I don't normally do these sorts of things but...

My multi-theremin band The Lothars was nominated by someone (I swear I don't know the person!) to play at Lollapalooza in Chicago this August. It looks like whoever gets the most votes gets the slot. It only takes a minute to vote. Here's how:

First, register for the Lollapalooza message board here. You don't need to give any personal information other than an email address.

Second, cast your vote here.

That's it! And thanks!

Never mind -- I am an idiot. The vote was for a fan-created make-believe festival. D'ohh!

Buxom Buffistas take note: I have two or three VERY comfy Wacoal bras, barely worn, in black, sized 40DD that I am giving away. First come, first serve. You can email my profile addy for pics or more information.

And they have found loving homes.

My monthly column. Adventures in Endoscopy!

Because this kind of thing can't be repeated enough:

Tylenol, Motrin, Benadryl, St. Joseph Aspirin, Rolaids Recall Containers' Moldy Odor to Blame for Recall of 60 Million Over-the-Counter Products

Jan. 15, 2010 -- Because of a sickening smell in some containers, 54 million packages of 27 different over-the-counter remedies now are being recalled.

Products include various types of child and/or adult Tylenol, Motrin, Benadryl, St. Joseph Aspirin, Rolaids, and Simply Sleep. This adds to the 6 million packages of Tylenol recalled late last year, bringing the total number of recalled products to 60 million.

[link]

In case anyone is looking for an opportunity for ongoing support in Haiti I offer this.

It's an email from a cousin of mine who belongs to a very progressive socially-active church. She participated in their mission in Nicaragua for a month and from her journal I feel confident that any group they would be affiliated with is far more interested in feeding-and-clothing than bible-banging.

(Her particular mission involved an organization that worked with street kids. There is an ongoing staff for stability, not just rotating volunteers. The program is in stages: Stage I is all field-visits, Stage II is kids drop-in, Stage III they're semi-residential. They treat each kid as an individual and meet them where they are. They are very practical about what kids need to go to school: is it tuition? clothing? access to bathing? food? tutoring? It is very good practical work. While the Hatian mission is more specifically religious, I'm confident it is likewise.)

So, here (complete with HER religiosity disclaimer) is the email I received. I'm especially encoraged that is a way to work long-term and avoid the sadly inevitable graft that will be setting in shortly. I am also impressed that their long-term good work has already benefitted the people in this community in this tragedy.

I know this is very nearly as friend-of-a-friend as something can get and if I can find any third-party confirmation of the organization's wortk I will link to it. It is, however, my (many of you have known me for years) actual cousin (whom I respect)'s actual friend sending the letter.

(I am taking out identifying information and contacts of non-public figures. If you would like these, email me. Profile addy is eternal and good.)

***

My friend, B, sent this to me and I thought I'd pass it along. I have more info if anyone is interested in helping out. There is a religious undertone in the message and I know for some that may be uncomfortable, however, any organization that can do good and directly lend a hand to this country in complete distress right now is worth our consideration. ::stepping off soap box::

Have a good weekend! Love you all!
A

Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

From: B
Date: January 15, 2010 12:52:50 AM EST
Subject: Haiti update

As many of you know, I worked in Port-au-Prince this past summer with Sherrie Fausey. and her ministries: a school, orphanage, pediatric care. She and her 26 orphans have now been identified and found safe. To reuse her tagline, "PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!!!!!!!"

I spent part of my stay working with an amazing construction team from Kansas helping build a new school adjacent to Sherrie's existing property. She kept repeating how Haitian buildings--including its schools--were built too shoddy and how she had spent considerably more money to reinforce hers with additional rebar. While her neighborhood was severely damaged in the earthquake, her new building appears to have held up well and is now the children's new home. "PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!!!!!!!"

Unfortunately, the son of her housekeeper, P, died during the quake. He was a wonderful boy and loved to beat the pants off me at soccer! He was a great help with the staff and enjoyed teaching me as much as I enjoyed teaching him. Please keep his mother and the hundreds of thousands affected in your prayers. Their country is corrupt. Their people poor. But I saw a spirited community, a desire for God, and many joyful children that deserve a better hand than they were dealt.

If you would like to provide supplies or financial support, charity: water, a nonprofit at which I volunteer and support--along with their partners in Haiti--are well equipped to deliver immediate and necessary aid. Information can be found here.

Kindest regards,

B

My latest story is out, here. [link] In some ways, I still prefer my original concept, but I thought y'all might want to read it.

Jane Espenson was interviewed on PRI's The Sound of Young America today, talking about Caprica. [link] specifically: The Sound of Young America

There's a spoiler for the pilot plot towards the end of the interview, but they give a loud and long-ish warning. It was followed by The AV Club on overlooked dark comedies. Good listening for a weekday afternoon on the way back from taking my mother to a doctor!

DC people - bake sale for Haiti at the Takoma Park farmers market tomorrow, and also one in Falls Church in two weeks. Info here: [link]