Former soldier (and former Drinking Liberally guest speaker) Marshall Thompson walked across the state of Utah to protest the war in Iraq. There were talks about a documentary being made about his journey, and now this Tuesday at 7pm it finally premieres in Salt Lake (for free at the SL Main Library).  You can visit the SLC Film Center website for more info.

A Soldier’s Peace Website

Heather and I have attended Plan-B’s fundraiser for the last couple years now, and we have always had a good time. This is highly recommended by us:

I just received this from MoveOn; sounds like an event worth attending.
Anybody who has Thursday noon free could go, and so could anyone who works downtown and can visit for lunch:
“Dear MoveOn Member,
On Thursday, we’re making major news at events in Salt Lake City and around the country. We’re unveiling a new poll showing that local voters want to stop wasting billions in Iraq, and want to help the economy by investing those resources here at home.
In Salt Lake City, we can make an even bigger splash if there’s a crowd at the press conference—ten or twelve folks to show that voters in your community care about this issue.
This event is short—likely less than 45 minutes—and all you have to do is be there. Can you come?
Host: Richard L—fellow MoveOn member
Where: Federal Building Plaza (in Salt Lake City)
When: Thursday, Apr. 24, 2008, at 12:00 PM
Here’s the link to RSVP:

http://pol.moveon.org/event/recessionreport/46351?id=12488-6296802-ZIbxLp&t=4

These press conferences are key part of our larger “Iraq/Recession” campaign to highlight the links between the war and the struggling economy—and put heavy pressure on pro-war Republican senators who keep voting to continue this costly war.
MoveOn members have already stepped up to host events nationwide…”

Bob McCarthy the owner of Stoneground Restaurant here in Salt Lake is in the process of opening a new bar in the Marmalade District (750 North 300 West).  The location of the bar is where the original “Hideout” used to be. The “Hideout” was just a tavern/beer bar. Bob is trying to change the license from a tavern to a private club. This has become a very debated issue and he is getting a lot of opposition from the local community. He is need of people who live in the Capitol Hill District to sign a petition in support ASAP. Please contact me via email at mmmerrill (at) hotmail (dot) com for petition locations.

The hottest issue this election season is Referendum 1, the private school voucher referendum. This Friday (Nov. 2nd) at the Piper Down (1492 S. State St. in SLC) we will have representatives from both the pro-voucher and anti-voucher camps who will be there to answer all your questions about the bill.

Dr. Patrick Byrne will be answering questions for the pro-voucher side, and Pat Shea will be answering questions for the anti-voucher side.  Dr. Byrne is the Chairman & CEO of Overstock.com.  Mr. Shea is an attorney and a former Director of the BLM under President Clinton.

We will allow each side to briefly state their case in support or in opposition to vouchers, and then we will open it up to questions from the group.

If you haven’t yet made up your mind on this issue, or if you just want some clarification on the bill, join us in what is sure to be an insightful night.

Add this event to your Facebook calendar: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=5499338499

You know what’s really fun? Salt City Derby Girl bouts. If you’re looking for something to do Saturday night join Heather, Jeremiah and friends at the Wood Shed to be picked up by the party bus.

More info at http://saltcityderbygirls.com/

At the Salt Lake DL meet-up we’ve often had visitors from northern Utah, who’ve either made a special trip just to Drink Liberally, or who happen to be in town and wanted to check us out. Well, now northern Utah liberals don’t have to come all the way to Salt Lake to drink and chat with like-minded people.

The Ogden chapter of Drinking Liberally will have their inaugural meet-up on Monday, January 8th. They’re going to be meeting at the City Club, across from Roosters at 264 Historic 25th Street. You can check out their website at http://dlogden.blogspot.com.

If you were at last Friday’s meet-up, you might have met the two liberals who will be hosting this chapter, Bill and Pamela. They’re going to be great hosts; they’re knowledgeable on local issues and enthusiastic to start this new chapter. You can sign up for their mailing list at drinkingliberally.org, and while you’re there revel in the additional blue dot in Utah on the map. We’ve gotta catch up to Idaho at least, who currently has four chapters. Next up, Drinking Liberally Provo!

No More Homeless Pets is putting on their semi-annual Super Pet Adoption. 750 animals need good homes.

When: Sept. 15th 2pm – 7pm; 16th 10am – 7pm; 17th 11am – 4pm
Where: PetSmart 389 W. 1830 S., Salt Lake City
More Info: www.utahpets.org

From the Utah Democratic News Network:

“On Saturday, July 29 Utah Democrats will be gathering at Washington Park in Parleys Canyon east of Salt Lake for a Democratic Family Reunion. Democrats in all 50 states will be participating in similar gatherings around the country that day as well.

Democrats from all over Utah are invited to bring the whole family to this event. If you can’t make it, plan a reunion of your own for Democrats in your precinct, legislative district or county to participate in and let us know where your event will be taking place.

The Washington Park event will feature games, great food and an excellent opportunity to get to know one another better. At the event we will launch a voter contact effort asking Democrats to contact 100 voters over the course of the 100 days following July 29th to help us build on the momentum we have already established this year.

Please mark your calendars now to attend the Utah Democratic Family Reunion on July 29. Washington Park is located just east of the Mountain Dell Golf Course. Take Exit 134 on I-80 eastbound. Activities will begin at noon. We will let you know as more details become available. “

What: Drinking Liberally at Twilight Concert Series

Who: Earl Scruggs, with Chris Hillman & Herb Pedersen opening.

Where: Gallivan Center Plaza- 239 South Main, Salt Lake City.

We will meet at the west side railing of the pond, 6:30 and 7:00.