This week, all my reading seems to fall into one of two camps–ooh pretty shiny, or I weep for the fate of humanity. Go figure.

Links that will make you question the future of humanity

CNet offers a post on PleaseRobMe.com and the dark side of social networking.

A man jumps to his death in San Francisco…and people laugh. And tweet.  Humanity? What’s that? We don’t seem to have it any more.

Treehugger has a post on saying no to eating out. Did I fall down and hit my head, or just totally miss the part where cooking became this rare and unusual skill? Are there people who really eat out for most meals?

If you’re a gardener/preparing for the apocalypse Living the Frugal Life and Green Phone Booth both offered tutorials on saving seeds.

Speaking of food, NPR reports that we’ve already reached peak tuna, and that due to the popularity of sushi bluefin tuna is in danger of becoming extinct. Japan doesn’t appear to give a damn.

Make and Meaning looks at the hidden cost of craft books and follows it up by asking what if we paid each other?

Poynter raises the question–should we publish the rantings of criminals and terrorists? At what point is the right of the public to know trumped by the need to deny a platform for those who seek to spread fear?

Some thoughts on NBC’s absolutely awful Olympic coverage and the failure of traditional media.

Bitch offers a look at a thoroughly depressing show and wonders why women keep putting up with Steve Ward and his “tough love”.

Domicile looks at too much cleaning and the rise of superbugs. Cheery.

Finally, a recent survey finds that women are likely to blame the vicitm in rape cases. The comments here are especially apalling.

Hey look! Shiny!

Now that you’re thoroughly depressed, soothe your mind with some pretties from the internet.

Gaia’s Colours has released the Ostara installment for the Wheel of the Year yarn club. Absolutely Gorgeous. I can’t decide between the two colorways….I may have to splurge on both. Seriously, I’m drooling over here.

This recipe for Korean Chicken Thighs from Mrs. B at Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom sounds delicious. And it’s something to cook that doesn’t invovle chicken breasts! Hooray!

Sew Mama Sew filed these handmade tea bags under wedding inspiration, but I think they’d be adorable for any number of occassions.

Craft linked to some vintage labels for your handmade items. These would be adorable on jam or bath items, or even as a tag for a knit or sewn gift.