One Girl Revolution

I got this e-mail from a friend of mine yesterday. Rather than re-write what was there, I've decided instead to copy/paste the content here - not only does it save time, but it also sums things up far better than I could. Even if you cannot donate at this time, please feel free to link and/or copy/paste this information in your own journal(s). The more people who know about this, the better. Thank you. (x-posted to itslittlethings)

***

Dear friends,

In the wake of a massive cyclone, a shocking 100,000 Burmese may be dead. More are missing. A million are homeless.

But what's happening in Burma is not just a natural disaster--it's also a catastrophe of bad leadership.

Burma's brutal and corrupt military junta failed to warn the people, failed to evacuate any areas, and suppressed freedom of communication so that Burmese people didn't know the storm was coming when the rest of the world did. Now the government is failing to respond to the disaster and obstructing international aid organizations.

Humanitarian relief is urgently needed, but Burma's government could easily delay, divert or misuse any aid. Yesterday the International Burmese Monks Organization, including many leaders of the democracy protests last fall, launched a new effort to provide relief through Burma's powerful grass roots network of monasteries--the most trusted institutions in the country and currently the only source of housing and support in many devastated communities. Click below to help the Burmese people with a donation and see a video appeal to Avaaz from a leader of the monks:

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/burma_cyclone/15.php

Giving to the monks is a smart, fast way to get aid directly to Burma's people. Governments and international aid organizations are important, but face challenges--they may not be allowed into Burma, or they may be forced to provide aid according to the junta's rules. And most will have to spend large amounts of money just setting up operations in the country. The monks are already on the front lines of the aid effort--housing, feeding, and supporting the victims of the cyclone since the day it struck. The International Burmese Monks Organization will send money directly to each monastery through their own networks, bypassing regime controls.

Last year, more than 800,000 of us around the world stood with the Burmese people as they rose up against the military dictatorship. The government lost no time then in dispatching its armies to ruthlessly crush the non-violent democracy movement--but now, as tens of thousands die, the junta's response is slow and threatens to divert precious aid into the corrupt regime's pockets.

The monks are unlikely to receive aid from governments or large humanitarian organizations, but they have a stronger presence and trust among the Burmese people than both. If we all chip in a little bit, we can help them to make a big difference. Click here to donate:

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/burma_cyclone/15.php

With hope,

Ricken, Ben, Graziela, Paul, Iain, Veronique, Pascal, Galit and the whole Avaaz team

PS: Here are some links to more information:

For more information about Avaaz's work to support the Burmese people, click here:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/burma_report_back

For more information about the cyclone, the humanitarian crisis, and the political dimension, see these articles:

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/PoliticsNation/IMD_issued_specific_and_precise_advisories_to_Myanmar_IMD/articleshow/3016493.cms
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/05/08/myanmar/?iref=mpstoryview
http://www.irrawaddy.org/opinion_story.php?art_id=11836
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/07/world/asia/07aid.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7385205.stm

Well, it looks like I'm going to have to find a new dealer supplier when it comes to my occasional foray into energy drinks. According to rhonan, Rock Star, my energy drink of choice ("GUYS IT TASTES LIKE LIQUID COTTON CANDY!!") has intimate family ties to right-wing extremist Michael Savage. Since I can't support any product that ties itself to a man who, "has applauded the abuse at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq, opposed aid for tsunami victims, and called for the dropping of nuclear weapons on an an Arab country, any Arab country," as well as, "telling a gay caller to 'get AIDS and die,'" not to mention, "runs a group called The Paul Revere Society, which among other things, calls for the imprisonment of anti-war activists for sedition," I guess it's time to seek out greener pastures. It's rather a shame, as my experience with the drink has been overwhelmingly positive - it makes tasks such as long drives feel surprisingly brisk, wakes me up for social functions when I'm in a sleepy slump, and just generally perks me up as portrayed in this dramatization.¹

So as of now, I'm officially soliciting suggestions for progressive energy drinks. And don't say Fair Trade coffee or tea - I already have that covered.<sup>2


1</sup>No, not really. If anything, the stuff makes me hyper-social. Just ask shadownex about the time I offered her a ride after consuming a can of the stuff.


²As in, entire communities are dependent on my generous patronage. And that's a really.

There's all this stuff I should be doing, so how am I starting off? By writing a LiveJournal entry. Class.

I am making a certain sort of progress, though. I slept in today, having had a rough couple of nights on account of my legs. It started on New Year's Day, when I decided to walk to the nearest box store to buy some provisions. We had a heavy snow the night before, and in keeping with a New Years Resolution (more on that in a sec), I decided to walk rather than drive. After all, walking through deep snow is good exercise, right? You bet your ass it is, and by the time I got back, mine was damn sore, along with the rest of my legs. I was wiped out, but the next day I felt good, if a little sore. So I thought it would be perfectly fine for me to start on the beginner level of this video, which my mom and her friends rave about. It relies on a lot of leg work, but that's ok, right? After all, my legs are big and chunky for a reason - muscle!

I cannot accurately describe the pain I felt the morning after, which continued and actually worsened yesterday. I felt like I'd been bludgeoned by midgets. I sincerely thought that I'd somehow managed to rip apart muscles to the point that my legs would be covered with bruises (they weren't). It hurt to stand up, hurt worse to walk, and sitting down? Well, that was just utter agony. I did some upper body stuff on Thursday, but last night I just crashed. Seems like that's just what I needed, though - the legs are still sore, but feeling much better today. I think after I'm done here, I'm gonna wash yesterday's make-up off my face, brush my teeth and head down to the fitness center. I'm hoping it'll be a little less crowded during the day.

I'm trying my best to start anew with the exercising and nutrition because of a resolution - to lose at least 40 pounds or go down at least two sizes, whatever comes first. Make no mistake, I'm happy with the progress I've made over the past few years. I've gone from a size [I'M NOT SAYING] in college to a more acceptable size today, but I want to keep the momentum going. It the very least, I want to tone up; I look in the mirror and know that I can do better. Besides, I'm really enjoying feeling stronger and more energetic - guys, just imagine if I was, like, twice as peppy by December 2008. There'd be no stopping me!

To that end, I've joined fortylbs, a community founded by maggiesox. It's invite only, I believe, but if anyone is interested, I can let the mods know. It's pretty awesome, as support groups go - we're all irreverent and snarky, and I think I've become the comm's unofficial DJ when it comes to workout music. You should see the list I put together Thursday - it's just the tip of the iceberg, too. It reminded me of the time I made a list of roller derby music for jumpinjessflash, if that gives you any idea. I bring the rock! Or something.

I'm also planning to start a Bookcrossing Zone at my office, if I can get a good collection of books together. It should be fun to see if people contribute - we're an office of music, film and video game geeks, so things should get nice and crazy. I'm looking forward to having my mind expanded. I'm putting together a list of books I'd like to read which will eventually go into the Zone at work; I'll post it here and in the forum of the Bookcrossing site. Of course, I'll need to scrounge up some books to trade, since most of mine were shuffled off to Goodwill during the move. If any of you want to get the employees of the Best Damn Office on the Planet reading, let me know. I'll give you my address and you can send 'em my way. I'm thinking that I may periodically take some of the copies that have been sitting in the Zone unread (or have made the rounds at AMG) and cross them over at my favorite Ann Arbor store, Wazoo Records. The people in there are fantastic and knowledgeable, it's a store with some actual damn atmosphere, and leaving books there can only increase the amount of people who stop in, as it talks about On the Bookcrossing Zone page. It seems to be holding its own, but I've seen too many cool stores back in Ohio close down when the corporate juggernauts roll in. Consequently, I'm very protective of the place and want to do all I can to make sure it thrives.

I mean, come on - I met the Rollins there. Right there. How could I NOT want to see it do well?

I guess I should probably wrap it up here. The day isn't getting any younger, after all, and I've workin' out to do! Here's hoping the legs keep up.

Here - watch this while I'm away:

I'm all sorts of sleepy, and yet I feel a need to update. Addict much?

First and foremost, I am thrilled to bits to announce that theycallmeboy overcame all sorts of obstacles to complete a short film for the Film Racing Grand Prix. I know that I sound like a broken record, but I need heavier music am extremely proud of him for making this happen, come hell or high water. You can get an exclusive behind-the-scenes play-by-play here, and you can watch (and vote on) his film here. He's so getting fancy dinners and baked goods when he arrives. And I need to do something to thank his friend Mark and Mark's girlfriend, Jess, for helping out with the shoot. I'll need cookies that can survive a flight in a box. It may be time to consult scorceseisgod.

cammila_radio write a review that she's very proud of right over here at the new All Movie blog. I work with cool people.

And me. What about me? Nothing much.

After little less than a week of nearly boundless energy that seemed to defy convention, logic and the need for food or sleep, I finally hit a wall today. I woke up sleepy, went to work sleepy, and answered the siren's call for meat in the form of a McDonald's lunch. I hate when it happens - me, the liberal-do-gooding-wannabe-hippie-carbon-footprint-reducing girl who is actively trying to avoid as much processed food as possible...was in line...in her car...for an extra value meal. It makes me feel vaguely guilty and slimy, even though I know such feelings are basically unwarranted. I've gone there a grand total of twice (including today) since I moved here; I'm hardly clogging my arteries, killing the planet and waddling around like a shambling ball of sentient dough or anything. And yet, the guilt. I mean, what if Michael Moore showed up out of the blue and remembered me? What then? He'd probably make me give my book back or something.¹ That would suck.

In the event that the postcard project ends up not working out (which it probably won't, as I've found, like, three postcards in my possession that pack any sort of emotional punch), I managed to secure what I think is a pretty cool axillary backup gift for my Boy. How cool, you ask? Cool enough that I almost bought it for myself. It's part of a private collection that one of my editors is selling piecemeal; I also picked up some stuff for my dad and teaandbitchery that they will hopefully enjoy. I need to go Christmas shopping; it's kind of scary how fast this is all coming up. Damn.

I've only heard back from isilrandir about participating in the veterans charity drive thing so far. I don't know how much participation (if any) is going on among the employees, so per usual I am feeling the urge to Step In And Take Care Of The Matter. It's a weird personality quick that I've been discussing with Boy lately; basically, I have a streak in me that takes over when it appears that a task is not going to be completed by others. It isn't a blame thing - I don't play the martyr, and I give people the benefit of the doubt - I just roll up my sleeves and take on the task as if it's been handed to me personally to complete. This means there will be much fleece purchased and Insta-scarves made, no doubt. I can pick some up on Saturday after I'm done volunteering for this event. I've wanted to be involved with this organization for a while, and as much as I hate the cold (ironically, with the intensity of a thousand suns), I figure that I shouldn't be a damn baby about standing around in the cold if it means helping people who have to deal with hunger every day of the year. If I can't handle 90 minutes in 30 degree weather to raise money, food donations and community awareness about hunger (or, as our government calls it, "food insecurity") in our area, I shouldn't even consider calling myself a good citizen.

And just like that, "One" comes up on my playlist. ;)

I think it's time for bed.

¹ Click the link and look at the second bullet point. I was there that night, and I remember the debate well. There was lots of cheering when the final name was announced, and we were all excited because we helped make a collective decision about a movie. Later, during the Q&A, I used my amazing "I've been to concerts and I know how this shit goes" skills to convince shadownex that if we wanted our copies of Stupid White Men to get signed, we'd do well to leave the auditorium and get in line immediately out in the lobby. My instincts paid off - she and I were some of the first people, and possibly THE first, to get our books autographed. It was an awesome moment, but has led me to suffer from a certain degree of Mooreophobia, defined as the irrational belief that every time you do something that goes against your generally progressive beliefs, Michael Moore will see you, remember you, take away your Bleeding Heart Liberal card and demand that you relinquish your copy of his book. I still feel a twinge of paranoia when I turn on the one remaining lamp in my house that harbors an incandescent bulb.

ETA: OH MY GOD, I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING TO INFURIATE MY MOTHER AT CHRISTMAS.



(Thanks be to piemancer)

It looks like the winds are finally going to die down tomorrow - currently they're blowing at 20 to 30 mph, which means wind chill. I took off my glove so I could get my mail (big thick gloves don't work well with tiny keys), and by the time I got back to my door, the uncovered hand starting to hurt. I'd say that I was out there for a total of maybe five minutes. Calmer days would be very, very welcome.

I am thrilled to report that isilrandir has volunteered to knit something for the sick/homeless veterans drive our office is hosting. I wasn't expecting such a quick response, so this really made my day. I'm also grateful for this tip from braidedmane, who reminds me that it's not about skills, but creativity:

Suggestion for great scarves: go to a fabric store and browse their remnant bin for pieces of fleece. Fleece comes 60" wide (5 feet), plenty long enough for a scarf, and they usually put pieces less than half a yard in remnants. A quarter yard will make a fantastic, warm scarf--you can fringe the ends with scissors if you want to make them a little fancier. No sewing, fairly cheap, keeps folks warm.

I will have to go to the local Jo-Ann Fabrics and test this theory. Hopefully I can find the remnant pile and get some deals.

Want to know what the hell I'm talking about? Check out this post over at itslittlethings, or better yet, join the community to get breaking news about this and other ways you can make the world a little better and brighter. The instructions are there, but I'd like to remind you that I'll need this stuff on or before December 18, with before being the better option. Send whatever you can from wherever you can - if you're the president of an Australian knitting club, you can still play the Random Acts of Kindness Game.

That's it. Just think of it as one big International Random Acts of Kindness Game. Everyone loves those!

The first few days of this week, I dressed in the whole, "business professional" style, including nicer dress shoes. This didn't deter me from walking to work, as I'm so close that it's kind of, well, stupid to drive there. But there is one small problem.

I've rubbed my right heel raw.

There's an area that is very sore, very tender, and very red. It looks like there will be blood if it has to suffer much more abuse. But guess who walked to work today anyway*? And guess who is sadly bereft of plasters?

Yep.

I'll pick some up tonight, after I walk back to my apartment and get my car.

Ow.


*And before anyone asks, I walked to work because I'm reducing my carbon footprint and saving the earth!

Ow.

As it turns out, me, theycallmeboy and trytobegood were all selected to volunteer for Friends of the Earth at Electric Picnic. This should mean that theycallmeboy can sell the tickets he bought (we're pretty sure that the FOE volunteering will get us free admission) and get back at least what he paid for them, if not a little more. (If any of you Ireland or UK types want two tickets to a kick-ass music festival, drop him a line.)

It's a beautiful day outside, we're getting into EP for free, with special passes and access to the crew camping area, and we're hopefully going to be able to affect some change on a personal, national, or even international level.

Life, for the moment, is exceptional.

I've been selected to work as a volunteer for Friends of the Earth during my time at Electric Picnic!

I hope that theycallmeboy got the same invitation - I already told them that if he was selected, I wouldn't be able to accept. (It just doesn't make sense to me to work as a volunteer as he waits outside a tent for my shift to end.) I guess I'll find out tonight, but right now, I'm really excited.

Yay for being useful!

Though I can't believe I'm even thinking about this with all that's going on in my life right now (I'll be IN IRELAND in three weeks!), I've decided that I want to start a project over in itslittlethings. I'm going to try something a little different this time, too - instead of big announcements and reminders, I'm just going to post some information, set up a way people can keep track of their progress, and then just let it go as it will. I may post about my personal experiences here in this journal, but there won't be any, "C'mon, let's go!" style posts here or there. I'm leaving this one up to...whoever is in charge of things once you let them go. So, here's hoping.

I heard about the NAHA clothing drive through one of their mailers a few weeks back. I didn't think much of it at the time, but for whatever reason, I can't stop thinking about how I would like to help. I don't have much money to spare, but I do know that I have some clothes that I don't need or that don't fit anymore that I could easily send their way. I'm no good with textile crafts, so while I can't make blankets or clothes, I can donate. And I can help get the word out about the cause.

I just checked out the userinfo over at itslittlethings, and we have a staggering 55 members. (Yes, really. I am thrilled. Where did they all come from?) All of them have things they can bring to the table - perhaps they belong to a lot of communities or have lots of flisties, maybe they're part of a knitting/sewing circle, maybe they have a wide social network of civic-minded people. I'd be interested in seeing how far this could go if each of them did something to keep the ball rolling. They could make something, collect something, send something, or just pass the word along. It's whatever would work for them.

I'm going to make an announcement in the community here soon, talking about the charity, the ideas I have behind it, and how people can help out. I'm going to encourage people to have fun - take pictures of their creations or donations, post entries about how they're making the project their own, or whatever they want. I'm also going to make a To Do List over at Chore Wars that will give people ideas of what they can do (and hey, earn some XP while they're at it). I'm trying to decide between naming the CW group The Sorcerers of Light or The Renegades of Funk, but as of now, that's not important.

Finally, I'm thinking of making an itslittlethings community over at Greatest Journal, because it would be nice to give as many people as possible a chance to be involved, should they choose to be so. If this is a stupid idea, please let me know. If I don't hear anything, I may just go ahead and make the comm over there sometime next week. It'll have the same entries from me as the comm here at LJ, only different members. (I'm not leaving, though. No worries about that.)

As always, feedback is much appreciated.

I've tossed around the idea of making an itslittlethings community on MySpace, but it just occurred to me that Greatest Journal might be a better choice. (It'll cut down a bit on the spam friend requests, at least.) I have an idea for a community project, so I thought this might be a good time to cast a slightly wider net and give more people an opportunity to participate and see what we're about. Feedback?

Though I'm sure you're all getting sick of it, I wanted to let you know that I've put up an announcement at my shop. Here's what it says:

Shop Announcement
Pull The Plug On Cancer With Your Moonage Daydream Purchase!

From now until August 20, I will donate 10 percent of my profits to help sponsor my friend's participation in the 2007 Twin Cities Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk! If you would like more information on the walk, or if you would like to donate to her cause, please contact me. Thanks, happy shopping, and don't stop rocking!

Now obviously, I would like to help jumpinjessflash out as much as possible, so I'll need a lot of people to know about my shop. If you want to help out, you can buy something, link to my shop, or just donate to Jess directly. Her page is here, and any donations will be greatly appreciated - size does not matter, people. (You might want to use the dreaded Internet Explorer to view the page. For whatever reason, it has a tendency to crash FireFox, at least for me.)

Speaking of my shop, I need to get some sort of decorative banner up there. (onceupon has one on her shop, if you want to see what I'm talking about.) I'd also like to get some business cards printed up, sort of like I did with Forever Fifteen. The problem, aside from the Photoshop hating me? Well...I'm not really all that sure what to do, design-wise. My shop's theme and basis, "Rock and Roll Apothecary," is kind of hard to convey visually, I think. Obviously, the name of the shop was derived from glam rock, but I have a LOT of musical influences, so it wouldn't be fair to just peg it as glam and stick with that as a visual inspiration and aesthetic.

I dunno. If anyone out there has an idea that they can make work for the banner, the cards, or both, let me know. There'll be some free bath products in it for you.

In other news, there are still...six Apathy buttons left now, I think. You guys know the drill - leave your address over on this post (all comments screened), and you get a button and some cards to hand out in case someone asks where you got it. No need to memorize a sales pitch or act as a spokesperson, just wear the button. Done deal. Feel free to link people to the entry, as I have no problem sending out to people I don't know, no matter where in the world they are. Sales are picking up, according to theycallmeboy, so I'd like to thank everyone who has helped out, either by buying merch or helping us promote it. It means a lot!

And now, videos.

Little known fact about me: I've always harbored a fantasy of being a voice actress. Now, I know I can't act my way out of a paper bag, so I don't think I'd be all that successful. This guy, on the other hand...



And this one is for theycallmeboy, who apparently has never seen it! Classic!




And then there's this. You all knew it was coming:

There's more soap what's been made. I think I may have spoken about these earlier, but now they're up on the site and ready for purchase.

First, we have Black Magic Woman, a soap based on one of my body scrub recipes. Coffee. Brown sugar. Baking cocoa. Oh yes.

The next two are soaps named for Led Zeppelin songs - Heartbreaker and Dancing Days. Trust me when I say they both smell incredible.

Shipping prices have gone up by 50 cents, as it's apparently $1.60 to send one bar of soap in a small envelope. Still, that's 10 cents you guys don't have to pay, and that's always nice.

I want to give 10 percent of my earnings from this and other online sales (including the books I'm selling on Amazon) to jumpinjessflash for her breast cancer walk campaign. There's a link to her campaign on my links list, if you want to donate. And if you want to know what books I'm selling, let me know.

In other news, greed is winning out. Hopefully we can do something about it.

...I'm planting a tree and getting my Boy's name on a DVD. It's a steal for $5, and the DVD name cred is just an added bonus.

No occasion for this gift. None needed. :)

Ugh - just spent most of the morning in a meeting. No matter - now is time for thanks!

First, I want to give a major, major shout-out to dandycat, dimloep_suum and caudelac for participating in the Forever Fifteen Button Giveaway. As soon as I get those things, I'll send them out to you guys, along with some cards to pass out to admirers. That leaves me with seven buttons - six, if I keep one for myself. I have a plan of handing out buttons at Electric Picnic, so I may hold onto one of them. That would be fun.

And, brazenbells bought some soap from me! Thanks so much, dear - it's all packed up and ready to head on down to you. Hope you enjoy it!

Now, I'm making good on my promise to donate 10 percent of whatever I sell online to jumpinjessflash's Breast Cancer Walk Fundraiser (link to her donation page over in my links bar), and thanks to Etsy purchases by brazenbells and theycallmeboy, I can give her a grand total of...80 cents. The deadline is August - anyone care to help me make it an even $1? Remember, I'm selling books on Amazon, too...

Oh! taperkat! Thank you SO MUCH for the link to MooShoes! theycallmeboy has been looking for some sweatshop-free trainers (tennis shoes/sneakers for us Yanks), and I'm delighted to say that he found exactly what he was looking for. He's been fishing around for stuff like this for so long - thank you so, so much!

And my love, if you're reading this, I just want to tell you (and the world) that I am very, very proud of you living your convictions. You're an inspiration to me every day, and this is no exception. Your example makes me want to be a better person. I love you.

In fact, his search for trainers has got me thinking about my need to purchase some of my own, and the possibility of buying some that are sweatshop-free, environmentally sound, or both. Thing is, I rarely wear sneakers for style anymore, so I'll need something good and supportive - I'm a daily walker, so I need something more supportive than the formerly all-American Converse. (Can you believe they were bought up by Nike?) Someone over at this MetaFiler post recommended Saucony, so I think I'll look into them for a start. They seem to be pretty readily available - in fact, there's a store that's on the way home from work that sells them, so I may have to check them out at some point soon. My tennis shoes, like the glorious ECCO sandals, have soles that are quickly wearing through. So the question is, should I keep the sandals and the tennis shoes through the summer and wait until after the trip to purchase anew? Does anyone know how worn out is too worn out? There's no point in wearing shoes that can no longer do their job, you know?

Another question - should I join MetaFilter?

Since we're on the subject of ethical shopping, Co-op America has a nifty little article about nine ways you can avoid sweatshops. Some time ago, I donated $20 to Co-op America and was supposed to get their National Green Pages guide. It's not here yet, but I look forward to reading through it when (if?) it comes. Not a bad reference guide, I imagine.

Lastly, since shadownex asked a question about the yogurt company that ordered up this ad campaign in Brazil (her comment here): I don't know if that company is owned by a larger, global conglomerate like Dannon, so I don't know how (or if) she can boycott if she chooses. Personally, I think the best store-bought yogurt out there is Stonyfield Farms - their yogurt (and milk) is tasty and high quality, their company is socially responsible, and the only "cows" they feature in their advertising are actual cows. Because at Stonyfield, women are people, not objects of scorn and derision. Thank you. *hops off milk crate*

21 people on my flist can consider themselves treed.

What say the lot of you to an LJ forest?

Just got a spam e-mail in my inbox. The subject line was:

Make your fat friends envy you

...

...

...I am the fat friend. God dammit.

Ima get some coffee. Then I'm going to tell you all to go see the latest abuses of tenant...hell, of human rights over at Rental Refugees. Apparently workers have keys to the units and have taken to walking in without knocking. Oh, and tenants are having to live with smashed patio windows that don't get fixed because, "you'll be moving out in a month anyway.'

But hey hey, what's this? You can submit news tips to CNN? People should take advantage of that. I wonder what would happen if...

ETA: Ooh, you can submit to BBC News, too!

Don't you hate it when your overdeveloped sense of vengeance (or maybe it's justice) keeps you up way too late? Me too.

Anyway, in continuation of the Rental Refugee post, I wanted to post links to more places I have contacted. If you want to send them stuff too, that's cool - I'm just odd and like keeping lists of things I've done.

Again, please feel free to contact media outlets not just in California, but everywhere. This sort of thing could be happening in other cities, even yours. That means it could happen to your friends, your family or yourself. I'd rather not have that be the reality.

Anyway, here's a continuation of The List:

KCRW
KABC (Meant to contact the TV station, ended up here, figured what the hell.)
KABC-TV (There we go!)
KCBS ("Wha? Another radio station...no where near LA? God dammit!")
KCAL ("Damn Californians, with their damn radio station and TV station call letters that are frickin' identical...")
KNBC
KTLA

I'll see about getting more contacts as time goes on. I'd love to do more, but it's late, I'm tired, and it's been a hell of a week. There will be more, though. This is an outrage, and it needs to be known.

I know it's late, but I'd like to ask my friends across the pond to get involved, if possible. You'll be awake while I'm still in bed, so feel free to Google LA news outlets or contact your own. Any action is better than none.

Ok - seriously. That's all for tonight. They'll find me passed out at the keys in the morning at this rate.

Edit: God dammit, I forgot to contact Boing Boing again. I swear, if my head wasn't attached to my body...

Oh, and unless one of you gets to it first, I'll be writing up a story for IndyMedia. So tell me if you've submitted already. And if you have, send a link so I don't cover the same ground. Thanks much.

So, a friend of mine needs some help, and I'm hoping that some of you out there will be able to do what you can.

quixotickitten is a good, kind person. She's helped me out a lot recently with some of the crap I've been going though, and I wish her nothing but the best. However, she's recently had nothing but grief. This entry sums up why. (Praise be to zarq for getting all the facts out there in a calm, coherent way. I'd try, but then there would be swearing and stuff. No one likes that.)

Now, the owner of the unit may think he's getting off scot free, but I think that's bullshit. Complete, total, utter bullshit.

And well, I am a fucking journalist. And I am trained to root out and expose bullshit. I plan on writing up a story about this for my "online portfolio" blog, but in the meantime, I figure that other pen-wielders can help me out.

That's why I have a plan.

Since last night, I've been sending out e-mails to various alternative weekly papers in California and beyond. I plan on contacting TV, radio, and mainstream print publications about this as well, but I may need a little help.

If anyone reading this has any media contacts in California or nearby states (Arizona, Nevada, etc.), please let me know. E-mail works best, since I'm trying to reach as many people as quickly as possible, and media in California and nearby areas will get top priority.

That doesn't limit coverage to these areas, however. This sort of scenario could happen to anyone living in areas undergoing reconstruction and gentrification, so I want to make sure the word gets out across the country. Maybe that way, what happened to quixotickitten won't happen to anyone else.

The following is a list of publications (and one of my friends, a lawyer) that I have already contacted about this mess:

smmenen
LA Weekly
OC Weekly
SF Weekly
East Bay Express
Phoenix New Times
The Stranger
Miami New Times
City Pages

If any of you want to write to your local media outlets, that would work as well. And if you want to but aren't sure how, let me know - I'll send you the e-mail I sent out, and you can insert your own name and occupation where I put mine.

quixotickitten is standing up for herself. Let's let her know that she's not standing on her own.

Edit: Oh, duh. If anyone wants to hit the IndyMedia wire with this, feel free. Just let me know so I don't end up submitting it myself.

Our actions, regardless of their size, anchor our choices and build the coming world in which we choose to live. Please take a moment to help as you can, however small or large.

I got that from chimerae's entry here. I never would have known about this situation if it wasn't for turtles_path's entry here. Thank god I made that community.

I really, truly don't have the words to describe how this makes me feel. I don't even know where to begin. I'm furious that the national media has decided to fix its attention on Anna Nicole Smith instead of giving this story coverage. I am filled with utter rage at the people who allowed this injustice to be perpetrated. And it is an injustice. Some would try to minimize this, because the victims were "just animals." But that does not excuse what has happened here. Nothing can excuse what has happened here.

I'm not a member of PETA. I eat meat. I don't agree with some of the extreme tactics taken by animal rights activists. However, I know that what has happened here is wrong. I am not vegan, and I understand that animals must die if I wish to eat meat, but I cannot, cannot abide cruelty like this. This is wrong.

And that's all I can say, just that one word. Oh, I know it's plenty of other things - cruel, sadistic, one could even say evil. But the more I think about this case, the more I turn it over in my head, I don't find myself thinking of the humans involved. I think of the animals. I think of them suffering and starving. I think of the reports I've read of the bodies, so many of them found scattered on the ground, stacked in barns and troughs and god knows where else. I think of the ewes, the ones too weak to stand, giving birth to their lambs as they died. I think of those lambs, most likely malnou