I went to my first protest/rally today.

I drove down to Annapolis with a female friend in tow, and we were amazed. I'd estimate about three thousand pro-2A people showed up for the rally, and we FILLED the MD Senate building. They had to shut down the building - it was at capacity. We had folks from Maryland Shall Issue, Maryland Shooters Forum, the NRA, and I believe I spotted one of the Alans from the 2AF...that, or he has a twin running 'round Annapolis.

So, an observation: the crowd at the rally was possibly the most polite and respectful crowd I've had the pleasure to be around. I'm slightly agoraphobic in certain situations - for example, the photos of the Ravens rally yesterday made me nervous - but I only felt a slight amount of ohgodTOOMANYPEOPLE near the end, while waiting to sign the testimony book. This group of men, women, and yes, children, really helped to put a pleasant face on what many folks down in Naptown think is a big evil monster. I'm proud to be a part of it, and given the opportunity I think I'd go back down for similar reasons.

Unfortunately, I didn't get to testify. We stood in line for over 2 hours just to be told we wouldn't be allowed in. I have faith my fellow protesters said some fantastic things. I just hope we have a prayer of making a difference. I'm told Beretta has threatened to leave Maryland if SP281 gets passed, and I trust them to follow through with that threat. If anything has an impact on my state senators, that might. Maybe. I hope.

And because I remembered to take a photo, here's a crappy picture showing the amount of people who were there:

The crowd filled that ENTIRE square, plus maybe another hundred people on the steps immediately in front of me, and another 100 or so in line to get in the Senate building. SO MANY PEOPLE. More pictures and updates have been and will be posted here, here, and probably in other threads in that section of MDS. Please feel free to keep an eye on them.


Also, as we were leaving, "someone" in a police motorcade, two tour buses, and a guy with a Mini-14 hanging out the back of the last car in the motorcade caused the trolley we were in to practically beach itself on the curb. Thanks, nitwit. So glad to know you felt the need to show off your might.

Attention gardeners.

I know some folks out there like to garden, and some like to grow their own food. Are any of you folks also in the habit of saving your seeds? Want a list of companies that sell only heirloom seeds?

Courtesy the Baltimore Snacker, I give you this list. It tells you what companies are owned by Monsanto (i.e. seeds that won't breed true from year to year) and what companies are certified non-GMO/heirlooms.

I've noticed it's getting harder and harder to find heirlooms lately. Seems like everyone's growing Big Boy and Better Boy tomatoes, which taste like nothing to me. I prefer "ugly" tomatoes.

Oh, and a recommendation...buy from Landreth and Baker Creek. Both companies have fantastic customer service, their seeds are reliable, and their selection can't really be beat. They've got gorgeous catalogs, too.

I figure it's the time of year when some of us start thinking about what we want to grow in the spring, and some of us are even starting seeds by now. Can't hurt to get a jump on things. :)

SpareOne cell phone

I don't know if anyone's been keeping up on this, but a new company (SpareOne) has a cheap cell phone available to the general public. It doesn't have a screen and can only do basic cell phone things, and it doesn't require charging...all you need is a AA battery (included) for emergency calls. You can also stick a SIM card in if you want to use it like a regular phone. They have two models: one for the US, and one for international use. Oh, and if you store it properly, the battery has a fifteen year shelf life.

More info can be found here, and they've got a deal going on for $10 off one phone until May 8 if you use the coupon code SOPLAY05.

This isn't a paid ad, but I like the idea of having a phone around for emergencies. I picked one up a month or two ago to keep in the car.

Having a bit of an emotional rollercoaster today...

And this made me smile.

I hope it makes you smile, too.

This Is My Home from Mark on Vimeo.

On an unseasonably warm November night in Manhattan on our way to get ice cream, we stumbled upon what appeared to be a vintage shop, brightly lit display window and all. As we began to walk in, a man sitting out front warned us that we were welcome to explore, but nothing inside was for sale. Our interests piqued, we began to browse through the collections the man out front had built throughout his life. This is a story of a man and his home.



To see bonus clips, visit http://departurearrivalfilms.com