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

It looks like the Fred Phelps Hate Machine will be in my general vicinity tomorrow. Fortunately, there is a genius plan in place to twist this around into something positive. No, no, come back. Just stay with me, 'kay?

Ok, here's the deal - according to this post:

Kate Brindle, Program Coordinator of the LGBTRC, and Dan Burns, Chair of the LGBTRC Advisory Committee, will each pledge $2.00 for every minute Members of the Westboro Baptist Church are protesting on EMU’s (Eastern Michigan University) campus to raise money for the LGBT Emergency Fund which provides financial assistance for EMU students who encounter immediate financial hardship do to issues surrounding sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.

But wait, it gets better! You - yes, you, my friends - can get in on the fun as well! Just go to this online pledge form, enter what you'd like to pledge per minute (so be careful with your amounts), then count down to the Zero Hour of tomorrow, May 9, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Though no one wants to see them spend even a second dispensing their vile, filthy, ugly hate, at least this time around, something good will come of it. And won't they be thrilled to tears when they find out?

Even if you can't donate due to budget constraints (like myself at the moment), please feel free to pass this along to interested parties in any way you see fit. We certainly don't want to leave anyone out, you know?

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.

In response to this day becoming nothing more than a political football and an attempt to stir up fear, mistrust and xenophobia, I will from now on use September 11 as a day to reaffirm my commitment to activism, environmental stewardship, and universal goodwill.

So that's what I'm doing.

...you start removing CDs from your Amazon Wish List and start adding housewares.

OLD.

(I'm not selling out my beliefs, mind you, but still. DAMN.)

I also need to remember to change my address on that thing in October. Otherwise, it all goes to the parents and brothers, who wouldn't know what to do with it and are convinced that it's all crap.

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?

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*

Subtitled: Hedonism vs. Idealism - Round 1

Ugh - I hate these sorts of quandaries. So I'm going to blog about it so maybe I can quit thinking about it for a bit.

See these sandals? I've been a loyal fan of these sandals since high school. They are, without a doubt, the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned, to the point that any other shoes I purchase are held up to the comfort standard of these sandals. (As in, "Well, they're okay, but my ECCOs are still better." Or, "Wow - these are almost as comfortable as my ECCOs!") They also have a tendency to last forever; the pair that are currently on my feet have seen me through the spring, summer and fall months since 2003, the same year I graduated from college. Sure, they're not cheap, but with these things, money really isn't an object. They really are that good.

But alas, I've noticed that the soles on these are finally starting to wear out, with a tiny bit of cork peeking through the black soles. I may have a little more time with them, if I stretch it, but one way or another, I'm going to have to get new ones.

So what's the problem? Well, the upper part of the shoes are pretty much perfect, so it seems a shame to throw them out. I asked ECCO if they could be resoled or recycled; I got a negative on the former and no response to the latter. And I'm trying to be a more environmentally responsible consumer...

...which has led me to this company. They have a line of shoes, called Green Toe, that are made from recycled and sustainable materials. It's totally awesome, and some of the shoes are kinda cute. (I've had my eye on this pair as a replacement for my ECCOs.) They're also a little cheaper than the ECCOs, too.

But at the same time...dude, I love those damn ECCO sandals. I'm reluctant to change, just because I've worn that brand everywhere. Those sandals (in various incarnations over the years) have walked me through America, Europe, Canada and Japan. I have some really good memories of those sandals and where they've taken me. And I hate to be a brand whore, but I give myself a break when it comes to those. If I have to endorse anything, I'm going to endorse ECCO Cosmo II sandals, because god dammit, they're awesome. Period. But I've been hoping to slowly convert my lifestyle over to one that's cleaner and greener, and in that respect, the Simple Shoe Green Toe line definitely has the edge.

Now, if the Simple Shoe brand is uncomfortable, then it won't even be an issue. But what if they're of equal comfort? What then? Do I stay with the brand and fit I love, or do I go out on a limb and try something new? And does anyone know how long the Simple Shoes last? I'd rather not pay top dollar for shoes that will only last a year or two, especially if I can get double that out of ECCOs, environmental responsibility be damned. Thoughts? Feedback?

Boot to the head?

Today has been pretty good, kicked off, naturally, by a wonderful e-mail from theycallmeboy. I won't go into details - you're sick of it all now, I'm sure - but we'll just say that he has the magical ability to restore me with one sentence. I was feeling all down, but he turned me around. And now you know why I don't write song lyrics.

I also got word from Scene that I'll be doing a story for their Summer Guide section, one that should net me about $100. That's 1/8 of a plane ticket there. I'll obviously have to keep the freelance up, which will involve me getting off my ass and looking into other markets. So if anyone wants to pay me to write stuff for them, let me know. I don't care how much. $1 is still one more dollar that I didn't have before.

I also realize that I haven't been doing what you'd call a bang-up job explaining my idea for bath products, so I think I'll clear that up now. You'll eventually see something similar over at Etsy, but you can consider this a sneak preview.

I've decided to call my little hobby production Moonage Daydream. It's going to be geared toward homemade bath and beauty products, though I'm also thinking of going into home cleaning products like laundry detergent and dish soap. The name is indeed based on the David Bowie song from "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars," because theycallmeboy and I came to the conclusion that glam rock is where beauty and rock intersect. Now, this all came about because I like futzing around with essential oils and soap and stuff, but there is an actual philosophy behind what I'm doing. It's kind of funny too, because that philosophy combines my already apparent hippie leanings with my new-found punk attitudes. (Yes, this will make sense. Let me explain.)

The first part of the philosophy has to do with environmentalism and simplicity. I don't like the thought of using toxic or hazardous chemicals to clean anything - my home, my dishes, my clothes, or myself. I've done some research into this stuff, and it can be pretty nasty. And even if it isn't immediately harmful, I still don't like some of its effects. There's a particular chemical that's in a lot of soaps, shampoos and other "detergents" that makes the stuff produce more suds, but also dries out and irritates the skin. Not only that, but it can also really screw up the water supply. Really, who wants that? So there's the first bit of the philosophy - responsibility, environmental stewardship, and return to simplicity and nature as often as possible.

The second part comes from a rejection of blatant marketing and corporate control. It occurred to me one day as I was scrubbing out my tub that people (women in particular) are constantly bombarded with messages about how we need this product or that product to keep our homes clean. We're told that our homes aren't truly cleaned unless they're scrubbed down with Such-and-Such Brand of Abrasive Toxic Chemicals. We're made to feel that we're dependent on what they're selling - our homes will become filthy hovels infested with deadly bacteria otherwise. They tell us that we need all or our soaps to be antibacterial, but what they don't tell us is that these agents are extremely hard to get out of the water supply, and that eventually the bacteria may become immune, causing stronger "super bugs" and necessetating more powerful, more toxic chemicals. Now, sometimes these powerful cleaners are necessary and beneficial, but for every day cleaning? You'd be surprise how little it really takes. So why keep buying into poisons when it's easy - really easy - to make safe, effective cleaners at home. And again, that's for everything from surfaces to skin.

That's the second part of the philosophy - knowledge, honesty, individualism and independence.

I've thought about making Moonage Daydream a side business, but because of the above points, I think I want to keep it as a hobby, at least for now. While I don't plan on preaching my philosophy, I'll always answer if people ask. And it may be too much to hope for, but maybe I can get some people turned on to this sort of DIY through my example in the meantime.

Ok, I just saw the time, and I have to go. But now you have a better idea of why I'm making and selling stuff. Check it out if you're so inclined. Once I sell this batch, I'll be moving on to the Etsy shop.

On Good Friday, I awoke to find that teaandbitchery had bought me two trees.

They weren't real trees, but they well could be someday. Or perhaps a duckling. Or a rabbit. Maybe even a cow.

You see, the trees I received were part of this month's LJ charity gift drive. I don't know how long LJ has been doing gift drives, but teaandbitchery brought the program to my attention. Last month, the program benefited Women for Women International. This month, it benefits Heifer International.

I've talked about Heifer a lot. It's easily my favorite charity, as many of you no doubt know. For those who don't, here's a quick recap of how the organization works: families in developing nations are given an animal, a beehive, trees, or another agricultural gift. (You can see the full span of gifts on their online cataloge.) The families are given training in the care of the animals/trees and begin raising them for food or labor, such as plowing fields. They can also sell extras, such as wool, eggs, fruit and so on at market to earn extra money to send their children to school, build a sturdier house, obtain medical care, or whatever else needs to be done. When the animals breed, families are asked to donate the animal, and their know-how, to another family in the community. This continues on and on, with the potential to transform villages and lives.

Last month's drive raised $1400, a pretty good sum of money. However, I'd love to see even more money raised for this month's wonderful cause, as it truly can do a world of good. While some of Heifer's gift options may be a bit out of reach, I think others may be more easily attainable. That's why I'm passing along teaandbitchery's most awesome idea: The Great Forest of LJ Meme.

It's a pretty simple concept, and one based on the Heifer philosophy - buy LJ trees for friends, and ask them to do the same. The gifts are only 99 cents and are available at the LJ Virtual Gift Shop. Send as many or as few as you like - I did 21, but that should by no means be any sort of benchmark. Even one tree is better than none, after all.

So buy a tree and ask the recipient(s) to do the same. If you're not inclined to buy a tree, you can help by spreading the word. It would be great to see how far this could go, and everyone loves trees, even if they're virtual, and especially if they're for a good cause. If you're feeling really lazy, you can always just link to this entry. ;)

I don't know how far this will go, but I'd love to see it spread far and wide. So if you feel so inclined, buy a tree. Share the love.

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.