Hilarious song from the awesome duo Garfunkel and Oates. Kate Micucci (the one on the left) is fantastic as Ted's girlfriend on Scrubs. Especially loved her song "Screw You."
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Earth Day 2009 - What We Can Do to Help
In honor of Mother Earth, Real Simple has dozens of tips on how to recycle anything - from A(erosol cans) to Z(ippered plastic bags).
Ideas include:
Backpacks: The American Birding Association accepts donated backpacks, which its scientists use while tracking neotropical birds (americanbirding.org).
Compact fluorescent lightbulbs: CFLs contain mercury and shouldn’t be thrown in the trash. Ikea and the Home Depot operate CFL recycling programs; you can also check with your local hardware store or recycling center to see if it offers recycling services.
DVDs, CDs, and jewel cases: If you want to get rid of that Lionel Richie CD because “Dancing on the Ceiling” doesn’t do it for you anymore, you can swap it for a disc from another music lover at zunafish.com. But if you just want to let it go and not worry about it ending up in a landfill, send it (along with DVDs and jewel cases) to greendisk.com for recycling.
Holiday cards: After they’ve lined your mantel for two months, you could throw them into the recycling bin, or you could give them a whole new life. St. Jude’s Ranch for Children (stjudesranch.org), a nonprofit home for abused and neglected youths, runs a holiday-card reuse program in which the kids cut off the front covers, glue them onto new cards, and sell the result―earning them money and confidence.
Pizza boxes: If cheese and grease are stuck to the box, rip out the affected areas and recycle the rest as corrugated cardboard. Food residue can ruin a whole batch of paper if it is left to sit in the recycling facility and begins to decompose.
Soap dispensers (pump): Most plastic ones are recyclable; toss them in with the other plastics.
Ideas include:
Backpacks: The American Birding Association accepts donated backpacks, which its scientists use while tracking neotropical birds (americanbirding.org).
Compact fluorescent lightbulbs: CFLs contain mercury and shouldn’t be thrown in the trash. Ikea and the Home Depot operate CFL recycling programs; you can also check with your local hardware store or recycling center to see if it offers recycling services.
DVDs, CDs, and jewel cases: If you want to get rid of that Lionel Richie CD because “Dancing on the Ceiling” doesn’t do it for you anymore, you can swap it for a disc from another music lover at zunafish.com. But if you just want to let it go and not worry about it ending up in a landfill, send it (along with DVDs and jewel cases) to greendisk.com for recycling.
Holiday cards: After they’ve lined your mantel for two months, you could throw them into the recycling bin, or you could give them a whole new life. St. Jude’s Ranch for Children (stjudesranch.org), a nonprofit home for abused and neglected youths, runs a holiday-card reuse program in which the kids cut off the front covers, glue them onto new cards, and sell the result―earning them money and confidence.
Nikes and other sneakers: Nike’s Reuse-a-Shoe program (nikereuseashoe.com) accepts old sneakers (any brand) and recycles them into courts for various sports so kids around the world have a place to play. You can drop them off at a Nike store, other participating retailers, athletic clubs, and schools around the country (check the website for locations), or mail them to Nike Recycling Center, c/o Reuse-a-Shoe, 26755 SW 95th Avenue, Wilsonville OR 97070. If your sneakers are still in reasonable shape, donate them to needy athletes in the United States and around the world through oneworldrunning.com. Mail them to One World Running, P.O. Box 2223, Boulder CO 80306.
Pizza boxes: If cheese and grease are stuck to the box, rip out the affected areas and recycle the rest as corrugated cardboard. Food residue can ruin a whole batch of paper if it is left to sit in the recycling facility and begins to decompose.
Soap dispensers (pump): Most plastic ones are recyclable; toss them in with the other plastics.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Stolen from the best
I'm too tired to post anything original today, so here's a great post from one of my favorite bloggers. Just wow, is all I'll say. Wow.
Saving Face
This economy is making us ugly. Which is precisely why you should be considering plastic surgery despite the fact that you have absolutely no money or credit. Because even the beautiful people are having a tough time getting jobs and if they’re having a tough time getting jobs, then you probably need all the help you can get. Over the last couple of weeks, my crow’s feet have started to take over my entire face. There’s nothing more unsightly than crow’s feet that extend past your cheekbones.
In 2008, cosmetic surgeries were down nine percent but now there seems to be an increased interest among people wanting to look “younger” and “fresher” before reentering the job market. Especially if you’re trying to get your old job back by posing as someone else. NOW who’s laughing?!
“I’m 56 and I’ve been in the music business for 35 years. We’re not having a good year and I know I’ll soon have to interview,” said Jeff Grabow, who recently spent $17,000 on a facelift. Seriously? 17 grand? I’ll show you a bad year.
Of course, women are more susceptible to this latest trend given that they can’t rely on “skills” so much as a “nice ass” to get that elusive competitive edge. According to a poll conducted by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 13 percent of the women surveyed between the ages of 18 and 64 say they would consider having a cosmetic medical procedure to increase their confidence. Well, how do you think Nancy Pelosi became Speaker of the House?
In order to capitalize on the sheer desperation and misery of the unemployed, Manhattan plastic surgeon Stephen Greenberg recently began promoting a “Job Fighter Package.” (Resume enhancement not included.)
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Dear Senator Patrick
People named Katie are so smart!
Here are some excerpts from this great blog entry, posted on RH Reality Check.
If you're really passionate about women's reproductive health (and here I will perform a gross suspension of disbelief and claim that you are), why do you choose to ignore everything that doesn't have to do with preventing abortion?
Leading medical organizations - run by doctors, not lawmakers (shocking, I know), are opposed to this measure. The American Medical Association and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists oppose requirements that use specific procedures for informed consent because they compromise a physician's ability to decide what information or treatment is in the best interest of the patient.
As a point of fact, all Planned Parenthood clinics do perform ultrasounds on women seeking abortions. This is done to date the pregnancy so that the doctor can decide the best course of action for the patient. Patients are given the opportunity to view the ultrasound, but are certainly not required to do so.
There's a common misconception held by those opposed to abortion that Planned Parenthood clinics (and presumable all abortion providers) for some reason want women to have abortions, that they run abortion factories and just love aborting little fetuses. Oh boy, guess what I got to do today! Sadly, they grossly misunderstand the vital services that PP's and other women's health clinics provide - necessary health care for women. Mammograms, pap smears, cervical cancer screening, STI treatment, and yes, sometimes abortions. The wonderful physicians who work at PP clinics do so because they have the best interests of their patients at heart, just like any other doctor. Shouldn't we let them decide how best to treat their patients, and not Senator Patrick or Representative Corte?
But as Katie Mahoney says, let's ignore abortion for a moment. Let's not focus on the fact that the vast majority of women getting abortions are already mothers, or intend to become mothers at some later point. Let's move beyond the fact that when women have made the decision to seek an abortion, they have already done the necessary critical thinking and soul-searching and have reached their decision with the help and guidance of friends, family and faith leaders.
Let's ignore all that and face the fact that healthcare in Texas is lacking. Women aren't getting the vital, life-saving screening and treatment they need. If we were all truly more concerned about women's health, as Senator Patrick says he is, then we would focus on increasing access to the healthcare services that Planned Parenthood provides.
Here are some excerpts from this great blog entry, posted on RH Reality Check.
Dear Senator Dan Patrick,
Didn't we just do this? Two weeks ago, the State Affairs Committee of the Texas Senate heard testimony regarding another one of those abortion-related bills that pop up like clockwork every legislative session. This one, sponsored by you, was a mandatory ultrasound bill; the original text of the bill would require not only that ultrasound images be taken and displayed to the patient two hours before an abortion took place, but that the physician provide an audible heartbeat and "a simultaneous verbal explanation of the results of the ultrasound images, including... the presence of external members and internal organs."
But this letter isn't about that bill, not really. It's not even about the 85,000 women who receive abortions in Texas each year (and will continue to be subjected to a 24-hour waiting period and state-endorsed misinformation linking abortions to breast cancer, whether or not the bill passes). This article is actually about Rachel in Bexar County, whose mother is 73 years old and hasn't been able to afford to see a doctor for the past ten years, even though she found a lump in her breast several years ago. It's about Ivonne in El Paso County, a single mom who can't afford health insurance for herself and drives to Mexico when she needs to see a doctor or fill a prescription. It's about Anjail in Bell County, who "was never educated that no means no" and didn't realize it was rape when her partner forced her to have sex with him.
If you're really passionate about women's reproductive health (and here I will perform a gross suspension of disbelief and claim that you are), why do you choose to ignore everything that doesn't have to do with preventing abortion?
I have listened to you and other legislators discuss in great detail the nuances of a clause about whether or not the patient may avert her eyes when her doctor displays the ultrasound. Meanwhile, Cheryl hasn't had a pap smear in over five years. And Sharon needs transportation to another town for a breast cancer screening, since she can't afford any of the clinics in the city where she lives.
I wish you would join the Healthy Women, Healthy Families coalition, Senator Patrick. I know we have diametrically opposed viewpoints on abortion. But that's okay. Because sometimes, reproductive health really isn't about abortion.
Signed,
Katie Mahoney
Leading medical organizations - run by doctors, not lawmakers (shocking, I know), are opposed to this measure. The American Medical Association and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists oppose requirements that use specific procedures for informed consent because they compromise a physician's ability to decide what information or treatment is in the best interest of the patient.
As a point of fact, all Planned Parenthood clinics do perform ultrasounds on women seeking abortions. This is done to date the pregnancy so that the doctor can decide the best course of action for the patient. Patients are given the opportunity to view the ultrasound, but are certainly not required to do so.
There's a common misconception held by those opposed to abortion that Planned Parenthood clinics (and presumable all abortion providers) for some reason want women to have abortions, that they run abortion factories and just love aborting little fetuses. Oh boy, guess what I got to do today! Sadly, they grossly misunderstand the vital services that PP's and other women's health clinics provide - necessary health care for women. Mammograms, pap smears, cervical cancer screening, STI treatment, and yes, sometimes abortions. The wonderful physicians who work at PP clinics do so because they have the best interests of their patients at heart, just like any other doctor. Shouldn't we let them decide how best to treat their patients, and not Senator Patrick or Representative Corte?
But as Katie Mahoney says, let's ignore abortion for a moment. Let's not focus on the fact that the vast majority of women getting abortions are already mothers, or intend to become mothers at some later point. Let's move beyond the fact that when women have made the decision to seek an abortion, they have already done the necessary critical thinking and soul-searching and have reached their decision with the help and guidance of friends, family and faith leaders.
Let's ignore all that and face the fact that healthcare in Texas is lacking. Women aren't getting the vital, life-saving screening and treatment they need. If we were all truly more concerned about women's health, as Senator Patrick says he is, then we would focus on increasing access to the healthcare services that Planned Parenthood provides.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Am I too old to play with stuffed animals?
Because these are awesome...
Food Chain Friends
These guys are hilarious/slightly scary - a winning combination! Hey, it's never too soon to teach your kids about nature!
Food Chain Friends
These guys are hilarious/slightly scary - a winning combination! Hey, it's never too soon to teach your kids about nature!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Texas Schools Fail Teens
Today, the Texas Freedom Network Education Fund released the results of a study showing exactly what public schools in Texas are teaching teens about sexuality.
The results are frightening: Out of more than 1,000 school districts in Texas, only a handful – less than 40 – include even basic information about responsible pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease prevention, including various contraceptive methods. Even worse, the information students do receive is often grossly distorted or completely inaccurate.
The report, called "Just Say (Don't) Know: Sexuality Education in Texas Public Schools" is the culmination of more than a year long examination of sexuality education in the state of Texas.
To view the report, click here.
Our kids deserve to know the truth about sexuality. Like it or not, kids are having sex, or they're at least exploring. As much as I think a 14, 15, 16-year-old should wait til s/he's older to have sex, well, let's get real. Shouldn't they be protected from potentially life-threatening STIs? Shouldn't they learn how not to get pregnant?
Poll after poll confirms that a vast majority of parents want their kids to learn about sexuality, contraception, and how to protect themselves from STIs. In fact, most parents think their kids are learning the facts. Sadly, this report shows that they are not - at least, not in public school.
Don't we owe more to our kids? We Texans have enormous pride in our great state. Let's make sure we really deserve to. JUST SAY KNOW!
The results are frightening: Out of more than 1,000 school districts in Texas, only a handful – less than 40 – include even basic information about responsible pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease prevention, including various contraceptive methods. Even worse, the information students do receive is often grossly distorted or completely inaccurate.
The report, called "Just Say (Don't) Know: Sexuality Education in Texas Public Schools" is the culmination of more than a year long examination of sexuality education in the state of Texas.
To view the report, click here.
Our kids deserve to know the truth about sexuality. Like it or not, kids are having sex, or they're at least exploring. As much as I think a 14, 15, 16-year-old should wait til s/he's older to have sex, well, let's get real. Shouldn't they be protected from potentially life-threatening STIs? Shouldn't they learn how not to get pregnant?
Poll after poll confirms that a vast majority of parents want their kids to learn about sexuality, contraception, and how to protect themselves from STIs. In fact, most parents think their kids are learning the facts. Sadly, this report shows that they are not - at least, not in public school.
Don't we owe more to our kids? We Texans have enormous pride in our great state. Let's make sure we really deserve to. JUST SAY KNOW!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Happy Darwin Day!
Here's some sobering food for thought:
On Darwin's 200th birthday, only 39% of Americans believe in evolution.
Anyone else fear for humanity?
*Source
On Darwin's 200th birthday, only 39% of Americans believe in evolution.
Anyone else fear for humanity?
*Source
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Random Wednesday musings
So I have two bright pink post-its on my computer reminding me of my most important New Year's resolution: to consume less. Turns out it's hard work! Though I do have all this free time now that I'm not buying stuff online. It's quite liberating, actually, but I admit it's a struggle.*
Anyway, I've come across this fun website, called Daily Routines, that catalogs the, well, daily routines of famous people, like Charles Darwin, Jasper Johns, and Emily Dickinson, to name a few. I particularly like Flaubert's careful routine:
Days were as unvaried as the notes of the cuckoo. Flaubert, a man of nocturnal habits, usually awoke at 10 a.m. and announced the event with his bell cord. Only then did people dare speak above a whisper. His valet, Narcisse, straightaway brought him water, filled his pipe, drew the curtains, and delivered the morning mail....At 11 a.m. he entered the dining room, where Mme Flaubert; Liline; her English governess, Isabel Hutton; and very often Uncle Parain would have gathered. Unable to work well on a full stomach, he ate lightly, or what passed for such in the Flaubert household, meaning that his first meal consisted of eggs, vegetables, cheese or fruit, and a cup of cold chocolate. The family then lounged on the terrace, unless foul weather kept them indoors, or climbed a steep path through woods...
My morning routine looks something like this:
Wake to the alarm clock at 7:15. Pretend not to hear it so husband has to get up and turn it off. Sleep until 8. Walk and feed the dog, or pretend to sleep so husband has to do it. Say to myself: "I have to get up, I'm going to be late for work." Repeat until I get up, eventually. Shower, dress, and generally waste time, despite needing to leave the house 5 minutes ago. Arrive at work, late, as usual.
Well, perhaps if I become a famous French novelist someday, I can wake at ten each morning and have my own valet bring me some chocolate. Ah, to dream.
*In the spirit of full disclosure, I did just buy a book. Oh, sue me.
Anyway, I've come across this fun website, called Daily Routines, that catalogs the, well, daily routines of famous people, like Charles Darwin, Jasper Johns, and Emily Dickinson, to name a few. I particularly like Flaubert's careful routine:
Days were as unvaried as the notes of the cuckoo. Flaubert, a man of nocturnal habits, usually awoke at 10 a.m. and announced the event with his bell cord. Only then did people dare speak above a whisper. His valet, Narcisse, straightaway brought him water, filled his pipe, drew the curtains, and delivered the morning mail....At 11 a.m. he entered the dining room, where Mme Flaubert; Liline; her English governess, Isabel Hutton; and very often Uncle Parain would have gathered. Unable to work well on a full stomach, he ate lightly, or what passed for such in the Flaubert household, meaning that his first meal consisted of eggs, vegetables, cheese or fruit, and a cup of cold chocolate. The family then lounged on the terrace, unless foul weather kept them indoors, or climbed a steep path through woods...
My morning routine looks something like this:
Wake to the alarm clock at 7:15. Pretend not to hear it so husband has to get up and turn it off. Sleep until 8. Walk and feed the dog, or pretend to sleep so husband has to do it. Say to myself: "I have to get up, I'm going to be late for work." Repeat until I get up, eventually. Shower, dress, and generally waste time, despite needing to leave the house 5 minutes ago. Arrive at work, late, as usual.
Well, perhaps if I become a famous French novelist someday, I can wake at ten each morning and have my own valet bring me some chocolate. Ah, to dream.
*In the spirit of full disclosure, I did just buy a book. Oh, sue me.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Happy 2009
"And now let us welcome the new year, full of things that have never been."
~Rainer Maria Rilke
The holidays are over, 2008 is but a memory...and I, for one, am glad. Not that I don't enjoy the Christmas festivities - this Christmas was lovely, in fact - but I always looks forward to the fresh start that a new calendar year brings.
I managed to get through the holidays with a minimum amount of stress, amazingly. I didn't go overboard on gifts, got everything done early (including the wrapping - a first), and managed to enjoy several quiet nights at home with my husband and animals, in front of the fire, reading and watching movies. It was a quiet, peaceful season, all in all.
A post-Christmas trip to Colorado let us frolic in the snow with our dog, who, being a native Coloradan, loves the fluffy white stuff (pictures to come). He had more energy in the 10 degree weather than I've seen in a long time. Certainly more than me - I preferred the warmth of the fire!
New Year's Eve was quiet and we had to force ourselves to stay awake until midnight. (Perhaps that had something to do with the amount of champagne that was consumed early on in the night. Perhaps.) Regardless, it was celebratory and just what I needed.
So, here we are, 5 days into 2009, and I can tell it's going to be a good year (despite the rain and cold outside my window). This year, I resolve to find more peace in my life. I want to consume less - be grateful for the things I already have in my life, and be mindful of those who have far less, and not enough. I plan to clean out that spare bedroom full of junk, and organize the garage. I will feed the birds. I will simplify. I will be healthier, in mind, body and spirit.
Happy New Year, everyone. May good things come to you in 2009.
~Rainer Maria Rilke
The holidays are over, 2008 is but a memory...and I, for one, am glad. Not that I don't enjoy the Christmas festivities - this Christmas was lovely, in fact - but I always looks forward to the fresh start that a new calendar year brings.
I managed to get through the holidays with a minimum amount of stress, amazingly. I didn't go overboard on gifts, got everything done early (including the wrapping - a first), and managed to enjoy several quiet nights at home with my husband and animals, in front of the fire, reading and watching movies. It was a quiet, peaceful season, all in all.
A post-Christmas trip to Colorado let us frolic in the snow with our dog, who, being a native Coloradan, loves the fluffy white stuff (pictures to come). He had more energy in the 10 degree weather than I've seen in a long time. Certainly more than me - I preferred the warmth of the fire!
New Year's Eve was quiet and we had to force ourselves to stay awake until midnight. (Perhaps that had something to do with the amount of champagne that was consumed early on in the night. Perhaps.) Regardless, it was celebratory and just what I needed.
So, here we are, 5 days into 2009, and I can tell it's going to be a good year (despite the rain and cold outside my window). This year, I resolve to find more peace in my life. I want to consume less - be grateful for the things I already have in my life, and be mindful of those who have far less, and not enough. I plan to clean out that spare bedroom full of junk, and organize the garage. I will feed the birds. I will simplify. I will be healthier, in mind, body and spirit.
Happy New Year, everyone. May good things come to you in 2009.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Comic strips just aren't the same without him...
In the spirit of the season, enjoy these works of art by our favorite comic strip 6-year-old Calvin*.
*by Bill Waterston
*by Bill Waterston
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Meowy Christmas
Don't forget the animals this season - visit this website to give free food to homeless animals living in shelters across the country. A simple click goes a long way. Even better, add it to your Favorites list so you can click everyday.
The animals thank you.
The animals thank you.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
These are a few of my favorite things
This is the first installment in a series of things I love, can't live without, have stumbled across and found interesting...
Sukie sticky notes
I found these at the MoMA store this past weekend. I love all office supplies, and these are particularly charming. Plus, there's an owl. And I love owls. Would make a great stocking stuffer or teacher gift.
Sukie sticky notes
I found these at the MoMA store this past weekend. I love all office supplies, and these are particularly charming. Plus, there's an owl. And I love owls. Would make a great stocking stuffer or teacher gift.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Happy, Merry
I'm trying my hardest to get into the holiday spirit this year, but it's been tough. This past weekend's trip to NYC helped a bit - it was very cold, snowed a bit, and I finally got to see the tree at Rockefeller Center in person.So on the Christmas note, here's my very favorite song of the season, by Sarah McLachlan.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Vote for the North Texas Food Bank!
Chicken of the Sea is having a "jingle jam" to find its new theme song. Exciting, right? That's not the reason I'm posting, though I do love me some sea chicken. Dallas' own Landon Austin has written a jingle, and if he wins, not only does he get a trip to Hollywood, but the North Texas Food Bank will receive $100,000 worth of food from Chicken of the Sea.Click here to vote for Landon. You can vote up to three times a day until December 9 - next Tuesday. You don't even have to watch it three times to be able to vote.
Vote early, vote often, vote for the North Texas Food Bank - they need your help.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Blue and White
"I've said this before, and I'm dead serious. The world would be a better place if everybody went to Duke. People that go to Duke are just smarter and better than everybody else. And that's why I'm bringing Shane Battier on…..From now on I'm only allowing people who went to Duke on my radio show to talk NBA. They're smarter, they're better, they're more decent, and they got hosed in that lacrosse thing….I'm pro-Duke University….The world is a better place if everybody went to Duke….What's the downside to Duke? What is one criticism of Duke? There's not even a criticism of Duke. They're good-looking, they wear nice clothes, they have nice parents, smell good, get good grades, benefit the society. Plus, they have to make up for all of North Carolina's mistakes."
~ Colin Cowherd, ESPN radio
(thanks to Kristy for posting this on her fb page)
~ Colin Cowherd, ESPN radio
(thanks to Kristy for posting this on her fb page)
Monday, November 24, 2008
It's not a trick...it's an illusion!
This is the total opposite of a douche-chill...the Arrested Development movie is a go! Best news I've heard all morning. According to Watch With Kristin:Reliable inside sources confirm to me that producers Mitch Hurwitz and Ron Howard have signed deals to do an Arrested movie with Imagine and Fox Searchlight.
Sources tell me exclusively that the major motion picture is budgeted at $15 million. (Translation: It will be awesome.)
"Yes, it's a go," an Arrested castmember who asked not to be named tells me. "We're all very excited. And it will happen with or without the holdout."
Wait a minute...The holdout? Yes, I'm also told exclusively by multiple sources that one of the show's original castmembers has not signed on to the movie...
"Yeah, [he or she] might not do it," an actor says of this costar. "However, I do know that we will do the project with or without [him or her]."
Guesses?
The good news is that aside from this actor (who, sorry, cannot be named), I'm told that all of the other main castmembers have committed to be a part of the big-screen project. And, yes, the show will go on.
So just to make sure it sinks in here: Arrested Development is coming back. For real. On the big screen. As a major motion picture.
Doesn't that make you fans so happy you just want to hug your "anal-rapist"? (Meaning Tobias Fünke, aka David Cross, aka the show's resident analyst/therapist, naturally.)
OK, maybe when this "holdout" realizes s/he's being a douche-chill, s/he will sign on asap. Let's hope so, because this is gonna be awesome. Can't wait to catch up with my very favorite dysfunctionally hilarious family!
UPDATE: Rumor has it that George Michael (Michael Cera) is the holdout. BOO!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Abstinence Only Education Teaches Harmful Gender Stereotypes
Did you know? Many abstinence-only sex education programs teach male and female stereotypes as scientific fact.
These programs reinforce the belief that girls should be seen more than heard and should rely on boys to solve problems. They also teach that boys are driven by hormones – while girls must be responsible for resisting sexual advances.
Gender-stereotyped messages in schools put pressure on young people to conform and research indicates this can cause harm to their psychological well-being.
The following are examples of abstinence-only education programs that reinforce gender stereotypes:
Puberty "is when girls need to start acting as well-mannered ladies, instead of uncontrolled children, since they are physically capable of having a child and need to protect this potential gift by respecting the power to help give life to a child." -Sex Respect Student Workbook, p. 10
"Generally, guys are able to focus better on one activity at a time and may not connect feelings with actions. Girls access both sides of the brain at once, so they often experience feelings and emotions as part of every situation." -Choosing the Best Life, Leaders Guide, p. 7
"Girls need to be aware they may be able to tell when a kiss is leading to something else. The girl may need to put the brakes on first in order to help the boy." -Reasonable Reasons to Wait, Student Workbook, p. 96
"One thing that sex education and the media fail to communicate is the power of sex. Spies, who are trained not to give away government secrets, even lose their sensibilities and give in to the power of sex, often because of what a woman is wearing." -WAIT Training, Workshop Manual, p. 86
Basically, guys can't control themselves, so girls have to be extra careful not to tempt them. It's amazing to me that women are given so much moral responsibility in some arenas, like not being seductresses, and yet we're denied that same moral authority when it comes to making very personal, sometimes difficult decisions about our own bodies, like whether to have an abortion.
These stereotypes are insulting to girls and boys alike. Yeah, I know teenage boys think about sex a lot. Guess what? So do teenage girls. And guess what else - they can also be smart and make really good decisions about their sexuality when given the proper tools - like education - to do so.
For more information about the harmful effects of abstinence-only education and gender role stereotypes, check out "Sex, Lies and Stereotypes: How Abstinence-Only Programs Harm Women and Girls" from Legal Momentum.
(Thanks to PPNT for this info.)
These programs reinforce the belief that girls should be seen more than heard and should rely on boys to solve problems. They also teach that boys are driven by hormones – while girls must be responsible for resisting sexual advances.
Gender-stereotyped messages in schools put pressure on young people to conform and research indicates this can cause harm to their psychological well-being.
The following are examples of abstinence-only education programs that reinforce gender stereotypes:
Puberty "is when girls need to start acting as well-mannered ladies, instead of uncontrolled children, since they are physically capable of having a child and need to protect this potential gift by respecting the power to help give life to a child." -Sex Respect Student Workbook, p. 10
"Generally, guys are able to focus better on one activity at a time and may not connect feelings with actions. Girls access both sides of the brain at once, so they often experience feelings and emotions as part of every situation." -Choosing the Best Life, Leaders Guide, p. 7
"Girls need to be aware they may be able to tell when a kiss is leading to something else. The girl may need to put the brakes on first in order to help the boy." -Reasonable Reasons to Wait, Student Workbook, p. 96
"One thing that sex education and the media fail to communicate is the power of sex. Spies, who are trained not to give away government secrets, even lose their sensibilities and give in to the power of sex, often because of what a woman is wearing." -WAIT Training, Workshop Manual, p. 86
Basically, guys can't control themselves, so girls have to be extra careful not to tempt them. It's amazing to me that women are given so much moral responsibility in some arenas, like not being seductresses, and yet we're denied that same moral authority when it comes to making very personal, sometimes difficult decisions about our own bodies, like whether to have an abortion.
These stereotypes are insulting to girls and boys alike. Yeah, I know teenage boys think about sex a lot. Guess what? So do teenage girls. And guess what else - they can also be smart and make really good decisions about their sexuality when given the proper tools - like education - to do so.
For more information about the harmful effects of abstinence-only education and gender role stereotypes, check out "Sex, Lies and Stereotypes: How Abstinence-Only Programs Harm Women and Girls" from Legal Momentum.
(Thanks to PPNT for this info.)
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Op-Ed: Why is my life still up for a vote?
Candace Chellew-Hodge gives us her perspective on the gay marriage bans that passed in three states last Tuesday. Last week's happy victory was tarnished by these disciminatory, hateful propositions. Maybe someday equality for everyone will really mean equality for everyone.
"What I think saddens me the most, however, is that the charge to discriminate against other human beings is being led by people who profess to follow a man who included everyone—especially the outcast. Religious groups, especially the Mormon Church, with its history of sanctifying the marriages of one man and many wives, bankrolled the fight to pass California's amendment abomination. With their misguided and misinformed ideas of marriage, its ever-changing history, and who should be able to enjoy it, these religious leaders have dragged down the name of Jesus into the mud pit with them. Instead of hearing Jesus' call to care for "the least of these," they have made Jesus into a small-minded bigot and turned his name into a curse for gay and lesbian people instead of a blessing."
Read the complete op-ed here.
"What I think saddens me the most, however, is that the charge to discriminate against other human beings is being led by people who profess to follow a man who included everyone—especially the outcast. Religious groups, especially the Mormon Church, with its history of sanctifying the marriages of one man and many wives, bankrolled the fight to pass California's amendment abomination. With their misguided and misinformed ideas of marriage, its ever-changing history, and who should be able to enjoy it, these religious leaders have dragged down the name of Jesus into the mud pit with them. Instead of hearing Jesus' call to care for "the least of these," they have made Jesus into a small-minded bigot and turned his name into a curse for gay and lesbian people instead of a blessing."
Read the complete op-ed here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
