random thoughts

Beyond Harry Potter book list

2012-05-17T18:23:01Z

Did I mention I updated the Beyond Harry Potter list for the first time in three years?

cross-posted from my fan lj

Favorite Adult Books of 2011

2012-05-17T18:01:27Z

It don't rain but what it pours, am I right?

nth read = the whichever number of times I’ve read it
collection = all stories by one author
anthology = stories/articles by different authors
c = set in our current time
ed(s). = editor(s)
gn = graphic novel/comics
h = horror
hi = historical
alt hi = alternate history
nf = nonfiction
f = fantasy
sf = science fiction

Mainstream—Adult

Aravind Adiga, BETWEEN THE ASSASSINATIONS; THE WHITE TIGER (c India)
Martin Booth, HIROSHIMA JOE (hi)
Kathleen Cambor, IN SUNLIGHT, IN A BEAUTIFUL GARDEN (hi)
Barbara Cleverly: 4 hi mysteries, India, early 1920s: THE LAST KASHMIRI ROSE, RAGTIME IN SIMLA, THE DAMASCENED BLADE, & THE PALACE TIGER
Anita Diamant, DAY AFTER NIGHT (hi)
Barbara Hambly, RAN AWAY (Benjamin January hi mystery, 1830s New Orleans)
Barbara Hamilton (a pen name for Barbara Hambly), two Abigail Adams mysteries: A MARKED MAN and SUP WITH THE DEVIL
Charlaine Harris, SWEET AND DEADLY (mys)
Karen Maitland, COMPANY OF LIARS (hi)
Sharyn McCrumb, THE DEVIL AMONG THE LAWYERS (hi mys in the Appalachians)
Robin Oliveira, MY NAME IS MARY SUTTER (hi)
Robert Parker, SCHOOL DAYS (c)
Jodi Picoult, 19 MINUTES (xth read)
Marge Piercy, SEX WARS (hi, 1890s)
Erich Maria Remarque, ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT (hi)
Kathryn Stockett, THE HELP (hi, 1960s)
Indu Sundaresan, THE TWENTIETH WIFE (hi, India)
Sarah Waters, AFFINITY (hi, 1880s)
Farad Zama, THE MARRIAGE BUREAU FOR RICH PEOPLE (c, India)

Thrillers—adult

James Lee Burke, IN THE ELECTRIC MIST WITH CONFEDERATE DEAD
William Diehl, PRIMAL FEAR (3rd read)
Lisa Gardner, LIVE TO TELL, THE NEIGHBOR
John Grisham, RUNAWAY JURY (xth read)
John Hart, THE LAST CHILD
Susan Hill, THE WOMAN IN BLACK (hi, ghost story to star Daniel Radcliffe)
Tami Hoag, NIGHT SINS
Elmore Leonard, PRONTO, RIDING THE RAP, WHEN THE WOMEN COME OUT TO DANCE (collection)—these star Deputy U.S. Marshall Raylan Givens, the main character of TV’s “Justified,” though this Raylan isn’t as handsome!
Chuck Logan, AFTER THE RAIN (xth read), HOME FRONT (xth read)
Robert McCammon, GOING SOUTH (c)

SF&F—Adult

Joe Abercrombie, BEST SERVED COLD (h)
Daniel Abraham, THE DRAGON’S PATH (f)
Sarah Addison Allen, GARDEN SPELLS, THE GIRL WHO CHASED THE MOON (c, f)
Ilona Andrews, BAYOU MOON (f)
Galen Beckett, THE MAGICIANS AND MRS. QUENT (f)
Beth Bernobich, PASSION PLAY (f)
Holly Black & Ellen Kushner, eds., WELCOME TO BORDERTOWN (anthology)
Edgar Rice Burroughs, A PRINCESS OF MARS (sf/f)
Mike Carey, THE DEVIL YOU KNOW (2nd read, f)
John Connolly (I re-read all of his Charlie Parker books one week this year): BAD MEN; THE BURNING SOUL; EVERY DEAD THING; NOCTURNES; THE DARK ANGEL; THE DARK HOLLOW; THE KILLING KIND; THE UNQUIET; THE WHITE ROAD
Rowena Cory Daniells, THE KING’S BASTARD, THE UNCROWNED KING, THE USURPER (f)
Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling, eds., THE COYOTE ROAD (anthology)
Kate Elliot, COLD MAGIC (f)
Pamela Freeman, BLOOD TIES, DEEP WATER, FULL CIRCLE (f)
Neil Gaiman, AMERICAN GODS (xth reading)
Barbara Hambly, BLOOD MAIDENS (h, vampire)
John Horner Jacobs, SOUTHERN GODS (h)
N. K. Jemisin, THE BROKEN KINGDOMS, THE ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND KINGDOMS (f)
Diana Wynne Jones, DEEP SECRETS (F, 2nd read)
Alma Katsu, THE TAKER (f)
Stephen King, 11/22/63 (time travel), THE RUNNING MAN (sf, xth reading)
Michael Koryta, THE CYPRESS HOUSE (h)
Mercedes Lackey, FIRE ROSE (f)
George R. R. Martin, A Song of Fire and Ice: A CLASH OF KINGS, A FEAST OF CROWS, A GAME OF THRONES, A STORM OF SWORDS (2nd read, f)
Robert McCammon, BOY’S LIFE, MR. SLAUGHTER, MYSTERY WALK, THE QUEEN OF BEDLAM, SINGS THE NIGHTBIRD (f)
Elizabeth Moon, KINGS OF THE NORTH (f)
Rachel Neumeier, LAND OF THE BURNING SANDS, LAW OF THE BROKEN EARTH, LORD OF THE CHANGING WINDS (f)
Daniel Polansky, LOW TOWN (f)
Michael Stackpole, TALION REVENANT (f)
Mary Stanton, ANGEL’S ADVOCATE, DEFENDING ANGELS (c, ghost, f)
Michelle West, THE HIDDEN CITY (f)

Nonfiction, graphic novels/comics, poetry

Karen Abbott, SIN IN THE SECOND CITY: Madams, Ministers, Playboys, and the Battle for America’s Soul
John M. Barry, RISING TIDE: The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and How It Changed America
Holly Black, Bill Willingham, Alisa Kwitney, Louise Hawes, Todd Mitchell; ill. By Rebecca Guay
A FLIGHT OF ANGELS (graphic novel)
Martin Booth, GOLDEN BOY (autobiography)
Frank Cammuso, KNIGHTS OF THE LUNCH TABLE: The Battling Bands (graphic novel)
Robert Graves, GOODBYE TO ALL THAT (autobiography)
Megan Kelley Hall and Carrie Jones, eds., DEAR BULLY: 70 Authors and Their Stories
Eric Larson, IN THE GARDEN OF THE BEASTS: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler’s Berlin
Deborah Lipstadt, THE EICHMANN TRIAL
Lyn Macdonald, ed., ANTHEM FOR DOOMED YOUTH: Poets of the Great War
Daniel P. Mannix, MEMOIRS OF A SWORD SWALLOWER (autobiography)
Cameron McWhirter, RED SUMMER: the Summer of 1919 and the Awakening of Black America
Daniel Okrent, LAST CALL: the Rise and Fall of Prohibition

cross-posted to my fan lj

Favorite Teen/Middle Grade Books 2011

2012-05-17T17:54:04Z

cross-posted from fan LJ

Better late than never? Yeah, that's what I thought. The adult list follows.

Books are Young Adult/Teen unless marked otherwise
Series books are in alphabetical, not publication, order

YR = Young Reader/Intermediate/Tween
nth read = the whichever number of times I’ve read it
collection = all stories by one author
anthology = stories/articles by different authors
b = male lead character/theme
c = set in our current time
ed(s). = editor(s)
gn = graphic novel/comics
h = horror
hi = historical
alt hi = alternate history
nf = nonfiction
p = paranormal
f = fantasy
sf = science fiction
v = novel in verse

Mainstream YA

Tara Altobrando, DREAMLAND SOCIAL CLUB (c)
Laurie Halse Anderson, FORGE (hi, b)
Olivia Bennett, THE ALLEGRA BISCOTTI COLLECTION (c) & WHO WHAT WEAR (c)—YR (so what if they’re silly?! They’re fun and they’re about fashion!)
Esther Friesner, THREADS AND FLAMES (hi)
Nancy Garden, ENDGAME (3rd read, c, b)
Gail Giles, DARK SONG (c)
Mary Downing Hahn, STEPPING ON THE CRACKS (hi)
Eva Ibbotsen, A COUNTESS BELOW STAIRS (2nd read, hi)
John Klassen (writer & illustrator), I WANT MY HAT BACK (picture book)
Kimberly Marcus, EXPOSED (v)
Kathy Ostlere, KARMA (v, c)
Cheryl Rainfield, SCARS (c)
Trent Reedy, WORDS IN THE DUST (c, set in Afghanistan)
Todd Strasser, GIVE A BOY A GUN (3rd read, b)
Mo Willems, DON’T LET THE PIGEON STAY UP LATE! (picture book)

Fantasy/SF—ya

Pam Bachorz, DROUGHT (sf)
Paolo Bacigalupi, SHIP BREAKER (sf, b)
Beth Bernobich, FOX AND PHOENIX (f)
Kendare Blake, ANNE DRESSED IN BLOOD (h, ghost story!)
Eric Buchanan, SMALL MAGICS (f)
Meg Cabot, CODE NAME CASSANDRA & WHEN LIGHTNING STRIKES (first of the 1-800-WHERE-R-U series; 2nd read)
Sarah Beth Durst, DRINK, SLAY, LOVE (para); ENCHANTED IVY (f)
Alison Goodman, EONA (f)
James Gurney, DINOTOPIA (b) (a new release)
Mary Downing Hahn, LOOK FOR ME BY MOONLIGHT (f)
Jackie Morse Kessler, HUNGER and RAGE (f)
Caitlin Kittredge, THE IRON THORN (f, a female engineer)
Sophie Littlefield, BANISHED (thriller)
Melissa Marr, THE GRAVEMINDER (c, ghost story)
Melinda Metz, GIFTED TOUCH & HAUNTED (1st of the Fingertips series, 2nd reading)
Mike Mullin, ASHFALL (sf, b)
Sharyn November, ed., FIREBIRDS RISING (2nd read, anthology)
Delia Sherman, THE FREEDOM MAZE (time travel, f)
Sarah Smith, THE OTHER SIDE OF DARK (ghost)
Maggie Stiefvater, THE SCORPIO RACES (f, b)
Patricia Wrede, ACROSS THE GREAT BARRIER (alt hi)
Moira Young, BLOOD RED ROAD (sf)

Help Us Support Planned Parenthood

2012-05-04T14:35:41Z

edited to add: I've been told that come ignoramuses are saying really vile things in the comments on the LJ Staff post, so you might want to avoid reading those. Here's to karma, eh?
back to the original post:

Originally posted by ginmar at Help Us Support Planned Parenthood

Originally posted by theljstaff at Help Us Support Planned Parenthood

Join us in standing up for reproductive health and education. Planned Parenthood, the organization that delivers reproductive health care, sex education and information to millions of people worldwide, has come under fire in the U.S. lately, with many politicians on both state and federal level seeking to end funding (and in a few cases succeeding).

During the month of May, you can send a specially designed Planned Parenthood vgift to your friends to help support this cause. (And if you need someone to send it to, frank is always happy to receive gifts!) There are three variations ($1, $5 and $10) for you to choose from, but they'd all look good on your profile when your friends know that you stand by something so important.

Thank you all for your help in our support for Planned Parenthood. This promotion ends June 1, 2012; LiveJournal is not affiliated with Parent Parenthood. For more information about Planned Parenthood, please visit: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/

-The LiveJournal Team

(If you'd like to help spread the word that we're raising funds for Planned Parenthood, you can crosspost this entry in your own journal or community by using the repost button below!)

Pens for Paws auction May 7 2012

2012-05-01T15:05:42Z

From AlexLidell:

Pens for Paws
We at the Lucky 13s (a group of YA/MG authors debuting in 2013) are supporting Pens for Paw, where we are donating writerly things like critiques, ARCs and swag for an auction in on May 7th. The funds will go to support Fat Kitty City, a no kill, no cage animal rescue. They mostly have cats, but also find foster homes for doggies.

From Tammy:
It's worth checking out--get something good from a future famous author!

You hear that, you cretins? UNCONSTITUTIONAL!!!!

2012-05-01T14:58:01Z

The Oklahoma Supreme Court have stricken down the state's new "personhood" ballot initiative that was supposed to be voted on in November as unconstitutional.

In fact, the Oklahoma State Constitution says: "It is not acceptable to propose amendments that are ‘repugnant to the Constitution of the United States.’"

The Oklahoma justices were unanimous in their opinion.

This bodes very ill for all other "personhood" ballot initiatives and laws once they are challenged in court--and they will be. Even if they manage to pass on the state level (and judges really hate to be overturned on appeal), their chances of succeeding on the federal level, where it's all about the Constitution, are very bad.

Back to doin mah Snoopy Dance!

In memory

2012-04-26T18:19:50Z

Recently my beloved agent's oldest daughter Jesse, a fan and an animal lover and rescuer, died very suddenly. If you feel so inclined, would you make a donation to one of these causes that she supported? Even if it's just a couple of dollars, it would help, as you know. Think of it as good wishes that will help to carry her to the Summerlands.

Brooklyn's Pit Bull Rescue (a cause Jesse strongly and passionately supported)

Glen Wild Animal Rescue

Sean Casey Animal Rescue

Abandoned Angels Cocker Spaniel Rescue

NY Rescue Resources INC
(this is a resource center only--it will lead you to other organizations with animals in need)

Holocaust Remembrance Day

2012-04-19T19:25:43Z

is today.

Did you lose blood family in that broad spread of slaughter? Did your parents or grandparents lose friends? Did they take part? Did they try to help the victims? Did they know and do nothing? Here in the U.S. too many of our leaders knew and felt there was nothing to be gained, or something to be lost, by destroying the camps. They felt that millions of Jews, gays, Romany (gypsies), Slavs, and dissidents were an "acceptable loss."

It's always easier to do nothing. It's always easier to turn your back, close the curtains, remember the book you were reading, the chores left undone, the other people in the world who need help, while planned murder goes on and on, and on.

After the war, so many people cried, "Never again!" And yet . . . Always again. Often again. Because people can always find an excuse to do nothing in the face of genocide. It'll stop eventually, after all.

A thought for the dead. A thought for the dying. A thought--a deed?--for the living and the killers.

If you can't help, boost the signal, please!

2012-04-10T18:53:21Z

The husband is sick and nearly died; the wife is underemployed. They're getting evicted, and the pets face a kill shelter. Can you spread this around? They're in Brooklyn, NY.

Brooklyn, NY - Guardians of Nine Cats Face Eviction on April 20th

Larry and his wife Mary, lifetime animal lovers, have fallen on hard times. Last summer Larry became sick and unable to work. He was hospitalized for extended periods, undergoing multiple surgeries -- and nearly died. His wife has worked side jobs but is not steadily employed. Having fallen behind on rent they have been evicted from the home where they lived for 13 years and took in strays from the neighborhood or the pet supply stores where Larry worked.

These cats are Larry and Mary's family. They are absolutely heartbroken that they can no longer provide for these beloved animals, as they do not yet have anywhere to go themselves.

If you are in the TRI-STATE AREA and can adopt one of these cats please contact Bekah Wilcox on Facebook or email bekah.w@gmail.com. Include information about yourself such as where you are located and what type of home you can offer a cat. Application and adoption fee required.

Donations to help vet these cats can be made here: http://foranimalsinc.chipin.com/9-cats-face-nyc-kill-shelter.

Joel Stein & Adults Who Read YA Are Silly

2012-04-04T21:14:29Z

The wonderful Alyssa Rosenberg of ThinkProgress has written a short and succinct article (with a lovely mention for me!) about satire writer Joel Stein's much-debated Adults Should Read Adult Books article that's being bounced all around publishing and the internet.

I think you'll find his article, and Alyssa's, and the comments on Alyssa's article (to which I contributed) pretty interesting, and of course you can say your own thinks right here. I hope you will, since I'm interested in what you have to say!

Replies from me won't come for a few days, since Tim and I will be at Marcon in Columbus, OH, but once I'm home I look forward to reading your comments.

I think Stein is a fathead, by the way. If he really is being satiric, as some have claimed, then I think he's a troll.

Strong Muslim Women

2012-03-29T17:35:54Z

Dreamwidth user dorothean.dreamwidth.org points out that there are organizations of Muslim women in Afghanistan and beyond that are fighting for change, and she feels I'm portraying all Muslim women as being victims instead of fighting for their rights. I think anyone who is familiar with this LJ may remember I've cited organizations that work for the rights of Muslim women, but here is The Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan (RAWA) "Afghan women’s freedom from the clutch of fundamentalism, occupation and patriarchy is only possible with their own struggle!" RAWA's statement on International Women's Day. I have to say, I like the cut of their job!

Here's a march against sexual harassment in Kabul and another about women fighting for shelters, both from last year.

The spirit to fight is there. We need to let them know we support them, that we care.

But you know what, dorothean? I still fear for them.

It's Lucy Lawless's birthday!

2012-03-29T16:43:14Z

Does life get any cooler than this?

Happy birthday to one of my favorite jailbirds--yes! She got her splendid self arrested after an oil drilling ship sit-in to protest Arctic drilling!

May she have many more splendid birthdays, on-screen and off!

What do you call an Afghan girl who's treated like a human being?

2012-03-28T16:48:13Z

A boy.

I'm not sure how I feel about this. There are the women who say their experiences as boys gave them confidence as adult women, and the women who say they missed out on important childhood experiences as girls. And the interviewer didn't mention asking the sisters of the girl-boys how they felt about not being enough for their parents, so their parents created a boy.

Wouldn't it be nice if no one ever felt the need to do this? If girls were considered as good as boys by their cultures--I'm not just talking about Afghanistan, but about all cultures? And in Afghanistan, if girls could live as freely as boys?

A recent poll found that 69% of the U.S. wants out of Afghanistan. I do, too--but I'm deathly afraid of what will happen to the country's women and girls when we leave.

Deathly afraid.

It's Leonard Nimoy's birthday

2012-03-26T15:53:13Z

Happy birthday, you strapping, thrilling-voiced hunk of actor, you!

A moment of innocent amusement

2012-03-24T19:53:33Z

I've been on a real tear, reading historical mysteries set during or after WWI in which the main characters are English survivors of the war, either soldier veterans or nurse veterans. I just realized that in the books by two of my favorite writers, Charles Todd and Jacqueline Winspear, the English point-of-view characters tend to think of "lust" as if it were a squashed cootie they had just found on the floor. They can talk of war wounds more comfortably.

I just hit that word "lust" in one of their sentences, and there's that image, giving me the giggles.

I also feel plumb awash on characters constantly making up and drinking tea. Surely they can't have drunk that much of it, or the sewers would be flooded out!

Something you need to know about the military and women

2012-03-08T17:17:37Z

And it ain't good. I've been worried for a while about posting the things I am learning about the incidence of rape, sexual assault, and misogyny in the military, because I've been so gung-ho about women getting into the military at long last. But you need to know what's going on if you plan a military career; you need to know your options, and you need to ask yourself if you're ready to take these risks in addition to the risks of being an ordinary soldier.

There are many good men in the military. There are also a bunch of testosterone junkies who think it is still a boys' club, both in the military and out of it, who will treat you like a junkyard dog and deny that your service is as meaningful as theirs, that your body is yours alone, that you have a right to be there, and, afterward, that your service includes problems that a man's service does not. The Servicewomen's Action Network is one of the organizations working to bring issues to light and to inform women; things are being dragged into the open, but the process is slow. Think long and hard before you make this choice, okay? It starts in the academies and goes from there, so you have to be prepared when you go in.

Plenty of women, including my sister, will tell you that while their experience in the military was hard and they took a lot of hazing, they were not subjected to this. A great deal depends on who's in command. But it's a real problem, and I can't stay silent about it anymore, not when many of you choose the military after reading my books.

Be strong; be alert; be safe. Walk proud. Never feel you have to excuse yourself for who you are to anyone.

edited to add:
A soldier has pointed out to me that guys to are at risk of hazing and rape, and of course the social pressures on them not to report are even greater than they are on women because men don't report these things. She also reminded me there is a problem of drug use and general violence in the military, just as there is in society. If you enter the military, keep your eyes and ears open. Be aware. I think these are good words to pass on from someone who is in the military right now and who knows.

Limbaugh's trashing of Sandra Fluke

2012-03-05T17:49:54Z

Don't let the media fool you--Limbaugh's "apology" is the joke he claims he was making when he accused her of all kinds of nasty behaviors last week. Behold:

" For over 20 years, I have illustrated the absurd with absurdity, three hours a day, five days a week. In this instance, I chose the wrong words in my analogy of the situation. I did not mean a personal attack on Ms. Fluke.

" I think it is absolutely absurd that during these very serious political times, we are discussing personal sexual recreational activities before members of Congress. I personally do not agree that American citizens should pay for these social activities. What happened to personal responsibility and accountability? Where do we draw the line? If this is accepted as the norm, what will follow? Will we be debating if taxpayers should pay for new sneakers for all students that are interested in running to keep fit? In my monologue, I posited that it is not our business whatsoever to know what is going on in anyone's bedroom nor do I think it is a topic that should reach a Presidential level.

" My choice of words was not the best, and in the attempt to be humorous, I created a national stir. I sincerely apologize to Ms. Fluke for the insulting word choices."

Please note the extremely limited "apology" with all the qualifiers, topped with the "Can't you people tell a joke when you hear one" bingo card. Also, how's this for hutzpah: "I think it is absolutely absurd that during these very serious political times, we are discussing personal sexual recreational activities before members of Congress." But it's not too absurd for you to try to pump up your flaccid numbers by launching a full-bore sexual attack on a law student who was exercising her rights under the Constitution, eh, Limbo?

His message to anyone who tries to address an American political body with a citizen's genuine opinion? You too will be open to attack under the most scurrilous terms, with the implicit invitation to others, including those at your own school, place of work, place of worship, or anywhere else, to attack you in the same terms or worse.

What lesson should we take from this? Why, the 1900s one, that the only kind of women who dare to venture into the political arena are--well, unlike the Anus that Talks, I don't use those words. About anybody. Even about someone who has sold his soul and whatever decency he possessed for media stardom and the power to verbally flagellate anyone who stands up for ideas he has not blessed with his imprimatur.

Marie Colvin--It Just Ain't Right

2012-02-23T15:24:27Z

I didn't post about this before because I didn't have the heart. I still don't, but neither do I want people to think I'm ignoring the cruel death in Syria of the courageous journalist Marie Colvin. Here is a woman who didn't let even the loss of an eye stop her from covering the world's most dangerous stories: the Arab Spring, Libya, East Timor in Indonesia, Sri Lanka. My hero-worship for her goes straight down to the bone. And now Syria, where she and fellow journalist Rémi Ochlik were killed by government forces.

This hurts double because I have been watching a government's best attempts to massacre its own people in Syria, while the world stands by and Russia and China, who vetoed a UN resolution condemning it, say, "Oh, noes! You can't be mean to our allies!" Our murderous allies who are killing civilians without any attempt to discover if they are even rebels. And now they have murdered this woman. This is wrong, this is wrong, and the world just wrings its blood-dripping hands.

She probably always knew she would die this way, when she came so close so many times. At least, in the Summerlands, she won't have to witness countrysides ripped apart and wholesale murder, or tell it to a world that stands aside and does nothing.

I have an idea!

2012-02-18T19:17:19Z

Let's get a whole bunch of old shoes*

get a whole bunch of stickers that say "IT'S STILL THE ECONOMY, STUPID!"

and ship them to a bunch of canting Republican ideologues who have nothing better than to stick their noses in women's reproductive business! Whaddya say?!

*throwing a shoe at someone--showing the sole of your shoe to them--is the ultimate expression of scorn in Muslim culture.

The War on the womb: Another Offensive

2012-02-18T16:39:42Z

By now I'm sure you've all heard about it: legislators demanding women get transvaginal ultrasounds before they can have abortions. (Apparently Virginia's governor, at least, may be having second thoughts. Apparently he's heard some people dislike what he's doing.)

These procedures are unnecessary for the most part, and they should only be up to the discretion of the woman's gynecologist, not that of lawmakers who have never so much as had one or anything like it, or who would never need an abortion. It's coerced vaginal penetration--state-sponsored rape.

Transvaginal ultrasounds are expensive. Prohibitively so. They are uncomfortable at best, and if you have anything like cysts or endometriosis, they are painful. No one likes their organs stirred with a baton, even when it's necessary. Worst of all, these alleyway assaultists want to do it to women who are up to 12 weeks pregnant.

And, most importantly, any and all ultrasounds of women are not the business of largely male legislators or of the law at all. Women's bodies are not the business of people who work in big buildings with breasts on the roof. They are not the business of yapping lickspittle curs who run around with bigger curs toting cameras behind them. They are not the business of anyone but individual women and their unlegislated doctors, and I am sick to death of these blatherskite louse-cracking pox-brained scum-lapping muckrollers who want to commandeer our lives for their votes. Gods curse them all with boils, shingles, and ooze of their privy parts.

Another fertilized-eggs-are-people attempt

2012-02-17T23:12:08Z

This time in Virginia. Here's a petition against it with a special comment section for you to say what you really think about people who keep trying to commandeer our control over our bodies instead of dealing with the issue of jobs, of educating people so they can get jobs, of creating tax equality so the many aren't supporting the few who can pay more, of improving our air and water standards, and ensuring that our children and our old people have proper medical care.

Not that I have issues, or I'm fed up, or anything.

What were they thinking?

2012-02-17T21:37:43Z

I'm copying a letter I got from ColorofChange.org because I can't put it as well as they do. I'm too pissed. I hope you'll want to sign their petition and raise hell with these publishers. Here's what ColorofChange has to say:
-----------------------------------------

During a recent interview with the hip-hop magazine XXL, rapper Too $hort encouraged teenage boys to “turn girls out” by pushing “her up against the wall.”1 The 45-year-old rapper continued, graphically urging his audience to put their hands inside the underwear of middle school-aged girls in order to achieve what he called “mind manipulation.” The magazine packaged the disturbing monologue under the headline “Fatherly Advice From Too $hort.”

Rhetoric like this has real effects on girls in our communities. A new study reveals that a staggering three out of five Black girls experience sexual assault by the time they turn 18.2 So why did the XXL staff, led by Editor-in-Chief Vanessa Satten, allow this video to appear on its site?

Join us in calling on Harris Publications Inc., publisher of XXL, to fire Satten and explain what steps they’ll take to make sure that sexual violence directed at girls and women is not tolerated at their magazines and websites. When we do, we’ll send a message to the entertainment media industry that we won’t be silent while one of its companies demeans and endangers our children.

Please click below to sign the petition, and ask your family and friends to do the same. It only takes a moment:

protect girls

It’s hard to read the words above, let alone watch a 45-year-old man say them while “upbeat, child-themed music plays in the background.”3 But that’s exactly what the XXL staff allowed to go live on its site — which attracts about 25,000 unique visitors a day — late last week. Satten has tried to excuse herself by saying that she didn't see the video before it posted.4 But she presides over a workplace culture that allowed such a grave misstep, and she has failed to respond appropriately as a chorus of voices calls her on it.5

There’s a longer story to tell about the objectification of women in magazines like XXL and King (both of which are owned by Harris Publications) and the misogynistic lyrics and images that bombard young people every day. Thankfully, a long line of thought leaders have been discussing that and larger issues facing hip hop and the music industry for years.6,7,8 We also know that the degradation of women of color extends beyond hip-hop culture, as we saw recently when a Dutch lifestyle magazine published racist and inflammatory remarks about the singer Rihanna. As a result, that magazine’s editor was forced to resign.9

But this latest incident — XXL publishing a video of an adult rapper talking an imagined audience of boys through an aggressive encounter with an underage girl — goes too far. Too $hort’s rhetoric implies that hypersexuality and manhood are one and the same and that consent isn’t required for sexual contact. When our boys believe this, they help create a culture that breeds staggering statistics: Nearly a third of sexual assault and rape victims are between the ages of 12-17, and 93% of juvenile sexual assault victims know their attacker.10

The apology the XXL staff issued is insufficient.11 In it, Satten throws one of her subordinates under the bus, refusing to acknowledge that as editor-in-chief, she is responsible for everything that appears under the XXL brand. If Harris Publications refuses to fire Satten, it shows that they're willing to leave one of their titles in the hands of someone who is unable and unwilling to lead.

Hip hop is a rich and complex culture that was born in Black and Latino neighborhoods. Moments like these highlight problems that exist in some aspects of the culture, but for decades it's also been a source of political education and empowerment for people worldwide. We can’t sit back while a media company uses hip hop as a cover to demean and endanger our children. Please join us in calling on Harris Publications President and CEO Stanley R. Harris to fire Vanessa Satten, XXL’s Editor-in-Chief. We also demand that he explain what he’ll do to make sure his company's publications stop promoting sexual violence directed at girls and women. Please join us, and ask your friends and family to do the same:

http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/protectgirls

Thanks and Peace,

-- Rashad, Gabriel, Dani, Matt, Natasha, Kim and the rest of the ColorOfChange.org team
February 16th, 2012

Help support our work. ColorOfChange.org is powered by YOU—your energy and dollars. We take no money from lobbyists or large corporations that don't share our values, and our tiny staff ensures your contributions go a long way. You can contribute here:

donate

References

1. “Rapper Too Short, in XXL column, gives boys advice to ‘turn girls out,’” The Grio, 2-13-12
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/1181?akid=2361.124489.MU8B2a&t=7

2. “STUDY: More Than Half Of Black Girls Are Sexually Assaulted,” NewsOne, 12-2-11
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/1182?akid=2361.124489.MU8B2a&t=9

3. See reference 1.

4. “Too Short, XXL apologies are too little, too late,” The Grio, 2-15-12
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/1189?akid=2361.124489.MU8B2a&t=11

5. “Petition Calling on XXL Mag. to Fire Editor Surpasses Signature Goal,” Colorlines, 2-15-12
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/1190?akid=2361.124489.MU8B2a&t=13

6. “Joan Morgan: Hip Hop and Feminism,” Rap Sessions, 6-2-09
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/1183?akid=2361.124489.MU8B2a&t=15

7. “Beyond Chris Brown and Rihanna,” Ill Doctrine, 2-14-09
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/1184?akid=2361.124489.MU8B2a&t=17

8. “Hip Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes,” Independent Lens, 6-2-09
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/1185?akid=2361.124489.MU8B2a&t=19

9. “Dutch magazine editor resigns following race row with Rihanna,” The Guardian, 12-21-11
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/1186?akid=2361.124489.MU8B2a&t=21

10. "Who are the victims?," The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/1187?akid=2361.124489.MU8B2a&t=23

11. "Too $hort and the Anatomy of a Weak Apology," Ebony, 2-14-12
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/1188?akid=2361.124489.MU8B2a&t=25

Happy Valentine's Day, Washington State!

2012-02-14T17:59:28Z

Marriage equality rocks the house, and I am doin my Snoopy dance!

Komen must think we're stupid or somethin'

2012-02-04T17:41:49Z

I already knew their claim to renew Planned Parenthood grants is really only for this year. And it might not really even be for this year. Since this is language anyone can figure out by reading their statement, I wonder who they're trying to fool.

In any case, like so many of us, I'm quits with the pink, period. None of this would be an issue if Americans had proper health care like the rest of the world, but our leadership caved to insurance and medicine and gave us a shred of health care. Poor women need all the help they can get, and middle class women, in many cases, have to scrabble, too. Planned Parenthood is the place to go, or as one of lyrainverse's oncologist friends suggested, individual hospitals' patients funds, where we can contribute to patients' bills, travel expenses, etc.

Anywhere but an outfit that has made big business and politics out of women's bodies, and not research for a cure.

Transport help needed for dogs

2012-02-04T17:29:58Z

If you can't help, please pass this along!

Do you know anyone who might be able to help with this transport this weekend? Drivers are needed in NC, VA, MD, and PA. Please read the email and then respond to:amy9038@yahoo.com

Please feel free to crosspost.
Thanks,

If you can help, please contact me at amy9038@yahoo.com, and please include the following information with your reply:
Full Name:
Hometown:
Driving Leg(s):
Email:
Do you have e-mail on the weekend?
Home Phone:
Cell Phone:
Vehicle Description:
License Plate:
Reference (name & email if you haven’t driven for us before):

|!| Momma and pups |!|

If you cannot drive, PLEASE CROSSPOST!

This is an urgent and heartbreaking rescue. We got a call Saturday about a family living on chains…a mama (shepherd) and daddy (husky) with a 10 month old pup and six 5 week old puppies (loose and in the road), all starving to death. There is also a horse there, who is starving. Mama, the 10 month old and 4 puppies were surrendered to us. Daddy and 2 tiny pups remain, as does the horse (who they will sell for $200, if you know anyone who can help).

***If you have had ANY sick dogs in your vehicle, please do not risk driving this transport. Young puppies on board. They are NOT allowed out of crate.

If you can’t drive, you can still help! Donations are being collected for the rescuer who put all vetting and food expenses on her credit card to get this family safe (and to continue to help the remaining dogs and horse) at http://www.apathwaytohope.org/how-can-you-help.html. Please note “Husky family rescue” if you can help. They want $200 for the horse, and we are trying to offer funds for the remaining 3 dogs (they will likely all die if left there).

1 Medium Crate (dimensions TBA) + 2 free riders

Hugs,
Amy & "all of us" at A Pathway to Hope

TRANSPORT: Saturday, February 4th to Sunday, February 5th – Anderson, SC to Riverdale, NJ

Rescue & Transport Coordinator: A Pathway to Hope, Amy Hofer, 973-222-6464, amy9038@yahoo.com *PLEASE CONTACT ME VIA EMAIL UNLESS URGENT.

Passenger #1: Mama
Breed: shepherd / hound
Age: adult
Gender: female
Size/Weight: 30 lbs (extremely underweight)
Spayed/Neutered: no, will be spayed by receiving rescue
General temperament: sweet and loving, timid, shy
Provided: health certificate, vet records, collar & leash
Crate: riding free
Reason for transport: Transport to rescue
Vaccines: UTD on all shots

Passenger #2: 10 month old
Breed: shepherd mix
Age: 10 months
Gender: male
Size/Weight: 45 lbs
Spayed/Neutered: no, will be neutered by receiving rescue
General temperament: shy, sweet, friendly
Provided: health certificate, vet records, collar & leash
Crate: can ride free with mama
Reason for transport: Transport to rescue
Vaccines: UTD on all shots
*does not walk well on leash—may need to be carried. Be careful!

Passengers #3-7 (hoping they give us the other 2 pups also): Puppies
Breed: husky / shepherd
Age: 5 weeks
Gender: male & female
Size/Weight: 5 lbs
Spayed/Neutered: no
General temperament: sweet , sweet and sweet
Provided: Medium Crate (dimensions TBA), health certificate, vet records
Crate dimensions: TBA
Reason for transport: transport to rescue
*Puppies MUST STAY CRATED, not held on your lap or anywhere else please, for their own safety. If the crate needs to be cleaned, please be very careful.

If you can help, please contact me at amy9038@yahoo.com, and please include the following information with your reply:
Full Name:
Hometown:
Driving Leg(s):
Email:
Do you have e-mail on the weekend?
Home Phone:
Cell Phone:
Vehicle Description:
License Plate:
Reference (name & email if you haven’t driven for us before):

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH, 2012

FILLED – Thanks Denny & Pam!
Leg 1 Anderson, SC to Spartanburg, SC
57 miles – 1 hour, 15 minutes: 8AM – 9:15AM

FILLED – Thanks Jennie!
Leg 2 Spartanburg, SC to Charlotte, NC
74 miles – 1 hour, 25 minutes: 9:25AM – 10:50AM

FILLED – Thanks Patty!
Leg 3 Charlotte, NC to Elkin, NC
75 miles - 1 hour, 20 minutes: 11AM – 12:20PM

NEEDED
Leg 4 Elkin, NC to Wytheville, VA
71 miles - 1 hour, 15 minutes: 12:30PM – 1:45PM

NEEDED
Leg 5 Wytheville, VA to Roanoke, VA
78 miles – 1 hour, 20 minutes: 1:55PM – 3:15PM

NEEDED
Leg 6 Roanoke, VA to Lexington, VA
55 miles – 1 hour: 3:25PM – 4:25PM

NEEDED
Leg 7 Lexington, VA to Harrisonburg, VA
61 miles – 1 hour: 4:35PM – 5:35PM

NEEDED
Leg 8 Harrisonburg, VA to Winchester, VA
70 miles – 1 hour, 15 minutes: 5:45PM – 7PM

FILLED – Thanks Glenn!
Leg 9 Winchester, VA to Hagerstown, MD
45 miles – 50 minutes: 7:10PM – 8PM

NEEDED
Leg 10 Hagerstown, MD to Harrisburg, PA
77 miles – 1 hour, 25 minutes: 8:10PM – 9:35PM
OVERNIGHT NEEDED IN HARRISBURG, PA
*Overnight needed for mama & 10 month old pup
*Overnight filled for puppies – Thanks Tina!

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH, 2012

NEEDED
Leg 11 Harrisburg, PA to Allentown, PA
81 miles – 1 hour, 30 minutes: 9AM – 10:30AM

FILLED – Thanks Eric & Debbie!
Leg 12 Allentown, PA to Raritan, NJ
60 miles – 1 hour: 10:40AM – 11:40AM

FILLED – Thanks Karen & Jen!
Leg 13 Raritan, NJ to Riverdale, NJ
40 miles – 45 minutes: 11:50AM – 12:35PM

Amy (Birnbaum) Hofer, Co-Founder
A Pathway to Hope
...south to north rescue for northern breed dogs and rescue of stray cats.
www.apathwaytohope.org / pathwaytohope@yahoo.com
OTRA (On the Road Again) NJ Co-Moderator / Transport Coordinator