By Ink Alone: The Christian Boogeyman is Coming

Conspiracy still happening, but this time its not international economics, but Fundamentalist American Jesus-Love

Jeff Sharlet writes a scary and extremely interesting book detailing the powerful Christian organization1 The Family and their ties to American men and women of power. Sharlet also uses his book to detail the history of fundamentalism and the rise of in the past 50 years. Sharlet is also a writer for Harpers, Rolling Stone, and created The Reveler.

Iraq: Much Larger Problems

Mercury Rising

As a resident of West Seattle, I was alarmed at the recent study that reported that nearby plants are spewing mercury into the air. Two of the companies are cement plants, Ash Grove and Lafarge North, whose towering gray smokestacks, cylinders and globe, for me at least, represent the industrial Duwamish.

Apparently, some fuel sources cement kilns rely on to “cook” rocks, like coal, and the materials used in the rock conglomerate, like limestone, contain high amounts of mercury. Yet it wasn’t until recently that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) even bothered to measure how much mercury the cement industry contributed to the atmosphere, land, and water.

Lakewood Militarization Resistance

This week a military ship, the USNS Brittin, was spotted loading equipment off in Tacoma. Resistance groups have mobilized, determined to stop the shipments from reaching their destinations.

The New G.I. Coffeehouse

A social movement doesn't have a specific place or a location. It lives in the actions, the minds, and the relationships between people. But there are places where the ideas of a movement develop, places where the movement's ideas go more mainstream.

Cursing the Cost of Containers?

About half the time I go to the grocery store, I end up cursing under my breath. All because I have once again forgotten my reusable Trader Joe’s tote bag at home. I love my bag and even get compliments—when I do remember to bring it—from competitors. Not only is it good for hauling about 20-pounds worth of groceries, but it also doubles as an insulated picnic basket.