Local non-profit organization Trillium Artisans has long been a favorite of Chinook Bookers (see their coupon for 20% off). Members must use a minimum of 50% recycled materials in their gifts and wares. The flower represents the three principles of people, planet and profit that guide this group in creating business opportunities for low-income artists. If you're an artist interested in small business counseling, networking, credit card processing and other benefits of the group, you must make less than the median income in Portland (below $33,950 for a house of four, $27,150 for two and $23,750 for one). Experienced indie crafters can join as board members and commit to helping the organization support sustainability and fair wages. This week we'll take a look at some of our favorite picks from the online shop. Visit in person at 9119 SE Foster Road in Southeast Portland. More...

A co-worker at a former job once described me by saying, "there's no one left of damali."

So what's a radical lefty like me doing participating in capitalism by starting a company?

Yes, I agree that parts of our system will work much better in a socialized form --health care, police, fire, trash and recycling-- but I have always been fascinated by the potential of capitalism --here's why. More...

When you think of helping children in the developing world you probably think of food, medicine or clothing. Now you can add a laptop to that list too. The “Give 1 Get 1” program allows you to donate one laptop to a child in a developing nation and also receive one for the child in your life. But you’d better hurry – the program has been extended until December 31st.

Everyone reading this blog probably takes computers and the Internet for granted. We are blessed to live in a country with 235 million computers – that’s only 1.3 people per computer (1). Computers help us do our work, plan our life, pay our bills and even find the love of our life. Our children use computers to learn and to play – they can’t imagine a world without them. More...