Obama Signs Ledbetter Fair Pay Act into Law

Political Crush Alert!

I have such a thing for Rahm Emanuel, and a weird crush on George Stephanapoulos. Apparently, they talk! I hope they talk about tie colors and other gossipy things. I saw this on Wonkette, and thought it was funny enough to push along.

Who Has Two Thumbs and Played Nintendo?

This girl. Ok, so you couldn't see the hand motions, but I think you can figure out what they were. Anyway, I saw this early today or last night and trust me it is awesome. Super Obama World! Of course I have already played. I encourage everyone to, but not at work because the sound gets pretty loud.

Book Review: A Numer by Caryl Churchill

A Number by Caryl Churchill

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this play, but once again post-modern literature/drama is not my strongest point.



I liked that Churchill opted to wrestle with the idea of human cloning and what that means in respect to people and their ability to understand. A Number is a two man play, and a story about a father and his sons. I am using the term sons, which is of course debated during the play. Are these "sons" really his sons or are they less his sons because they are clones? Does the man only have one son? If so then what are the others? The first clone, B2, argues that they are human, and of course in the play the clones display more generally accepted "human" characteristics than the father and son. I feel like this is the underlying theme of the play.



The play progresses through lies; the father constantly lies to his sons. To B2, he depicts a history for the clone which doesn't exist. To his own son, he lies about the boy's childhood claiming to be a better father than he actually was. The father was abusive to his son after his wife/the mother kills herself. The boy suffered from problems after the mother dies resulting in the father sending him away. Enter the clones. The father attempts to make his "perfect son." A son with the same DNA as the original.



The original son kills B2, and has a long conversation with his father after where the father takes responsibility for the course of events. The original son also dies; he kills himself. Finally, the second clone is introduced, and he has a successful life unlike the others. The last scene depicts a conversation between the father and the second clone. They talk about the clones happiness. Apologizes are central throughout the play as well. The father apologizes to B2 and his son, and then at the end of the play the second clone apologizes for being happy when the father feels like he has lost everything. The lay actually begins and end with apologizes.


View all my reviews.

Silly Olbermann, of course the CEO can use their money for anything...

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Really, though my favorite parts are the idea that Obama should leave Gitmo open for CEOs only and that CEOs live in Neverland, and just don't understand the things they are doing is wrong. I like that an unnamed member of Obama's staff called to let Citigroup know they can't have another jet.

Exploit Women! Not Animals.

PETA, PETA, PETA...there you go again with your anti-women advertising. I feel like PETA is faster to put a naked/half-naked woman on a billboard than anyone else including beer ads and VS. I just don't get it. I mean we're people. I'm a vegetarian, but come on! I'm not going naked for animals, and I know "they're making a statement." However, how many times do we see men naked on a PETA ad?

Anyway, this ad was refused by the Super Bowl. This will be my only victory in the Super Bowl because of the Stealers and the Cardinals. Color me surprised by this too because I am sure women will be exploited left and right during this like every other year, but not for the sake of vegetables. I saw this ad on Wonkette.

I knew I was lazy my whole life for a reason...

Shocking news was uncovered by CNN.com today! As it turns out, there is a link between multiple concussions and brain damage. Gasp! Anyway, this will teach my parents to give me grief about never playing sports in high school.

Someone has been opening the brains of dead athletes and they have found "chronic traumatic encephalopathy" in 4/5 brains of formal football players. As it turns out, we all knew concussions were bad, but no one knew how deep the damage really was:

"The damage affects the parts of the brain that control emotion, rage, hypersexuality, even breathing, and recent studies find that CTE is a progressive disease that eventually kills brain cells."

I guess the part that confuses me about all this is that we're just now figuring this out.

Stem Cells are Given the Green Light

On Friday CNN.com reported that the FDA approved a human embryonic stem cell study. Federal funds were blocked from aiding in this research back in 2001, but President Obama is expected to ease restrictions. It is predicted that the research could begin as early as this summer. The importance of stem cell research is incredible vast. These cells could lead to leaps and bounds in so much from Alzheimer's, Parkinson's to diabetes and spinal injuries.

I don't know what I am going to complain about...really the tides have turned.

Speaking of the West Wing

Anyone here about Obama's speech writing hottie? Of course after watching the West Wing, I am in love with everyone who works in the White House.

This article on Gawker says that the speechwriter, Jon Favreau, has removed himself from Facebook. Of course we are blaming the hoards of women throwing themselves at him. I thought it was funny and creepily relevant at the moment.

The West Wing

I have fallen in love with this show in the last two weeks. My roomie and I are currently watching the stretch of the show where the President's daughter was kidnapped. They swear in the new President, because Martin Sheen stepped down, and he is the Republican Speaker. In the war room the Republican President says he wants to bomb the hell out of something regardless of if the girl is found dead or alive. I look over to my roomie and say, "Reminiscent of something." My roomie responds, "Like the last f*ing eight years!"

I am tracking down the seven seasons.

Beware Feminism will Destory Everything!

At first this was funny when I saw it on Feministing.com, but the longer it went the scary and sadder it because.

The highlights:
1. women are the root of everything wrong in the world
2. feminists hate babies, and though the trailer didn't say it we eat them too
3. Hilary is evil for having one child...I'm sure there is more to this
4. women raped during military service never should have been there
Oh, there were so many. If this is a joke site please let me know. I hope it is, but I looked under internship, and became even more disturbed and had to close the site.

"High Taxes, High Budget, High Fives", and Equal Pay for Women...The Dems Won' Quit

Yeah, that is loosely based on the High-Five video I posted the other day. The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act will be the first piece of legislation signed into law by President Obama. This has really been some week for our team. Just to recap for any new readers, the Ledbetter lost her case in the Supreme Court last year, because she didn't file soon enough. Apparently, she was supposed to file a discrimination claim within something like six months after the original wage disparity. So she lost not because the company, GoodYear, didn't discriminate against her, but because she didn't file soon enough. It was hidden from her until she was about to retire then she was tipped off. The laws on the books now protect the companies not the workers...note this is a worker issue as much as a women's issue. The bill gives workers more time to file a discrimination charge after all most of us are instructed not to discuss out pay. But that is about to change. The bill passed at a 61 to 36 vote.

Thank you President Obama and Lilly Ledbetter.

Obviously Obama reads our blog...

Obama reversed the Global Gag Rule today, all and all not a bad first week in office. The Global Gag Rule was one of the first executive orders given by President Bush preventing funding for any international organization which discussed, let alone performed, abortions. And so close to the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade. Well done Obama, that teaches me for doubting you.

Hats off to Obama for pointing out how ridiculous this issue can be, after all often people who feel this strongly can't be reached. Personally, all weekend long every time I saw a "right to life/pro-life" shirt I wanted to ask the person wearing it why his/her parent's didn't abort them. And more so when a vagina-free person was wearing one I wanted to ask if their views on others' bodies were limited to females or if other minorities had to clear what lives inside them. Unfortunately, my cohorts thought this was an inappropriate display. However, I think it emphasizes the importance of taking the issue off the table.

Bye-bye Global Gag Rule, may we never meet again.

So I guess I pretend to draw now...

My friends Melissa and Scott started a blog where they plan to post a drawing a day and somehow, though I have no discernible artistic talent, I am joining them from time to time. Check me out!

Gitmo Down, Now What About That Global Gag Rule?

Excuse me Mr. Obama, but I think you forgot something. Don't get me wrong I love this man, but really the Global Gag Rule has been in place long enough.

Congrats, Mr. President on he Executive Order that is closing Gitmo and the other prison camps around the world. There are of course restrictions and the likes on this, but it leaves me optimistic. We'll see though, I will be less enthusiastic if this takes all year.

When is High Five Day Again?

HIGH-FIVE INAUGURATION! - watch more funny videos

This is possibly the funniest thing I have seen in a long time.

Obama, Biden, Arcade Fire, and JayZ Oh My

A friend of mine was in town for, what I've deemed, Obama Week. Angela took me to the Obama Staff Party! There are few words to describe how incredible this event was. It was of course the final event of the Inauguration, and Arcade Fire opened up. The lead singer stated that one of the best moments of his life was watching Bush fly away after the Inauguration. They were amazing; Angela and I were less than two yards from the stage. We then wondered to the open bar and meandered around talking to the "Obama nation". After a little mingling Biden came out and spoke about the wonders of this campaign. After Biden Pluffy came out and spoke; he is afterall a campaign god. Then Obama and Michelle came out and spoke. It was inspiring and everything that the powers that be say about listening to Obama. He spoke about the change not being over, that this was just the beginning. Then JayZ came on and performed. It was amazing! I am still giddy.

New Executive Ethics Order

This is really cool. As of the 20th, Obama has decided that anyone accepting public office will have to recite, and be legally bound to, an ethics pledge basically stating that they will not accept gifts from lobbyists (down with special interest groups!), attempt to help former employers or clients for the first two years of service, lobby any executive branch official as of leaving a government position, etc. You should really read the text in full because it is very interesting and I've barely even grazed all the points.

Look for Executive Orders to Come!

A few Executive Orders Obama should be taking up:

1. The Global Gag Rule being overturned.
2. The closing of Gitmo.
And hopefully many more.

Obama's Inauguration as the 44th President of the United States of America

Anyone else watching? I'm excited! I got the picture from CNN.com. A few preliminary notes: still a big pet peeve to attribute Obama's victory only to G.W. Bush's failures; really it is like saying the Allies won because the Axis did such a horrible job on their military campaign in Russia. Kind of true, but only one part of the story, and the most frustrating is that there is no way to prove it.

Anyway, so it begins. The former Presidents and their wives are walking out to their seats. And now the kids, which to be a little cynical I don't really get why the children are a big deal. Mrs. Laura Bush and Mrs. Lynn Cheney come in. Mrs. Michele Obama and Mrs. Jill Biden enter. President Bush, the last time I have to write that, and Dick Cheney enter with the "top Republican leadership." Vice President Elect, Joe Biden enters so does Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi...and President Elect Obama!

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, CA, gives the welcome and address.

Dr. Rick Warren gives the Invocation.

Aretha Franklin sings "My Country Tis of Thy."

The Honorable John Paul Stevens administer oath of office to Joe Biden.

"Air and Simple Gifts" composed for this occasion by John Williams, and performed by Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, Anthony McGill, and Gabriela Montero.

Obama has become President of the United States even though he hasn't taken the oath of office because it is after 12:00pm.

Chief Justice of the United States, John G Roberts, Jr. give President Obama the oath, which Obama messes up on, and is all the more human for it.

President Obama gives his Inauguration speech, saying (and these are the highlights):
We the people have remained faithful to the founders and founding documents. We are in crisis, war, economy, greed, collective failures. A nagging fear that the next generation must lower sites, the crisis are real, but they will be met. We gather because we have chosen hope instead of fear. All are free. The time has past for waiting; we must dust ourselves off and begin rebuilding America. Restore science to it's rightful place. Transform our schools to meet the demands of a new age. Some suggest our system can't do it, but they are short sited. The ground has shifted, and those arguments no long apply. Without watchful eye the market can spin out of control. Reject safety or ideals. Rule of law and rights of man, and we will not give them up for expedients sake. America is a friend of each nation, and we are ready to lead once more. Power alone can not protect us or entitle us to do as we please. We will begin to leave Iraq, establish peace, and we will defeat you who change peace. We know our patch work heritage is our strength. The old hatreds will pass, and our common humanity will reveal itself. The world has change and we must change with it. New era of responsibility.

Elizabeth Alexander, American Poet, reads "Praise song for the day."

Benediction given.

National Anthem, and then exit.

Movie Review: Repo! The Genetic Opera

Oh. Boy.


Let me start by saying, I love musicals. If I could express myself by sing-talking everything, you better believe I would.


Repo reminded me a lot of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, as I'm sure it was supposed to, mixed with a bit of Sweeney Todd and 90s goth. The plot elements were more like Sweeney Todd than anything. In the forseeable future, people who need organ implants all get them from one company, Geneco, and if their payments fall into default, the company rips your organs back out (as seen in the picture above). What you can't tell from the picture, is that the repo man (get it?!) is Giles from Buffy the Vampire Slayer!

Anyway, the plot was pretty good. Aside from the organ harvesting, there were some other plot twists (or Chubby Checkers as I like to call them) and it was a genuinely enjoyable movie despite its assumed cheesyness.

I would give it 3.5/5 and I will definitely be watching the rest of the trilogy.

Book Review: Far Away by Caryl Churchill

Far Away by Caryl Churchill

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
I'm not going to lie, Post Modern Literature scares me. I never feel like I complete understand it, and always need to talk it through with a friend. That being said it is 1:40am, and I can't sleep.
In the first act, the girl sees her uncle beating people, and her aunt talks her through it. Telling the girl that it is nothing; her uncle is saving these people, and she herself is part of a new order.
Later, the girl makes hats which are worn by those being executed, and even later the girl finds herself back at her aunt's home. Now the whole world is at war, not just people, but animals too. The girl shares the story of how she arrived at her aunt's which includes killing. And the play ends with the girl saying to terribly interesting thing, "Who's going to mobilise darkness and silence? that's what I wonder in he night" and the last lines in the play which talk about water, and how it is "very cold but so far that was all. When you've just stepped in you can't tell what's going to happen."
I like the first line because during this war everything is participating, and the next step in an all inclusive war would be to have darkness fight too. The second lines, summarize the fears inspired by war; you just go in without any ideas about what could happen.


View all my reviews.

This is What a Feminist Looks Like...

I talked about this before, and I think Obama is a feminist. And frankly many of you already know opinion that Sarah Palin is not a feminist just because she is a woman. I became angry when these critics of Ms. said she would have been a better choice than Obama. I agree H. Rod or Biden would have been better choices, but Obama is a feminist. By far the most feminist President we have ever had. I say way to go Ms.

Part of D.C. Prostitution Free!

No seriously all you have to do is post a sign, and prostitution will end. I don't know which aspect of this angers me more. That the signs are being posted in specific areas of D.C., that they have an expiration date, or that prostitution is only a problem during the Inauguration.

I'll see your "prostitution free zone" and raise you are violence against women free zone. And my doesn't expire. This is frustrating on so many levels. As many of you who have read this before know my mixed feelings on prostitution and the likes. Seeing that it is not just a labor issue but a women's issue and violence against women's issue.

Girls Rock!

Like we didn't know that already. WonkaVision has published it's first issue focusing on women in rock. The article discussed that women are visible in the music industry, but there is still is a large double standard and misconceptions of women in the media. Women are still not equally represented in the production or the distribution of music.

I think it is kind of cool, and I'll have to pick this up sometime this week. Not to mention Tegan and Sara are on the cover, Feist, and Amy Milan are mentioned on the cover as well.

F You Veronique Cloutier

I was reading Jezebel this evening, and noticed an article entitled, "This is what a misogynist looks like." The is about a woman who has inherited her father's production company after he was imprisoned for the sexual assault of a client. Veronique Cloutier decided on New Year's Eve to mock the United States President-Elect and Nathalie Simard, Cloutier's father's victim. Cloutier and her husband have apologized for the show, claiming not to be racist or insensitive, and being deeply sorry for offending people. Never heard of this fiasco? Because they are Canadian. I actually have few words to describe this woman those who have the misfortune to be affiliated with her.

My New Podcast

Hello, Faithful Readers!

Tim here. I re-tooled my blogger profile and am now doing a monthly podcast. It's not for everyone, it's probably a bit too postmodern for its own good... so consider yourself warned. If I haven't scared you off, check it out:

tellthetell.blogspot.com

Enjoy!

Hey, guess what?

I picked a new template! Did you notice? :P

I went bowling this weekend.

Still getting to know the new camera. Hopefully there will be pictures of real people instead of stationary objects soon.

Obama plans to repeal "Don't ask, don't tell"

I don't have much to say about this except that it's about time. Obama plans to eventually overturn "don't ask, don't ell" but first he plans to tackle our economic crisis. This may take a while to see any results, but just the prospect that he plans to do something about "don't ask, don't tell" has me excited.

Still a Slut, but Not Her Fault

Apparently, the "Marilyn Monroe" gene causes attractive women to cheat. To summarize, women are desperately in need of a good provider, but because they are so difficult to come by until we have one "caught" we'll cheat with men who have the good genetically. I wonder if the study reflects the same about homosexuals. After all, lesbians reject the need for "good genes" because they have sex for pleasure not for procreation and genes. I think this is kind of ridiculous on several levels.

Book Review: Offbeat Bride by Ariel Meadow Stallings

Ok, obviously you all know I love the blog, but reading the book brought on a whole new addiction to wedding porn (and no, it's not what you think).

This book was not only a fun, light read, it was also very informative. Stallings gives every juicy detail of her offbeat wedding to the point that I feel like I was there myself through all the planning, the stressing, the event and the aftermath.

Reading this really made me feel justified in the decisions I've made about my wedding so far that people may turn a nose at and she also gives great tips on how to deal with family members and attendees who may not agree with everything you're doing. It is really nice when people in my family want to be a part of the planning and ask me how it's going and whatnot, but if I have to explain one more time that "no, I'm not walking in to the wedding march" and "no, we're not getting married in a Catholic church" my head might explode a little. Ariel gives very well thoughout tips on how to avoid family confrontation at a time when families should be coming together. Rather than explaining my choices as "because that's what I'm doing, damnit!" she suggests asking "Why do you think I should do it this way rather than that way", which actually makes a lot of sense.

Anyway, this book was funny, heartwarming, helpful, and just generally delightful so I give it a 4.5/5

Book Review: Yes Means Yes, by Jaclyn Friedman and Jessica Valenti

Yes Means Yes: Visions of Female Sexual Power and A World Without Rape by Jaclyn Friedman

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this book as much as I enjoy Feminist literature, but it isn't the best. Several of the essays seem to draw on forever, but others are simply incredible.

Perhaps my favorite essay, "Hooking Up with Healthy Sexuality: The Lessons Boys Learn (and Don't Learn) About Sexuality, and Why a Sex-Positive Rape Prevention Paradigm Can Benefit Everyone Involved...," was written by Brad Perry. I enjoy reading about rape, sex, and gender relations form a male perspective because I am bombarded with the female feminist perspective. Perry argues that he had unrealistic expectations of sex and "the game," which is of course the only way men can obtain sex. Perry explains that as he evolves as a person he develops a better understanding of sex and rape. He then moves onto abstinence only education, which was entertaining as always.

Another awesome essay, "The Not-Rape Epidemic...," written by Latoya Peterson. This essay expressed the dangers in our culture of the "non-rapes." These experiences permeate many people who recognize that it wasn't rape, and thus he/she is lucky, and should just deal with it. Peterson detailed experiences not only of her own, but of many of her friends. She goes onto say that in retrospect one can identify what had happened, but at the time he/she is just so thankful that it wasn't worse that reporting or even speaking about it aloud didn't register. Only until after it was too late for others did she personally think that she should have said something.

View all my reviews.

This is What a Feminist Looks Like...

According to Eleanor Smeal President Elect Obama considers himself a feminist. Of course running on the most pro-woman platform perhaps ever could have tipped us off. The Feminist Majority has opted to put Mr. Obama on the cover of Ms. Magazine. I am running out to get this issue sometime this week. I am super excited about this issue and will relay how awesome it is.

Read this poem

My good internet buddy Peter (who blogs over here) was published on opheliastreet.com today! Check out his poem "Seeing People" here.

Things you never think are important until it comes up in conversation...

So, I'm currently planning a wedding and as the date rapidly approaches, my mother asks more and more specific questions about things I haven't really thought about yet.

The other night, she and I were talking about wording for the invitations. I said that we would probably rather keep it informal and noted in passing that I hate the use of "Mr. and Mrs. John Doe give their daughter blah blah blah" because I feel that my parents had an equal partnership in my raising and my mother should be named as well. Of course, I started this sentence with "As a feminist..." and my moms eyes turned to saucers gasping, "you're a feminist?!".

Uh... aren't you?

Anyway, I am now nervous about how they're going to react when I suggest they both walk me down the aisle. Stay tuned.

Obama and his team of misfits

Obama's Inauguration just keeps pulling the marginalized into the spotlight. First with a black President, then a woman Reverend, and now with a gay priest. What's next? The surprises never cease!

Rev. Gene Robinson has accepted the Obama camps invitation to deliver the invocation to kick off the Inauguration. That is pretty exciting, and then Robinson is a critic of Rick Warren who is an outspoken advocate for Prop. 8. Robinson considers Warren's inclusion in the Inauguration as unfortunate.

I'm not going to miss this man

Senator Voinovich will retire in 2010. Of course he wants to have a Republican take his place, but I have high hopes that the Obama kool-aid will still be going strong. Voinocivh is not my favorite office here in D.C. This is from my own personal experience; he had a few jack-ass aids in his office a few years ago. Not my favorite place to be.

A friend pointed this article out to me, and naturally I told him to run. I'd move back to Ohio, and run his campaign for him.

Stuck It

Anyone watch the Golden Globes last night? Because if you did then you must have seen Ms. Tina Fey's acceptance. She proceeded to tell the all the haters out there to "Stuck it."

Chicago Politics: Train Wreck!

I love this place; it is everything America should be. What mystical land I am referring? Chi-town or Chicago if you will.

Blagojevich, my hat off to you for proclaiming your innocence to the end. The Illinois' House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to impeach the Governor, and now it goes to the Senate. I hope when he is being interview he asks, "Define bribery."

Woman to Give Inaugural Sermon...It Is Official Amends Has Been Made for H-Rod

This Inauguration is full of firsts! No! Of course I'm not talking about the first black President. The first woman, Rev. Sharon Watkins, is to give an inaugural sermon. Though, I make fun; this is kind of cool. Personally, I think that there should be just a sermon form the specific pastor to the President-Elect or appease the masses and get one from every major religion. Yes, that means Islam, too. I'm not really sure who all are giving addresses aside from the really news making ones like the one who hates gays, but I'm not naming names.

Bush Sr. wants son to run for President, no the other one

Burgers for Friends?

I would totally do this if I ate meat. Because what is a friend compared to free food. I am tempted to do this even though I don't eat meat. I would totally trade food for friends, but when you think about the obesity problem in the United States this seems a little ridiculous. Of course, how the creators of Facebook and the owners of Burger King has really out done themselves. I encourage everyone to delete 10 Facebook friends...in fact go further delete 10 of those people who you actually hate, and just want to be friends with to see how much better your life is than theirs.

Yet Again Sarah Haskins is Amazing

I have one major crush on this woman! In honor of this I too am going on a diet, like all women. But my diet is to eat twice my body weight.

Book Review: Atonement by Ian McEwan

Atonement: A Novel by Ian McEwan

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a good story right through, and I had planned on giving it a 3 out 5, but then I read the last four pages...and it completely changed my mind! This novel appealed to my romantic sensibilities and then finally my cynical self. I also have a rather romanticized notion about World War II, blame it on my grandparents, and the World Wars forcing the world into the modern era.

My inner creative writer salutes McEwan's ability to tell an interesting story, and then transform that story into something much more. I have been discussing this novel with co-workers for a few days, and I have notice the reason I love it seems to be the reason they disliked it. Granted, their interpretations come from the film, and not the novel. Sometimes I prefer my literature depressing because art imitates life.

I feel for the characters...hazard of the trade becoming too involved with the characters. McEwan did his readers a service by allowing us into Briony's head lest we only have the interpretations the adults. I'm not going to lie at first I had trouble understanding her motivation, but as the novel progressed, and she developed a new sense of understanding came flooding in. Briony is by far the most complex character in the novel evolving through the conflict. In the end understand her motives and transformation, and most importantly feel her guilt.

View all my reviews.

Ledbetter Passes House

Lilly Ledbetter's Fair Pay Act finally passes in the House. This was kind of a given for those of us familiar with the act, but still is awesome news for women and people in general. Bush had threatened to veto these bills had they came to his desk, but Obama has embraced them. This will overturn the Supreme Court decision that said a worker must file claims of wage discrimination within the first 180 days of the first decision to pay the worker, even if the worker didn't know. This act will close the loopholes in the 1963 law requiring employers to give their workers fair pay.

I can't explain my excitement. Lilly is a wonderful woman, and frankly it is about time!

Look down!

A "Quote of the Day" now resides at the bottom of the page. Fun!

Look up!

I added a search bar to the top of the page!! Get excited my dear readers (all three of you) because as of now if you are wondering how many posts there are where Kari talks about rape, I blather on about movies, or Tim obsesses over music, you can find out! Enjoy, I'm going to try my hand at customizing the blog a bit today so let me know if anything starts acting funny.

Book review: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

Let's start by saying that Margaret Atwood obviously needs no praise because she has been getting plenty since the 80s (maybe even earlier), however, The Handmaid's Tale has left me almost speechless. When I was trying to explain its amazingness to my fiance, all I could come up with was "It was like... REALLY good" and for someone with a master's degree in English, that's pretty depressing.

This is one of those books that changes you. The plot of the novel revolves around a 1984-esque regime where women are either housewives, maids/cooks, or baby makers. The "handmaid" is a baby making machine. She lives with a husband and his wife, and her job is to have sex with the husband once a month (with the wife present, creepy!) in order to have a child. She only gets so long with this family before she will be moved somewhere else if there is no luck. Just that premise alone, which is not nearly all of it incase you were wondering, is so strange it leaves you wanting more. Pages and pages in to this book, you don't learn how things became the way they are, but finally it is revealed and it seems almost too easy for something like this to happen, even today. I was left thinking the whole time I was reading this book how scary it actually was and it was a bit unsettling for a while. However, I feel that a book that unsettles you is the best kind.

Kari, this is my recommendation for you for your 52 books of 2009 (the first one at least).

5/5

Why Won't This Woman Leave?

You know that girl who is the last to leave the party? Sarah Palin is that girl. She is at it again reminding us all how the media was basis again little old her. Of course, she is waiting to see how he media is going to treat Caroline Kennedy in her quest for the New York Senate seat. Palin believes Kennedy will get a free pass because of "class" basis. It wouldn't be because the Kennedy family members are in front of the media from birth. The media can only deal with what they are given, and Kennedy was conditioned for it. After Kennedy announced she was interested in the seat the media was all over it. Talking about how she shouldn't get it, but face it Kennedy isn't going to give the media what Palin did.

I have such a crush on Pelosi

Nancy, yeah I think I can call her by her first name, has decided that Congress will stay in session through the Presidents Day break if an economic stimulus plan isn't ready to submit for Obama. I like the idea that someone is making Congress do their jobs. Mad girl crush!

The actual quote from Pelosi, "If we don't have a bill before the Presidents [Day] recess, there will be no Presidents [Day] recess. We are not going home without an economic recovery package."

I bought a new camera this past weekend...

So now you get to look at my amateur photography (aren't you lucky?!).

Amazing linkage

Funny things about authors you know and love. Did you know Kafka was a Never Nude?

Beat and Sexually Assaulted by the Police

Female protesters in Egypt were beat and sexually assaulted by the police. However, one of the protesters, Nora Younis, has filed suit against the police for the assault. So you maybe asking yourself, where's her evidence? A CD of pictures from the protest. The state decline press charges, but being a blogger and pretty well known at that things may turn around for her.

This article also mentions women who are seeking freedoms not only employing new media, but also within their faith. These women aren't demanding the freedoms I think of when I think of religious equality, Fr. Roy and women being priests, but rather just demanding the ability to better understand their faith.

It will be nice to finally look forward to Presidental speeches again...

This could be a beautiful beginning.