just laura

Just got home from my week in San Jose, weekend in San Francisco, week at Burning Man, and overnight in Reno. Am exhausted from the heat, travel, activity, and long days. Enjoyed myself. Loved my time with loved ones. Didn’t get exactly what I expected out of the week, but had a good week none the less. Memorable to be sure. For now, I’m off to bed. G’night…

In recent baby news, many congrats to Maggie and Shawn on the arrival of Madelyn Pearl. From Maggie: “She was born August 21, after 21 hours of labor. She is 7lbs 4oz, 21 inches. Life is great so far, she has been a fantastic baby except for one night when she turned into hell baby, but reverted back to a little angel in the morning. I love being a mom and Shawn is doing a great job. Hope all is well with everyone.”

• Monday morning M and I left Burning Man and drove to Reno. Took about 5-6 hours because of dust storms and heavy traffic (when it should’ve only taken 2 hours). I took a nap by the pool, checked email for the first time in a week, and showered lots. We flew home Monday night and arrived around midnight. I slept 8 hours.
• Tuesday I worked 8 hours, then unloaded the big truck, then slept 8 more hours.
• Wednesday I meant to work from home so I could do laundry concurrently, but ended up doing some work, some laundry, chatting with my brother, and mostly just sleeping all afternoon. I then joined Barry, Mike, and Alissa for moving stuff from truck to storage unit. I skipped drinks and play with Susie (and apparently missed full frontal male nudity at the Intiman!), and still managed to muster up energy for Samantha’s birthday. Was sooo great see her, see Caroline and Lee, chat with Asa and Josh, and find little bits of overlapping life. Felt really good to be there to celebrate the amazing Samantha turning a wild and crazy 26! I then went home and slept (but not 8 hours this time around). It was also my Mom’s birthday, but since she was in Texas with coworkers, there were no cakes or margaritas to be had. I instead ate a burger at the bar at Samantha’s party and called it a night.
• Today I’m back at work, at my desk, not sleeping. Attempting to make up for yesterday when I got nothing productive done. Reports from the field tell me I’m not the only one exhausted. People tell me I’m not the only one missing unplanned days of work and napping in the afternoons. Whew. It could be just BM, but I think I also blame part of it on my two weeks of field work for the two weeks before Burning Man. Mental note to self: Arriving sunburned, tired, and dehydrated to the desert, only to become more tired and dehydrated, is to be avoided next year. If only work didn’t get in the way of vacation planning! ;)

Tonight was another clothing swap at ON with Sus, Nance, Maggs, Laurie, and crowd. Awesome. So entirely entertaining… I actually fell on the ground laughing at one point. Pictures will follow if I’m allowed! Took three bags worth of clothes and only came home with one bag… success! I was most excited about two cute dresses (that won’t be at all suitable for fall or winter), and also ended up with a couple of misc other pieces that’ll be fine for work.

Got home, chatted with M, and discovered that next Thursday’s dinner is a full on formal. Yikes! I have tons of dresses at this point, but don’t know if I have anything that qualifies as formal for a formal awards dinner with one of the decoders of the Human Genome. Don’t suppose I can wear my gown from South Africa? Or a plain, dull black dress? Alas. What to wear, what to wear…

In other news, I bought perfume last night for the first time ever. I don’t mean a cheap bottle of Liz Claiborne perfume from a department store, but real perfume from a boutique for the first time ever. And I am rather in love with it. Found the store in SF a couple of weeks ago and loved it. Found their one retail outlet in Seattle and it was a done deal! It may not be the scent of all scents for me, but it’s making me quite happy none the less.

Everyone have their SAL season tickets yet? The Seattle Arts and Lectures series is always a good time, and already cheap tickets get even cheaper when purchased as a subscription. The first event of the season is coming up in two weeks and I’ll be there with bells on! Wahoo!

Richard Russo Talks Humor . . . and Hamburgers

Seattle Arts & Lectures kicks off the 2008-09 Lecture Series with Richard Russo, who will talk on “Humor” at 7:30pm, September 17, in Benaroya Hall.

Richard Russo
September 17 at 7:30pm
Benaroya Hall
Patron $50
Main $30
Balcony $25
Student/U25 $10

The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Empire Falls and Bridge of Sighs grew up in the kind of place he writes about, working summers with his dad on the local road crew. “My fictional small towns have become places where people are hanging onto hope, and hanging onto pride, and hanging on by a thread that seems to me now . . . much more slender than it was when my father’s generation came home at the end of the Second World War.” While often heartbreaking, his characters and their situations are just as frequently hilarious.

Join Seattle Arts & Lectures and Richard Russo, an author critics have hailed as “an amiable, witty raconteur who knows all the gossip and the local history as well as some pretty good jokes. Only after you’ve bought him a beer, shaken his hand, and said goodbye will it occur to you that he’s also one of the best novelists around.”

Story from BBC NEWS:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/science/nature/7603691.stm

Hugging benefits fractious chimps
By Jonathan Amos

If you have just had a big falling out with a colleague, there is nothing better than the comforting and consoling arm of a good friend.

Chimps, it seems, feel the same way, according to a study at Chester Zoo.

The research is said to provide the first evidence that consolation in primates, such as hugging and stroking, can reduce stress levels after a fight.

The behaviour could indicate some level of empathy, Dr Orlaith Fraser told the British Association Science Festival.

“We can’t actually say what’s going on in a chimpanzee’s mind; we can only deduce from their behaviour what’s going on,” the Liverpool John Moores University researcher said.

“Because this behaviour is actually reducing stress levels and it’s being offered by a valuable partner, it seems likely that this is an expression of empathy.”

A bit of sympathy

Dr Fraser and colleagues spent 18 months observing 22 adult chimps at Chester Zoo.

They watched closely what happened immediately after the animals had a scrap – perhaps a fight over food, a mate or simply where to sit.

In about 50% of cases, the victim in the fight would be consoled by another member of the group. The soothing was always done by a valuable – or best – friend, a chimp with whom the victim would routinely play or share food.

The consolation usually took the form of a kiss or embrace, a grooming session or even play.

The scientists could see that this activity had the effect of reducing stress levels, indicated by the return to the animals’ normal activities of self-scratching and self-grooming.

“Sympathetic concern” has also been observed in gorillas, bonobos, dogs and even rooks – but it is the calming effect that it had on the Chester Zoo chimps which is said to be a new observation.

“If these chimpanzees are actually motivated by empathy to console victims of aggression, they must first of all be able to recognise that the victim is distressed and then they must know what to do in order to act appropriately to respond to this distress,” said Dr Fraser.

“This is something often thought to be a unique trait to humans, so understanding the link between consolation and stress reduction in chimpanzees is an important step towards understanding whether or not chimpanzees are capable of this level of empathy.”

The results of the Chester Zoo study were recently published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Everyone have their tickets yet? I’ve got mine!

Indie fave Fleet Foxes to play the Moore
By Marian Liu
Seattle Times staff reporter

Did you miss Fleet Foxes at the Sub Pop 20th Anniversary Festival? The Capitol Hill Block Party, too? No worries — the hometown indie favorite is playing again, bringing their distinct brand of baroque harmonic pop to the Moore Theatre on Sunday, Oct. 19.

Tickets are really cheap — $15 at all Ticketmaster outlets (www.ticketmaster.com, or charge by phone to 206-628-0888) or service-charge free at the Moore box office (info, www.TheMoore.com). The day of the show, tickets cost $17. They go on sale 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23.

Here’s more information about the Seattle band — www.myspace.com/fleetfoxes. And here’s a past interview with their frontman, Robin Pecknold — http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/musicnightlife/2008044930_fleetfoxes11.html

Tonight M invited me to be his date for The Foundation For the Future’s black tie affair honoring Dr. Craig Venter who mapped the human genome. I’m quite excited to be surrounded by so many smart people, hear the speeches, and see the awards ceremony!

Foundation For the Future Names Dr. J. Craig Venter 2008 Winner of $100,000 Kistler Prize

BELLEVUE, WA, Sept. 8, 2008 – The Foundation For the Future has selected genome research pioneer Dr. J. Craig Venter as the 2008 winner of the Kistler Prize. The Prize is awarded annually for original work that significantly increases knowledge and understanding of the relationship between the human genome and society.

Dr. Venter is being honored for a body of pioneering work in genome science. He is currently Chairman and President of J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI), Rockville, MD, a not-for-profit research institute dedicated to the advancement of the science of genomics; the understanding of its implications for society; and communication of those results to the scientific community, the public, and policymakers. Venter came to prominence in scientific circles in 1991 for his novel technique for rapid gene discovery and in 1995 for the first sequencing in history of a genome of a living species, the bacteria Haemophilus influenzae. In February 2001 he and his team at Celera Genomics published the sequencing and analysis of the human genome. Since this historic accomplishment, Venter went on to investigate genomes found in the atmosphere and the oceans. JCVI published in 2006 findings from ocean sampling that uncovered over six million new genes and thousands of new protein families from organisms in seawater.

In 2007 Venter’s own complete individual genome was sequenced and published in the first-ever publication of a genome sequence of an individual, covering both chromosome pairs. At present, JCVI continues pioneering work toward the creation of a fully synthetic organism. “For nearly two decades, the name most commonly associated with Genome research is that of Craig Venter,” said Sesh Velamoor, Deputy Director, Programs, for the Foundation. “His work, especially the recent sequencing and analysis of his individual genome, has laid the groundwork for the promise of truly individualized medicine and health care, which will greatly impact the long-term future of humanity. Venter goes fearlessly where no one has gone before in understanding genomes in general and the human genome in particular.”

Dr. Venter’s work is recounted in his book A Life Decoded: My Genome: My Life (Penguin, 2007). His research, often considered controversial, has met with bitter confrontations and strenuous objections. “It is this kind of dedication to and rigorous pursuit of scientific research, with courage and conviction despite criticism and opposition, that the Kistler Prize was created to recognize,” said Walter Kistler, originator of the Prize.

The Kistler Prize includes a cash award of US$100,000 and a 180-gram gold medallion. It is named for Walter P. Kistler, President and benefactor of the Foundation For the Future, who will formally present the 2008 award to Dr. Venter in a gala banquet and ceremony in Seattle on September 11, 2008. The black-tie, invitation-only event is expected to be attended by scientists, social scientists, technologists, and other scholars from all over the world.

Besides the Kistler Prize, Foundation For the Future awards the Walter P. Kistler Book Award. Other awards are the Walter P. Kistler Science Documentary Film Award and the Walter P. Kistler Science Teacher Award. The Foundation convenes seminars, workshops, and symposia that focus on the long-term future of humanity, and it is presently developing a four-program television documentary series entitled The Next Thousand Years. It also funds research programs, publishes scholarly works, and undertakes public awareness and education programs concerning the long-term future of humanity. Details on its activities are available at www.futurefoundation.org.

Currently listening to Live at KEXP Volume 4 and loving it. I’ve have The National’s “Start A War” in my head for days, I’m tickled by Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings’s “Let Them Knock,” and The Helio Sequence’s “Can’t Say No,” just reminds me how much I’ve loved their live shows. And then there’s Elbow, and the Fleet Foxes, and a song from Africa from Angélique Kidjo, and well, really, all of it is really quite enjoyable to me. It came in my mail a month ago and I’m glad to have finally unwrapped it. Love it. Donate now, support a good cause, and get your gift copy delivered today.

I have so many pics to post! I have many Burning Man pics to post at some point, have some from a summer party, have pics from last night’s black tie gala (M even bought a tux!), and now here’s more. This one is of me and my dear friend Kevin from Alison’s birthday party this week. Many thanks to Alison and Thomas for a great night! For more pics of me at the party, visit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/alison-velvetgarden/tags/cat/

Photo by Kevin Hundsnurscher and calligraphy by Thomas Park

Posted after the fact, but still a mighty fine reminder: Eve Ensler, the American playwright, performer, feminist and activist best known for “The Vagina Monologues”, wrote the following about Sarah Palin.

Drill, Drill, Drill

I am having Sarah Palin nightmares. I dreamt last night that she was a member of a club where they rode snowmobiles and wore the claws of drowned and starved polar bears around their necks. I have a particular thing for Polar Bears. Maybe it’s their snowy whiteness or their bigness or the fact that they live in the arctic or that I have never seen one in person or touched one. Maybe it is the fact that they live so comfortably on ice. Whatever it is, I need the polar bears.

I don’t like raging at women. I am a Feminist and have spent my life trying to build community, help empower women and stop violence against them. It is hard to write about Sarah Palin. This is why the Sarah Palin choice was all the more insidious and cynical. The people who made this choice count on the goodness and solidarity of Feminists.

But everything Sarah Palin believes in and practices is antithetical to Feminism which for me is part of one story — connected to saving the earth, ending racism, empowering women, giving young girls options, opening our minds, deepening tolerance, and ending violence and war.

I believe that the McCain/Palin ticket is one of the most dangerous choices of my lifetime, and should this country chose those candidates the fall-out may be so great, the destruction so vast in so many areas that America may never recover. But what is equally disturbing is the impact that duo would have on the rest of the world. Unfortunately, this is not a joke. In my lifetime I have seen the clownish, the inept, the bizarre be elected to the presidency with regularity.

Sarah Palin does not believe in evolution. I take this as a metaphor. In her world and the world of Fundamentalists nothing changes or gets better or evolves. She does not believe in global warming. The melting of the arctic, the storms that are destroying our cities, the pollution and rise of cancers, are all part of God’s plan. She is fighting to take the polar bears off the endangered species list. The earth, in Palin’s view, is here to be taken and plundered. The wolves and the bears are here to be shot and plundered. The oil is here to be taken and plundered. Iraq is here to be taken and plundered. As she said herself of the Iraqi war, “It was a task from God.”

Sarah Palin does not believe in abortion. She does not believe women who are raped and incested and ripped open against their will should have a right to determine whether they have their rapist’s baby or not.

She obviously does not believe in sex education or birth control. I imagine her daughter was practicing abstinence and we know how many babies that makes.

Sarah Palin does not much believe in thinking. From what I gather she has tried to ban books from the library, has a tendency to dispense with people who think independently. She cannot tolerate an environment of ambiguity and difference. This is a woman who could and might very well be the next president of the United States. She would govern one of the most diverse populations on the earth.

Sarah believes in guns. She has her own custom Austrian hunting rifle. She has been known to kill 40 caribou at a clip. She has shot hundreds of wolves from the air.

Sarah believes in God. That is of course her right, her private right. But when God and Guns come together in the public sector, when war is declared in God’s name, when the rights of women are denied in his name, that is the end of separation of church and state and the undoing of everything America has ever tried to be.

I write to my sisters. I write because I believe we hold this election in our hands. This vote is a vote that will determine the future not just of the U.S., but of the planet. It will determine whether we create policies to save the earth or make it forever uninhabitable for humans. It will determine whether we move towards dialogue and diplomacy in the world or whether we escalate violence through invasion, undermining and attack. It will determine whether we go for oil, strip mining, coal burning or invest our money in alternatives that will free us from dependency and destruction. It will determine if money gets spent on education and healthcare or whether we build more and more methods of killing. It will determine whether America is a free open tolerant society or a closed place of fear, fundamentalism and aggression.

If the Polar Bears don’t move you to go and do everything in your power to get Obama elected then consider the chant that filled the hall after Palin spoke at the RNC, “Drill Drill Drill.” I think of teeth when I think of drills. I think of rape. I think of destruction. I think of domination. I think of military exercises that force mindless repetition, emptying the brain of analysis, doubt, ambiguity or dissent. I think of pain.

Do we want a future of drilling? More holes in the ozone, in the floor of the sea, more holes in our thinking, in the trust between nations and peoples, more holes in the fabric of this precious thing we call life?

Eve Ensler
September 5, 2008

Our new friend Krist Novaselic (of Nirvana) plays bass with Flipper

It seems Sept 5th was were I left on of the last recap, so here we go for some catch up… Last Friday M and I had a very yummy dinner at Palomino and then went to El Corazon to see Flipper play at the Concert for Change (Obama 2008 Campaign Benefit). We met Krist last month when he came to a party at M’s house. Yep, Krist from Nirvana, partying with us at M’s house. I was in seventh heaven… we talked nonprofit management (we’ve both run nonprofits and do youth empowerment work), we talked music tastes and shared suggestions, we talked politics (he’s been very active is local politics), talked media (he’s doing a radio show, a weekly newspaper column, and just did a bit in film in Seattle for Bobcat Goldthwait that my film friends keep telling me about), etc. He’s super sweet, grounded, humble, and genuine… not necessarily what you’d expect out of a rock star from Nirvana, one of the biggest bands of my younger years (grunge or otherwise).

At M’s party, Krist and I talked for more than an hour or two, he gave me his card so we could stay in touch, and invited us to see him play with Flipper for this week’s concert. We were tired after our lovely dinner, but made it to the show, hung out with Krist, his wife, and a few other friends of his he introduced us to, and then watched Flipper. See below for more pics!

Palomino: The atmosphere was nothing special (it’s a small chain), but everything on the menu looked great and both of our steaks were fantastic. M had the Filet Mignon, Cognac demi-sauce, blue cheese risotto cake, roasted mushrooms, crispy onion strings. $36. I had the New York Steak, Herbes de Provence butter, gorgonzola sauce, cracked black pepper, extra virgin olive oil, pomme frites. $36. Yum.

Palomino Bistro
www.palomino.com
Downtown: 1420 5th Ave # 350, Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 623-1300

“Palomino is the upbeat city restaurant and bar famous for its rich and stylish ambiance. Guests love Palomino’s European-inspired regional American Cuisine. Only Palomino offers such a versatile menu in extraordinary surroundings at reasonable prices. Palomino. Upbeat City Dining.”

Flipper: Flipper formed in 1979 during the raging progression of Punk Rock. Though harboring the ethics of traditional punk music, Flipper took inspiration from an array of genres to create their own classic sound. They quickly became icons in underground music scenes worldwide, inspiring countless musicians, including the late Kurt Cobain. He famously wore a hand-made Flipper shirt during Nirvana’s first appearance on Saturday Night Live. The band went through a few lineup changes over the years, facing breakups due to the casualty of the rock lifestyle. Then reunited for a string of sold out shows in 2005, including the legendary benefit shows to save CBGBs. Offered a personal invitation from Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth to headline a festival in England, Flipper obtained Krist Novaselic to play bass in 2006. They have since done some international touring and are planning on recording a new album.

We heart Krist!

Lead singer was a total jackass. Not sure if that’s part of his public persona, or just his everyday demeanor, but I wasn’t a fan.

Rockin’ out

Last night before we went to see Delirium, we ate dinner at Olivar in Capitol Hill. It just opened this summer and Kelly and Joe recommended it a few weeks ago. M and I split four small plates and while the clams morcilla (clams and chorizo) and pork stew (served with herbed flatbread) were both good, I really really enjoyed the Albóndigas de Cordero (ground lamb, cilantro, eggplant, herb sea salt) and the Scallops (with tomato sauce and friend spaghetti). We both had non-alcoholic drinks and left very full, and the total bill was $50. Not bad for a lovely, new, fancy-feeling restaurant.

Olivar
www.olivarrestaurant.com
806 E. Roy, Seattle, WA 98102
Tel: (206) 322-0409

Olivar, the Spanish word for “olive grove”, is the theme of this cozy new spot reminiscent of a quaint bistro that one would discover while exploring France and Spain. Olivar combines Chef Philippe Thomelin’s deep roots from growing up in the Loire Valley of France, the influence of his Catalan grandmother and his love of all things Spanish to create dishes that reflect his philosophy of using the freshest, most seasonal seafood, meat and produce to create high quality food in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Guests are always invited to peek in and look over the chalkboard for the daily specials, grab a few small plates with a glass of wine or sit down for a prix fixe menu while enjoying the ambiance of a friendly neighborhood bistro.

After dinner, we headed to the Showbox to see Delirium. Turns out they had three opening acts, and we got tired/bored before Delirium ever came on stage. The first opener, Sarah Fimm, was a great singer/songwriter whose music reminded me of a cross between Sarah Maclachlan and Postal Service. The second opener, Elsiane, looked bizarre, had a horribly distracting stoop/bad posture, a super ugly/ill fitting top, and her music just wasn’t good. Needless to say, we were bored and pained to watch her. The third opener was a DJ named Morgan Page. Lovely little dance break, but unnecessary to stretch the night out that long, especially after two opening bands, one of which was very boring/painful. Mez was tired and we were both a bit bored, so we ended up leaving before Delirium. Ah well. Neither of us was that concerned with sticking around. We debated hitting the party at ATC but ended up just heading home to bed. Yep, we’re a couple of boring old folks. :)

So I started to do a recap yesterday, but only got through last Friday night’s dinner at Palomino and the Flipper concert. Then I skipped to this Saturday’s dinner and concert, and now back to last Saturday’s amazing meal with Leo and M. Blogging progress continues…

Last Saturday I worked 9 hours in the field and then rushed back into town to try out bikes again at Recycled Cycles. After more debate, I decided to order the Long Haul Trucker from Surly. This is step one for gear prep for Vietnam… and it’s a very big exciting step one! Still lots more to do though… I’ll need to add racks, get gloves, buy padded biker shorts, get a light, buy panniers, etc. Yay progress!

After the bike shop, M, Leo, and I headed to dinner at Elemental. Elemental has been on my “top three” list of restaurants I’ve wanted to try for months since Marth and Abbey told me about their amazing dinner there. When we arrived some friends outside gave us a warning: “don’t drink everything he puts in front of you.” Turns out it was very wise advice, though I was the only one at the table to heed it. :)

Dinner at Elemental works like this: they ask if there’s anything you don’t eat. Then they proceed to bring out course after course after course, all without any explanation of what you’re eating, all paired with a wine or liquor, or sometimes paired with multiple wines or liquors. There’s no menu. No prices. No niceties. Just attitude, five tables, and an astoundingly good meal. I believe we decided our four hour dinner event consisted of 1 liquor to start, 1 cocktail, 7 courses with 1 wine pairing each, an additional cheese course with three pairings, and a final dessert course (course 9) with two liquor pairings. Among the food I remember: truffle oil popcorn, quails, ceviche, raw tuna, stuffed peppers, and more. The desserts included rice pudding, chocolate cake, and a chocolate sorbet. Needless to say, with nine courses, we had a heck of a lot of drinks and an amazingly yummy rotation of food that just kept appearing. Wow! Total bill for the three of us: $246. Overall, for a gourmet meal, an intimate atmosphere, and that much alcohol, it was well worth the price! After we got the bill we decided the boys were too drunk for parties, so we skipped out on those, I drove them both home, then headed to bed myself.

Elemental At Gasworks
www.elementalatgasworks.com
3309 Wallingford Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 547-2317

“Get a distinctive dining experience and amazing eclectic cuisine at this hidden Lake Union hot spot–if you can get a table. The obscure location–in a condo complex on a dead end–is the first clue that Elemental is for those in the know. The single room works a Spartan industrial-chic angle, with a particleboard floor, bare sepia-toned neon bulbs and mass-market modern furnishings. Co-owner Phred Westfall runs what feels like a dinner party, pouring wine and issuing commentary with impunity.

Phred’s partner Laurie Riedeman, meanwhile, issues miracles of simplicity from the minimalist open kitchen. The ever-changing menu, handwritten on rectangles of metal, showcases fresh, bold flavors and unfussy preparations. A starter of Parmigiano flan is an airy, savory cloud served with greens and salty-sweet candied pecans; mussels steamed in a light honey-beer broth get a kick from slices of virtually raw jalapeno. Entrees–such as super-light halibut with deeply citrusy preserved lemon risotto, or roasty shrimp and big bits of bacon served over biscuit halves with a finger-licking sauce–are stunningly good.” -CitySearch

At my company picnic on Lake Washington

Today M and I woke up early and had one of those rare, lazy mornings where we just lie around bed for a few hours. Soooo nice. Eventually we got up and went for a wonderful 18 mile bike ride from Montlake to Shilshole Marina, ending up at Golden Gardens with beautiful views of the Sound. What a perfect sunny blue sky day for a ride! We desperately need to train for Vietnam, though it’s no easy task considering we’re two of the busiest people I know. Eeek. After biking quickly back to Montlake, I met up with Lars for an afternoon downtown. We were hoping to get rush seats for Shrek the Musical but didn’t succeed. They don’t do rush seats, and only had $90 and $120 seats left. Ouch. We opted for a movie instead and saw “Burn After Reading.” It was typically silly Coen Brothers, enjoyable. Afterwards we walked around Pike Place Market and hung out at Steinbrueck Park with more gorgeous waterfront views. Gotta love Seattle and gotta love Lars! I then headed back to M’s place, hopped back on my bike, and put in another 5 miles of riding. I rule! Well, almost. But it’s progress and that counts for a lot!

And now, here are some long overdue updates from the past week… and a few more pictures too.

Thomas paints me at Alison’s birthday (photo by Geoff)

Me and Jen chat while the paint dries (photo by Thomas)

Finished paint product (photo by Kevin)

• Last Friday: Dinner at Palomino and Flipper concert with M.
• Last Saturday: Bought a Surly from Zac for Vietnam! Dinner with M and Leo at Elemental (yum!).
• Last Sunday: Brunch at Rod’s place; Company picnic at Magnuson Park (M came as my date and met coworkers… how novel!). Weather was gorgeous all weekend and the picnic spot was right on Lake Washington with an excellent view of Mt Rainier.
• Monday: Dinner with Cindy at Boom Noodle. Great to catch up with her. Wish I could get her to come out more often. Great entree for about $10 (and Interesting happy hour drinks and menu too).
• Tuesday: Alison’s birthday at Hengst Studio (the old Little Red Studo space). The theme was from the movie “The Pillowbook,” Asian inspired clothing was encouraged, Thomas painted calligraphy on our skin, and all of my favorite people from that community were in attendance. I posted pics last week of Kevin and I… but the entire crowd was somehow just perfect for me… most all of my favorite folks I know and feel connections to were there… a very nice feeling.
• Wednesday: I turned down dinner invites and opted to clean more of my playa supplies and try on formal wear. Yay self imposed downtown!
• Thursday: M invited me to be his date at the Foundation For the Future black tie gala event where they named Dr. Craig Venter the 2008 Winner of the Kistler Prize. I put on a fancy dress, bought panty hose, and wore heels. M bought a tux. We looked grand and had a lovely time. We introduced ourselves to Dr Venter at the start of the event while he was alone and he was surprisingly humble and funny (and political!) for a Nobel Prize winner. Very cool guy, and very impressive scientist! The gala was great fun, even if I felt waaaay out of my league with all of the important people in attendance. Everyone was super nice and very intelligent and there was never a dull conversation moment. Pics will be posted soon.
• Friday: Clare, Rod, and I went for “Mexican Mexican food” at Senor Moose in Ballard. That is to say, authentic Mexican food… not Seattle Mexican food, or Tex-Mex either. It was quite tasty. Entrees were $13-$16 and appetizers were $3-5. Clare had the MANCHAMANTELES from Oaxaca (“Pork cooked in tangy sweet and spicy mole of plantains, pineapple, aromatic spices, and chile guajillo. Served with mashed sweet potatoes and black beans”). I had something even better, and while I don’t remember it’s name, it was a super good, memorable dish. It was basically shredded beef, pork, and bacon, cooked with multiple kinds of chiles, covered in cheese, and served with tortillas and beans. Wow! Everyone at the table agreed it was the best food of the night. Winner! We told tales from our first Burning Man experience, and then headed to Mr Spot’s Chai House to talk relationships. A lovely Friday night.
• Saturday: A lazy day of shopping. Bought my Thanksgiving ticket this week. Bought a pair of boots today. And bought two pairs of closed toe shoes. Was a lot of money all in one day, but considering they’re the first ones I’ve bought since before I left for Kenya, I guess it’s actually pretty reasonable. I then headed downtown and bought myself a new phone. My ancient Nokia was so old people used to ask me if I got it in Africa. Nope, it’s just ancient. And dying. It kept cutting off calls and other calls it’d keep on the line but one side of the party wouldn’t be able to hear anything. Awful. So, I went to the AT&T store and bought myself an iPhone. I now have a working phone, GPS, email, and internet in my pants. All for only $30 more a month. Wahoo! Now I just need to figure out how to load my music and get used to the touch keypad and life will be good. After the iPhone purchase, M picked me up and we headed to Olivar for a lovely dinner and then went to the three opening bands of Delirium but left before they came on as headliners.
• Today was 18 miles of riding with M, 5 miles of riding on my own, and a lovely afternoon with Lars.

As usual, life is good and I’m feeling pretty lucky to have so many great people in my life.

Señor Moose
Ballard: NW Leary Avenue, Seattle, WA
(206)784-5568 5242
www.senormoose.com

Our love for Mexican food began nearly 30 years ago. As we traveled deeper into Mexico, we quickly discovered it’s heart. The food. At Señor Moose, we celebrate comida tipica, the cooking found in central plateau Mexico’s fondas and backroom kitchens.

Boom Noodle
www.boomnoodle.com
Capitol Hill: 1121 E Pike St, Seattle, WA 98122
Phone: (206) 701-9130

Seattle has long been rich in asian cuisines such as Thai, Korean and Vietnamese, but Japanese food has been slow to take root. Being obsessed with Japanese culture and cuisine, we wanted to help change this.

At boom, we offer fresh ingredients, and recipes that are authentically Japanese or inspired by trends that we have noticed during our travels and dining in Tokyo. From hot soup and noodles, to items prepared on the wok, to chilled noodle dishes, to a variety of small plates, we hope we have created a healthy range of options for everyone.

In Japan today there is a popular term, “my boom” that means, “The thing I am currently obsessed with.” Our “my boom” is Japanese cuisine, and we are grateful to you for letting us create our food for you.

I just finally got around to donating. If you also keep meaning to get more involved, now’s the time. Here’s a word of encouragement from Obama’s Campaign Manager. If he’s not your cause, no worries.

Even Karl Rove had to admit yesterday that the McCain campaign’s lies and negative attacks have gone “too far.”

John McCain is running the most negative and dishonest campaign in modern presidential history. He has demonstrated that he’d rather lose his integrity than lose this election.

It’s right out of the Bush-Rove playbook. Unfortunately, as Karl Rove knows better than anyone, these shameful tactics have worked in the past.

This year, we can’t let that happen.

Our goal is to bring 50,000 new donors into our movement by Friday at midnight.

And if you make your first online donation today, your gift will go twice as far. A previous donor has promised to match every dollar you donate.

Double your impact right now. Your matched donation of $5 will become $10 if you donate today.

The culture of corruption and dishonesty that has hurt America so badly the last eight years is playing an even larger role in McCain’s campaign.

Just this past week, John McCain hired a Washington super-lobbyist to fill positions in a potential McCain-Palin White House. At least 177 lobbyists have been on McCain’s campaign staff, and apparently he hopes to run the White House the same way.

Also this week, the McCain campaign continued to repeat a number of outrageous lies, even after watchdogs in the media called them “shamelessly misleading,” “thoroughly dishonest,” and “a toxic mix of lies and double-speak.”

They also lied about the crowd size at one of their rallies — reporting 23,000 attendees when there were only 8,000.

McCain’s campaign — run on lobbyists and lies — is no match for this unprecedented grassroots movement. More than 2,500,000 people have stepped up to own a piece of this campaign.

But if we want change, we must continue to grow this movement and put an end to these dishonorable political tactics. And we have just 50 days left to do it.

Right now, a previous donor — an ordinary person just like you — has promised to match your donation if you step up today.

Double your impact to combat McCain’s dishonest campaign tactics — make a matched donation of $5 or more today:

https://donate.barackobama.com/match

Thanks for all you do,

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

Today was productive at work, with a sunny coffee break spent catching up with Sus and a sunny lunch on the balcony with Shaina. :) After work I had a fun dinner with Caroline, Angelica, Rose, and A&R’s mom. Then hung with Barry and Maja a bit at ATC. Then came over to Heden at M’s invite. He leaves for NYC in the early morning hours and then I’l see him again on Friday when we fly to San Francisco for the weekend. Good times. Oh, and I uploaded music to my iPhone today… a very good thing! Yay Monday!

Many happy birthday wishes to my sister-in-law Stef and early best wishes to Charlie and Stef on their upcoming anniversary! They’re both visiting me in Seattle soon and I’m super excited!! Love you both!

I didn’t take many pictures at BM… I think I must have been too busy frolicking and exploring, and just left my camera packed away. In fact, I don’t even have pictures of all 25 of my lovely camp mates. That said, this is a start. These were all taken at Saturday night’s man burn or Sunday night’s temple burn. More pics will follow. Enjoy!

I rode about about 12 miles last week, then 23 miles on Sunday, and rode again today (5 miles to work up Dexter and 5 miles home from work up Stone Way/Fremont hill). I need to up my frequency and distance, but it’s a good start, yes? And even better… I haven’t been sore yet. Wohoo! Not sure if I’ll be ready for 40 miles/day in Vietnam, but I intend to cut back on my social schedule and get more riding time in between now and then. You’ll understand if I’m a little absent for a while, right?

Many thanks to Jen, Clare, Caroline, Fester, Katy, and Blaque for all coming out last night to go to the Salon of Shame. It was deeply, truly shameful and so much fun! Who wouldn’t want to read their overly dramatic, petty, self absorbed, cliched, and catty diary entries and bad poetry in front of a room full of people laughing at/with you? The Seattle Salon of Shame was based off an almost identical event in NYC called Cringe, and both names are truly fitting. The next Salon is going to be Dec 2nd at Theater Off Jackson, but I’m almost tempted to try hosting our own somewhere just for friends. We might need a space like Office Nomads or someone with a house… could be great!

The idea is simple: Seattleites stand and read from their worst adolescent writing, including middle school diaries, high school poetry, unsent letters, etc. Founded in 2005, the Salon is cathartic for readers and hilarious for listeners. Everybody wins when it comes to embarrassment! Join us for another round of shameful adolescent readings in our new location, Theatre Off Jackson. www.salonofshame.com

Last night was the first event in this year’s Seattle Arts and Lecture Series. Caroline and I went and saw Rick Russo speak on “humor.” He wrote a pretty funny essay, though I’m not entirely sure if I’d like his humorous books about smalltown USA or not. He’s had multiple books become films, so maybe there’s more universal appeal than I’d suspect?

Before the reading Caroline and I met up with Samantha for a girls’ night dinner at Buddha Belltown. Other than the ridiculous entree names (penetrating pad kee mao, pulsating phad thai, etc), girls’ night was good fun. It’s sooo lovely to still get together with these two amazing women. Am still honored they’ve kept me around this long!

Buddha Belltown (Thai)
www.buddhabelltown.com
2222 2nd Ave
Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 441-4449

Tonight I turned down all invites and opted for productivity. I picked up a hold at the library (Catfish and Mandala), bought groceries, dropped off a sledgehammer and cooler at M’s place (and got a goodnight kiss from M), dropped off costumes for Barry and Heather, picked up my beach cruiser from Geoff and Laura, went to the bank, returned a formal I opted against, cleaned out the last of my playa stuff, packed away all of my Burning Man gear, cleaned out the hall closet, polished my shoes, and packed for this weekend. Whew. I meant to make it to the gym tonight too, but somehow that didn’t seem to happen. It’s now late and I’m off to bed. G’night y’all.

Especially the Helio Sequence… those two boys sure are a great duo!

Can’t Say No
by the Helio Sequence

captivate, cultivate, relegate and chalk it up to the basic needs
dissipate, isolate, these days you can’t run or believe all that you read
and all the kids with the down-low brainwaves
holding up signs saying “guns kill, gods saves”
and all in the form of the faceless news cast
commercials that say live well but die fast

even if you wanted to
even if you could, oh-oh
you can’t say no

even if you wanted to
even if you could, oh-oh
you can’t say no

calculate, consecrate, elevate it, give it up to reality
distillate, venerate, these days you can’t feel or concieve all that you see
and all the kids with the soundbyte slave chains
choking up lines playing who’s-who mind games
all in the spell of the speechless redress
commercials that say take more but give less

even if you wanted to
even if you could, oh-oh
you can’t say no

even if you wanted to
even if you could, oh-oh
you can’t say no

consummate keepers of many left wondering
desolate dreamers with heads caught up in the sway
obstinate heeders of organized ignorance
making up rules for the mute and the willing
but all the kids that are raised in the freefall
and from the silence of a pacified strip mall
they pay the wage with the dollars of gravity
on their bedside, oh, my conscience calls to me

even if you wanted to
even if you could, oh-oh
you can’t say no

even if you wanted to
even if you could, oh-oh
you can’t say no

Cat

• is eating her homemade vegetarian coconut curry
• received fresh flowers delivered to her desk this week
• stretched
• is sad to see summer go
• is rushing at work to finish an executive memo for the city
• had a very productive week
• had a very social week
• rode her bike
• had a lot of quality Caroline time
• is generally a patient listener/career counselor
• has a itty bitty dent in her bumper for the best of causes
• wore dusty blinkies for a night time bike ride
• reminisced about her career path thus far (and debated what the future may hold)
• is just starting a new book
• made a baby smile
• is a wee bit hyper today (who knows why? i know it’s not from being well rested, because the opposite is true today)
• got hugs from Steve this morning
• is ready to get out of town
• is excited about Charlie and Stef’s upcoming visit
• is feeling more life herself.

M’s been working a couple of days each week from SF and so this weekend we decided he’d go down early and I’d join him, and then we could get a little weekend away and both get to see friends over the weekend too. It was a rather low key, yet very decadent, weekend in San Francisco.

Friday night M and I flew in, got dressed up, and went to the W Hotel for dinner, drinks, and people watching. We were both tired and home by 1am. (Home = Antoun’s lovely house, where M now rents a room).

Saturday I got to spend the whole day with my friend Jess… breakfast at Boogaloos, wandering around the Mission, walking up to Haight, lunch at El Balazo, shopping, talking, catching up, brain storming what comes next. Saturday evening Antoun picked me up and took me along on a blind date. I would’ve been more content to get him alone for dinner, but the blind date crowd was actually very sweet and it was a rather entertaining evening. He took me to a vodka tasting at Hanger One where we tried all kinds of impressive vodkas (this from the woman who rarely, rarely drinks and doesn’t actually like the taste of alcohol). My favorites were the fruit ones: kaffir lime, mandarin blossom, citron, raspberry, etc. Wow. Afterwards we went to a classic tiki bar called Forbidden Island. I mistakenly thought it was rather cheesy, but Antoun corrected me and let me know it’s actually very popular and legit, part of a larger tiki inspired community in SF. Oh. I see. :) Bar was complete with fried food, giant drinks, live musicians, and real live hula dancers.

Saturday night M got home from working around 10pm and he and Antoun and I stayed in and just hung out at the house for the evening. They’re fabulous and it was a very fun night without ever leaving home. Sunday morning we hosted a brunch at the house… another fabulous day that didn’t require us going more than two blocks away (to get groceries). I got to see people I’d met before, and got to meet people I’d only seen in photos or previously heard stories about. Guests included Kirby and Audra, Suga and Switch, Carrie and Stephan, Jenny, Toby, Gotham, Antoun, M, and I. Good times, good food, and lots of laughing.

Leaving yesterday afternoon was entirely too sad… didn’t want to say my goodbyes to Antoun or M. Yes, am definitely feeling attached to M these days. In August I was off in SF for two weeks while he was here, and now in Sept he’s been off on trips to SF and NYC while I’m here. We call and txt and email and chat, but I still would rather not have to say goodbye sometimes. Antoun tried to convince me to switch my flight and stay till Monday morning, but I already had tickets for the Counting Crows show in Seattle on Sunday night and was really wanting to see the show. Alas. There will be other fun trips to SF. And hopefully the next brunch we host will be for a bunch of my friends to all get together in the city. :)

When I flew in last night, Kevin picked me up from the airport and joined me for the concert. We made it there just before they came on stage and we left just after their set. Timing = perfect! It was a lovely end to a fun weekend… even in my sleep deprived haze I enjoyed the show very much and enjoyed my drive time spent with Kevin. Pictures from the weekend and from the concert will come eventually. G’night y’all!

Hanger One Vodkas

http://www.hangarone.com/home.html

St George Spirits

http://www.stgeorgespirits.com/

Aqua Perfecta: Think of it. We start with the same great fruit that we use to make our fabulous eau de vie, and then fortify with our fabulous eau de vie. The fortification means that the overall alcohol level of the liqueur is at eighteen percent, which is lower than straight eau de vie, but high enough to prevent further fermentation. The eau de vie does more than just create a more stable environment for the 10-12% residual sugar content; it turns the juice into this amazing fruit liqueur, with powers far beyond those of ordinary mortal fruit. It’s like fruit with extra soul. It’s the Über Fruit. It is so Aqua Perfecta.

Like sucking berries through a straw:
concentrated bursts of juicy tang.
This is a headfirst dive into raspberry.
This is Aqua Perfecta.

Gild that lily:
the ripest pear in a puddle
of clover honey.
This is the heart of a blissed-out Bartlett.
This is Aqua Perfecta.

El Balazo
www.elbalazo.net
Neighborhood: Haight-Ashbury
1654 Haight Street (between Belvedere St & Cole St), San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 864-2140

Boogaloos
www.boogaloossf.com
Neighborhood: Mission
3296 22nd St (between Bartlett St & Valencia St), San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 824-4088

Forbidden Island
www.forbiddenislandalameda.com
1304 Lincoln Ave
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 749-0332

“Forbidden Island offers true vintage tiki bar atmosphere and world class cocktails to match – you may have seen them featured in the New York Times, Food & Wine, the Today Show, and much more.”

surly • \SER-lee\ • adjective

1 : menacing or threatening in appearance
*2 : irritably sullen and churlish in mood or manner : crabbed

Did you know?
In its very earliest uses in the 16th century, “surly” meant “majestic” or “lordly.” These early meanings make sense when you know that this word is an alteration of Middle English “serreli,” which probably comes from “sire, ser,” a title formerly used as a form of address for men of rank or authority. So how did a word with such lofty beginnings come to be associated with grumbling rudeness? Arrogant and domineering behavior is sometimes associated with men of rank or position, and “surly” came to mean “haughty” or “imperious.” These meanings (which are now obsolete) led to the “rude” sense that is very common today.

In other news, guess who just got fitted last night and went home with her brand new bicycle? Wahoo! I’m now in the Surly Long Hauler Trucker official fan club. Yep, yesterday I picked up my shiny new bike from Cascade Bike Studio in Fremont. I did my professional fitting and asked tons of questions and am now set! Awesome!

Tonight, on the other hand, I had a dentist’s visit (where they numbed my entire face). I wasn’t ready for anything, including attempted conversation on the bus when I randomly ran into Mae. :) I got off before UW and went to Kerry’s goodbye party. She’s off to small town living (in a town of 600!) to be with her fiance John. I’m sad to see her go but wish her the best of luck! I did my best not to drool or bite my cheek at her dinner, but I’m pretty sure I was slurring my speech quite a bit. Good times.

“Join John Richards as he hosts the John in the Morning at Night event Friday, October 3, 2008 at Neumo’s. The evening will feature KEXP favorites: San Francisco indie folk-rockers Two Gallants, Blue Giant (featuring Viva Voce’s Kevin and Anita Robinson), Harvey Danger (acoustic set), Seattle’s own electro-rockers Head Like a Kite and more…

KEXP will be live on the air from 9pm – 1am during Nite Life with DJ Michele Myers, who will also DJ music between bands.

Neumos is located at 925 E Pike St, Seattle, WA 98122
Doors: 8pm, Show: 9pm, 21+
Tickets: www.ticketswest.com or Neumos Box Office ($13 advance/$16 at the door)”

And she’d have a 20% chance of becoming President.
And McCain would be the oldest president in our history.
With multiple health problems.
Is this a good plan?

I shouldn’t watch videos like this… they tend to get me a bit worked up. I’ll stop now.

The weekend: Charlie and Stef were here from Austin this weekend and we had a fun filled, very packed weekend with concerts and parties and dinners and tours and tourists and parks galore! We even had nice weather! We had so much to do, there was no time for blogging. I’ll post more later, but suffice to say it was a lovely time and fun was had by all! I dropped them off at the airport this morning at 4am and now I’m at work, mostly awake and ready for a Monday.

On the biking front: Last week I rode 5 miles to work (only once), rode 17 miles yesterday, and rode 5 miles today. I need to up those numbers and need to do it fast!

Hope y’all are well!

Today M and I are celebrating our one year anniversary. Wahoo! I never guessed we’d make it this far or that he’d make such an indelible impact on my life!