On March 18, 2008, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Initiative-872 is not necessarily unconstitutional, allowing the 2004 initiative to finally take effect.

Initiative-872 was designed to allow split-party voting in the primary. Although it was passed by the public, the Democratic Party, Libertarian Party, and Republican Party objected that the law was unconstitutional. Their argument is that this law effectively forces them to nominate a candidate they didn't choose for the final election. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals over-turned the initiative, but the case was appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Maybe I just got lucky, but I ran into three panhandlers two of which I would classify as "agressive".  Walking downtown this morning to work, two young women approached me at an intersection, one whispered "I'm hungry, can you spare some change?"  I ignored her and kept waiting for the light.  Her associate mumbled "maybe he didn't hear you."  The first person repeated her request.  I ignored her again, and the second person "Maybe he's just being an asshole."  Now I don't feel obligated to respond to or acknowledge any person speaking to me, especially when they are engaging in behavior generally considered socially unacceptable.  Plus I was in a foul mood and didn't want to be bothered.

Up on the Westside was approached twice, first person left me alone when I refused his advances.  The third person was impaired in some fashion and became verbally abusive.  

Rechargeable AAA, AA, C, D, and 9v batteries that are actually a form of hydrogen fuel cell. West Marine sells them pretty affordable. I think I will get a set of AA's. IIRC, you can get 4 AA's and the charger for $41....

Guess I should have made sure my backpack wasn't in the corner of the shot!  Took this waiting for a bus back to Oly on Tuesday.

Film and Talk Wed. April 2, 7pm at Media Island
816 Adams St. SE Olympia (across from the Downtown Library)

And discussion about current Colombia/ Venezuela Situation

I'm looking for info on organizations in the Olympia area that develop housing for low income and or "working poor" folks-

My idea is that nonprofit ownership of residential units could become a safety valve for folks that are economically marginalized, while at the same time renovating units around town that are neglected.

A type of real estate company, but one not based on capturing profits for investors/owners.

-any thoughts?

Between June 2005 and July 2006, about 11,000 individuals living in Olympia used services provided by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. Of those, approximately 3,700 were children. This information is available to the public at this website.

The site provides detailed, state, county and city-level information on the number of individuals using services and the total costs of services paid for by the state. The types of services described include programs for the elderly, substance abusers, children and families, developmentally disabled, low income families, juvenile offenders, publicly funded health care, mental health services, and vocational rehabilitation. For example, in Olympia, the state paid approxiamtely $2.6 million to provide nursing home care for 129 adults between June 2005 and July 2006.

...is something that I don't get that often (rarely), but this time around I was floored by the flu.

It started with a low-grade infection/soreness that was almost an ear-infection, and that passed, but I imagine lowered my immuno-response, so that when E got back from SXSW we both crashed hard on the flu bug (gee thanks Texas, source of all things unstoppable =)

So, with a flu ya just gotta ride it out...

...now, I'm felling alot better, the fever broke 48hrs ago and I'm doing ok (not too dizzy).

I'm shocked by the power of fever to cure...here I am just sweating like rain and then >poof<, my body catches up to the bug and begins flushing it out.

-had some very crazy fever dreams though-

I'm hoping that my body can stay "up-to-date" now and keep me healthy until the season passes, and that in passing the flu doesn't open me up to any more cold-like trouble.