The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces: "This witty and original film is about the open spaces of cities and why some of them work for people while others don't. Beginning at New York's Seagram Plaza, one of the most used open areas in the city, the film proceeds to analyze why this space is so popular and how other urban oases, both in New York and elsewhere, measure up. Based on direct observation of what people actually do, the film presents a remarkably engaging and informative tour of the urban landscape and looks at how it can be made more hospitable to those who live in it."

Image: source.

Thought Catalogue: Meet Your Perfect Match. This article was enough to push me into registering to be a bone marrow donor - so simple, and so potentially life-changing. Learn more here.

Companies Use Immigration Crackdown to Turn a Profit: "Still, Mr. Gibney and others say the pitfalls of outsourcing immigration enforcement have become evident in the past 15 years. 'When something goes wrong — a death, an escape — the government can blame it on a kind of market failure instead of an accountability failure,'. . . In the United States — with almost 400,000 annual detentions in 2010, up from 280,000 in 2005 — private companies now control nearly half of all detention beds, compared with only 8 percent in state and federal prisons, according to government figures."

My roomie's badass garden (at his parents house, a few blocks from our more humble abode) makes the local paper! Food and Family: 'Gardening is spiritual, physical, mental and emotional' for the Stout family

Find Mark: a Cycle Oregon volunteer has disappeared - if you are in the area, please stay on the look out for him, and spread the word: "Mark Bosworth was last seen by friends at the Cycle Oregon event in Riddle, Oregon on Friday, September 16th, around 11:00 p.m., near Riddle High School. His current whereabouts are unknown. Mr. Bosworth has recently been showing signs of disorientation and confusion. If anyone has contact with or sees Mark, please call your local authorities. If you may have seen Mark in the past or have information helpful to finding Mark, call the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at (541) 957-2099." A reward is offered.

Hard to watch, powerful: After War, From Wife to Caregiver: "April Marcum has joined a community of spouses, parents and partners who drop most everything in their lives to care for injured loved ones returning from war."

"Sheepless is a national web magazine designed to galvanize the radical small business movement, engaging with growing interests in cultivating local economies, understanding where goods come from, and nourishing our natural environment."

Image: Dr. Cornel West at the Occupy Wall Street protests earlier today. "If only the war on poverty was a real war then we would actually be putting money into it." Related: check out We Are The 99%.

Check out: Problems of Undocumented Youth, and think about some of the ways being undocumented affects peoples day to day lives.

Fourteen Examples of Racism in Criminal Justice System

The Food Movement: Its Power and Possibilities by Frances Moore Lappé

LGBT Deaths Plague Already-Murder-Ridden Honduras

Why immigrant rights are an LGBTQ Issue

Image: source.

On the mystery front, just finished reading Death At La Fenice (it was fine), just started reading Knots and Crosses.

“I actually attack the concept of happiness. The idea that - I don’t mind people being happy - but the idea that everything we do is part of the pursuit of happiness seems to me a really dangerous idea and has led to a contemporary disease in Western society, which is fear of sadness. It’s a really odd thing that we’re now seeing people saying 'write down 3 things that made you happy today before you go to sleep,' and 'cheer up,' and 'happiness is our birthright,' and so on. We’re kind of teaching our kids that happiness is the default position - it’s rubbish. Wholeness is what we ought to be striving for and part of that is sadness, disappointment, frustration, failure; all of those things which make us who we are. Happiness and victory and fulfillment are nice little things that also happen to us, but they don’t teach us much. Everyone says we grow through pain and then as soon as they experience pain they say 'Quick! Move on! Cheer up!' I’d like just for a year to have a moratorium on the word 'happiness' and to replace it with the word 'wholeness.' Ask yourself, 'Is this contributing to my wholeness?' and if you’re having a bad day, it is.” - Hugh Mackay (source)

I don't know much about Elizabeth Warren but this is great.

I'm not a big theatre fan, but since moving home I've been making an effort to go see plays at OSF. This weekend I went with an out of town friend (hi Lauren!) to see Pirates of Penzance and it was so so fun. The play itself is sort of ridiculous but the staging was just so fun and energetic and enjoyable, it was a great experience. Almost all of the remaining shows are sold out but we went and waited in a short line for the box office to open the day of the play, and nabbed two good $20 tickets - if you're in the area, you should do the same.

Image: source.

10 Ways To Help Abolish The Death Penalty.

Added to the "to read" list: "High school is tough for almost every kid, but for new immigrants and refugees, it can be even harder. In The New Kids, journalist Brooke Hauser chronicles the lives of students enrolled in Brooklyn's International High School."

So interesting - definitely watch the video: My Family’s Experiment in Extreme Schooling. These kids are pretty impressive; definitely an argument for encouraging your kids to have challenging experiences, and to live abroad.

Abortion, Small Towns, and Young Lives

Image: source.

Beirut: Tiny Desk Concert

Heartbreaking: Suicide of Gay Teenager Who Urged Hope: "Five months ago, Buffalo junior high school student Jamey Rodemeyer got on his Webcam and created a video urging other gay teenagers to remain hopeful in the face of bullying. But for Jamey, the taunting didn't stop."

Listen/watch: I Am Troy Davis (T.R.O.Y.)

A Circle of Prayer for Troy Davis—and the Country That Would Kill Him: "Tonight’s expected execution of Troy Davis brings inconceivable pain and loss to his family and friends. But it should also bring deep self-probing to us as a country, forcing us to ask ourselves agonizing questions: How can our system of justice be comfortable executing a man despite such substantive doubts as to his guilt? How can our country possibly justify taking an unarmed, captive human being, and killing that human being? Who are we as a people if we, sanctioned by the state, intentionally and with premeditation wrack a family with grief?"

Interesting, from the Times, In a Married World, Singles Struggle for Attention. The authors observations about single women and community engagement particularly caught my interest: "Yet as she and other experts note, single people often contribute more to the community — because once people marry, they tend to put their energy and focus into their partners and their own families at the expense of friendships, community ties and extended families." The article goes on to note that unmarried women are more likely to go to political demonstrations and sign petitions.

"THIS MUST BE THE PLACE is a series of short films that explore the idea of home; what makes them, how they represent us, why we need them."

Image: ‎"The struggle for justice doesn’t end with me. This struggle is for all the Troy Davises who came before me and all the ones who will come after me. I’m in good spirits and I’m prayerful and at peace. But I will not stop fighting until I’ve taken my last breath. Georgia is prepared to snuff out the life of an innocent man." - Troy Davis. Troy hasn't stopped fighting and neither should we. If there is a demonstration in your area, please attend. If there's not, grab a sign and start one. People can also call Judge Penny Freesemann at 912 652 7252 or fax her at 912 652-7254 and ask her to withdraw the death warrant. We should never mourn when there is still time to fight.

Miranda July's pretty badass story of her "first feminist action."

So, after a year or so of plotting, it's really happening - I'm going to be heading to Nicaragua this winter for a month to do Spanish immersion! More to come, but I was so excited that I wanted to share, and also I wanted to know if any one has recommendations of books (nonfiction or fiction) about Nicaragua or Central America. Also, I want to bring some young adult books in Spanish to read while I'm there, so recommendations on that front are welcome as well. Thanks in advance!

DADT is no more. Gay Soldier Heartbreakingly Comes Out to His Father on YouTube.

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” - Audre Lorde

Less Work, More Living: "Working fewer hours could save our economy, save our sanity, and help save our planet."

More on the failure of solitary confinemet: Hunger strikes at California prison renew debate over confining prison gangs

And: Everyone Should Visit A Juvenile Jail or Prison…These photos are so so upsetting.

Image: source.

Oooh, I definitely want to learn more about this: "This World Food Day, Oxfam America is teaming up with a host of allies across the US and around the globe. We have a simple yet compelling idea — to host a Sunday Dinner October 16 that fosters a conversation about where your food comes from, who cultivates it, and how we can make the food system more just and sustainable. Sign up to host a Sunday dinner. Order free materials by Oct. 12. Learn more about World Food Day and how to host a Sunday dinner."

Loved this piece about the bs "protests" over Chaz Bono's appearance on DWTS, and the shows past contestants: "Writing down everything past Dancing With The Stars contestants have done that most fundamentalist Christians would likely frown upon took up two entire afternoons. I took eight typed, single-spaced pages of notes, three of which are about the scandals of a single contestant (who is not, I should mention, Chaz Bono)."

The 2011 MacArthur Fellows were announced, and include (as always) some awesome folk. Among them, Radio Lab's Jad Abumrad, poet Kay Ryan, and NUSL grad Marie-Therese Connolly.

"At the Un-National Monument Along the Canadian Border" by William Stafford

This is the field where the battle did not happen,
where the unknown soldier did not die.
This is the field where grass joined hands,
where no monument stands,
and the only heroic thing is the sky.

Birds fly here without any sound,
unfolding their wings across the open.
No people killed — or were killed — on this ground
hallowed by neglect and an air so tame
that people celebrate it by forgetting its name.

Loving Teen Queen: A Fostering Story, and can't wait for the next installment. I'll admit, growing up foster care is something I never thought about, and only had horror story associations with. But serving on my local Citizen Review Board has introduced me to inspiring parents, incredible kids, and some really dedicated service providers - my thoughts about foster care have changed a lot, and it's something I've even begun to consider as a part of my future.

Image: source.

An interesting series of articles about strapping it on, packing, and dick =/= male.

Too, too true: Many deportees unwittingly waive rights, report says: "More than 160,000 immigrants signed so-called stipulated removals, many of them without legal representation or understanding the documents, according to the National Immigration Law Center and legal experts."

We re-watched Best In Show last night - so so good, never fails to entertain. Pitch perfect writing and acting.

Yesterday I had the privilege of being involved in two panels/talks alongside three incredible young adults we have publicly come out as undocumented, DREAMers. Their bravery and openness and intelligence and compassion was incredibly inspiring. I really can't think of anyone else I've met in my life who is making such a bold, self-less stand, people who will go down in history alongside the greats of the Civil Rights movement, and other visionaries. Please get involved with the DREAMers in your community (in the Northwest?), and support the DREAM Act (in your state and at the federal level). TRUE HEROES: Undocumented, Unapologetic, Unashamed.

This recipe is beautiful, and looks so yummy! Might be an ideal fall meal.... Vegetable Soup with Sweet Potato Wontons.

I have some donations....The Museum of Broken Relationships.

Image: exploded flower.

So powerful. This case just gets more and more heart-breaking. Family of alleged hate-killing victim opposes death penalty in case.

I like it: a beautiful and useful September seasonal food guide.

Tomorrow I'll be at the local VA hospital, helping homeless vets learn about and access much-needed legal and social services. If you're interested, learn more about Stand Down, and see if there's one in your area.

This weekend is my last scheduled century for the year, the Farm To Farm Century - basically 7 hours of eating, interrupted by the occasional mile on the bike (that's what I've realized centuries are, at least for me). The recent fall weather should make it a perfect ride.

My beloved town, Ashland, OR, makes Outside Magazine's list of Best Towns in America!

Oh wow. I want this garden, please.

This is excellent. I love Ayelet Waldman (and hubby Michael Chabon), and agree that public discussion of STDs is still ridiculously stifled.

Image: more everydaypants.

It's been a LONG time since I ordered from them (yay for overcoming my online commerce addiction!), but I will admit that these wool sneaks from F21 are adorable - and make me excited for fall. (Is it weird that I like these little slip ons too?) And, since I'm indulging in this consumerist moment, I will admit that I love this bag (in pewter or walnut, right?) I'm slightly nostalgic for the days I was foolish enough to even think of spending $200 on a bag (I mean, not really, because I know I'm doing the right thing by being frugal, but....you know.)

Currently reading: The Complaints, Women Food God, Homemade Living: Canning & Preserving, The Best of It.

Interesting. A step towards beginning to acknowledge the long-term negative effects of mass incarceration, and the potential alternatives: "California state prisons are releasing their female inmates that are mothers so they can serve the rest of their sentencing under house arrest. This is bold change for incarceration in California and a result of the overcrowded prisons. 'The program is ‘a step in breaking the intergenerational cycle of incarceration,’ state prisons Secretary Matthew Cate said, arguing that ‘family involvement is one of the biggest indicators of an inmate’s rehabilitation.''" source.

Printable little handmade labels, for all your canning adventures. And check out Sweet Preservation, a site encouraging the art of canning. (I roasted some yellow tomatoes for salsa recently, I'll be curious to see if they taste any different than the traditional red tomatoes.)

Image: source.

I went for a run today for the first time in months - and had no ankle or knee pain! I kept it to 30 min but I was very pleased to see that my biking, yoga, swimming etc had at least kept me in decent enough shape to make it through the 30 min with very little walking - yahoo for not having to start from nothing all over again!

From Colorlines: How the Right Made Racism Sound Fair—and Changed Immigration Politics

"This Friday, New Yorkers will take part in Park(ing) Day, repurposing dozens of parking spaces around the city to show what you can do with valuable curbside real estate besides storing cars. Last year, participants set up everything from “alternate side mulching” to an entire dorm room, complete with walls and a television set, to help New Yorkers re-imagine the potential uses of their streets." source.

Wanna see it: The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975

The Story Corps crowd remember some of those lost on 9/11. Powerful.

An awesome little cinderblock garden.

Really gorgeous porcelain jewelry.

Image: source.

Tomorrow: gonna make some freezer burritos for the week. Other recipes on the to-try list: roasted tomato basil pesto, heath bar cookies, carrot cake.

The very awesome Pine to Palm arrives next week.

New blog I'm liking: Farmbrarian:

Harvesting books about growing and eating real food.

A gorgeous kitchen garden.

Grace Potter and Sharon Jones cover Otis Redding's 'Pain in My Heart'

Pablo Delgado’s Incredibly Tiny Street Art

Weekend activity: read all of Everyday Pants

Wow. Need a reminder that transphobia and hate are alive and well? Read this article by a Fox News doctor urging parents not to allow their children to watch Chaz Bono on Dancing With The Stars.

Image: source.

Mapping public transportation, and how bikes can fill in the gaps.

On preserving slow roasted tomatoes - my domestic project for this weekend. And: saving tomato seeds. I'd love to learn more about seed saving (and sharing).

What's Wrong With The Body Shop? A critique of 'green' consumerism.

More Fashion It So brilliance.

NPR: Foster The People records a Tiny Desk Concert and Bon Iver on World Cafe.

“It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.” - Eleanor Roosevelt

from "Women Food and God" by Geneen Roth

"For almost two decades, the suffering I felt about anything . . . was expressed in my relationship with food. Overeating was my way to punish and shame myself; each time I gained weight, each time I failed at a diet, I proved to myself that my deepest fear was true: I was pathetic and doomed and I didnt deserve to live.

. . . Dieting was like praying. It was a plaintive cry to whoever was listening: I know I am fat. I know I am ugly. I know I am undiciplined, but see how hard I try. See how violently I restrict myself, deprive myself, punish myself. Surely there must be a reward for those who know how horrible they are.

And precisely because dieting and bingeing were the main ways I expressed my despair, the consequences of not dieting were staggering. Making the decision to stop dieting was like committing heresy, like breaking a vow that was never supposed to be broken. It was like saying, 'You were wrong, God, you were wrong, mom, I am worth saving,' and, somehow, by deciding that I was no longer going to collude with the belief in my own degradation, something I never would have called me showed up: the presence of loveliness, the awareness of kindness and the unmistakable knowledge that I belonged here."

[on what an important role the quest to diet and lose weight has taken on in so many of our lives] "The constant war with food and body size is important if they want to be loved. They are like Sisyphus pushing the bolder up the mountain, and almost getting there but never actually arriving. The great thing about being Sisyphus is that you have your work cut out for you. You always have something to do. As long as you are striving and pushing and trying hard to do something that can never be done, you know who you are: someone with a weight problem who is working to be thin. You don't have to feel lost or helpless because you always have a goal and that goal can never be reached."