So the NRA Gave a Press Conference...

[Content Note: Guns violence disablism.]Igor's had a good review of it here. A complete transcript is here now. Spoiler Alert: The answer is much more guns!My personal favorite part was their recommendation to help keep a national database of people that are psychologically ill. PERFECT. That's only a perfect concept that will certainly not further stigmatize individuals with mental disabilities and discourage care-seeking, identify, and treatment.Just in case I am not lounging it on thick enough, which was sarcasm. It's a terrible idea.A stand-out terrible idea inside a press conference entirely composed of terrible ideas, actually.Anyhow, here are a few tweets concerning the NRA presser that virtually conclude:Evidently the NRA is giving a press conference. Whooooooops I do not provide a fuck exactly what the NRA needs to say about anything any longer.&mdash Melissa McEwan (@Shakestweetz) December 21, 2012THIS Isn't The DAY TO POLITICIZE THE NRA'S PRESS CONFERENCE.&mdash Josh Greenman (@joshgreenman) December 21, 2012"This is actually the oncoming of a significant conversation. We will not be taking any queries today."&mdash daveweigel (@daveweigel) December 21, 2012Surreal: LaPierre requires a national database from the psychologically ill. No similar require a national database of each and every single gun owner.&mdash Solange U (@dcGisenyi) December 21, 2012#nra's response to this tragedy is to locate methods to create more profits for that gun industry.&mdash Renee (@zetablu) December 21, 2012Conservatism truly is damaged.&mdash davidfrum (@davidfrum) December 21, 2012For a business that states be protecting freedom, the NRA is super excited to place their children inside a police condition.&mdash allisonkilkenny (@allisonkilkenny) December 21, 2012Remember when all of the #NRA men stated that Travon Martin would be alive if he'd were built with a hidden 9mm?Me neither.&mdash John Fugelsang (@JohnFugelsang) December 21, 2012And FYI, the NRA has not been quiet so far. They simply weren't speaking to all of us. Plus they were not speaking to all of us in the presser either.&mdash SharkFu (@SharkFu) December 21, 2012The NRA has rickrolled the entire country into watching yet another standard Wayne LaPierre stump speech saying we want more guns.&mdash Rachel Maddow MSNBC (@maddow) December 21, 2012This is exactly what they went quiet for any week to state. THIS. A database from the psychologically ill and guns in each and every school. Wow. #NRA&mdash Sophistication (@graceishuman) December 21, 2012The NRA wants a database from the psychologically ill? LOL okay. Put me onto it. Mix-reference with "list of subscribers who prioritize lives over guns."&mdash Melissa McEwan (@Shakestweetz) December 21, 2012Discuss.

Daily Dose of Cute

We've got just a little snow.Sophie is remaining cordially ensconced in her own mattress."No thanks.Inch

Today in Fiscal Cliffery

Obama: Something something revenue.Boehner: Phbbbbbbbbbbbt!Obama: Something something deficit.Boehner: Nyah nyah nyah nyah I can not hear you!Obama: Responsible.Boehner: Cooties!Obama: Compromise.Boehner: *makes fart seem with armpit*Obama: Credits.Boehner: Ademocratsayswhat?Obama: Are you currently kidding me? America, the Republicans are fools. I do not know what else to let you know any longer. I am handling a assortment of crudsmudges who'd introduce legislation the sky's red-colored basically stated it's blue.Boehner: *poops pants** * *Paul Krugman: Playing Taxes Hold Them.TPM: Republicans Crush Boehner's Plan B.New You are able to Occasions: Boehner Cancels Tax Election in Face of GOP Revolt.Washington Publish: How Boehner's Plan B for that 'Fiscal Cliff' Started and Fell Apart.Greg Sargent: AFL-CIO to Whitened House: Time for you to Rescind Your Offer to Boehner.Etc. Discuss.

John Kerry Nominated as Secretary of State

Leader Obama has formally nominated Senator John Kerry to exchange Hillary Clinton as Secretary of Condition. Okay. I've no particular feelings about this. I am disappointed in the manner it went lower, regarding Susan Grain being chased from the running by a lot of Republican dipshits. But Kerry is going to be fine.Chipsticks in the Obama Diary amusingly observes: "Ain't existence funny? To consider in 2004 an 'unknown' Obama was [then Democratic presidential nominee] John Kerry's keynote convention speaker."

Simple

[Content Note: Guns disablism.]This piece by Adam Gopnik for that New Yorker concerning the simple means to fix preventing gun violence is fairly great (even though it does start adding some disablist language from the "using sane/crazy as synonyms for decent/indecent" sort).I absolutely accept the idea: You will find complex institutional failures contributing someone to get a gun and begin shooting, however the simplest and many sensible factor to repair is use of guns. And That I can make a side observe that, despite Scotland's very tight gun laws and regulations, individuals who need guns (e.g. maqui berry farmers) have them. This narrative in america that there are not a way to balance serious gun reform against involve possessing rifles for maqui berry farmers, subsistence predators, etc. is bullshit. Obviously that's possible.

Arf Scarf

Would you like to see 20 cute pictures of trendy dogs in jewelry? Sure, why don't you, right? Welp, here ya go!Zelda yawns with indifference. "Had the experience, done that."

So the NRA Gave a Press Conference...

[Content Note: Guns violence disablism.]Igor's had a good review of it here. A complete transcript is here now. Spoiler Alert: The answer is much more guns!My personal favorite part was their recommendation to help keep a national database of people that are psychologically ill. PERFECT. That's only a perfect concept that will certainly not further stigmatize individuals with mental disabilities and discourage care-seeking, identify, and treatment.Just in case I am not lounging it on thick enough, which was sarcasm. It's a terrible idea.A stand-out terrible idea inside a press conference entirely composed of terrible ideas, actually.Anyhow, here are a few tweets concerning the NRA presser that virtually conclude:Evidently the NRA is giving a press conference. Whooooooops I do not provide a fuck exactly what the NRA needs to say about anything any longer.&mdash Melissa McEwan (@Shakestweetz) December 21, 2012THIS Isn't The DAY TO POLITICIZE THE NRA'S PRESS CONFERENCE.&mdash Josh Greenman (@joshgreenman) December 21, 2012"This is actually the oncoming of a significant conversation. We will not be taking any queries today."&mdash daveweigel (@daveweigel) December 21, 2012Surreal: LaPierre requires a national database from the psychologically ill. No similar require a national database of each and every single gun owner.&mdash Solange U (@dcGisenyi) December 21, 2012#nra's response to this tragedy is to locate methods to create more profits for that gun industry.&mdash Renee (@zetablu) December 21, 2012Conservatism truly is damaged.&mdash davidfrum (@davidfrum) December 21, 2012For a business that states be protecting freedom, the NRA is super excited to place their children inside a police condition.&mdash allisonkilkenny (@allisonkilkenny) December 21, 2012Remember when all of the #NRA men stated that Travon Martin would be alive if he'd were built with a hidden 9mm?Me neither.&mdash John Fugelsang (@JohnFugelsang) December 21, 2012And FYI, the NRA has not been quiet so far. They simply weren't speaking to all of us. Plus they were not speaking to all of us in the presser either.&mdash SharkFu (@SharkFu) December 21, 2012The NRA has rickrolled the entire country into watching yet another standard Wayne LaPierre stump speech saying we want more guns.&mdash Rachel Maddow MSNBC (@maddow) December 21, 2012This is exactly what they went quiet for any week to state. THIS. A database from the psychologically ill and guns in each and every school. Wow. #NRA&mdash Sophistication (@graceishuman) December 21, 2012The NRA wants a database from the psychologically ill? LOL okay. Put me onto it. Mix-reference with "list of subscribers who prioritize lives over guns."&mdash Melissa McEwan (@Shakestweetz) December 21, 2012Discuss.

Arf Scarf

Would you like to see 20 cute pictures of trendy dogs in jewelry? Sure, why don't you, right? Welp, here ya go!Zelda yawns with indifference. "Had the experience, done that."

Quote of the Day

[Content Note: Guns violence misogyny.]"I'm feeling that there's more anger toward mom than there's toward the boy."—Lisa Sheridan, a resident of Newtown, cited within an article concerning the town's feelings toward Nancy Lanza, mother and first victim of mass killer Adam Lanza.It's obvious to question why Nancy Lanza possessed weapons, or even the particular weapons she did, or how secure she stored them, although it isn't particularly fair to neglect to think about the possibility she'd these to safeguard herself from her boy, considering that he was, unquestionably, some risk to her.It's obvious to question why she required him towards the gun range together with her, although it isn't particularly fair to neglect to grant her the great belief assumption it wasn't because she meant to train him to murder children.It's obvious to question several things, because we all know precious little about Nancy Lanza, with the exception that she apparently threw in the towel her career to remain home together with her troubled boy. Which her existence ended at his hands.It's bullshit to carry her more accountable than her adult boy.[H/T to Erica.]

Here Are Three Things I Read Today

[Content Note: Institutional rape/violence against women—graphic.]Katy Migiro at TrustLaw: Nairobi in Crisis as Women Are Beaten, Raped, and Wiped out with Impunity.Jayashree Nandi & Dwaipayan Ghosh within the Occasions asia: Fierce Protests in New Delhi After Gang Rape of Lady on BusJessica Fender within the Colorado Publish: Judge: Colorado Cop Charged of Rape and Kidnapping Free on Bond Until Sentencing.I'm not sure what to say of these tales. That are only three which i saw, with lots of more these days I didn't see. I'm not sure how to handle preventing this from happening, except to wield my one little teaspoon every single day with just as much furious resolve when i can. I share a harsh sisterhood using the wronged women in their centers. I suppose Among the finest to mark this is going on, that i'm having to pay attention, which I thirst for justice and peace.

Top Insult

Is other people watching this year of Top Chef? Oof, it is so bad. In a single episode, judge and show producer Chef Tom Colicchio screamed whatsoever the participants and said excitedly there'd be no champion, because all their dishes were so terrible. Yikes.Last night's episode was certainly the very best of the growing season, since the only female champion of Top Chef (to date, as she was quick to see), Stephanie Izard, came back like a guest judge, but additionally because coming back d-bag cheftestant Stefan:This person ^—served up among the finest insults I've ever heard, sneeringly explaining another cheftestant's soup as so awful "I would not flush my poop by using it.InchLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!Which was almost—almost—worth getting viewed this garbage season.

President Obama on the Connecticut School Shooting

This mid-day, I spoken with Governor Malloy and FBI Director Mueller. I offered Governor Malloy my condolences with respect to the country, and managed to get obvious he'll have each and every resource he must investigate this heinous crime, look after the sufferers, counsel their own families.We have suffered diet program these tragedies previously couple of years. And every time I discover the news, I react less a Leader, but as others would — being a parent. Which was particularly true today. I understand there isn't a parent or gaurdian in the usa who does not have the same overwhelming grief which i do. Nearly all individuals who died today were children — beautiful kids between your age range of 5 and ten years old. [lengthy pause the Leader looks lower] They'd all of their lives in front of them — birthday celebrations, graduations, wedding ceremonies, kids that belongs to them. [pause baby wipes away tears] One of the fallen were also instructors — males and ladies who devoted their lives to helping our kids fulfill their dreams. So our hearts are damaged today — for that parents and grandma and grandpa, siblings and siblings of those small children, but for the groups of the grown ups who have been lost. Our hearts are damaged for that parents from the children too, as fortunate because they are to obtain their children home tonight, they already know their children's innocence continues to be torn from them as well early, and you will find no words which will ease their discomfort. Like a country, we've been through that as well many occasions. Be it an elementary school in Newtown, or perhaps a shopping center in Or, or perhaps a temple in Wisconsin, or perhaps a cinema in Aurora, or perhaps a intersection in Chicago — these communities are our communities, which youngsters are our kids. And we are going to need to get together and take significant action to avoid more tragedies such as this, no matter the politics.Today, Michelle and that i is going to do things i know all parents in the usa is going to do, that is hug our kids just a little tight, and we'll let them know that people love them, and we'll help remind one another how deeply we like each other. But you will find families in Connecticut who canrrrt do that tonight. Plus they need many of us at this time. Within the hard the future, that community needs us to become at good as People in america. And That I is going to do all things in my energy as Leader to assist.Simply because while nothing can fill just a lost child or family member, many of us can extend a hands to individuals in need of assistance — to help remind them that we're there on their behalf, that we're praying on their behalf, the love they believed for individuals they lost endures not only to their reminiscences but additionally in ours.May God bless the memory from the sufferers and, within the words of scripture, heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds. Sign the petition here asking the Whitened House to pursue Congressional legislation to deal with regulate gun possession. If you're on Twitter, tell @BarackObama that you simply Have to have a Intend to finish gun violence in america.

Open Thread: Connecticut School Shooting

[Content Note: Guns violence terrorism.]The prior thread was beginning to obtain lengthy and unwieldy with updates. This is a fresh thread for discussion and knowledge discussing. I'll make updates came from here forward in comments.Please be certain to keep up with the recommendations from the safe space. Also: As I realize many articles significant updates will contain photos of sufferers/witnesses, I am likely to request that people not publish or link individual photos of sufferers within this thread for that reasons of talking about the photos. No sufferers/witnesses have agreed to obtain their photos taken. I understand nobody here would share all of them with not undiluted empathy and empathy, but nevertheless, I do not feel better about connecting towards the images. I can not make a worse factor than other people gawking at me within my grief.

Two-Minute Nostalgia Sublime

Shocking Blue: "Venus"

This Is Not Iain

However I would understand should you thought it may be.Video clip Description: A whitened guy rides his unicycle lower a Tigard pavement, outfitted as Gandalf and playing The almighty from the Rings music on bagpipes.

Top Five

Here's your subject: Top 5 Favorite Types of Dance. Go!Please feel thanks for visiting share tales about why your Top 5 picks are what they're, though an upright-up list is okay, too. Please avoid adversely auditing other individuals lists, because judgment attempts participation.

Correct Me If I'm Wrong...

...but it's the entire year in our the almighty Jesus Johnson two 1000 and twelve, right? So how can this be shit still happening?Charlie Jane Anders: Female Sci-fi and Fantasy Authors Still Urged to make use of Male Pseudonyms.Wait, wait—don't let me know![H/T to Iain.]

Two-Minute Nostalgia Sublime

Scorpions: "Hit Between your Eyes"

Open Thread

Located with a Nazgûl driver.This week's open threads happen to be introduced for you by origami and papercraft.

Photos of the Day

Jane Abbott Lighty, left, and her partner of 35 years, Pete-e Petersen of West Dallas, hold the initial same-sex marriage license, signed on their behalf by King County Executive Dow Constantine, because the King County Recorder's office begins to problem same-sex marriage certification at 12:01 A.M. Thursday December 6, 2012. Lighty and Petersen will get married inside a special ceremony at Benaroya Hall featuring the Dallas Men's Chorus on Sunday evening. [Bettina Hansen/The Dallas Occasions]Ray Duncan, 56, and Randy Shepherd, 48, obtain a marriage license within the King County Administration Building. Initially from Dallas, Texas, they told digital photographer Meryl Schenker they gone to live in Washington many years ago since it was more gay friendly. [Meryl Schenker/via]Kelly Middleton, 24, and her partner Amanda Dollente, 29, embrace once they received their marriage license in the King County Administration Building on Thursday, December 6, 2012. [Joshua Trujillo/SeattlePI.com]Kim Hinken, of Edgewater, MD, supports the marriage license she acquired Thursday in Anne Arundel County Circuit in Annapolis, MD, to marry her partner, Adrianne Eathorne. [John Witte/AP]Congratulations, Washington and Maryland!!![Because of all of the Shakers who submitted photo links. Please feel welcome and urged to talk about links to related photos in comments.]

Daily Dose of Cute

An account of doggy friendship, set to Yann Tierson's "Yellow."Text Onscreen: "Dudley and Zelda: BFFs." Video of Dudley the Greyhound and Zelda the Black-and-Tan Mutt waiting in your garden Zelly playbows at Dudley. Cut to Dudz and Zelly within the garden in the winter months, in lots of fluffy whitened snow. Zelly spins to obtain Dudley to chase her. Dudz knockoffs her out and will take off she chases him over the garden towards the back patio, where they reconvene and get a stroll together. Cut to the pair of them wrestling within the garden in fall, jumping and play-biting at one another and chasing after one another around. Cut to Dudz chasing after Zelly with the garden early in the year because he catches her, she does a barrel roll to evade him. They run, after which Dudley breaks to shake themself off. Zelly waits with patience, then spins to interact him inside a chase again.Cut towards the dogs playing tug-o-war having a plushy toy inside. Zelly will get it from Dudz, then offers it to him again so the overall game can continue. Cut towards the dogs bursting the mystery just like a shot in to the garden. Cut to Zelly getting a plushy lobster and getting it to the large pillow where Dudley is laying, and laying lower beside him. Cut to Dudley digging within the garden Zelly sniffs in the hole, advances playfully at Dudz, then runs inside a large circle, returning to help investigate hole he's dug. Cut to more dramatic chasing after with the garden at the begining of winter. A lot of waggy tails! Cut to Dudz splayed in the grass in summer time, with Zelly keeping guard before him. Cut towards the dogs laying around the sofa together, searching at me using their sweet faces. The finish.

Seen

Since you may recall, our neighborhood chapel regularly features great chapel signs like "Weed Them and reap!" and "Man's strategy is a hopeless finish. God's strategy is a never-ending hope." and "Existence without God is much like an unsharpened pencil. It's no reason.Inch Ya know, little friendly memory joggers that my existence is useless garbage and I'll be viciously slaughtered by an angry god one day—that kind of factor.Anyway. Iain clicked this photo of the latest endeavor as they was out walking the dogs last evening:You realize town chapel is the greatest neighborhood chapel if this spells Christian improperly.Clearly, I'm a full-tilt typo machine, and so i understand this is an easy mistake to create, but it is been up for a few days now. Apparently no Christains have observed.And, frankly, because of the regular texting about how exactly my imperfect existence is meaningless shit, I do not feel bad about getting a titter. I am already likely to hell, anyhow.So I am told.

Wednesday Blogaround

I Like This Idea

I love it A Great Deal:[Actress] Ashley Judd (D) is seriously exploring a 2014 run for that Senate to defend myself against Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Politico reviews."In recent days, Judd has spoken with Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) about the potential of a run, has talked about a possible bid having a Democratic pollster and it has started to conduct opposition research on herself to determine where she's most vulnerable within the Bluegrass Condition, sources say.""Whether Judd jumps in to the race remains not even close to certain. She's apparently also weighing whether to hang about until 2016 to rather undertake newcomer Sen. Rand Paul, sources say."Judd is definitely an eloquent feminist, as well as an open survivor, and that i would like to see her in america Senate. And when she could eliminate Mitch McConnell or Rand Paul along the way, even better.It is interesting, is not it, how frequently male stars are employed for political office and just how rarely female stars are. It might be swell if Judd, should she decide running for office is great for her, began a brand new trend.I am talking about, if Arnold Schwarzenegger can run California, that most likely means Rosario Dawson might be leader not a problem.

In The News

[Content note: Domestic violence, body fat hate, transphobia]Monday News and Infotainment:Researchers have discovered a secret unicorn lair in North Korea! Researchers have discovered a secret unicorn lair in North Korea!Actual Headline: "Could Being Body fat Cause You To More Jolly?"Kasandra Perkins was extremely killed over the past weekend by her athlete boyfriend.Barbara Underwood will star inside a Seem of Music remake for whatever reason.Keep in mind when Eric Stoltz was on Mad In Regards To You?A transgender student in Canada has become permitted to make use of the men's toilets following the school formerly banned him.Mitt Romney is type of chaos now. Heh.A retiring Minnesota supermarket owner is giving his roughly 400 employees possession of his three stores. Neat!Allen West is like Lincoln subsequently, essentially.

Two-Minute Nostalgia Sublime

The 3 O'Clock: "I Am Going Wild"

Friday Blogaround

This blogaround introduced for you by aluminum.Suggested Reading through:Courtney: Story Time [Content Note: The publish only at that link includes discussions of funding abstinence-only sex erectile dysfunction and bullying.]Spectra: 4 Effective Documentaries about African Women Everybody Should Watch [Content Note: The explanations from the films contain references to misogyny, classism, and sexual violence.]Tracy: The Invisible War Exposes the Banality of Misogyny and Sexual Violence in america MilitarySamhita: Dominique Strauss-Kahn to stay from Court with Nafissitou Diallo [Content Note: Sexual violence.]Jorge: Study Finds Negative Portrayals of Muslims Have More Media AttentionAtrios: The Only Real Votes That MatterBrian: Customer Advocates and Otis [Content Note: Pet loss.]Letters of Note: With Greatest Sympathy, FidoLeave your links and proposals in comments...

Fiscal Cliffery: The Latest

Well, the Obama administration's opening salvo in Fiscal High cliff talks (place my repeated objection for this bullshit premise here) would be a pretty significant departure in the garbage these were saying yes to last year. To place it candidly: This really is nutrients.Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner presented the home speaker, John A. Boehner, an in depth proposal on Thursday to avert the entire year-finish fiscal crisis with $1.6 trillion in tax increases over ten years, $50 billion in immediate stimulus investing, mortgage refinancing along with a permanent finish to Congressional treatments for legal borrowing limits. The proposal, packed with Democratic focal points and short on detailed investing cuts, met strong Republican resistance. In return for securing within the $1.6 trillion in added revenues, Leader Obama accepted the aim of finding $400 billion in savings from Medicare insurance along with other social programs to become exercised the coming year, without any guarantees. ...Amy Brundage, a Whitened House speaker, stated: "At this time, the only real factor stopping us from reaching an offer that averts the fiscal high cliff and eliminates a tax hike on 98 percent of People in america may be the refusal of Congressional Republicans to request the richest people to pay for greater tax rates. The leader has signed into law over $1 trillion in investing cuts and that we remain prepared to do tough items to compromise, and it is here we are at Republicans in Washington to become listed on the chorus of other voices — in the world of business to middle-class People in america across the nation — who support a well-balanced approach that asks more in the richest People in america."BOOM.This is a pretty strong play—in policy and rhetoric—from the Federal government. (Fundamental essentials Dems we have been searching for!) David Dayen has more about the particulars of the items he quite appropriately calls the administration's "aggressive opening bid" here.Two findings:1. It seems that perhaps Team Obama has finally quit the fantasy of bipartisan compromise using the Republicans. Or at best the concept bipartisan compromise could be arrived at by concession like a beginning position. I really hope this signals a big change for that relaxation from the President's second term it might be an enormous relief.2. It seems that perhaps Team Obama would like to embrace its legit electoral mandate. Elections matter.So: How did the rubbish Obstructionist Party respond to this bid? ' ' guess! Continue! I wager you will not need several GUESS!USA Today: GOP Calls Whitened House High cliff Provide a Non-Starter.The Weekly Standard: McConnell 'Burst Into Laughter' as Geithner Layed out Obama's Plan.The Hill: Boehner Rejects Obama's Opening Bid.Etc.Republicans might prosper to heed public polling that has found: "When the two sides neglect to find mutual understanding on lowering the deficit, 53% stated congressional Republicans is to blame while 29% stated the duty falls on Leader Obama.InchIf perhaps voters were as stupid as Republicans think they're!Anyhow. This really is great news for the time being, but Scott Lemieux sensibly notes: "This primary bid is encouraging, but until we have an actual deal skepticism and political pressure in the left are greatly so as.Inch It wouldn't be considered a terrible idea to submit some encouraging and grateful words here to allow the administration realize that their progressive base wants these to stick to a hostile approach and framework that puts the onus around the Republicans to compromise.

Quote of the Day

"On Election Day, The Boston Globe reported, Logan Airport Terminal in Boston was running lacking parking spaces. Not for cars—for private jets. Large contributor were flooding in to the city to go to Mitt Romney's victory party. These were, it switched out, wrong about political reality. However the disappointed plutocrats were not wrong about who had been on their own side. It was greatly an election pitting the interests of the extremely wealthy against individuals from the middle-class and also the poor. ... So be on the lookout because the fiscal bet on chicken continues. This is an uncomfortable but real truth that we're not every within this together America's top-lower class players lost large within the election, however they are attempting to make use of the pretense of interest concerning the deficit to grab victory in the jaws of defeat. Let us not allow them to accomplish it.Inch—Paul Krugman.

Top Five

Here's your subject, recommended by Shaker soupcann314: Top 5 Favorite Blogs. And I'mma add soupcann314's qualifier "besides Shakesville," not because I am supposing this can be a favorite blog of their every readers, but because I'd rather not oblige anybody to incorporate it. This is not a solicitation for accolades I am as curious to determine others' favorite reads around everybody else is! Go!Please feel thanks for visiting share tales about why your Top 5 picks are what they're, though a straight-up list is okay, too. Please avoid adversely auditing other individuals lists, because judgment attempts participation.

Wednesday Blogaround

This blogaround introduced for you by cat whiskers.Suggested Reading through:Ragen: Federal Government Positively Encourages Discrimination [Content Note: The publish only at that link includes discussion of body fat prejudice and going on a diet.]Jessica: CRR Files Motion to Safeguard Abortion Access in Mississippi after Hospitals Refuse Licenses to ProvidersRana: The Issue of Presuming All People in america Are Middle ClassDavid: Scarborough to Republicans: Start Attacking Susan Grain on her 'Temperament'Echidne: On TrashMax: The Sun's Rays (Never) Sets around the British Empire: The Neocolonialism of Skyfall [Content Note: The publish only at that link includes discussion of misogyny, racism, privilege, and violence. Additionally, it consists of spoilers in the film.]Trudy: Absolutely ExquisiteNick: Worth DoingLeave your links and recommendations in comments...

Question of the Day

What is the last factor that became of you that restored your belief in humanity, as they say, for the time being?

Everyone (Ahem) Loves a Good Redemption Story

[Content Note: Rape apologia child sex abuse.]So. There is that whole Penn Condition child sex abuse situation, that you remember because the abuse only agreed to be uncovered this past year, also it only agreed to be recently that former assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky was sentenced to 30 to six decades imprisonment for mistreating 10 boys he met over 15 years—crimes which were hidden and abetted by multiple people from the Penn Condition football program and college administration.Well, clearly you're ready to invest that ickiness behind us and provide Penn Condition its redemption story. I am talking about, it has been An Entire MONTH.Thus, new Penn Condition football coach Bill O'Brien continues to be nominated for Coach of the season. Clearly.Jess breaks it lower here. Go read her publish since it is great, also it really teases out all of the ways that this nomination plays in to the character of redemption and just how fucked up it's that people even need a redemption story for a lot of fuckos who hidden and abetted child rape.The instinct behind this nomination is gross for several reasons, most famously which happens because it effectively serves to produce the road past which anybody who still cares will be described as a grudge-holder, a bitter hysteric who can't "ignore itInch and "move ahead.Inch This is actually the official "Go On.Inch And when we keep holding institutional condoning of kid rape from the Penn Condition football program, even though there's been no significant accountability inside the program—or, for your matter, outdoors from it, where sexual violence continues to be a central feature of sports hazing—then we are destroying the lives of innocent gamers and coaches. And extremely, whenever you consider it, which makes us the actual monsters. (Barf.)Which underscores what another undercover reason for this nomination is: A bellicose fuck you to definitely anybody who had the unmitigated temerity to request for accountability with respect to children who have been sexually mistreated and safeguards to want vigilance to avoid future victimization. "We will not kowtow towards the forces of fundamental decency! Take that!" Ooh bravo. What a lot of fucking heroes.If Penn Condition had any decency whatsoever, they'd nicely decline the nomination using the explanation that it is football program must silently earn public trust again before starting public festivities of their masterdom.

In the News

[Content note: homophobia, racism, misogyny.]News from not-deeky:Science! History! Four centuries of beetles eating up European literature!Ron Paul states it’s legal to secede in the country Rand Paul really wants to run for leader in. Is sensible in my experience! Possess a great Thanksgiving dinner, Paul family!Talking about which, here are a few Thanksgiving quality recipes from prominent LGBT* chefs.And listed here are some beautiful gardens in the winter months.A 72-year-old Chinese guy models girl’s clothes for his granddaughter’s design business. Homomentum in Hawaii and Trans*mentum in Quebec. The battle for women’s land privileges in Uganda.Dear Knights in combat of Columbus: please stop funding anti-gay campaigning.Rhianna: Bride of Satan. (As deeky might say, lol!)The kinder, gentler, publish-election GOP: still racist and sexist!Ever thought about what you will seem like should you be a Dwarf within the Hobbit? Join the organization!

Happy Birthday, Deeky!

Appreciate it you have to!Pleased Birthday to youuuuuuuuuuuuu!Happy Birthday to youuuuuuuuuuuuu!You are forty-two which maaaaaaaakes meeeeeeeeeFour years more youthful than you!I really like you, my precious friend.

♥ Big Black Dogs

[Content Note: Animal abuse.]ZeldaZelly is really a BBD. A large black dog.Large black dogs who finish up in animal shelters frequently have trouble finding their way to avoid it again. It is a phenomenon referred to as Large Black Dog Syndrome, or Large Black Dog Prejudice. BBDs often spend longer in animal shelters/rescues, and investing longer in overburdened animal shelters means a greater chance of dying, in places without funding or facilities to aid lengthy-term proper care of huge amounts of destitute dogs.You will find lots of factors that play into BBD Syndrome: People still choose dogs mainly on appearance, even though temperament and is exactly what determines the prosperity of an adoption. The colour black also remains used like a cultural marker of ethical darkness, and also the association is really deeply ingrained that research has found individuals to judge teams putting on black uniforms weight loss aggressive even when they're not, and located individuals to become more aggressive when putting on black uniforms than other colors. Black dogs are routinely described as aggressive in pop media. Black dogs don't photograph too (or, really, as quickly) as lighter- or various colored dogs, which puts them in a disadvantage on pet adoption sites. And black jackets possess the most marked distinction between healthy and neglected dogs: Zelda is continually accented on her behalf lush, shiny coat, however when we first saw her, emaciated and malnourished and dirty, her coat was flat and lackluster it were built with a harsh, greyish cast but was dark enough to exhibit all of the dander cast removed from her dehydrated skin.Everything conspires to create existence hard for a destitute BBD.When Tamara Delaney of Woodville, Wis., volunteered to locate a home for any black Labrador Retriever named Mike this past year, she'd no clue what she was facing. Mike, looked after with a save group, had already anxiously waited nearly 3 years for any new house. And that he would wait eight more several weeks as Delaney attempted to locate someone to take the large Lab.It did not matter much that Mike would be a interpersonal dog as well as in perfect health. Jake's problem wasn't his temperament—it was the colour of his coat. Mike bore the stigma from the "BBD," an acronym used to consult large black dogs, who're frequently passed over for fancy, more attractive dogs and find yourself, like Mike, awaiting years to become adopted."My own mail a black-covered dog," save employees told Delaney as she attempted with no success to locate a home for Mike. So when Delaney switched to the web, she discovered that animal shelters across the nation were filled with black-covered mutts."Do not overlook our black dogs," save groups pleaded on their own home pages above pictures of Rottweilers, Chows and Labs sporting vibrant bandanas. One shelter's website just came out using the harsh truth: "Everyone is unaware of how condemned black dogs are when they're introduced to some pound." Condemned. It's, regrettably, an properly ominous word.Mike steered clear of that fate. Delaney adopted him. After which, in 2004, she began Black Gem Dogs, towards saving more Large Black Dogs and lift awareness concerning the prejudice against BBDs—a problem that yet continues.Most black dogs need to depend on shelter staff and volunteers to influence potential adoptors their way. And even, many animal shelters take extra making black dogs more adoptable, based on Kate Pullen, director of animal sheltering issues in the Humane Society from the U . s . States in Washington, D.C. Teaching the dogs methods, putting placards on dog houses highlighting the dog's personality ("I might be a black dog, but I understand how to balance a biscuit on my small nose."), ensuring multiple black dogs aren't kenneled alongside one other—anything to trap the attention and imagination of potential adoptors."I have needed to turn away many black dogs since i can't fill the area track of them," states Jill Wimmer, shelter manager at Feet Atlanta, that city's earliest and biggest no-kill shelter. "And each one I averted were built with a great temperament." Wimmer recognizes that she will likely adopt out three dogs within the time that it takes to locate a home for just one BBD.This past weekend, Iain and that i were remembering the way the shelter staff understood nothing about Zelda—a stray BBD who had not even received a title. They did not determine if she was house friendly or spayed. They barely even understood what dog i was speaking about whenever we stated we desired to adopt her. It isn't that they are heartless these were overcome, plus they quite justifiably assumed nobody would provide the BBD using the silly ears a house.BBDs need extra effort, but short time and assets implies that extra effort always comes at the fee for other dogs, who're more adoptable.The very best factor I'm able to want to do is help raise awareness concerning the plight of BBDs, to ensure that they do not require extra effort to begin with.In the end, even when they might advocate on their own, will still be us who must change. My Large Black Dog Zelda, sleeping on my small lap.* * *In Missouri, November is Adopt a Black Dog Month. You are able to adopt a BBD in the Humane Society of Missouri for under half the typical fee with the finish of November.* * *Note: Black felines also face an identical problem, using the added complication of superstitions about black felines being misfortune. Black felines fortunately have plenty of champions trying to undermine that prejudice. I've possessed three solid black felines within my existence: Night time, Inky, and Moire. Not one of them introduced me any misfortune. &hearts

Quote of the Day

"I believe every lady does desire to be objectified. There is a little a part of you whatsoever occasions that wishes to be somewhat objectified, and i believe its healthy."—Actress Cameron Diaz.Not a chance![H/T to Shaker MMC.]

In the News

[Content note: homophobia, racism, misogyny.]News from not-deeky:Science! History! Four centuries of beetles eating up European literature!Ron Paul states it’s legal to secede in the country Rand Paul really wants to run for leader in. Is sensible in my experience! Possess a great Thanksgiving dinner, Paul family!Talking about which, here are a few Thanksgiving quality recipes from prominent LGBT* chefs.And listed here are some beautiful gardens in the winter months.A 72-year-old Chinese guy models girl’s clothes for his granddaughter’s design business. Homomentum in Hawaii and Trans*mentum in Quebec. The battle for women’s land privileges in Uganda.Dear Knights in combat of Columbus: please stop funding anti-gay campaigning.Rhianna: Bride of Satan. (As deeky might say, lol!)The kinder, gentler, publish-election GOP: still racist and sexist!Ever thought about what you will seem like should you be a Dwarf within the Hobbit? Join the organization!

Update on Indy Explosion

[Content Note: Fire violence dying.]Earlier this year, I authored in regards to a massive explosion in Indiana which wiped out a couple, hurt seven others, equalized two houses, and did about $4 million in harm to surrounding houses. It had been initially suspected to be a dreadful accident. It's now a homicide analysis.Indiana Homeland Security Director Gary Coons made the announcement Monday evening, soon after a funeral occured for that couple who have been wiped out. The pair resided across the street from the home where researchers believe the blast happened."We're turning this right into a criminal homicide analysis," Coons stated after ending up in local citizens, marking the very first time researchers have acknowledged a potential criminal element towards the November. 10 explosion.Search warrants happen to be performed and authorities are actually searching for a whitened van which was observed in the subdivision your day from the blast, Marion County District attorney Terry Curry stated. Federal government bodies are providing a $10,000 reward for information within the situation....100s of individuals attended the funeral earlier Monday for that couple wiped out within the explosion, 34-year-old John Dion Longworth and 36-year-old Jennifer Longworth.She would be a second-grade teacher appreciated for knitting gifts on her students, while her husband, an electronics expert, was referred to as a garden enthusiast and character lover. The college where Jennifer Longworth trained was closed Monday so instructors and students could attend the funeral....The pair resided across the street from the home where researchers are focusing.The co-who owns that house, John Shirley, told The Connected Press he'd lately received a text from his daughter saying the furnace in your home, which she explains to her mother and her mother's boyfriend, choose to go out.Shirley's ex-wife, Monserrate Shirley, stated her boyfriend, Mark Leonard, had changed the thermostat lately and also the furnace had started again working.She and her boyfriend were away in a casino during the time of the blast. The daughter was remaining having a friend, and also the family's cat had been boarded.Authorities think that gas was active in the explosion. No busts have yet occurred.Whomever did this, it seems the Longworths weren't the targets. Just collateral damage inside a plot of explosive hate. Seethe.

Photo of the Day

In the Telegraph's Pictures during the day for 13 November 2012: Tank the small tortoise is dwarfed with a mouse button at Paradise Wildlife Park, in Broxbourne, England. The Hermann's tortoise is six several weeks old, and won't be fully grown until age six, as he should weigh about 3kg. [Alex Smale / Barcroft Media]Tiny small tortie!My grandfather stored two box turtles as pets—Tommy and Matthew. They resided within my grandparents' backyard in Queens until my dad died, therefore we introduced it well to Indiana to reside out their days.My dad am keen on individuals turtles. Plus they were great wee beasties, each together with his own distinct personality. I'm a fan of tortoise-and-turtlekind.

Israel-Gaza Conflict: News & Open Thread

A few notes: We've handled to possess thought-invoking and civil threads within this space on previous skirmishes between Israel and Hamas, and that i trust that may happen again. When the thread will get ugly, it'll you need to be closed. Please comment thoughtfully—and keep in mind that neither Israelis nor Palestinians are monolithic groups among Israelis are individuals who accept the Netanyahu administration's actions and those that condemn individuals actions among Palestinians are individuals who accept Hamas' leadership's actions and those that condemn individuals actions. There's not consensus among diaspora populations, either.I haven't got much to state, except this: My position remains, because it happens to be, certainly one of frustration with leaders and sympathy for those involved. It isn't which i don't care (and have a viewpoint on) who's inherently got the greater principled position it's that sometimes, in a certain point, being right diminishes important than doing the best factor. Below, some suggested reading through (please be aware a few of the tales below include images of war and injuries as most of them are now being up-to-date, specific content notes aren't achievable, so continue but be careful):The Protector had excellent live coverage yesterday, if you want to get swept up. You are able to follow live coverage of present day occasions here.Al Jazeera includes a round-from worldwide responses here.Christiane Amanpour's coverage at CNN: Israel: 'All options up for grabs in Gaza.'This is how things were a couple of days ago—Haaretz: Egypt Mediating Israel-Hamas Truce weight loss Than 100 Rockets Hit South.This is when situations are now—Guardian: Egypt Condemns Israeli Air Strikes in Gaza and Demands Ceasefire.Jerusalem Publish: Egypt Calls upon us to prevent Israeli Aggression.CNN: 100s of Strikes Across Gaza Border Stoke Fears of Ground War.Jerusalem Publish: Un Security Council Divided on Reaction to Gaza Operation.Brent E. Sasley for that Daily Animal: Playing Politics.

In The News

[Content note: Homophobia, transphobia, violence]News From Beyond:"I find it hard to think that Lincoln subsequently was banging anybody." — Tony Kushner, Pulitzer Prize champion and film writer for that new film Lincoln subsequently.The Household Research Council continues to be a lot of shitbags. Surprise.New figures from Trans Murder Monitoring show 265 trans everyone was killed around the globe within the last 12 several weeks, greater than previous years.Anti-gay activist and former Navy chaplain Gordon Klingenschmitt states growing support of marriage equality is an indication of the Finish Occasions. Neat!Welp.One factor I have learned this election: American businessmen are total douchebags. British petroleum pays an archive U.S. fine of $4.5 billion to stay criminal claims developing in the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill within the Gulf.A Might guy has evidence of Bigfoot's existence.Hey brainiacs: Pay attention to the whole soundtrack from the Hobbit: An Unpredicted Journey!The Exorcist figures happen to be inducted into National Toy Hall of Fame.

Here We Go

Yesterday, I stated: "I'm attempting to imagine Bill Clinton's second term in age the web, and i'm all of a sudden overcome with involuntarily shudders of harsh dread."Welp, the "Impeach Obama" robocalls have started.A guy accumulates the telephone and states, "Hello?" and so the following recorded messages starts...It is really an urgent update in the Conservative Majority Fund. If the idea of Obama's next 4 years enables you to cringe, you have to hear this! We simply found that Obama's immediate plans will be to close Guantanamo, give full amnesty to illegal aliens, and provide the Un the legal right to tax People in america. Which is just within the short-term!Our only option now's to proceed with the entire impeachment of Leader Obama. We suspect that Obama's responsible for high crimes and misdemeanors which there might be cause for impeachment out of the box organized within the Metabolic rate. Further, he might not really be considered a US citizen—because nobody, I am talking about nobody, has witnessed a real physical copy of his birth record! Impeachment is our only option. And Republicans already are thinking about Obama research. Because the nation's best conservative group, we're starting the state Impeach Obama campaign. So please, press one how to donate to Impeach Obama! For the generous support, we'll give back a a totally free "Don't Tread on Me" flag as a means of claiming appreciate your support.Again, press someone to donate to Impeach Obama now, or press nine to become removed.Nine! Nine! Nine!

Question of the Day

Inspired by Shaker RedPandamonium: That which was the final personal eureka moment you'd?

Random Nerd Nostalgia: 70s TV Comics!

[Image description: a comic page advertisement for 'life was imple' cartoons. "Be careful visitors! A brand new star is booming within the Electricity universe of greatness! We have shocked you with this super-star heroes! Now we are likely to thrill you again! Using the--Electricity SERIES! -SHAZAM! A falling apart schoolhouse... a mystic mystery in Egypt... The earth's wickedest villain to destroy America and Captain Marvel. Despite the Mighty Isis creating a guest appearance, can our hero survive? ISIS! Popping in the pages of Captain Marvel into her very own mag-- and into deadly danger in the sinister scarab! Will Andrea Thomas' secret be revealed around the world-- and can she live lengthy enough to discover? WELCOME BACK KOTTER! The Sweathogs are sweating it! They are going to lose their leader! No Mr. Woodman has not canned Kotter--he's giving up! Will James Buchanan High be exactly the same? SUPER-Buddies! Super-heroes have super-assistants--but so the super villains! Five furious enemies--backed with a sinister second team. There is however a larger danger still-- a threat inside the Hall of Justice!" Information follows about when these problems is going to be available.]So, the Welcome Back, Kotter comic would be a Factor. Discuss. (Or otherwise!)

Two-Minute Nostalgia Sublime

Deodato: "Also Sprach Zarathustra"

The Walking Thread

^ This fucking guy, amirite?(Spoilers are lurching around all grody and hissing herein.)Ugh, this show. It's either certainly a comedy that's flying way individually distinct or it's so terrible that even terrible is much like, "I'm inadequate to explain this show." Maybe both?Okay, so within this garbage episode of the garbage show, Grimes Gang 1. continue to be holed up at Zombie Prison, where existence is really a nightmare and Grimes is becoming A Psychological ZOMBIE. If you're ever looking for something to carry lower a huge weather balloon before your incredible space jump, use among the metaphors out of this show.Grimes does not even provide a squirt about his completely new zombie whistle baby, because she wiped out the fuck out of Lori, the wife he hated and also killed, if you attempt to be released sideways or whatever. I suppose Officer Wise Guy never belief that Lori, the wife he scolded and resented for Considering abortion, might die consequently of the pregnancy, since, in the perfect circumstance, she could have been having a baby in the center of a zombiepocalypse having a stupid godbothering vet as her Doctor-GYN.Works out that Grimes continues to be WRONG ALL ALONG in convinced that as lengthy because he wanted everything to become okay and screamed at people enough and killed the best people and also the most zombies, it might indeed be okay. Terrible hypothesis, Grimes! Situation CLOSED. Start procedures to Glenn quickly and go begin a spook well.Also: Maggie and Daryl found baby formula, diapers, along with a bottle within an abandoned childcare center. Good job, the two of you! Also it appears as though Daryl found an attractive new serape. Nice!Meanwhile, Grimes Gang 2. is Truman Show 2: Beyond Thunderdome. The apparently nice townsfolk have a fun bet on zombie gladiators by which Merle plus some other dude fight in the center of chained-up zombies while everybody cheers. Because clearly Each And Every PERSON would certainly be okay with this. Except newcomer Andrea, who's all, "Whoa, Gov'nuh!" And Governor Niam Leeson is, "Don't worry—it's fixed! We pull their teeth out!" That is certainly an ideal response since the only problem is how one may be zombified and never that everybody is Buying and selling THEIR HUMANITY For His Or Her FEELINGS OF SAFETY PATRIOT ACT.Throughout zombie gladiators, Iain researched from his phone, which he'd been doing important Fantasy Football research (or something like that) throughout the majority of the episode, and stated, "Exactly what the fuck? Each time I lookup, this show has become stupider." Virtually!Other activities that happened with Grimes Gang 2.: Michonne bailed, because she's a brain. Governor Niam Leeson combed his zombie daughter's hair until whoooooops a part of her scalp came off and that he place a cheese sack over her mind and set her in her giant aquarium or wherever he keeps her. And Andrea ongoing some thing just like a garbage monster.So, your fundamental Walking Dead episode, by which virtually everybody does stupid and unlikable things, and also the plot progresses within an increment of measurement they canrrrt be calculated without an electron microscope. Finally! Simply because it can't be stated enough: Ron Grimes is terrible. I'd pay a spook a lot of Ronpaulbuxxx to consume him. Discuss.

In The News

[Content note: Homophobia, racism, misogyny]For The Friday News Hole:Leader Obama demonstrated his supporters his gratitude by providing them a sincere thanks. Which was pretty great!Romney thanked his staff by rescheduling their charge cards on election evening. That isn't so excellent.Also cancelled: Romney's $25,000 fireworks celebration over Boston Harbor. Dang.And: Romney didn't have concession speech composed. Clearly. Exactly what a great campaign!Anti-choicers are doubling lower now. Obviously.Present day Secret Word: Sedition. Family Research Council's chief dildobrain Tony Perkins and self-hired dildobrain Jesse Trump are generally with revolution. Related: Peter Morrison, racist douchebag and treasurer from the Hardin County Republican Party, wants Texas to secede.See also.Oklahoma citizens who vowed to leave to Canada if Leader Obama was reelected had a primer within the fastest route possible overseas from the local traffic reporter. Heh.Here's some creepy: A brand new Xbox 360 patent enables Kinect to watch the number of individuals are watching a film.President obama is "so absolutely delighted" by our marriage equality wins in Maine, Maryland, Washington and Minnesota. Lynyrd Skynyrd will cease while using Confederate flag like a stage decoration at concerts. Neat! Stacie Laughton, a Nh Democrat, grew to become the nations first freely transgender lawmaker. Yay!Gay sex will result in human extinction! What? We made all of the heteros stop fucking?Also could trigger extinction: This is actually the trailer for World War Z, a spook movie.

Daily Dose of Cute

Just about any evening of my existence, sooner or later I finish in the well-cuddled meat inside a Mazelda sandwich:Zelda on my small left.Matilda on my small right.

This Seems Fun