Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Get Well Soon!

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has been hospitalized for pancreatic cancer surgery. She is expected back on the bench after a few weeks. Of course, I am a fan, but I do know enough about pancreatic cancer to know this isn't good. I like that Ginsburg expects to be back at work within a few weeks; I mean one day when I am a Supreme Court Justice I hope to be the same mold of bad ass.

Come back to the bench soon Justice Ginsberg!

This basically makes me hate people.

Someone has decided to translate the Bible into internet speak. I am so disgusted by this that I can barely even decide where to begin. Not only is it bad enough that you can't understand anyone when they refuse to type anything but acronyms, but seriously, all this will do is continue to teach children terrible grammar, spelling, usage, etc. Toys R Us is annoying enough with its backwards R, ugh. I'm so fired up.

Oh, Silly MySpace...

Yes, MySpace has removed 90,000 sexual predators from the site. The number has doubled from last year's estimates. Is this really surprising to anyone? Anyone use MySpace? I have an account which I use predominantly as a way to keep track of my favorite bands, but even that has kind of died off for me. I have received incredible stupid things on that site from sexual solicitations to chain letters. That being said maybe people should have better control over who they contact on the site. I am not defending the sexual predators at all; they shouldn't be on the site. However, what happened to basic Internet safety? Don't give away personal information. Don't "friend" people you don't know.

I understand the concern about the sexual predators on the site, but where there is a will there is a way. As my roomie would say, "Creepers will find a way."

"All Sexual Sins"

This is possibly one of the most disturbing things I've read about in a while. Aside, from not being able to take anything seriously when the person being interviewed says, "most boldest" to describe the "movement," this is rather offensive on several levels. Of course, the big new t-shirt is "ex-masturbator". This group, Passion for Christ Movement, picks and chooses from the Bible. These are the same tired arguments against masturbation and sexuality. Of course, Gawker and Feministing have picked this up already. I had to put up the these two shirts because I think they are by far the most ridiculous. Not to mention in the video they say homosexuality is an experiment.

Govenor John Lynch Would Replace Senator Judd Gregg's Seat

Yeah, I said it. Suck it Lynch! Gregg has said that he would not give up his seat if it meant a shift in the balance in Congress. Obama wants Gregg for Secretary of Commerce.

Cotraception and the USA

I find the United States' fear of sex education and contraception horrifying on so many levels. This article, "Contra-Contraception", in the Times Magazine was written by Russell Shorto. The article has nothing new to me; it merely restates the same things we already know. Shorto looks at the social conservatives and their views on contraception including the pill, which they were on board with when it was first created, to the morning after pill, which of course they are opposed to because they considered chemical abortion (despite the scientific facts). The article is pretty heavy handed about the Bush administration as well. Of course, some were critical of abstinence only education and the support of pharmacies refusing to fill contraceptive prescriptions.

The article mentions the Netherlands as a case study of what good sex education looks like: people wait longer to have sex and when they do they practice safe sex. The article also claims the the real issue here isn't sex education, contraception, or the moment at which life begins. It is the morality argument about whether people should be having sex and why. Of course, my views are fairly clear on the subject. People have the right to do what they choice with their bodies, and they can choose to have consensual sex. Were I ever to have children they would receive comprehensive sex education.

Target Women! Super Bowl

For the Super Bowl, Haskins made a Target Women which reviews all of them. Brilliant! I loved every minute of it.

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.

No Women's Bodies Were Exploited in This Ad...

Well, I don't like this either. I saw this on Jezebel.com, and the point is to draw attention to the exploitation of women by the advertising industry. However, I don't think people will fully understand the point. My concern is that people see this and think it is ok to exploit people as long as it is equal opportunity.

Book Review: A Book of Ages by Eric Hanson

A Book of Ages: An Eccentric Miscellany of Great and Offbeat Moments in the Lives of the Famous and Infamous, Ages 1 to 100 by Eric Hanson

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
I liked this book. My sister Katie suggested I read it. I often find it difficult just to sit and read books like this in one sitting. The book is divided by years, and then seemingly random facts in each year's chapter. I really like the sarcasm woven into the facts. Of course this book also reaffirmed by previous thoughts that I would have to die before I'm thirty, and at the very least by forty-five. Or I'll have to live beyond ninety. Young enough to matter or old enough to get away with anything. Either way the book is pretty good definitely something that could be read every morning or every evening.


View all my reviews.

I admit I have a creepy interest in this...

Fritzel, you know the name. He is the seriously disturbed man who imprisoned, raped, and abused his daughter and their offspring. The daughter has been released from a mental hospital; her father will tried for several charges including refusing medical treatment to the child which died, enslavement, rape, and incest just to name a few. I have tried to ignore than, but every time it is in the news I can't look away.

I hope this man spends the rest of his life in prison. Nothing else can be done with him.

Some New Muttering Retreats Recordings

For those who read this blog and don't know... three of its contributors are in a band together. Chris, Cari, & I are The Muttering Retreats. We released an album back in June, but here's some fresh recordings.

We recorded these 100% live with no overdubs, mostly on first takes on a weird laptop setup two days ago. I mixed & 'mastered' them late last night. Two new songs that weren't on the album, one album track with a vastly different arrangement, and two more that are similar to the album versions but still different enough. I'm pretty proud with the way these turned out. This is definitely a little bit of a detour stylistically, don't expect us to do a whole album of completely glitched out Casio stuff anytime soon, but this was fun to do.

1. Untitled (Sarah)
2. Tara Take A Photograph
3. Jesus Bands
4. The Capitalist & The Communist Vie For Our Hero's Affection
5. Oh, Agnes (New)

Download

F You Creators of Rapeman...

This is so sad for me on several levels. Of course sexual assault is never funny, and women never "deserve it" and particularly not for "wronging men". But also because I love Comic Books, and I argue that they have come along way from objectifying women so far even to present strong female heroes which is particularly important while competing against patronizing trash like Twilight. Anyway, I saw this on Feministing, and thought I would be at loss for words, but luckily enough.

Old Enough to Marry; Not Old Enough to Divorce

A Saudi Court as ruled that an eight year old can not divorce her husband, 58, until she is older. e girl's mother separated from her father and filed for divorce on her daughter's behalf. The case was dismissed, and the girl told to reapply for divorce after she reaches puberty. The girl is to live with her mother until she is 18.

I can only hope this girl is granted her divorce at some point. I am completely disgusted by this situation.

Cosmo vs. Ms

So I'm skimming Jezebel, and I notice their is a post once again criticising Cosmo yet again. I'm not a terribly big fan of the magazine to begin with, but this draws attention to the fiction section of the magazine. This month's depicts an almost rape scene, but it isn't of course on some technicality. It is still too close for my liking.

You contrast this the most recent issue of Ms. Magazine which features an article on rape in the military, and you have to wonder. One magazine romanticizes it and the other attempts looks at sexual assault for what it is.

Please pay attention: Slumberland Records still exists!

So, old farts in their late 20s/early 30s such as myself may remember Slumberland Records from the 90's. In that decade, they released seminal records by Velocity Girl, The Softies, Boyracer, Stereolab, The Aislers Set, and a whole bunch more that I could just list for a good few paragraphs... but I choose to spare you. This is my holiday gift to the internet.

The label began in 1989 and for the duration of the 90's it served as a great bridge to cross to get from the DIY/amateur aesthetic of labels like K Records and the more urbane (and as far as this listener is concerned, overrated) Sarah Records. From about 2001 until 2006, the label wasn't technically active. They had a couple of releases, but were in no way a fully functional label. In 2006, they returned with a slew of 7" singles and a couple of full-length records. It took me a while to come back around to this label, but two records I've heard recently have gotten me very interested.

The first of these two records is It's Time, a collection of singles and ep's by Cause Co-Motion! Yes, the exclamation point is part of their name, please don't hold that against them. This album collects fourteen tracks that average about a minute and a half a piece. The instrumentation is sparse yet vibrant... the guitars tend to stick to one-string progressions in lieu of chords. The vocals are reminiscent of someone like Stephen Pastel, in that they're rarely pitch perfect, but suit the songs perfectly. With the recent explosion of hype for a band like The Vivian Girls, I hope that a band like Cause Co-Motion! can also make it.

Second up is the debut full length from The Pains of Being Pure At Heart. This band combines a bunch of familiar sounds in such a manner that it surprises me that there aren't more bands that sound exactly like this. The instrumentation reminds me a lot of Honey's Dead-era Jesus & Mary Chain, with vocals reminiscent of the aforementioned Stephen Pastel (albeit a more on-key version this time around) with maybe the girls from Heavenly on backing vocals. It's all very crunchy and fuzzy and more than anything, reminds the listener that they're listening to a band on Slumberland Records. This one isn't out until early '09, but I'm very excited to be able to hold a copy in my hands.


You can listen to/download tracks from both of these releases at the following locations:

Slumberland Records: http://www.slumberlandrecords.com

Cause Co-Motion!: http://www.causeco-motion.com/

The Pains of Being Pure At Heart: http://www.thepainsofbeingpureatheart.com/

Fair Pay Commercial

I found this interesting, and a new way to look at the issue of unfair pay. As far as I'm concerned paying women less is like saying fuck you. I saw this commercial on Feministing.com.

Bush Does Something Right Before He Leaves Office!

Yes, it's true. President Bush ducked a flying shoe while in Baghdad. Remarkable as it may seem, he actually ducked it and was alright. Apparently, this is ok with Bush because it is an expression of free speech...not exactly my interpretation call me tyrannical. I don't believe in violence, and frankly a shoe was thrown to hurt President Bush. I understand down playing the situation, but the fact is someone wanted to inflect pain. Interesting nonetheless, because the Secret Service just kind of stood by and I never would have thought to use a shoe.

American Auto Industry

CNN.com broke down the Auto Industry by state. The top 10 are in dark blue. It is an interesting map, and emphasizes that the Great Lakes Region is going to hurt from the Auto-Bailout dying in Senate. Yeah, USA, USA.

Note that Ohio is third in the nation, because our economy isn't already shaky enough. We follow Michigan and Cali.

Book Review: The Pillowman

The Pillowman: A Play by Martin McDonagh

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
I don't know which theme was more exciting in this book: interrogation techniques of dictatorships, censorship, or the effects of literature on those who consume it. When I began reading this play I assumed the major theme would be the injustices suffered by the "writer" during his interrogation, and they were horrible. Then the writer become obsessed with the threat that his work will be destroyed. This theme is strong till the end of the play. Then there is the more controversial theme: are writers responsible for the actions of the people reading their works? How much responsibility does the intellectual creator have? This play addresses all these themes and more. It is dark, funny, and wonderful.


View all my reviews.

Target Women!

Book Review The Vagina Monologues

The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Brilliant! Of course I am a big fan. I read this for the first time after I watched it performed by friends in college. I re-read this every year for V-Day. I actually don't have a favorite section because they are all so good.


View all my reviews.

Book Review Without a Net: Middle Class and Homless (with Kids) in America

Without a Net: Middle Class and Homeless (with Kids) in America by Michelle Kennedy

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was a quick read, but worth it. Kennedy depicts her descent into poverty as a series f poor decisions. It isn't a new concept, but one that often isn't given the credit it deserves. It is reminiscent of the early novel because of it's transformation into a love story of sorts.


View all my reviews.

So Wonderful

Hey Congress, the Auto-Workers aren't your red-headed step children

I am seriously disturbed by the fact the auto-workers are having so much trouble getting a piece of the bailout.  The Dems and President Bush are working together, but it looks like it might not matter anyway because of the Republicans in the Senate who want to vote against it.  The bailout would be 15 billion dollars in emergency loans to Chrysler and General Motors, and President Bush would get to appoint a car czar to oversee everything.  They want to hold Chrysler's parent company liable for any losses and let the car czar impose a long-term viability plan for the auto companies.  The bill would also allow the car czar to force one of the companies into bankruptcy.

In the end, I'm still wondering why the auto workers are having such trouble.  This bailout is nothing compared to the bank one, and more people's jobs are at risk.  Where is the confusion?  I'd like to read the proposed bill, but this actually sounds alright to me...so far.  

Sometimes I just like talking about sex

Ok, fine, my adolescent dream was to be Carrie Bradshaw, just kidding. 

But really, Jezebel had a post about condoms, birth control, and sexual satisfaction.  So of course it caught my eye.  Apparently, the most common reason not to wear a condom is "it feels better without one."  However, a survey was conducted and something interesting was discovered: women who used hormonal birth control and condoms reported the highest level of sexual satisfaction.  They conclude with what you think you should or shouldn't be feeling with a condom has more to with your mind than feeling.  

I don't know if I agree completely mostly because a few days again I read about the 40% of women who don't orgasms, and the 12% of them who think that is ok.  I worry that people, men, women, and most importantly doctors are ready to write off women's sexual issues with it's a "psychological woman thing" without the appropriate studies.  Also, regardless of one's feelings about better with or without a condom you should probably use one anyway...it is just safer even with birth control because you can get other things than pregnant. 

Book Review: Mortarville by Grant Bailie

I'm not usually a fan of Sci-Fi, but I've got to say, Mortarville, by local Cleveland writer Grant Bailie, was absolutely fantastic. This is a novel that is difficult to discuss without giving too much away, so let me just say that it "went places" and leave it at that. 5/5

Oh, and I must note, this was recommended to me by a good friend and fellow blogger Mr. Darby M. Dixon III. You should check out his blog because it is fantastic.

I was just talking about this guy

Governor Rod Blagojevich, Illinois, was arrested this morning for trying to sell Obama's Senate seat.  Yeah, this is the same guy who is boycotting the Bank of America from yesterday's post.  Gawker gives us a little information about Governor Rod's ideas about what Obama's seat could go for:

1. a salary from either a non-profit or organization affiliated with unions

2. placement of his wife on corporate boards where she could make $150,000  

3. campaign funds, including cash upfront

4. a cabinet position or ambassadorship for himself

Chicago politics at their best.

What's a Kidnapping Between Family

Yep, a woman was kidnapped by her parents because she is a Hindu.   The parents are claiming she is mentally ill, and they are attempting to force her into a marriage.  Dr. Humayra Abedin was living in London far from her native country of Bangladesh.  The Bangladesh courts have given the family till December 14 to produce her and prove she is mentally ill.  A British lawyer with the British government are working to free her based on the Forced Marriage Act.  

This disturbs me on so many levels.  It is such a nightmare!  Parents kidnapping their child because they disapprove of who she is dating...I would have been confined since high school.  

Anyone Listen to This American Life Over the Weekend?

I really do love This American Life!  Anyway this week's episode, Heretics, takes about modern heretics, and what happens to them today.  I found it particularly interesting when a member of the church with the "heretic" pastor tells a story about being accosted by a former member of the church on the street.  Apparently, this was an eye opening experience for the member, because now she gets how it must have felt for the non-believers she used to try to convert...oh my, really?  The episode talks about the slippery slop to Universalism.  I'm just excited that once these people are treated as they treated others they see the light...I think that is in the Bible too.  

Celibacy for a decade plus?

I don't know how I feel about this article from Salon.com.  Kit Naylor wrote an article, 15 Years Without Knocking Boots.  It is about her life being celibate for a 15 years.  She explains why, and how, and drifts between acceptance and resentment.  I have to wonder; I don't know if I am capable of a one-night-stand, but part of that is just not wanting to be with someone I don't care about.  I also, don't seem to have the same preoccupation with the possibility of sex or lack there of.  Naylor seems to resign herself to celibacy not because she is ok with being alone, but because she has to be.  And I find it unsettling.  I'm not implying she is lyng about being happy, but I think her happiness has come out of necessity.  

Illinois boycotts Bank of America

My roomie who calls Chicago home told me tonight that Illinois is boycotting Bank of America. Apparently, Bank of America called it quits on granting credit to the Republic Windows and Doors. As a result Illinois' Governor, Rod Blagojevich, has called for the state of Illinois to suspend business with Bank of America. The Republic Windows and Doors had to cosed their doors leaving many out of jobs with little to no notice.

Well, it was the weekend so you know what that means...

I watched some movies!

As if I didn't love Audrey Tatou enough, now I've seen her boobs! In Hors de Prix (Priceless) Tatou plays a very Audrey Hepburn-esque roll as a gold digger who jumps from one man to the next when the oppurtunity is right. However, she ends up falling for a poor man (and in the service industry, no less, eep!) and they risk it all to be together. This movie was charming, funny, and sweet all at the same time and just what I needed on a lazy Saturday. 5/5

After that I watched Being There, a Peter Sellers, Shirley McClaine drama/comedy/satire about a man named Chance, a simple gardener who can not read or write, but is misunderstood to be a man named Chauncy Gardiner by the bourgeoisie he accidentally becomes involved with. Later in the movie he ends up becomming president of a big company because people like his very simple ideas. It was very funny considering sometimes things like this happen (I'm looking at you G.W.). 3.8/5

Finally, I watched Single White Female, which was a perfect tie between the other two movies because there were a lot of boob shots (same as Priceless) and an awkward masturbation scene (same as Being there).... yay? Anway, I'm sure most people know the plot of this one, so I won't bore you, but I did enjoy it even though I saw most of the plot elements coming. 3.5/5

Comedy Night...

Last night I went to see the Stella comedy troupe, Michael Showalter, Michael Ian Black and David Wain, at the Cleveland House of Blues (with very funny opener Kumail Nanjiani) and they were absolutely fantastic. There were dick jokes, dancing, humping, singing, etc and fun was had by all. Also, yes, Michael Ian Black is just as adorable in person as he is on I love the 80s. If you haven't seen the Comedy Central show Stella or their shorts, I suggest you do so promptly. Also, I've heard some really great things about Black's new book, My Custom Van.

Conversations with Co-workers and Why I Should Eat Lunch Alone

A week or so ago I had an interesting conversation about media, literature, and rape. It sounds like an unbelievable conversation right? Women from several age groups and backgrounds. We began this discussion talking about Luke and Laura from General Hospital, Luke rapes Laura and she falls in love. I mentioned that this is an archetype for the "romance" genre. A woman is victimized by a man, and the situation bonds them together. I point specifically to Gone with the Wind; Scarlet resists Rhett, physically, and he takes her upstairs and then all is right in the world. One of my older co-workers can't believe I read that scene as a rape scene of course people can read scenes differently, but it is generally accepted in the literary community that it is a subtle rape scene. This co-worker then mentioned that Scarlet and Rhett were married, which caught the rest of us, of the feminist persuasion, off guard. I responded with a man can rape his wife, which was agreed upon by...I like to think everyone. It was an interesting situation, and because I watch far too much Law and Order SVU I thought I should write about it.

Sometimes I really love the Internet...

Recession Christmas?

Ah, the holidays. Tis the season for love, joy, family, and all that stuff, but what about the really important things like consumerism? One of my roomies and I were out partaking in the consumeristic holiday, and what did we notice? Empty stores. Not all, just the first few places we went, but three weeks before Christmas, the stores should be packed. It was very strange...strange indeed.

So, I thought we could play a Christmas game...Look out for these signs that the retail industry is in trouble:
1. no people in the stores
2. sales, sales, sales...the kind you should see after the holidays, 50, 60, and 70 percent off items
3. the staff; how many, where are they, do they all look like the walking dead? If they do then that store did not bring on holiday help, which used to be unheard of

Well, of course poor kids are stupid...bad poor people genes.

I read this on Gawker.com tonight, and actually had to read it twice before I understood what it said because after all I was a poor kid. Apparently, scientists at Berkley studies pre-adolescent children from upper and lower class backgrounds. It was discovered that poor kids might have well been hit over the head with a shovel. Yep, we're all stupid, and they have come up with a solution. They don't want to give the poor kids money and raise their economic status; they want to intervention and training to deal with the behavioral and psychological problems. Unbelievable.

Checking Out the Ads in the Back of the Papers?

The United Kingdom is asking women to read and report any suspicious activities regarding the selling of sex. Prostitution is not criminally punishable in the UK, but the Minister for Women, Harriet Herman, plans to criminalize the paying for sex from a woman how has been forced into prostitution. Cari Mitchell, of the English Collective of Prostitutes, disagrees with Herman's stance that most of the women in the ads are forced into prostitution.

Here is the problem: again agency of the women in question and the idea that without the ads trafficking won't exist. Simply eliminating the ads will just that eliminate the ads. Women will still be trafficked, and the public will be even more unaware of the problem.

Smart Girls Have More Fun!

I am so in love with this post from Feministing.com. Amy Poehler has a seven year old girl, Ruby, explain feminism. Ruby then goes on to explain how feminism has helped noting single mothers who work.

I just think it is important to note that a 7 year old girl isn't afraid of feminism, but a 28 year old woman I know hates the idea of feminism, because we have "enough rights." It is just a very hopeful concept that children get that feminism and equality are important, and maybe one day everyone will...ah idealism.

Remember when?

Does anyone else get nostalgic for the time in their life when superheroes really existed? And not just the cape-wearing kind, infallible parents, movie stars, and yes politicians. I keep seeing previous for Frost|Nixon, and I can't help but think about my parents' referring to the Nixon administration as when they gave up on politic. Of course, this film will have some relevance and implications for those see the film and who are simultaneously witnessing the exit of the Bush administration.

I still love you 30 Rock...

I was passively reading the New Yorker this morning and they had an article on one of my favorite shows, 30 Rock, so of course I wanted to see what they were saying. Needless to say, I think the stuffed shirts over at the New Yorker don't have much of a sense of humor. This quote really burned me:

"Fey has surrounded herself with a cast that has one spectacular member and
a couple of really good ones, but that averages out to only fair. Her own
performance falls into the not-so-great category. ... Fey’s intelligence comes
across, of course, but it’s a kind of managerial intelligence, a high level of
competence."

"So it moves at a pretty good clip and is full of zingers, but in the first
season I found myself fast-forwarding through many of the scenes that didn’t
involve Alec Baldwin or Jack McBrayer..."

Ouch.

I will be the first to agree that this show would be nothing without Jack Baldwin, he is absolutely hilarious, dry, etc., but to say that the scenes without him are completely not worth watching really burns me. Maybe the folks over at the New Yorker just have an easier time laughing at jokes about marketing, corporations, etc.

At least one good thing came out of this article, this picture is hilarious:

Men like sex? So much they're willing to buy it?

Scientific American magazine published an article, "Why Do Men Buy Sex?". The article makes valid points, but they are the same thing we have been hearing for a while. The article points out that in the United States 78,000 people were arrested for their involvement in prostitution, and only 10 percent were those purchasing the services. The second key point is that the male appetite for sex is the driving force behind prostitution, and not the woman's choice. Then the article discusses men's motives for purchasing sex which of course are debated by researchers.

The common theories:
1. psychological afflictions, unfulfilled cravings for sex or romance
2. chauvinistic motives, desire to dominate and control women

This is Great

See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die

Oh yeah, I watched some movies!

On Friday while my fiance was in a food coma I watched a couple of movies.

I think my heart is still a flutter for Liza Minelli after watching Cabaret this past weekend. A few things: 1. I may have to chop off all my hair and start exclusively wearing fake eyelashes, red lipstick and blue eyeshadow, 2. Liza Minelli was so so fabulous in the 70s, 3. I really hope they create an Arrested Development movie as rumored and I REALLY hope Liza is in it as New Lucille and 4. I'm really in love with Bob Fosse and vaudeville theater in general. I would argue, however, that this movie is a bit longer than I would have liked and I found myself losing interest towards the end. Anyway, 4/5.

On a completely non sexy side of the film spectrum, I also watched Ratatouille and found it to be absolutely adorable, although it was very weird to hear Patton Oswalt as the voice for Remy because his standup is not exactly child friendly. Our feminist audience will love Collette's (voice by Janeane Garofalo) rant about how hard she worked to be the only woman in the kitchen and an amazing female chef in the male dominated world known as French cuisine. As far as Disney movies go, I would rank this as a lot of fun, but definitely not one of my favorites so I'll give it a 3.8/5

Hopefully everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

Sorry that Kari and I haven't been around, but I'm sure you haven't either!

Anyway, let's get down to business. Last night I went to a show for my cousin (and rising star, thank you very much) Liza Bundy. She's got an awesome folk rock thing going on and hopefully later today I will learn how to embed a video on here so you can hear something. She threw a "benefit show" to benefit her putting out a full length album hopefully in 2009 some time and it went off without a hitch, despite some things that could be major problems.

With all that aside, her show got me thinking about music and lyrics and how they can effect you so much even if they don't apply. I have not been through a bad breakup in years. I think the last time I had a messy breakup was probably about 4 years ago so I can barely even remember those feelings of pure dread when he walks into the room and you just want to leave, etc. Liza has a song called "Shadow" that she wrote after a nasty breakup and I found myself getting really choked up when she was playing it last night and singing "You're standing in my sun" all alone on the stage. There is something so amazing about simple lyrics that can bring back old feelings in such a flash that I absolutely love.

I also decided last night that if all 17 year olds could turn a phrase the way Liza can, I would probably never listen to anything but sad 17 year olds ever again.

Check out her myspace! www.myspace.com/LizaBundy