It works!

Wow!!

Maybe In-n-out was having a free burger day or something.

Saw it just fine.

FYI: My friend and I think you need to come to Chicago next August for the big Stitches conference. We'll supply the cats and hand sanitizer.

it worked! Was it the immigration thingie? I'll bet that was the cause for the march on Van Nuys.

just to let you know...i will be watching this ALL day. my son loves the little clip! over, and over, and over...

Yay!! It's working! Yes, it's all about the proposed immigration changes. There was a big march in downtown, but this one in the valley snuck up on me.

Giovanna, when is the conference?? I love Chicago!!

Pink Rocket, I am happy to enetertain ;)

I can't see it! Wah! But, even here in Eugene, OR, we had quite a big protest and rally. It was great. They stood in the rain and the group was much larger than what I thought.

Tina, you might have to download this quicktime thing. Named after a certain ex-husband HAHAHAHAHAHA ok, couldn't resist that one. whoops.

This is the windows link:
http://www.apple.com/quicktime/win.html
Hope that helps!

LOL. That's a good one.

I don't know if I want to go driving with you.

yeah, we had one of those here in nashville a couple of weeks ago... i think about 5-6,000 turned out for it, which is pretty good for nashville :)

good job at recording while driving! woohoo!

Did you record that on your Razr?

I was trying to take still pictures with my digicam -- a kodak easy cam, not high tech -- but realized I was in the video mode. Happy accident :) Luckily... no fenders were involved.

Is the page taking a really long time to load today because of that video thing?

Is that you honking? Cuz now, driving, honking, and filming? Too many things going on at once.

My people have been rallying all over haven't they? My mom's on the fence (tee hee that was a bad pun) about it all. She came over the old fashioned way with a sponsor and all that jazz in the 1950s. It was a shock when she saw how different it all is now...

Hi Laurie!

No protesting here in the great white north. We are so texas-ified, that you have to do something vile to right-wingers to get any kind of reaction, and then it doesn't involve colorful street protests, but mean lawyers in suits coming down like a ton of bricks. How was Roy's exam on Sunday?

Roy was referred to a specialist, we go on Friday for the CT scan, but this a.m. he was hiding under the bed when I left, A Very Bad Sign, so now I am sitting here at work all edgy and weepy about the whole cat thing. moving on. let's talk about something else. but thank you for asking, Trixie.

Mary, I was not honking, that was from the other cars, I was driving (stick shift!) and filming. You know... the usual ;)

oh my gosh. that must have been thrilling and scary all at the same time. amazing....
film loaded and played very quick like (and honey, if he was as quick as the video, you are soooo better off without him). Good god.
=)

Hey Laurie, how long did it take you to get through the rally? I couldn't view it here (can't download software on the company computer), but my friends and I were caught in the middle of a similar situation in San Jose a couple of weeks ago.

And hey, I'd drive with you...I was taking pictures out of my car windows the other day...while driving. Insane! (The photos will eventually show up on my website...when the computer decides to be my friend again)

What part about ILLEGAL do they not understand?

In and Out Burgers! I haven't had one of those in 6 years! Instant cravings!

Seeing this makes me notice that now that I don't work downtown and have to deal with them, I am much more supportive of protestors of anything generally. My first thought when I heard about the scheduled protests was not, "Great. There goes my commute home."

The page loads quickly on my computer. But for me, the video doesn't work when I view the page with the comments attached. After reading the comments, I scrolled back up to the top and, where the quicktime controls should be, it said: (can't download software on the company computer). I totally freaked out for a minute in an "Oh god. They're on to me! I'm sooo fired." kind of way. Then I realized two things: (a)I'm not at work right now, and (2)that was part of someone's comment that was mysteriously appearing as part of the quicktime viewer. Anyway...love your site; it never fails to entertain!

I'm lost. Did you know what they were protesting about? Looked like something to do with Mexico.

Very important issue, immigration vs In & Out. hmmm.The video worked fine on a cable connection.

Wowee. pretty cool little video! And good luck on your raised beds, I'm going to be doing one of those myself pretty soon, but with railroad ties. yay!

I thought for sure you were going to rear end someone!

Kristi - so sorry my comment made you panic! Not sure why it appeared where the Quicktime controls should be... But I can totally sympathise with the "they're on to me, I'm so fired" fear...I spend way too much time reading this stuff...

My husband had a ONE-EYED videographer working for him at one point who used to do the same thing (Drive. And film). Scary.

Stitches Midwest August 11-13 in Chicago, IL.
http://www.knittinguniverse.com/flash/events/EventDetail.php?EventID=27

Libby, these are rallies that support immigrant rights here in the US, and the ones in California have been large gatherings (we have the highest concentration of the US immigrant population). Yesterday there was a giant gathering downtown with Cardinal Mahoney and the mayor, and the one I stumbled upon was in Van Nuys. It was very exciting to see folks stepping out and marching peacefully and there were tons of American flags being raised side-by-side with the green, white and red :)

hi all. I regularly read this site, and am always very entertained by not only the original content but also the replies.

Just to let eveyone know who seems to be confused, (and I am trying to be as non-political as I can about this, I am not trying to start a riot here on Laurie's board) these protests happened all around the country yesterday, the 10th, as a part of a national protest against HR 4437, a bill that passed the House of Representatives and is now on the Senate Floor. This bill would make it a federal felony for anyone who is an immigrant without documentation to be present in the United States, punishable by up to 5 years in prison. This includes everyone, from any country, regardless of age (read: small children as well). Also, anyone who helps these undocumented workers would be punishable by the same felony and 5 years in prison.

Again, this is just to clarify, and just to let people know what is going on. It's a big deal in nerdy political-science-y circles, but most people aren't in those I guess (shamefully hangs head at her own inclusion). Please don't turn this place, which is full of fun and yarn, into one of hate and anger over weather this bill is just or not, and immigration in general. Please.

Thank you.

I keep hearing about this "In and Out" business. Perhaps I should chekc into.

I want the immigrants to stay. Someone has to pick the kumquats.

Seriously though - these gov't people who want to kick them out - are they going to come and work all of the agricultural jobs that require manual labor?

Liz, THANK YOU!! That was an awesome explanation!!

It was kind of funny because I left downtown super-early yesterday to miss the big rally, only to run into one (literally) on my way to Home Depot last night. You see, high off the success of my first project, I have another little box project to make this week and wanted the supplies. Also, must admit I got very helpful service there last time. heh heh. Love me some home depot!

Awesome!

Laurie, I am so glad to see your positive description of the rallies (can't see the video at work, but will later). We also had a rally here in Omaha, Nebraska, attended by more than 12,000 people (yup, we do have more people than that here) and it was a really great, peaceful time. There were about 4 people who showed up with signs saying "deport illegals" etc, but the immigrant rallying crowd just chanted back "U.S.A U.S.A!!" instead of causing problems. The only sad thing is all of the horrible misinformation (or lack of info) and all of the hateful comments (not here, but other places) from it. but, i won't start on that here!

I've only commented once before, but i love your blog, Laurie, and there are so many times that you express what is inside my head better than i ever could!!!

Hey Laurie,

Did you get that big planter box out to the back 40?

Are you going to cover the planter box with mosaic?

Liz from New York:
Thanks so much for giving the info in such a great way!! and also for the reminder not be hateful!
I'm glad you pointed out the children!! There is still debate about this, whether they will be considered as also illegal (and therefore felons under HR 4437) or if they will retain their status, but their undocumented parents would then be felons and imprisoned - if this occurs - what happens to the children?

Now why wasn't that on Fox11 this morning???

And let us not foget anyone who is helping these immigrants. So say, a food pantry, a church organization working with immigrants as mission outreach, a homeless shelter, people providing and replenishing water stations in the desert, any of these folks could be prosecuted as felons. Hmmmm...

I just sent you an email entitled, "Cool knitted cat toys," and want to let you know that it`s NOT SPAM.

Here`s the link, for anyone else interested ---
http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring06/PATTnautie.html

Oh, it _had_ to be In-N-Out. Did they run out of fries again?!?!

Oops -- forgot to comment on the post. DUUUUUH!

I am terified of the latest anti-immigrant backlash.

The immigrants, legal or otherwise, with "entitlement attitudes" are another story, but as far as I`m concerned, anyone who sneaks into the U.S. only to work hard and pay taxes is my kind of criminal.

Drew, I may try to mosaic the thing if I can scare up enough shards of stuff, but with the current roy stuff, I'm not going to go out and buy mosaic supplies. I was thinking, though, I do have a ton of paint, so I might paint a faux mosaic on there! Which might look good, what do you think?

Also, I have not moved the box to the back 40, I have to wait until this weekend when I can get Francisco to help me. I'm very excited to show him my handiwork.

How did you get good service at Home Depot? Inquiring minds want to know. Perhaps I should have been born a blond. I can't see the video on my work 'puter but I'll try again from home.

Shan, it's all in the genes. I mean... jeans. Bootyriffic jeans. LOL.

Don't forget the wall they want to build along the US-Mexico border. I don't see a wall being built along our Canadian border. I'm just saying...

I am very impressed by your driving and filming/photographing skills. I, too, drive a stick and I'm way too uncoordinated for that kind of stuff. I can barely change the CD track while driving.

I wish I had a "francisco"....

You are so talented and brave. Driving a stick and filming a mob. I had to drive my son's (stick shift) car yesterday and was in panic mode when I was caught on a hill and started rolling backwards. EEK. Guess I got a little spoiled with the automatic transmission.
I vote to see some creative artwork on the box. I can't wait to see what you come up with. Maybe a big kitty pi.
I want a "francisco" too.

I love reading your blog. It's so wonderful to read something that isn't about a seemingly problem free life. It may sound weird, but you're an inspiration to me.

Laurie: don't paint your box -- any paint that would stand up to the moisture (from the ground even if you don't get much from the sky) would probably be toxic. Better to let the wood age nicely, and besides, it's less work.

This comment is for Lori: Honey, don't hate. If you were from a country where you had limited options, and you see America as "the land of opportunity" and "the home of the free", what would you do? You have to understand that down there (as I have heard from many Mexicans) they promote our country so much. What I mean is, they promote the idea of coming here and prospering, not only for themselves, but for their families and their future generations. Most of the Mexicans that I know came here to work hard while they are young and strong, save money, then go home in ten years or so when they have saved enough, and start their own buisnesses, or take care of their parents, or whatever their dreams are. This country is seen as a place where you can make your dreams come true. If you will think back on our country's history, we all started as immigrants. All throughout our country's history, immigrants have come here with the hope for a better future than the one their home country could offer. This country is known for being things like "free" and "diverse".

Sorry, Laurie, I didn't mean to ramble on like that. Well, maybe I did, but I feel so compelled to say something when I see people who are stuck firmly in a closed-mind mentality. I apologize sincerely.

This comment is for Jules: I don't think Lori was hating. I don't know a single person that illegals take jobs from because no one I know would do a job like that. These people DO have a right to a better life (don't even get me started on what kind of a country pushes all their people on their neighbor just because their own government is too inept or incompetent to take care of them)but they DO NOT have a right to skip to the head of the line just because they were fortunate enough to be born right next door. There are hundreds of thousands of people who want a better life here, escaping political or religious persecution, or because they believe in human or women's rights and their birth country doesn't. Yeah, Mexico is poor, but their people could be in much worse situations. ALL the immigrants should have EQUAL opportunity in this great country. And I don't think that's closed-minded.

Sorry Laurie! I swear I wasn't gonna post about this, but people were calling each other out! I just found your blog about a week ago, and I am totally addicted.

Jules - very well put!!! And it's not the Mexican government who is doing the promoting of the good ol' USofA...it's mainly the companies who hire the workers here. There are many many meatpacking, etc, companies who advertise in Mexico - they offer jobs, higher wages than Mexican ones, and basically, the "American Dream". Then they leave it to the people to get here....and since it costs hundreds of dollars to get here legally (and that is IF-a HUGE IF-they can even get one of the limited visas) the people find it worth it to come here illegally (and dangerously) in order to provide a better life for their families.

wow, months of lurking and now 3 comments at once...sorry, after this I won't hog up your comment area...really, I'm done.........:-)

Hey, good job staying in your lane!

I think I'm going to organize a protest around the fact that we don't have In-n-Out here in New York. I love a good burger!

Mmmmmmmmmmmm In n Out... The ONE thing I miss dearly about living in so-cal. SIgh. Have a double double for me please!

excellent that you were able to stop before rearending the car in front of you.

Such a thorny, complex issue with no easy answers. Thanks for taking the high road, Laurie, and keeping this positive, no matter which side of the issue various folks might be on. And fun video!

Congrats on the garden-box-build by the way -- mui impressive! You are going to go hog-wild when you see how well your plants grow in that raised bed! Can't wait to follow your progress!

nice!!! like a scene from a Radiohead video, just a bit sunnier

please tell me you didn't rear end the guy who was hitting the brakes in front of you?

ACK! for I am mexican, and am against all of what happened yesterday.

Of course, it comes accompanied with a guilt trip on the side, and am typing this under the influcence of cheap boxed wine, but what the HECK.

Is as simple as:

Father went throug a lot to get us here legally allowed.

Why would illegals get the same rights just because they were lucky enough of jumping the fence, and getting a job?

Please, be kind to me. I'm drunk.

completely unrelated cat stuff: www.vikingkittens.com

and on its originating website (in which it is no longer to be found), if you have a small child they might like "My Cat's Got Knees" on www.rathergood.com. People with way too much time on their hands.

hey you stole my line " anyone?, bueller?, bueller?"!!!:P funny though, most people dont get it and look at me like i have 2 heads. gawd, come on people, who the heck hasnt seen ferris bueller's day off?

Maybe the protestors didn't realise that In-n-Out is not an immigration venue?

Mmm, In-n-Out. You make me miss California. But we have Burgerville--not the same, but local-food-oriented (mmmm nothing like in-season Oregon strawberries, y'all, they give CA strawberries an inferiority complex), clean, and kitschy (sp?).

Immigration is such a thorny issue, indeed, and I always find it ironic that people who immigrated legally are so angry at those who did so illegally. Sure, some were noble about and some were not, but in the end, aren't we all just trying to make a better life for ourselves? Aren't we all chasing a dream?

Love, y'all, peace out.

Helen

OMG, the irony of the immigration demonstration being next to an In-n-Out. They're in or they're out. Of all the fast food joints, that's the symbolic-est.

That was incredible, beautiful; it made me cry.

There was a rally here too (Seattle). I'm so happy to read positive things about the rallies here, as that isn't always the case everywhere.

in reply to other comments.....in other parts of the country low paying jobs are held by people in this country legally. and the work gets done.

i'm so glad i live in southern california because the white trash podunk town that i'm from would never experience something like that and that is something no one should miss out on. it's amazing. a couple weeks ago i was driving down the 101 when the first big protest was going on and on the opposite side of the freeway i saw this huge black suburban driving with a mexican flag on one side and an american flag on the other side flying from the windows. it was one of the coolest things i've ever seen.

Well, In N Out is enough to weaken the toughest individual. However, with as heated as things have been around here in the last few weeks over the whole immigration thing, I'd be willing to bet that they are impassioned about something other than In N Out burgers (ooh, now I'm hungry!)

I was stuck in 2 1/2 hours of traffic coming back from Las Vegas yesterday. My digital camera was my new best friend!

Crashed my computer. I wasn't able to post for like three days. Also, we had demonstrations in Salt Lake City over the last weekend... I really have zero interest in the whole situation... I've been burnt out on politics for a while... but I was pissed because I live downtown and I had a whole basket load of perishable groceries and I couldn't get to my HOUSE where I LIVE because stupid demonstrators don't know how to move their asses.