Archive for the ‘News/Editorial’ Category
In The Headlines
After watching recent news reports, I’ve noticed that it seems many of us think our votes entitle us to an awful lot of access to politicians personal lives. (On a related note: Overall, the general sense of entitlement in society today is staggering. The behavior of so many people often has me asking the rhetorical question, “Who do you think you are?!”) It is understandable to want to vote for someone who shares your views and can relate to your agenda (yes, we all have one). To not want to cast vote for someone who does not is, actually, your RIGHT, but only the degree that you aren’t infringing on anyone else’s rights. However, if you are unsure of where a candidate stands, in that case, it might be in your best interest to simply abstain from voting for that office. Exercising that type of freedom- to choose or to choose not to make a choice, is part of what allows the system to work.
While it matters to me whether an illegal act has been committed, I don’t care who elected officials are fucking; I feel that’s a private matter. Sure, the ‘injured spouse’ could be considered a victim, but adultery isn’t a crime, per se. It’s certainly grounds for dissolution of a marriage, but it isn’t an offense punishable by law, though their spouse may find ways in which to punish them for it. ;)
The real injustice is that careers are forever jeopardized by private matters that don’t affect competence or ability to perform job duties. I’m baffled that sex between two consenting adults causes such a stir. Granted, when it is done on company time or financed with company funds, that’s another matter, but done ‘off duty’ and with their own earned monies shouldn’t be grounds for termination! Yes, a certain conduct is expected of them AT WORK – just like it is of you, but what one does in their freetime, provided it is legal, has so little bearing on other areas of their life or yours.
Some may argue that politicians should be held to a higher standard. I believe the time to let go of our ideals about what a politician is and should be is long passed. In this era, the best we can hope for is that they are not criminals. Certainly, this is unfortunate and sad fact, but a reality none the less and it is something to which we must adapt. Our adaptability is key to our success as a nation.
Others may argue that an affair is a reflection of character and, therefore, an indication that someone cannot be trusted with the job of running our country. Before you start spewing that logic, it might be a good idea to ask yourself: How above reproach are you? What things have you done that would be reason for you not to be trusted and have things taken away from you, have your life ruined? More importantly, who is qualified to make that judgment? The common man? Your next door neighbor? The guy in line at the supermarket? The woman waiting for the bus? I mean, they vote and pay taxes too, so… ???
Most of us, thankfully, are instilled with a basic sense of right and wrong; that isn’t exclusive to any certain religious sect. We can all probably agree to the general compromised summation of: those that kill or steal should be held responsible for their actions and receive some sort of punishment. (It is the specifics upon which we can’t agree.) I know I definitely can’t get past the fact that the world can’t be that envisioned “better place” with these thinly veiled attempts to enforce any particular set of morals on others. I feel like an old woman as I sit here shaking my head and muttering, “what a shame; we have so much potential.”
They Do Everything For Us
By Exene Cervenka
Because our skins aren’t thick enough, the walls are too thin , our muscles have not evolved , we are not strong enough to protect us from ourselves…
Look! Soft tan tissue – they are on the cover of the swimsuit issue. He wishes you were her. Because he is looking for something much much more sexier and voluptuous. So he takes out a personal ad that says: “Personality a PLUS …”
Those guys they do everything for us. Wedding rings, diamonds, we get to by stuff… STUFF… Lots and Lots of STUFF.
Shops, malls, homeshopping walls… is it enough stuff? Is it ’stuff’ enough?
We don’t know any better, I guess. And now home shopping replaces television trinity ministry in some homes, I guess. And now at least people are getting something for their money.
Taxes to taxes, dust to dust. They do everything for us.
“Mailcall!”
Postmaster General John Potter asked lawmakers on Wednesday to lift the requirement that the post office must deliver mail six days a week. Faced with decreasing mail volume due to people using email rather than “snail mail” as a way of sending communications, and increasing costs, the post office had a loss of $2.8 billion last year. The change would not necessarily mean an end to Saturday mail delivery. Studies have looked at the possibility of skipping mail on days that are generally lighter, such as Tuesdays. “The ability to suspend delivery on the lightest delivery days could save dollars in both our delivery and processing and distribution networks,” Potter said. “I do not make this request lightly, but I am forced to consider every option given the severity of our challenge.” Would you have a problem with one less day of mail delivery?
Save Netflix, I don’t send/receive much postal mail. However, there are people who depend upon receiving medications and checks in the mail by a certain date. Any delay causing those to be late, even by a day, really has an impact on those folks. For them, I would oppose this change.
False Idols
Trixie posted a blog entry on the American Idol that makes some terrific points [here]. Still, I’ve never been able to watch the program for more than a couple of moments. Not only because it is just not my thing (if I wanted to watch people sing Karaoke versions of songs I don’t particularly like, I would go to a bar), but also because the way these people are treated is crap and I’m not amused by others misfortune or their pain, regardless of how poor they sing/perform. Much like when I see America’s Funniest Home Videos, I don’t think it is funny; I feel sorry for the people in those clips and hope they are ok. I guess that’s why it really bothered me when a guest this morning on Bob & Tom said [sic], ‘Without this show these people have no way of knowing they have nothing to offer society.’ I didn’t laugh at that crack. The statement is both mean and patently untrue. It is a strange thing for me to say/feel, since generally, I am a fan of what most people would probably consider inappropriate and/or offensive humour (and certainly a bit of satire or parody) but not cruel, base slights. So, no, “your momma’s so fat…” jokes and slapstick comedy don’t do it for me… Nor does American Idol.
My Face: The Canvas
I received a gift card from Sephora and decided to review the things I bought: Make Up For Ever HD Primer in Green, Kevyn Aucoin’s Eyebrow Pencil in Brunette, Sephora’s makeup eraserpen and their sharpener.
The primer is fantastic, the best I have everused. I have combination skin and most primers are so mattifying that theycause my cheeks to flake and my t-zone to get greasy fairly quickly. Not so with this product! My face becomes matte and without dryness and after using this daily for a week, I have yet to experience oiliness while wearing it.
I have natural pink undertones that I despise, which is why Iselected the green shade. I see a slight reduction in redness afterapplying, but the real impact comes after I put on my foundation (MAC StudioFix NC15) because my skin is so well prepped. It goes on smoother and coverage is much better and my blush blends much better. I see a longevity in my makeup as well; I usually wear it about 15 hours and need no touchups.
In terms of price, at $32, it is a bit more than I wanted to spend, but the quality is truly worth it and a little bit of this product goes along way so it should last quite a while. I am extremely likely to buy this again.
The brow pencil is almost akin to the holy grail! ;) Since my ink has faded, I draw my eyebrows on, preferring them very thin and highly arched, so I have beensearching for a very small tipped pencil for that sort of ‘detail work.’ I’ve tried some other self sharpening pencils that had fairly small tips,but they just did not get sharp enough to suit me. This one is even smaller than any of those and while it does not come to a point as I had hoped, I find it does not need to be pointy; it is still sharper than any of the others.
This pencil is nearly perfect! Staying power is excellent, whic his very important to me since I have no hairs left. It does not smudge, so it would not be a good candidate to use as eyeliner. It is not cakey like so many of the long-wear variety, nor is it shiny like so many eyeliner pencils that I’ve tried to use for brows instead. I can sketch freely with it to get the right size/shape and I can easily remove any excess/mistakes without screwing up the whole brow.
The only cons are: 1)the brunette shade is a light brown, which is considerably lighter than mynaturally black hair and 2) it is $24. Still, this pencil is so close to being exactly what I am looking for that I will definitely buy again. I expected quality because of the brand name and I got it. I cannot wait to try some of Kevyn’s other items.
The Sephora eraser beats out thecompetition too. Others I have tried did take off product, but they were sooily that they smeared the entire area, causing me to have to start all overanyway. This one does the trick. The only drawback is whatever you remove ends up on the tip. This isn’t a problem if you quickly blot the tip on something before capping it again. Price is about what I paid for similarproducts in a drugstore. Good deal, nice item I will use and re-purchase.
The Sephora sharpener is a steal. At $3, it is cheaper than you’ll find in many drugstores. As of yet, it has not broken off the tips of any of my pencils. It sharpens evenly and well enough. Will purchase another when necessary.
Crotch Spies
Sandra, an Australian member of a Childfree discussion group to which I am subscribed, wrote this rant below. I think she’s terrific, has loads of common sense and is so colourful, which is why I simply had to post this here :) For background, what brought on this topic, originally, was a mention of Rev. Fred Nile, who tried to introduce legislation that a woman could only have an abortion if the fetus’ father gave permission.
“Despite men’s obligations under the Child Support Act these pricks like to have a bet both ways. Basically if a woman does go ahead with a child HE does not want, then HE should not have to pay for child support OR can insist on a termination. OTOH, if she is pregnant with his child and she does not want a pregnancy, HE can make her have the child. It all boils down to his decisions.
These people operate on their ill-conceived paradigm that since men cannot control their sexual urges it is up to women to be the sexual and moral gatekeepers because women, supposedly, are indifferent about sex. Basically what they are saying is; if a woman cannot keep her legs together she gets what she deserves. I have freqeuntly intoned that if a bloke does not want to get a bird up the duff, then he ought to keep it in his pants.
My other theory, which I am sure I have shared here before, is that the control over female fertility is to intended to control them sexually and economically. If pregnancy can be used as a tool of fear and oppression, as punishment for having sex, then women will have to think twice about having sex. Being a single mother is very likely to place a woman in poverty and it certainly can slow her progress in work and education. Take away contraception and abortion and women become dependant on a reliable male provider is she is to avoid poverty.
The other reason these dickheads fear female sexual independance is sexual insecurity. The possibility that a heterosexual woman has seen a bigger ding-ding or experienced a better lover strikes real fear in the hearts of these men. And, the women who trade on their woo like is it some kind of prize — whether she is trading a peice of her for a drink, dinner date or a wedding band — are intimidated by sexually-free women because their behaviour reduces the market price, so to speak. Ever seen a young woman flashing her new engagement ring? It is like a trophy. “Look at me, someone thinks my cu*t is worth a shiny rock!”
What was scary about Nile’s proposal is that, at the extreme, it would mean a rapist could force his victim to bear his child. It also undermines the “sanctity of life” argument that these dickwads frequently intone. If their philosphical postion is indeed, a foetus has a right to life, then it would be applied in all circumstances. Nile’s position that abortion is only permitted when the father wants it quite simply reveals what Nile’s true intent is; that female sexuality be owned by men and that pregnancy should be an instrument of fear to punish women for having sex.”
I have had an abortion (and would do so again if I found myself pregnant, despite using contraception), so obviously, having that choice is important to me. There’s so need to launch into a diatribe about my reasons. BUT, that aside, the Reverend sparked a few questions in my mind. In Nile’s thought, the law would tie everything up in a neat little package. But, the analytical side of me inmmediately started wondering about costs. Who would pay for the legwork of obtaining consent, who would pay for overseeing that the law was followed or for prosecuting those breaking it? I also became curious as to how Nile, ideally, would have it handled if the woman did not know who the father is… would he think she’s a tramp and her punishment should be to have the child? Or, would he prefer to track down and test any men with whom she’d had sex during the probable time frame… and if so, again, I wondered who would bear the cost of that search and/or testing… or what would happen if the man could not be found? See, I’m the inquisitive sort. I like to consider all possibilities and, yes, sometimes, to play Devil’s Advocate. Ooh, a mere mention of Satan and coupled with a positive word towards “advocacy” at that! I must be a minion, a heathen headed straight for hell, eh Rev. Nile? See you there, Sir! ;)
Queen Of The Pin-Ups Critically Ill
Bettie Page had a heart attack Tuesday and was hospitalized Friday. She may be in a coma. Read the full story: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/12/05/state/n163820S71.DTL
Depersonalization?
Interesting query in respect to my online adult activities: Do I depersonalize my “customers” in the similar manner that society accuses maleporn consumers of doing to female sex workers?
Fair question. Astute even. I confess, I am amused at their need for sexual gratification and willingness to do a variety of things for it. Is that cruel? Is that abusive? I don’t taunt them about it or berate them for it. I don’t take advantage of their needs/wants.I don’t view them as my ATM. I provide a service to them and they provide something to me in return which is of equal or lesser value, depending upon whom you ask. The fact that I use the internet as safe and convenient social and sexual stimulation is almost definitely a form of detachment. I realize that. I admit that the ability to click away from someone/something or turn off the computer at will is a draw for me. However, I don’t think that means I don’t see or refuse to see the human element when I am ‘doing my thing.’ I am totally cognizant that I have a thinking, feeling person on the other end. (I guess you could say I give what I get. Treat me well and I will treat you well.) Also, I find there’s no hard and fast rule about these men. There are nuances to each one and that’s a bonus for someone like me who is fascinated by what makes people tick.You know, there are occasionally moments when I feel like a psychologist. I listen to problems (or desires) and offer feedback. I care. I have even been guilty of caring too much. Sometimes, I share some of my own personal issues with them.
I set boundaries though. I never thought of that as being disrespectful to others. It is for my physical safety…. because you never truly know who is on the other end. It is a precautionary measure rather than an insensitivity. It isn’t about denying them something and LOL-ing over it. There’s no element of “look what you can’t have” going on, no proverbial dangling of juicy carrots in front of the hungry donkey or wily cat chasing helpless mice. Any teasing is requested and consensual. If it weren’t, I would not be engaging in it. That’s Integrity. Not all Camgirls have it. I do. Perhaps my code of ethics causes me to miss out on a piece of the pie, but that particular virtue is much more important to me than $$$$. Who’da thunk it- a sex worker with “morals!” There are more of us than one might guess. But, then, there’s almost always more to people than meets the eye.
I hope my tone has not been misinterpreted as defensive, but surely you can imagine the stigma that so often comes with being involved in the porn industry. It is difficult to hear the erroneous assumptions and brash generalizations day in, day out, with so few speaking out loudly and intelligibly enough to truly be heard. But there are always deaf ears. Actually, I am thankful for the opportunity to express myself this way.
Quickie Politic-y
Just a quick blurb on Gay Marriage… Those that are using the Bible as their basis for it being illegal seem to be oblivious to not only the laws in this country, but also to the Melting Pot concept it has embraced. Different isn’t always wrong; oftentimes it is just different… and there’s so much to be learned from differences… things about others and things about yourself too!
Freedom Of Religion does not only apply to those who believe the same way you do. You cannot use your doctrine of faith to legislate. All Faiths should be a private matter for practice in personal homes and in personal decisions and personal actions whenever and where ever it does not infringe upon the rights of others. Perhaps someone else’s faith is in the absence of God(s) and maybe their idea of Freedom Of Religion also entails freedom from religion- yours and everyone else’s.
It is absolutely fine for to disagree with the law and be vocal about that, but when you take steps to prevent freedom, therein lies the problem. It all seems so rational, so practical, like common sense to me. I am completely baffled as to why people cannot or will not see that… and how their passing judgment isn’t contradictory to the very foundation of their beliefs. Must I remind you, Religion has been responsible for more death than any other cause? When is too much going to be enough?
So Very Glaringly NSFW
Thanks so much to Violet Blue for bringing this to my attention!
The Price Of Pleasure is an incredibly biased “documentary” and obvious piece of propaganda that really isn’t even worthy of a rant from me. (It has the same old “OMG, Pr0n is so evil, immoral and degrading!!111 / We cannot have an open and honest dialogue about it!!!11111″ “It is all bad and if you think differently you are just wrong and a bad person too!!!1111″ sort of sentiments and calculated choice of interviewees and “sources” that you’d expect.)
However, I have always believed it IS important to know your enemy…. So, if you’re so inclined, you can watch nearly an hour of the film @ Media Education Foundation website.
I truly wanted to be inspired to have discussion about the topics raised, but I’m left thinking there are so many people that “just don’t get it” and therefore, there really isn’t anything to discuss. They don’t want to hear any dissenting opinions. They don’t care. The issues aren’t up for debate with Them. I’m not going to waste my time on Those People. This post was more than enough “air time” for Them.
But, oh, one question… where is the 2257 link on the site for the film? Or are they exempt because they are only using adult content to show how reprehensible it is? Hmm….