October 2008 Archive
« September 2008 | Home | November 2008 »
October 18, 2008
Tabbity-Tab-Tab.
And still mooore tabs - this is an endless battle.- Chris Clarke is blogging again. In this entry he writes about Sarah Palin, Hillary Clinton, Obama, sexism, racism, the environment and such-like.
But the primary tenet of feminism is that women are ethically, intellectually, and politically the equals of men. To refrain from criticizing Palin’s ecocidal policies (among so many other things) based on her gender is an insult to the more than one hundred million women in the US who manage not to be power-mad Christofascist thugs. And failing to call her out on it just because she’s accepted the label “feminist” as part of the dissembling context of the most ridiculous Presidential campaign in recent US history not involving Lyndon LaRouche is, to my mind, to debase the work of millions of other feminists.
- Comparing depths of oppression is always a bad idea, but people do it. Echidne responds to the notion that racism is worse than sexism because women can get cabs more easily. Sure, but women can't freakin' go outside as freely as men.
In most societies women who go out alone at night are at greater risk than men who go out alone, because women have to deal not only with the risk of getting mugged but also with the risk of getting raped. They are seen as prey. So women adjust to this, accommodate themselves to this, stay at home and agree to live lesser lives because of their sex.
I have never met a woman who isn't aware of this difference, who isn't used to carefully mapping out routes to new places, who isn't cautious about going anywhere at night on her own. But despite this and all those take-back-the-night marches the idea that women should somehow have the right to go out alone and not be at any greater risk than anyone else is -- what? A stupid idea? Impossibly idealistic?
Whatever it is it is also a human rights issue. - John McCain is an adulterer. Somehow, the press doesn't care though. IOKIYAR. (It's ok if you're a Republican.)
- Read your email (in gmail) without touching your mouse. I must confess I don't take advantage of keyboard shortcuts nearly as well as I should. It is a failing in my geekiness.
- Sports make for happy families? Sure (but so do other things) - but with everything so organized and scheduled, there's no opportunity for pick-up games. Nevertheless, as soon as TheLittleGuy is wobbling around on two legs, we're going to be schlepping him to the fields at the rec center and saying "run around, run around!" I have a whole entry (in my head) about my concerns about the nature deficit for children.. one of these days.
- How to Fight a Rumor - Hint: don't just ignore it.
- Michael Berube is blogging again, and has a snarky open letter to "conservatives." Read the whole thing. A snippet:
Folks, I don’t think you understand how we truly feel about you. We mock you and tease you, I know, and you hate us for it. But we don’t hate you back. Really, we don’t. We’re secular pluralists, after all, and we know we have to find ways of sharing this planet with people who can’t stand secular pluralists. We really just want you to leave us alone. Still, we have our limits. The way you’ve behaved over the past decade or two leads us to believe that you’ll do whatever it takes to make the next decade or two a living hell for everyone who’s sincerely trying to clean up all the messes you’ve made. And we just can’t be bothered with that nonsense right now. This is too important.
- Digby on the possibility of some progressive shock doctrine. If only Obama and other Democratic leaders would seriously consider these kinds of ideas.
- Digby and Avedon on how Republicans really don't respect you at all - they talk a good game, but when it comes right down to it, they hold the vast bulk of the citizenry in contempt.
They don't respect you and they don't want to have to pretend they do. They want you to show them deference and they know you won't do that if you feel like a free person in a free society who doesn't have to take crap from some petty tyrant who thinks you should feel honored to kiss his ring. Republicans are pissed off because it's so hard to get good help these days - help that knows they are just the help, that knows their place, that uses the servants' entrance and calls them "sir" and doesn't question them. A strong middle-class - that is, a secure workforce - gets bolshy and tells abusive employers to bugger off, and the ruling class doesn't like that.
- A bit more from Merlin Mann on redoing 43 Folders with a re-oriented focus:
This is now a site for people who want to finish things that they care about — but who still occasionally need help, inspiration, and the courage to push all the bullshit off their work table. This is about clearing that space every day, and then using it to do cool stuff that makes you proud.
- Really, really Not Safe For Work (lots of nasty language - you've been warned). Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart send a letter to John McCain about his campaign's use of one of their songs. Ouch.
- For anyone who hasn't seen it yet - Keating Economics. The Obama campaign explains John McCain's unethical behavior from the 80s, for those who've forgotten or were too young to notice.
- A Suzanne Vega song was the basis for improving the mp3 compression scheme. She listened and thought a little bit of the warmth was lost.
- Many have already written about the horrible racist hatemongering and incitement to riots that McCain and especially Palin have been up to in recent days. They have been more blatant and more extreme than even Dubya was, with his dogwhistle appeals to people who, for whatever reason, are a-feared of the brown people. There is a virulent strain of racism and bigotry in America though, and it is appalling that McCain and Palin see fit to stir it up. Digby notes:
Validating a bogus accusation that your political rival is a terrorist in our current environment is the most irresponsible thing I've seen a campaign do in many a year. They know they are very likely going to lose this election. And McCain certainly knows that the main reason he is losing is because of the dramatic failures of fellow failed Republican George W. Bush. But even knowing that his candidacy was always very likely doomed is not stopping him from releasing this poison into the bloodstream of the body politic, a poison which will be with us for a long time to come.
Paul Krugman (who just won the Nobel Prize for economics) discusses the insane rage at McCain/Palin rallies, reminds us of all the crazy BS spewed about the Clintons and observes:What it came down to was that a significant fraction of the American population, backed by a lot of money and political influence, simply does not consider government by liberals (even very moderate liberals) legitimate. Ronald Reagan was supposed to have settled that once and for all.
What happens when Obama is elected? It will be even worse than it was in the Clinton years. For sure there will be crazy accusations, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see some violence.
The next few years are going to be very, very tough. - If I were a proper blogger, I could probably make good use of Sweetcron - The Automated Lifestream Blog Software. Maybe one of these days.
- Scalzi is apparently sometimes criticized for writing about politics on his own website. Some people threaten not to buy his fiction books because of things he's written on his site. He has a response to such nonsense:
Why yes, fiction writers should write about politics, if they choose to. And so should doctors and plumbers and garbage collectors and lawyers and teachers and chefs and scientists and truck drivers and stay-at-home parents and the unemployed. In fact, every single adult who has reason enough to sit down and express an opinion through words should feel free to do just that. Having a citizenry that is engaged in the actual working of democracy matters to the democracy, and writing about politics is a fine way to provide evidence that one is actually thinking about these things.
The last three sentences are sort of an old school blogger's manifesto, I think.
[...]The idea that practicing any profession somehow obliges or even encourages a vow of silence on any subject, politics or otherwise, that might offend someone somewhere, is odious. Everyone should be encouraged to say what they wish to say about the important matters of the day. Everyone should feel that participation in the life of their community and their state and nation is a critical act. To do less invites ignorance and ultimately tyranny. - I've said it a hundred times - you should just read Digby every single day. Digby is by far the best political analyst around. A few days ago she discussed George W. Palin:
She isn't a politician at all. She's a caricature of a politician, as he is. They are both figureheads who represent something important to voters who believe that the biggest problem in the world is that pointy headed elites are incompetent because they lack comm on sense. And the funny thing is that it's the product of one of the harshest conservative criticisms of liberalism over the years ---- the self-esteem movement. Both George W. Bush and Sarah Palin are self-esteem symbols, put forth to prove to people who have been convinced that liberal elites are ruining everything, that the world would be better led by someone just like them. It's the ultimate social promotion.
- Also on the topic of Palin, Echidne and Katxena discuss the complexities of dealing with people's reactions to her. As with Hillary, there's just so much sexist junk to wade through even though there are plenty of contrasts to Hillary from a policy perspective. Katxena:
I keep hearing comments about how great it is that she doesn't dress like most female politicians, eschewing pantsuits and solid reds and pinks -- to which I respond that it would be really great if we would stop talking the clothes of female politicians. I also hear comments that it's disrespectful of her to refer to her opponents as Joe and Barak, when they go out of their way to refer to her as governor -- to which I respond that she's got to demonstrate that she's at their level, that she's part of their club.
Echidne:Yet she IS the first Republican female vice-presidential candidate and this allows her to be viewed by the sexists among us as the best women can offer (or at least the best Republican women can offer). It allows the sexists among us to make fun of all women in the disguise of making fun of only Sarah Palin. And trying to differentiate between these two intentions is almost impossible.
Note that my post is not intended to denigrate Sarah Palin's qualifications. A country which has had eight years of George Bush and his qualifications and found them just fine shouldn't suddenly get all red-faced and furious about her qualifications or the lack of them. But Palin is not the kind of an individual who is picked to be the First in a new and important arena, certainly not if the intention is to have her break the path for other women to follow (always assuming that she'd let them). Yet there she is. - That One '08 - While I didn't see the snubbed handshake in the second debate the way most seem to have (I thought McCain was putting on a show of introducing Obama to his wife), I did find his reference to Obama as "that one" in the debate to be rather jarring. Plenty of people are apparently finding it racist as well.
- Flu Season approaches - Making Light reminds everyone to get your flu shots. I think I may try to get mine this weekend, actually - if we can squeeze it in. And here and here is some helpful info on making flu pre-packs for yourself and everyone in your household. We've fallen off a bit in keeping our emergency stores up-to-date, but a flu pre-pack seems manageable.
<=> | in: Civil Rights & Feminism / Energy & Environment / Federal Politics / Media Dysfunction / Personal Organization / Republicans / Technology
Post a comment on "Tabbity-Tab-Tab."
October 14, 2008
Tabs Tabs Tabs
More tabs:<=> | in: Civil Rights & Feminism / Democrats / Economics / Entertainment / Federal Politics / Health & Food / Music / Parenting / Personal Organization / Religion & Politics / Republicans / Technology
Post a comment on "Tabs Tabs Tabs"
October 13, 2008
Kid Bragging
My little heartbreaker; not quite 4 months old.
Flickr page for this photo.
Post a comment on "Kid Bragging"
LJ Meme
A meme making the rounds on the LJs I read. Feel free to consider yourself pinged. Drop me an email (since my comments are still broken) if you continue the meme on your site.01) Are you currently in a serious relationship?
Yes - two of them, now!
02) What was your dream growing up?
To not be poor.
03) What talent do you wish you had?
Many, but one is the ability to play the guitar. I know, I just need to practice...
04) If I bought you a drink what would it be?
Depends on the day - if I'd been at work all day, probably a vodkatini - Belvedere, a little dirty.
05) Favorite vegetable?
Don't know that I have one - I like most veggies. Lately I tend to be eating a lot of broccoli and spinach.
06) What was the last book you read?
Goodness, probably some baby health book. Last fiction might have been Russo's Bridge of Sighs.
07) What zodiac sign are you?
Taurus, and yes, I'm stubborn.
08) Any Tattoos and/or Piercings? Explain where.
Just ears, although I only occasionally wear earrings.
09) Worst Habit?
Procrastinating.
10) If you saw me walking down the street would you offer me a ride?
Sure.
11) What is your favorite sport?
To watch: baseball. Once TheLittleGuy is old enough, we are even planning to take him to Florida to watch some spring training. To play: swimming (if that counts).
12) Do you have a Pessimistic or Optimistic attitude?
My spouse calls me a frustrated idealist, doomed to lament missed opportunities for the rest of my days.
13) What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me?
Probably make some dumb joke and then chit-chat.
14) Worst thing to ever happen to you?
I have been pretty fortunate - most of the 'bad stuff' that's happened to me has been fairly first world in character, probably not worth bitching about in the grand scheme of things.
15) Tell me one weird fact about you.
I had to ask my husband to come up with a weird fact about me.
16) Do you have any pets?
Two cats.
17) What if I showed up at your house unexpectedly?
I'd feed you and show off my giant baby.
18) What was your first impression of me?
N/A
19) Do you think clowns are cute or scary?
I'm mostly indifferent to clowns, but if I had to choose I'd say scary.
20) If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be?
Thinner; duh.
21) Would you be my crime partner or my conscience?
Either, as necessary.
22) What color eyes do you have?
Hazel/green.
23) Ever been arrested?
No.
24) Bottle or can soda?
Bottle, if possible.
25) If you won $10,000 today, what would you do with it?
Save it for TheLittleGuy's college fund. For which, by the way, we are accepting donations now. Heh.
27) What's your favorite place to hang out at?
My house, with my boys.
28) Do you believe in ghosts?
No.
29) Favorite thing to do in your spare time?
Spare what?
30) Do you swear a lot?
Hell yes. (I'm trying to stop - little pitchers, and all.)
31) Biggest pet peeve?
I have a lot of pet peeves, but I try to be zen about them these days - who has the energy?
32) In one word, how would you describe yourself?
Intense. (But I mean a very specific thing by that.)
33) Do you believe/appreciate romance?
Sure.
34) Favourite and least favourite food?
I'm pretty much an omnivore so this changes daily. But today, I'll say... strawberry shortcake (favorite) and cold fish loaf (least favorite - had some overseas once; ewww.)
35) Do you believe in God?
Not as such.
36) Will you repost this so I can fill it out and do the same for you?
--------------------- COPY THIS PART----------------------------
01) Are you currently in a serious relationship?
02) What was your dream growing up?
03) What talent do you wish you had?
04) If I bought you a drink what would it be?
05) Favorite vegetable?
06) What was the last book you read?
07) What zodiac sign are you?
08) Any Tattoos and/or Piercings? Explain where.
09) Worst Habit?
10) If you saw me walking down the street would you offer me a ride?
11) What is your favorite sport?
12) Do you have a Pessimistic or Optimistic attitude?
13) What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me?
14) Worst thing to ever happen to you?
15) Tell me one weird fact about you.
16) Do you have any pets?
17) What if I showed up at your house unexpectedly?
18) What was your first impression of me?
19) Do you think clowns are cute or scary?
20) If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be?
21) Would you be my crime partner or my conscience?
22) What color eyes do you have?
23) Ever been arrested?
24) Bottle or can soda?
25) If you won $10,000 today, what would you do with it?
27) What's your favorite place to hang out at?
28) Do you believe in ghosts?
29) Favorite thing to do in your spare time?
30) Do you swear a lot?
31) Biggest pet peeve?
32) In one word, how would you describe yourself?
33) Do you believe/appreciate romance?
34) Favourite and least favourite food?
35) Do you believe in God?
36) Will you repost this so I can fill it out and do the same for you?
<=> | in: Journaling
2 Comments --
Mandy Moore nude Mandy Moore nude
Scarlett Johansson nude Scarlett Johansson nude
Kristen Stewart Naked Kristen Stewart Naked
Elle MacPherson nude Elle MacPherson nude
Courtney Cox nude Courtney Cox nude
Rihanna naked Rihanna naked
Audrina Patridge Nude Audrina Patridge Nude
Jennifer Aniston Naked Jennifer Aniston Naked
Katy Perry Nude Katy Perry NudePosted by: jhcgxezsej on March 24, 2009
Post a comment on "LJ Meme"
More Tabs
I have to clear out this tab backlog, either by blogging them, or del.icio.us'ing them, or just deleting them, because my laptop is rather hosed and needs a reboot. And while I know I can save all tabs in Firefox, I've done that before in similar circumstances and never gotten back to them. So, here are a few more items that have been open in my browser for awhile....<=> | in: Economics / Federal Politics / Personal Organization
Post a comment on "More Tabs"
October 8, 2008
Another Tab Dump
We watched the debate (ha - what a laughable term for these things) the other night and kinda-sorta-liveblogged it over at rc3.org. It's the only way to make them tolerable. Good for a few chuckles. I've still got loads of tabs open in my browser from the last few weeks. Will try to jot down a few more of them here just so I can say that I'm sort of weblogging. Heh.
<=> | in: Civil Rights & Feminism / Democrats / Federal Politics / General Musings / Health & Food / Religion & Politics / Republicans
Post a comment on "Another Tab Dump"
October 6, 2008
Boy Update
Just a few notes on TheLittleGuy before I forget to note stuff down anywhere.He has finally slowed a bit in his relentless growth and has been holding steady at about 20 pounds for a couple of weeks now. I'm told this is one of the possible patterns for breastfed babies, so fine. At least we don't have to get him into a new car seat yet - although we have the next car seat in the house. I'm not as ravenous as I had been for awhile, either, now that we're past the 3-month growth spurt. So I guess I have to ease up on the ice cream until the next growth spurt!
He is making some progress with tummy time and holding his head up and using his core muscles, but is not particularly interested in rolling yet (unless it's toward Mama when he's hungry.) He is, however, very active during his active times, with lots of kicking and waving of arms around and doing a King Kong impression by beating his fists into his sides to show excitement. He also chair-dances quite enthusiastically sometimes - especially if one of us dances goofily in front of him. I think about all that energy in a mobile toddler and I cry. Haha. Just kidding! He's also now showing an interest in plush toys. I told TheGuy that meant I was going to have to go the baby store and fill a big cart with a wide variety of plush toys. He told me to try to chill.
TLG also officially laughs. We'd been getting a few sporadic giggles for a couple of weeks now, but in the last few days he's started laughing at things. First, was to burst out laughing when Dad mock-sighed at him after TLG had sighed dramatically. Dad kept sighing and TLG kept laughing. Then he laughed at one of my shushing attempts, so I just kept repeating "PSSSSSSHHHHHHHH" and he found that hysterical. The other day, Dad sneezed while at the changing table with TLG, and TLG thought that was the funniest thing ever. And so then both of us fake-sneezed at him for half an hour to keep the giggles coming.
That is pretty much life with TLG -- when one of us isn't spelling the other so the other can get something done, we spend our time trying to find ways to make the boy laugh.
I keep uploading pictures at Flickr (eventually they will almost all go private, I think, but for now we're sharing his cuteness with the world.) My parents and his Aunt have an insatiable appetite for pictures of him - my other Flickr buds will just have to tolerate the endless boy pictures until I find some time to start taking pics of other things again.
My folks put a birth announcement in the local paper in my hometown. The wise people at the paper also decided to feature his face on the frontpage (we used this picture). Clearly he is too good-looking not to promote to the frontpage of the newspaper! (I haven't seen this yet, but once I get a copy it'll go into his baby book.)
He seems to be beginning the 4-month sleep regression, but so far that just means he's eating a bit more frequently at night again. I'm told there's also a 4-month growth spurt (he'll be 4 months old in a week and a half) which we may be seeing signs of as well. He's been sleeping an 11-12 hour stretch (with interruptions for a few feeds and a couple of diaper changes) for about a month now, I think. Sometimes it's hard to get him to go to sleep without some fussing, but sometime between 9 and 10 he usually conks out. I could write reams about TLG's sleep and eating patterns, but I'll stop there and note that, so far, *knock wood* it hasn't been too bad for us.
I finally gave up on my idea of baby-wearing everywhere (he's too heavy for that and also gets fussed in the carriers (too warm, I think) ) and we bought a proper stroller. Umm, excuse me, these days they are called "travel systems." (Who knew?) We went with one that Consumer Reports recommended as a "best buy" because neither of us had time or inclination to do a lot of research. We like the one we've got and it didn't break the bank- so it'll do. So far we're still using it with his infant car seat when out and about, but we have sat him in the seat part and he seemed to like it fine. Hopefully it will last at least a couple of years.
A couple of of recent pics:
Mandy Moore nude Mandy Moore nude
Scarlett Johansson nude Scarlett Johansson nude
Kristen Stewart Naked Kristen Stewart Naked
Elle MacPherson nude Elle MacPherson nude
Courtney Cox nude Courtney Cox nude
Rihanna naked Rihanna naked
Audrina Patridge Nude Audrina Patridge Nude
Jennifer Aniston Naked Jennifer Aniston Naked
Katy Perry Nude Katy Perry Nude
Posted by: jhcgxefzsej on March 24, 2009