Imminent War with Iran and the Bush Doctrine

Hello all you wonderful people,

The war propaganda machine is back at, and new information is coming to light about an imminent attack on Iran. In October of 2007 I posted a blog in regards to this (read below), but the pressure and intensity has greatly increased in the last couple months. In this weeks edition of The New Yorker a wonderful, yet frightening, article was published entitled "Preparing the Battlefield." We strongly recommend reading the article at http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/07/07/080707fa_fact_hersh, and studying up on the similarities of what lead up to the attack on Vietnam and what is happening now. The time is NOW to stop being silent, the time is NOW to call/write/email/fax your elected representatives and petition them to NOT fund/support a war in Iran. Dissent is a gift, activate yourself, STOP BEING COMPLACENT, this does effect all of us!

PEACE!




Usurpations of the Bush Doctrine are remanifesting itself, only this time in Iran. In October 2007, the illegal occupier of this country, G.W. Bush, announced they were designating Iran's Revolutionary Guard (National Defense) a proliferator of WMDs and supporter of terrorism. So what does this mean? If you recall back to the events leading up to the invasion of Iraq, our government persuaded the American people that Iraq was harboring WMDs and was supporting terrorism. Prior to this, in June of 2002 Bush delivered a new course in U.S. Foreign Policy; known as the Bush Doctrine (see link below for the entire Doctrine). Under the Bush Doctrine, G.W. says "We must be prepared to stop rogue states and their terrorist clients before they are able to threaten or use weapons of mass destruction against the United States, our allies, and friends." This authority vested upon himself through executive privilege granted under the Constitution, gave the legal right, under the Bush Doctrine, to preemptively strike a "rouge state" (in this case Iraq) by any means necessary if they are believed to be an imminent threat to our national security. Immediately following the Bush Doctrine, the media persuasion blitz began to convince Americans and the World that Iraq was harboring terrorist and was in possession of WMDs. Then in March 2003 the invasion began and has come at the cost of an estimated one million Iraqi deaths. To date no WMDs have been found and because of this our government changed their language to the liberation of the people of Iraq. I'm not advocating Saddam Hussein was a great person, but the people of Iraq were in a much better position under the Saddam then they are since the illegal occupation of Iraq. So, is this a just war or just a war on black gold (oil)? Consider this: During WWII, WE the people were overwhelming behind the war and collectively rationed unnecessary goods like oil, rubber, etc . . . Do you think Americans today would be willing to ration this good? NO, because we are more dependent upon foreign oil then we were during WWII, thus it seems this is a war fueled by corporate greed to continue filling our overconsumption of oil. What does this all have to do with Iran? Because, of the new label given to them as harboring terrorist and being in possession of WMDs, G.W. now has the authority to preemptively strike Iran, so long as Congress continues to fund the War on Terror; which they just did with another $196 billion more in war appropriations. This doesn't necessarily imply we will be attacking Iran, but based on the events leading up to the invasion of Iraq it seems imminent. The problem is we do not have enough troops to fight our current wars let alone another un-just war. Thus is why there are private security firms like Blackwater fighting in Iraq. However, current troops and private security firms aside, another war will mean one of two things: privatization of the military or military conscription (the draft). The masses will hit the streets in a demonstration of our 1st Amendment Right dissenting the war(s), the draft, and continued calls for impeachment (hopefully Cheney first then Bush). The time is NOW to stop being silent, the time is NOW to call/write/email/fax your elected representatives to Defund the War (this can be done under the War Powers Act) and stop "Preparing the Battlefield" for an imminent attack on Iran. Dissent is a gift, activate yourself, STOP BEING COMPLACENT, this does effect all of us!

PEACE!

Ryan and the GHC

Click on links below for the Bush Doctrine and how to contact your elected representatives in Congress.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/nsc/nss5.html (Bush Doctrine)
http://www.congress.org/congressorg/directory/congdir.tt

Movie night at the Green House Collective

Hello to All!!!

Hope that everyone is enjoying the summer heat - life is in the air! It's been a few weeks since we have seen ya'll, and we hope to have you all join us this Thursday for a lovely movie showing

For the month of July we are going to do a three part series showing of 1 hour documentaries put out by the BBC. Here's the description that they offer on the page: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/3755686.stm

Should we be worried about the threat from organised terrorism or is it simply a phantom menace being used to stop society from falling apart? Should we be worried about the threat from organised terrorism or is it simply a phantom menace being used to stop society from falling apart? In the past our politicians offered us dreams of a better world. Now they promise to protect us from nightmares. The most frightening of these is the threat of an international terror network. But just as the dreams were not true, neither are these nightmares. In a new series, the Power of Nightmares explores how the idea that we are threatened by a hidden and organised terrorist network is an illusion. It is a myth that has spread unquestioned through politics, the security services and the international media.


THE POWER OF NIGHTMARES
Three part series

I: Baby It's Cold Outside
II: The Phantom Victory
III: The Shadows In The Cave
At the heart of the story are two groups: the American neo-conservatives and the radical Islamists.

Both were idealists who were born out of the failure of the liberal dream to build a better world. These two groups have changed the world but not in the way either intended. Those with the darkest fears became the most powerful. Together they created today's nightmare vision of an organised terror network. A fantasy that politicians then found restored their power and authority in a disillusioned age. Those with the darkest fears became the most powerful. The rise of the politics of fear begins in 1949 with two men whose radical ideas would inspire the attack of 9/11and influence the neo-conservative movement that dominates Washington. Both these men believed that modern liberal freedoms were eroding the bonds that held society together. The two movements they inspired set out, in their different ways, to rescue their societies from this decay. But in an age of growing disillusion with politics, the neo-conservatives turned to fear in order to pursue their vision. They would create a hidden network of evil run by the Soviet Union that only they could see. The Islamists were faced by the refusal of the masses to follow their dream and began to turn to terror to force the people to "see the truth"'.

These will all be insightful and challenging topics that we will discuss over this month. We hope that you all can make it this week - that way we can continue the series so that all are caught up!!! Regardless, come if you can and if not hopefully we'll see you next week!

What: Movie Night screening of "The Power of Nightmares"
When: Thursday July 3rd - vegan potluck at 6, movie at 7, discussion to follow
Where: the Greenhouse Collective, email for the address or directions

Off the Clinton bike route - buses #9, #4, #75

And of course, much love to you all! Thank you for your beautiful energy, and
for your passion and commitment towards creating change

LOVE

The Greenhouse

Reminder: The Green House is a Safer Space, and please note that all of our events are substance free unless otherwise noted.

NOTICE: Due to Presidential Executive Orders, the National Security Agency may have read this email without warning, warrant, or notice. They may do this without any judicial or legislative oversight. You have no recourse nor protection save to call for the impeachment of the current President.

Seriously? NAFTA/CAFTA Superhighway?

Hello all you beautiful people,

Are you aware that Multi National Corporations (MNC) and their sheep, the government, are in the process of building a NAFTA/CAFTA Superhighway? If not, please do some research and educate yourself about this latest autrocity in Capitalism and corporate greed. Lately through independent media sources there has been an influx of information coming in from Indiana where they are currently working on I-69. But the fight doesn't start or stop in Indiana, I-69 is the new NAFTA/CAFTA Superhighway that will be a continuous patch of pavement from Mexico City and extending up to Toronto.

But, this grande scheme is also part of a larger regional plan known as Plan Puebla Panama and a much larger scheme the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA). With the recent passage of the Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), Plan Puebla Panama is now a reality. Plan Puebla Panama, once completed, will extend, without disturbance, a Superhighway system from Panama all the way up to Canada. This Superhighway system will and has cut through the heart of rainforest, the destruction of wetlands and other crucial habitats, and a mass displacement of over a million people, most of whom are indigenous or of the proletariat.

There have been wars already and there most certainly will be more to come. The Zapatistas (EZLN) in Chiapas Mexico have been waging a war against the Mexican Government since NAFTA (North America Free Trade Agreement or as we like to say Not Another Free Trade Agreement) took effect in 1994. The Zapatistas have established autounomous zones where the Federal Government has no control. Yet, because Chiapas is one of the richest states in Mexico as far as natural resources but is one of the poorest states in terms of economic standards the Mexican Government and MNCs are commiting human rights violations against the indigenous to further displace them to make room for the Superhighway and exploit other natural resources. The Zapatistas have been somewhat succesful, but the fight is bound to continue as greed wears on and Federal Government/MNCs patience wears thin. The war has also begun in Indiana, where some amazing peace actvist are setting up tree sitins all along the Superhighway construction site. They aren't yet losing the battle but they are in desperate need for help.

To no surprise the mass media has not been reporting about the tree sitins or educating the public about this extension of NAFTA/CAFTA. Congress is also mum, mainly because most of them are unaware that the $286 Billion Highway bill passed in 2005 was earmarked to build this Superhighway. Ron Paul has probably been the most outspoken critic of this Superhighway while others remain silent and uneducated (I recommend reading his statement on this @ http://www.ronpaul2008.com/articles/701/the-nafta-superhighway/).

This is just a small portion of what is happening, but hopefully this will incite some action to educate yourselves and petition Congress and the mass media to STOP being silent on this very important matter. For more information about this subject, check out these websites and we also have a movie about the Plan Puebla Panama if anyone is interested in viewing it:
http://stopi69.wordpress.com/
http://indymedia.us/en/index.shtml

Much love,

Ryan and the Green House Collective

Hey people, This is Other Jon again. I got some great feedback from the last video I posted so I decided to spice up this blog by adding little greenhouse webisodes every once in a while. If you come over for a workshop, movie night, party, or just hangen and you see me with my camera... well you know what's going on. The purpose is to document light hearted fun, and seriously inspire more community building. Here's episode one, the first day we put up our new slack line! enjoy!

Direct Action Training

Friends,

Just wanted to pass information about the civil disobedience/direct
action/nonviolence training that will be happening TUESDAY 17 JUNE 2008 at
the STREETROOTS office, 211 NW Davis Street PDx. We will begin to
gather at 6:30pm and then START PROMPTLY AT 7, so we can finish by 10.
There will likely be a break somewhere in the middle.

This training is purposed to bring as many interested and diverse, e.g.
housed/houseless/radical/mainstream/religious/secular/activists/first-timers/concerned/
disturbed/angry/excited/idealistic/creative people together to strategize
and plan a direct action at or in Portland City Hall/Council with
relationship to the recent homeless protest and issue that though being on
the table for discussion and change, has been largely ignored.

This training will be put on by three or four individuals who have a
diversity of tactics and experience, and will take into account the
ideas/suggestions of those present and involved in the training to create
a solid and successful plan for a July implementation. Though we are
hoping to get a large base of people interested and committed (50-100) to
participate in organizing and following through with this action, we are
also asking people to please be wise and cautious with this information
and who it is sent to/shared with. When distributing please DO NOT USE
THE PRESS OR LISTSERVES. Word of mouth through conversations and
individual emails of those who will respect the need to keep this action
discrete would be best. Thanks!

Please also be aware that an action with these larger numbers will likely
be most effective if it is non-violent in word and deed, and we ask that
those who are participating would be willing to commit to such. We also
ask that this be kept between participants and no others. This does not
mean that other tactics are not effective, however for purposes of this
action we are choosing this route.

Those of you who may not be interested in participating in the action but
who might be helpful in advising, please feel welcome to come on Tuesday.

There will be coffee and pasteries served. Please only invite those who
will take this time seriously and who are interested in being a part of
the solution. This is not a social hour, but a time to work hard to
build something meaningful together.

love & madness
katie et al

Questions? barricades_down@riseup.net

SEE YOU TUESDAY!

Close the School of the Americas (SOA), URGENT action is needed

Hello all you beautiful people,

We, SOA Watch, are in need of your help to get Congress to act on releasing vitale information about the School of the Americas (SOA). For those who are unaware of the SOA, here is a little background information:

The School of the Americas (SOA), frequently dubbed the “School of Assassins,” is a combat training school for Latin American soldiers, located at Fort Benning, Georgia. In 2001 the government renamed the SOA to the “Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation,” because much of the public was becoming increasingly aware about the atrocities of our terroist training tactics, and the trail of blood and suffering in every country where its graduates have returned.

Over its 59 years, the SOA has trained over 60,000 Latin American soldiers in counterinsurgency techniques, sniper training, commando and psychological warfare, military intelligence and interrogation tactics. These graduates have consistently used their skills to wage a war against their own people. Among those targeted by SOA graduates are educators, union organizers, religious workers, student leaders, and others who work for the rights of the poor. Hundreds of thousands of Latin Americans have been tortured, raped, assassinated, “disappeared,” massacred, and forced into refugee by those trained at the School of Assassins. The BBC recently reported of the largest mass grave site found in Peru to date. Between 1983 and 2000over 70,000 people were either brutally killed or disappered. Although the article doesn't explicitly state SOA graduates being responsible for this act, the same tactics are taught at the SOA and this war certainly has the smell of just another atrocity performed by an SOA graduate. To read the full article by the BBC go to this link http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7449079.stm

Your help and URGENT action is needed to help close the SOA. You can help by contacting your Senator to support HR 5658. The House of Representatives already passed the bill and it is now on its way to the Senate. Please contact your Senator at www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm to support HR 5658. For more information on HR 5658 please read the press release below.

Thank you all for your continued support.

Much love,

Ryan and the Green House Collective

We Won the Vote in Congress!
Pentagon Forced to Release Information to SOA Watch

Thanks to your efforts and hard work in defense of human rights, the culture of secrecy and lack of accountability surrounding Defense Department policies suffered a severe blow today when the U.S. House of Representatives approved the McGovern-Sestak-Bishop (GA) amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2009. The amendment forces the public release of names, rank, country of origin, courses and dates of attendance of WHINSEC's graduates and instructors to the public.

The amendment was approved with a 220 to 189 vote!

This is a major victory for the international human rights community!You spoke up and now we are one step closer to transparency and closing the SOA/WHINSEC!

In recent years, WHINSEC has denied information that in the past has been vital in identifying the perpetrators of massacres, targeted assassinations, and human rights abuses committed in Latin America. In response to WHINSEC's lack of transparency and its willingness to undermine public attempts of exercising oversight of the institution, human rights advocates and constituents have taken a stand for justice and demanded Congress to hold WHINSEC accountable.

The access to information regarding students and instructors attending WHINSEC will allow human rights organizations to continue to monitor the school and identify those graduates and instructors who have violated human rights or taken part in criminal activities in their home countries.

Information is power, and the more information we have, the closer we are to closing the SOA/WHINSEC once and for all!

We Won the House, Now Comes the Senate

The approval of this amendment will now lead us to face a new challenge to insure that WHINSEC also be held accountable by the U.S. Senate, in the coming weeks we will continue to keep you updated so we can work together towards another victory. For more information about the SOA Watch please visit http://www.soaw.org/index.php

Support Internationial Artists and a Lovely Member o' the Green House Community!

CAN INTERNATIONAL CULTURE SHARING SAVE THE WORLD?
THURSDAY JUNE 19TH @ TOWNE LOUNGE (714 SW 20TH PL)@ 9pm

127 (FROM TEHRAN, IRAN)
REMOVAL (FROM VANCOUVER, CANADA)
+ local artist PAINTING LIVE BRAD DELAY

as the administration beats the drums toward war with iran, we beat them in
solidarity with other nations to stop it. empathy, understanding and valuing
differences are the key to a unified world baby.

note: this aint no hippie drum circle or funked up indie rock.
removal are crushing loud punk/metal with samples instead of vocals and
projected visuals (it features ernie as well)
127 are folk punk iranian style!

The Love Fest

Hey people, this is Jon from the Greenhouse, not John (brother John) but Other Jon. So we have been having fun times this summer so far, possibly because more than half of our house is unemployed. That and the new Badminton net out front. As some of you know, I make little movies a lot and the other day I went down to the PSU campus and filmed the "Love Fest" put on by Jeff's class. Check it out!

Movie Night, June 12th

Hello all,
Tomorrow night, Thursday June 12th, the Greenhouse Collective will be showing The Fight in the Fields:
Cesar Chavez and the Farmworkers Struggle.

The historical documentary tells the story of Cesar Chavez, the charismatic founder of the United Farmworkers Union, and the movement that he inspired- one that touched the hearts of millions of Americans with the grape and lettuce boycotts, a nonviolent movement that confronted conservative politicians like Ronald Reagan and the powerful Teamsters Union. This chapter of American history recounts an inspiring story of hope and courage against overwhelming odds, a story of poor people taking control of their lives.

Where: The Green House Collective (email for directions)
When: Vegan Potluck at 6:30pm
Film at 7:00pm discussion to follow

BOAT SUCCESS

Hey y'all,

thanks so much for coming out on Thursday. We made over 50 boats, hung out, chatted about the crucial the crazy and the COLORs and, well just had a lovely time. Ashley is thinking that she will be having her first thursday exhibit sometime this summer, either july or august, and would love to have all you out there bringing your beautiful energies and your creative forces......stay tuned for more summer boat bbqs and other such madness.

Thanks again for always making the Green House fill with light, I am always so inspired and pleased to share time and space with y'all.

Love and Light,
Courtney

Get Down and Dirty and Village Gardens!

Hello Green House Friends,

I wanted to let you all know about a great opportunity to learn more about urban agriculture and food security in Portland. Village Gardens is a a 56,000 square foot urban agriculture program that uses sustainable organic gardening and farming to increase access to healthy food, improve economic opportunities and build unity with low-income residents of North Portland.
This Friday we need your help.

Our Sauvie Island farm needs some garden-loving. You can help by pulling weeds and doing various other farm projects, while also learning more about the ways in which gardening can unite communities..

Join us from 12:00 (noon)-4:00 pm
This Friday, June 6th
We could use as many as 15 people – maybe more!

The farm directions can be found at: http://www.metro-region.org/index.cfm/go/by.web/id/152 Volunteers would park in front of the picnic area and walk past the white house, through the orchard and to the green house on the LEFT.

Please call 971-344-4715 if you have questions

I hope to see you there!
-Laurel

One Year After Del Monte: Community Responses to ICE Raids

Hope you can make this event, please forward on to anyone you know who wants to learn more about the struggle for immigrants rights in Portland!


When: Tuesday June 10 6-8pmOne Year After Del Monte: Community Responses to ICE Raids
Where: St. Andrew’s Catholic Church Community Center (806 NE Alberta St)

On June 12th, 2007 ICE agents arrested 167 immigrant workers at the Del Monte plant in North Portland. One year later we are taking a moment to reflect on how our community is responding to the ongoing raids, detentions and deportations that are happening here in Portland.

Panelists:
David Ayala, SEIU Local 49
Nathan Teske, El Programa Hispano
Guest Speaker, El Comite de Solidaridad e Apoyo Mutuo

In Other Words, Women's Books and Resources

EVERY SUNDAYS: Homorobics 11:00 am
Don't miss "Homorobics" led by Sarah Shapiro and Nicole J.
Georges--Physically strengthening our community in a feminist, queer,
& body friendly environment with an emphasis on enjoyment... not
weight loss! Homorobics caters to our peers and delivers
beginner-level fitness through jazzercise, aerobics, and Freedom
Sweatpants Dance. Please bring a towel and hand weights (or bricks) if
you've got 'em. Sliding—scale donation $2-4.

FIRST, THIRD, & FOURTH MONDAYS: Español Sin Fronteras! 6:30 to 8:00 pm
This Month: June 2,nd 16,th 23,rd and 30th Sin Fronteras is happy to
present Español Sin Fronteras! Our friend and comrade Santa will be
teaching lessons, and sharing knowledge at In Other Words Books three
times a month. The class is introductory and is horizontally organized
around input from participants. This class will teach in many fun
ways, that means (of course) some grammar, lyrics of songs, poetry,
articles, more conversation, history, interesting places, and tips for
travelers etc. Please bring a notebook and pen. Cost for participants
is from $5 to $10 per person per class. For more information check
out: http://www.myspace.com/sinfronterasolin.

NOW—EVERY TUESDAY & THURSDAY MORNINGS: Community Yoga Classes 9:00-10:00 am
Now adding Thursday morning classes!!! Come and enjoy Yoga as a
Transformative Art & Way of Being—an evolutionary and integral
practice of Hatha, Kriya and Intuitive Movement with Elaina Beam.
* Explore the foundations and simple graces of asana (postures).
* Experience the profound effects of pranayama (breath work).
* Merge with your inner world through dhyana (meditation).
All level classes offer tools for developing flexibility of both body
and mind, while building strength, self-acceptance and peace. Simply
bring willingness and your beautiful self! Shanti! Suggested donation:
$5-$10—no one turned away!

MONTHLY MEETING: Code Pink Meeting 6:30 pm
This Month: June 3rd

SUPPORT GROUP: The National Vulvar Vestibulitis Organization
Facilitated Group 7:00 pm
This Month: June 4th The National Vulvar Vestibulitis Organization is
a 501(c)3 committed to providing support and awareness for VVS. We
provide information about Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome and its
symptoms, treatments, and the stories of us women who survive and
thrive through this disorder. VVS is a pain condition that is
localized in the opening of the vagina. The National Institute of
Health estimates that 6 million women have this condition. Is sex
painful? Do you experience vaginal pain during everyday activities? If
you have intense itching, burning, and/or pain upon touch you may have
VVS.

Our main service is providing face-to-face support groups to help
women cope with VVS. It is a life-changing event that affects every
aspect of your life, and you shouldn't have to go through it alone.
The NVVO has created a caring, nurturing community of women who can
help guide you through the challenges of living with VVS. The
meetings are open to women only. If you'd like more information you
can visit our website and blog! http://www.nvvo.net or
http://nvvo.wordpress.com

FIRST THURSDAYS: Queer Polyamory Discussion Group 6:30 pm
This Month: June 5th If you have ever wondered "How do I do this
polyamory/open-relationship/non-monogamy thing?"...you are not alone.
Join us with your experiences, questions and ideas- they are an
important resource for this group. Those who attend will help
determine what topics we focus on—which could include: agreements,
consent and communication; jealousy; support; safer sex; struggles and
joys and survivor issues. Whether you have been practicing ethical
sluttery for years, or are just starting to think about it, you are
welcome. Open to all trans, pansexual, lesbian, gay and queer folks.
All ages encouraged. Hosted by: franciszka fierce- a local slut,
artist/writer and facilitator extraordinaire.

EVERY SATURDAY: Oregon's Only Meeting of Eating Disorders Anonymous 10:00 am
EDA is a 12-step group that provides support, compassion, and
understanding for individuals who have (or have had) one or more
eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder,
pathorexia, food addictions, and many others. Eating Disorders
Anonymous is NOT THE SAME as Overeaters Anonymous: OA is an
abstinence-based program, while EDA encourages balance in all areas of
life. EDA does not specifically endorse food plans; disordered eating
comes from disordered thinking, and food and weight management
techniques do nothing to solve our thinking problems. People in all
stages of recovery are welcome at this meeting, including those who
may not be sure if they have an eating disorder. For more information
on EDA, please visit eatingdisordersanonymous.org. For questions about
this meeting, please call Lily-Rygh at 503.421.4511.

DISCUISSION GROUP: The Portland Feminism Discussion Group 6:30-8:00 pm
This Month: June 8th Feminism Discussion Group facilitated by Jen
Moore. This discussion group is a free flowing, exchange of ideas on a
topic which we pick each month. This month's topic is: men's place
within the feminist movement. We are a friendly group with new members
joining all the time. This meeting is open to only women. If you
consider yourself female identified, you are welcome.

SECOND MONDAYS: OLIN Study Group 6:00 pm
This Month: June 9th Join us as we will discuss such issues as the
current uprising in Oaxaca, the Zapatistas and la otra campana,
neoliberalism, social movements in Mexico, and border issues. This
study group is brought to you by Olin, a collective focusing on
Oaxaca. Olin is a working group of Portland Sin Fronteras Portland
whose focus as a group lies in building and understanding the border
and in fighting white supremacy. Their aim is to combat capitalism as
a system of domination and to link the anti-capitalist struggles of
Latin America to our own struggles here at home.

MAGAZINE RELEASE PARTY: Bitch Magazine 7:00pm
This month: June 11th The Genesis issue of Bitch is even now rolling
off the presses, and we're excited for you to see it. It features
articles covering all the genesis bases-- from religion to
reproduction, as well as some kick-ass artist-produced origami on the
cover. To celebrate we're hosting another round of the ever-fabulous
Pop Culture Debate Club. Topics are still to be decided, so if you
have any suggestions, drop a line to info@b-word.org.

AUTHOR READING: OPEN: Love, Sex and Life in an Open Marriage by Jenny
Block 7:00 pm
This Month: June 12th Finally, a book about open marriage that
grapples with the problems surrounding monogamy and fidelity in an
honest, heartfelt, and non-fringe manner. In Open, Block paints a
down-to-earth picture of how an open marriage can work, and
specifically why it works for her and her husband. In dissecting other
people's strong reactions to her choice, she explores the question of
why cheating is more socially acceptable than open marriage. In part,
she concludes, the lack of models for successful functional open
marriages is such that the general public is not yet equipped to
handle treating it as anything other than abnormal. Open challenges
our notions of what traditional marriage looks like, and presents one
woman's journey down an uncertain path that ultimately proves that
open marriage is a viable option, and one that's in fact better for
some couples than conventional marriage.

Jenny Block writes for a variety of regional and national
publications, as well as for the website Huffington Post where she
blogs weekly. Her work has appeared in several anthologies and is
slated to appear in Rebcca Walker's upcoming anthology "Walk This Way:
Introducing the New American Family." The inspiration for Open stems
from her piece, "Portrait of an Open Marriage" which ran in Tango, and
was reprinted by Cosmopolitan Germany and The Huffington Post.

SECOND FRIDAYS: Dirty Queer 6:30 pm
This Month: June 13th Dirty Queer is an X rated open mic: a place to
celebrate sexuality and strut your creative stuff! Hosted by renegade
writer and poet Sossity Chiricuzio, Dirty Queer is proven itself to be
a thought provoking evening of excitement, laughter and full body
shivers. We're looking for queer erotic entertainers of all sorts:
dancers, jugglers, singers, musicians, comics, poets, storytellers,
magicians, gender performers ... if you can do it in 5-10 minutes or
less (w/ minimal props/equip), this open mic's for you!

Need a dose of Dirty Queer sooner than that? Come check out our
photos, samples, bios, YouTube videos, and our new Podcast! All this
and more on our website: www.dirtyqueer.com. It's highly recommended
to bring your own folding chairs if you can, as we average 85
people/month. Everyone who attends has a chance to win door prizes
from local businesses! IOW asks for a donation of $1-$5/person for
this event, and more donations are always welcome. Caveats: 18+,
consent is key, no hate speech.

AUTHOR READING: The Brides of March: Memoir of a Same Sex Marriage by
Beren deMotier 6:30 pm
This Month: June 17th Portland's very own author Beren deMotier will
read from The Brides of March: Memoir of a Same-Sex Marriage, the true
story of a giddy leap through a legal window, straight onto the
barbeque pit of public debate in Multnomah County. The Brides of March
is a bride's eye view of same-sex marriage at a moment's notice, with
a bevy of brides, their coterie of children, donuts, newspaper
reporters, screaming protesters, and mothers of the brides who never
thought they'd see the day. Lively discussion and a swapping of
stories will follow.

ONE TIME A MONTH on WEDNESDAYS: Women Writing for (a) Change 7:00 pm
This Month: June 18th Women Writing for (a) Change inspires women and
girls to craft more conscious lives through the art of writing and the
practices of community. This mission is rooted in the knowledge that
the well-being of women and girls has a positive effect on families,
institutions, and the planet.

WWf(a)C circles provide communities within which writers develop their
skills, strengthen their voices, enhance their health, and learn to
appreciate their capacity to create positive change in all spheres.
The emphasis of the class is on authentic voice, community- building,
and the exploration of writing as a creative, therapeutic or spiritual
practice and a tool of social change. Please come and experience the
safe and supportive environment that will inspire writing, careful
listening and respect for each woman's words. For more information
about Wwf (a)C in Portland, go to http://www.womenwritingwest.com.

Pre-registration is requested but drop-ins are also welcome. To
register go to info@womenwritingwest.com . WWf(a)C is a writing school
and community of writers that began in Cincinnati, OH in 1991. Karen
Waters, experienced in and licensed to use the WWf(a)C processes, is
bringing this community to Portland.

POERTY READING: Kristin Berger and Katharine Salzmann 6:30 pm
This Month: June 19th Kristin Berger will read from her first
collection of poems, For the Willing, which trace the map of
motherhood from its first flush roots in imagination, through birth,
to childhood's full and complex wonders. She takes us on a familiar
journey, but one told with a resolve to engage again and again with
the world. Kristin Berger's poetry and essays have appeared in, or are
forthcoming from, CALYX, VoiceCatcher, Hip Mama, and New Letters. She
lives in Portland with her husband and two children. Visit her at
www.kristinberger.wordpress.com.

Katharine Salzmann's first chapbook of poetry "Hemopoiesis" published
in 1995 was described by The Oregonian as, "Human limitation and the
apparent schism between mind and matter are absent here . . . Sensual,
sensuous, refusing the either-or categories of Western rationality,
this is a poet who apprehends the world in its wholeness, its gift,
and gives it back in kind." Her most recent chapbook of poetry "Prayer
Ceremony" was published in 2007. She lives with her daughter & works
as a massage therapist in Portland.

THIRD FRIDAYS: The Feminist Film Society 6:30 pm
This Month: June 20th The Feminist Film Society is a group of folks
who watch a variety of movies and discuss them with feminism in mind.
Arrive at 6:30 for a sweet trivia type game to get you thinking about
the night's movie. The screening starts at 7:00 with discussion to
follow. This month we will be watching She-Devil (1989). Roseanne
Barr plays a suburban wife seeking vengeance on her husband, who is
cheating on her with a romance novelist played by Meryl Streep.
Hilarity abounds in this adaptation of Fay Weldon's novel The Life and
Loves of a She-Devil, which is available at the bookstore. All are
welcome. Suggested donation is $1-$5 sliding scale to support the
bookstore—with no one turned away. For more information check out:
www.feministfilmsociety.blogspot.com.

CONCERT: Gretchen Phillips 7:00 pm
This Month: June 21st This solo show intersperses original, feminist,
lesbian songs performed on an acoustic guitar with readings including
memoir, ruminations on current events, and little chapters of life.
Performing since she was 12 years old, Gretchen was part of a lesbian
band, Two Nice Girls, which secured her a GLAAD media award and a spot
in the Austin Chronicle's Hall of Fame. For more information about
Gretchen and music check out www.Gretchen-Phillips.com or
www.MySpace.com/GretchenPhillips. Cover $5-$10 sliding scale.

LAST TUESDAYS: Dexter's Spoken Mike 7:00 pm
This Month: June 24th Dexter's spoken mic follows the strong tradition
that believes it's time to give writers "rockstar status" bringing
beginning writers as well as more established readers together, for
inspirational rants and performances. Dexter's spoken mic, (open to
all) will surely be a force to be reckoned with. So speak your heart
out from your memoirs, journal entries, and poems...do it with a
friend, or go on tour-- but first make sure to stop by in other words
books on the LAST Tuesday of every month for Dexter's spoken mic.
Dexter is a Portland writer. She spends most of her time digging up
awkward stories from her childhood, reveling in fantastical
eccentricities and sentimental moments, running away with the circus
and making her comic book (my red umbrella soon to be released) she
also has a new zine of memoirs called maybe it's something you ate.
Dexter hosts spoken mics in Portland and is secretly working on a book
about growing up with a single mom in an alternative household and the
various father figures that came along the way…shhhh--don't tell!

AUTHOR READING: The Maternal is Political Edited by Shari MacDonald
Strong 7:00 pm
This Month: June 25th The Maternal is Political explores the vital
connection between motherhood and social change. Edited by Shari
MacDonald Strong, this compilation features thirty powerful,
hard-hitting literary essays by women who are striving to make the
world a better place for children and families-both their own and
other women's-in this country and globally.

LAST FRIDAYS: Luna Music Series—Showcase of local female musicians 7:00 pm
This Month: June 27th For this month's featured artists check out:
www.myspace.com/lunamusicseries

Author Reading and Benefit for Code Pink: Mary Lou Sanelli 4:00pm
This Month: June 28th Code Pink Portland and In Other Words Books are
proud to present Mary Lou Sanelli, reading from her newest collection
of poems. Mary Lou has generously offered herself to raise funds for
the Code Pink Portland so that we can continue to highlight the lies
and deceptions of the Bush Administration, especially concerning the
Iraq war/occupation. Suggested donation is $5 with no one turned away.

Sanelli has earned a solid reputation in the literary and
public-speaking community through a steady commitment to writing and
through twenty years of successful public readings and presentations.
She is the author of six poetry collections and one recent book of
essays, Falling Awake, selected as "one of the most fabulous 2008
Northwest titles" by Seattle writer/reviewer Lesley Thomas. Mary Lou
also works as a public speaker and as a dancer, dance instructor, and
choreographer, teaching currently at Spectrum Dance and Dance
Underground in Seattle..

SAVE THE DATE: In Other Words 2008 Literary Feast
Join us this year for an amazing event and a great opportunity to
support In Other Words Books & Resources. Mark your calendars—Friday,
August 1st 6:00 pm at the North Star Ballroom 635 N. Killingsworth
Court. Program details to come.

***As you know In Other Words Women's Books and Resources is a
non-profit. In fact, we are the only surviving non-profit women's
bookstore in this country. And we are among a dwindling number of
for-profit women's bookstores. In an effort to become more
sustainable we have decided to charge a minimal fee for events held at
the store. IOW ask a suggested donation of $1-$5 sliding scale for
store events, unless otherwise noted. No one is ever turned away.
All are welcome***