Portland activist Bonnie Tinker, 61, died Thursday in a bicycle accident on the Virginia Tech University campus, the Virginia State Police have confirmed. This is very sad. Bonnie worked tirelessly on causes important to her and to the Portland community. She is one who truly walked her talk and helped countless others do the same. Condolences to ( Read more... )

From fearsclave :  If you're on Twitter, set your location to Tehran; your timezone to GMT +3.30. Iranian security forces are hunting for bloggers using location/timezone searches. The more people at this location, the more of a log jam it creates for forces trying to shut down Iranians' access to the internet. Cut & paste; pass it on.

How many of you out there have used an Epi-Pen to stave off or treat anaphylatic shock resulting from an allergy to food or insects, etc.? I have allergic reactions to bee stings. Today I was stung by a bee but instead of using my expired Epi-Pen, I treated myself with ice, benadryl, advil, and cortisone cream. I am still monitoring my symptoms to ( Read more... )

Directly from fearsclave 's journal, well worth sharing:

...her father's words are: "Neda! Don't be scared Neda. Don't be scared Neda. Stay Neda. STAY! STAY!"

Click to view

Apparently, Neda was shot by a member of the Basij, an Islamic militia supporting the regime in Iran, during one of the demonstrations earlier this week. From the Youtube page:
"19:05 June 20th Place: ( Read more... )

As a federal employee myself, I know that these benefits are insignificant in that they are generally already available. I can only hope that his representation that he supports the repeal of DOMA and DADT is true and that he will be the fierce advocate he promised to be during the election.

I'm lying in bed with my computer and my silly cat who no matter how hot it is has to be right smack dab next to me with as much of his furry hot body on me as I will allow. I endure his absolute and adoring affection toward me pretty well, though sometimes I have to move him away! off! over! not on me! when it is too hot or I actually want to move ( Read more... )

I'm sitting in an aisle seat near the front of the plane. The plane is only half full so there is plenty of space for everyone. I have enjoyed a scotch on ice and some cheese crackers, some peanuts,  a cup of water and a cup of black coffee. At this point, we can't be too much further from Salt Lake City, only a hop, skip and a jump from Portland. ( Read more... )

This is a very positive and determined message supporting marriage for all in California and everywhere.

Click to view

I just wanted to let all of you know that my Mom had her surgery Saturday morning and it went really well.  She has been off the pacemaker since yesterday early afternoon and finally got a good night's sleep last night. She had her first regular food this morning, oatmeal, OJ, and a little egg. She also was able to get up and go for a short walk ( Read more... )

The surgery went well, the doctors say she has a very strong heart. The cow valve is in place and she is all wired shut again. She has been in the ICU ever since, though, and still on a respirator and stomach tube. These are driving her nearly mad and she wants them out desperately, This is hard to watch because there is nothing I can do except be ( Read more... )