Thanks to Doug Nielson for posting this video.

It's been a while now since the docents assumed their responsibilities.  And it's been a short while since Rick suggested/requested a kinder, gentler communication forum and I want to say thanks to Rick and the docents for the goodwork, wisdom and bandwidth.

Will hit the money jar in a few days when my ship comes in.

General Meeting
March 22nd
9-11 a.m.
North Thurston Public Schools Administrative Building
Main Boardroom

www.hispanicroundtable.org

Hiya All--

I hear that gas is cheap in the US compared to other places.

What are the hidden costs of gas consumption?

What is a "fair" cost for gas?

How much should gas cost in the US?

Do you support a green carbon tax on gas?

Should there be a standard price worldwide?

I think gas production should no longer be subsidized, and that prices should reflect actual costs.

I understand that if gas prices climb higher than $5 gal in the US there will be a economic collapse if that cost lasts for more than 6 months...is this a bad thing?

Who knew? Evergreen State College has a baseball team! Well, I actually have known for the last few years, but for the lack of a good website, I've had a hard time (impossible actually) time following them.

Now, though the Geoducks Baseball blog, complete with home schedule, roster and video review of last year's season is up and running. Hopefully you'll also see updates and pictures of the current year as well.

Ignorant Movie Review:  Pan’s Labyrinth

Response to title:  Somewhere, somehow, I’ve heard of this movie.  Seeing the title immediately calls to my mind fantasy visuals reminiscent of The Dark Crystal.  That advertisement induced expectation aside, I know nothing explicit about this movie.  Pan, the goat legged Greek god of nature makes me think of the trickster archetype, and the Labyrinth is typically a metaphor for the winding journey of self-knowledge.  I definitely walk into this film expecting high fantasy.

Response to curbside poster:  Whoops.  I forgot to look.  I’m out of practice.

Response post-credits:  First of all, I feel entirely misled by what advertising I saw.  While the film is a modern fairy tale, its primary setting is in WWII Franco Spain with dalliances into the realm of fantasy.  Yes, there are some amazing visuals and costumes, but the setting is primarily realist.  Ofelia, our story’s protagonist, is a young bookish girl attempting to find herself amidst the turmoil of losing her father, a war torn nation, a pregnant and ill mother and a domineering and militaristic step-dad; we play audience to the blooming of her self as she looks to find security in this world.  Pay attention to the faery as metaphor for reality; Guillermo del Toro seeks redress for the psychological toll of materialism through the internal fantasy.

Aside from overcoming my initial misconceptions, the film is excellent and highly enjoyable (it is English subtitled).  I look forward to watching this movie again someday with my daughter, as Ofelia is a strong and capable girl character with traits well worth emulation and self-identification.  One warning to parents:  there are some moments of violence in this film, I would recommend you see it prior to making a decision.  I highly recommend this film.

Rating:  4.12 out of 5 Oly Stubbies.

Film Haiku:  A missing green dress
       thread through lip widened smile.  We’re
                    "obeying without".

Can be seen:  Olympia Film Society
                        206 5th Ave N
                    Olympia, WA  98501

                 Tuesday, March 13, 9pm
            Wednesday, March 14, 6:30pm
                 Thursday, March 15, 9pm
               Saturday, March 17, 6:30pm
                  Monday, March 19, 9pm
               Tuesday, March 20, 6:30pm
               Wednesday, March 21, 9pm
               Thursday, March 22, 6:30pm
                   Friday, March 23, 9pm

Click picture for slideshow.

from online:

Dear Applicant,

Thank you for your interest in serving with the United Nations Peacekeeping Missions.

We are currently accepting applications for inclusion into our Peacekeeping Applicant Roster. In order to be considered for a position in a UN peacekeeping mission, you are requested to fill out a personal history profile (PHP). This profile can be obtained and completed by visiting the UN website:

http://jobs.un.org

Vacancies for missions can be found... under the heading: Job Opportunities in Peacekeeping and other Field Missions. You are encouraged to review and apply, within the time frame specified, to vacancies that are commensurate with your skills and qualifications. Please ensure a correct email address is provided so that we may be able to contact you.

We strongly recommend that you apply online...

However, we will accept PHP’s or other particulars sent via the fax number listed on the bottom of each vacancy.

Serving staff and qualified female candidates will be given priority consideration. Qualified candidates will have a high sense of integrity, respect for diversity and ability to work in a team in hazardous and demanding environments.

In view of the large volume of applications received, you will be contacted only if you are under serious consideration for a specific post. In this case, you will be contacted by the Personnel Management Support Service, DPKO, or directly by the Mission.

Thank you again for you interest in the United Nations.

[via email:]

Please Forward to EVERYONE. Tuesday March 13 2007 there will be a PEACEFUL anti-War sit in at the Capitol Building. Meet at the Vietnam Memorial at 5:00pm on the Capitol Campus in Olympia Washington. We will be holding the Sit-in in the Senate Gallery. Bring noise makers, your voice and good vibes.