If you’ve heard about the backlash targeted at Lena Dunham recently, than you may have read a myriad of reactions to one singular passage Dunham describes in her memoir, Not That Kind of Girl . Dunham recounts an episode as a seven-year old where she touched her sister’s genitals and allegedly found pebbles therein — supposedly put there by the younger sibling as a prank. The description is graphic, visceral, and perhaps asks more questions than it answers about Dunham’s childhood, despite her claim that this was among the things she would do. Continue reading
Commentary
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It wouldn’t be election season in America without a special edition of the Once Daily Sausage. With most of the results now in the books, it’s time to slice open the electorate’s meaty casing and see which pig parts made it into our national pork product. Continue reading
Yesterday President Obama released this statement in support of net neutrality and asked the FCC to reclassify internet service as a public utility. Here is his very concise statement.
“Adventures in Odyssey” is a production of Focus on the Family, with all the Real True Christian implications that that carries. Though from my standpoint, it’s pretty engaging and well done, except that it often brings you right back to its main point about how you are a sinner and need to accept Jesus. So, before we begin talking about the show itself, let’s start with a basic introduction to the people of Odyssey.
When I sat down to write this, I forgot how much there is to this radio show. That’s understandable, since this show has been airing for about 30 years, but that also means that one post isn’t going to be enough. Continue reading
Poor Doree Lewak of the New York Post just wants to “be that objectified sex thing for [the catcalling men of NYC]” because “hard hats need something to look at on their break.” Maybe they should try looking at the newspaper. “It’s as primal as it gets, ladies!” Not as primal as, say, bashing you in the head with a club, dragging you into a secluded area and raping you, but the sentiment is the same. A man who yells out positive and/or negative comments at a passing female stranger is operating under the same idea; the belief that women’s bodies don’t belong to them, but to the public, and as a part of public property, men have the right to judge them as worthy or unworthy bodies. Continue reading
Sarah Palin–former vice presidential candidate, pitbull mom, and “maverick” quitter governor–is considering a new role on Barbara Walters’ daytime talk show. Continue reading
I have recently started the process of trying to quit smoking. My doctor has recommended that using the e- cigarette may be an effective way to wean myself off of my 22 year nicotine addiction and cigarette habit. So far, so good. However, I feel a bit awkward about e -cigarette etiquette and where the line of regulation should be drawn. Apparently, several states and cities in the country are starting to feel the same way. Continue reading
I remember the first time I heard of Fred Phelps and his “church.” It was around the time of Matthew Shepard. The Westboro Baptist Church protested his funeral and wrote lots of horrid stuff about him. I was shocked that anyone could display such violently cruel behavior. Years later, they’ve managed to repeat the behavior so often that it’s lost its shock value somewhat, but it’s still inexcusable. Continue reading
Canada and the United States are in many respects two very similar countries. Founded as white colonial settler societies, both are now developed capitalist democracies, with functioning multi-party (more or less) politics. In some very important ways, though, Canada and the US are very different countries. The United States has developed a national attitude of rugged individualism, premised on distrust of government and the notion that everyone can succeed and climb through society if they work hard enough. Canada is much more communitarian, turning more to society as a whole, with an attitude of trust in, and deference to, government. Why is this? What made our two countries so similar yet so different?