my dad's photos are going to be exhibited at the sf main library in sept and oct! check it out, it's free

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tried a country building game from melanie's blog. there's something vaugely carmen sandiego-esque about this, and i am excited to no end.

The Most Serene Republic of Macabascolia
"Love it or leave it"

UN Category: Democratic Socialists
Civil Rights: Excellent
Economy: Basket Case
Political Freedoms: Excellent
Location: the South Pacific

Regional Influence: Minnow

The Most Serene Republic of Macabascolia is a tiny, socially progressive nation, notable for its punitive income tax rates. Its hard-nosed, intelligent population of 5 million are fiercely patriotic and enjoy great social equality; they tend to view other, more capitalist countries as somewhat immoral and corrupt.

It is difficult to tell where the omnipresent, socially-minded government stops and the rest of society begins, but it juggles the competing demands of Social Welfare, Healthcare, and Education. The average income tax rate is 57%, and even higher for the wealthy. Private enterprise is illegal, but for those in the know there is a slick and highly efficient black market in Woodchip Exports.

Crime is totally unknown, thanks to a well-funded police force and progressive social policies in education and welfare. Macabascolia's national animal is the yak, which frolics freely in the nation's many lush forests, and its currency is the mack.