NaNoWriMo Ahoy!

Even though I no longer participate in the National Novel Writing Month, I still luvs it to bits. Tonight, at the gong of midnight, gaggles of writers across the globe will pour themselves a fresh cuppa and get down to the business of writing 50 000 words over the course of November.

There's a few folks on the FurRag forum already preparing for NaNoWriMo, and I wish 'em the best of luck.

Tonight, I prance off to a local book store to give the annual NaNo Kick-Off Workshop for the local community. Ah, I so miss teaching! I loved doing the BDB Boot Camp workshops at FC last year. Can't wait to do some more.

Wish me luck!

NO on 8: We interrupt your porn for a public service announcement.

Proposition 8 is a proposal to eliminate gay marriage in the state of California. Same-sex couples can already legally get married in that state, but if Prop 8 is accepted, the constitution will be amended to define 'marriage' as a union between a man and a woman.

The No on 8 movement is a group opposed to the proposition, who are campaigning to spread awareness and encourage Californians to vote against the measure. These efforts rely on community involvement; people donating their time and informing others they know, but also through a donation-funded media campaign using television spots and print advertisements.

It's a very hot issue. People like Steven Spielberg, Bruce Wayne Bastian, Larry Page & Sergey Brin have publicly spoken out and donated large sums of money to No on 8; even companies like Apple, inc. have made public statements and financial donations in the interest of preserving the rights of their Californian employees.

Even our kooky little fandom is getting involved. Kamui (the artist responsible for the awesome cover of HC #1) gathered links to a bunch of journal posts and pictures (we know how you all love art) showing other furfags' rah-rah spirit:

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/501230/

If you live in California, you should absolutely consider casting your vote on ballot day, November 4.

Even if you don't, there are other ways you can contribute:

http://www.noonprop8.com/action

Even a tiny donation is worth-while. And of course it costs nothing to spread the word.

The visibility of this issue makes it an important one for gay rights across the globe. Being Dutch, and therefore legally endowed with the same set of rights that my heterosexual countrymen enjoy, I generally don't pay much attention to gay rights issues. The success of No on 8 is important because it's a highly visible statement that there is no such thing as 'gay rights', just, you know, rights.

Spread the word, donate a bit of money if you can. It's a good way to sustainthe gradual progression of the world to a more open, free society. Consider it an early wedding gift for any friends you might have in California!

http://www.noonprop8.com/