Happy Mother's Day!

California Taco Truck on Harrison

They asked what I wanted.  I said, "Chipotle!"

I ordered the Mexican Sausage Burrito instead and waved at the traffic while they cooked it.  It was delicious.  It took two sittings to finish.

Meet my little guy, Meredith.  He never knew his birth mother.  He's adopted.

Law enforcement employees and firefighters raised over $10,000 yesterday at Big Brothers Big Sisters "Bowl For Kids Sake" at Westside Lanes.

Thanks to all for your efforts

Who went? 

Too many powerboats for my elitist wind powered tastes, but I do enjoy looking at other people's wooden boats.  (Owned two, and am more than happy to let someone else maintain them now, thank you.)  I'm going back tomorrow and get pics. 

The piece was published without an individual byline, but clearly argues in favor of the act of throwing rocks at events such as May Day. I quote: “Some will rightly point out that tactics need to be escalated…” “Anybody who is swayed against our cause by seeing people fight back was … never on our side in the first place.” These quotes are from an imaginary discussion with 20 imagined “anti-imperialists.” They are laid out in argument, counter-argument style in a common form of propaganda called false equivalence. The arguments are presented side by side as if they are equally valid, and the piece does not openly state that one or the other view is correct, except in its choice of the phrase “…rightly point out..” and “…our side,” as if we the readers are on the side of those who threw these rocks. The good intentions of those who threw rocks are also assumed by the author, opening the question of whether the author participated in this act.

Historic Photos of Tacoma / text and captions by Nick Peters. Nashville, Tenn. : Turner Pub. Co., c2007. x, 206 p.

Another one in a series of photo books based on a geographic place by Turner Publishing. T-Town native and historian Nick Peters loves his city and that is communicated in his brief chapter introductions and photo captions. Yet, his historian side does outweigh any civic boosterism as he didn't pretty up some of the less admirable aspects in the City of Destiny's past.

His captions are well written and serve as an excellent support for the over 200 black and white photographs. The daily life of the city is captured, as well as some big events such as the press frenzy during the Weyerhaeuser kidnapping and the collapse of Galloping Gertie. He provides solid dates or takes an educated guess at most photos, which I appreciated. I also enjoy the little bits of human interest he frequently added to help spice up what could be a boring photo. For example, page 43 has a photograph of the Berlin Building. Interesting if you are into Tacoma historic buildings, but how many of us really care that much? Here is Peters' caption, adding some color:

German immigrant Henry Mahncke, with partner Charles Muehlenbruck, built the Berlin Building in 1892 at 1021-23 Pacific Avenue. It was a dream come true for Mahncke, a Tacoma baker since 1882, but a dream short-lived. He lost everything in the Panic of 1893, becoming a janitor and elevator operator in the building he had owned. Mahncke later built a successful career in real estate, dying in 1927. The Berlin was demolished in 1920 to make way for the Washington Building.

In addition to my attempt at building up the wildfood wiki, I also want to be able to identify the plants in my own backyard, edible or otherwise. I've got a couple of plants that have come up this year that have a very strong smell -- some kind of herb smell, but I have no clue what it is.

Any ideas?

In my coursework for a class called Communication in Conflict...it is suggested that metaphors for conflict be changed from those with militaristic theme, which is most common in our culture, to something like a dancing or gardening theme. In this way, conflict would be seen as natural, normal, and even a fun challenge to which to apply creative skills rather than a war where enemies are declared with intent to destroy.

Any ideas out there on this?

It never fails. There are certain times in life where a song jumps into my head. For instance: After reading of Ricks sad news I have had "Leader of the Band" (Dan Fogelberg) in my head ever since. Anytime that I, or a friend lose a loved one, this song pops into my head. There are other songs, for other occasions, but this one has always stood out for me. Does anyone else have times like this?

Norm

Rodeo Kill is almost over...
Catch one of our last shows at the 4th Ave Tav in Oly this Saturday
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Benefit
May 10th
4th Ave Tavern
$5 at the door
Lots of great bands

• Grim Smiley
• The Pothetx
• Storm Creek Band
• 99 Men
• Brown Star
• Rodeo Kill

Come out for this benefit show and to see Rodeo Kill for possibly our last public show.

In 1965, Sylvia and her sister Jenny were left by their parents in the care of a woman named Getrude Baniszewski. This woman lived in extreme poverty and had seven kids of her own, but she agreed to board Sylvia and Jenny for $20 a week. Less than four months later, Sylvia was found dead, with over 150 bruises, scars, and burn marks over her body. She had been the victim of months of torture and abuse, overseen by Gertrude and carried out by a gang of neighborhood kids (including several of Getrude's own).

There were two books written about this case (John Deans's "The Indiana Torture Slaying" and Kate Millett's "The Basement"). When I first read about it, I found it hard to forget. I learned that there was a movie in the works, so I visited the board at IMDB. I found out that many others were haunted by the case, as well.

A few people at the boards wondered why O'Haver would want to put a story like this on film. I think it's an important story to tell, especially considering that incidents similar to Sylvia's are still happening far too often today.

On Sunday, you can hear O'Haver talk a little about his film and what it was like to work with Keener and Page. Tune in to KAOS at 89.3 FM (or online here). The interview should start at about 11:30, and run for about 11 minutes.