I am grateful I no longer feel compelled to buy things for the holiday. My family send each other gifts when we find them throughout the year. Less holiday stress.

They closed stores in downtown Seattle because they had started talking about organizing for a union and said it was because they were in "unsafe" areas. But they kept open the store a block away. I guess there was some sort of security field around that one store (or, you know, they're evil).

I worked for a city that prioritized protecting wetlands. Know what we don't have there? Floods. Sure, occasionally someone has mucked up a storm drain and you get a bit of road flooding, but no houses under water.

Or raging. They should get to choose which they will be, depending on how much garbage we throw/drain into them. I suspect raging would win more often than not.

Whose afraid of a little lawsuit?

16. Never been to Vegas except for a long layover, which doesn't count. Left with all my money, though, which I take as a win. Saw enough of Texas that I don't feel the need to explore further. I have spent time in every state. Now out collecting countries.

Absolutely beautiful! You give me hope.

Friends and I caused people in Hell's Kitchen to cross the street in the 80s. Looking back, 3 pale young women dragging a giant suitcase while singing Amazing Grace was probably unsettling. We were just coming from a performance and clueless AF.

ICE thinking Germantown is full of "good Germans" will be a seminal Find Out moment.

Oh no. Anyway, have you seen the latest inflatables in Portland?

There was never a time in Johnny Cash's life where he was not the epitome of cool. Yeah, there were some poor choices made, but they only seemed to enhance the cool in the long run.

As does Emmy Lou Harris, The Wailin Jennies, The Be Good Tanyas, and Suzanne Vega, among many others.

Agreed about the top choices, but there are so many others writing incredible songs with gorgeous turns of phrase. While sales may be competitive, art is not and great lyrics are not limited to people with the most sales.

I spent 15 years in EEO/ADA and 6 in public works in the city where I live, and in 2 days, I will retire and find another way to serve. After I get some sleep.

WTF is wrong with you? Insert any other marginalized community and see how this sounds. Vile is how.

I suggest we remove all regulations so they can get it done faster and cheaper.