The ACLU -- such a WONDERFUL organization, worthy of much praise and many donations -- has set up a web page so that you can fax your congressional representatives about the proposed constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage.
http://www.petoffice.co.jp/catprin/english/
I really want to know what happened to the poor cats' ears.
For a fresh take on marriage in Massachusetts, you must read an article in this week's Onion. That link might not work past next Tuesday, but I had to post it.
As an aside, I just have to add a rant...
Some folks, including Debra Saunders in a recent SF Chronicle op-ed, have recently dismissed any comparisons between Mayor Newsom's stand and Rosa Parks-era civil disobedience, implying that marriage rights aren't as important as, say, the right to vote.
I can't help but get angry at that. Once again, gay people are being presented as whiners who are asking for special treatment, when the reality is that these rights are so basic it would be ludicrous to deny them to any other minority. As an exercise, substitue "interracial marriage" for "gay marriage" in any current news story. It quickly becomes obvious that Bush would look like a fool for "calling for an interracial marriage ban" and Saunders would be a racist for stating, "Mayor Gavin Newsom was wrong to flout state law by authorizing interracial marriages." And to imply that there's no problem with requiring interracial couples to become "Domestic Partners" instead of married would be laughable.
OK, enough ranting for now. Must calm down and resume day.
Hello everybody! (Hi Dr. Nick!)
Um, just thought I'd post Salon.com's guide to the steps in ratifying a new constitutional amendment. Something to keep tabs on with all of this amendment against gay marriage talk that's been going on (and a response to the fear and paranoia I've expressed in earlier e-mails).
A very well done commentary from Mother Jones about the future of fuel efficiency.
~d the proud hybrid owner!
Python fans, you might have a good reason to go to New York soon! Holy hand grenade, this could be fun.
Now if we can get Eddie Izzard involved....
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation
Jim Windolf tells the charming story of the quest of three kids from Mississippi to create a shot-for-shot remake of Raiders of the Lost Ark. In 1982, the VCR-less preadolescent cinephiles began compiling a list of 649 shots from the movie using an illicitly recorded audio tape, a novelization, and a comic book. There were boulder problems from the beginning: a bamboo-and-cardboard model wouldn't fit out a door, a weather balloon sagged, and a chicken-wire rendition blew away in a hurricane. But after seven years, an on-set love affair, and a location shoot on a submarine, the 100-minute Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation finally wrapped. Now 14 years later, it's a hit at festivals and on the Internet, and the guys have talked with producers about turning the "making of" story into a movie.
I think we have enough going on in Iraq without bringing Christian missionaries into the mix...
I can't stop giggling at this: http://www.bushyoga.com/. I think it's the best use of a Bush doll yet, and so informative, too! Who needs a yoga video? :)
Sometimes Grand Valley State is boring. Apparently Iowa State isn't.
(Couldn't decide on the category for this one - could go in so many different directions...!)
My boy may be down in Texas (land of that immortal phrase, "How 'bout that country breakfast?"), but I have my Valentine's Day census data to keep me warm. Some of it's pretty interesting!
It looks like the mayor of San Francisco picked up the gauntlet I threw down in a previous posting. As a result of his bravery, San Francisco issued its first marriage license to a gay couple today. Whee!
I love that Phyllis and Del have been together for 51 years. Somehow I don't think they're the RNC's top choice for gay marriage poster children. Go, you wild octogenarians!
A related quote, brought to my attention by Alan: "An unjust law is a code that a numerical or power majority group compels a minority group to obey but does not make binding on itself. " - Martin Luther King, Jr.
Actually, it's a good feeling. Looks like the original Star Wars trilogy will be out on DVD in September. Of course, by original they mean the films as re-released in the late 1990s, not to mention any retouching and remixing that The Flanneled One has decided to add to this Very Special Edition. Still, I'll be happy to see it, and we're almost assured of picking up a copy.
I'm feeling cranky. So here's Betty Bowers' review of Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ." Ha.
I just read this and thought you might find it interesting:
"The man is interesting, like him or not, and that's a rarity in US politics where candidates are as exciting as toothpaste or underarm deodorant, because that's exactly how they want us to view them, as products, not people. Enter Howard Dean, person."
From my dear old dad:
"Reading the Jim Hightower book I was directed to this site. Check it out. I intend to patronize it. Thought it might be of interest to your college students."
He also thought it might be of interest to my "liberal friends." What do you think, guys? Are we into sweat shop alternatives that actually PAY people?
This is very long, but it rocks. It completely rocks. Here I am in conservative Western Michigan and today's paper has this letter in it, written by students in Grand Haven High School's World Religions class. I didn't see the letter they're responding to, but this is so clear and bold and confident. I hope I get some of these brave kids in my classes.
Grand Haven Tribune, February 6, 2004
To the Editor:
As students of Grand Haven High School, we all drafted our own letters responding to Mary Garzelloni's letter to the editor on Jan. 20. We had hoped the community would recognize the passion behind our opinions with the number of letters we intended to submit. Instead, we have chosen to combine our thoughts into a single letter. The sentiment behind these words remains as strong as 30 letters.
First, we respect Mrs. Garzelloni's opinion. We appreciate the action she has taken on her concerns. We believe, however, not all of the information she stated in her letter is correct.
Next, we feel compelled to explain that we are well-educated students. We understand what indoctrination means; our school has not indoctrinated us in any way! We are even encouraged by our teachers to question what they teach so we may better understand it.
Thirdly, the Establishment Clause of the Constitution requires all public schools to remain neutral on religion. Therefore classes like yoga and world religions are secular. When worship occurs in our school it is because a student chooses to exercise this right. We appreciate the opportunities our school provides us. We have unique courses addressing diversity and healthy living, with lessons that include real tarantulas, and snakes. Other courses warn us about STDs while encouraging abstinence, and our library houses a collection of materials that is balanced, credible, and extensive in its variety of topics. Knowledge is power! These opportunities have helped us become open-minded in this homogeneous community.
Fourth, we take opposition to the implication that Mrs. Garzelloni makes regarding the school's encouragement of alternative lifestyles. Vegetarianism is an alternative lifestyle; homosexuality is not. As for the Gay Straight Alliance, the purpose of this group is to combat harassment and raise awareness of real injustices happening in our hallways. Our school has never encouraged anyone to become a homosexual. The school does teach tolerance of all types of people so that everyone can feel safe at school.
Mrs. Garzelloni fails to mention the many religious and public service groups students may join. First Priority, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Students Against Destructive Decisions, and Interact are only a few.
You call parents and pastors to action. What would you have them do? Remove all reptiles from schools? Segregate all homosexuals? Denounce every other religion as anti-Christian? Burn books? None of these suggestions provide a solution to sustaining a neutral and effective learning environment.
The world is changing Mrs. Garzelloni. There was a time when women could not submit letters such as you have. Our school is empowering us and preparing us for the changing world. The teaching of religious values is left to our families, and we have the right to choose whether or not we attend a secular or sectarian school
Let's end this superior point of view some people hold over others. Let's stop condemning people before we get to know them. Let's be good students of many beliefs and do unto others as we would have done unto ourselves.
As concerned citizens, taxpayers, and caring members of this community, we implore responsible persons to take action and fight to keep our curriculum open-minded. Bigots beware! Students speak up! The word of tolerance is being taught in our schools.
Mary Jane Evink's World Religions Class
Dan Baldus, Kris Wierenga, Mari Jo Koedyker, Danielle Schuitema, Jessica Moore, Kelli Holcom, Corie Schroeder, Dan Mayse, Chelsea Armstrong, Norma Bethke, Pat Shannon, Ashleigh Urbanik, Ashley Whipple, Meryl Wisner, Sam Adamczyk, Matt Weir, Derrick Churchly, Idan Gelbard, Maggie Dwyer, Tim Sheill, Mike Chambers, Kendra Bedient, Abby DeVree, Casey O'Bryan, Samantha Allore, Stephanie Balog, Jamie Lucas, Jessica Dirheimer, Brandon Brady, Tasha Gumpert, Jessica Ketner, Kathryn Haddad, Randall Schultz, Lora Whitney, Jess Sutton, Tony Melton, Janelle Nienhouse, Jeff Muskovin and Sara Tate.
It's the full moon again which means Ben only has one month to go until he knows he's a baby!!
Happy parents for two-months day!
:)
Those wacky English folks! Some of them are so introverted, you can't even tell if they're here.... or gone (And their families aren't much help either)!
Hey kids. We've really got to celebrate this one. February 12th (next week Thursday) is Darwin Day. If anyone has any ideas about how to celebrate this, post 'em here!
I was just perusing Jaime's blog, and found some of the most amazing chalk drawings I've ever seen. A lot of work went into them, especially since they only "pop" when viewed from a specific angle. Neat stuff!
Update: Deana found out on the Snopes site that the creator of these is Kurt Wenner. His site has more images and a Q&A with the artist.
Yay! The Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples can't be barred from getting married. Specifically, the court ruled that offering civil unions isn't enough, so civil marriage must be made available to any couple.
"The history of our nation has demonstrated that separate is seldom, if ever, equal," the four justices who ruled in favor of gay marriage wrote in the advisory opinion.
Here's hoping this is a sign that our legal system will take the bold stance our legislators will not. (Hmmm. That raises an interesting question: can a constitutional amendment be ruled unconstitutional? Or does the Defense Against Marriages By People We Don't Agree With Amendment receive a get-out-of-court-free card?)
Now, hurry up, California! We're losing our rep as a progressive state.
I happened upon something interesting at Slate magazine. Apparently back in the early 70s, John Kerry was a subject of some old Doonesbury cartoons. When I saw the link, I thought that the comic strips might be "old" ones (as in not really old, but meant to look like it), but they appear to be genuine. So check out the "gorgeous preppie"!