So much to say. Let’s get started.

Today is Friday the 13th. Hooray.

First: (RED)
You’ve probably seen a Gap ad or two with their (RED) merchandise. I remember seeing one back in February and thinking it was a Valentine thing. I was wrong and I am behind on my current events once again. But I love Bono and I love red this year, so this gets a mention, late or not.
(RED) is a global campaign started last year to help people in Africa with AIDS get the medicine they need, with an emphasis on women and children. Already last year money from (RED) purchases reached $25 million.
So far American Express, Gap, Armani, Motorola, Converse, and Apple are selling (RED) products. So here’s what happens: you buy a (RED) product, the company sends money to the Global Fund, and people get their medicine. It’s that simple (for us, anyway).
This is different from the ONE campaign because–in Bono’s words–”Where ONE takes on the bigger, longer-term beast of changing policy and influencing government, (RED) is, I guess, about a more instant kind of gratification.”
This is good stuff, people. I’m not going to lecture about helping others (to myself, also) because I don’t see why anyone wouldn’t participate in some way. You might say, “Well, I don’t need an iPod or a new Motorola phone.” Hey, Gap has shirts, pants, jackets. Things we actually buy. Converse makes shoes most of you (*cough*dismarumflintlogen*cough*) wear anyway.

Here are the links:
Official (RED) site
(Gap)RED
(Converse)RED (but you’ll probably still have to navigate to it)
Video of Bono & Bush & Oprah & (RED)
Hilarious commercial of the large (RED) brackets following unsuspecting people

Alright. I expect to see (RED) things on all of you next time we speak.

Second: Goodness & Randomness
1. I was searching the other day for pictures of an immunity idol because I’d never seen one, nor had I any idea what one was. I found this, and laughed so hard I almost peed myself. Be sure to read the item description at the bottom. Note the Planned Parenthood site.
2. Thanks to damn hell Ben and a fabulous lineup, I now want very much to go to Lollapalooza this year. I’m actually considering it seriously. Or maybe I should hold out for Burning Man instead.
3. One unofficial member of TD&Co., our Austin-based cousin M, sent out a link to this news article yesterday. I’m sure I have an opinion on it, but for now I’ll keep it to myself. Feel free to comment.

Third: Notes about the TD site
1. TD forum is up and running, albeit hidden for the time being. It’ll be up soon. “Soon” is vague and I have much to do.
2. The lone TD Coloring Contest contestant and therefore winner will be announced soon. We love him. The rest of you pretty much suck. You may redeem yourself by flattery, groveling, or buying (RED) items.
3. Mailing list signup button also on its way.
4. I’m always curious about the people who google “Team Daria.” If you’re one of those people who has stumbled across our humble abode, feel free to leave a message and get a warm TD welcome. “Warm TD welcome” sounds slightly dirty and/or ominous to me.

One last thing.
Tomorrow is dismarum’s birthday. You should probably email her some of those ridiculous e-cards that sing and dance and let you write obscenely dirty messages over a flowered background.
EMAIL DISMARUM DISTURBINGLY CHEERY E-CARDS HERE

Peace, love, and (RED).