what kind of info do you want? I think it was organized by the owners of the indie bookstore in our neighborhood,
If you can get an organizer’s email, or something? That would help. I could get something like this organized here.
The Anti-Despair Resource Fair was more successful than anyone expected. There were literally hundreds of people over the course of 2+ hours. I cried a little when we walked up and saw the huge crowd outside and the line waiting to get in. The space where it was held isn't a community center like a gym or large event space; it's just an old house used by the community garden group and the bike co-op (pretty much the most Northside thing ever) — there was room inside for about 7 or 8 groups to have tables, and then 6 or 7 more outside where the community gardens are; fortunately the weather was great for an indoor/outdoor event. There were also some people without tables walking around with handouts about their programs. Seeing the sheer number of people there was the first thing in 2 weeks that made me feel like maybe we aren't completely, utterly fucked.
The rad prizes from the raffle were gift certificates of varying amounts to the local indie bookstore (first prize: $100 gift certificate!). AFAIK, I didn't win a rad prize (they said they would do the drawing yesterday evening and text the winners, and, alas, I didn't get a text), but I can live with that.
The groups there included Planned Parenthood, immigrant dignity groups, the homeless coalition, a Palestine advocacy group, queer advocacy groups, an affordable housing group, a single-payer healthcare advocacy group, and neighborhood mutual aid groups. The focus was mostly on helping the people in greatest need/danger right now, rather than any kind of direct political action (because there are already groups for that).
Anyway, Cashmere, the event was so packed and so busy that I didn't get a chance to talk to the organizers. But I'll check this week to see if I can get you an email so you can talk to them.
London sounds great, Brenda. When I was there with my family in 2023 we used the boat taxi as a cheaper-than-a-tour-boat way to see a lot of the city very fast.
(I am also heartened by tales of safely landed planes, because, well.)
Apparently the Mexico tariffs are delayed by a month. Someone finally remembered to tell Trump where winter produce and car parts come from, I guess.
The Musk budget takeover shit is terrifying, though. It's so blatantly illegal and obviously work is being done within the agencies to resist, but none of it seems to be effective. I just want him arrested and kicked out of DC!
The Musk budget takeover shit is terrifying, though.
Can we ask the Canadian Armed Forces to come kick some ass? I'm only about 25% kidding.
I asked very nicely if there might be something a little more open since I’m here for a full week. Once I clarified that my concern was more the light than the view (see above re alleys) the manager came back with a list of five rooms he had yet to assign since it was right before official check in time and walked me around to each one so I could pick. So now happily ensconced in a second floor room with windows on two sides and much more natural light.
Pays to ask nicely. And delightfully, a much happier room.
Thank you for going in to detail, brenda, that is so fun to read!
Yes, thank you.
Can we ask the Canadian Armed Forces to come kick some ass? I'm only about 25% kidding.
I don't need a full scale invasion, I just want to watch Musk dragged out of the country by Mounties.
Have had a slightly stressful day including trying to track down my missing iPods (currently over Ireland) and figuring out work stuff. But then I nipped off the Harrod’s where I am currently having tea. Well, cappuccino because it’s 6 PM and comes in decaf. But it is lovely and comes accompanied by scones and clotted cream.
Also got a bunch of souvenirs (tea, shortbread, marmalade, and fancy chocolates.)
I’ll probably go back to the food Emporium to grab something to take back with me for dinner. Even though it takes longer, I think I will probably figure out a route back that incorporates the Uber boat. Reclaiming my chill!
My lunch is leftover pizza, which tastes awesome, but now I want scones and clotted cream.
It’s pretty amazing I won’t lie.
I'm back from dentists, but will be going back in an hour or so (why NOT come home to eat lunch?) for an Actual Extraction.
The exams, 180 degree xrays, and this amazing 3D mapping of my teeth came to $683, and the actual extraction will cost more.
Getting implants and stuff to bring mouth up to snuff down the line could cost up to $100K. Not kidding.
I'm not even going to look at the news, I think. I'm close enough to vomiting from nerves as it is.
