She Doth Protest Too Much

snowbear: (via PistolShrimps) Are you feeling down? Need...

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:30:54 -0800

(via PistolShrimps)

Are you feeling down?

Need something to cheer you up?

Here’s the cure! :D BOOBIES AND KITTENS!!

Bah ha ha ha! Best. Video. EVAR! *watches again*

Well, I don’t know if this will work for everyone, but I’m in a better mood now. :)

onecoolthing: The Nineties in One Picture Submitted by Nicci...

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:59:52 -0800

onecoolthing:

The Nineties in One Picture

Submitted by Nicci Relles

*snerk*

xkcd: Single Ladies Why does it not surprise me that Beyonce...

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:29:50 -0800

xkcd:

Single Ladies

Why does it not surprise me that Beyonce is responsible for the downfall of Middle Earth?

Hey babe, I just found your birthday present...

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:23:31 -0800

Hey babe, I just found your birthday present :p

kellyhasadventures:

booklover:

(via libraryland)
I must read this.

"Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known."

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:54:16 -0800

“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.”

- Carl Sagan (via emilyposts) (via pop17) (via spytap)

Otter mom will keep you safe dailyotter: Via; submitted by...

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:23:24 -0800

Otter mom will keep you safe

dailyotter:

Via; submitted by Idiosyncratic Routine

hennypotter: supersonicelectronic:KMR.

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:01:34 -0800

hennypotter:

supersonicelectronic:KMR.

Sweet Caroline - Neil Diamond I’ve had this stuck in my...

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:34:31 -0800

Sweet Caroline - Neil Diamond

I’ve had this stuck in my head since last night. Bah bah bah!

Archdiocese defends decision to deny children because of lesbian parents - CNN.com

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:30:52 -0800

Archdiocese defends decision to deny children because of lesbian parents - CNN.com:

writer-a:

spytap:

Here’s my take on this: It’s a horrible decision. It’s punishing the children because of an arbitrary religious law. It’s awful and shameful. But it’s the type of decision that a private institution is allowed to make.

I’m a product of a religious schooling background. The Jesuits taught me how to think, not just how to recite facts and figures. Was there religion involved? Absolutely. We had theology classes every semester. We were not required to be Catholic (nor, legally, could they only admit Catholics, so far as I know) but we were required within a Jesuit school to learn the sorts of religious lessons they saw fit to teach. It was a trade-off. They could teach the sort of things they desired since they received no state or federal monies to do so. People could choose to pay in order to receive these sorts of teachings. It happened that it was a fantastic school with a great reputation, however if its students were unable to get into colleges for lack of critical science or mathematics knowledge I think fewer parents would have chosen to admit their students.

This is why the separation of Church and State is so important. State schooling is religion-free and should stay that way. Religious schooling should be able to teach according to their own laws and morals within the boundaries of the law.

That’s the important distinction there. There’s no law saying I have to be nice. I can be an asshole to everyone, every day and it’s well within my rights. It’s a shitty way to live my life, but should I so choose, it’s a choice I can make. There’s no law (as far as I know) saying they cannot choose to not accept funds from this couple in order to school their children. Is it an abhorrent thing to do? Absolutely. Were I a member of the community would I protest? You’re damn right I would - not because I think it’s illegal, but because I want as many people to know that this place is willing to punish kindergardeners because it’s a couple centuries behind in the biological and ethical categories. Do I, and will I defend their ability to run a school according to their own rules and regulations within the scope of the law? Yes I will. They’re allowed to be assholes if they choose, just like I am allowed.

Part and parcel of me being an atheist is being on the reciprocal side of this argument - where people question my morality or my ethics because they’ve been told for decades that I’ve no moral compass. But as I said above, the Jesuits taught me to think for myself. Part of doing so is allowing others to do so as well. You can disagree with someone’s opinion, but facts are facts. They’re allowed to run this school as they so choose. They’re allowed to punish children for arbitrary distinctions in mistranslated scripture. They’re allowed to for the same reason that I’m allowed to not be forced to be a Catholic or abide by that doctrine.

It’s a classic case of disagreeing with someone’s ideas, but defending their ability to have them.

Point taken Barrett and I agree with you on principle, but doesn’t the church, being a religious institution, receive a tax exemption? If so, then they’re riding on the backs of the community, a portion of which are the hard working people whose children they’re exempting. They want to discriminate based on their beliefs; like you said, fine, they’re assholes and have that right. But not on my dime.

The church get tax credits, yes, but not the schools. The schools are privately run and paid for in the form of tuition or donations. The only members of the community paying for the school are the parents who send their kids there. Or people who give money to the church and the church then funnels to the school. If members of the community don’t like the way they do things, they’re under no obligation to give this place a penny. Which is why this school can get away with this bullshit, it’s a private school. A private school can deny children admission for any number of morally reprehensible but non-illegal reasons, a public school cannot deny a child an education for any reason.

Archdiocese defends decision to deny children because of lesbian parents - CNN.com

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:53:08 -0800

Archdiocese defends decision to deny children because of lesbian parents - CNN.com:

spytap:

Here’s my take on this: It’s a horrible decision. It’s punishing the children because of an arbitrary religious law. It’s awful and shameful. But it’s the type of decision that a private institution is allowed to make.

I’m a product of a religious schooling background. The Jesuits taught me how to think, not just how to recite facts and figures. Was there religion involved? Absolutely. We had theology classes every semester. We were not required to be Catholic (nor, legally, could they only admit Catholics, so far as I know) but we were required within a Jesuit school to learn the sorts of religious lessons they saw fit to teach. It was a trade-off. They could teach the sort of things they desired since they received no state or federal monies to do so. People could choose to pay in order to receive these sorts of teachings. It happened that it was a fantastic school with a great reputation, however if its students were unable to get into colleges for lack of critical science or mathematics knowledge I think fewer parents would have chosen to admit their students.

This is why the separation of Church and State is so important. State schooling is religion-free and should stay that way. Religious schooling should be able to teach according to their own laws and morals within the boundaries of the law.

That’s the important distinction there. There’s no law saying I have to be nice. I can be an asshole to everyone, every day and it’s well within my rights. It’s a shitty way to live my life, but should I so choose, it’s a choice I can make. There’s no law (as far as I know) saying they cannot choose to not accept funds from this couple in order to school their children. Is it an abhorrent thing to do? Absolutely. Were I a member of the community would I protest? You’re damn right I would - not because I think it’s illegal, but because I want as many people to know that this place is willing to punish kindergardeners because it’s a couple centuries behind in the biological and ethical categories. Do I, and will I defend their ability to run a school according to their own rules and regulations within the scope of the law? Yes I will. They’re allowed to be assholes if they choose, just like I am allowed.

Part and parcel of me being an atheist is being on the reciprocal side of this argument - where people question my morality or my ethics because they’ve been told for decades that I’ve no moral compass. But as I said above, the Jesuits taught me to think for myself. Part of doing so is allowing others to do so as well. You can disagree with someone’s opinion, but facts are facts. They’re allowed to run this school as they so choose. They’re allowed to punish children for arbitrary distinctions in mistranslated scripture. They’re allowed to for the same reason that I’m allowed to not be forced to be a Catholic or abide by that doctrine.

It’s a classic case of disagreeing with someone’s ideas, but defending their ability to have them.

thedailywhat: It’s Educational! of the Day: Mattel announced...

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:50:12 -0800

thedailywhat:

It’s Educational! of the Day: Mattel announced today that it plans to release a line of premium dolls for adults called the “Barbie Fashion Model Collection,” which will include a set of dolls based on characters from the critically acclaimed AMC show Mad Men.

From the New York Times:

“ ‘Mad Men’ represents so beautifully the universe that created Barbie,” said Robert Thompson, professor of television and popular culture at Syracuse University, because the series is about the selling of the American consumer society. […]

“I have this fantasy of an 8-year-old getting a set” of the dolls, he added, “and saying: ‘Mom, can Chelsea come over? We want to play “The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit.” I’m going to be the organization man, and she’s going to be the soulless drone.’ ”

The dolls will be available for purchase through amctv.com, barbiecollector.com, and at specialty stores for $74.95 each.

Sweet fancy Moses. I want a Joan doll. Shut up.

hennypotter: “one minute you’re defending the whole galaxy and...

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:16:10 -0800

hennypotter:

“one minute you’re defending the whole galaxy and suddenly you find yourself sipping down darjeeling…”

“…with Marie Antoinette and her little sister!”

'I do' in DC

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:30:23 -0800

'I do' in DC:

Today is awesome. Today the first day same-sex couples can get married in DC.

theloveyturtle: lindsayhuffman: Peanut Butter Filled...

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:14:22 -0800

theloveyturtle:

lindsayhuffman:

Peanut Butter Filled Chocolate Cookies

I found this recipe on flickr, who linked it back to the Vegan Diva, who sited Soy Not Oi, a popular cookbook/zine. B and I are huge fans of both peanut butter and chocolate, and even bigger fans when the two are combined. I figured these would be a great way to break in the new Kitchen Aid, and oh my… I was right! These very well could have been the best cookies I’ve ever made (or eaten for that matter). They tasted something like a Reese’s cup in a cookie… and SURPRISE! They’re veeegaaaan! This recipe, while a little time consuming, will become a staple when entertaining or needing to impress skeptical omni’s.

Cookie Dough:

1-1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup Earth Balance, softened
1/4 cup peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Egg replacer equal to two eggs (I used Ener-G)

Cookie Filling:

3/4 cup peanut butter
3/4 confectioners sugar

In a small bowl combine flour, cocoa, and baking soda; blend well. In large bowl, beat sugar, brown sugar, Earth Balance, and 1/4 cup peanut butter until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and egg replacer; beat well. Stir in flour mixture until blended and set aside.

In a small bowl, (preferably a vintage Pyrex mixing bowl – I’m kidding! Just seeing if you’re paying attention) combine filling ingredients and blend well. Roll into one-inch balls.

For each cookie, with floured hands (I didn’t flour my hands and it worked out fine, and probably a lot less messy), shape about 1 tablespoon cookie dough around one peanut butter ball, covering completely. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet (I lined the sheet with parchment paper). Flatten slightly, as these cookies don’t really spread! Bake at 375 degrees for 7 – 9 minutes or until set and slightly cracked. Cool on wire racks.

OMG YES

These looks incredible.

Seems easy enough to swap out eggs and butter for the substitutes (soy allergies), I think a little experiment is in order this weekend

When Books Could Change Your Life: Why What We Pore Over At 12 May Be The Most Important Reading We Ever Do

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:26:20 -0800

When Books Could Change Your Life: Why What We Pore Over At 12 May Be The Most Important Reading We Ever Do:

Oh man, do you remember these books? Reading this article got me thinking about all those books that are the signposts of my childhood. My copy of The Secret Garden has dogeared pages and a broken spine, I’ve owned it since I was ten and refuse to get rid of it. I have my old copies of The Chronicles of Narnia, too. I’m collecting vintage copies of all thirteen books of L. Frank Baum’s Oz series. Beauty by Robin McKinley is my favorite book of all time (of ALL TIME) and I first read that when I was eleven.

When I was growing up, some of my best friends were books. Dorothy and Ozma were my playmates, so were the Pevensie kids, Laura and Mary Ingalls and Betsy, Tacy and Tib. I had the most wonderful adventures inside the pages of those books. Once I slipped into the world I could spend hours there. I learned my sense of wonder and of magic there, what it meant to be a family, what it meant to be myself. I even learned about death and loss there.

I love to read, I L-O-V-E to read. There’s a book on my desk right now waiting for me to dive in when I finish typing. I’ll read damn near anything anyone recommends to me. And some of these new books make me laugh and make me cry, move me or shake me profoundly. But when I’m at loose ends with nothing waiting for me in the “to read” pile, I often find myself revisiting all my old friends. And I still love them all as much as I always did. And I always will.

You think you’re immune. You’re...

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:33:33 -0800

You think you’re immune. You’re not.

ericmortensen:

allisonandgeoffrey:

Warning. If you have a heart and a pet this will probably make you sniffle at your desk when you watch it at work.

soupsoup:

georgiaisyourfriend:

Jimmy Stewart reads a poem about his dog, Beau, on Johnny Carson

The story behind Oscar's "Kanye moment" - Oscar Nominations, Academy Awards 2010

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:54:00 -0800

The story behind Oscar's "Kanye moment" - Oscar Nominations, Academy Awards 2010:

(via aoneal)

Thanks for posting this, I had no idea what was going on. Regardless of the truth of the situation (which is probably somewhere between the two sides), woman still came off as a crazy.

From a press release I just received about the LXD's performance at the Oscars.

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:26:00 -0800

lizlet:

Here are a few highlights of The LXD performers for your Oscar coverage:
Sherlock Holmes – This West Side Story style homage pitted LXD B-boys Spee-d, Legacy, Cloud and Flipz against contemporary dancers in a fight for the affection of the girls. B-boy or breaking is the original hip-hop style.

The Hurt Locker – LXDs Frantic slowly pops, waves and mimes his way across the stage while all around is chaos in this powerful number that mixes hip-hop with military style.

The Fantastic Mr. Fox- LXD B-boys Kid David and Luigi seemingly float across the stage with their smooth floor work in this light, up beat number that features LXD dancers showing off impressive b-boying, krumping and tricking styles.

UP – Were you blown away by Madd Chadd’s legendary robot skills in this contemporary homage to An American in Paris? We were. It’s the dancing greats - Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers as interpreted through b-boy and contemporary dancing.

Avatar – Spellbinding, a pure celebration of dance that captured the energy and spirit of the film. It fused together all styles of dance into an exciting, climatic end finale.

Emphasis added. Because maybe you weren’t quite sure what was happening.

I really enjoyed the dance performances by LXD, it was probably my favorite part of the night outside of Kathryn Bigelow winning Best Director. And I would like to point out that I spotted at least 3 former contestants from So You Think You Can Dance within the company, so that was cool, too.

sweethomestyle: Submitted by open-air: my cozy nook in our...

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 09:50:00 -0800

sweethomestyle:

Submitted by open-air: my cozy nook in our montana home. I hadn’t placed the sheets on the bed yet, but it’s the best bed ever.

Reblogged solely for the Auburn University hat hanging on the bed. Go Tigers Go! :)

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, calling your Mom...

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:56:01 -0800

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, calling your Mom names when you’re in trouble (even made up ones), just makes things worse