhof.com/en/voices-blog/following-jesus/sidewalk-samaritan-learning-compassion

http://www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2017/february/when-coffee-isnt-enough-reflecting-on-relationships-gospel-.html

"The fallacy in this is that we assume the other person likes what we like. What Heather needed most was someone to listen to her and to hear her story. She needed someone to acknowledge her and offer her hope that the future, despite what appears at present, can be bright. On the practical level, she needed money for a down payment. But how often are we so eager to do a good deed in a way that doesn’t infringe on our daily life that we do more harm than good?"

Most importantly, 
"... the gospel is only truly given when we stop long enough to see the person in front of us.

Who is he/she?

What is his/her story?

What does he/she long for?

Where does he/she hurt?

And of course, what is God calling me to do?

Evangelicals Getting More Involved in Their Communities

This one resonates with me. In many local responses to issues like affordable housing, public schools, etc., I see too few evangelicals represented in activities that have powerful effects on our communities, even though I know they are "out there" working at ways to alleviate hunger, bring compassion and care, etc. Their lack of involvement in many of these efforts just seems to reinforce the incorrect stereotype that all "conservative Christians" are not living out the love of Christ.

http://www.christianitytoday.com/karl-vaters/2017/march/8-reasons-churches-partner-secular-community-groups.html?paging=off

2/12/17 Added Updates

Ran out of room for the tags so starting a second page.

Refugee Crisis

Good comments (as usual?) from Ed Stetzer:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2017/01/26/evangelicals-we-cannot-let-alternative-facts-drive-u-s-refugee-policy/?tid=sm_tw&utm_term=.1174a3666755

21st Century Race and the Church

What too many of us may miss in our "white privilege:"

 https://thedisciplemaker.org/your-healthy-conversation-on-race-starts-here/

Moral Courage and Political Pluralism

Incredibly important long program on the ways too many are disdaining those they disagree with--and why this is so dangerous to our society.

http://www.mprnews.org/story/2017/02/15/mpr_news_presents


Frugality and Long Term Savings

Here are two great calculations to keep in mind, even if it isn't clear what interest rates are assumed:

From now on, to calculate any expense long-term, use these two formulas (borrowed from this post):

• To calculate a weekly expense compounded over ten years, multiply the price by 752.
• For a monthly expense, multiply by 173.

https://qz.com/913249/the-practical-steps-it-takes-to-actually-become-a-millionaire/?utm_source=atlfb

Payday Lending and Phoenix Churches Responding

 Interesting to see that the "Surge" group is a group of churches working with Reformed Theological Seminary-Dallas!

https://www.cpjustice.org/public/page/content/pjr_dcc_loving_our_neighbors_through_politics


"Cost Disease"

Even when adjusted for inflation, some things (all education costs, not just college tuition for example) are just growing way too fast.

http://slatestarcodex.com/2017/02/09/considerations-on-cost-disease/?utm_source=New+Daily+Newsletter+Subscribers&utm_campaign=2d88a5c89f-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_02_10&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4675a5c15f-2d88a5c89f-81832257

Olmsted County in 1985

Fascinating vintage planning video from 1965.

https://vimeo.com/115804095

2/12/17 Updates

The tabs on my Firefox have been increasing lately, as I delayed putting this list together so I can close the articles for later reading. I'm trying to keep the Trump-related posts to a minimum, but there are a few that must be saved for reference.

First David Gerson. Two great takes:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-best-fortnight-in-a-decade-for-conservatives-uh-oh/2017/02/06/93e2f1aa-ec9a-11e6-9973-c5efb7ccfb0d_story.html?utm_term=.3fd1359edf2c&wpisrc=nl_opinions&wpmm=1

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/gorsuchs-so-called-weakness-is-really-his-greatest-strength/2017/02/02/8ca168ce-e96e-11e6-bf6f-301b6b443624_story.html?utm_term=.ef49429c54d3&wpisrc=nl_opinions&wpmm=1



Legal but Immoral; Moral but Illegal

Lessons from Uncle Tom's Cabin:

https://bobonbooks.com/2017/02/09/legal-but-immoral-moral-but-illegal/

How to read 200 books a year--Really!

https://qz.com/895101/in-the-time-you-spend-on-social-media-each-year-you-could-read-200-books/

Who are Deacons?

Two great pieces by David Apple:

http://network.crcna.org/deacons/who-are-deacons

http://network.crcna.org/deacons/deacons-must-equip-members-service

Helen Keller--dissident radical?

Great article here:

http://www.yesmagazine.org/people-power/the-radical-dissent-of-helen-keller

Strengthening Communities

Several excellent articles here, on keeping communities strong in our changing times:

http://www.bruderhof.com/en/voices-blog/justice/community-building-at-the-firehouse

 http://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2016/where-we-live-communities-for-all-ages.html

http://www.theatlantic.com/sponsored/aarp/a-communitys-best-tool-toward-change-its-residents/1175/?sr_source=lift_facebook

Transportation is also a part of building community strength

http://www.curbed.com/2017/1/24/14361030/best-cities-public-transportation-light-rail-bus

...and affordable housing is a part--of course!

http://www.startribune.com/poverty-series-highlights-importance-of-affordable-housing-community-building-strategies/408862215/?ref=nl&om_rid=AALNYM&om_mid=_BYa6$mB8xYFAck

Then there is "quality of place:"

http://www.citylab.com/design/2016/12/why-quality-of-place-matters/509876/?utm_source=SFFB

There are advantages to small towns!

http://www.startribune.com/opportunity-grows-out-of-small-town-america/386364241/


Racial Segregation Today--and Its Ongoing Impact

This is a 51 page document but worth perusing

https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ccf_20170116_racial_segregation_and_health_matthew_reeves2.pdf

Finally--Abortion 

This is an excellent summary

https://blogs.thegospelcoalition.org/kevindeyoung/2017/01/18/9-myths-about-abortion-rights-and-roe-v-wade/

1/3/17 Highlights

More on Affordable Housing and Inequality within Communities

Looks like these will be important, related, topics again this year.

http://www.startribune.com/poverty-series-highlights-importance-of-affordable-housing-community-building-strategies/408862215/?ref=nl&om_rid=AALNYM&om_mid=_BYa6$mB8xYFAck


http://www.citylab.com/housing/2016/12/battling-inequality-seattle-bets-on-transit-oriented-housing/510599/?utm_source=SFFB


What is "middle class?"

An important question in relation to housing--affordable for what part of the population?

http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2015/05/what-does-middle-class-even-mean/392471/?utm_source=atlfb


Catchment ponds and other costs to cities for building

Good discussion related to fees for new construction:

http://www.postbulletin.com/news/local/who-s-watching-the-water/article_f91b6ef1-dab6-5680-99b7-5bf704f8facc.html

Historical heroes and preaching

Two interesting takes on a totoally different topic:

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/anxiousbench/2017/02/heroes-of-the-faith-true-but-not-accurate/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=BRSS&utm_campaign=Evangelical&utm_content=248

"...the success of the church, often intertwined with the prosperity of the nation or the ruling social group, did not build the kingdom. These are the historical lessons we need to hear. Certainly, we should be inspired by the convictions and selfless action of modern saints. But we must also own up to the fact that those extraordinarily bold figures were just that: extraordinary. Compelling stories of believers standing against injustice and oppression are – unfortunately – the exception rather than the rule in the church’s 20th-century history. An accurate history lesson from the pulpit would remind us that most Christians, and their leaders, have set aside the gospel for the security of the church and the greatness of the nation."

And this, on immigration attitudes over the years:

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/anxiousbench/2017/02/spreading-faith-lessons-us-history/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=BRSS&utm_campaign=Evangelical&utm_content=248