I like what boys like
See? Girls can be surfers. Or sharks, sure that too.
Aside from the flash back to 80s pop music (there was a plethora of tunes to choose from on this subject), the topic today involves gender tropes and stereotypes.
The media is huge in its attempt to solidify the gender stereotypes, the ones that state women should be demure, caring, fragile, pretty and basically stay in the kitchen. And it’s just as firm in its attempt to make sure that boys understand that they have to be strong, independent, adventurous and the bread winners of the family. There is no better example of this brain washing, or better way to start than at the preschool and elementary school ages. And Scholastic Books, publishers of books and distributors of many that I enjoyed as a child, has taken the steps to make sure this stereotype continues.
How to survive anything. These are not the Scholastic books you’re looking for. (Photo credit: toastforbrekkie)
They’ve published a book called How To Survive Anything, with the twist that there is a book for boys and a book for girls. The boys book is rather humourous as it teaches how to survive some basic things like falling from a great height to what to do if you get a broken bone. Then it turns the corner to teach how to survive shark attacks, bear attacks, snake bites and other things of that nature (see what I did there?).
The girls only book is quite different. Nowhere in its pages will you find a how to in surviving a car crash, but you’ll find out how to survive a BFF cat fight. Or a fashion disaster. How about what to do if you’re suddenly famous? The book covers that too.
So, I guess the author firmly believes that when a girl finds herself in a situation against, oh, I don’t know, against a shark then the shark obviously looks at her and says…
“Sorry, you’re a girl. My bad. Not my natural food source. I’m gonna go over here now.”
Which is complete crap because sharks don’t do that (nor do snakes or lions or bears or anything else in nature that CAN KILL YOU).
But it goes a lot further than that as it’s a stigma to firmly entrench, to keep girls from being adventurous (or at least, telling girls just exactly what their adventures could be, like shopping!). Girls can grow up to be:
- Fighter pilots
- Police officers
- Trauma surgeons
- Large animal veterinarians
- Fire fighters
- Rock climbers
- Backwoods backpackers
- Sky divers
- Race car drivers
- Rally car drivers
- Auto mechanics
- Newspaper editors
- War zone television reporters
- Astronauts (or even cosmonauts)
- Submarine commanders
And yes, they could even be pretty. Girls can do anything. Books shouldn’t just do things like this and try and separate things into gender specifics. Because, heaven forbid that boys should need to know how to avoid a fashion disaster.
Related articles
- Girl, 15, Has Close Encounter With Shark Off Catalina Coast (losangeles.cbslocal.com)
A long day at work makes the brain… weird
A long day at work yesterday and an early day at work today, makes for a very tired Tim.
Image may or may not represent Tim.
There has been a definite lack of postings today. Even reblogs or likes.
So, I will make up for it with funny pictures.
There is one saying I just cannot stand to hear
I come up against this saying many times at work when I deal with our older subscribers and customers. For a time, I used to just shrug my shoulders and think “yeah, I can see that”.
That saying is “I’m just an old man of (insert age here), I don’t know that fancy technology”. That excuse, and I suspect excuse would be better than a saying, but that excuse is absolute garbage. For me, that excuse became garbage when my father, my 70 year old father (saying how old he is out loud kinda scares me) bought a Fujitsu digital camera (better than mine, by the way) and a netbook, and then a three in one printer. And then they got a Hi-Def digital TV. I don’t even have a Hi-Def digital TV yet!
But saying “Oh, I’m just an old man” is crap! I know people ten, fifteen, even twenty years older than me who are well versed in several computer languages. Who have different electronic devices. Who even play MMO’s, for crying out loud!
There are some that might say “but Arthur Black, who happens to be one of your favourite humourists, he says he’s too old”. No no no. I must correct you there. Arthur Black has never once said he was too old for such devices. He’s actually written about such devices and their affects on the world (and him). He doesn’t use them because he’s too old. He doesn’t use them because he’s a luddite. There’s a difference.
We know the definition of “too old”. Here’s the definition of luddite. First, from Wikipedia:
The main Ludd himself! Ned Ludd. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The Luddites were a social movement of 19th-century English textile artisans who protested – often by destroying mechanized looms – against the changes produced by the Industrial Revolution, which they felt were leaving them without work and changing their way of life. The movement was named after General Ned Ludd or King Ludd, a mythical figure who, like Robin Hood, was reputed to live in Sherwood Forest.
From dictionary.com:
Lud·dite
/ˈlʌdaɪt/ [luhd-ahyt] – noun
a member of any of various bands of workers in England (1811–16) organized to destroy manufacturing machinery, under the belief that its use diminished employment.
Origin:
1805-15; after Ned Ludd, 18th-century Leicestershire worker who originated the idea
That would be a much more acceptable thing to say than just “I’m just an old (person)”. I just will not accept that. Unless you are infirm, or feeble, there is no excuse to learn some new piece of technology.
That is, of course, you happen to be a luddite.
Ah, Monday morning
The sun is risen, though it’s still a cloudy and grey morning. There’s spring in the air, that’s for certain. It rained a little over the weekend, which gave the air that old, familiar smell.
I sit eating breakfast, pleased with the fact my left shoulder isn’t at that dull, throbbing pain that it was earlier. The truly sad reality about it, is that I can’t even claim to some sporting injury or wild ruckus that went into my shoulder’s dull, pain filled throb. The only reason it does so, is because I’m old. Or at least getting older. The tendons are inflamed, that’s all. So, I picked up some medication, and hope for the best. At least I don’t need surgery.
Yet.
I know that today is going to be busy. A paper to produce. One section that has to go up by the end of today. The regular section to go up tomorrow. And on top of that, funeral cards that have to be printed off. And more designed. I’m looking forward to the end of the day, when I can come home and not worry about what all that has to be done today. Just evening writing and possibly television or a cup of coffee on the balcony as I enjoy the evening.
A lot of FEELINGS!
Titled such because there is a lotta stuff I wanted to talk about today, a veritable potpourri of things, and just so little time to do it. It takes less time to hit “like” and “reblog” than it does to actually sit down and write several posts (or even one).
First, I really would like to thank everyone who sent me support and such when I posted this up a couple of days ago. My faith had sort of hit rock bottom and it was nice to hear from encouraging people, especially early-onset-of-night (who posts some great op-eds and awesome poetry) and filmsfoodandfandom who gave some good advice. I appreciate every bit of it, and I appreciate everything from everyone who either sent me messages or always continue to follow me.
Last week, I felt like crap! As it turned out, I had the flu, when I thought I was having a stroke. I went to the doctor today and it turns out I have inflamed tendons in my rotator cuff of my left shoulder. The short translation of that is, I’m fucking old! Seriously, I’m 41, this shit happens when you get to a certain age. The joints don’t move as well as they used to. So, I now have exercises that I need to perform, along with taking an anti-inflammatory, in order to decrease the inflammation in my tendons on my left shoulder.
Naturally, I had to go to the pharmacy to get some, which as luck should have it is also located in the food store. Local Co-ops are great!
Milk! Bread! Those turkey strips things for $7.99! Toothpaste! Toilet paper! The anti-inflammatory! Coffee! I got what I needed and a little bit more including a purchase from the small book aisle of the store.
Yeah, more reading for me.
Of course, leaving the store, that voice in my head that warns me of danger said “I think you forgot something, dude!” Yeah, that’s fine, you’ll remind me when I get home. Also, you, Sir Voice, would suck when warning me of an oncoming big rig. By the time you warned me, I’d be dead and the truck would be half a mile away. Seriously, you suck.
As luck would have it, when I arrived home and finished unpacking groceries…
Brown sugar.
One last thing, I know I didn’t post up a new Rocket Fox episode yesterday, and there won’t be one today, I just haven’t had the time the past couple of days, but I can assure you, dear readers, that the adventure will pick up again on Friday!
An accomplished weekend?
I guess you could say that I’m not a really exciting person. I don’t go rock climbing (because I’m afraid of heights), I don’t often go swimming, I hate crowds, couldn’t be bothered with going to a vacation spot (because of the aforementioned crowds), I’d rather spend a quite time with a close friend (or by myself, because books can be friends), and I don’t get excited about rock concerts or sporting events (like I used to when I was younger, also, see aforementioned crowds).
So, when I say that I did something this weekend that kind of excited me, You might think I am odd.
Clown trousers (Photo credit: Eleventh Earl of Mar) | Those are not my pants. If my pants ever went that low, I would use a belt.
Out of all the things I did this past weekend (which really wasn’t much, but then again it’s the weekend and I begrudge no one who does nothing at all except lots of me time during a day or two off), the best things I did were to go shopping for new pants.
I bought four pairs.
And a belt.
Which I didn’t really need, because the pants I ended up buying fit quite nicely. I’m not big, I will admit. Which has at times been something of contention with me. I’m really skinny. And rather tall. So trying to find pants is difficult at best. At one time, my size was a 30 waist and 34 inch leg. Now that’s changed to a 32 waist and 34 inch leg (I’m not getting bigger, I’m just getting wider, which considering the first time I went for measurements my waist clocked in at 28). I’ve always found it hard to get the right fitting jeans for myself, so whenever I see a pair of pants with my measurements, I scoop them up (if I happen to have money within budget)
It’s rather boring, to be honest, to talk about buying pants. And quite an interesting take when I step outside myself and look at the things I get excited over. Two years ago, I got excited over a new vacuum cleaner. Last year, a new microwave. Six years ago, it was my couch and chair.
Everything to do with Flin Flon, nothing to do with stop signs or pants. | Image via Wikipedia
Twenty years ago, it would have been a new car. Or a kickin’ stereo system. Or the stop sign that I stole from the four way stop at the top of the hill in Flin Flon, Manitoba (because, it’s daring, and made a good wall hanging, and in a pinch, also makes for a good coffee table, granted, I now own a coffee table which I bought with the couch and chair).
I guess the little things really do excite me. Even buying new books (though, the day I finish off one of my rooms in my apartment as a library, I am gonna blog for weeks about that). That’s why four pairs of pants at $19.99 each really did excite me. New clothes and I’m not spending a fortune on them. Some might consider that boring, but not me. Nope! I got new clothes, I am happy.
There’s life out there
How to Search for Life on Alien Planets | LifesLittleMysteries.com.
This artist’s impression shows the planet HD 85512b orbiting the Sun-like star HD 85512 about 35 light-years from Earth. This planet is about 3.6 times as massive as the Earth is at the edge of the habitable zone around the star, where liquid water, and perhaps even life, could potentially exist. CREDIT: ESO/M. Kornmesser
From the article:
Earlier this week, astronomers announced that they had discovered more than 50 new extra-solar planets, and 16 of these alien worlds have been classified as so-called super-Earths. One of the super-Earths, dubbed HD 85512b, has excited astronomers the world over because it sits at the edge of its parent star’s habitable zone, suggesting favorable conditions that could support life.
But why is this planet’s particular position so important for life? And if there is life on HD 85512b , how might astronomers go about confirming its existence?
Newfound Alien Planet is Best Candidate Yet to Support Life, Scientists Say – Yahoo! News.
From the article:
A potentially habitable alien planet — one that scientists say is the best candidate yet to harbor water, and possibly even life, on its surface — has been found around a nearby star.
The planet is located in the habitable zone of its host star, which is a narrow circumstellar region where temperatures are neither too hot nor too cold for liquid water to exist on the planet’s surface.
“It’s the Holy Grail of exoplanet research to find a planet around a star orbiting at the right distance so it’s not too close where it would lose all its water and boil away, and not too far where it would all freeze,” Steven Vogt, an astronomer at the University of California, Santa Cruz, told SPACE.com. “It’s right smack in the habitable zone — there’s no question or discussion about it. It’s not on the edge, it’s right in there.”
Click the links to read more. Hope there’s more study, and maybe, maybe in the future we can find out if we are or are not alone in this universe.
First comments make me cringe
The Black Library – First Look: Hammer & Anvil Cover Art.
Nice look, I’ll probably check out the book Hammer and Anvil and even look to pick up Faith and Fire (both from the Warhammer 40K universe).
Still, some of the comments on female characters makes me cringe.
Guillermo said:
she could look more femenine, I know she is a warrior but still Sexy SOB are really something else. Looking forward for this book.
What do you mean “more feminine”? What the fuck do you mean by that? She looks pretty feminine to me! Oh! Wait! You must mean less armour. Yeah, because that totally fucking protects you when in combat. Ya know, chainmail bikini has the best armour class EVAR! The more boobs and butt showing, the better protected.
Bullshit.
I think the above looks awesome.
(via The Black Library – Faith and Fire)
And just ordered the first book, Faith and Fire. Once I read it, I’ll order Hammer and Anvil. I kind of like the Warhammer stuff, actually.
Related articles
- Warhammer Stuff Looks Really Good on My Bookshelf! from The Underdark Gazette (underdarkgazette.blogspot.com)
- Black Library offers Christmas (teleread.com)
Avaaz.org: Amazon in peril
Bolivia's government is on the verge of approving a mega-highway that would slice through the Amazon, fueling destruction of the rainforest. But, after a massive outcry from Avaaz members across Latin America, the government is feeling the heat and top Ministers have just agreed to personally receive our petition in New York this week! Let's supercharge our call to protect the Amazon -- sign now and forward to everyone.
Bolivia’s government is about to approve a mega-highway that could enable foreign companies to pillage the world’s most important forest. But, Bolivians are fighting back and today we have a massive opportunity to help them win – top Bolivian ministers have agreed to a meeting with Avaaz in New York.
Huge economic interests are pushing Morales to approve the final permits for a highway through the Amazon. But a massive protest in Bolivia and an outcry from Avaaz members across Latin America are ramping up the pressure to stop the highway — in response, Bolivia’s Foreign and Interior Ministers have just agreed to take time out from meeting world leaders to personally receive our petition week! Let’s supercharge our call before the meeting.
Over 90,000 Latin Americans have joined this campaign the last few days. Now let’s show Morales and his government that the world wants them to stand up for the Amazon bystopping this destructive highway. Click to sign the urgent petition, then forward this message to everyone:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/save_tipnis_global/?vl
Isiboro Sécure National Park is the crown jewel of the Bolivian Amazon, famous for its huge trees and astonishing wildlife. It is a doubly protected area — as a National Park and an indigenous reserve, known as TIPNIS in Spanish. Bolivian and international law say indigenous leaders must be consulted if the government wishes to take their land, but the government has ignored their vocal opposition and failed to study a single alternative road route.
Evo Morales has pushed through construction approval, arguing that the road will bring prosperity, but the main winners would be massive oil, mining and farming businesses. Illegal logging, plantations and oil drilling are already choking the park — which may lose 64% of its forest cover in the next 20 years if the road is built. Morales, Bolivia’s first indigenous President, has often stood strong for the environment and indigenous people, including championing the Universal Declaration for the Rights of Mother Earth. By standing with Bolivians fighting the road, we can help Morales face down pressures for destructive development.
Pressure is reaching boiling point, with a mass march on La Paz, and former members of Morales’s cabinet speaking against the project. Let’s add our voices to this chorus for Amazon protection and respect for indigenous communities – sign this urgent petition to stop the illegal highway and find safer alternatives:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/save_tipnis_global/?vl
Indigenous peoples’ organizations have often shown amazing strength in warding off foreign companies and ensuring their rights are not sacrificed on the altar of economic development. President Evo Morales, often one of the world’s most visionary leaders, has said “humankind is capable of saving the earth if we recover the principles of solidarity, complementarity and harmony with nature.” He needs our support to stand strong for these precious principles.
With hope,
Luis, Laura, Emma, Ricken, David, Diego, Shibayan, Alex and the rest of the Avaaz team
SOURCES
Indigenous Bolivians march against Amazon road (BBC):
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-14536163
Bolivia’s Eco-President: How Green is Evo Morales? (Time)
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2009004,00.html
Evading indigenous consultation in Bolivia (Al Jazeera):
http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/opinion/2011/09/201197105514717750.html
Morales, his moral maze and a road into Amazon wilderness (The Independent):
http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/morales-his-moral-maze-and-a-road-into-amazon-wilderness-2340153.html
Evo instigates law granting rights to Mother Earth (Environment News Service):
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/apr2011/2011-04-20-01.html
Article citing study of deforestation projections (in Spanish):
http://www.lostiempos.com/diario/actualidad/vida-y-futuro/20110703/analisis-historico-y-proyeccion_132222_268061.html
Indigenous and Presidents Clash in Ecuador and Bolivia (Huffington Post):
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christopher-sabatini/indigenous-and-presidents_b_945659.html
Related articles
- Indigenous Bolivians March Against Highway (indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com)
- Venezuela’s Chávez and Evo Morales Land in Cuba Following Meeting in Caracas (redantliberationarmy.wordpress.com)
- Indigenous activists gain momentum in Bolivia (edmortimer.wordpress.com)
Rambling randomness
Here is a large number of things that I need to get down. All of them completely random. All of it completely rambling.
Have you ever noticed that the people who most hope for a zombie apocalypse are more than likely the least likely to survive a zombie apocalypse?
It’s not thought of as proper to wear shorts to work. Well I don’t think it’s comfortable to sit in my own sweat when it’s 33 degrees Celsius outside and the air conditioner doesn’t work. My comfort while I work outweighs your appropriateness.
Individuals who happen to call out people for being lazy have a tendency of being more lazy than the people they are calling out.
Never call out someone for longing for something they can never have again. Saying “that’s silly” is quite ridiculous. Most likely you’re longing for something equally or more silly than they are.
People make the comparison between Harry Potter and Twilight all the time. There is only one comparison needed. They were both printed on paper, start comparing the paper and you’ll find there is no difference. The stories, on the other hand, are completely different.
On the same note of Harry Potter and Twilight; compare the reactions in certain circles to the two series. Harry Potter has been called devil worship and instruction to witchcraft, when at it’s core it is a story about friendship, love, overcoming massive obstacles and the triumph of good over evil. Twilight is telling young girls that they aren’t any good unless they have a boyfriend who plays mind games with them, is extremely white, and is kind of a stalker. It is held up as good reading for young adults. This is a reflection on our society, when we hold up something that treats women poorly over something that values friendship.
When you find a job or career that you truly like, getting up in the morning will be easy. Waking at 5:00 in the morning, especially if you work day time hours, will take no effort. On a personal note, this does not include the morning anchor position of certain radio stations.
We’re never truly aware how dependent we are on something until it’s gone. Thus, why I don’t own a cellphone.
Yes, I don’t own a cellphone, and really don’t need one. However, I have been in situations where I’ve thought “now would be a great time to have a cellphone.”
I have come to a point in my life where watching movies is difficult. It’s not that they’re hard to watch, as in a sort of labour, though that’s not far off, but it’s more that most movies now are complete and utter crap.
The book is always better, although there are a few movies that are extremely close.
My joints will ache, my vision will grow more and more blurry. Then I meet someone who is a paraplegic or who is considered legally blind. I resist the urge to compare, because really, my mobility and vision is far better than that person’s is. Yet, each of us has this compelling urge to “compare injuries” in a way to make themselves feel better about having a sore knee while talking to a person who has lost their legs.
Chances are the person who has no legs is happier than you are.
We do an awful lot of sitting. Sit at a computer at work, sit at a computer at home, sit and watch television. Then we log onto flickr or tumblr and click “like” on all the lovely scenic pictures of people doing things outside.
I’m writing this on WordPress, but I’ll eventually post it on tumblr, because I know that I have followers there who are not nameless, faceless entities.
It’s easier to write 1,000 words that ramble on and on than it is to write 1,000 words that connect into a coherent story that flow eloquently.
Ask yourself next time you find yourself writing a large number of incoherent thoughts; are you doing this just to get this stuff down, or are you doing this just to see how many views it will get?
The war between the book and the Kindle can be summed up like this. When a fly is buzzing about my head, the book becomes a tool for the moment that extinguishes the fly. After, I go back to reading the book. Replace book with Kindle, then once the fly is extinguished, go buy a new Kindle.
Why do we have to associate war with most everything in life? War on drugs, Battle of the Sexes, and so on. War on drugs conjures up images of Hollywood cop shows, while battle of the sexes conjures up something much more pornographic. And there in lies the problem with the battle of the sexes.
Remember, all of this is completely random.
What some people call philosophy, others call lunacy. Mostly because the latter doesn’t take the time to consider what the former has just said, due to the fact that the latter has been raised with certain social parameters enforced upon them. Really, the latter isn’t calling the former a lunatic because the former is indeed a lunatic, it’s because the latter is afraid that everything they’ve known is wrong.
I remember that time in the Bible when Christ said “let the poor pull themselves up by their boot straps” and then gave a bunch of money to large corporations. Good times.
I know there’s someone out there who’s going to say “you should do this on a weekly basis”. It would hardly be random anymore, would it?
You’ve been counting this word count, haven’t you?
I use the tumblr dash board so much that I’ve forgotten what background I use.
A sentence can either be translated as angry or happy, but never moreso does it become angry by use of the word “fuck” somewhere in the middle of it as an adjective.
Before I owned a car, I thought it would be wonderful to go on a drive every now and then. Now I hate driving.
Someone, somewhere is laughing at that last sentence.
Someone, somewhere, just looked over their shoulder after reading that last part.
Nothing says desperation more than the sentence “we’ve run out of coffee”. Every desperate moment should be treated as though we’ve just run out of coffee.
And now the word count sits at 1,067.
Oh what a night
Startling things happen when you’re asleep. Even more so in these past few nights.
I’ve already detailed how we’ve had good old decent thunder storms and heavy rain. How we had our telecommunications cut for a good part of the day. And how my apartment has had it’s water turned off thanks to a backed up sewer. Well, as of yesterday evening, everyone in the apartment at one time had 45 minutes to get water saved because the problem had not been fixed. An 85 foot plumber’s snake wasn’t long enough to help, so a longer one is being brought in. Hopefully today that will be solved.
Image via Wikipedia
But last night, that was the startling thing. Blissfully sleeping in my cozy bed, dreaming of… something… going back and forth between that point of sleep to semi consciousness. At one point I saw a flash of light. I didn’t think anything of it, because I was mostly asleep. Three seconds later, however, the loud crack woke me up. Fortunately, I was still groggy enough that I looked out the window, saw how black it was, rolled over and tried to get back to sleep. I barely remember thinking how I had acknowledged that it was raining outside.
By five o’clock in the morning, I do recall seeing, and hearing, the rain. And some thunder off in the distance.
I also remember being jarred awake by two things; my radio alarm clock which is tuned into CJWW, a country station, which began blaring Diamond Rio’s Meet In The Middle; and the other was a pair of mosquitoes that seemed intent on harassing me. So for about a minute I swatted away at them while Diamond Rio’s chorus went off in the background. If I was watching the scene I might find it comical, however it was anything at all but comedy.
I really hope the water is turned back on after work today. Taking a cold bath in water that was filled in the bath tub the previous night was a startling wake up call. Not a nice way to greet the day. I guess there was one important thing to look forward to after all the shock and startles from an early rise. I got into work early, I get to go home early.
Maybe the water will be back on.
Until next time…
…keep ‘em flyin’.
Related articles
- It’s the end of the world as we know it (taholtorf.wordpress.com)
What U.S. city do you most want to visit?
Eagle at the Indianapolis Zoo
Well, I already visited Bloomington, Indiana and Indianapolis. I think the only other US city I’d want to visit would be New Orleans. However, higher up on my list is Edinburgh; London, England; Montreal; Berlin; Moscow; Sydney, Australia; Cairo, Egypt.
What’s the last song you added to iTunes and why?
Cover of Sonic Temple
The last song I added was actually an entire album. The Cult – Sonic Temple. I have that on vinyl, but ripped it into mp3 from a friend’s disc just so I could have it. I’m thinking of buying a USB turn table so I can play some of my old LPs again. Sgt. Peppers, The Wall, Pat Benatar, The Cult and several others.
In the last 7 days, how many have you been happy? How many of the next 7 do you anticipate being happy?
The last seven I’d say were a pretty dead on seven. There really wasn’t anything traumatic in my life, nor was anything overwhelming. Gotta admit, though, Canada Day was pretty decent. As for the next seven, if I can get my butt in gear over the next seven days and do some writing, that’ll make me pretty happy.
Yesterday in tumblr
A wrap up of what went on yesterday on my tumblr, mostly being images (it was a picture kind of day).
nineeyedoracle: Harry Potter did this to me constantly.
Reblog and then click the photo. You can thank me later.
It’s actually really fun.
(via Embracing a life in transition)
This is an amazing story, and reported on very well.
“People think depression is about being sad. They think it’s just when you ‘feel down’. It’s not. It’s like a darkness that creeps over you and fills you. It drains all your emotions. It takes everything from you, and leaves you feeling hollow and numb. It’s not sadness, it’s not anger, it’s hopelessness. Imagine waking up and there being no colour. Walking outside and feeling no wind. Eating a meal and tasting nothing. Holding someone and feeling completely alone at the same time. When you’re depressed, it’s not a bad mood. It’s a numb, empty, hollowness that seems to never leave. It’s feeling alone in a room full of people. You feel like there’s no hope left.”
(Source: candysoda)
Trying to Throw my Arms Around the World – Albatross
I like this Romance ebook. Have you read it?
As of MONDAY JULY 18TH 2011 Ladylit.com will publish one lesbian short story per week, one installment per day. The story will be divided in five parts, the first will be published on Monday, the last on Friday.
SUBMISSIONS
We are open to submissions. Please send your story to submissions@ladylit.com. There are no genre restrictions, but this website is for lesbian fiction only so please keep that in mind. You will receive an e-mail to let you know whether your story has been accepted and when it will be published.GUIDELINES
- A minimum word count of 3000 words is expected, the maximum is 10.000 words.
- Please enclose a short biography in your e-mail.
- Make sure your short story is ready for publication. Do check for spelling and grammar mistakes. Stories with too many errors will be rejected.
- You retain full copyright of your short story. We accept stories that have been previously published. Ladylit.com merely aims to promote − and celebrate − lesbian fiction.
- Erotic fiction may be considered but it is not our primary goal. There are plenty of other websites out there that cater to that genre.
It’s Monday!
That means it’s time for random stuff, and there’s nothing more random than stuff I post on my tumblr. Whether it be original posts, photographic discoveries or reblogs from tumblr’s I follow, this is what this Monday has been like.
photo by Derek Ruttle
Mila, a dachshund and Vancouver Canucks fan, supports her favourite team during Woofstock, North America’s largest festival for dogs, June 12, in downtown Toronto. (Aaron Lynett/National Post)
John Diefenbaker being named Chief Standing Buffalo by Chief Little Crow of the Sioux Indian Tribe
(via Diefenbaker Canada Centre – Memo from Ellen Fairclough to John G. Diefenbaker)
(via)
Terry Pratchett starts process to take his own life
The fantasy writer Terry Pratchett, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2008, says he has received consent forms requesting assisted suicide but has not yet signed them
I mean, I respect the fuck out of him for this, and for everything really, but it still makes me sad. I will cry when he dies.
He will be the one celebrity I will cry for when he dies. The world he has created in his books has given solace to a hell of a lot of people. I’ll always wish it was real no matter how old I get, I’ll always want to be on the Discworld. Whether in Lancre with Granny and Nanny Ogg, or in Ankh-Morpork with the Watch.
*dies of cute* kitteh help u read good.
(by Stepan Mazurov)
Trying to Throw my Arms Around the World – The Red Dress
I like this Romance ebook. Have you read it?
Maybe we should talk about art. Tito’s got real talent, don’t you think? You know something? I saw a picture just like this once in a museum. Only it wasn’t a black man, it was a Jewish man, and instead of big lips he had a really big nose, like a rat’s nose. But he wasn’t one particular Jewish man, this was a drawing of all Jews. And these drawings were put in the newspapers by the most famous gang in history. You think you know all about gangs? You’re amateurs. This gang would put you all to shame. And they started out poor and angry, and everyone looked down on them until one man decided to give them some pride. An identity. And somebody to blame. Take over neighborhoods? That’s nothing compared to them! They took over countries. You wanna know how? They just wiped out everybody else. Yeah! They wiped out everybody they didn’t like, and everybody they blamed for their life being hard. And one of the ways they did it was by doing this. See, they’d print pictures like this in the newspapers. Jewish people with big, long noses, blacks with big fat lips. They’d also publish scientific evidence that proved Jews and blacks were the lowest form of human species. Jews and blacks were more like animals, and because they were just like animals, it didn’t really matter if they lived or died. In fact, life would be a whole lot better if they were all dead. That’s how a Holocaust happens.
I have to see this movie now.
Related articles
- Terry Pratchett: Choosing to Die, BBC Two, preview (telegraph.co.uk)
- Terry Pratchett initiates assisted suicide process (boingboing.net)
- Sir Terry Pratchett begins process that could lead to assisted suicide (telegraph.co.uk)
- Vancouver Canucks Have Their Own Version Of ‘Game Jacket’ (sbnation.com)
- Vancouver Canucks looking to add final link to secret motivational tool (thehockeynews.com)
- Vancouver Canucks seek to clinch Stanley Cup on Monday in Boston | NHL (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given, and who gave it to you?
I was just mentioning this to someone the other day.
The best piece of advice came from my dad. Well, not really advice. It was during the first couple of months when I was attending broadcasting college, I wasn’t having a very good time with it. I mentioned to my dad that I thought about quitting. His response: “If you quit now, I’ll kick your ass.”
The Way I see It: Skirting the rules
Image via Wikipedia
While reading the Saturday edition of the Star Phoenix, a short in brief caught my eye in the sports section. Normally, I wouldn’t pay much attention to the Sports In Brief because often there isn’t anything interesting that I would find. Not saying that isn’t the case for every reader. However, this one article drew in my attention.
Titled “Badminton delays ‘skirt rule’ intro” as I read I discovered that the Badminton World Federation is trying to introduce a new code of dress for female badminton players, requiring them to wear skirts or dresses at major tournaments in order to “ensure attractive presentation of badminton”. According to the article, this controversial rule will be introduced June 1.
Image via Wikipedia
You might ask why it’s controversial. Well, is there such a rule for male badminton players? Already the rule has been criticized, as some players have said it hampers their movement on the court and made them uncomfortable. This is a rule, however, and one which the head of the BWF hopes will make the sport more attractive. This means that simple skill of the player alone isn’t enough to make the sport attractive, female players have to be dressed up and objectified in order to draw in the crowds.
Players from China, Indonesia and India have been vocally against the rule, which allows players to continue to wear shorts as long as they are underneath the skirt. But what actual aspect of the sport does this help, outside of making something, in this case a female player, pretty? In hockey, helmets became mandatory in the mid 80′s, and subsequent equipment modifications have been made to help with the safety measures. Same in football, as new helmets and pads, along with face masks are always changing to make sure that the player’s safety is first and foremost in mind. Baseball has made changes, all to help make the sport, not the player, more exciting and dynamic. For all the regular viewer is concerned, they might be watching tennis or ping pong if they see a female player in a skirt. What about making equipment for the sport that helps the player, not hinders them.
Note in the above examples, in the male dominated sports, equipment changes were put in place to ensure the safety of the player. There have been a lot of changes over the decades in hockey, football and baseball. And I’m sure you could also find those for soccer as well. But for female sports, all changes that are made are designed to make the player more attractive for the viewer. Perhaps figure skating might be the only sport which takes into account the safety of the skater, but I haven’t researched that enough.
Until next time…
…keep ‘em flyin’.
Related Articles
- Where and when did badminton originate from (wiki.answers.com)
- World badminton pushes back women’s skirt rule to improve guidelines (telegraph.co.uk)
Abject horror!
Sometimes, every now and again, you will find that one thing which you can’t stop watching. It may be the most hideous thing you’ve ever seen (like the scene in Hannibal, with Ray Liota at the dinner table, and the… yeah, you know the one, although my girlfriend at the time and I both covered our eyes while her co-worker kinda giggled, which was sorta disturbing in a way). You know those times. It’s not just a train wreck, although it could be. But it’s the type of thing you can’t stop watching. Like when Britney Spears went insane and shaved her head.
There’s a description of that. One that perfectly describes the situation in only the way a picture can.
You’re welcome.
Until next time…
…keep ‘em flyin’!
Fascinated by death… or desensitized by it?
Teen Kills Self on Justin.tv — Update | Threat Level | Wired.com.
Saw this news story retweeted from Cory Doctorow (@doctorow), and being one who feels informed by things that he writes and by association, by things he reads, I felt compelled to have a look.
It’s scary to think that we have become so desensitized by violence in all forms of media, that we egg on or encourage someone to kill themselves. By we, I mean everyone, not just those who were present for the 19 year old Florida teen in the story. But also by 42 year old Kevin Whitrick of Telford, Shropshire, who hung himself in a webcam suicide. The same can be said of Brandon Vedas of Arizona. All three of these people commited suicide (or at the very least died due to self infliction in the case of overdosing on drugs) live via webcam.
That in itself should be shocking. That someone would do such a thing live, while not new, is a harsh reality of the world we live in. It isn’t new, because people have jumped out of windows, shot themselves, hung themselves or done something that ended their life in front of so many people. But this went from being just a city block to being watched by people across the globe. It sends a message that while the globalization of information is wonderful, there’s also a very dark undercurrent.
But what is more shocking, at least to me, is that those who watched would actually egg on, believing the whole thing to be a set up fake. Have we sunk so low as a society, that when we see someone about to kill themselves that the first thing we think of is that it’s all a fake. That none of it is real. It’s shocking and depressing.
Admittedly, many of those who ended up watching something that was very real were more than likely left with a sense of change in their lives. Or, at least I’m hoping so. That not everything on the Internet is faked for promotional use, or attention getting. That some of it is very real, very scary and very serious. My hope is that many of these people will think twice before deciding to egg someone on to hang themselves, or force drugs down their throats. That they’ll actually try to stop them. There are those that probably did, and to them they should at least try to console themselves that they tried.
If this was an attempt at a fifteen minutes of fame, then that is truly sad. Because there is no celebration of the fame, all that is left is a mourning family. Suicide is never funny, and it is never necessary. No one should ever consider that an option, even in jest. There is always something worse than suicide. In the cases of lives taken in a manner such as these, there is a lasting memory by those who watched. There is also a void left in the world, because a life was unnecessarily taken in a manner so needless.
Canada’s most vibrant job markets
Stats Canada has released the information on the top ten best places to work in Canada. these ten Canadian cities have the lowest unemployment rates in the country. It’s interesting to note that number 1 and 2 are Saskatchewan cities.
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
November ’09 unemployment: 4.6%
October ’09: 4.4%
Source: StatsCan
Population: 202,340
Main Industries: Potash, Agriculture
A new analysis and research centre is to give a boost to Saskatoon’s mining industry. Where once firms had to send testing out of the province, the city’s $1.3-million Advanced Microanalysis Centre will create jobs and a
Regina, Saskatchewan
November ’09 unemployment: 4.9%
October ’09: 5.1%
Source: StatsCan
Population: 179,246
Main Industries: Oil and Natural Gas, Potash
Perhaps surprisingly, Regina’s retail development has kept the city strong. Its retail vacancy rate – in a town of over seven million square feet of working space – is a modest 2.7%.
llow it to be performed locally.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
November ’09 unemployment: 5.4%
October ’09: 5.8%
Source: StatsCan
Population: 633,451
Main Industries: Financial, Transportation
Manitoba’s capital has been strong, and new funding to the University of Winnipeg’s science departments should stimulate research in the province. Winnipeg is even considering an expansion of the city.
Quebec City, Province of Quebec
November ’09 unemployment: 5.3%
October ’09: 5.4%
Source: StatsCan
Population: 491,142
Main Industries: Public Administration, Manufacturing
According to updated economic indicators, many insurance companies in the Quebec City area are continuing to boom. A local industry that increased its workforce by 9.5% between 2006 and 2008, the city’s insurers seem primed to open up more jobs by the end of year.
Gatineau, Province of Quebec
November ’09 unemployment: 5.4%
October ’09: 5.48%
Source: StatsCan
Population: 242,124
Main Industries: Government, Public Administration
Despite declines similar with other Quebec towns, Gatineau’s strong public administration field has kept the city above the majority of Canada’s recession. “That’s sort of helped (Gatineau) not to follow the national trend too much,” said Vincent Ferrao, an analyst with Stats Canada.
Sherbrooke, Province of Quebec
November ’09 unemployment: 5.7%
October ’09: 6.4%
Source: StatsCan
With the help of the federal government, Sherbrooke has been building employment modestly throughout the downturn. Ten local jobs will be added upon the completion of Tekna Plasma Systems’ new factory next year (thanks to $1 million from the feds), and another 17 are coming soon from biosecurity firm Laboratoire M2, which just got $830,000 in federal loans itself.
Ottawa, Ontario
November ’09 unemployment: 5.8%
October ’09: 5.9%
Source: StatsCan
Population: 812,129
Main Industries: Government, Wood and Paper Production
Things have already started to rebound for the nation’s capital, which saw a “significant” increase in jobs lately. Nine thousand more people were already working in August compared to a month earlier.
Saint John, New Brunswick
November ’09 unemployment: 6.0%
October ’09: 5.2%
Source: StatsCan
Population: 68,043
Main Industries: Forestry, Shipbuilding
The New Brunswick city is doing “fantastic” in comparison to other Canadian locales struggling with the downturn. “Saint John is definitely booming and in the next three years will be a place to watch in Canada,” said one analyst.
Kingston, Ontario
November ’09 unemployment: 6.2%
October ’09: 6.1%
Source: StatsCan
For all the talk about green jobs, Kingston is moving. The city is in the process of building a $500 million solar panel factory as a division of Toronto-based Everbrite Industries Inc. Good business, sure, but the investment also allowed Kingston to create 1,200 new jobs in the area.
Victoria, British Columbia
November ’09 unemployment: 6.9%
October ’09: 6.8%
Source: StatsCan
Population: 78,057
Main Industries: Technology, Tourism
The future looks bright for B.C. as 2009 university enrolment spiked across the province. Expecting a modest 3% growth, the University of Victoria found an impressive 6.1% increase in students for the fall semester.
Reprinted from MSN Money.
I survived H1N1, and the needle
As the title states, I survived H1N1. No, I didn’t contract it. As I’ve heard, the only way you can tell the difference between H1N1 and regular flu is when you’re dead. And I’m still alive and kickin’. But I just returned from getting the vaccination shot.
I hate needles, let me just say that. I remember as a child, going in for a blood test or inoculation for measles or mumps (yes, I’m that old) and screaming because the needle was so huge. As I grew older, the needle got smaller, but the fear was still there. So today, I just kept blathering incoherently to the nurse, who took my ramblings in stride, while she stabbed me in the arm. Oh, I felt it, boy did I feel it.
But I was a trooper, and no scream came forth. At least, not as far as I know. When I went to sit back down for fifteen minutes no one was staring at me as though I’d just made a scene, so I’m going to say that all went well.
Did I mention that I hate needles?
This isn’t so much about the vaccine and getting the shot as it is about my incredible fear of needles. Even the conversation about people who’d received the vaccine, and how they felt the next day like they’d been hit by a truck didn’t phase me. It was all about the needle. Don’t ask me how big the needle was, because I’m pretty sure that if I looked the five strapping cattle handlers that I spotted in the line up would have had to hold me down while the nurse administered the shot.
It’s the old adage; you may be weak in body, but that is made up for when fear is involved. Then I bet I could take on the Incredible Hulk. C’mon, Green Guy. Bet I’m a lot tougher scared then you are mad. I don’t need alcohol to feel ten feet tall and bullet proof. Just threaten me with a needle and my juices start flowing for that monkey survival instinct in the primitive part of my brain.
Maybe it was that inherent fear of the needle that made me wait until the last minute to get my H1N1 vaccination done. After all, in this one instance, I want to be part of the in crowd. I wanna be like everyone else. Sure, I worried about H1N1. But when I got to the clinic, all that worry about the strain of flu faded away.
At that point, it was all about the needle.
Until next time…
…keep ‘em flyin’!
Making the day a little bit brighter
I love getting funny little time wasters in my email, whether it’s at home or at work. They’re a great way to brighten up a dreary day. However, this morning I got a good one from a friend of mine, who happens to run his own blog, Paper Hat Pirate. Pearce has commented on a few posts here, and I did up his banner for him at his blog. Both of us are amateur writers (with the hope of getting something published).
And yes, we have an idea for a sci-fi serial series that is begging to be told.
The item in question that Pearce sent me was a simple picture, along with a simple comment that spoke volumes.
I don’t usually send these out to people, but it definitely turned the start of a crappy day into something better. The deeper meaning is
that, you should really enjoy the moment you are in. That and bug-eyed marsupials are funny.
This was the picture.
And he’s right, on two counts. This picture managed to smooth out a hectic day of publishing. As well, we all need to take time to enjoy the simple things in life. To stop and smell the roses, as it were.
And yes, bug eyed marsupials are funny.
Until next time…
…keep ‘em flyin’!
What do you do
This past week has seen some interesting soul searching, I guess you might say. For the past couple of years, I’ve had something that has helped bring about excitement, interest, fascination and a drive to produce like I’ve never felt before. Lately, however, that drive has been on a bit of a downturn.
What do you do, when confronted with a choice? Well, you make the best of the situation and move on, hoping that quite possibly that you’ll find it in yourself to find that spark once again. It’s something that does happen from time to time. For me, it’s especially bad at this time of year. Longer nights, shorter days, less sun light. Usually there is the cold that comes along with it. I’m of course speaking of the weather. It’s especially hard for me this time of year.
I have SADs. Seasonal Affective Disorder.
SADs is a type of depression that occurs when (typically) summer gives way into fall and winter. I have a rather mild version of it, but there are those that suffer a great deal more than I do. It should also be noted that not everyone who suffers from SADs does so during the winter months. It can affect those during the summer months as well. Most often, however, it is associated with winter. For me, it is the winter months that hits me hardest. I like summer, I like sitting out on my balcony and watching the sun rise as I have my morning coffee at five in the morning. At this time of year, it’s still pitch black out (aside from the street lamps and adjoining apartment buildings).
Personally, when this time of year comes around, I find it harder and harder to get out of bed. Waking up is almost like a chore. In the evenings, there’s a feeling of loss when looking at the clock and seeing the time read 6:30 and it’s already dark out. Much like today. And it’ll only get worse as we get closer and closer to December 21, which happens to be the shortest day of the year.
How can you go about and make sure that it doesn’t affect you incredibly badly? There’s a lot of things that you can do. First off, I have a UV lamp. The added vitamins that I get while sitting under the lamp help out a great deal. Still, it’s not enough just to sit there and bask in the glow of a lamp. There’s other very important things which can be done. Sometimes, I end up pushing myself into my work at the print shop. That can be a bit unhealthy, possibly, but it does help. It keeps me focused and keeps me going. To help out with that, after we’ve had some shuffling at work, I took the liberty to move into a new work environment. You may have read about that earlier. The new office I have has a window, and while it only looks out into the front reception area, it still manages to get a large amount of natural light inside. Another important thing to keep a very close eye on is diet. More than any other time of year, I have to be very conscious of what I eat. I can’t pig out on junk food like I sometimes do in the summer. Watching diet also helps build up the immune system as typically fall and winter is the time of year when most people come down with the flu.
Those are direct things that I can control. Other outside influences you have to be very careful with, because they can affect your overall routine. This doesn’t mean that I’m suggesting crawling under a rock and hiding until spring. That won’t help at all. If anything, it only makes it worse. Things will change all the time, and we have to be prepared for it. Unfortunately, we can’t live in a comfortable rut. Sometimes it would be nice, because while some people love the excitement of change, others have a difficult time with it. They like their comfortable rut. Any change to it is seen as an assault (at worst) on what they’ve grown used to.
What do you do in that situation?
Well, to be honest, I can’t really come up with any suggestions. I’ve gone through it in the past, and I have had it happen recently. It’s something that sets your mind racing and fills you with worry and doubt. What comes off as once exciting becomes dreadful and old. Or worse, down right frightening.
I’m pretty sure I’ll survive this current winter. I’ve seen 39 winters before it, and I’m certain that I’ll manage to survive another, no matter the outcome. I just hope that the excitement of my work continues to fill me up.
Until next time…
…keep ‘em flyin’.
