Ann Jones to discuss 'Kabul in Winter'

I'm getting a really good start on my heretofore slight knowledge of the US interest, involvement, invasion of the Middle East and Afghanistan. I went to hear Michael Oren talk about the history of the US in the Middle East which stretches over 230 years since the days of the founding fathers. More on Oren below. Next week I am looking forward to hear from Ann Jones.

Award-winning journalist and activist Ann Jones will discuss her latest work, Kabul in Winter: Life Without Peace in Afghanistan, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, at the Central Library.
"Kabul in Winter" is an account of four winters Jones spent as a volunteer teaching English to Afghan high school teachers and working on behalf of women in Afghanistan after Sept. 11. This program is free and open to the public. Tickets and reservations are not required. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.
Jones has written about violence against women in the United States in such books as "Next Time She'll Be Dead" and "Women Who Kill," and about trans-African travel in search of a South African rainmaker in "Looking for Lovedu." Her work has appeared in numerous publications, including The New York Times and The Nation. This program is presented in cooperation with The Elliott Bay Book Co. Books will be available for purchase and signing. (From the Seattle Public Library)
Michael Oren is touring the country to give a shout out about his new book Power, Faith, and Fantasy: America in the Middle East 1776 to the Present, described as "The first comprehensive history of America’s military, political,and intellectual involvement in the Middle East from George Washington to George W. Bush."
The best readings to go to are the ones where the author is so passionate about his or her subject that they really pull into the story, where you get a glimpse of what made them devote however many years of their lives to wanting to tell this particular story, and in this Oren did not disappoint. Also, it doesn't hurt that the story he tells is so bleeding edge relevant to today where, even now, Congress is wrestling with US presence and power in the Middle East.
If you want to go even farther back to gain further historical context, go to Bruce Fieler's Where God Was Born. The promo notes: At a time when America debates its values and the world braces for religious war, National Public Radio commentator and PBS presenter Bruce Feiler travels 10,000 miles through the Middle East-Israel, Iraq, and Iran-and examines the question, "Is religion just a source of conflict or can it be a source of peace?" Part wartime chronicle, part archaeological detective story, part personal spiritual exploration, Where God Was Born takes readers to biblical sites not seen by Westerners for decades and uncovers little known details about the common roots of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

NW New Music: Shins, Stars, Lillydale

Much as I am on the bandwagon of happy hipsters checking out The Shins' new music, I'd like to add my two bytes of props for two other local bands that have recently released new-ish new music and are out and about touring.

Stars of Track and Field have been on my playlist since I first heard them on KEXP. And, by the list of press they have received, it looks like a lot of others have as well. The track "Say Hello" is what got me interested.

The other band I got hooked on is Lillydale. I got caught by the track "Lighting Lanterns." If that girl in "Garden State" liked The Shins, I think she would like Lillydale as well.

The 2Tue: Capitol Hill Art Walk

The 2Tue: Capitol Hill Art Walk is held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month and features events at shops and galleries along the Pike/Pine corridor. 2Tue revelers will be treated to an energizing night of art, music and food. As always, there is a chance to win a giant gift basket of goodies if you complete the 2Tue scavenger hunt. Check it out: Tuesday, Feb 13th from 6-9PM.

Global Warming Sinks Viaduct

Okay, so it's just another spurious tabloid headline... Just my random comment for the day.

After reading the article Scientists agree: Humans causing global warming, my thoughts ran to the rising levels of the oceans and other affected bodies of water. What could happen right here in Emerald City? We've got trouble with a capital "T" and I don't mean Tully's!

Putting apples and oranges together, I thought: Whoa, now, easy big fella! Ya know, by the time we actually get the viaduct thingy taken down and replaced with moving sidewalks, we won't even have to worry about it. The rising levels of the seas will put the waterfront under water! You will be able to tie your boat to the Calder Eagle in the Olympic Sculpture Park!