The Twins (OSGEMOS) . . .

Dos edifícios à lona, da escultura para pintar merdas fora do gancho!

shit gets silly . . .

when multiple generations kick it on one network. Life played out on the internet is getting tricky. Facebook Fail Blog!

Were yours this cool??

Did your parents rock tie-dye? How about leather? Did they cruise on choppers and belly dance on the side? These parents did and it makes for serious nostalgic goodness.

DIY . . .

cause its always better when you make it yourself.

Rock v Polanski

Drop It Like Its Hot!

Funny what we'll do given certain circumstances . . .

New Fall Toms!!!

I still need to get a pair of the OGs.

Can we go??

The farm is not that far away and they even have flashlight maze nights starting in October!

Bacon's the new Black . . .

For real its everywhere! From the top of maple bars to Seattle lattes and now Seattle’s Black Rock Spirits, has combined Idaho potato vodka with breakfast meat in the new Bakon vodka. If you dig bacon I've heard it "makes delicious Bloody Marys but is just as good mixed with something sweeter". Here is one of the company's sweet recipies:
Chocolate Bakon Martini
Ingredients
2 oz. chocolate liqueur
2 oz. Bakon vodka
Splash of cream

1. Combine ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker.
2. Shake vigorously.
3. Strain and pour into a sugar-rimmed martini glass.

Available at SoDo Liquor Store, 1702 Fourth Avenue South

Invest in People First . . .

King County is considering eliminating ALL County general funds for human services in 2010 in order to balance their budget.

CALL TO ACTION: Two ways to make your voice heard!

1)Contact King County Councilmembers today!

2)Come to one or more of the four County budget hearings this fall

October 7 7 pm Bellevue City Chambers
October 13 7 pm Regional Justice Center
October 22 7 pm Redmond City Chambers
October 29 7 pm King County Courthouse, downtown Seattle

WHAT WILL BE ELIMINATED?
~ domestic violence shelters; ~ senior centers; ~ adult day health; ~ emergency food distribution; ~ homeless shelters, including those for youth; ~ services for victims of sexual assault; ~ and programs for youth at risk, and MORE!

KEY MESSAGES
 The King County Alliance for Human Services urges King County Council to maintain current funding for community health and human services for 2010 while we work together to find a long-term funding solution.

 Urgently needed human services have already been cut by almost 50% in the past three years, during a time of dramatically increasing needs and severe economic distress. (Give examples from your program or experience of the need for your services and what will happen if they are cut further.)

 Our communities cannot sustain any further cuts without deep losses to the human services infrastructure. In addition to reducing human misery, maintaining the infrastructure is also more cost effective. It is much more expensive to rebuild this foundation than to maintain it, and will take years to bring back to current levels if it is dismantled.

 Maintaining funding to community health and human services now will save King County money in the long run. Eliminating or reducing human services will drive up the costs of public health and public safety, increasing both human and financial costs to residents of King County. (Give specific examples of how your services save money in criminal justice, healthcare and other crisis services)

 Maintaining current funding for 2010 will not solve the problem of adequate, stable funding for urgently needed community health and human services in the long-term. Our elected leaders must continue working, unabated, to implement long-term solutions so that services are available when King County residents find themselves in need. And at least until those solutions are in place, this temporary set aside is a critical measure to ensure the strength of our communities.

Councilmember Contact Information:
Dow Constantine 206 296-1008 Dow.Constantine@kingcounty.gov
Reagan Dunn 206 296-1009 Reagan.Dunn@kingcounty.gov
Bob Ferguson 206 296-1001 Bob.Ferguson@kingcounty.gov
Larry Gossett 206 296-1002 Larry.Gossett@kingcounty.gov
Jane Hague 206 296-1006 Jane.Hague@kingcounty.gov
Kathy Lambert 206 296-1003 Kathy.Lambert@kingcounty.gov
Julia Patterson 206 296-1005 Julia.Patterson@kingcounty.gov
Larry Phillips 206 296-1004 Larry.Phillips@kingcounty.gov
Pete von Reichbauer 206 296-1007 Pete.vonReichbauer@kingcounty.gov

No!!! on I-1033

If this initiative passes, it will devastate already stressed state and local government budgets and will greatly impact funding for critical health, safety and human services. Please consider endorsing the NO on I-1033 campaign, and please educate your constituents about why it is critical to vote NO on this measure in November.

The quick facts about I-1033:

• During periods of recession, revenue can fall sharply because of decreased economic activity (like it did this year). I-1033 would limit our ability to return to previous levels of investment because the base from which revenue growth is determined would be linked to this year's spending.

• I-1033 limits the growth in revenue each year for state, county, and city general funds through an arbitrary formula based on the cost of inflation plus population growth. This fails to account for the actual costs of services that we all use, and it would severely limit Washington's ability to make long-term investments in education, healthcare, and economic security.

• If total revenues for state or local governments grow more quickly than the limit, property taxes would be reduced. However, I-1033 does nothing to ensure that the property tax relief would be properly targeted to those who need it most. Making matters even worse, because of existing property tax limits, this would permanently decrease in the ability of state and local governments to fund basic public structures.

All Seattle Youth!!!!

From the rapping and singing to the camera work and the editing!

Street With A View

Google street view has been around for awhile now and expands daily. Its awesome and a little creepy at the same time. It tends to promote curiosity (finding our childhood homes) and at the same time it encourages "spying" even thought its not live (ex:finding our ex's parked car). Just wait till it is live!! But until then check out this city that got creative when the google car came around to take pictures: Pittsburgh
Or this blog that has posted some certain special/suspicious moments the google car caught!
The segway tour and the sunbathing on a sidewalk might be two of my favs.

"Captured" Will Capture You Too

So sad to see it go . . .

Pike/Pine, one of very few legit Seattle street fashion blogs has come to an end. After 3 years running its sad to see it go. Whose gonna fill in for JasmineCheck her new work out at face like a blessing. (D should we add a element to the mash-up?)

When you can't afford a trip to Italy . . . Ferragosto!!

An Italian street food party commemorating the Roman Catholic holiday with roast pig, grilled sausage, fish and vegetable skewers, pastries, drinks, and live music.

When: Sun., 4-9 p.m.Where: Osteria la Spiga, 1429 12th Ave. R.S.V.P. to 206-323-8881 or hello@laspiga.com.

Run? or Walk?

Would He Run? - Watch more Funny Videos

Aren't you glad you can run way faster than you can walk??

Welcome to the 21st Century!

Light rail opens this Saturday (July 18th). Jump on it!

DIY Bike Lanes

Illegal! Dangerous! Effective? And for when you forget your can of spray paint - LightLane!

Mobile Art

You know the oh-so-common picture on so-and-so's Facebook/MySpace page of them taking a embarrassingly cliché self portrait in their bathroom mirror with their cell phone? This is the opposite of that: Call Forwarding

¡Visca Catalunya!

Barcelona! Wamp! Wamp!

Getting all P.A.

Half these notes are probably from Seattleites...

Grandpa's Girl

PETA is killing it this week! There's the Obama-Fly-Swatting protest and now this...

The Favelas Have Eyes

The French artist JR has come to Brazil, putting up giant photographs on the walls of Rio's oldest favela. Check out the BBC's audio slideshow of his work.

Maybe the most prolific street artist goes indoors . . .

PETA coming to Seattle

Apparently dead fish need protecting too..

How Swede it is

The crowds came out Sunday morning for the Swedish Cultural Center's Swedish Pancake Breakfast.

We ate our lingonberries and whipped cream topped Swedish pancakes amongst a huge crowd of Swede-curious peeps and enjoyed the Swede tunes of a live folk band. Yes, some even showed off their Swede dance moves. Can't wait till September for the next pancake cookout!

puzzel of the day . . . .

A stray black cat, sits in the middle of an intersection paved with black asphalt. The entire town is painted black, and due to a massive power failure there are no streetlights. A Chevy Tahoe with two broken headlights drives straight through the intersection, straight towards the cat-but at the last second, manages to swerve out of the way just in the nick of time. How is this possible?

The creativity is shot

(I may have just proved myself to be the biggest nerd for posting that picture)

Pre/Sequels are one thing...remakes, totally different story (but I have to admit I'm kinda into the idea of a Total Recall remake, imagine what Quatto will look like!)

Heathers
Total Recall
Short Circuit
Footloose
Girls Just Want to Have Fun
The Evil Dead
Dune

and so on....

Alien V

It's gonna be a prequel!

Happy Hour Outside . . . Today? Anyone?

A seattleites resouce guide to cheap eats and drinks. You can even narrow your own search by category. Just one question Do Happy Hour and Kid Friendly really go together?

Wedding 411

The Boogs and I have been thrust into the world of weddings this month, here are some things we've learned:

* It's ok to wear black to an evening wedding, but not a day wedding, get it straight!

* Get a map if you want to spend a minimum of 2 hours shopping at SouthCenter Mall (teflon vest optional)

* Perusing gift registeries is good entertainment (polka dot pots! It's funny right?!)

* Buy the rad dress you saw at that store 4 months ago even though you didn't have an occasion to wear it...its time will come

Chicago Art Museum wedding vs. Semiahmoo golf course wedding, who's gonna come out on top?? I would say only time will tell but I think the answer is clear.

Every so often

I am totally stoked on how technology is being used. Plus how cool is Google Earth on its own?

This is for you D . . .

Happy Late Mom's Day

Speaking of pets...

Second cutest dog ever:

It's Chey-Bee! Ba-Dow!

Fuzzy Cajones! (kinda)

One of my favorite stores in Ballard, The Palm Room, (5336 Ballard Avenue Northwest, 206-782-7256) is selling what will be my most beloved and cared for pet, Sorry Javi, a Marimo Ball! Next trip to Ballard I'm grabbing those hot PF Flyers at ReSole and adopting a Marimo Ball! Now I just have to think of a good name...

Chromeo Gets Sudzy With It . . .

"Having already courted baby boomers and college-bounders, the only demo left untapped for Dave 1 and P-Thugg are little children. And thanks to Nickelodeon, Chromeo may now tap your little children. The duo performed a ditty written for them by hip tot program Yo Gabba Gabba! in an effort to convince children of all ages to clean up all good and nice. Cute to see how naturally Chromeo's electrofunk lends itself to broadcasting nurturing messages to children. Chalk it up to a mixture of personality and adorable use of talkbox". (stereogum.com)

Ear drama

Art historians claim Van Gogh's ear 'cut off by Gauguin'

She'll school you

This may be on the corny side but I think it's the cutest thing ever. A 7 year old who wrote a report on feminism?! Awesome! A 7 year old who rolls around town with a skateboard on her back?! Awesome! A 7 year old who uses the phrase "I know!"?! Awesome!
(courtesy of Lu-Down)

Can you say attachment disorder? How about compromised relationships for the rest of your life?

Recently I learned that the Governor is planning on vetoing SB 5286, the WorkFirst Exemption bill. Please let your networks know so that we can get as many calls/emails to the Governor as possible asking her to SIGN THE BILL INTO LAW!
This bill allows new mothers receiving WorkFirst assistance to get an exemption from participating in welfare activities (like seeking work) for the first three months of their child's life. Otherwise, such non-participation would cause the individual to be "sanctioned" and potentially lose her state financial assistance at this critical time with her newborn child. Please contact Governor Gregoire TODAY and ask her to sign SB 5286!
Call 360-902-4111 or send an email on this webform.

Important Message

Via an urgent email I received today from...MY MOM:

FYI,
CNN aired a live news briefing from a team of credible scientists from the Paradigm Research Group at the National Press Club today around 11:30 am today. We watched it on the computer because our TV cable didn’t air it. This is not a joke – it’s for real. Here’s a summary of what I can remember from their report.

1. Over 2% of the world’s population has experienced an alien abduction.

2. The implants that have been recovered from some of the abductees have been studied and here are some of the findings:
a. No trauma is visible at the insertion site.
b. The device is usually covered with a substance of unknown (metallic?) origin, that binds with tissue growth and the device is not rejected by the host.
(1) reverse engineering could provide our medical science with important information, especially for patients undergoing transplants
c. When examined under electron microscopy, carbon nanotubes are apparent – that is something that does not occur naturally and is difficult to manufacture.
d. Some crystalline structures have been changed.
e. The device emits very high frequencies (in the GigaHz range).

3. They are 95% certain the implants are extra-terrestrial in origin

4. They are 90% certain that the implants are utilitarian in nature (for tracking, or sending or receiving information)

The group is asking President Obama to hold to his promise of increased transparency in government and to release UFO information. If he doesn’t respo9nd within the next few months, they will begin to relentlessly use the press to push for the release of the classified information.

Stay tuned for more exciting information and encourage your government to tell the real story!!!

Best wishes,
Sarajane

The newest edition . . .

The Irony of Satire

Ohio State University released a study titled The Irony of Satire: Political Ideology and the Motivation to See What You Want to See in The Colbert Report in which they found that "conservatives were more likely to report that Colbert only pretends to be joking and genuinely meant what he said while liberals were more likely to report that Colbert used satire and was not serious when offering political statements. Conservatism also significantly predicted perceptions that Colbert disliked liberalism." This might explain why the Bush admin thought Colbert would a safe bet for the 2006 White House Correspondents Dinner...

Passion Pit

Passion Pit - The Reeling from Smoke My Tabaco on Vimeo.

I feel in love with Passion Pit when I heard Sleepyhead and now they have fully consumed my heart with this new cut and video. Album drops 5/19!

Scavenger Hunt!

On Saturday, May 2nd, starting at 1pm, Seattle Inner City Outings will lead Search Party 2009 a witty competition of strategy and fitness exploring the hidden secrets of Seattle's South Lake Union. Beginning at Denny Park, prepared with a search map and clue book, participants will puzzle, roam, perform, race, and ponder throughout South Lake Unions landmarks, businesses, and novelty locations on foot. All proceeds from the event benefit Seattle Inner City Outings (ICO), an all-volunteer community youth program of the Sierra Club. ICO is dedicated to providing opportunities for urban youth and adults to explore, enjoy, and learn about the natural world.

Black Lips - Red Stripes

Up On the Roof

The Met has another amazing rooftop exhibit in the works. Roxy Paine (the artist behind Split at the Olympic Sculpture Park) has created a thicket of metal branches to grace the Met's most fantastic space. If the experience is anything like seeing the works of Jeff Koons on this same roof last spring, it is most definitely a trip worth taking.

Shoes!

Remember a few years back when Liam Show put out the Shoes video on youtube? (Those shoes are miiiine bitch) This video seems like the appropriate progression. Tiga always seemed more comedy than hit (except for Sexor's Your Gonna Want Me) this proves it. And I'm totally feeling the chick's jumping cholla dress.

On a sunny afternoon

a drink on La Isla's patio is where it's at.

Denim Day April 24th

In 1999, the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction because the victim was wearing jeans. The Justices stated that since removing jeans "...is impossible if the victim is struggling with all her might," the victim must have assisted the attacker in removing her jeans, which they felt implied consent.

Denim Day began as a heated response to this verdict. However, it has now evolved into an internationally celebrated day to show your support for ending sexual violence, honoring survivors and raising awareness of the issue.

Very Thin Ice

What are you tryin to say about Iowa?

Caprica?

How compelled will BSG fans be to watch Caprica, the prequel series to Battlestar Galactica (the pilot was released on DVD today)? I think I prefer the Adamas in space (although the trailor kinda got me with the Adams/Adama differentiation, might have to watch long enough to find out what that's all about).

Seattle Lake Myths

Having grown up in Seattle I have heard many a horror story about the lakes of our great region. There was the alligator in Green Lake, the long rods ready to spear Arboretum bridge jumpers in Lake Washington, and dead babies in Lake Union. Well it looks like there might be truth to at least one of these stories: Police Divers Recover Bottled Fetus From Lake Washington.

Que Viva!

Michael Casey, the Buenos Aires bureau chief for Dow Jones Newswires, has a new book out, Che’s Afterlife, discussing the evolution of the infamous Korda image of Che, used to market products and ideology across the globe for decades:

It is a book about how ideas travel and mutate in this age of globalization, how concepts of political ideology have increasingly come to be trumped by notions of commerce and cool and chic, and how the historical Che Guevara gave way, post-mortem, to a host of other Ches: St. Che, said to possess the ability to perform miracles; Chesucristo, a Christ-like figure revered for his ideals, not his advocacy of violence; an entrepreneurial Che, promoting the lesson “that individuals should honestly strive to produce their utmost for the good of all”; and the Rock ’n’ Roll Che, more representative of youthful anti-authoritarianism than of any political dogma.

I'm going to start incorporating Chesucristo into my vocabulary immediately.

Nothing to do Wednesday????

What: Public Hearing on Proposed Budget Cuts
When: Wednesday, April 22, 2009 at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Council Chambers, City Hall, 600 4th Avenue. 2nd floor

City Council schedules 2nd budget hearing this Wednesday, April 22nd
The good news is that Mayor Nickels' plan to balance the 2009 budget includes NO CUTS TO HUMAN SERVICES! This is recognition of the critical reality that there are more and more Seattle residents in need of these services.
But we cannot just let this process ride out, thinking the decision has been made, because it turns out that City Council is viewing the budget hearing on Wednesday as a way to educate themselves for the 2010 budget cuts.This quote from Councilmember Jean Godden, "Comments will help inform councilmembers as they begin to develop their annual budget priorities resolution. The resolution will offer Mayor Nickels guidance on areas of interest to the Council as he works to prepare a revised 2010 budget over the summer. The Council will review and ultimately adopt a revised 2010 budget later this year in November."
And more cuts will be needed to balance the 2010 budget. The total deficit for 2010 is now projected at $51.7 million. If they repeat the cuts made in order to balance the 2009 budget this reduces the deficit by $12.9 million, leaving $38.8 million of additional cuts that the mayor and council must make in 2010.

Human service advocates must also be there telling our stories, so that Councilmembers and the Mayor keep these realities in mind.

Testify at Wednesday's hearing. Make these points in 2 minutes or less:
Economic downturn has increased the needs of Seattle residents: Give examples from your experience of increased numbers of people who need services, or increased stress that families are under, making them less resilient and in need of more depth of services, however it is showing up for you.
We commend Mayor Nickels' plan to make no cuts in human services in order to balance the 2009 budget. At least maintaining this funding is absolutely crucial as we try to address these unprecedented needs. In fact, more funding is needed to help Seattle residents get through this deepening crisis.
Thank you, Councilmembers, for your leadership and commitment to making the services needed for the basic safety, health and well being of Seattle residents your top priority.

Show up early to get an earlier testimony spot, some get there by 4:30. Sign up sheets will be available at 5pm outside the door to Council Chambers. There will be a long line by then. Hearings can go on until 9:30 or 10pm, but this may be a shorter one. Reduced rate parking is available in SeaPark garage between Cherry and James Streets for $3.00 - just tell the cashier that you were there for the public hearing as you exit.

If you absolutely can't be there Wednesday it is better to send Councilmembers an email than not to raise your voice at all. Scroll down to the bottom of this page.

Hell Yeah!

I told you . . . .

Puzzle:
Two men are found dead in a room, there is a table and 53 Bicycles on the floor. What happened to the men?

Probably late to the game. . .

but iGoogle has changed my work life.

Need to restock on invisibility paint?

Program your transporter to 372 5th Avenue Brooklyn NY 11215 United States, the Brooklyn Superhero Supply is ready to answer all of your superhuman needs.

Intro to grad school

UW students hang out at the College Inn Pub.

MUP students hang out in the clubhouse.

Pet Shop vs. Rescue Shelter

From the people who brought us Sea Kittens, breast-milk ice cream and a controversial Super Bowl ad...Rescue Shelter Boys! And unlike a PETA staffer I am not posting West End Girls to celebrate. It's just a killer song...killer.

Thanks for the what what Mena!

Too much

So, I have many loves, today the internet gave forth the goods on some of them:

Design: Architecture for Humanity

Dogs: Honda Dog Car (ruff rider? really?)

Urban Planning: GOOD Love What a good street looks like and why

Bikes: Been doored lately?

You could also say cars made a heavy appearance. However, I'd say they are just the vehicle on which the stories were delivered.

What?! No hoverboard?

So I decided to delete the video because getting the stupid "download Quick Time" pop up everytime I checked up on the blog got super old. So visit the link and check the video, pop up free.

Check the video out here.

By Supermarché.

I'm in love

with GOOD.

My block...

I'm thinking someone driving a murdered-out mini cooper might be asking for this...but then again what good are mini-wheels to the common thief?  

Knew it!

Surfing the net at work for pleasure actually increases our concentration levels and helps make a more productive workforce, according to a new University of Melbourne study.

They even made up a nice little acronym: ‘Workplace Internet Leisure Browsing’ (WILB)

People who do surf the Internet for fun at work - within a reasonable limit of less than 20% of their total time in the office - are more productive by about 9% than those who don’t.

Key point: less than 20%...

The rest of us are still just unproductive.

Weekend wisdom at 83

My abuelita is gangsta.

Egyptian Lover this Saturday

I'm super bummed I'm going to be out of town for this. I had a big thing for Egyptian Lover not too long ago, and by big thing I mean I really liked the line "tell'em what I am!":

Chop Suey Saturday 4/4
Egyptian Lover, Jamie Jupiter, Truckasauras, DJ Sean Cee

NIN April fools

track list:
intro skit
everybody's doing it (featuring chris martin, jay-z AND bono)
black t-shirt
pussygrinder (featuring sheryl crow)
coffin on the dancefloor
this rhythm is infected
slide to the dark side
even closer (featuring justin timberlake and maynard james keenan)
on the list (she's not)
clap trap crack slap
laid, paid and played (featuring fergie of the black eyed peas and al jourgensen)
feel like being dead again
still hurts (featuring alicia keys)
outro skit

Produced by Timbaland

The glasses, the Chris Cornell dig, the track list...perfection

Wall of Sound

Introducing the 'Flat, Flexible Loudspeaker'

Lightweight and inexpensive to manufacture, the speakers are slim and flexible: they could be concealed inside ceiling tiles or car interiors, or printed with a design and hung on the wall like a picture.

Sidenote: I just learned that Phil "the Wall of Sound" Spector produced the Ramones End of the Century...I'm seeing life a little clearer now.

Sometimes I wish the Onion reported the truth...

Obama Depressed, Distant Since 'Battlestar Galactica' Series Finale

"I'm a little concerned," first lady Michelle Obama was overheard saying at a fundraising event Tuesday. "When Firefly was canceled, he walked around like a zombie for a week, and Serenity was the only thing that snapped him out of it. Last night he said he felt like he had just discovered David Axelrod was one of the Final Five, whatever that means."

A-M-A-Z-I-N-G

Big Brother Goes Global

The NY Times reported today that researchers have found a major spy system to be compromising governmental and private computers around the world. The system is being controlled by enlarge from computers in China. The spyware can even enable the video and audio applications of a chosen system. Sensitive systems including those of the Dali Lama, the Indian Embassy in Washington, and a NATO computer have been hacked by the spies. In at least one case the spied material was used to “warn” an intermediary, helping to make connections between Tibetan exiles and Chinese citizens, to stop her political activities. The Chinese government? The CIA? Big Brother still doesn’t have a name.

To be continued . . . . maybe. Right?!

The Military is Hiring . . .

No Shit???!! At some point in an unemployment low I signed on to some job search website (or maybe several). This turned out to be one of the most fruitless endeavors ever (except that it helped to ensure my monthly unemployment check). My inbox still gets thronged with the websites attempts to find me a job. Normally I check each email and promptly click delete but this one caught my eye and made me laugh. Apparently “the Military is Hiring” and not only that, but the job that I could have with the military would be “stable” -in what regard I am not too sure. The job I could apply for would be “exciting”, -no doubt. But to top it all off there is a job for me in the military that “fits [my] interests and personality”. Yeah, I can’t believe I never thought of this before! F*** grad school and aimlessly traveling the globe!

The real shizz is, this is all that faithful website can dredge up with the current state of affairs.

Video killed more than the radio star...

8 Hours a Day Spent on Screens, Study Finds

The Nielsen Company spent 952 days watching various age groups consume media in an attempt to gain insight that would help media companies better target us, b/c we need more of that...

Highlights:

* adults are exposed to screens (TVs, cellphones, even G.P.S. devices) for an average of 8.5 hours a DAY (that's more sleep than most people get)

* regardless of age we all expose ourselves to the same amount of time in front of screens

* 18-to-24-year-olds watch the smallest amount of live TV of any age group (three and a half hours a day), while the 65+ age group watched the most

* when asked to recall their behaviors people underestimated the amount of time they spent with TV by 25% on average

* researchers also noted that people associated a "social stigma" to watching a lot of TV

Misconceptions of Poverty

The Seattle Times posted these two articles on their website today:

States consider drug tests for welfare recipients
"Lawmakers in at least eight states want recipients of food stamps, unemployment benefits or welfare to submit to random drug testing...Those in favor of the drug tests say they are motivated out of a concern for their constituents' health and ability to put themselves on more solid financial footing once the economy rebounds. But proponents concede they also want to send a message: you don't get something for nothing."

Seattle Pacific students spend 5 days on streets to feel pain of homeless
"Google the words "spring break" and up pop images of bikinis, beaches, more bikinis, and margaritas...That couldn't be further from the experience this week of 18 Seattle Pacific University students. They chose to spend their spring break on the streets of Seattle living as if they were homeless, as part of the school's experiential "urban plunge" program."

And from the NYTimes:

Financial Safety Net of Nonprofit Organizations Is Fraying, Survey Finds
"'It’s very clear how fragile financially many of these organizations are, and especially the ones on the front lines, the safety net or lifeline organizations,' said Clara Miller, chief executive of the fund...More than half the respondents said they would like help communicating their financial difficulties to their boards and donors, highlighting the growing belief in the nonprofit world that government and the public do not understand the role it plays in American society."

It's a sad state of affairs...

Green Festival

It's supposed to be rainy and blah outside this weekend, so you shouldn't feel bad spending the days indoors at the 2nd annual Green Festival. Get a peep at our favorite celebrity do-gooder Danny Glover, and author of Confessions of an Economic Hitman John Perkins. There's too much to see in 2 days so I'm going to check the online schedule to plan ahead and make the most of my time, and $10. Guilt free.