Aren't You Going To Hold Your Hands Up To The Light?

I love this ode for reminding me of the complete awesomeness that is Octavia Butler. I'll always be greatful to the anthropology professor that first got me to read her....even if he was sort of a jerk.

The possessions of homeless individuals are not trash.

NM Senate Kills Bill Giving Equal Rights To Gays.

Um, AWESOME?!  Star Trek (TNG) Reunion on Family Guy?

This is troubling: "Obama's 2010 health and human services budget includes not one reference to comprehensive sex education, and says only that the budget "will fund models that stress the importance of abstinence while providing medically-accurate and age-appropriate information to youth who have already become sexually active."

Left: Marco Cibola.

“Maybe the best thing would be to forget being right or wrong about people and just go along for the ride. But if you can do that — well, lucky you.” - Philip Roth

Universally Speaking

Envy inducing - creative work spaces from Martha Stewart.

Incredible paper art.

Love the image left.

Awesome movie.

Beautiful silhouettes.

Days With My Father: one man's moving photographic journal of life with his elderly father.

Alternet: It's Time To Recommit to the Fight Against HIV/AIDS.

What is it about French women and their style?

BoingBoing: website to tilt-shift your photos.

Absolutely amazing ring.

“Civil disobedience, that’s not our problem. Our problem is that people are obedient all over the world in the face of poverty and starvation and stupidity, and war, and cruelty. Our problem is that people are obedient while the jails are full of petty thieves, and all the while the grand thieves are running the country. That’s our problem.” - Howard Zinn

Pretty Young Thing

This person makes capes for kids!  Love it!

From places I've lived, to places I love, and places to which I keep returning, there's a tote bag for all of it...

Adorable tip for organization and reusing buttons.

A stunning cabin in Maine.  wow.

Brightening your door = excellent.

Yay!  GoogleMaps gets a public transit layer.

Feministe: "Hopefully, all of us here can agree that the United State’s current policies surrounding prosecuting undocumented immigrants for entering the country, and the ways that those immigrants are treated while in custody, are cruel, inhumane and blatantly racist. But this NY Times article also takes the time to highlight how these prosecutions inevitably take resources away from prosecuting, you know, real crime."

“Life moves on, whether we act as cowards or heroes. Life has no other discipline to impose, if we would but realize it, than to accept life unquestioningly. Everything we shut our eyes to, everything we run away from, everything we deny, denigrate or despise, serves to defeat us in the end. What seems nasty, painful, evil, can become a source of beauty, joy, and strength, if faced with an open mind. Every moment is a golden one for him who has the vision to recognize it as such.” - Henry Miller

Big Black Hole & The Little Baby Star

A Multi-State Study of Domestic Violence Shelter Experiences.

Behind lock and key: CVS Limited Condom Access for Some.  "This is bad public health policy, period. Condoms are the most effective method, other than abstinence (which “fails” more often), at preventing STDs and HIV/AIDS. They are also the most effective non-hormonal method of preventing pregnancy, and one of the most popular contraceptive methods overall. Condoms are, in fact, a public health imperative."

Remind yourself - your heart is your friend.

From the NYTimes: "During an exam, does your doctor actually examine you? A boon in medical technology, scans and tests has changed how doctors practice medicine. The result: many doctors no longer touch their patients."

Part-time workers have always been taken advantage of, and the plummeting economy will only increase both the number of part-time workers and the difficulty of their fight for benefits.

Beautiful prints from Etsy shop MisterRob.  This one is stunning.

From NYTimes: Film Examines a Newark Hate Crime: "In 2003, Sakia Gunn, a 15-year-old lesbian high school student, was fatally stabbed in downtown Newark by a man who had approached her in the street and made sexual advances to her and her friends, which they declined."

“To understand everything is to forgive everything” - Buddha

You'll Find A Way

Design*Sponge's guide to Miami: Part I and Part II.

Academic Earth collects thousands of video lectures from the world’s top scholars.

Great hair pins, headbands and jewelry from HandleSpout.

Left: amazing paper art from artist Lizzie Thomas.

As a list-maker, I liked this: 10 Reasons Why We Love Making Lists, from NPR.

Alleged moderate conservative shows his true colors when commenting on gay marriage - "What, are you crazy?"

From Jezebel: "A new bill in Washington state could extend protection of domestic violence victims to cover their pets. If passed, restraining orders would now require the abuser to cease all contact with jointly owned animals." This might sound odd, but not only are people inclined towards violence towards human also inclined to be violent towards pets, but also pets sometimes become a way of hurting or controlling a partner in intimate violence situations. I think the law is a great indication that lawmakers are beginning to understand the complexity of domestic violence situations.

You Commie Homo-Loving Sons of Guns

Uh oh, a new affordable online clothing shop to get me in trouble!  Ruche.com is a bit romantic for my taste, but there are still some great finds.  Check out this ruffled dress for $34, this purple dress for $39, and this great fushia bag, $38.

Left: back to Boston in 5 days...

Hard to look at but important to remember - the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia at Ferris State.

From Freakonomics: When Will Emergency Rooms Go Back To Being Emergency Rooms?

In honor of my favorite scientist, Ms. Phoebe, science tattoos from Boing Boing!

Towleroad: Idaho Senate Rejects Bill Forbidding Sexual Orientation Discrimination.

I always forget to carry an umbrella when I need one, but I've seen a lot of parasols in Florida recently (old ladies rock the ruffled ones!) and they've got me reconsidering the accessory...

Yay!  Public elementary schools that integrate dance, music, and art.

"...and the great advantage of being a literary woman, was that you could go everywhere and do everything." - Henry James (The Portrait of a Lady)

No Easy Answers

WSJ: After Prison, Few Places for Sex Offenders to Live.  I know that sex offenders are perhaps the most unpopular population in the United States, but I also feel strongly that there are so many reasons for all of us to care.  First of all, sex offenders are still human - once they have paid their debt to society, they deserve a shot at another life.  Second, not all sex offenses are created "equal" - many labeled sex offenders, like the man in the WSJ story above, were themselves victims of overzealous prosecution (in the WSJ story, he was 17, she was 14, it was consensual and they later wed).  Third, if you are truly concerned about public safety, you would do well to consider that homeless sex offenders are even harder to keep track of for parole and law enforcement, and have a harder time reincorporating themselves into post-prison life than those with a stable home and job.  Finally, if we truly care about stopping sex offenses and better improving our communities for everyone, we would pay more attention to the way prison is conducted - the way prisons are currently run, they do little to prepare prisoners for the world outside of prison or help them address psychological and mental health issues.  Re-entry work - especially for sex offenders - might not be an easy subject, but it cannot be ignored.

See also: NYTimes, Sex Offenders Living Under Miami Bridge.

NPR: Miami Sex Offenders Sleep Under Bridge.

Miami New Times (photo above): Sex Offenders Say There's No More Room Under The Bridge.

Lust For Life

A stimulus for schools?  Makes sense to me.

Great advice on starting an Etsy business.

The Volokh Conspiracy: Do judges make better Justices?

Proving you don't have to spend a lot of money on supplies to make awesome art...

Left: love this photo!  The green bathing suit, the vintage style, the red lips...

Murder of Muslim-American Woman Sparks Media Frenzy: Tragic story, really interesting article about media coverage...

On that same, heartbreaking note, Domestic Abuse Rises As Economy Falters.

AlterNet: Are unions making a comeback?

Brazen Careerist: 6 Ways To Create Sexual Tension At Work: I think this is a really dicey article and, while I get her point, a dangerous idea.  I don't have anything against mild flirtation but even that much at work is asking for trouble.  Especially for young women entering the workplace, I think everyone should err on the side of caution and formality.  Many women already (consciously or unconsciously) think that flirtation is the only way to win people over or make good connections.  To encourage this is to not only encourage potential incidents of sexual harassment, but is also to undervalue relationships based on mutual respect.  Also, even if you and your flirtee (?) are in agreement about the appropriateness of your relationship, don't forget others are watching you and basing their judgement of you and your work on your behavior.  To all the young women out there, I'm telling you: it's not worth it.  The thrill of flirtation is not worth the potential loss of respect in the workplace, the loss of a friend when signals are crossed, or the loss of a job opportunity.

And on that note...Teen Sexual Harassment at Work - An Underreported Scandal.

Feministing: Las Vegas Cracks Down On Sex Workers...and Publishes Their Photos.  Oh, were you looking for the photos of the men who hired and payed them?  Or their pimps?  Keep looking.

Fat Girls Like Nice Clothes Too!  I like her blog and I laughed (in a "wow, I totally relate" way) to her recent post on nautical themes..."I fall for it every time. As soon as we get to the end of January I seem to think that spring has started and I go all stupid over nautical inspired fashion. I’m not a sailor. I’ve never even been on a boat in my adult life so why is it that at the same time each year I come over all Popeye and want to buy every red white and blue garment I can see?"  I seriously purchase a blue and white striped, boatneck shirt every season, convinced it is the key to my wardrobe...and promptly ditch it in the closet.  Sigh.  When will I learn?

Louise Only Got From Me Innocent Poetry

News flash! Even Gov. Palin's daughter admits her mom's ideas about teen abstinence are "not realistic at all."  Get with the program, everyone!

Left: what I thought high school was going to be like - reality was a harsh blow!  Long live Ferris Bueller!

Yellow stays strong as the pop color of the season.  I don't think I have any on my wardrobe, which means I'll be on the look out for some yellow spring shoes or a bag...or maybe, on my budget, a yellow headband...

Boston Herald: Ex-inmates hope for help after leaving prison.

The article is a bit cheesy and simplistic but I did appreciate someone taking out the time to thank construction workers.  As the proud step-daughter of a life-long laborer, I agree that they are under-appreciated and undervalued.  Additionally, I go crazy every time someone whines about the laws concerning slowing down in construction zones - and the high cost of tickets for violating these laws.  Think about if it was your father or daughter on the side of the road, with drunk or distracted drivers whizzing by all day.  So take the time and slow down, don't whine about your drive taking 5 minutes more, and appreciate the hard work of construction workers.

The NYTimes Article Skimmer.

Defamer: McFlurryGate!  30 Rock and product placement.

An interview with the always-inspiring Maya Angelou.  I particularly liked/felt her advice for people going through hard times: Well, I would say, look what you've already come through! Don't deny it. You've already come through some things, which are very painful. If you've been alive until you're 35, you have gone through some pain. It cost you something. And you've come through it. So at least look at that. And have a sense to look at yourself and say, 'Well, wait a minute. I'm stronger than I thought I was.' . . . So we need to not be in denial about what we've done, what we've come through. It will help us if we all do that."

“It takes a long time to grow young.” - Pablo Picasso

“We don’t see the things they are, we see them as we are”*

NYTimes: A change in Facebook policies has users (including me) concerned.

World Press photo winners.

I agree with Darling Dexter (great site!), say yes to wide leg pants!  I used to be worried they made me look to stumpy, but I'm all about embracing them this spring...

Guilt inducing: Hamburgers are the Hummers of the food world.

The surprisingly accurate Trilogy Meter!

Ian McEwan Sheltered Salman Rushdie After Fatwa Was Issued.

From the wonderful Tiny House Blog, the beautiful cabin designs of Ross Chapin - from Oregon, of course!

Employee Evolution: 6 ways to fit in when you're the youngest person in the room.

Feministe: Formerly incarcerated and economic justice.

A different take on the work-life balance.

What about the freedom NOT to marry? "I have been saying for years that this idea of a choice to marry is illusory. As long as marriage is the only way to garner economic security and emotional peace of mind -- not because it's natural but because our laws and policies make it that way -- marriage isn't a choice, for straight or gay couples."

 *Anais Nin

The Least Complicated

Not a bad idea at all: Should Personal Finance 101 Be Required for High School Graduation?

I think maybe I could live in this nook.

Rethinking the food pyramid - is mindful eating the missing ingredient?

Charlie Harper mural!

The Floridians behind Amendment 2 are back.

Amazing wallpaper!

The Bilerico Project: HRC Throws Trans Health Equity Under the Bus - Again: This week, the Human Rights Campaign released its 2009 State of the Workplace report and Corporate Equality Index (CEI) ratings of large US employers for GLBT inclusive policies and practices . . . Despite years of objection by health advocates for the trans-community, the HRC continues to omit medically necessary transition care as a requirement for a perfect 100% CEI score. Employees who suffer distress with their physical sex characteristics or ascribed gender role (often termed gender dysphoria) are singled out by many employers for exclusion from coverage for corrective procedures that are not excluded for other employees. By rewarding these employers with 100% scores, the HRC perpetuates this discrimination."

NYTimes: In South Africa, a Justice Delayed Is No Longer Denied: "Edwin Cameron, appointed a High Court judge by Nelson Mandela soon after apartheid ended in 1994, pulled to the side of the road, leaned his head on the steering wheel and was overcome by deep, shattering sobs, he recently recalled. It was 1999 and he had just decided to publicly disclose he was H.I.V.-positive at the very moment he sought to fulfill his life’s ambition: to serve on South Africa’s highest tribunal, the Constitutional Court. “I am not dying of AIDS,” he told the stunned judicial commission that was deciding whether to recommend his elevation. “I am living with AIDS.” On that day a decade ago, he became the first — and still remains the only — senior office holder anywhere in southern Africa, and perhaps in all of Africa, to announce he was infected with H.I.V. Mr. Cameron, hale and hearty at age 55, finally ascended to the Constitutional Court this month."

The Sacred And The Profane

A glimmer of hope?  The St. Petersburg Times: "New Ideas On Prisons": "Florida's budget crisis may bring a modicum of reasonableness to the debate over criminal justice policy. Instead of the "tough on crime" mantra that politicians spout to win elections and that usually leads to more prison beds, suggestions are cropping up for alternatives as a way to save big bucks. These ideas are not percolating up from liberal sources alone. Some of the most ardent supporters for a more measured approach to crime and criminals include a conservative Republican lawmaker and a fiscal watchdog group."

Great article: "There isn't a yes or no in your career - there are opportunities, decisions, and shifts."

A follow-up to Glamours article about abortion: "Speaking Out About An Abortion Can Be Harder Than Getting One."

Awesome necklace (and affordable!) from BunnyLuxe's Etsy shop!

News out of Boston: "The state's highest court today struck down a law that allowed the state to keep juvenile offenders in custody for three years after they turned 18, if officials believed they would be 'physically dangerous to the public.'" 

A Japanese rape simulation game?  I didn't want to believe it, but I'm happy to see Amazon has pulled it from sale...

I know this is overpriced and made especially ridiculous by the recession, but I think its gorgeous and classic....so should anyone be looking for a graduation present for me....I'm sure just carrying this bag would guarantee me a job.  I'm sure of it!

Not to be a Scrouge but..."This Valentine's Lingerie Is Brought To You By The Prison Industrial Complex"

I love everything that American RadioWorks does.  Really.  Amazing stuff.  Just today I listened to their report on hospice care.  I have so much respect for people who work in hospice care - thank you, thank you, thank you for helping people leave this world in a peaceful way.  Listening to the program made me grateful for my health and family, and grateful for such compassionate people who would do hospice care.

And Almost Immediately I Felt Sorry

Unbelievable.  PA Judges Accused of Jailing Kids for Cash.  More from one of the attorneys allegedly involved.

A good post on the response to the Rihanna-Chris Brown situation (don't know what else to call it at this point).  Salon: "She's so beautiful and nice.  How did you hit her?"  A personal account, from Lemondrop, "It Could Happen to Rihanna.  It Happened to Me."  And from The Angry Black Woman, "Tales From A Survivor."  And, finally, from The Frisky, "Blaming the Victim: Can We Stop Looking for Excuses for Chris Brown's Actions?"

A mainstream women's magazine actually addresses a real issue!  Glamour: Opening Up A Dialogue About Abortion.

An interesting article about Nadya Suleman and "the Glorification of Family Freakshows": "Nadya Suleman may have been the one to selfishly create an entire litter of children she could barely take care of, but a lot of people within the media told her there was no harm in what she was doing."  Also: Bitch Magazine reviews the media attention.

From Jezebel, Susie Orbach: "We Need A War on 'Beauty Terror'."

I might sorta need one of these sweet lunchboxes...

A good introduction to the world of women Buddhist bloggers.

Fewer Women Winning Jobs in Executive Suites.  I gotta say, not a surprise to me that they didn't see much female advancement in Miami....It's still a man's world.

Via the Bilerico Project: "We are taking a stand today because gay students are entitled to a safe and secure education. Gay and lesbian students deserve schools that heed the rule of law. These students are trying to bring a message of equality and openness, and the lesson they are being taught is that Yulee High School administrators believe discrimination against LGBT students is an acceptable policy."- Robert Rosenwald, Director of the ACLU of Florida's LGBT Advocacy Project, on why the ACLU is suing the School Board of Nassau County, Florida for refusing to allow a GSA on campus.

She looks awkward on the cover, but I think the rest of the photos are great and I'm happy to see Michelle Obama on the cover of Vogue.

That's How I Knew This Story Would Break My Heart

Love this idea and execution!  Weather + Fashion = Feather....check it out.

Yet another fancy hotel I can't afford opens in Miami....the world's longest infinity pool does sound pretty dreamy...

Who doesn't need two minutes of Corgi Zen?

Dreamy: white wood floors.

Sarah Haskins takes on chocolate.

Check out the animated shorts nominated for Oscars.

Is there a racial element to the public/media response to the octuplets?  Racialicious says yes.  Jezebel joins in the conversation.

More coverage of the Rihanna-Chris Brown incident.  The coverage has ranged from insanely insensitive to probing and thought-provoking....

Always One Foot On The Ground

Oh man, I just started taking a multivitamin!...and I was so proud of myself..."Supplements May Be Ineffectual, Even Harmful To Women's Health"

Will the recession turn the best and the brightest to new fields?

Feminist Law Professors: Student Describes "Black Exodus" at U Florida Levin College of Law.

Bitch Magazine rates how much our favorite teen shows really taught us about sex.

Obnoxious for there being only 10 and it still being a pretty limited list (and why does it have to be a separate list...), but I have to say it was nice to see at least a few gorgeous curvy ladies get a shout out.

"Seek out that particular mental attribute which makes you feel most deeply and vitally alive, along with which comes the inner voice which says, 'This is the real me,' and when you have found that attitude, follow it." - William James

And I'm Waiting For Someone In the Know, Like Pirner Tells Me On The Radio

Probably seems simple to most, but some of us could use help....How to Declutter an Entire Room in One Go.

One of the many reasons I'm resolutely against the death penalty....error.  Texan who died in prison cleared of rape conviction.  What a tragedy not only for the incarcerated man and his family, but also for the victim whose real attacker went free while another man suffered for his crime.

Bring back tie clips!  I do love a man in a classic tie clip....There are great (and inexpensive!) vintage ones for sale all over.

I usually don't get very excited about new animated releases, but Coraline looks intruiging.

Love this idea: tea tin vases.

Good news: Justice Ginsburg to Remain Quite Active.

Chaos at Guantanamo continues.

Because we should all know how, in order to help ourselves or others.  How to file for unemployment.

The "W" word, re-engaged and re-examined, via NYTimes.

Listening to: The Traveling Wilburys "Handle With Care" and "End of the Line."  GREAT stuff.

They Say I'm Free To Sell All I Am, Move Where I Can, And Be As Happy As I Can Be

A great post on Lipstick Lobbyist rounding up the recent collection of articles on how the economic downturn is uniquely affecting women sparks some interesting comments.

The reality of Amendment 2.  The reality of discrimination.

Oregon 150th Birthday Art Show.  I love you OR!  Thanks to ELM for the link.

Food deals for my chilly Boston loved ones.

I want to learn more about the Asian American experience, including (but not limited to) internment camps and current discussions about being Asian American in the US.  Any advice about articles, books, movies, etc would be much appreciated!

The NY Times: One in 8 Million. 

Also from the Times, "In Florida, Despair and Foreclosures."  

As someone deeply concerned about civil rights and also over-criminalization and incarceration, I find the debate about hate crimes legislation to be really interesting....over on The Bilerico Project, the discussion continues about the Matthew Shepard Act.

Postcards to the President.  "Never before has our country been so poised for change. For this reason, it is imperative that the LGBT community act now. The request is simple, flood the White House with postcards to President Obama asking him to urge Congress to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. This grassroots effort has ignited with a strong focus in college communities - understanding that this generation of young gay friendly students has the power and resources to fan the flames. Our mission is to create an effect: thousands upon thousands of personalized American voices speaking directly to our newly appointed and inspirational leader, demanding equality."

“If I had my life to live again. I’d make the same mistakes, only sooner.” - Tallulah Bankhead

Listening to Neko Case, "The Needle Has Landed."

Ask What Your Interests Are, Who You Be With

I've never heard of Steve Alan before this month but I'm loving all his stuff!  The flannel shirts and the short casual skirts are great, and I'm super coveting the blue open backed dress....gorgeous!

Fancy pants! Gmail Labs adds multiple inboxes.

Left: loving the hair, the coat, the shoes, the colors...

I'm excited to see this movie (and I usually couldn't care less about mainstream animation).  Wish my favorite animator was around to see it with me!

Another article about RBG, this time focusing on reproductive rights.

An adorable bird necklace!  I think my friend Natasha would rock this hardcore.

World Nutella Day!  There's a holiday I can believe in....

I totally am fascinated by this.  I think there is such a phenomenon of parents doing the work for their children in terms of cookie sales and fundraising....which makes it awkward when your coworkers or friends or family are pressuring you to make purchases....for their kids!

Glass blowing is so cool....Great to go watch if you get a chance.

Listening to: Sean Hayes "Balancing Act In Blue"

Hang In There, Justice Ginsburg.

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has reportedly been hospitalized for treatment of pancreatic cancer.  Read Lipstick Lobbyist's brief tribute.  Best wishes for a quick recovery, RBG!

I hope to have a collection like this one day....26 Years, 85 Notebooks.

A Salon writer complains about oversharing...and Jezebel (one of my favorites!) defend their position.  

From the HuffPo: The Price of Justice: Time To Invest in Criminal Justice Reforms.

Finding the blue room....The NYTimes reports on the effects of color on the psyche.

An adorable birthday ring (I had never heard of one either, but am loving it).

A completely outrageous video of a cop punching a woman in the face 4 times after unsuccessfully attempting to arrest her for riding her bike on the sidewalk. From Current TV: "A video released as part of a lawsuit against police in Millville, Philadelphia, shows an officer forcefully punching a woman in the face four times after he bungled an attempt to arrest her for riding a bike on the sidewalk. The newly released video shows Drogo attempting to use pepper spray on Stevenson while she is still on the bike, but instead spraying himself in the face."

Once I Wanted To Be The Greatest

The clothes of Etsy shop Afton River look like they would be right up my alley - comfortable, simple but with attention to detail, and colorful yet still subtle.  And not expensive for handmade pieces!

Ooooh, I love working with felt, and these simple felt fortune cookies (left) are a great little project from Martha Stewart!

Here, here!  Forgiving student loan would stimulate economy.

From the ABA: Two Federal Lawyers Win Benefits for Same-Sex Spouses in 9th Circuit Orders.

From OhDeeDoh, a beautiful nursery made up of IKEA, Etsy, and thrifted items.

I still think this is one of the sexiest photos of one of the sexiest men ever...

Towelroad: Opposing Marriage Bills to Face Off in NH Thursday.

DIY painted furniture inspiration from Apartment Therapy.  

Despite being way more girly than I generally am into, I must admit I'm smitten with Marc Jacobs effusive hearts.

These scarves are simple (and now sold out because of their popularity!) but they are definitely beautiful and remind me to be on the lookout for a big, soft wrap for spring....I love having something to cover up with if an unexpected chill comes along, or just to add a little flair....

These Amy Butler dress patterns make me wish I hadn't given my sewing machine away...ah well, someday when I'm not so paripatetic....