The second portion of the show was with Ralph Nader. Ralph Nader is so awesome. He was really instrumental in kindling my political awareness. I saw him in Minneapolis, MN at the "Target Center." I haven't been the same since. I suppose you could consider it an awakening. I was working, at the time, on a Voter Registration Drive for the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN). I registered a lot of people in traditionally economically depressed and low voter-turn-out areas, can't remember exactly how many, but it was right around 2,500 if I remember right.

Voter registration drives are great. It's good to inspire political awareness.

Anyway, the program was good today. Thanks to Kim and all the good folks at KAOS.

And I hope that I can find a mp3 from the show so that I can plug you in to the discussions. - bert

Two of my friends(who wish to remain anonymous) are in need of assistance. I have seen Olyblogers in the past help out people who are in need and I was hoping this could happen again. This Mother and daughter duo need security deposit and moving expense money of 900 dollars.

Both of these women are amazing, kind and inspiring people, who are constantly helping others. They have been living in a trailer for almost a year now and finally found an apartment they could afford, however the move in costs are more then they can handle by themselves. I hope olyblog can help. It would mean the world to these women. Their trailer is small and has many problems, the biggest problem is their trailer cannot stay warm and winter is coming soon. If this community can help out even a little this would be greatly appreciated.

Capitol Clubhouse located at 618 7th Ave SE Olympia Wa 98501 is accepting donations on the behalf of these women. If you are able to help drop off donations with Jeff Aldrich at The Capitol Clubhouse. Thank you.

Wow, what a trip =)

"duo crossed Pacific in "junk raft" -my synopsis

Check out the full story

Blog War! Read the entire thing, because its worth the effort to at least get the other side:

And by the way, when TJ Johnson voted this ordinance in he never suggested it should be decided by a vote of the people.  Now that he’s in the audience and I’m in his chair, he thinks we need a public vote.  Funny how the republic suited him just fine when he was the representative.  Now he wants to make me sound like Marie Antoinette.  Let him eat cake…gooey chocolate cake with rich chocolate icing on top.  Let it improve his mood so he can conduct himself with integrity the next time he wants to disagree with me.

What a shamefull way for TJ to conduct himself.  He and I have many friends in common.  I supported him when he ran for office in 2003.  I introduced him to my neighbors and displayed his sign in my yard.  I have never publicly criticized him or even been rude to him.  I can’t imagine what I’ve done to merit such disrespectful treatment from him, save disagree with him.  Perhaps he simply needs an enemy to target his energy on.  I won’t quietly let him demonize me.

And, as far I can tell, Rhenda has comments at her blog, so please, comment over there and not on this thread.

I hear that folks liked being able to talk about non-local topics on OlyBlog, and I'm sympathetic. I would like to see a hyperlocal discussion of larger issues -- that's one of the functions that I originally hoped the blog would take on. So, I invite people to start threads about topics that are of local interest either because they are happening in Olympia, or because they will affect our life here in Olympia. In truth, the prohibition on non-local content was more to limit the extreme vitriol than anything.

I want to invite people to remain respectful while addressing this wider range of topics. Talk to each other with the spirit that you may run into each other on the corner or at the coffee shop. If you are having trouble sticking to the issues and engaging in personal attacks, then take a break. Leave it alone. The blog (and all its participants) will still be here when you cool down.

How tolerant and knowledgeable is the Olympia citizenry on Islam, and Islamic cultures?

I'm trying to learn as much as I can, but most folks that I meet are really ignorant when it comes to Islam...

I have been looking into work in Dubai (UAE), and that started me down the path to learn more.

...any thoughts? discussion group offline?

I am saddened to read that the NFZ ordinance might soon be repealed. The ordinance imposes no harm, and it opens discussions between a few nuclear-armed countries and Olympia. Those discussions might not occur without the ordinance. Olympia continues to do business with corporations that are invested in nuclear despite the ordinance. The port of Olympia continues to accept US military shipments despite the ordinance. The bombing of Japan helped China grow to become one of the most successful communist nations and enabled Indonesia to become a muslim haven despite the ordinance. Meanwhile the US economy is declining and the attitude towards nuclear weapons is softening. Why? What are the implications of repealing the NFZ? How can this be good? I challenge supporters of repealing the NFZ to show the statistics that demonstrate why the repeal is financially or statistically warranted.

The following two movies will be playing this week at OFS:

The Incredible Hulk (August 23-Sept. 4):

From OFS: "Yes, the Incredible Hulk is back yet again in this action packed comic book adventure, which joins our beleaguered hero, Dr. Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) in his fight to control his unique ‘anger problem’. This time evil government officials are after him in order to make The Hulk into the ultimate, defensive secret weapon. Let the ubiquitous chases and crazy action scenes ensue!"

Man on a Wire (August 29- Sept. 4):

From OFS: "Philippe Petit is a man beguiled by heights who has a single goal in mind: to walk a tightrope between the two towers of The World Trade Center in 1974. In this intriguing documentary, we follow him on his unique quest, which unfolds like the most suspenseful of heist capers with a good-hearted eccentric at its heart."

Find the OFS Calendar here.

[okay! I just tried to post a comment but was denied again. both accounts, 'Bert' and 'Robert Whitlock' are affected.]

bert

Dear Friends,

Last chance!! Come and detox with us! We have four spots left for our yoga and detox retreat and would love you to join. We will be losing money to put this retreat on, so If you can help us break even, we would be honored. We will accept $150 to as much as you want to give. This is an amazing opportunity and we wont be offering it again. There will be three amazing yoga instructors, a Natropath to teach you all about detoxing and how to detox at home, soaking tubs, and more.

www.yogadetoxretreat.com or call Vanessa
360-259-5266