!Raccoon Radio! has just launched its new website (okay, so it is really a blog site) from which issues of the Northwest Audio Zine can be downloaded. The audio zine has covered a wide array of topics, some of the issues include:

Right-wing Movements and Immigration

Homelessness and Poverty in Olympia

Youth Activism

International Women's Day

And has featured speakers including:

Angela Y. Davis

Loretta Ross of SisterSong

Malik Rahim of Common Ground Relief

plus much more!

Check it out -- mediawarrior.wordpress.com

!Raccoon Radio! is an independent media project in association with the Raccoon Arts Collective of Olympia.

In the O's breaking news.

OLYMPIA - A bicyclist who was participating in a “Critical Mass” bike ride was arrested under the city’s pedestrian interference ordinance downtown about 6:15 p.m. Friday after he blocked the path of a sport utility vehicle between Legion Way and Seventh Avenue on Capitol Way, police said.

Leavenworth calls.

Enjoy the weekend everyone!

Dear Cary,

I am a 20-year-old who is attending college full time. I am also an atheist. The problem is, no one knows and I feel like I cannot tell anyone.

For one thing, I attend a Christian-affiliated school that in order to attend I was required to sign a statement of faith. I knew I didn't believe in a god (or specifically, their God) when I signed it, but I did anyway just so there wouldn't be any hassle with the college -- I'm a transfer student and I just want to finish my degree as soon as possible. If I began actually being honest, however, I have a feeling the school would dismiss me.

The other thing preventing me from "coming out" is the number of relationships that seem like they would crumble as a result. My parents and I have never had the best relationship. We've just recently started becoming close, and I don't want to lose that. They are deeply religious, however, and my admitting to be an atheist might tear that fragile bond apart. This past summer I tried having some conversations with them about my changing religious beliefs, and I've never before seen them so angry. While I do not need their approval (there is no way I would claim a belief out of guilt), I also do not need to be alienated from my parents. Then there is all of my friends, who are mostly Christians. They all think I believe likewise, and I haven't really done anything to prevent the thought. I'm afraid that telling the truth about who I am might place a huge distance between me and the ones I love.