An important quote to keep in mind, especially during these times…

“I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”-Martin Luther King, Jr.

Sarah Howells just posted a great new video for her song “My First Love”.  It is filled with wonderful old footage of love in all stages.

“Smoke” by Mats Ek performed by Sylvie Guillem 

I think it’s been awhile since I’ve posted this one, and I love it too much not to share it again.  

I finally purchased my first set of cards from Miss Charley’s new card company, Modern Rubbish!

Charley is a fellow dancer at the San Francisco Ballet, and a very beautiful one at that. I think you all should take a little time to check out her dark humored greeting cards.  I know you’ll enjoy them as much as I do!

“Modern Rubbish was founded in 2010 by Charley Cohen, a professional ballerina by day and card collector by night. She was inspired to start making her own greeting cards after reading through the angst filled journals of her youth—a time when everything was the end of the world. She turned to San Francisco based artist Peter Dimick to illustrate the quirky cards. Dimick’s work, shown at San Francisco’s Hang Art Gallery, is loud, eclectic and pure awesome; Cohen knew he was her man. Though he was at first lukewarm to the idea of morbid greeting cards, the two were soon laughing over their creations and Modern Rubbish took flight.

Modern Rubbish cards are printed on post-consumer waste recycled paper that is elemental chlorine free. We use non-toxic vegetable based toners and our printers are powered by 100% wind power. Cards are traditional, but making them doesn’t have to be.”

Website: http://www.modernrubbish.com/

Etsy Store (where you can purchase the cards): http://www.etsy.com/shop/modernrubbishsf

Blog: http://www.modernrubbish.com/blog/ 

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Modern-Rubbish/168214516527693 

Twitter Page: http://twitter.com/#!/modernrubbishsf

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Emergency 101: Earthquake kits, pet evacuations and new advice on the duck and cover

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March 19, 2011 |  6:01 am

Earthquake preparedness — or our lack thereof — has become the talk once again at dinner tables, around offices and on Facebook. Is a backpack better, so hands are free to carry a child or pet? Or maybe one doubles as a temporary toilet?

Is it better to keep the kit at home, at work or in the car? (The answer: All of the above.)

We recently compared some emergency kits, whose contents (whistles, light sticks, crank-powered mobile phone recharger) provided much food for thought. To answer questions about emergency kits and other ways every household can better prepare for an earthquake, wildfire or some other disaster, we’ve listed some links below:

Kits: Read a quick comparison of premade emergency kits, plus recommendations of items that you may want to add and a three-step emergency safety plan.

Kits, Part 2: An archived Times graphic offers more recommendations. Note that some of its suggestions (for example, the guideline of 1 gallon of water per person, per day) conflict with the advice from some local emergency officials (many of whom advise at least 2 gallons of water per person, per day). The best approach is to read the various recommendations, including those from theAmerican Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, as well as local supplies such asSOS Survival Products, to determine what your household’s specific needs might be.

Home prep: An interactive graphic runs down ways to earthquake-proof your home.

Duck, cover: Experts recommend proper ways to take cover. (Hint: not in the doorway, as was once recommended.)

Animals: Thoughts on what to pack and how to protect family pets in an evacuation.

Field test: And, for a little levity to balance all the disaster talk, we offer this piece from a reporter who tested her emergency kit by trying to live off it. (Don’t miss pages 2, 3 or 4 of the text.)

Photos, from left: REI, American Red Cross, Mayday Industries

Twitter: @latimeshome

Facebook: latimeshome | latimesgarden

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Starting from the time the first earthquake hit Japan I have been watching my twitter feed fill up with tweets about the recent devastating events.  Many posts were with information about donations, information from people who are there in Japan, or simply people talking about it.  One of the hashtags that immediately brought tears to my eyes was #prayforjapan.  These Web 2.0 outlets are so powerful, and the fact that we can now pray and spread energy throughout the entire world in such an immediate way is a remarkable thing.  Though we are all spread out over the entire world, everyone is still helping in the best ways possible.  Check out a video CNN did about the #prayforjapan hashtag

(On twitter the # symbol, called a hashtag, is used to mark keywords or topics in a Tweet.  Itw as created organically by Twitter users as a way to categorize messages.)