Why This Sophomore Supports Sparkler Spending

By Annie Mae Platter
I love fireworks! I never get tired of the "boom" and then "crackle, crackle, crackle" followed by a rain storm of color. Did you know that youth groups have fireworks stands in order to raise money for their youth events? So go buy some sparklers and other flashy fireworks in good conscience from your local youth firework stand!

Some ideas:

East Renton Community Church, 13232 156th Ave SE in RENTON!

Mill Creek Fousquare, 164th St SW in Lynnwood

Bothell QFC Parking Lot, 18827 Bothell Way NE

Weekend To-Do List

WALK
1st Thursday Art Walk
What: Seattle art galleries throw open their doors to introduce their new exhibitions and artists.
Why: Art makes you smart.
When: Thursday, noon - 8 p.m.
Where: Pioneer Square neighborhood.



GO
World Record Zombie Walk
What: An organized attempt to smash the Guinness World Record for largest zombie mob.
Why: Mmm BRAINS!!
When: Friday; Registration starts at 6 p.m.
Where: 3501 Phinney Ave N, Fremont



SEE
4th of July Fireworks at Gasworks Park
What: Annual Independence Day fireworks show right on Lake Union.
Why: You're proud to be an American.
When: Saturday, 10 p.m.
Where: Gasworks Park.

O Canada!

Happy Canada Day!

Tegan & Sara are from Canada.

So is Michael Cera.

And moose.

Have a good day, friends of the north!

What's New

Another great etc. blog banner made by the creative genius, Ciara!

She is a true artist.

I wish I was her.

Meet Pastor the Reverend Karl

Pastor the Reverend Karl does Bible Minutes, which are one-minute devotionals. Only sometimes they don't turn out quite right...



See more Bible Minutes!

Visit Pastor the Reverend Karl's website!

Team D.R. comes home tomorrow

"As we end our trip, we are looking back with very full hearts on our time in the Dominican Republic. A couple of us are already planning return trips! :) We have done a medical clinic, a Sunday School-type VBS, and various other projects around to help the Foundation for Peace. This afternoon we had individual and group reflection about the trip and what God's been doing. It gives us great joy to see how GREAT God is." ---- Matthew, Brad, Denise, Lauren, Kelly, Yurika, Ashley, and Caitlin

Summer Reading

One of my favorite parts of the summer season is READING. For some reason, I feel like I have much more time to read during the summer months (whether this is true, I know not)... Maybe it's the fact I'm able to read on grassy lawns, sandy beaches, by the pool, under sunny skies. I always make extensive summer reading lists (never have I read everything on my list!); and I'm even a part of a book club!

Here is a short list of good reads for the summer, for your consideration...

*This list does not contain any books having to do with teenaged-vampire love stories*

1. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
This is my personal current read, and I am really enjoying it; combines science fiction, character study, and a love story in a unique way.





2. Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane
Soon to be a movie starring Leonardo Di Caprio; read the book, about a mysterious island prison/hospital for the criminally insane first, the book is always better.

3. No Plot No Problem Novel Writing Kit by Chris Baty
Why not write a novel this summer? This instructional book will be a big help for those first-timers out there.







4. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: The Classic Regency Romance -- Now With Ultraviolent Zombie Mayhem! by Jane Austen (and other contributers)
I keep seeing this book everywhere; it sounds pretty silly... Zombies in a Jane Austen novel?! But, hey, if you're not a fan of Mr. Darcy, this might be the book for you!

5. When You Are Engulfed In Flames by David Sedaris
Sedaris' latest and greatest; you can always count on him for a good, self-deprecating laugh.






6. Evidence by Mary Oliver
Need a little poetry in your life? I recommend Mary Oliver, who has a new collection out.

7. Pedaling Revolution: How Cyclists are Changing American Cities by Jeff Mapes
Biking seems to be all the rage right now, which is great because gas is super expensive right now.







You should also check out Listology.com's 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die and the BBC's Top 100 Books for more ideas... Construct your own list too!