Life and linketies.
Aug. 13th, 2011 11:13 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
moominmuppetMy camcorder arrived, but not its battery pack. The can of Dr. Pepper in my bag got poked by something and sprang a carbonated pinhole leak. The second of our newly installed DVRs insists it's unauthorized for use. I think perhaps it's going to be one of those days. Very tired, otherwise doing ok.
Also, messaged my boss about reclaiming half my weekend. Right now my days off are Wed/Thurs, and that's worked really well for quite a while. Now, though, I've got more reasons to want at least one of my weekend days back. I still want to stay second shift, though, and I still need at least one weekday off in order to not have to give up Patient-instructing. So I've proposed that next time we reorganize the schedule (which seems to be coming up sometime soon) I'd like to have Wed or Thurs off, and Saturday off. We'll see, but I've got more seniority than anyone else, so it's likely it'll work out.
Can We Make Time For Love? ColorLines Magazine Brings Something Positive to Social Justice Journalism
A family supporting their "princess boy" and a love song for women of color are just some of the ways that Colorlines, a progressive magazine, seeks to articulate love.
To forestall a planned protest, Bay Area Rapid Transit turned off cellphone service, angering passengers and raising questions about First Amendment rights in an age of social media protests.
Revisiting the IUD for Contraception – Pros and Cons for Women
Related: 10 Reasons To Get An IUD, And 5 Downsides
What’s Making Us Fat? Researchers Put Food Additives On Suspect List
FactChecking Iowa GOP Debate
Arizona court clears way for abortion restrictions
Pornography and Terrorism: The Greatest Stupid Thing You'll Read All Day
Goodbye Religion? How Godlessness Is Increasing With Each New Generation
Stephen Colbert vs. the "Midwestern Media Elite"
Shepard Fairey beaten up after spat over controversial Danish mural
Artist best known for the posters that helped elect Barack Obama is accused of peddling pro-government propaganda
No Girls Allowed, Goddamit: Capitol Police Sexually Harrass and Intimidate Female Employees
In the following Democracy Now! interview, journalist Barbara Ehrenreich and Amy Goodman talk about the human cost of the economic meltdown.
Related: Nickel and Dimed (2011 Version)
On Turning Poverty into an American Crime
A Marine sergeant will receive the Medal of Honor for bravery in Afghanistan from President Obama on Sept. 15, the White House announced Friday. -- I personally find it especially meaningful that he did this for Afghans too, not just primarily for Americans.
Over the last many years I have struggled with physical limitations. I and a few friends like me, have come to call ourselves “Border Gimps”, especially since society not only loves to have a name for things, but also to help sort through the current “P.C. phrase of the month”. Now I know there are as many thoughts on that sort of thing as there are people to think them, but here is how I and mine define it.
Who the hell knew that outside of Detroit some beautiful maniacs have been throwing a D.I.Y., outlaw Halloween Masquerade on the abandoned Michigan State Fairgrounds for ten years? And now The Man is shutting them down. The least we can do is get their story told.
Support the Threatre Bizarre’s documentary.
The Knitted Engine
Dark matter may be an illusion caused by the quantum vacuum
Unsung Heroes: Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz
Promising new treatment for Leukemia? -- Very small study so far, and a lot of helpful additional discussion in the comments.
Riker has a beard, Worf and La Forge have shiny new gold uniforms (and the former has a metal baldric), Wes is now in gray and has a combadge, Pulaski and Guinan have come on board, and Troi is mysteriously pregnant -- must be "The Child," the start of the second season of the TNG Rewatch!
UPF clothes may work better than sunscreen
a fabric dye called Sun Guard can be used to treat regular clothing to make it sun-protective, an effect that lasts for many washings. -- I knew about the rest, but not about this. It's actually why Dad forwarded me the link; Mom and he have both had a lot of precancerous moles and such removed over the years (grew up in CA without sunscreen), and he said his dermatologist recommended the stuff.
A stunning display of natural birefringence
Yes, what you are seeing is correct. This is a board book for toddlers filled with hilarious pictures of Star Trek’s heroes and aliens.
MIT researchers working on universal anti-viral drugs
Mars Rover Looks For Life
BBC Apologizes To Darcus Howe For Calling Him A Rioter In Testy Interview
Lake Metroparks to dedicate Gully Brook Park in Willoughby Hills on Saturday
Charles Brush used wind power in house 120 years ago: Cleveland innovations
Philips Lighting North America wins $10 million DOE prize for LED replacement of 60-watt household bulb
Community leaders appeal for calm after three British Asians rammed by carload of suspected looters in Winson Green
In the aftermath of the London riots, this might help people understand the reasons behind them.
The London riots should be no surprise. Nor should the reaction. The threat of popular uprising has worried ruling classes for thousands of years, and increasingly so in recent centuries.
Gay or straight or poly or kinky, here’s the underlying tone to these types of familial responses to “I want to tell you about the person(s) I love”:
This isn’t a real relationship. So it should be easy for you to act as though it doesn’t exist. -- And yet again I am deeply grateful for my parents and sibs. Certainly, Mom and Dad have struggled a bit with all the various aspects of my life, but I am so, so fortunate in how they've chosen to handle it. Even if we have miscommunications and occasional difficult and tearful conversations (generally over relatively minor stuff, and mostly in the long-ago past), they have openly accepted every partner I've brought to them, regardless of number or gender or any other quirk. They've accepted the platonic family of my housemates, they've accepted my activism and outness. Until retirement, Dad's been an Episcopal priest at some pretty conservative churches in Alabama and Michigan. Despite that, and the possible repercussions for him professionally, he and Mom have never, ever been proscriptive about how I needed to handle my choices about outness in the context of their lives (my personal choice was to be somewhat less intentionally out when I was visiting them, but never to lie to a direct question). They're currently asking when they get to meet NL, but understand that I want my first trip with him to be to meet my other partners, K and T, in Baltimore. I am so incredibly lucky. I try to appreciate it as fully as possible, and thank them often. Also, for those who are at the beginning of the journey with parents and family (in terms of outness), I have to say I've been nothing short of amazed at the level of understanding Mom and Dad have gained over time. It's been a long process, and there were times when I certainly felt accepted but not the least bit understood, but it's been almost 20 years since my first coming out to them, and I could never have predicted how far they'd come, or how good it would be for our relationship in the long run. I certainly can't guarantee that outcome for anyone else, but I can damned well hope it!
Collecting DNA From Arrestees Is Unconstitutional, California Court Says
A California appeals court is striking down a voter-approved measure requiring every adult arrested on a felony charge to submit a DNA sample. (Important note: this is arrested for not convicted)
Right-Wing Extremists Tricked by Trojan Shirts -- *snerk*
Map of London colour-coded for social deprivation index; the darker the red, the poorer the area. Little volcano icons represent riot actions as of ~9pm GMT Tuesday 9th August 2011.
Sister of Perpetual Indulgence Attacked in the Castro in Hate Crime
XKCD: Password Strength
Dumbledore's Theory of Early Childhood Education
In what represents an important step toward curing HIV, a USC scientist has created a virus that hunts down HIV-infected cells.
Japan Held Nuclear Data, Leaving Evacuees in Peril
On using "Nazi" to describe things and people that aren't.
Two more kepler planets confirmed
Say goodbye to the little town that could: Syfy cancels Eureka
Cinderella Punches Monsters
The biggest gathering in Houston yesterday should tell America all it needs to know about Rick Perry. I'm not talking about the estimated 30,000 individuals who visited Reliant Stadium yesterday for The Response, a event endorsed by religious extremists and known hate-mongers.
I'm talking about the 100,000 Texans who waited in line for free school supplies, immunizations, fresh produce, and school uniforms.
Health at Every Size®: Now a Registered Trademark -- I saw the title of the article and grimaced, but it's actually relatively good news.
Bisexuality – coming out and staying out. This is a 20 page booklet published by BCN and produced by the UK Bi Activist Network.
Photo highlights from post-riot community clean-up efforts (a.k.a. #riotcleanup) in London, England.
Unsaleable Crops, Subsidies, and Food Deserts
Is that the sound of hell freezing over or merely one of the signs of the Apocalypse? Perennial biphobe Dan Savage, the USA's favorite agony-auntie has, to quote Washington's Scott Felch, "just gave sound, logical and compassionate advice to a bisexual man." -- Because Dan is so widely read, leadership in the bi community have been working actively for years to try to improve his often insulting cluelessness and biphobia. Maybe something finally stuck!
Researchers use human cells to engineer functional anal sphincters in lab
Spared life by the Daleks, first to take steps on another planet, one of the few to tell the Doctor he is wrong. Her life is attached to the fate and future of the human race, yet she is just one person. Strict, organized and in control. At the request of meremoon I take a look at the sad fate of Adelaide Brooke. A fate that could not be changed, but was still chosen.
A woman's right to safe abortion is increasingly recognized as both a human right and a means to reduce maternal mortality. U.N. agencies--including UN Women in its new strategic plan--are sidestepping this major fight.
Breast cancer patient denied coverage since he's a man
Meet the Newest Members of the Women’s Health Heroes Hall of Fame (great update on international women's health work)
Also, messaged my boss about reclaiming half my weekend. Right now my days off are Wed/Thurs, and that's worked really well for quite a while. Now, though, I've got more reasons to want at least one of my weekend days back. I still want to stay second shift, though, and I still need at least one weekday off in order to not have to give up Patient-instructing. So I've proposed that next time we reorganize the schedule (which seems to be coming up sometime soon) I'd like to have Wed or Thurs off, and Saturday off. We'll see, but I've got more seniority than anyone else, so it's likely it'll work out.
Can We Make Time For Love? ColorLines Magazine Brings Something Positive to Social Justice Journalism
A family supporting their "princess boy" and a love song for women of color are just some of the ways that Colorlines, a progressive magazine, seeks to articulate love.
To forestall a planned protest, Bay Area Rapid Transit turned off cellphone service, angering passengers and raising questions about First Amendment rights in an age of social media protests.
Revisiting the IUD for Contraception – Pros and Cons for Women
Related: 10 Reasons To Get An IUD, And 5 Downsides
What’s Making Us Fat? Researchers Put Food Additives On Suspect List
FactChecking Iowa GOP Debate
Arizona court clears way for abortion restrictions
Pornography and Terrorism: The Greatest Stupid Thing You'll Read All Day
Goodbye Religion? How Godlessness Is Increasing With Each New Generation
Stephen Colbert vs. the "Midwestern Media Elite"
Shepard Fairey beaten up after spat over controversial Danish mural
Artist best known for the posters that helped elect Barack Obama is accused of peddling pro-government propaganda
No Girls Allowed, Goddamit: Capitol Police Sexually Harrass and Intimidate Female Employees
In the following Democracy Now! interview, journalist Barbara Ehrenreich and Amy Goodman talk about the human cost of the economic meltdown.
Related: Nickel and Dimed (2011 Version)
On Turning Poverty into an American Crime
A Marine sergeant will receive the Medal of Honor for bravery in Afghanistan from President Obama on Sept. 15, the White House announced Friday. -- I personally find it especially meaningful that he did this for Afghans too, not just primarily for Americans.
Over the last many years I have struggled with physical limitations. I and a few friends like me, have come to call ourselves “Border Gimps”, especially since society not only loves to have a name for things, but also to help sort through the current “P.C. phrase of the month”. Now I know there are as many thoughts on that sort of thing as there are people to think them, but here is how I and mine define it.
Who the hell knew that outside of Detroit some beautiful maniacs have been throwing a D.I.Y., outlaw Halloween Masquerade on the abandoned Michigan State Fairgrounds for ten years? And now The Man is shutting them down. The least we can do is get their story told.
Support the Threatre Bizarre’s documentary.
The Knitted Engine
Dark matter may be an illusion caused by the quantum vacuum
Unsung Heroes: Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz
Promising new treatment for Leukemia? -- Very small study so far, and a lot of helpful additional discussion in the comments.
Riker has a beard, Worf and La Forge have shiny new gold uniforms (and the former has a metal baldric), Wes is now in gray and has a combadge, Pulaski and Guinan have come on board, and Troi is mysteriously pregnant -- must be "The Child," the start of the second season of the TNG Rewatch!
UPF clothes may work better than sunscreen
a fabric dye called Sun Guard can be used to treat regular clothing to make it sun-protective, an effect that lasts for many washings. -- I knew about the rest, but not about this. It's actually why Dad forwarded me the link; Mom and he have both had a lot of precancerous moles and such removed over the years (grew up in CA without sunscreen), and he said his dermatologist recommended the stuff.
A stunning display of natural birefringence
Yes, what you are seeing is correct. This is a board book for toddlers filled with hilarious pictures of Star Trek’s heroes and aliens.
MIT researchers working on universal anti-viral drugs
Mars Rover Looks For Life
BBC Apologizes To Darcus Howe For Calling Him A Rioter In Testy Interview
Lake Metroparks to dedicate Gully Brook Park in Willoughby Hills on Saturday
Charles Brush used wind power in house 120 years ago: Cleveland innovations
Philips Lighting North America wins $10 million DOE prize for LED replacement of 60-watt household bulb
Community leaders appeal for calm after three British Asians rammed by carload of suspected looters in Winson Green
In the aftermath of the London riots, this might help people understand the reasons behind them.
The London riots should be no surprise. Nor should the reaction. The threat of popular uprising has worried ruling classes for thousands of years, and increasingly so in recent centuries.
Gay or straight or poly or kinky, here’s the underlying tone to these types of familial responses to “I want to tell you about the person(s) I love”:
This isn’t a real relationship. So it should be easy for you to act as though it doesn’t exist. -- And yet again I am deeply grateful for my parents and sibs. Certainly, Mom and Dad have struggled a bit with all the various aspects of my life, but I am so, so fortunate in how they've chosen to handle it. Even if we have miscommunications and occasional difficult and tearful conversations (generally over relatively minor stuff, and mostly in the long-ago past), they have openly accepted every partner I've brought to them, regardless of number or gender or any other quirk. They've accepted the platonic family of my housemates, they've accepted my activism and outness. Until retirement, Dad's been an Episcopal priest at some pretty conservative churches in Alabama and Michigan. Despite that, and the possible repercussions for him professionally, he and Mom have never, ever been proscriptive about how I needed to handle my choices about outness in the context of their lives (my personal choice was to be somewhat less intentionally out when I was visiting them, but never to lie to a direct question). They're currently asking when they get to meet NL, but understand that I want my first trip with him to be to meet my other partners, K and T, in Baltimore. I am so incredibly lucky. I try to appreciate it as fully as possible, and thank them often. Also, for those who are at the beginning of the journey with parents and family (in terms of outness), I have to say I've been nothing short of amazed at the level of understanding Mom and Dad have gained over time. It's been a long process, and there were times when I certainly felt accepted but not the least bit understood, but it's been almost 20 years since my first coming out to them, and I could never have predicted how far they'd come, or how good it would be for our relationship in the long run. I certainly can't guarantee that outcome for anyone else, but I can damned well hope it!
Collecting DNA From Arrestees Is Unconstitutional, California Court Says
A California appeals court is striking down a voter-approved measure requiring every adult arrested on a felony charge to submit a DNA sample. (Important note: this is arrested for not convicted)
Right-Wing Extremists Tricked by Trojan Shirts -- *snerk*
Map of London colour-coded for social deprivation index; the darker the red, the poorer the area. Little volcano icons represent riot actions as of ~9pm GMT Tuesday 9th August 2011.
Sister of Perpetual Indulgence Attacked in the Castro in Hate Crime
XKCD: Password Strength
Dumbledore's Theory of Early Childhood Education
In what represents an important step toward curing HIV, a USC scientist has created a virus that hunts down HIV-infected cells.
Japan Held Nuclear Data, Leaving Evacuees in Peril
On using "Nazi" to describe things and people that aren't.
Two more kepler planets confirmed
Say goodbye to the little town that could: Syfy cancels Eureka
Cinderella Punches Monsters
The biggest gathering in Houston yesterday should tell America all it needs to know about Rick Perry. I'm not talking about the estimated 30,000 individuals who visited Reliant Stadium yesterday for The Response, a event endorsed by religious extremists and known hate-mongers.
I'm talking about the 100,000 Texans who waited in line for free school supplies, immunizations, fresh produce, and school uniforms.
Health at Every Size®: Now a Registered Trademark -- I saw the title of the article and grimaced, but it's actually relatively good news.
Bisexuality – coming out and staying out. This is a 20 page booklet published by BCN and produced by the UK Bi Activist Network.
Photo highlights from post-riot community clean-up efforts (a.k.a. #riotcleanup) in London, England.
Unsaleable Crops, Subsidies, and Food Deserts
Is that the sound of hell freezing over or merely one of the signs of the Apocalypse? Perennial biphobe Dan Savage, the USA's favorite agony-auntie has, to quote Washington's Scott Felch, "just gave sound, logical and compassionate advice to a bisexual man." -- Because Dan is so widely read, leadership in the bi community have been working actively for years to try to improve his often insulting cluelessness and biphobia. Maybe something finally stuck!
Researchers use human cells to engineer functional anal sphincters in lab
Spared life by the Daleks, first to take steps on another planet, one of the few to tell the Doctor he is wrong. Her life is attached to the fate and future of the human race, yet she is just one person. Strict, organized and in control. At the request of meremoon I take a look at the sad fate of Adelaide Brooke. A fate that could not be changed, but was still chosen.
A woman's right to safe abortion is increasingly recognized as both a human right and a means to reduce maternal mortality. U.N. agencies--including UN Women in its new strategic plan--are sidestepping this major fight.
Breast cancer patient denied coverage since he's a man
Meet the Newest Members of the Women’s Health Heroes Hall of Fame (great update on international women's health work)
