Book Review: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Absolutely amazing and equally horrifying. The Handmaids Tale makes you put it down and remind yourself it is just fiction. A co-worker asked me what I was reading apparently I looked intense, "The stripping away of women's rights layer by layer until there is nothing left."

The truly disturbing aspect of this book is the last chapter the historical essay written on it. Chilling as you read fake essay; the purpose to make it all the more believable.

Now, I'm not an alarmist. I don't believe the conservative right are going to take my rights away in a day, which is the narrator's perspective in the novel. However, that it debatable because Moria seemed to be aware of the impending future. This book becomes all the more relevant as we see states banning gay marriage and restricting abortion.

The book...women and men are classified; they have different jobs. Men are commanders (heads of households/important government officials), guardians (protectors), angels (soldiers), and eyes (spies). Women are wives (do I need to explain?), marthas (domestics), and handmaids (baby machines). There are of course people who live outside these classifications as well, but really they have a smaller role. The wives and the handmaids hate their lives, and I believe so do the marthas. Suicide rates feel kind of high in the novel. Oh, and of course "unwomen" who can't produce children within three chances; they are sent to the colonies, and no one wants to go there.

The scary thing about this novel is the explanation of how easily this could happen. The government takes your bank account and gives it to a male relative and then women are forbidden to work outside the home. Our narrator points out that immediately her husband likes the new arrangement. She says that she belongs to him instead of them belong to each other. There are moments when our narrator mocks her mother for the old feminist ideals; they aren't needed.

The shining light? Mayday. Mayday is the signal of the revolution. Because in societies like this there is always a revolution. Our narrator's guardian lover tells her "Mayday," and we are expected to believe that she gets out and he wasn't an eye.

I give it a 5/5 and then some if I could. I feel like everyone should read this novel.

View all my reviews.

Twilight vs. Harry Potter

For whatever reason, people who want me to read Twilight think that the reason I should like it is because I liked the Harry Potter books.

No. Stop saying this.

I heard the best conversation on the bus where two girls were trying to convince their male friend to read Twilight with the same terrible argument. However, he had much better arguments against it, which I will replay for you.

Twilight Fans: You should read Twilight! 

Harry Potter Guy: Yeah, no. 

TF: But you liked Harry Potter

HPG: But it's nothing like that. 

TF: Yeah, they're vampires, they live forever! 

HPG: Dumbledore is old as hell! 

TF: ... yeah... but they can love so many women because they're immortal! 

HPG: I could just come up with a spell to make women love me if I really wanted to

TF: ... uh.. well, :/

HPG: Not to mention, if I were a wizard, I could live among real people and go out in the sun. 

TF: ... 

hehe. Thank you guy on the bus, you made me giggle. 

Movie Review: Sophie's Choice

Absolutely brilliant! Meryl Streep won an Oscar for her performance in Sophie's Choice. The film is a wonderful adaptation of the book, by William Styron, with flaws like every film. It felt censored for me having read the book and being baffled by aspects of it. Stingo's love affair with Faulkner was lacking and so was his preoccupation with sex; it was only mentioned a few times, but was overwhelming in the novel. Then sex and violence were lacking in the film compared to the novel. The rapes Sophie suffered are completely missing as well as all the homosexual encounters.

However, the film was well done. Meryl Streep deserves her Oscar, and it was Kevin Kline's debut in film. Peter MacNicol played the naive deeply Southern Stingo. Streep's performance as Sophie while she makes literally brought tears to my eyes.

I'm giving the film a 4.5/5. While Streep's performance was insanely good the gentlemen could have been better. I generally like Kline, and his performance was acceptable, but I had higher expectations. I felt that MacNicol missed the mark; I don't know what I was expecting for Stingo, but MacNicol didn't deliver. The film was still amazing though; the pink palace was everything I imaged and more.

Nothing We Women Can't Be

Sarah Haskins, Just Because I Feel Like Everything She Does is Gold

Book Review: Sophie's Choice by William Styron

Sophie's Choice by William Styron

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Of course Sophie's Choice was incredible; it was written by William Styron. It is a novel that compels you to read it and become empathetic to the characters. It is a haunting story about one man's attempt to come of age (which in almost always compelling) and juxtaposition of that young man's reality with the realities of the people who influence him.

I specify those who influence him, because Stingo (our narrative) develops an relationship with two of his neighbors, Sophie and Nathan, and they exert a great deal of influence over him, but so do tragic historical figures such as revolutionary leaders and a specific ill treated salve boy.

Stingo contrasts the Holocaust with American slavery repeatedly throughout the novel. Sophie, a Polish victim of the Holocaust, becomes the object of Stingo's love and lust. Nathan, a Jewish man involved with Sophie, becomes a surrogate brother figure for Stingo. Stingo and Nathan argue at length about the persecution of the Jews and slaves; Stingo often resents the blame for slavery being placed entirely on the South, and doubts Nathan's depiction of the Jews as being history's victims (this doesn't mean he doubts the tragedies suffered by the Jewish people).

Then there is Stingo's fixation on sex. It is an underlying theme throughout the novel. He makes several attempts to rid himself of his virginity and fails twice. He eventually have sex with Sophie prompting her to go back to Nathan. Stingo's sexuality is everywhere; he is driven to lose his virginity and then later fears he is a homosexual. Then there is Nathan's schizophrenia which is a force in the novel progressing the plot and driving Sophie and Stingo together.

The last thing I wanted to mention is Faulkner. Stingo (and dare I say Styron) love Faulkner. The text can be dense and difficult at times because of it emulation of Faulkner. Styron tells the read that Stingo loves Faulkner and is attempting to write like him, and as a result we struggle through what at times is a poor imitation.

View all my reviews.

Book Review: The Blind Assassin

If you've been paying attention, you probably already know my undying love for Margaret Atwood, but The Blind Assassin nearly changed this for me until the end, dubbing this book definitely worth the read, but my least favorite of hers that I've read.

This book has a frame narrative, which I love. Here are the parts:
1. Iris Chase tells the story of her life and the life of her sister Laura Chase.
2. A book by Laura Chase called "The Blind Assassin"
3. Within "The Blind Assassin", the two characters are telling another story to one another. It's a sci-fi story about these children who are blinded and brought up to be brutal... assassins.
4. Newspaper articles are also intersperced between the "chapters" of "The Blind Assassin" to remind you of Iris and Laura's life.

Ok, so all of this is very cool. I love frame narratives and I love the way that the narration of "The Blind Assassin" is different from Iris' narration when she's telling her life story. BUT, I did not enjoy "The Blind Assassin" (not to be confused with The Blind Assassin, are you following me here?). I didn't find the characters in the novel within the novel likable at all. The main story was a love story (in the novel within the novel) and I felt like I was just reading garbage for about half of it.

About 350 pages into the book, however, I realized that the novel and Iris' story were connected! I had been waiting for it to make sense this entire time and it was finally starting to, but the best thing about this was that I thought I had it all figured out, but in about the last 30 pages of the book every plot is revealed and I was completely floored and upset with myself for not seeing it sooner. The end totally makes up for any doubts I had while reading.

It is really difficult to give Margaret Atwood anything less than a 4, but it must be done. 3.9/5

Leave Jane Austen Alone You Jerks!

I read this a few days ago, but then became distracted by shiny things. Apparently, someone thought it would be a good idea to rewrite Pride and Prejudice. The new book, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, was written by Seth Grahame-Smith. I absolutely hate everything about this idea, and the I read the expert. I am dumbfounded by the fact the Elizabeth Bennett is armed and considering killing Mr. Darcy after meeting him. Read and listen at NPR.org.

I get that people mess around with the classics for the sake of post-modern art, but seriously...ninjas. I think a more interesting way to do this would be going in a more Frankenstein direction. Take the original text and slice in our text, thus provoking the same feelings or in the very least similar feelings. Also, don't change the characters...leave them alone! Put Elizabeth Bennett in a situation with zombies, but don't make her a ninja. Make her out smart them and find her own abilities like in the original novel.

President Bartlet is Back!

Yeah, I'd make this man our king...I'd also vote for Martin Sheen. President Bartlet and Josh Lyman came to the Hill to talk about the Employee Free Choice Act. Of course the Act may be dying anyway because several "progressive" corporations (an oxymoron if I've ever heard one) has submitted their own act stripping a lot of the important thing. Today, Martin Sheen, Bradley Whitford and Richard Schiff arrived on the Hill. Rob Lowe was in last week, and of course all the actors are getting flack for being inconsistent because of course the Screen Actors Guild uses a secret ballot.

Sheen is a ridiculous active actor having connections to the labor movement and SOA Watch.

Read more here: Politico and The Hill.

Movie Reviews

So I guess this is going to be a movie review blog for a little while now that Kari has discovered the wonders of Netflix (not that I'm complaining, I love movies).

Anyway, I watched four movies this weekend so let's get cookin'.

On Friday at midnight, we went to see Surveillance as part of the Cleveland Film Fest. Important side note while I'm thinking of it, the film fest apparently did really well this year! They had record attendance every weekend night of the fest and made their $33,000 goal, which will be matched in an effort to make the fest as great next year. So, a big thank you goes out to all the Clevelanders who (like me) did their part buy going to see movies! This is probably my favorite cultural event of the year in Cleveland (the Rock 'n Roll flea market and Collinwood Arts Fest are way up there, too) so I'm glad it's getting some serious recognition. Ok, done gushing about the fest.

Surveillance is a classic "who dun it" with a not so classic twist to it. It's funny, smart, creepy, and disgusting all at once. If you're a "who dun it" movie buff at all, this may sound like David Lynch to you and you would be on the right track there because this was directed by his daughter Jennifer Lynch. She has a similar style to her father, but the movie was very straightforward and it doesn't beg you to constantly question everything the way a David Lynch movie does. Also, French Stewart and Cheri Oteri are in it and it is very weird. This would have been 5/5 for me if I didn't totally figure out "who dun it" right away. 4.2/5

On Saturday evening, we saw our final film fest screening, Sparrow (dir Johnny To). This movie was really sweet. It is a story of four men who are very talented pick pockets in Hong Kong. At the beginning, a sparrow flies into one of their rooms and according to the other men, sparrows bring bad luck. At this point, the movie basically turns into a romantic comedy of sorts where all four men fall in love with the same woman who is very unhappily married. Throughout the rest of the movie, they plot against her husband to get him to release her. It's funny, cute, and delightful all the way through. Also, the score was amazing and I actually heard a few people say the same as we were walking out. 4.5/5

On Sunday, Tim and I typically have dinner with his family, but they cancelled on us so we watched some more movies. First, we watched Rosemary's Baby, which (with lack of a better adjective) was amazing. If you haven't seen it, do it. Now. (Kari, I'm talking to you.) It was creepy beyond all belief and definitely holds its own as a thriller today when thrillers are usually filled with blood and gore. 5/5

To round out the weekend of movie going and watching, we decided to lighten up a bit with Role Models (dir David Wain). This was, as Tim put it, definitely worth renting. It was cute, funny, silly, heartwarming, etc., just the kind of thing you would hope for from Wain. 3.8/5

Movie Review: Sophie Scholl The Last Days

I've seen this film before a year ago, and it was amazing then as well. Sophia Scholl The Last Days chronicles the arrest, interrogation, trial, and execution of Sophia, Hans (her brother), and Christoph Probst. All members of the White Rose non-violent resistance group in Nazi Germany. They were convicted of distributing resistance leaflet on campus. All were executed by he guillotine on February 22, 1943.

The film is beautiful and haunting. I'm not aware if Scholl had a preoccupation with faith, but it was a strong theme in the film. Sophia prays at several point during the movie, and in one particular scene, the prayer is reminiscent of the Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. Sophia is a strong female lead and during the trail challenges the judge, and in her final remarks to the court tell those trying her that they will be next.

I give it a 5/5.

Movie Review: Human Trafficking

Absolutely amazing and equally horrifying. I am actually going to buy this off Amazon.com after I post here. Four hours, I spent watching the film, Human Trafficking. It was on television and a good thing too because every time I started to cry they went to commercial. Brilliant performances by everyone in it. The film covered just about every aspect of sexual exploitation. We saw the girls kidnapped and tricked, and by whom, and where they were sent, and finally even pornography. Many people disagree that pornography depends on the sex trade, but it is, and anyone who doesn't believe it is uninformed.

Back to the film, I was literally screaming at my television demanding a happy resolution: that the turned out, terrified mother be reunited with her daughter, which of course didn't happen. That the father finds and saves his daughter, and that the police/feds move in immediately. The film ends with statistics, and unfortunately they are slightly dated.

Also, Mina Sorvino's character, an ICS agent, ends the film by stating why this is happening, and of course the blame doesn't just rest with those selling these girls most of the blame rests with those buying them. That is a lesson people should be reminded of everyday before they pay for sex; sex of any kind including pornography.

My rating 5/5.

Movie Review: Penelope

I broke down and watched Penelope. And I like it...I wanted to see it when it came out, and streamed it on Netflicks this afternoon. It was cute for what it was, and it was a romantic comedy targeting teenage girls. Christina Ricci plays the lead role, and generally I like her work. Reese Witherspoon's character didn't really add anything to the film except as lip service to her role as producer. I have a little crush on James McAvoy who plays our hero. Like most contemporary fairy tales the female lead rescues herself, and then lands the cute guy anyway. I of course like this trend.

I'm giving it a 3/5. It was seriously predictable, but a feel good movie about self acceptance. I'd totally watch it again. Also, another good soundtrack featuring Meiko's "Piano Song" among other good songs.

Movie Review: Blue State

Blue State is an critique of the activist left, and it proved a pretty direct mocking of the right. Over all I like it. I like that the activists sounded like a pompous ass sometimes, the hippies sounded absurd, and the deserters sounded like real people questioning their actions ever step of the way.

At times the film drags a little and gets a little predicable. I did really like the end, not the whole happily ever after scene with Breckin Meyer and Anna Paquin. Meyer's character learns that leaving the country isn't going to change anything, but that by running for office he can. Liberals everywhere rise up and take over Congress instead of bitching and moaning about moving to Canada, though Canada is a lovely nation to the north. The film brings up interesting arguments on both sides, liberals and conservatives. In the end neither look great. Bush does take a beating which might turn people off right away, but activists take a longer pummeling. Neither of which is undeserved.

I give it a 3.5/5, it was entertaining, but could have been better. The music was awesome though, that I'd give a 4/5.

Movie Review: The Ten

The Ten is an interesting film, generally considered an indie comedy. The basis of the film is that this guy, played by Paul Rudd, presents ten stories based on the ten commandments. In between each story it cuts back to Rudd's character and his life; this provides an interesting juxtaposition between Rudd's character and the story being told. His story is actually the tenth, about adultery. The stories range from intelligent and funny to almost disbelief to dragging. The first half of the film drags; I seriously considered turning it off except I wanted to see who else was in it. In every scene, I was looking for who would walk on camera. Personally, my favorite story was the take the Lord's name is vain.

I give it a 3.5/5; it began really slow.

Movie Review: Synecdoche, New York

With all the excitement about the film fest, I forgot that we also watched Synecdoche, New York this weekend. I've got to say, I really liked this movie. It is one of those films that you can stop thinking about after watching it. Very good.

The most skeletal plotlines seem to be "man has wife, man loses wife, man does something grandiose to impress wife and fails", which seems simple enough, but there is so much more to this movie than that. I just read the wikipedia entry for this movie and learned that the director Charlie Kaufman wrote several screen plays that I also love including Being John Malkovich, Eternal Sunshine for the Spotless Mind, and Adaptation. However, if you haven't seen this movie yet do not read the wikipedia page. It is very informative, but gives away major plot points.

I'm really afraid to say anything else about it because I would hate to spoil the movie (Kari, I'm talking to you, you need to see this!) but I will say it reminds me of a Pinter play, which I love. Actually, they reference Pinter at one point and that is how I learned that he died on Christmas Eve 2008.

Anyway, 4.8/5

Take a Deep Breath: There is a Politician Out There that Knows What He is Doing

Attorney General Anthony Cuomo of New York pointed out today that 9 of the top 10 bonuses distributed by AIG were returned. He also, says that 15 out of the largest 20 people who received bonuses agreed to return the bonuses. Cuomo pointed out that some of the recipients of the bonuses have opted not to return them, but they are outside Cuomo's jurisdiction.

Cuomo is brilliant after all, "it would be in the public interest to release the names of those who gave back their bonuses." (I endorse this man to further his career in politics; he might actually be able to habdle other politicians.) Seriously, this is far more effective and efficient than the government threatening to tax the bonuses.

Wolverine Art!

Ok, so I am a fan girl, but I don't create art based on comic book characters. I leave that to the professionals, but I saw this on current and couldn't resist. Wolverine will usher in my summer movie experience, which will be followed by Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. That being said some nerdy kids like me believe this is the year of the "Wolverine." I'll take it! And hope for the best when the movie comes out.

I stumbled across this on Current.com, and then followed the bread crumbs to The Fire Wire.

Hey America, Border Patrol Has Been Outsourced

Apparently, the United States has graduated to outsourcing border patrol. Thanks to live streaming videos anyone with Internet access can log on and monitor the border. According to Foreign Policy's blog Australians are currently watching our borders.

I look forward to the day Latin Americans spend their days doing this...maybe we can pay them. Also, I suppose no one thought that this might actually aid people seeking over the border. I feel a hack of epic proportion coming on.

Wal-mart Strikes Again!

Wal-Mart is on their way back to federal appeals court in hopes to prevent the sex-discrimination lawsuit from being argued as a class-action lawsuit. Instead Wal-Mart wants each case argued individually (for those who are paying attention this covers more than a million women). The size of the plaintiffs implies that Wal-Mart could be paying billions in damages. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission believes that if Wal-Mart is successful the plaintiffs wouldn't be able to argue a pattern of discrimination for damages and back pay. This is important because as we saw with Lilly Ledbetter people will get caught up in thinking that the individuals are suing for back pay and that they waited too long to file.

Hopefully, Wal-Mart won't win. It would set a bad example and have negative implications for the future of discrimination cases.

This was brought to you today by the Wall Street Journal.

Has anyone ever sprained an ankle?

How long before I can stand on my tippy toes again? I can't reach anything in my kitchen!

Movie Reviews: The Disappeared and Tokyo!

The Cleveland Film Fest is here from March 19 - March 29 and this weekend I saw a couple movies.

First, we saw The Disappeared (dir. Johnny Kevorkian) on Saturday evening. We ended up getting there at about 15 minutes until showtime so we had to sit in the front row, which totally sucked. Then, they started the movie and it was so blurry that I thought I was losing my vision until someone started a chorus of people shouting "FOCUS!" to the projectionist. They couldn't resolve the blurriness and eventually lost the picture entirely on and off for about 5 - 10 minutes. Of course they couldn't pause the movie though so no one knew what was happening in the beginning of the movie, and you really can't miss the first 5-10 minutes of a thriller. Anyway, once all that baloney was resolved, the movie was just kind of "eh". It may be because at the scene where the main character realizes "who done it" you couldn't see what he saw that made him think he knew, but whatever. The story wasn't too bad, but it wasn't the best either. I think Tim put it best when he said it really left more questions unanswered than he would have liked. I agree.
3/5

On Sunday, Tim and I went alone to the theater and tried to get there nice and early to avoid terrible seats again. We left home over an hour early and were the first people in line for Tokyo!, which was fantastic.

Tokyo! is three short films all set in Tokyo by three different directors. The first short was called "Interior Design" and was directed by Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Be Kind Rewind, Science of Sleep, etc.). This was my favorite of the three, although I really liked them all. It's a story about a couple who move to Tokyo (go figure) to make it in the big city, but there is a bit of the twist at the end that I won't share becuase you'll never see it coming. Really.

The second film was "Merde" (which means shit in French) by Leos Carax, who I admittedly don't know much about. It was really funny though my least favorite of the three. The story is about a man who lives in the sewers underground and comes up (in Tokyo!!) to eat flowers and just generally scare the crap out of the population. The police finally catch him and a trial ensues, but I sort of agree with a review on imdb that suggests it could be about 10 minutes shorter.

The third and final film was called "Shaking Tokyo" by Joon-ho Bong (another director I admittedly know nothing about). This was the story of a hermit who hasn't left his house for 10 years and he falls in love with the girl who delivers him pizza. It was really cute and I don't want to say anything else because I don't want to spoil it.

Anyway, I would give the whole thing 4.5/5. I thought the three movies worked together really well without being tied together in any concrete way. Also, all three were funny and quirky in their own way, which I love. These directors obviously have a lot in common.

Book Review: 1984

Well, I finally finished 1984 today and I've got to say, I did not see it ending the way it did. I obviously won't spoil it in case anyone else is weird like me and hasn't read it yet, but the book was excellent.

The beginning of this book basically spells out every pop culture reference I've heard throughout my life so I thought this may just be a typical read. I thought things would progress and then fall apart with an uprising of some sort, but it was not like that at all. Big Brother and The Party are way more screwed up than I could have imagined upon first opening this book.

I was left quite satisfied with the end of this novel. It did not follow the normal course that I thought it would and at some points towards the end I was actually shocked at what was happening.

And the rating? 4.5/5 If it wasn't so slow going in the beginning, it would be a 5.

Book Review: Becoming Myself: Reflections on Growing Up Female by Willa Shalit

Becoming Myself: Reflections on Growing Up Female by Willa Shalit

My review

rating: 2 of 5 stars
Becoming Myself: Reflections on Growing Up Female is an interesting read. It is entertaining and uplifting with stories from famous and infamous women. These women talk of everything from first period to domestic violence. I disagree with some of the analysis these women give. Growing up female means something different and manifests in different ways.

Recently, several of my friends and I were discussing when we figured out we were feminists. I always knew; I always knew that I was equal with boys. I also believe that growing up female has some great aspects. Girls get don't have to deal with the current definition of masculinity. We can cry in public, and we can punch someone in the face (not that I recommend doing that). Then again there are negative aspects as well. There is the culture of fear females are raised in that few males ever understand. Females are subjected to a conventional and rarely disputed ideal body image.

I think the book loses some of it strength by the vastness of the essays. They cover so many topics, but still leave aspects of being female out. I also found the book to focus heavily on journalism and actresses, but if the author of the piece doesn't fall into one of those categories then you founded a non-profit.


View all my reviews.

Well, I'm still reading 1984...

And I'm just about finished now. I've stopped reading it outside of work so I haven't had a chance to read it since about November, but I think I've come across the best line in this book.

"If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face-for ever"

Amazing.

F-you Mysogynist Security Guard. A rant by Cari.

There are 4 women in the "team" that I work with and we have a boss, who is also a woman, and you know what? Her boss is a woman too. And actually, the only worthless person in our department is a man. Just some background for you there.

Yesterday, me and four other women in my department had a staff meeting and as we were walking out, a security guard (who has a crush on a co-worker of mine) sees us in the hall and this is the conversation that ensues:


Him: Where are all the men in that meeting?
Me: Where are all the men in our department (giggle)
Him: So, you're saying there was a power meeting with no brain in it?
Me: Excuse me? You don't know anything about me, I have a master's degree!
Him: ERRR UGGG DURRR UHHHHHHHH I guess you showed me! I was just joking! You were all "I HAVE MY MASTERS!"
Me: Well, I do.


Well, not funny. So fuck you.

Happy 50th Barbie!

Sarah Haskins is kind of awesome.

Can anyone else smell Spring in the air lately?

Because I can! It was about 60 degrees this morning when I was walking to the bus, and I'm starting to feel like maybe Winter is dwindling down, and in honor of my (most likely pre-emptive) excitement, I am going to tell you my favorite music to listen to during the Springtime! You may remember my Fall playlist from the end of last summer and this will basically be the same idea. Fair warning though, this is going to be pretty poppy/cutesy.

Artist: XTC
Album: Skylarking
Track: Season Cycle
It's really tough to pick just one song from this album because the whole album is just so great and many of the songs bring forth those feelings of Spring and Summer. It's hard not to with names like "Summer's Cauldron", "Grass", "Ballet for a Rainy Day", etc. Anyway, for the purpose of this mix, I would choose "Season Cycle" because it really kicks the mix off well. It's nice and poppy and reminds you that it's time to put away your sad bastard music for another time.

Artist: Suburban Kids with Biblical Names
Album: #3
Track: Trees and Squirrels
Ok, time for a walk in the park. This is seriously the best song, probably ever, but definitely for spring. It just makes you want to smile all the time. You can't fight it!

Artist: Camera Obscura
Album: Biggest Blue Hi-Fi
Track: Sun on His Back
I have to be honest, I mostly picked this one because I wanted a Camera Obscura song on the mix and this one had the word "sun" in it. At any rate, you can just listen to all of Biggest Blue Hi-Fi if you need more spring music after this mix is over.

Artist: Jens Lekman
Album: When I said I wanted to be your Dog
Track: You are the Light (By which I travel into this and that)
As I mentioned on the Fall playlist, I can't make a mix without Jens on it, so this one should be no different. "You are the Light..." is probably one of my favorites of his. I highly recommend playing this one in the car with all the windows down, screaming the lyrics. Trust me.

Artist: Mirah
Album: Advisory Committee
Track: Garden
I love the drums on this one so I thought I should put it now since you're already blasting your radio.

Artist: Spoon
Album: Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
Track: You Got Yr Cherry Bomb
This one doesn't have any particularly spring like qualities to it, but I defy you to keep from smiling and dancing around while this one plays. I mean seriously, just listen to that tambourine. You're having fun already, I can tell.

Artist: Sleater Kinney
Album: Dig Me Out
Track: Little Babies
For me, Sleater Kinney is one of those bands that I always want to listen to in the spring/summer. They're just so fun. If you're still looking for spring music and Camera Obscura is a little bit cutesy for you, you should just listen to all of Dig Me Out.

Artist: The Rentals
Album: Seven More Minutes
Track: My Head is in the Sun
Time to slow it down a bit. I must admit though, this is another one I just picked because it had the word "sun" in it, and because I love the Rentals.

Artist: Rilo Kiley
Album: The Execution of all Things
Track: With arms Outstretched
For me, this song completely invokes spring in every way. When I first discovered this album, it was actually right around this time of year (almost down to the day) because I was travelling to the final four basketball tournament in Virginia with the university pep band. Anyway, I listened through the album for the first time on the bus on the way there and could not take it out of my cd player for months after. I remember when the weather first broke, driving a car smashed with friends with all the windows rolled down screaming the lyrics at the top of our lungs, hungover and full from Denny's. Good times.

Artist: Saturday Looks Good To Me
Album: Sound on Sound Track: Summer Doesn't Count (Unless You're Here with Me) What better way to end this mix than with a song invoking summer? Enjoy!

Movie Review: Misery

Sometimes, I think that I would like to be recognized for something. That I would like to leave something behind me when I leave this world that people will read or listen to and think "she did something good"... But then I watch a movie like Misery and all I can think is, "Yeah, I'm ok not being captured by a crazy person to write the perfect book." I'm sure anyone who is reading this has already seen Misery, so I'll just say I absolutely loved it. Every time I thought that James Caan's character had outsmarted Kathy Bates, I was surprised at her reactions and left shocked by the outcome. Anyway, this is a definite 5/5.

I went to the park on Saturday

It was not as warm as I thought it would be once I got down by the lake. Anyway, here are some pictures!

You can see all the pictures I took over on flickr.

Minneapolis Publishes Johns Pictures

It is about time someone worked to prevent people from soliciting others. Women and girls were being solicited on their way to school or while waiting for the bus. In order to combat these men looking to buy sex the police are going to post the pictures of men who have been caught trying to buy sex on a billboard. The digital billboard was donated by Clear Channel for the next six months. This genius idea combats prostitution by targeting the men paying for sex...sound familiar?

The city of Minneapolis are also seeking stronger penalties for johns including first time offenders.

Cleveland: Home of Winners

A retired Ohio auto worker John Demjanjuk has been accused of 29,000 counts of accessory to murder for his role as a guard in a Nazi death case. Of course, Demjanjuk denies involvement. He will be formally charged when he arrives in Germany.

Having a Penis Means You Handle Failure Poorly

According to Reuters, men handle the recession worse than women. I know you're all shocked that men with a sense of entitlement would react poorly to being laid off. Apparently, the wonderful patriarchal culture we live in really does damage man just like women. Men have trouble reconciling failure with masculinity.

Rachel Maddow and the Employee Free Choice Act Take 2

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

Hey I've been published on Ophelia Street!

I wrote this poem for a class a couple years ago. The prompt was to write a poem on a painting and so I went to the art museum and I saw this old man painting a recreation and I tried to ask him how long he was working on it and scared the crap out of him. I thought it would make a humorous take on an otherwise boring prompt so there ya go.

Thank you opheliastreet.com :)

Rachel Maddow and the Employee Free Choice Act Take 1

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

This is take one; take two happened tonight, but hasn't gone up on her site yet. Secret ballot will still exist, and union busting could die. The word "free" is in the title, how can the Republicans not love this. They are working hard to pay Americans less. Bring on the unions and the end of the world.

Haitian Girls Fear Sexual Attacks in Slums

This video from the Observer is seriously disturbing and just a reminder of how far we have yet to come (despite the washing machine). The video is about sexual attacks on Haitian girls. They talk about the history of sexual violence in the slums, which of course was perpetrated by the government, gangs and the police. A few of the more horrifying point in the video, only 12 rapes go to court every year because justice is slow and ineffective and the girl being interviewed served two years in for killing a man who was attempting to rape her.

You can take action by signing this petition to help stop the sexual violence.

F-You Vatican

Yeah, I said it, but because they said it first. Did you know that the washing machine is what liberated women? It wasn't tampons, the right to vote, education, and definitely not the pill or abortion rights. Really, I get not wanted to endorse birth control, but really the washing machine?

I don't really know what to say about this, but F-you. So grab a seat feminists and recognize that the washing machine giveth and the washing machine taketh away.

Children are Homeless in the USA

Apparently, people are figuring out that the USA has homeless children. Jezebel pointed out two articles this morning from the Time and MSNBC. According to both articles, 1 in 50 children are homeless; homeless being defined as living in shelters, on the streets or with other family members.

We do have a list of the worst 10 states:
California
Mississippi
Kentucky
Florida
North Carolina
Nevada
Louisiana
New Mexico
Arkansas
Georgia
Texas

Eve Ensler's dramatic reading from her new book, I'm an Emotional Creature, The Secret Lives of Girls Around the World

This section is called "The Teenage Girl's Guide to Surviving Sex Slavery." I think this speaks for it's self. I've read the reviews of this piece, and I realize that people don't like that Ensler merges her voice with the girl's. Having read the Vagina Monologues several times, I think this is ok. Ensler isn't calling this one hundred percent factual. It is one in a collection which will portray the stories of many more, and if by writing them she can make them easily performed monologues more power to her. It will just give men and women everywhere more to choose from on V-Day.

Reproductive Rights Watch: Brazil

In Brazil, a nine year old girl was pregnant with twins after being raped by her step-father. Brazil does not have legalized abortion, but the government can grant women access for specific circumstances such as the life of the mother being at risk or the child's inability to be delivered. The victim underwent an abortion, which resulted in opposition from Brazil's Roman Catholic Church. The Church wanted to let you know that they still think it is murder.

Well done Brazil. Boo hiss Roman Catholic Church. The step-father is now in prison.

A conversation with my dad (for Kari)

Nicholas
how's kari?
we are friends now
8:45pmCari
good, lol she was just telling me that
8:50pmNicholas
so what does she think of my stuff?
8:50pmCari
she was excited you were friends but she didn't say anything about your stuff lol
8:50pmNicholas
that's nice

Reproductive Regulations?

People serial kill, serial date, and of course serial procreate. William Saletan, over at Slate, is bring attention to the Georgia Senate Bill 169 which was proposed by state senator Ralph Hudgens. Hudgens of course is one those Republicans who believes in small government except when the government will dictate how other people live their lives. He of course is using Nadya Suleman as the reasoning behind this bill. Suleman gave birth to octuplets and already at six other children (that's fourteen is you're keeping score). Again just a reminder, the fertilization industry needs oversight, but no other industry (there might be some feelings of scientists playing God because as you know only God grants life).

The bill limits the number of embryos that can be implanted to 2 or 3 depending on the woman's age. Of course, this increases the risk to the woman. Often, the embryo doesn't implant and the woman will have to undergo the procedure several times adding to her risk. But of course the bill doesn't care about women's safety. The bill also doesn't care so much about protecting the tax payers. According to Staleman, "But it also does several things that have nothing to do with saving tax money or protecting women from the risks of carrying multiple fetuses. It forbids the sale of eggs or sperm, bans therapeutic human cloning, and prohibits any stem-cell research involving the destruction of leftover embryos."

Did you get all that? Know what the bill is about yet? Not women, not tax payers, this bill is about granting embryos legal rights.

My position on this has always been the same; if it lives in me then it has fewer legal rights than I do. That goes for embryos, parasites, and alien spawn.

John Carroll University Staff and Administrators to Take Unpaid Leave

The student body of John Carroll University is pretty conservative, but leave it to the leftist faulty and administration at good old JCU. Apparently, Fr. Niehoff is trying to save student aid by have the administration take an unpaid two weeks off and the faulty will be voting on pay cuts, but that vote won't happen until after spring break (which is currently going on). The endowment fund fell from 170 million to 133 million. The school provides 33 million in funds for student aid, and having been a recipient of some of that I hope they can keep it going. I'm not trying to read into it one way or the other that Professor Berg was not reachable for comment.

Tuition rose of course to $27,940, which is a 2.8 increase the smallest one year increase in JCU's history. I look forward to my fellow alum's comments.

I am unsure about pay cuts; I love my professors, and actually spent part of this afternoon writing thank you notes to a few of them. I don't want them to give up pay, hell I think they should be paid more. However, if the endowments down then what other options are there without cutting student aid? The student aid that subsidized by education.

Have sex anytimes he wants to because...well you're supposed to

That's right, all you wives out there, no more saying no. Put this in context women domestic violence and rape and this idea gets even scarier. "The Wifely Duty" written by Caitlin Flanagan.

My personal favorite part of this article is this quote, "The reason abortion rights hold such a sanctified position in American political life is that they are a critical component of the yuppie program for maximum personal sexual pleasure." Because abortion is about sexual pleasure and not about women's rights, poverty, and every other reason.

Flanagan points out married women were having more sex in the 1950 than their liberated counterparts, and of course whether or not the sex was good is irrelevant. Of course, we feminist are to blame, "Perhaps, as some feminists would have us believe, these were grimly efficient interludes during which the poor humped-upon wife stared at the ceiling and silently composed the grocery list...The notion that female sexuality was unleashed forty years ago, after lying dormant lo these uncountable millennia, is silly; more recent is the sexual shutdown that apparently takes place in many marriages soon after they have been legalized."

The article also assures us that is both participants in the marriage don't work and when only one does (wonder which one) the couple will have more sex!

The second article, "Women Need to Say Yes to Sex," by Bettina Arndt. My favorite quote from this article, "The new rule was that sex must wait until women are well and truly in the mood. But that was where we went wrong. The assumption that women need to want sex to enjoy it has proved a really damaging sexual idea, one that has wrought havoc in relationships for the past 40 years."

This whole argument is bothersome to me. Yes, sex is important to a healthy relationship, but everyone involved should be an active and willing partner. Articles like these open the way to the argument about not being able to rape your wife. Also, I would like to know what research is available about women's sex drives. I have mentioned this before, Sometimes I just like talking about sex, it is not ok for women and men to believe that have being sexually satisfied is ok. We know a lot about the science and biology behind men and their sex drives; I would like to see the same dedication to women and their sex drives. Then we can talk about WHY we are having sexless marriages.

Being Harassed, Oh, well, deal with it or quit.

Sexual harassment is a serious problem. Jezebel points out how stupid this article is though full of truth. The article in question is called, "One Sure Way to Stop Sexual Harassment." The article tells women that Human Resources are often on the companies side, people never want to believe that these "nice guys" are capable of it, and that the victims of sexual harassment should just quit their jobs.

Jezebel of course calls this out in a posted entitled, "Sexual Harassment: Quit Your Job and the 'Nice Guys' Win." This is a ridiculous argument because quitting your job will make the immediate harassment stop, but this 'nice guy' will probably do it again.

As someone who has been harassed on the job I have to say complain. Yeah, the company will probably protect their own, but f-that. I've found that their are two types of sexual harassment: the unwelcomed sexual advance and the gender stereotypes. Either way call these jerks out on it. File complaints and always put it in writing.

The Recession's Homeless Hit Schools

Schools are being flooded by homeless students. Shocking, I know. Of course the article, "'Tidal wave' of homeless students hit schools," is a bit emotional talking to the homeless kids, their parents, and getting the stories about how they ended up homeless. Not that I am knocking the story. I reviewed a book, Without a Net, not very long ago, which speaks to this specific issue. This delicate balance during which if one thing gos wrong you are homeless. The article also addresses the federal funding these homeless students receive, which will be increased by Obama's stimulus plan.

Perhaps the most chilling aspect of the article attests to the shame these children and families have from being homeless. The children have to admit to being homeless before they can receive a lot of these benefits like free lunches and transportation.

Fair Pay, yet again

Ok seriously, read this post from Jezebel, "New York Times get the wage gap wrong." Why because they phase it beautifully at the end,

"Yes, women that choose family practice over neurosurgery or, um, perhaps blogging over lobbying can expect to make less money than neurosurgeons or lobbyists. We're not bitching about that. We're bitching about the fact that female bloggers probably make less than their comparable male counterparts, and that female lobbyists definitely make less than their comparable male counterparts, and female family practitioners probably make less than their male counterparts and female neurosurgeons probably make less than their male counterparts. That is the point of pay discrimination laws, and Ledbetter v. Goodyear and the Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. It is not that if I choose a lower-paying field I make less money than men (or women) who choose a higher-paying field — and to suggest so lends credence to the argument made by plenty of discrimination-apologists that we're all just looking for special treatment when we're really just asking for equality."

It is a pet peeve of mine that people claim women make less because we go into low paying fields. I will make no money ever!!! My liberal arts degree, non-profit loving self will never make a great deal. Nor do I expect to make the same as an oncologist. I do expect to make the same as a man doing my job in a no-profit, and the sad, sad fact is that it doesn't happen.

CIA Destroyed 92 Interrogration Tapes

Yes, you read that right. The CIA destroyed 92 interrogation tapes; he articles does not disclose when these tapes were destroyed. I mention this because ACLU attorney Amrit Singh claims the destroying of the tape proves guilt and the CIA should be held in contempt. I agree this implies guilt, but the CIA does lots of shady things all the time. It may have been routine to destroy tapes. Also, if the tapes were destroyed after the investigation began then I say hold them in contempt.

Obama to Overturn Bush's Abortion Rule

President Obama is looking to over turn Bush's last minute abortion rule. The rule protects medical providers who refuse treatment based on moral grounds. This includes but is not limited to abortion, birth control contraception, etc. Thank you President Obama!

Yet Another Gamer Post

Apparently, the new Grand Theft Auto IV put a naked man in their video game. I know you are all as shocked as me male frontal nudity, clearly the rapture is coming.

I really don't care about this, but I can't look away; it is kind of like wardrobe malfunctions. It is funny that people care when it is a man's junk. The author of "The Naked Truth: Junk and Jubblies Sell Games," Winda Benedetti, points to specific games which embrace female nudity the part that comes to mind is the adventure girl capable of discovering treasure, but never any pants. Benedetti is clever. According to Bendettie, the male anatomy actually fits in the story line of Grand Theft Auto IV opposed to the female anatomy which appears anytime "the man" can put it in (sex pun).

Pimp.net

I sincerely hope that isn't a real website, but I didn't check because I don't want to know. A friend sent me this article today and unfortunately it wasn't anything new or that we haven't discussed before. Apparently, pimps have figured out how to get online and exploit women at the same time. I mentioned this in a previous posting, Paradox of Prostitution.

According to Wider Blog Network's article, "Pimps Go Online to Lure Kids into Prostitution," pimps are using myspace to target at risk kids and talk them into prostitution. The article also mentions Craigslist as a way for these pimps to advertise their girls...I mean girls, not a euphemism for women. The article mentions two specific pimps (one from Oh..I.O. we're so proud), and the way they targeted their victims. We knew this was going to happen; as technology advances so are criminals. The article mentions what the police and law enforcement organizations are doing to fight sex trafficking, but it doesn't change the fact that these perverts are always going to be one step ahead. As a result we, the opposition to the exploitation of persons, need to fight for stronger punishments for the trafficking and exploitation of people.

Obama Declares Class Warfare

President Obama has decided to pay for his health care plan by taxing the rich. This is a shocking concept to those who has increased their wealth in past few (eight) years. With the stratification of the classes, this tax increase will force those making $250,000 or more a year would feel it. Obviously this is Obama's socialize the Republicans warned us about during the campaign. The New York Times even calls it, "a pronounced move to redistribute wealth by reimposing a larger share of the tax burden on corporations and the most affluent taxpayers." I hope all of you reading this are ready to pay up; wait no one reading this would make that much. Never mind.

Think about it this man is talking about raising taxes on the wealth and providing health care to a greater number of people...possibly universal health care. Viva La Revolution!

F-You Xbox

Apparently, being a lesbian and using Xbox live are not cohesive, and here I thought all companies would want money right now. I'm not going to lie; I've been thinking of getting one for a while, but if this is true I won't buy from them.

According to Feministing.com, a woman's profile was suspended for having the fact that she is a lesbian in her profile. Other gamers harassed her and encouraged others to turn her in. Feministing also made reference to this happening before.

My question becomes why is she the one being punished? What does being a lesbian have to do with anything? And most importantly, these gamers who chased her off, you're concerned about your kids coming in contact with a lesbian online, but let them play violent video games. F-You

Kenneth the Page is a Governor...

I have watched this so many times. Actually I put it on anytime I become angry with my job; it will remain one of those things that will bring a smile to my face for months to come. Seriously though this is sad on so many levels. Watch and enjoy...



And now Bobby Jindal's 30 Rock counterpart...



I am hoping Tina Fey and 30 Rock have Kenneth the page run for office.

The Children of "Born into Brothels"

I read today that the children in the film Born into Brothels all didn't get happy endings. One of the girls in particular who went to the Oscars four years ago has been pulled into the sex trade. It is as if the documentary made no difference expect giving her hope only to have it pulled away.

Preeti Mukherjee works the red light district where the documentary was filmed. She began working one year after experiencing the Oscars. Other children in the documentary were delivered from this lifestyle, but Preeti's mother insisted she stay with her. Preeti now supports her mother by prostituting herself.

I get angry with the mother and the industry which would profit from these children, but not do enough to help them.

Taking energy conservation to new heights

It is absolutely amazing what we can do with technology these days. While reading Gizmodo this morning, I found this article stating that a few smaller towns in Germany have started turning off their street lights at night to save energy. Sounds dangerous, right? Nope! As long as you have your cell phone on you, you can turn them back on.

So far, the program has been met with modest success. In the small town with a big name Morgenröthe-Rautenkranz, the citizens were given the ability to turn on street light with their cell. So far, they've managed to save $5,300. Not too bad for a town of only 900.

Very interesting, however, I can't really imagine even the smaller American towns doing soemthing like this.

Movie Review: Towelhead

I have been really bad about watching movies lately because I've been almost stricktly watching TV boxsets from Christmas, but over the weekend Tim and I watched Towelhead so I thought I would tell you about it.

I don't know about you, but I really like movies that can force some sort of emotion from me, and this movie really made me angry and disgusted (but in a good way, you know?). Through most of the movie my face was contorted in various expressions of digust (see fig. 1) at the actions of the characters. The basic story behind this movie is a 13 year old Arab-American girl moves to Texas to live with her father after her mother throws her out for being too attractive to her (the mother's) boyfriend. The beginning of the movie shows her dealing with the typical biggoted remarks and other such things you would expect from a town in Texas in 2002, but moves to a grossly sexual plot. Let me just say, I did not get such action as a 13 year old. Yikes. It became very hard to watch to be honest and though it was good, I don't know that I could watch it again.

Also, Aaron Eckhart plays a particularly despicable character (fig 2) and it leads me to wonder if he will always be typecast as such. Tim and I laughed at the thought that he was the most relatable in Batman (pre-acid bath obviously).

3.5/5

Fig 1



Fig 2

Did I mention Obama is bigger than Jesus?

Well apparently he is according to a poll about heroes, and that isn't really a reason to write extensively. However, the fact that one woman makes the list is...we are still the majority right? Jezebel made a list including women, characters, and other classic women. So I am going to make my top ten list right now. See below.

Not Necessarily in this order...
Jane Austen
Desdemona
Dorothy Day
Nancy Pelosi
H Rod
Wonder Woman (DC fans)/Jean Gray (Marvel Fans)
Eve Ensler
Maggie Smith
Susan B Anthony
Elizabeth Cady Stanton

Thank you...

Oh, Silly Police

A woman, Hope Steffey, called the police to report an assault, but was mistakenly taken into custody. While in custody the woman was stripped searched; the experience can only be described as a sexual assault. I am horribly disgusted by this and ashamed to call this place my home.

Legal Repercussions of Granting Legal Rights to Embryos

I read a old post done on Feministe entitled "Even More Questions for Pro-Lifers." These questions are interesting because they seem completely irrational or improbable. I mean who would seriously consider giving social security numbers to fertilized eggs, holding women legal responsible for drinking coffee while preggers, or charging men child support for a fertilized egg. I like these all or nothing arguments because they are just as crazy as the pro-lifers who think that a fertilized egg should have the same legal rights as the rest of us.

This could actually be pretty funny

Someone put out a comic book of "missed connections" called I Saw You...: Comics Inspired by Real-Life Missed Connections. I think I may actually have to check this out because I know just reading the missed connections on craigslist is funny enough as it is, but with drawings it can really only get better!

North Dakota is Going to Ban Abortion (whether or not that have the power)

Yep, you read that right. North Dakota is attempting yet again to ban abortion...I lost count of how many times this state has tried. Here is the run down: The North Dakota House has approved a bill that gives a fertilized egg the rights of a human being. This effectively outlaws abortion, and further more miscarriages so don't go having those either you baby killing liberals. The author of the bill, Representative Dan Sullivan claims the measure would prevent people (women) from aborting a fetus based on the sex (he of course says gender as though there is no difference).

There must be some epidemic out in the Midwest and West the rest of us have no idea about. Both Oklahoma and North Dakota have to ban abortion so "people" stop aborting fetuses based on their sex. Of course, in Oklahoma they can't come up with a care where this actually came up. Sounds like someone is hoping to get lucky on the slippery slope effect...

Well, ice has finally bested me.

I slipped on some black ice getting off the bus yesterday on my way in to work and sprained my ankle. Walking on crutches proves much more difficult than I originally thought. I can't really do anything for myself, which is extremely frustrating and has sent me to tears as I am usually completely self-sufficient, I want to ring my co-workers' necks because no one picked up the slack on things that needed to be done yesterday when I was out because they all felt like someone else should have been doing it, I am exhausted and I just want to go home. Absolutely everything becomes more difficult without two feet. I really had no idea how hard just putting on pants would be. You can't balance on one leg while you put the other through the pant leg! I couldn't pack my own lunch because I dropped some of it on the floor and couldn't pick it back up myself, I can't walk to and from the printer easily because it is too close to someone's desk and I don't really fit through with my crutches, I have no idea how I'm going to heat up my lunch and carry it back to my desk, and when I did ask a coworker to help by filling up my bottle of water, she left with it for like 15 minutes and chatted with someone. UGH. There is one decent person in this office who went to get me some ice for my ankle. She's sprained hers a bunch of times so she came over and gave me a bunch of advice and that made me feel a bit better.

Ok rant over.

Tim and I finished watching the entire series of Buffy the Vampire Slayer yesterday when I got home from the hospital. I've got to say, I had a passing interest in this show when it first aired, but my mom didn't love me watching it so I lost track. Basically, Tim and I watched the entire series from Christmas until yesterday (I got him this awesome box set for Christmas when it was on sale for $70, yes I know, I rock) and I am really going to miss watching it. I absolutely loved the finale, even though my favorite character died, it really was a perfect ending to the series. Time to go get some books on the philosophy of Buffy!

In other news, we decided to start watching House from the beginning since they gave me vicodin for my ankle. Seems to make sense, hehe.

I always wanted to be Jessie Spano...

No, I'm serious. I watched Saved by the Bell all the time as a kid, and I even had the dolls. When my sisters fought over who would get the Kelly doll it didn't matter to me because I wanted the Jessie doll. I was reading on Jezebel and Community Feministing that people actually think that Jessie Spano hurt feminism, but I have to disagree. The argument is sound; she wasn't the most popular girl in school and did date the epitome of sexism on the show.

However, I point you to the episode "Cut Day" where Jessie breaks up with Slater for the understanding environmentalist...one for the activists. Or the episode "Model Students" where Jessie is the voice of reason after the female characters' privacy is violated by the male students. Not to mention the episodes where she fights "the man" over dating auctions and female wrestlers (even though she threw her sister under the bus for a moment in that one, but she is just a high school character).

I'm not going to lie; I was riddled with insecurity and self-doubt in junior high and high school, but I have never been afraid or ashamed to be a feminist. I attributed a lot of that to Jessie Spano being on of my heroes as a kid. Sure she wasn't the most popular girl in class, but neither was I. She was however, the most intelligent and had trouble balancing it with leading an active normal life...and that I get.

Anyway, she didn't do too bad for herself either. I mean yeah she dated Slater, but she made out with Zack Morris too!!! I direct your attention to episode "Snow White and the Seven Dorks."

I looked up all the episodes on TV.Com.

Movie Review: Jesus Camp

It is hard to pick what is the most horrifying about this film. The film takes you on a journey with Evangelical Christian children, heir parents, and their pastors. You delve into a culture of fear and faith which is always a devilish combination.

For a minute I wasn't too concerned, after all Pastor Becky mentioned Harry Potter, and the kids gasped as she told about wizards being the enemy of God. This of course didn't drive me to fear because after working in a bookstore on a Harry Potter release night...there are a lot of people out there who don't believe children's books are the enemy of God. Then the kids started talking about it and how they watched the movies anyway. Cut to the next scene where the kids repeated what they were told about being the army of God.

The film portrayed these children as pawns in a political game; though everyone was denying it. Not to imply the kids don't believe the information they are regurgitating out. There were many moments when I couldn't believe what I was hearing or seeing, but nothing struck me like the pure militarism of faith and demonetization of anyone different. This was captured beautifully at the end of the film when Pastor Becky was on the air with a liberal talk radio host. She said that America's is destined to fail because democracy is destined to fail. It will fail because it requires that everyone be treated equal...yeah, you just read that. I think now would be a good time to draw attention the slight Aryan nature of the Bible Camp. I ask you to count the minorities if you feel so inclined or moments when you feel like the word Jesus could be replaced by Hitler or Muslims with Jews.

While I did like the film, because I like anything that infuriates me. A friend pointed out the radio host talks down to the viewers, and panders to the liberal agenda of the film. I completely agree. While he does serve a purpose it is difficult to take him seriously because in the context he sounds as radical as the reactionary Christians. Personally, I think the film would have been stronger if they had left him out and focused solely on the subject. If the filmmakers still needed someone to contrast their subjects then why not a neutral narrator? Someone without agenda.

On the Cari rating system: 4/5

Domestic Violence

The First Pro-Life Ad that Convinces Conservatives to Abort Children

I love this! I read it on Wonkette this morning and think it is hysterically funny. The best part of this is that they use Obama. Of course, I have questions. I am curious whether or not this is Obama...I mean I'm sure this isn't, but still. I think it would have given it a little credibility.

Mammoths may improve your sex life and extend your life expectancy (no this is not a double entendre)

I was reading Gizmodo today and found this crazy article. Apparently, some Russian scientists have been testing Mammoth DNA and found that it seems to extend the lives of mice, among other things.

"According to Professor Anatoli Broushkov, their 'set of tests and the results prove that simple organisms like fruit flies and mice live longer after being vaccinated with the ancient bacterium extract.' Not only that, but the bacterium DNA super-vaccine actually increases mental alertness, physical capability, and sexual activity for both male and female mice. The females actually have had babies at an older age than usual: 'Some elderly mice demonstrated a growth of physical, mental and sexual activity, while some females even had babies aged at the human equivalent of 70,' said scientist Vera Samsonova."

I guess the question that comes to mind when I read things like this is whether or not it is worth living 10 years longer when we can be talking about over 100 years on earth. Nothing in this article says that those extra 10 years (or mice equivalent) are happy or fulfilling. Most people you meet seem to be just exhausted if they're over 90. Also, who the heck would want to have a kid at 70 years old? Sure, it is amazing that it could happen, but I am worried about having the energy to take care of a baby at 30, let alone 40 years later than that.

Also, I've been watching a lot of Buffy the Vampire Slayer lately and I still don't really think immortality seems all that great.

Orgasms, They're Missing from Sex

Apparently, women who participate in casual sex have few orgasms than their male partners. The research claims that women in relationships orgasm 80% as often as their partner, but women who "hook-up" come half as often, and for first time "hook-ups" a third. I refer my readers to a previous post, Sometimes I just like talking about sex.

I read about this on Jezebel.com, "Is the 'Orgasm Gap' Code for 'Dudes are Lazy'?" I think this is an interesting argument after all a woman's orgasm comes second in our culture. I argue this in the other post. I find the comments form the men interviewed particularly frustrating. The article, "The Orgasm Gap" by Hannah Seligson, states that women perform oral sex on their partner at a rate of 4 to 1 compared to men, and this is regardless of relationship status. In her article, Seligson references Micheal Kimmel (author of Guyland reviewed on this blog!), "Men don’t pull their weight on either front because no one makes them."

I believe that men are becoming more concerned on a whole with women's pleasure, but we just aren't there yet. Personally, for me good sex means good for both partners.

So the moral of this story is that men blow...or actually men don't blow, and that is the problem.

I love you, Mary Louise-Parker.

I am not sure if I've expressed my love for Mary Louise-Parker on here, but today I think I will. You may know her from Showtime's Weeds, but I can only see her as Harper from HBO's miniseries (based on Harold Kushner's play) Angels in America, and now I've read that she is playing a lead role in a modern take on Ibsen's Hedda.

Actually, just from reading this article on the New Yorker's website Parker's characters, Nancy, Harper, and Hedda, do not seem very different to me. They are all desperately trying to grasp on to some sort of control to keep their own sanity; Harper through her need to move to Alaska, Nancy through her drug dealing, and Hedda through her marriage. Each woman is strong (and a bit crazy) in their own way and it makes me love Parker even more for continually taking on the role of a strong, independent woman.

"Fine-boned and wasp-waisted, Parker plays Hedda as an icy, eye-rolling, passive-aggressive bitch. She’s as petulant as a cat, and just as unbiddable."

I mean, tell me this doesn't intice you!

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.