DIY Air Conditioner

We are hitting record temperatures right now in the (normally moderate) Pacific Northwest, so I thought some of you might find this useful. I might consider going out this weekend and picking these materials up, because my little place heats up like an oven.

You will need:
- A box fan
- (2) 1/4 Inch vinyl tubes (2-3 feet long)
- 1/4 copper tubing (10 feet or so)
- Aquarium water pump (make sure it can fit 1/4 vinyl tube on the end)
- A package of zipties
- Styrofoam ice cooler
- Scissors

Gamespeek Reunites for E3

I know E3 was over two weeks ago, but I wanted to post this anyway. Back on June 5 (I know, I know, I am really late posting this) I got together with my fellow Gamespeek podcasters Chris and Lauren to talk about the announcements of this year's AWESOME E3 Expo. Unfortunately we didn't have the money or credentials to go this year, but who know, maybe we can finagle our way in next year. Meanwhile, give this a listen. It's been awhile since Gamespeek had recorded anything, so we had a good time.

Gamespeek: E3 News Recap


Gamespeek isn't dead. We plan on doing more audio and video whenever we get ideas or time, so check http://www.gamespeek.com often. Or add us to your google reader with our RSS Feed. We have some very cool stuff planned in the near future, so stay tuned.

I Don't Believe in Earth Day

Because you should live every day like it's Earth Day.



In other news, I'll be driving (by myself, ironically) down to Seattle after work to see hardcore legends Trial play a sold-out show at the Vera Project with 108, Pulling Teeth, Skin Like Iron, Lewd Acts, Wait in Vain and Parasitic Skies. Life rules.

Vision For High-Speed Rail in America

This makes me giddy. Click the image for the full story on the White House site and HERE for the federal Department of Transportation info site.

April Fool's Day

Every April 1st, I usually tend to stand back and observe everyone lying and screwing with each other, hoping the whole time that I am not going to be a victim. Isn't it odd how we have one day a year where people are encouraged to trick one another and lie publicly? Facebook has been pretty entertaining, with everyone saying they are moving, quitting facebook or something equally predictable. Google always participates, and so did YouTube and a ton more.

Every year I enjoy reading about a lot of video game-related pranks and fake stories coming across the web and in magazines (RIP). Here's a good list that 1up.com posted:

http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3173539

What was your favorite April Fool's joke / prank / story? I thought these were pretty funny, but obviously jokes:





p.s. Bjork is apparently taking over as lead vocalist for Led Zeppelin.

President Obama's First Weekly Address

I am totally digging this! For the first time, I plan on actually following what our President and what congress is doing. I really hope Obama and his administration are able to follow these ambitious plans.

Flooding

The flooding here has been pretty crazy. I've never seen the rivers so high. Some of the locals in Ferndale are saying the Nooksack is higher than it's ever been. I guess it's the Northwest's turn to feel some effects of the climate change. First crazy snow, now this.

Here are some of my favorite images on the Bellingham Herald's site.

Favorite Moment of 2008

The Future of Food in Japan

The following is an animated video released by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries about ensuring the future of food in Japan. It's very entertaining and informative, and is applicable to most countries. Japan has, for the most part, abandoned much of its traditional diet and replaced it with more of the bad, fatty food we tend to eat more of here in the U.S. This poses many problems, but I'll let the video explain why we should all eat local:

Election Night

We really did it. America has elected Barack Obama to be it's 44th President. I couldn't have been more happy about that. For the first time in my adult life on November 4, 2008, I truly felt proud to be an American.

I spent the evening with the Whatcom Democrats at the Lakeway Inn. Food was provided and the night was hosted by Congressman Rick Larsen. It was really awesome to be around a whole bunch of passionate people from the community who supported Obama. Folks were cheering, crying, calling loved ones, hugging each other... Because not only did Obama win the election, but he won by a landslide like I was hoping for. He took over what were past red states across the country, and is sparking a new political landscape.

Lakeway Inn:




We headed downtown after getting some food at Boomer's to find another large gathering at the corner of Railroad and Holly. I honked the horn, parked and joined the celebration. We chanted, danced, cheered and had a good time. Eventually the group started heading up Holly, completely blocking traffic. We turned onto Samish and heading back down Chestnut, gathering once more at the corner of Chestnut and Railroad. Here is an awesome video from the march, a few more photos I took, followed by a few from Lauren. It was a total blast and a night I'll never forget.

Whatcom Democrats Literature Drop

This is Matt. He proudly displays a "Republicans for Obama" sticker on his bedroom door. He and I used to get into some pretty heavy debates a few years back, but because of the religious right and the fact that Sarah Palin is the VP nominee, he promptly reconsidered.

I have been wanting to volunteer and do something for Obama's campaign for awhile now, and finally got off my ass and did it thanks to Matt's Facebook status update asking if anyone wanting to join him this morning. Sure, it was only passing out flyers for the Whatcom Democrats to (mostly) registered Democrats around WWU reminded them to vote Democrat, but it still felt good. We were surprised to find on our route an adorable Corgi! Anyone who knows me, knows I am in love with these dogs. I can't wait to get one someday. Just look at it! I wanted to pick it up and run back to my apartment.



During the brisk walk on the hills around the Sehome neighborhood, I worked up quite an appetite. My wonderful boyfriend suggested a meal after I told him about the veggies and supplies I possessed. You are seeing a yellow curry dish with carrots, potatoes, spinach and shallots with green tea. Scrumptious!

The Final Presidential Debate

Could this man be any more creepy / evil? I think we saw a very angry and aggressive side of McCain last night that is quite frankly, a little scary. If he can't keep his cool in a civil presidential debate, how is he supposed to run this country with the confidence that is necessary?

Speaking of being evil, am I the only person bothered by how much McCain wants things to be the "states rights" when those issues are things that should clearly apply to every American?

From CNN about McCain:
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Believes the institution of marriage is a union between one man and one woman. Voted for the Defense of Marriage Act but voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment. Says states and local governments should set their own marriage policies.

Voted against the Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 1996. During an interview in 2000, McCain said: "I think that the present laws that clearly prevent a discrimination of any kind certainly [apply] to gays and homosexuals as well. That's why I voted the way that I did. I think that enforcement of existing law could work rather than passing special laws for special categories of people."

When asked about the military's "Don't ask, don't tell" policy, McCain said: "...I don't think there's any doubt that there are evolving attitudes in America about many issues, including this one, but every military leader that I talk to, I say 'Should we change it?' They say, 'It's working.' And right now we've got the best military we've ever had -- the most professional, best trained, equipped and the bravest. And so I think it's logical to leave this issue alone. I really do."

The McCain campaign states that gay adoption is a state issue and does not endorse any federal legislation.
-----

If the current laws apply to "gays and homosexuals" (wait, isn't that the same thing?), then how come I could get fired just for being myself in 19 of our states? Look at this map from Wikipedia:



Obama says the Employment Non-Discrimination Act should be expanded to include sexual orientation and gender identity. He also advocated legislation that sought to expand federal hate crimes law to include sexual orientation and gender identity. As stated on his campaign Web site, he supports full civil unions that "give same-sex couples equal legal rights and privileges as married couples, including the right to assist their loved ones in times of emergency as well as equal health insurance, employment benefits, and property and adoption rights."

He also says military's "Don't ask, don't tell" policy needs to be repealed.

Now sure, I'd love for Obama to be support of same-sex marriages as well, but I know that would screw him out of the election. This is a big step in the right direction, though.

To some people, this election is about more than money.

The Price of Gas

Holy crap! Only $34.89 to fill up almost 12 gallons. I didn't think I'd ever see gas under $3.00 again.
--
Sent from my T-Mobile Sidekick®

The VP Debate

I also watched the debate last night. I didn't mention it in the post I made after the Monotonix show, and don't really have time now, but this pretty much sums it up:



Thanks for sending it to me Chris.

Religulous

Bill Maher's documentary on religion is coming out this weekend and I'll definitely be seeing it. I love watching movies that make me feel smart!

Michael Moore's "Slacker Uprising"

I haven't watched it yet, but here is Moore's new film, "Slacker Uprising," for your viewing pleasure. I saw Moore in Seattle at the Key Arena (with a surprise visit from Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder) a few years ago. I wonder if that will be in the film at all...



You can sign up to download the movie free HERE.