tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-108222032011-08-27T06:34:40.995-07:00beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.comBlogger1041100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-20556492065491618482007-05-25T02:30:00.000-07:002007-05-25T02:33:39.769-07:00

Sorry, but that's all I can manage to say after reading this. Seriously, what else can you say?But, a hearty thanks to Twisty for compiling all of this horrifying news and for the brilliant analysis.

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-75962123044179933202007-05-24T02:40:00.000-07:002007-05-24T02:51:31.047-07:00

And that would be Mandolin's brilliant post at Alas, where she is guest blogging this month. Expanding on Hugo's post from last year, Words are not fists: some thoughts on how men work to defuse feminist anger, Mandolin examines how this observation becomes even more true the less privilege the "attacker" is perceived to have.But I want to take it farther than Hugo does. People don’t just say “

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-83657492014081260882007-05-17T02:22:00.000-07:002007-05-19T00:13:28.166-07:00

Maia has a beautiful (albeit recycled) post at Alas in which she uses Jessica Valenti's new book as a jumping off point to discuss what it is that brought her to feminism.I was once a middle-class girl who was too scared to call herself feminist, the audience of the book. But I didn’t change my mind because feminism seemed easy, but because I realised what how hard the women who had been before

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-78850631819586799262007-05-14T11:22:00.000-07:002007-05-17T02:42:53.719-07:00

Heart at Women's Space/The Margins: The 1st Carnival of Radical Feminists.Ms. Jared at Sinister Sister: Mothers File International Human Rights Complaint Against United States. I got this in my inbox last week, too, and kept meaning to blog about it. But Ms. Jared actually did it. That's why she's a better blogger than me*.Lost Clown at Angry for a Reason: Besides Bad Coffee. Here's another

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-38385984348228107352007-05-10T10:48:00.000-07:002007-05-11T09:15:52.384-07:00

The agency I work for is being featured, and the founder interviewed. The Today Show sent out a camera crew last week and got about 16 hours worth of film...which they will cut down to about 4 minutes. With any luck, I won't end up on the editing room floor.If you can, please tune in and watch -- or set your tivo, dvr, or vcr. Even if I do end up on the editing room floor, it should still be a

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-21506540128919753192007-05-10T04:36:00.000-07:002007-05-10T04:41:03.604-07:00

In the week and a half since I wrote the last post, I've received several emails from various bloggers (primarily, but not exclusively, men) telling me that they thought the post was interesting, infuriating, and, in general, good. Then they told me that they'd like to link to it, but only if I changed the title. Apparently, it's "too offensive." Whatever. I'd say it just goes to show that men

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-13294440707906804412007-05-01T04:14:00.000-07:002007-05-01T04:46:10.875-07:00

Simon P. Green, a paramedic with American Medical Response in Portland, responded to a call from a rape survivor. He treated her and took her to the hospital, talking to her about the assault on the way. He then decided to post about it on his MySpace page, providing details just vague enough to not break any laws, but still detailed enough to allow reporters to find the woman and to potentially

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-21438513108862486192007-03-28T14:53:00.000-07:002007-03-28T14:56:08.371-07:00

Don't have time to blog much right now, but I needed to post about this video. You must watch this video -- it's brilliant. Joy Nash, I love you.

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-92101972989175997702007-03-20T03:44:00.000-07:002007-03-20T08:34:14.472-07:00

I've never laughed so hard at a letter to the editor before in my life. I mean, you have to laugh right? Otherwise you start to remember that there really are people out there who believe this crap.I'm not sure which is funnier -- that this person actually uses the fact that our money mentions god as proof that we should all believe in this concept, or the fact that this person seems to think "

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-40421110717366454772007-03-12T04:10:00.000-07:002007-03-12T04:36:39.008-07:00

At ReZoom.com, they are collecting votes for "A Better World" Awards. You can vote once a day (every day) until March 31, 2007. More than 20 charities will win $5,000, with the grand prize winner winning $100,000. You can check to see if your favorite charity is already nominated and vote for them. If it's not, you can nominate them by filling out the on-line submission form and writing an essay

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-31328861361097425472007-03-05T02:49:00.001-08:002007-03-05T02:49:36.129-08:00

There's been a lot of good responses to Jessica's feminist sorority post. Upon reading it, my first impulse, frankly, was to laugh my ass off. Not because Jessica's post was funny, but because it reminded me so much of my own feminist writings and arguments from just 5-10 years ago (well, except for the "sex-positive" angle, that is). In fact, I was so committed to this fight at the time that I

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-76532498165855200712007-03-01T04:16:00.000-08:002007-03-02T00:26:23.329-08:00

Want to donate to charity (and actually know which one), but don't want to take the time away from surfing the net? Everyday there are more and more ways to help with this dilemma. I think by now most people are already aware of The Breast Cancer Site, The Hunger Site, and the other similar sites where you can donate by simply clicking on the designated spot.And in that same vein comes a new and

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-31940428563820299862007-02-08T02:49:00.000-08:002007-01-26T02:27:20.430-08:00

The other day I got an email from my bank (a large national chain) asking me to take an on-line survey about their on-line banking services. The subject line of the email said: Share your opinions with **** Bank and help donate $12,000 to charity! I thought, well, hey, this could be an easy way to donate money. Intrigued, I opened the email and read:If you qualify and complete the survey, we will

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1150746548277573682006-06-19T12:39:00.000-07:002007-01-10T09:17:06.860-08:00

Unless you know me personally (separate from the blog), you probably are not aware that I am also a part of FATASS PDX -- a group of fat activist radical cheerleaders (FATASS stands for Fat Action Troupe All-Star Spirit Squad). Well, now not only do you know this, but you can also see us in all our glorious cheering fashion, as seen on German Television.The 5 minute 21 second clip is what's left

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1135589918727359702005-12-25T23:44:00.000-08:002006-12-11T12:09:15.863-08:00

Last week, as many of you know, VAWA was reauthorized (with no time to spare). What many of you may not know, however, is that the International Marriage Broker Act [pdf file] has been attached to VAWA. Some of you may remember that I first wrote about this Act back in 2003, when it was first introduced by Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Representative Rick Larsen (D-WA).The IMBA will now help

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1126068559512930622005-09-06T21:40:00.000-07:002005-09-06T22:15:03.180-07:00

We have all been hearing about the great number of tragedies going on in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Unfortunately, on-going tragedies like rape and domestic violence do not take a break during natural disasters, and, in fact, can be made worse in some situations. But the natural disaster may make it harder to help those victims. Due to the hurricane, a number of DV shelters and

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1115219840647511542005-05-04T07:57:00.000-07:002006-03-07T00:13:50.050-08:00

33 years ago, a strong, determined, and independent female character on TV had an abortion -- with no regrets, no devestating consequences. Maude (and the writers, directors and producers of the show) were definitely ahead of the times -- remember, this episode aired in November 1972, 2 months before the Supreme Court ruled on Roe v. Wade (Maude lived in NY, where abortion was already legal).33

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1114110180460275252005-04-21T11:40:00.000-07:002005-04-21T12:03:00.463-07:00

Sheelzebub and Pseudo-Adrienne have already written about the hullaballoo over the South Carolina Senate's decision to make cockfighting a felony while once again tabeling a bill to protect DV victims (and the resulting altercation between SC State Rep. John Graham Altman III and reporter Kara Gormley). I could go on and on about how horrifying and disgusting I find the whole matter. I could go

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1114106374232948272005-04-21T08:50:00.000-07:002005-04-21T10:59:34.240-07:00

It's all done and over with. Finally!I have to say, despite the fact that I had to go all the way out there to take care of this (something I still find utterly ridiculous), everyone involved (directly and indirectly) was extremely kind and accomodating, and I am very grateful for that.I arrived in Manchester on Sunday afternoon, and had to take a cab to Salem (because there are no buses or

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1113319321167213792005-04-12T08:14:00.000-07:002006-05-21T21:12:29.460-07:00

I know it's been a while since I've really done any blogging. I've been sick with a cold for a week, and before that, well, I just wasn't much up for being on the computer. Anyway, I figured I'd at least let you all know what's been going on.Regarding the mice: We've had an exterminator in, and he laid a bunch of poison out in the walls and crawlspaces. Since then, we haven't seen any (or many)

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1113220124541039452005-04-11T04:46:00.000-07:002005-04-11T04:48:44.543-07:00

Andrea Dworkin died Saturday at the age of 58 in her sleep. A brilliant writer and a passionate feminist. She will be sorely missed.At her partner John Stoltenberg's request, donations in honor of Andrea Dworkin's life and work can be made to:The Schlesinger LibraryThe Andrea Dworkin FundRadcliffe Institute10 Garden StreetCambridge, MA 02138-3600or to the domestic-violence shelter or rape-crisis

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1111600621224626032005-03-23T09:49:00.000-08:002005-03-23T09:57:01.226-08:00

Please tell us when you'regoing to drop the big one. I'll be tunedto CNN or MSNBC. I could even buy a second set.I won't miss a thing. It will be more grand than towers tumblingto the ground. No people falling, though. Instead, they'll maybebounce into the air? Or just be running fast, their hair on fire? Willwe see them screaming? See their body parts? What will we see,George? Will we hear their

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1111253790606158412005-03-19T09:33:00.000-08:002006-04-10T18:17:48.410-07:00

Alas, it seems the severe mouse infestation in our house has migrated to my bedroom. Since that's where my computer is, and since I've been avoiding my room as much as possible (due to my extreme phobia of mice), I have not been able to post much (or sleep, or much of anything else other than have severe anxiety attacks because of the mice).It looks like until the mouse problem is dealt with, I

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1110993629896451802005-03-16T08:22:00.000-08:002005-03-16T09:40:13.603-08:00

Amanda and Volsunga have both been talking about punk. Really, they're both good reads. But, I have to admit, they made me giggle.Volsunga said:What the hell is with teen tribes? It seems like all of a sudden, the past few years, kids have been more and more keen to label themselves as “punk” or “emo” or “goth”[...]It’s not the little ones that annoy me. It’s the 17 year old+ people who think all

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1110839122100464662005-03-14T13:49:00.000-08:002005-03-14T14:42:14.933-08:00

I want to apologize to everyone for not posting in almost a week. Last week was a very bad week for me. I spent most of the week dealing with a stomach bug. It was pretty bad -- but I did get to spend some of that time watching a lot of Freaks and Geeks, so I guess it wasn't all bad.I don't usually post about personal things, but there's this one thing that's got me so stressed right now, I can

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1110302217091003812005-03-08T09:04:00.000-08:002005-03-08T09:17:23.316-08:00

Oregon Rep. Paul Hovey (D-Eugene) has introduced a bill that would designate safety concerns due to domestic violence as a "good cause" reason for quitting, allowing them to collect unemployment benefits.SALEM — Rep. Paul Holvey (D-Eugene) introduced a bill Thursday that would help victims of domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault. The bill, HB 2662, would expand current laws to allow

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1110143602319074562005-03-06T13:10:00.000-08:002005-03-06T13:13:22.320-08:00

Anyone who regularly reads Alas may have noticed that it's down. Turns out that they've been kicked off their server (again). Amp has asked that I put up a notice here, so any cross-over readers will know what's going on, and to reassure you that Alas will be back soon. More details about the tech side of things can be found here.

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1109961289435692562005-03-04T10:28:00.000-08:002006-11-03T06:30:23.800-08:00

In one of the links provided by Sarahlynn (see previous post), I came across an incredibly powerful and persuasive essay on the subject of the "best interests for children" in custody cases that involve domestic violence. The entire article is incredible, but I wanted to point out one part in particular -- one of the best responses to the "but women do it too" diversions I've ever read.From What

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1109960712786441962005-03-04T10:24:00.000-08:002005-03-04T10:25:12.793-08:00

Sarahlynn at Yeah, but Houdini didn't have these hips has an excellent series (is 2 a series?) of posts on Domestic Violence and answering the question, "Why didn't she just leave?"Sarahlynn's posts are moving and powerful, and there's not much I can add to them. But that's never stopped me before.Her first reason why an abused woman might not leave her abuser is, IMO, one of the most powerful

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1109917199004740492005-03-03T22:18:00.000-08:002005-03-03T22:19:59.010-08:00

bold the states you've been to, underline the states you've lived in and italicize the state you're in now...Alabama / Alaska / Arizona / Arkansas / California / Colorado / Connecticut / Delaware / Florida / Georgia / Hawaii / Idaho / Illinois / Indiana / Iowa / Kansas / Kentucky / Louisiana / Maine / Maryland / Massachusetts / Michigan / Minnesota / Mississippi / Missouri / Montana / Nebraska /

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1109886508392470422005-03-03T13:42:00.000-08:002005-03-03T13:48:28.396-08:00

Thanks to some helpful prodding by Alsis, blue lily has been more active on her blog, The Gimp Parade. I've been a long-time admirer of lily's, and I'm pleased as punch to see her writing on her blog more. I've always had immense respect for her writing and her insights on disability politics.And now, I'm not the only one. The online disability magazine, Ragged Edge, has taken notice and is going

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1109877311436009162005-03-03T13:39:00.000-08:002005-03-03T13:52:03.626-08:00

Antigone at XX, Lauren at feministe, and Rox Populi have all encouraged -- to put it nicely ;) -- women bloggers to take this survey. So, I did it, and I'll encourage other women to do the same.When I got to the question 9 (magazines you subscribe to) I noticed that out of 92 magazines to coose from, there was not one single feminist magazine listed.Maxim and Men's Health are both listed (of

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1109269185379832602005-03-02T16:30:00.000-08:002005-03-04T11:06:21.066-08:00

Have you ever had a secret that you really wanted to get off your chest, but couldn't dare tell anyone you know? Or maybe you're one of those people who likes to read other people's secrets. Either way, you should check out PostSecret. Hundreds (maybe thousands) of people have contributed so far to this on-going art project, wherein people are invited to creatively use a postcard to reveal a

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1109619387789982622005-02-28T11:33:00.000-08:002005-02-28T11:37:11.633-08:00

As you can see, I have added a "recent comments" list to the sidebar. Yay!I also wanted to mention that no one has to post as "anonymous" anymore. Blogger recently updated it's comments software so you can post as "anonymous," "blogger" (where you have to enter your blogger id & password) or "other." If you choose "other" you can type in your name & either a website address or an email

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1109618195851779392005-02-28T10:56:00.000-08:002005-02-28T11:25:17.220-08:00

After watching the most recent episode of CSI I mentioned to several people that I had now officially seen one of the most fatphobic depictions of fat women I've ever seen on TV (and that's saying something). Sure, the writers tried to make the main characters come off as more "open-minded" and "accepting" than most people, but frankly, I felt it was a half-assed attempt and couldn't override the

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1109584150684452112005-02-28T00:51:00.000-08:002005-02-28T01:51:56.163-08:00

Last fall, des femmes began highlighting the use of sexist language by progressive male bloggers. She pointed out the inherent harm in oppressive language, and refused to just sit by and "take it" because these men were otherwise progressive, liberal men. Many women and a few men avidly supported her and her conclusions.But sexism isn't the only problem that otherwise progressive and liberal (and

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1109351158900497172005-02-25T08:51:00.000-08:002005-02-25T09:05:58.903-08:00

The ridiculously assinine assumptions that there aren't any women bloggers has reared it's ugly head again. And in response, women around the blogoverse have declared this Women in Blogging Week. I've been somewhat bombarded with other stuff, so I'm jumping in a bit late.So, today I'll start with Worshipping at the Altar of Mediocrity. And not just because she started off with a link to me. ;)

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108859170631308182005-02-19T16:22:00.000-08:002006-10-15T20:38:34.836-07:00

1. Grab the nearest book.2. Open the book to page 123.3. Find the fifth sentence.4. Post the text of the sentence in your journal along with these instructions.5. Don’t search around and look for the “coolest” book you can find. Do what’s actually next to you.The only way my father could think of to instill in me a sense of my heritage was to take me to dubbed Italian versions of the ancient

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108856943624580632005-02-19T15:37:00.000-08:002005-02-19T15:49:03.630-08:00

This is a bit old (a few weeks). I don't care. It's too good not to post.Back on January 26th, CBC's news show The Fifth Estate (which I have not seen, but my SO says is excellent) broadcast a one-hour special on the hijacking of the American media by conservative bullies. As would be necessary for any show on this subject, Ann Coulter was interviewed.As Laura (from Is There a Blogger in the

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108772319799132492005-02-18T16:00:00.000-08:002005-02-19T10:00:15.556-08:00

There has been a lot of interest in the civility discussion in the blogoverse lately. (Definitely check out all of the posts, if you haven't already. Quite good reading.)And what good timing. As it turns out, the issue of "civility" has also become an important topic in Congress.Rep. Tim Johnson, R-Ill., is fed up with the name-calling and nastiness that he sees between Republicans and Democrats.

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108751240352715072005-02-18T08:46:00.000-08:002005-02-18T16:35:13.876-08:00

Recently, Talk of the Nation on NPR had an interesting discussion on the Exploration of Deaf Culture. Neal Conan (of TotN) talked to Carol Padden and Tom Humphries, authors of the new book Inside Deaf Culture, and King Jordan, President of Gallaudet University (who, btw, became the first deaf President of Gallaudet in 1988 after a student-led protest demanding a deaf President).For those who

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108590360034759902005-02-16T21:43:00.000-08:002005-02-16T22:07:03.983-08:00

Over on Alas, there has been an on-going discussion about "civility." Since the thread has been closed before I could make a few comments of my own, I figured I'd go ahead and re-open the discussion here.Over the years, a number of studies have pointed out that, in the "real world," men tend to interrupt women more often than other men, and far more often than women interrupt either men or other

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108539083289815322005-01-14T13:59:00.000-08:002005-02-17T10:54:46.780-08:00

In another thread, the topic of sexual abuse of female prisoners by male guards came up. There is one particularly ill-informed particpant in that conversation who seems to be under the incredibly misguided notion that male guards are not allowed to work in female prisons. This could not be further from the truth (at least, not in the US). In fact, in the US, 70% of guards in female prisons are

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108538973845836102005-01-09T13:16:00.000-08:002006-12-12T12:52:28.643-08:00

Over the years, I have heard a number of arguments (usually by men's rights and father's rights activists) that those of us who work in the domestic violence field are "sexist" because we are not offering equal shelter for men escaping domestic violence situations. While I have not seen this explicit argument stated in the recent comments on this blog, I have seen what could be the very

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108538878912362412005-01-08T12:33:00.000-08:002006-04-13T16:06:52.816-07:00

Over the last 4 decades, feminists have made significant strides in getting society to realize and acknowledge the devestating effects of domestic violence. By 1983, 10 states recognized domestic violence as a criminal offense. Also by the early 1980s, 29 states began appropriating funds for services to survivors of domestic violence. By 1987 there were approximately 1000 domestic violence

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108538367950198522004-12-17T22:45:00.000-08:002006-10-24T07:02:21.426-07:00

A question in a different thread made me think of this, so I figured I'd just post it here for all to read.Privilegeby D.A. Clarkeprivilege is simple:going for a pleasant stroll after dark,not checking the back of your car as you get in, sleeping soundly,speaking without interruption, and not rememberingdreams of rape, that follow you all day, that woke you crying, andprivilegeis not seeing your

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108538527253027282004-12-14T15:23:00.000-08:002005-02-15T23:22:07.256-08:00

Ironically, I've already written about my thoughts on the "choice" of being gay -- back in the spring of 2003 (you'll have to scroll down to the post titled, "Random Thoughts").Perhaps one of the more pertinent quotes from that long-ago post (IMHO) is from feminist humorist (aka fumorist) extraordinaire, Kate Clinton:"So what if a gene or a gland causes gayness? Would that make the

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108538785074184002004-12-02T18:07:00.000-08:002005-02-15T23:26:25.076-08:00

I may be the only person in the world who has ever traded the writings of Dworkin for pornography.Thanks, flea. I nearly ruined the keyboard with the coffee I spit all over it. And it's not even my keyboard, it belongs to my workplace. That's ok -- it was worth it.

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108537169816342582004-11-04T21:06:00.000-08:002005-02-15T22:59:29.820-08:00

It's not just the liberals in America who are feeling depressed, angry, disappointed and/or disgusted this week. Apparently, these are common feelings around the world.Bush Makes Not-So-Good Headlines in EuropeThursday November 4, 2004 7:01 PMLONDON (AP) - The re-election of President Bush dominated British newspapers Thursday, and many cast impartiality aside in reporting the result."How can

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108535166540792302004-10-29T09:54:00.000-07:002005-02-15T22:26:06.543-08:00

Amp's post that included his wish list reminded me of an important issue -- Feminist Bookstores.Feminist bookstores (along with other independent bookstores) are closing at an astronomical rate. At the moment, there are just over 50 feminist bookstores left in the entire country, and more are closing every year. Large corporate chain stores and web-based stores are growing larger, and local

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108535274540978412004-10-22T01:06:00.000-07:002005-02-15T22:27:54.563-08:00

In the next month or so, many people are going to begin giving and making donations to various charities, food banks, and shelters. As someone who works in a shelter, and therefore gets the donations to the people they are intended for, I'd like to make a few suggestions when you're deciding what to give.Now, let me start by stating that donations are always needed and always appreciated. If the

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108535370038521852004-10-20T23:01:00.000-07:002005-02-15T22:29:30.040-08:00

This morning, while going through an unbelievable number of canned goods, I was listening to KBOO which featured a talk with my idol, Arundhati Roy. The entire thing was worth listening to -- and made even the most mundane task (like sorting canned goods) bearable. But there was one quote that really stood out (this is paraphrased from memory, but it's pretty close to verbatim):Deciding whether

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108535481313893752004-10-15T08:29:00.000-07:002005-02-15T22:32:02.250-08:00

Now on to the "serious" arguments in favor of Measure 36.Sure, there's the just plain funny arguments, such as this one from House Majority Leader Wayne Scott:The ACLU Will Demand MoreIf measure 36 fails, there will be mass confusion over the definition of marriage in Oregon. The ACLU will surely force costly litigation on the state and school districts demanding that same sex marriage become a

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108535644309809432004-10-15T07:56:00.000-07:002005-02-15T22:36:20.913-08:00

I can think of a lot of things I would do with that kind of money, but satire would not be one of the first things I'd think of. Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on your views), M. Dennis Moore did think of it.Moore wrote 4 arguments "in favor" of Measure 36 for the voters' pamphlet, at $500 a pop. In fact, his entries are the first 3 and the second to last entries in the voters'

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108535862831825232004-10-06T08:05:00.000-07:002005-02-15T22:37:42.833-08:00

Last night I was watching the last bit of Last Comic Standing. Or rather, it was on in the background, but there was one bit that really got my attention.Now, I've never actually seen the whole show, but I think I got the gist of it -- stand-up comics do their routines, the show picks clips of their "best" parts as a "reminder" at the end, and people can call in to vote.Now, I would assume that

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108536026001052252004-10-04T03:09:00.000-07:002005-02-15T22:40:26.006-08:00

In a recent post, Amp wrote a side note about prostitution: In particular, I like this new law, because it focuses on punishing johns (in my opinion, prostitution should be decriminalized, but being a john should be a frequently-enforced felony).In the comments to that thread, a few people have objected to his statement. Amp, himself, has not [yet] responded to these comments, but I thought I

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108534977934773842004-09-29T09:03:00.000-07:002005-02-15T22:22:57.936-08:00

While we here in the US struggle for the right of all people to marry, thousands of South African women (and a few men) are fighting for their right not to be married. At least, not without their knowledge.Over the last 3 years, at least 3,387 women (and a few men) have discovered that they are married. Married without their knowledge or consent; married to men (or, in the case of the men, to

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108534814091674752004-08-10T01:03:00.000-07:002005-02-15T22:20:14.093-08:00

Damn, now I have that song in my head.Oh, well -- this is just too funny!!!The End of the World

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108534583726296442004-07-23T02:58:00.000-07:002006-02-04T04:15:12.363-08:00

Abortion seems to be the topic of the month at The New York Times. There was the June 20th article about aborting fetuses with disabilities, the July 18th article about Amy Richard's selective abortion, the article about the "abortion taboo" on television (also from July 18), and then there was the most recent one (July 22), by Barbara Ehrenreich.Ehrenreich's article is, IMO, a good follow up to

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108534378237225772004-07-16T02:59:00.000-07:002005-02-15T22:13:23.343-08:00

I'm not a reader of The Funny Times, but ran across this and decided I just had to share it. Apparently, every month (or however frequent their issues are), some staff writer writes a letter to some company or organization with an absurdly stupid suggestion or question, and the magazine prints both the letter and the response. This was from the latest issue (I believe):The letter (all emphasis in

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108533770781836312004-04-15T00:05:00.000-07:002005-02-15T22:02:50.793-08:00

During a recent conversation about political opinions, the topic of "mixed" political opinions came up -- meaning, those people who are socially liberal and fiscally conservative or vice versa. Now, I'm sure most of you here will already know that I believe being liberal both socially and fiscally is the best way to change the world for the better; however, if given the limited choice, is it

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108534023773514422004-04-12T02:26:00.000-07:002005-02-15T22:07:03.780-08:00

Yeah, I know, anyone who has been in college already knows the scam the college textbook publishing industry has been pulling on students over the years. But, the studies have to be done anyway, because there are always those who won't believe a thing until there's been a study done on it. So, fine, study away, confirm what we already know. What amazes me is that there are still people out there

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108533617893589442004-03-02T17:24:00.000-08:002005-02-15T22:00:17.893-08:00

Multnomah County will begin issuing same-sex marriage licenses, starting at 10 am tomorrow morning (Wednesday, March 3).Have fun, Amy! :p

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108533314417843762004-02-27T14:32:00.000-08:002005-02-15T21:55:53.010-08:00

Mayor of N.Y. Town Marries Gay Couples By MICHAEL HILL, Associated Press WriterNEW PALTZ, N.Y. - Twenty-one gay couples exchanged wedding vows on the steps of village hall Friday in a spirited ceremony that opened another front on the growing national debate over gay marriage.As the ceremonies by 26-year-old Mayor Jason West were ending, the state Health Department asked the attorney general to

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108533458367602942004-02-20T17:56:00.000-08:002005-02-15T21:57:38.370-08:00

Daley on gay marriage: 'no problem'February 19, 2004BY FRAN SPIELMAN City Hall ReporterMayor Daley said Wednesday he would have "no problem" with County Clerk David Orr issuing marriage licenses to gay couples -- and Orr said he's open to a San Francisco-style protest if a consensus can be built."They're your doctors, your lawyers, your journalists, your politicians," the mayor said. "They're

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108532792036041262003-12-13T17:13:00.000-08:002005-02-15T21:52:04.663-08:00

In the thread about the Montreal Massacre, the question came up, "why didn't the US media pick up on it." Suppositions of misogynist media came up -- but I don't think that's the full answer, if any answer at all. (Not to say that the US media isn't misogynist -- just that I don't think it's any more misogynist than Canadian media.) Instead, I think it's more likely that the US media didn't pick

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108532898882605352003-12-07T14:46:00.000-08:002005-02-15T21:48:47.686-08:00

Hilary Swank Votes For 'Iron Jawed Angels'HBO has signed star Hilary Swank (Oscar-winning "Boys Don't Cry") to topline "Iron Jawed Angels," reports Variety.The film is about suffragist Alice Paul who, with fellow suffragist Lucy Burns, was a turn-of-the-last-century radical whose efforts to win voting rights for women led to imprisonment.Swank will take the role of Alice Paul and Katja Von

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108533074671903682003-12-07T05:02:00.000-08:002005-02-15T21:51:14.673-08:00

I meant to post this yesterday -- but better late than never.In rememberance of:Geneviéve BergeronHéléne ColganNathalie CroteauBarbara DaigneaultAnne-Marie EdwardMaud HaviernickBarbara Klucznik WidajewiczMaryse LaganiéreMaryse LeclairAnne-Marie LemaySonia PelletierMichéle RichardAnnie St.-ArneaultAnnie TurcotteWe must never forget!National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108532309864780742003-11-27T08:41:00.000-08:002005-02-15T21:39:04.613-08:00

Today, most of us (well, the Americans, anyway) will be spending time with family and friends, eating good food, and generally being thankful for any number of things.And many of us (myself included) will also be telling ourselves that we aren't celebrating the "real" Thanksgiving and all its racist and genocidal history, but rather enjoying the long weekend that allows out-of-town friends and

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108532427181881482003-11-27T08:06:00.000-08:002005-02-15T21:40:27.183-08:00

Internet polls are never really very accurate -- I mean, they are so simplified that you always end up with leading questions, and it's impossible to get a random sample. Nevertheless, some of them can be fun. And I have to say, this is the best poll I've ever seen.

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108531752025137252003-10-15T00:46:00.000-07:002005-02-15T21:29:12.026-08:00

Recently I learned of a site that posts names, pictures, life histories, and surviving relatives of those tragically killed in the turmoil in Isreal, and even allows you to send a condolence note to the families. In addition to asking for donations, you can even buy a bracelet with one of the victims' names on it or a "poster of victims". This money (and organization) claims to "provides

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108531850386152642003-10-15T00:29:00.000-07:002005-02-15T21:30:50.386-08:00

Someone I "know" (from on-line) just saw Ani (DiFranco, for those not in the know :p ) tonight, and brought back with her a bit of a new song -- one that depicts precisely why Ani is one of my idols:i am shocked to tears by each new visionof all that my ancestors have donelike, say the women who gave their lives so that i could have onepeople we are standing at ground zero of the feminist

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108531994393039312003-10-09T01:10:00.000-07:002005-02-15T21:33:55.576-08:00

Landmark Appeals Court Ruling for Battered Women!From the Seattle Post-Intelligencer:In a landmark decision that could affect thousands of immigrant women and children, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals yesterday defined domestic abuse as "extreme cruelty" and a cycle of violence that knows no borders.For the first time since Congress enacted the Violence Against Women Act of 1994, a

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108532132447852942003-10-08T01:53:00.000-07:002005-02-15T21:35:32.450-08:00

We've all probably heard about boycotts against companies that produce sexist ad campaigns. Some of them are even quite successful (think back to the early 90s when Sprite was using waif models, such as Kate Moss -- and thanks to the boycott, they switched their ad campaign to the later, funnier one making fun of celebraties endorsing products). But, when you think of these boycotts, who do you

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108531147767419062003-09-29T02:13:00.000-07:002005-02-15T21:19:07.773-08:00

Sorry I haven't been posting much lately. In addition to doing massive amounts of painting lately, I've been working a lot of overtime at work and working on a website for a friend. So, I haven't had much time to spend here. But I'll be back in a few weeks with a couple of "series" I have in mind -- which should be illuminating and interesting for everyone (well, at least to me :p ).But, I did

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108531392129025302003-09-11T01:11:00.000-07:002006-12-19T12:34:06.236-08:00

In a recent entry from Ampersand, there's been a bit of debate over whether the term should be suffragist or suffragette.As I stated in the comments section:Actually, there is no right or wrong way to use the term -- or rather, the preferred term would depend on who you were talking to. The term Suffragette was coined by the London newspaper, the Daily News in 1906 -- scathingly they referred to

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108531516859750252003-09-05T03:24:00.000-07:002005-02-15T21:26:42.476-08:00

What could be so offensive that it would cause newspapers to pull a Doonesbury strip? Saying something derogatory about the president? Taking an "un-patriotic" stance? No, no, of course not -- that only happens to those Black cartoonists. For Doonesbury to be pulled, it has to be something really offensive. Like using the word masturbation.Characters in Sunday's strip discuss a recent study by

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108530629051869902003-08-28T01:55:00.000-07:002005-02-15T21:10:54.333-08:00

Ellen Goodman, for writing up a brilliant (and quite humorous) summary of some of the year's most sexist events (many of which have been written about on this very blog).The 2003 Equal Rites Awards:Recognizing those who have done the most to set back equalityBOSTON -- We gather here once more to celebrate Aug. 26, the anniversary of the passage of women's suffrage, with a time-honored tradition.

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108530893228385932003-08-04T10:58:00.000-07:002005-02-15T21:14:53.236-08:00

With all the talk of rape lately -- what with the new Illinois law, and the Kobe Bryant case -- this Guardian article is quite timely.We are living in a boom time for rape. Last year women reported 27% more rapes than in the year before. At the same time, convictions have plummeted to a record-breaking low: only 5.8% of reported rapes end with a conviction, down from 7.5% in 1999 and 33% in 1977.

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108527402023360182003-07-31T20:56:00.000-07:002005-02-15T20:17:07.913-08:00

Sappho, over at Noli Irritare Leones has responded to my earlier post on What to do about all those "I'm not a feminist, but ..." women,"Now, I do want to point out a couple of things (and I'm not trying, in any way, to pick on Sappho -- simply pointing out a few things):Not all feminists believe that Christianity is the antithesis of feminism -- although most do believe that Christianity (and

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108527692872833402003-07-26T16:48:00.000-07:002005-02-15T20:21:32.876-08:00

In Tom's post over at TBOGG regarding the release of the victim's name in the Kobe Bryant case, he goes into a bit of detail about other reasons to be disgusted by Tom Leykis (the radio talk-show host who first released the victim's name).In his post, he quotes a bit about Leykis' "primer on how to get laid":Equally provocative is his "Leykis 101." An unapologetic primer to help men get laid with

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108527836530569252003-07-26T16:25:00.000-07:002005-02-15T20:23:56.536-08:00

Pen-Elayne, Trish Wilson, and TBOGG have all written some great posts on the recent controversy over releasing the [alleged] victim's name in the Kobe Bryant case.As they all point out, there are established (and good) reasons why the victim's name should not be released, particularly pre-trial. In this country, the accused has the right to confront his/her accuser -- but that does not mean that

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108528220386144802003-07-21T14:40:00.000-07:002005-02-15T20:31:44.676-08:00

Israel Cuts Benefits for Mothers, HomemakersIsrael's new economic plan has serious consequences for women and their families, with major cutbacks in family funding and an increase in the official retirement age.NETANYA, Israel (WOMENSENEWS)--A new economic plan in Israel slashes child allowances, raises health taxes for housewives and increases the retirement age for women by seven years....These

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108528458332098752003-07-21T14:33:00.000-07:002005-02-15T20:34:18.336-08:00

Neo-Nazis and extremist Jews unite on WebPARIS (Reuters) - French neo-Nazis have formed an alliance with extremist Jewish groups on the Internet to publish a torrent of hate messages directed against Arabs and Muslims, according to a report by a leading anti-racist group.Members of extreme-right groups were prepared to set aside their anti-Semitic feelings to share Web space and know-how with

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108528582618100562003-07-21T14:13:00.000-07:002005-02-15T20:36:22.620-08:00

You know, over the years, as a feminist and as a Women's Studies student (in both undergrad and grad school), I've studied the aspects of gender socialization a great many times. Everything from how boy babies are treated differently than girl babies, to how boys are treated differently than girls in schools (even by teachers who are trying not to), to kid's toys, to body language. So, you can

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108528738662659882003-07-21T13:18:00.000-07:002005-02-15T20:38:58.666-08:00

On July 1, Zoe Williams wrote an excellent article discussing a recent British "survey" done by the Equal Opportunities Commission that showed "women earn less than men and, furthermore, undertake the lioness's share of domestic chores - not because we are forced to, but because we choose to." Williams pointed out many of flaws with this survey (like the fact that the sample contained only 35

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108528863772349182003-07-17T14:45:00.000-07:002005-02-15T20:41:03.776-08:00

The United Nations Committee for the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1979. CEDAW is often described as an international bill of rights for women that defines what constitutes discrimination against women and sets up an agenda for national action to end such discrimination. The Convention is the only human rights treaty

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108529003025398672003-07-17T13:24:00.000-07:002005-02-15T20:44:16.366-08:00

An article from New Jersey Online reports on some fo the tragedies and fears facing Iraqi women during this time of chaos and upheaval.On April 9, as U.S. troops seized Baghdad, looters broke into Al Rashad hospital and flung its gates open. Unaware of the chaos outside, Latif and other patients walked into the street. Latif, 24, was raped and, when she eventually returned to the hospital,

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108529770261908852003-07-10T13:27:00.000-07:002005-02-15T20:56:10.263-08:00

What an incredibly touching and sweet story.

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108529299242498132003-07-10T13:05:00.000-07:002005-02-15T20:49:49.016-08:00

I read an article the other day in the San Francisco Chronicle that made my blood boil. Not as much as reading how "men are more victimized by mail-order brides than the brides themselves are," but still, I was more than a little peeved. It all started when I read Joan Ryan's column, The attack of the girly-girls.I HAVE BEEN WORRIED lately about the possibility that today's young women are not

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108529588798943222003-07-08T20:15:00.000-07:002005-02-15T20:54:25.596-08:00

From CNN.comOKLAHOMA CITY (Reuters) -- An Oklahoma man arrested on suspicion of beating his wife faced year in prison and a fine. But when he spit in an arresting officer's face, he got a life sentence instead, officials said Wednesday.John Carl Marquez, 36, was convicted of "placing bodily fluid upon a government employee," a felony that can carry a life sentence because of the possibility of

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108529992565468702003-07-08T19:58:00.000-07:002005-02-15T21:01:16.050-08:00

From the Chicago Tribune:Motivated by the murder of a mail-order bride, members of Congress are drafting a bill that would enable foreign women seeking American husbands to learn the criminal background of men courting them through matchmaking agencies.The legislation, expected to be introduced this month in the House and Senate, represents the most serious effort yet to impose federal oversight

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108511410299670822003-06-29T20:53:00.000-07:002005-02-15T15:52:07.746-08:00

Katherine HepburnMay 12, 1907 -June 29, 2003Katherine Hepburn has always been one of my all-time favorite actresses. She was beautiful, strong, hilarious, brave, and just about the best actress there ever was. Sadly, she died today at her home in Old Saybrook, CT, surrounded by friends and family. She was 96 years old.Katherine Hepburn was born May 12, 1907, in

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108511327541520382003-06-27T19:48:00.000-07:002006-01-12T17:14:46.003-08:00

An acquaintance of mine from South Africa pointed out an article from a women's glossy mag that discussed the topical issue of "baby rape." Baby rape is frighteningly common in South Africa (and some other parts of Africa). Part of this is due to the myth (urban legend) that having sex with a virgin will cure AIDS (another frighteningly common occurance in South Africa). Men began raping younger

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108511223994974142003-06-27T15:46:00.000-07:002005-02-15T15:47:03.996-08:00

According to the BBC, during a debate about Japan's declining birthrate, Seiichi Ota, a lawmaker with the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), said that at least gang rapists had a healthy appetite for sex and that "[g]ang rape shows the people who do it are still vigorous, and that is OK. I think that might make them close to normal."After female legislators issued a joint statement on Friday

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108508889288781802003-05-31T15:03:00.000-07:002005-02-15T15:12:46.706-08:00

In one of the episodes of Farscape (from the first season) that we watched last night, Aeryn and John were discussing diseases. After John tells Aeryn about all the horrors of disease and death on Earth, Aeryn asks why he wants to go back there. He says, "you don't have chocolate."Of course, everyone laughed -- this is a chocolate-loving household (well, for the most part -- I'm only a mild fan

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108510733375124072003-05-30T15:38:00.000-07:002005-02-15T15:39:22.743-08:00

From the New York TimesThe White House today defended the decision of Congressional negotiators to deny millions of minimum-wage families the increased child tax credit, saying the new tax law was intended to help people who pay taxes, not those who are too poor to pay.Democrats, however, seized on the decision as an illustration of what they called the essential unfairness of legislation that

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108510467789050082003-05-20T17:35:00.000-07:002005-02-15T15:35:11.663-08:00

Before the final Buffy airs (well, "before" for us west coasters -- and we're the ones that count, right? :-p ), I wanted to post this commentary comparing the criticisms of Buffy to criticisms of women. I first read it over on the Empowering Women discussion board, but the original appeared on a Buffy board (I'm not sure which one).Criticisms of Buffy/Criticisms of Womenby Miranda aka CatteI've

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108510257246311032003-05-17T17:02:00.000-07:002005-02-15T15:30:57.253-08:00

Seems to me that this question is asked nearly as much as the question "Is Feminism Dead?". In the vast majority of cases, these questions are asked not out of sincerity, but as a way to bash feminists. In addition, these questions are usually asked out of ignorance, not out of some special knowledge of what feminists are and are not focusing on. Amp, himself, recently exposed the ignorance of

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10822203.post-1108510092641567252003-05-16T01:49:00.000-07:002005-02-15T15:28:12.643-08:00

From The ScotsmanINDIA has a new feminist icon: a young bride who cancelled her wedding just hours before the ceremony after rejecting her fiance's demands for a dowry.Nisha Sharma was supposed to marry last weekend. The Hindu priest and 2,000 guests had already assembled for the lavish festivities when she called police and demanded they arrest the groom, who then spent what should have been his

beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04319515133437810916noreply@blogger.com1